Chapter 38: Friends made from Honey
The beeches of Salamandastron were busy with the Greeneyed Horde, but a crowd had gathered near the shore of the main camp. Minto Greeneyes was pacing between three prisoners who were bound in ropes, forced to their knees by captors and their heads hanging low in defeat. Minto was angrily mumbling to himself, although much to the relief of the slaves who were in attendance to what was going to be a grim display, these captives were not woodlanders. The captives who were kneeling in the sand, occasionally being soaked by the incoming waves which splashed beneath them, were all foreign cats. Two of them were whispering prayers to themselves, knowing full well what would happen to them. Yet, one drew Minto's ire the most, the bodyguard who abandoned his post the night he was nearly assassinated.
"The first one to talk gets to live." Minto seethed, his pacing slowed as he eyed his victims. His former bodyguard nor his other prisoners bothered to look him in the eye. He cursed under his breath and continued to pace.
Tarlo Greeneyes and his friends were watching from the side, joined by Tarlo's future brother-in-law, Kain. They were watching Minto readying to unleash his wrath on the prisoners, although Tarlo had no pity for them. The only thing that annoyed him was Minto's increasing paranoia and slowness to his delayed execution.
Minto pawed at the face of one of his victims, which made Tarlo cringe and call out "There is no need for torture, my brother."
Minto ignored him and slashed his paw across the prisoner's face and continued the pace, expecting an answer of any kind. Tarlo sighed, he could see his brother was furious, but not for the reasons he thought were just. Minto kept mumbling to himself, looking back more with spite and anger at Tarlo and his friends. Sagan whispered to Tarlo, filled with amusement "Dat brudder of yers be a really thankless beast, eh?"
"Typically." Tarlo said, a bit embarrassed. "I thank both of you for saving him last night. Although it still confounds me that one of our own would even dare try to murder him. I know he can be a harsh, unrepentant, miserable warlord but he knows what he is doing."
Barbo wasn't so sure, sarcastically looking behind him at the siege camp right below the mountain itself. Although the hares stopped firing down on the siege camp, seeing how pointless it was to do so with such numbers. Slaves would be shuffled down into the breach which collapsed, with picks and shovels in paws to churn out rubble. The vermin who were unfortunately assigned to sleep and camp so close to the mountain within range of the archers above them had no means to fight back. Even the masterful bowbeasts from the west couldn't reach the hares above them, and it frustrated the feral cats of the western lands to no end. Instead, those vermin were now sleeping under shields and in trenches, trying desperately to save themselves. They were often stopped from going too far by their commanders who lived in more protected coverings, although even this did not protect them. The hares would busily snipe at officers purposefully, or slay a few vermin in the night by firing at them with fire arrows at the worst hours, demoralizing them considerably.
Barbo found such tactics to be far too aggressive, counter productive even. He commented to Tarlo "I do not doubt your faith in your brother, my good Tarlo. However, no doubt there is little faith amongst those commanders and captains."
Tarlo didn't comment on it, his eyes were on his brother mostly who was awaiting his own answers from his prisoners. "I know you are not deaf, so talk! What beast sought my death, you vile traitors!"
The foreign cats remained silent still, as Minto stopped in front of his former bodyguard. He spitefully grabbed the collar of his shirt, partly lifting him up and shaking him "Heysem. I know you quite well, I thought." Minto said slyly "If you tell me who bribed you to go away for that evening, I might even give you a swift death."
The bodyguard grunted in his own spite towards his former master. In defiance, he spat into Minto's face who threw him down and wiped it away. Some of the rats were snickering up until Minto turned to look at them, and they quickly melded away from the crowd. Minto asked the prisoner "Tell me, did I not treat you well? Tell me Heysem, why betray me now, during our moment of victory?"
"Myb lips speabk to none but god." was his reply. Minto rolled his eyes, knowing the phrase well, and it was all he needed to know. "Your 'god' isn't here, you stupid beast. Only me. Your western oaths mean little in this land." Minto gripped the bodyguard's face, partly scratching it. Heysam didn't move or yell out in pain. To the other western cats, and even some of the woodlanders and vermin, it was quite admirable. To the others, it was stupidity.
"Was it my father's benefactors? Was it perhaps one of my own captains, oh do tell me you foolish beast." Minto seethed. Heysam didn't answer and spoke up to Minto "I glably die to be rid of youb, degenerabte."
At that, Minto had enough, and brought down his trident onto the former bodyguard. He kept stabbing at him over and over again, his fury staining the sands and ocean waters. When the wildcat had ceased he had barely calmed himself and stood over the corpse he had just made. He turned to the crowd, angrily yelling at them with a crimson stain on his clothes "Let this be a lesson in treachery! Those who dare try to harm or deceive a son of Milo Greeneyes will be punished harshly, and without dignity! No god, spirit, or beast will save you from my wrath." Minto looked down at the two remaining horrified prisoners, having been soldiers who had suspiciously moved themselves from Minto's side of the camp during the whole ordeal. Minto didn't care much if they were innocent or not, and called out to his captains.
"Have these two stoned by their comrades, and their bodies displayed until they rot." Minto ordered. The captains cautiously gathered up the prisoners, and took them away to their gruesome fate as Minto dispersed the crowd. Tarlo and Kain followed Minto back to his tent, and could hear him grumble loudly the entire way. Sagan and Barbo kept their distance, and went off to do other things and awaited Tarlo to return.
"Damnable western fools. First it's the badger stealing my rightful kill, and now this! Those religious cowards send an assassin to do what they couldn't do during the day. I'll have some beast's head on a pike by the end of all this."
"Perhaps you are being a bit too paranoid." Kain perked up, trying to calm him down. Minto stopped to give Kain a vicious stare. Kain slowly began to go behind Tarlo for safety, as the calmer prince spoke up "I think what Kain means, brother, is that you are jumping at shadows. This is to be suspected when we deal with the likes of the west. No doubt this is an attack from the likes of one of our benefactor's many enemies."
"Don't be naive, Tarlo." Minto grunted "For all I know, you or Kain sent that beast to murder me!"
Tarlo felt insulted "Murder? You? If I wanted you dead, my brother, you think I would go so low as to use an assassin? Let alone even think of it at all!"
Minto felt stupid at first to suggest his brother would try to kill him, but his eyes shifted at Kain whom he knew only as a western cat. He knew full well that even his father's benefactor was as devious as any of his would be allies were. He turned, beckoning both of them to follow. "Fine, perhaps I am on edge after some blasted cat tried to have me killed, you insolent wretch. I'd expect that of some slave, not one of my own beasts!"
"If you wish, Minto, I can lead the investigation myself." Kain suggested. Tarlo thought this was a great idea "Perhaps that is prudent, keep it within the family an' all."
"I will find out for myself." Minto spat. Once they entered the tent, Minto looked to make sure only he, Kain, and Tarlo were in there with him. He hushed his voice and sat down, scribbling into a letter "Father will need to know of this, and for you two, you two idiots will remain here. In this camp. Till I am satisfied that the danger to my life has passed."
"Brother, is that really necessary?" Tarlo asked.
"Yes. It is." Minto crunched his teeth "If they are so bold to attack me, then you both are in danger as well. Last thing I need is my father's precious golden cub suddenly disappearing, or his beloved future son-in-law perishing. Father would have my head, and you two bloody well know it. If I suspect any of you two buffoons in any way, I'll have your heads."
Tarlo rolled his eyes, and Kain seemed to back up in fear of him. Minto crunched the letter he was going to send in his paw and grumbled "When I find the beast who send an assassin after me, I'll be using their skull for a drinking cup. Tarlo, why don't you do something useful and grab me some parchment. I have a long and vicious letter to send back to Sandbeach."
Whenever Milo entered his office, he was nostalgic. The dimly lit, dusty, and foul smelling structure was where he and his father had planned out the building of their horde. He remembered when Margos Greeneyes had planned out his grand designs with badly drawn maps of the ocean and forest of Mossflower. It was here, they recounted tales from the library of their glorious past, lost to time. Milo felt more a king within this small and cramped place than on the throne, the wooden chair was more comfy then the cushions he usually sat upon. He held a letter in his paw, news from his son Minto from the front lines, and he was almost excited to read it.
Up until he wasn't.
Milo had sat down, expecting to read a boring report of casualties and progress of the campaign for Mossflower, but each line of Minto's clearly trembling paw was like being hit in the stomach over and over again. An assault on the main port of Salamandastron had not only failed, but their own sunken ships now acted as a wall to prevent further assaults. The casualties from the badger lord sallying forth out of the mountain was staggering. Milo had to put down the letter as he learned that not only was the badger lord slain by his traitor, but that his son was unable to breach into the mountain properly to take it. In fact, he had failed twice. Milo didn't fully blame Minto, but it was clear even with his aggression and lack of respect towards life, the war for Mossflower would not be clear even with such victories.
Milo had to grasp onto the letter, and heard a knock on the door. He called out "It better be important."
"Aye. It be important." A voice called back. Milo sighed, knowing it as the voice of his captain of the guard Tolas Bigring. "Come in Tolas, and do not bring company."
Tolas opened the door, trying to give a reassuring smile to his chief, but Milo didn't seem to be in the mood. The rat put down his spear to the side and sat down in a comfortable position. "Yer chief steward had been callen fer ya, Milo. Says he wanted to talk to ya face to face, an won't take 'no' for an answer."
"If Chuggas is actively searching for me, then it certainly is important." Milo sighed. "Although I dread to know what has him concerned. Hopefully our benefactors are not suddenly having cold feet."
"Hopefully not." Tolas looked at Milo with some concern, and could see he was troubled. "My emperor. Ya don't look well. I'd thought ya would cheer up when Shaer made his leave."
"If only. That clown of a brother had my own son asking me to give him command of an army. I fear if I did, I'd never see them again. He is about as much a commander as he is a swordbeast." Milo openly mocked "If Margos was still here, he'd have slapped that fool from one end of the isle to the other."
"Aye. Although dat don't explain yer mood." Tolas chuckled "Ya look like a corsair who discovered his loot be made o' wood."
"Minto gives me his report, as explosive as it is." Milo passed the message willingly to Tolas who looked it over. Even his normal calm dropped as his eyes widened in surprise. "Holy hells. He did it didn't he? Killed der badger lord?"
"More then that, now he gives me two pieces of worse news." Milo shook his head "An assassin tried their paw at killing him, a western cat. Worse still, is an army in the east that is not only unaccounted for, but has won a serious victory against the minions of those stripe dogs."
Tolas read the letter more formally and cringed a bit "Odd, ya think der won't be much vermin left since ol' Kasg died. Dis Markem sounds useful, eh."
"Useful doesn't mean loyal." Milo grunted "No, i'll have to cut this weed out by stem and root. I will not have my future realm pillaged by a bandit king." Milo was about to write down his response before Tolas perked up "My lord, if I may say somethen of a phrase before ya declare yer intentions." Milo listened to his captain, although his patience was clearly thinning.
"Why war wit two enemies when ya can just deal harshly wit one? Tis an ol' sayen amongst pirates back when I was on dat ship ya see. Not to say ya need to be diplomatic wit dem, but ya already gots one enemy. Minto, fer bein the slack fool he is, knows little of who dis bandit is. I ain't one to go above me station to make a suggestion, but perhaps make it easier on yer lad an' deal wit dis Markem in a easier way."
Milo paused and thought it through, but then shook his head "We have allies who have yet to show themselves. They alone could deal with them."
"Aye, perhaps, but what does it say about der rat who can defeat dem hares while yer armies falter?"
"Not to insult you Tolas, but this is a rat we speak of, not a fellow cat."
"Exactly." Tolas tapped his head. Milo finally got what Tolas was suggesting and he put down his pen. He had to think it over for a moment, wondering what kind of vermin warlord could achieve such victories. No doubt, a threatening one, a terrible and evil beast who rules purely through fear and bloodlust. Tolas continued "Ya got traitors an' spies alike, me lord, an like any warband, dey are like snakes ya see. Terrifying an' large, but once ya chop off its head, dey falter an' disperse."
"What are you suggesting?"
"Bribe it, an' if dey don't take yer command, den kill dem. No beast be immune to a sword, an' dem western cats know dat. So why don't we do der same to dis lot? Besides, de worst dat can happen is dat yer traitors get shafted wit arrows an' ya be battlen dem anyways." Milo liked what he heard, even thought he needed to tweak it a bit. Even if Tolas was a good friend and loyal ally, he was still a lesser beast. "I see, it is good you know so much about such beasts Tolas."
"Used to serve under one or two before ya found me, master. If ya know one, ya know dem all."
Milo nodded and dipped his quill into his ink, getting ready to make his response to his son, and to command him on what to do next. He gave a grim smile as he wrote down his own vicious words into the paper. "Tolas, if there is one thing this Markem will learn, is that I am Lord of all Vermin, and Master of all Slaves. They will respect that title, whether they like it or not. In time, they will all come to understand I am the lord of Mossflower, from this day to the end of days."
"I am certain ya won't disappoint, my lord."
_
Maria had to sit down as she listened to her slave fumble his words to describe what he had heard to her. Lumbert had to watch what he said very carefully, as he noticed his mistress sat herself down, her jaw partly dropping as she realized a couple things at once, piecing things together. When Lumbert finished telling her what he heard from the loudmouths of her overly ambitious kin, she had to think it over a bit. Lumbert however didn't understand at all, and didn't pretend to. He was fearful of Maria, the descendent of an ancient tyrant who obsessed over enslaving his people and making his life miserable. He just did as she asked, and hoped it was enough to keep her satisfied. Maria eventually spoke up to him "Get out, you white buffoon."
It was a calm command, but Lumbert acted as if she had yelled at him and swiftly left. He only returned after realizing he didn't close her door, which he did and then darted down the halls to likely hide near the kitchens where it was a lot safer for slaves. Maria herself got up and paced, slowly at first and then angrily. She stopped and took up a vase and threw it at a wall in anger "Tarlo you stupid, incosiderate, fool! Wretch! Son of a bandit! Son of a pirate! Gahh!"
Maria angrily began to break down a chair, her anger was beyond her own ability to control. Tarlo you foolish beast! You dare lie to me?! You dare to lie to me, and cover for your equally foolish brother! Useless! All of you useless! How can you call upon a horde that cannot even defeat some bloody, dirt sniffing, salt water chugging slavebeasts! Of course he'd ask me about what to do with a Wildlough prince, cause he bloody had it this entire time! Under my nose! Maria was furious beyond words, truly looking a mess as she huffed about. She got an idea however, and calmed herself down. If there was one beast she knew would at least listen to her command, it was that equally useless son of her's.
She exited her room and went down towards the aviary, at first alone up until she was joined by another. Lougar was beside her, whistling a friendly tune as the albino cat seemed anxious to meet with her before she left her room.
"My sweeyt blumb 's seem quyte upset dis fyne evenen." Lougar smiled from ear to ear. Maria didn't gaze at him, her movements were fast as she scowled "Lougar, did you know that there was royalty in the halls of Sandbeach not too long ago? Did you notice any new beasts? Sea otters perhaps?"
The white cat shrugged "All short earyed slavebeaysts look's the same to me, my love."
Maria hushed herself "I should have known Tarlo's questions to me were some elusive foolery! That little attack on green isle was a failure." Maria huffed, with Lougar not fully understanding her. She continued "Tarlo came to me, spouting some nonsense about sparing one of the Wildloughs, a hypothetical. Now? I am convinced he had such a prize in his possession this entire time!"
Lougar pretended to care as he gave a light hearted chuckle "Maryia, me love. Peryhaps you are overbthinking it, eh? I doubt your soyn woulb be that foolish an' naiyve."
Maria remained silent as the two marched onwards, her spite increasing with each step "Don't be stupid, Lougar. Tarlo barely interacts with me as it is, avoids me even, and the one time he approaches me in his age to discuss such foolishness is when he discusses a matter most dear to me? The Wildloughs stole my family's throne, stole my island, stole my slaves, and the lives of my damned kin."
Lougar shrugged "Weyll? Why'b he come to you to sytart with?"
"Something about breaking down some beast, which means he wants to impress me I believe. If he does have a royal creature as a prisoner, he should have brought him directly to me! It isn't his torment, they are all mine! All of them!" Maria looked to be fuming, with Lougar again pretending to care. He didn't fully understand Maria's obsession with the sea otters of Green Isle, and much like Maria's brother, found it a bit stupid. Yet, Milo did keep his promise to her, and now Sandbeach was the prison to many beasts who hailed from there.
"Tarlo, that idiot. If I had a member of the blood of that usurper in my grasp, I could take my vengeance, he knows how important it is to destroy the line of that accursed beast! I'd have paraded it around Sandbeach, before beheading it and affixing it to the head of Minto's ship! Although perhaps I am being a bit too furious, perhaps It would be better to keep it alive just long enough to force the surrender of those disobedient wretches before I had them drawn and quartered." Maria could go on and on about each creative means to end the line of the Wildloughs, something which Lougar yawned at.
"Lougar, I need you to do something for me." Maria began, her anger subsiding into a plotting mood "I need you to 'coerce' Milo's nephew to me, we have much to speak about. Be subtle if need be."
Lougar nodded and went off, as Maria continued onward towards the aviary. She heard the cry of gulls, a sound which she grew to despise. However, another thing she grew to despise was seeing the bored and calm expression of her husband meandering about with a gull. She stopped, wondering if she wanted to approach him at all. She saw Milo putting a small scroll between the gull's legs, but didn't lift the bird outside the aviary just yet. She had her own message she wished to send, but making an excuse to use the birds even with her own station was difficult. The birds were trained to go towards certain command vessels and ships, which was crucial for communicating between Milo and his armies.
By chance, Maria's brother came from around a corner, directly coming to Milo, the fat and chubby wildcat was partly scoffing down a cinnamon treat, and Milo turned his attention to him. Maria watched as Milo's otherwise cold mood became one of frustration and annoyance, she smiled a bit to see him even curse when he harshly locked the gull away he was about to let loose and join Chuggas elsewhere.
Maria approached the aviary, keeping her eyes on her husband and her brother as both disappeared, and did not wonder why they had left. She was curious what kind of message her husband was sending however, and took the scroll from the gull's legs. She read it to herself, grunting in annoyance at her husband's overly fanciful words and disappointing chiding of her favored son. Yet, she had a plan, and looked around for some ink and a pen.
Finding a pen was no trouble, but ink was harder to come by. Maria looked around, angrily wishing to write a secret missive to her son. In her fury, she looked down at her paws and thought of an idea. She scratched deep into her own paw till she drew blood, using it to ink her missive to her son. I will have that beast in my custody, and it will suffer a thousand deaths before I send it to its ancestors. I will rule this island and Green Isle, even if I must make sure my dearest son burns out that wretched little forest to do so. Let Milo rule his ashes, and I shall rule these isles one way or another! Her hateful letter set, she placed the letter back into the gull's pouch and gripped her paw. It hurt a great deal, but she comforted herself knowing she would do far worse to her hated foe once she had it in chains before her.
Some beasts in the world would do anything to have a nice home, warm food, and a place to rest their head. However, when Kurgle and his parents went home in the evening, he felt miserable going 'home'. One one of the far ends of the isle was a part of the island of Sandbeach which was connected by a sandbar, which went into some soft hills which were dug out ages ago to make room for a mine. When the mine dried up, it was converted into a quarry, operated and run by Kurgle's family.
Although with the mixture of sounds of mining picks striking rocks mixed in with the jingle of chain and crack of whips, it was more accurate to say it was overseen by Kurgle's family.
The Wildcat and his half brother Pulkan looked miserable returning to Sandbeach's quarry, as they followed Shaer and Burba down into the quarry where feral cats overlooked many enslaved sea otters, shrews, and other woodlanders miserably trying to keep up their brutal work. Occasionally, they would pass by beasts covered in sheet, dead from heatstroke or the indignity of slavery. Although shacks were everywhere in the blistering heat of the quarry, one home stood out above all the others, a small home of Shaer Greeneyes and his family.
Kurgle looked up with depressed dismay at the old household, a one floor home on a stone pillar made of wood and mudbrick. It had all the outdoor trappings of a decent home, but yet still looks lopsided and dirty. The dirt and dust of the quarry clogged up everything, the cries of damned constantly echoed whenever Kurgle or Pulkan slept. The only way to this home was by ladder, which all four of them had to climb up in a miserable and undignified manner, all the while Shaer and Burba ranted and raved at one another.
"Can you hurry up, you fat lard! These miserable beasts can mine up a storm they can!" Burba was coughing and gagging at the dust of the quarry. Kurgle knew why his parents had decided to build their home so far from sandbeach, so they could plot and plan their ascension far from Milo's prying eyes. Officially it was to give off an impression of work ethic, but Kurgle already knew his parents didn't do much work as they leeched. Kurgle knew this especially, being the head overseer.
"Kurgle! Get down there and have the slaves stop working! I can barely climb up in this mess!" Burba complained.
Shaer groaned in his own complaints "Yes, Kurgle! Do your parents a damn favor for once and not mess this up! I am getting dirt on my good clothes and jewels!"
Kurgle was not even half way up, but looking down he could see Pulkan who instinctively just began to climb down. It was a considerable trouble and effort just to get back down this ladder and into the pits. Taking up his favored whip, he cracked it into the air, announcing a temporary break. Some beasts fell on the spot from exhaustion, others nursed their paws and legs, while overseers would hand out rations. Once the dust began to settle from the mining, Kurgle could see his parents above him dusting themselves off and impatiently awaiting him to come up. With a sigh, he joined them shortly, and Pulkan meekly followed as always.
Kurgle's home, if one could call it that, was a lopsided wooden mess, technically two stories tall, which overlooked the quarry on a rickety platform of rock. Shaer, ever so prideful and full of his own genius, had constructed his house of his own design. Although, from the angry stares of the older slaves, it was more accurate to say he had overseen it. The household was a terrible mess, bloated with things of exotic trash which one could barely call dignified and all of it covered in dust. When Kurgle and Pulkan entered the home, Shaer and Burba were loudly arguing at a crooked wooden table, each pouring out an endless array of grievances.
"You and your stupid plans, Shaer! Your promise of grandeur once again falls flat on its face, and we have nothing to show for it! Why don't you be a wildcat you say you are for once and stab that snot nosed brother of yours and take the island!"
"You think those cats in that city are going to follow my orders while Milo's two wretched sons are still out and about?! Think for once, you worthless mueling creature! If we endanger our army, we will lose Mossflower as well as much of the support of our forces! Minto will come back and put all our heads on pikes, and what then!"
"Oh come now, I thought you said you didn't fear that degenerate! Besides, who cares about Mossflower? I'd rather be bathing in the blasted springs of Ay'nauthal than strolling through some barbarian forest in the middle of blasted nowhere!"
Kurgle recognized the place his mother had mentioned, and his curiosity to ask of this place always was held back for not being in the line of fire of his parents. He felt confident in many regards, brave even, but to face the wrath of his elder kin was another matter entirely. He always knew of the lands across the sea, and he thought of them often, and heard their tales from the soldiers. He was unsure of what to make of these lands, the homeland of his people, and he always wished to know more. Yet it was times like these he did not wish to dwell on what could be, and rather on what was happening. Like being yelled at by Shaer who snapped him back to attention.
"Snap out of it, you fool. Pulkan, go fetch us something to drink, and you my son need to shape up and listen. Your failures notwithstanding, we still have a card yet to play to turn your little foolishness around. However, we must act fast and with fury."
Shaer began to pace, concocting his newest scheme before his family, all the while ranting and raving as he did. Kurgle was used to this foolishness, even as a cub his father showed only one true trait he had grown to despise.
Petty jealousy.
"For too long my brother, that insolent whelp, had mocked me to my face and put his paws to his tasks of ruining my rightful realm! We shall use this to our advantage, in a way I so geniusly devise! Kurgle, my son, you find yourself the new apple in Milo's eyes while that pathetic fool of son of his, Tarlo, is away. When that fool is comfortable, that is when we shall strike, from the back! We must sabotage Minto's campaign enough and bide our time. This entire island's armies are away, and me and your mother shall make friends with the court of Milo's supposed 'friends' and 'allies'."
Burba was already rolling her eyes as she was quick to complain and demean Shaer's scheme "Oh pray tell who we are going to befriend my oh so big headed husband? Perhaps you will turn the guards to our side with this?" Burba pulled from a pile of trash in their home a random bauble, an expensive gift to be sure which like all the others had been thrown in rage into a pile of junk. Shaer looked especially furious as he was about to speak, and then began to grin.
"You foul wench of a cat you. You think I, Shaer Greeneyes, do not have a blasted plan, huh? I know for a fact a certain cat and his guard is coming soon, one for which is already making his own dark plans for my inept brother. Kurgle. Leave us, and return to Sandbeach at once, and do as I ask. Take that. . ." Shaer had to stop himself from calling Pulkan his son, but had been more vigilant, his halted tongue saved him a harsh rebuke from a well prepared and angry Kurgle. The cat only sighed instead and simply said "As you bid father."
_
Pulkan never fully understood the complexities of politics, or the whole idea of succession, but he didn't think he fully cared. His mother was far off at his father's demands, and his father had the attitude of a wolverine with a stubbed toe. Yet, he had one comfort, which was his half brother whom he deeply liked, and his sort-of cousins whom liked him in turn.
"Come along Pulkan, I wish to make a small stop before we again return to Milo's side."
Pulkan was attempting to, but failing, to hurry down the ladder of the rickety palace shack that was Shaer's lair. Pulkan nearly slipped, and partly fell not even a few feet before being quickly caught by Shaer and put down carefully onto the ground. "You really must be careful, Pulkan! I'd sooner throw myself from a cliff then to see you get hurt in such a manner!"
"Come now, Kurgle. Don't say that. I don't think it is fully worth it, ya know." Pulkan pulled himself off and dusted himself off. His hair on his head was ruffled by Kurgle in a playful manner. "Believe me, young Pulkan, you are perhaps the only agreeable beast here on the island. I'd be a far more miserable soldier without your companionship."
Kurgle walked amongst the quarry, but he felt partly sick in doing so. He truly hated overlooking a bunch of miserable beasts in the quarry, which was dusty and miserable for slaves and overseers alike. The cats looked tired and miserable, many had been denied even the faintest glory of joining the army in plundering Mossflower, and now we're stuck whipping and keeping a bored eye on the forced laborers within. Kurgle felt nothing for these inferior beasts who toiled rightfully under his fearsome gaze, as each slave he passed kept their head down and their eyes shifted to their work. Kurgle in truth hated this job more so than most, as he couldn't help but feel alone as both slave and overseer alike avoided him like a plague. Yet it was one of these pathetic beasts he had come to claim.
"Taskmaster." Kurgle tapped one of his lieutenants who turned around and gave him due attention "Gather up some of your strongest and meekest thralls and present them to me. I am going to need one of them."
"Need, my lord?" The cat asked, but was quickly shoved by Kurgle harshly "Yes. Need you oaf. Now do not ask questions, just do as I say!" The taskmaster hurried to his duties as Pulkan gave his half brother a strange look. "Any reason for that, Kurgle? I mean, I don't think I need help since I-"
Kurgle had cut him off "I know, I know. Do think better of me, good Pulkan, I am not some degenerate like our ever so lovely aunt and her dark obsessions. However, if we are to impress upon Milo, I need a faithful beast to aid me in such things. I trust you well Pulkan, and I'd rather not get you involved in such things, but an expendable slave will do well to act as my eyes and ears when we return to Milo's court. Father would expect me to have you act as a spy no doubt, but knowing my aunt, I'd rather not risk it." Pulkan simply nodded, and accepted his brother's concerns as they continued deeper into the quarry.
In no time at all, a group of slaves were lined up in front of both. Pulkan looked them over with pity, as the beasts before him looked defeated and soulless. Kurgle gave a cruel grin as he presented himself to him. The group was mostly a group of sea otters, shrews, and dormice who all awaited their overlord's demands.
"I know you slavering beasts expect trouble from me, execution or worse, but fear not. As your merciful overseer, I have instead come to you folk with blessings!"
Kurgle awaited their confused pause, and continued "I am in need of a personal servant to obey my commands and tend to my needs while I am away from this wretched place, an opportunity which I am certain you well off servants look forward to!" Kurgle expected the woodlanders to come forward, get on their knees, and beg to choose them. He expected them to cry and wobble as they crawled over each other for the chance to escape this wonderful piece of hell they found themselves in.
What he got was a dead silence, and some angry stares.
Kurgle's cruel grin fell short, as he looked around annoyed. "Well? Don't all of you speak up at once. I offer you a place beyond this quarry, and you expect me not one of you wishes to escape this place?"
One of the sea otters spoke up, defiantly and with a murderous spite "We'd rather bash your head on the rocks, me lord. An' put your kin deep in the ground then serve the likes of you!" The sea otter was pounced on by the other cats, and was dragged away, although from the silent looks and gazes of the others, Kurgle could see they were in agreement.
Kurgle was about to dismiss the entire lot and do so again, before a meek voice raised up as a shrew stepped forward, much to the disheartened looks of his companions "I'll serve you, me lord."
"You are smarter than your peers by a long shot." Kurgle remarked and put his paws to his hips "Yet, my mood is soured. Tell me. When I offered it the first time, tell me why you did not immediately come forward. Impress upon me, or I'll just have you beheaded."
The shrew gulped and spoke up, his sun baked face showed signs of his terrible condition. "Me daughter, me lord. I had to think about it for a moment. To abandon me own. . .tis not something we do, as I am certain, you do not either me lord. Me good Karva, like meself, mines in this place. I beg upon your mercy to perhaps take my service, and spare me own."
Kurgle thought of it, and squinted his eyes. It was odd that only now did the shrew seem to come forward so meekly, when Kurgle asked "Your name, slave. Speak swiftly."
"They call me Skarv me lord."
_
Kurgle walked briskly towards Sandbeach, walking between the sandbar which connected the main island from its sister islands. The waves crashed lightly from the shores as the wild cat was followed closely behind by Pulkan who shouldered his sack, and a new figure who trodden closely behind.
"Do keep up, slave." Kurgle warned in a haughty attitude, a little annoyed by any small grievance of slowing him down. Skarv rushed up to Pulkan's side, who trodded his own pace behind. Skarv had traded away the dirty rags that were once his sea coat and sweat drenched scarf for more appropriate clothes. They were still brown and baggy, but the white sash around his belt made it known of his station. Skarv felt like grumbling, but another stern warning from an impatient Kurgle kept his mouth shut.
"Just remember, shrew. Your daughter will remain in the good and capable paws of my taskmaster as his personal serf and treated well, and shall remain so if you serve me dutifully and competently."
Skarv sighed and let out a less than enthusiastic "Yes, me lord."
"Yes. Master." Kurgle corrected, as he continued on. Yet, as he did, he began to slow his pace, as he spotted something odd in the distance. A white fuzz which blended into the vicious heat which approached. Kurgle paused as this creature, and his companions, approached. Standing before him was Lougar, captain of the White Spears and one of Milo's many minions. The white cat was the very being of a strong and civilized western cat, his warrior garb more fitting for him then the cloak and cloth he himself wore. Lougar dressed himself like a desert creature, and the two creatures stared at one another with contempt. Skarv noticed this, and frankly to him, all cats were cruel and vindictive beasts. Yet, the shy and meek Pulkan was at least approachable as Kurgle and Lougar continued to stare at one another in awkward silence.
"Boy. Ya know what this whiskered lot be doin?" Skarv asked Pulkan. The younger cat shrugged, "I think that pink eyed cat be Lougar, a western cat. These folk don't like us very much I thinks."
Lougar turned his attention to Pulkan, having heard him and commented in a sly tune "Tis nyot we dislikeb you, youb are brothers. . .but less obedientb den what our good sultanbs like, I thinks. Isn't thatb right, Greeneyes?"
"Enough of that, Lougar. What do you want?" Kurgle patted the axe at his belt, and folded his paws.
"Nothingb from youb in particular. My mistressb, though? She justb wants to speak, heartb to heartb."
"I'm not interested. As a captain of sandbeach, I of course wish to go to my uncle's court and see how I can serve him better. Your lady is about as much an interest to me, as you are."
Lougar frowned a bit "No needb to be hostile."
"You are hostile enough bringing this lot out with you." Kurgle pointed to Lougar's well armed companions, each one looking down their whiskered noses at their fellow wildcat. Lougar then looked with a less friendly face to them and made a more serious demand. "Youb best come withb me. I onlyb need you, hateb to do anything draystic."
The comment put Kurgle on edge, but before the two could go at each other's throats, they heard the shifting of sand. Another cat had come up to the group, a younger courier who huffed and puffed. He looked to Kurgle with familiarity, but looking around, became dismayed "My lord! Kurgle Greeneyes, where are you kin? Lougar. . .what are you doing out here?"
Lougar was confused and silent, and before he could ask anything, the courier dismissed him "Nevermind! Kurgle Greeneyes, where are your kin?!" There was urgency in his voice, much to Kurgle's own confusion. He looked to Lougar, hoping this was some manner of clever trick, but only found Lougar looking at him wondering the same. Kurgle fumbled his reply "Why. Yes, they are back at the quarry. What is this about. . .messenger?"
"Milo Greeneyes demands your presence at once! All of you! The envoy from the west comes, and he comes this very hour! I must be off and collect lord Shaer and his wife at once! You must go to Milo's court, he awaits you in place of his sons!"
With that the courier was off, and left the awkward two unable to even finish their heated moment. Lougar scratched the back of his neck and spoke first. "Whyb don't we continueb thyis later, Kurgle? Perhaps a meeting afterb this whole affair, eh?"
"That would be prudent. Please. Lead the way, Lougar."
Skarv looked dumbfounded as he found himself walking alongside Pulkan, who seemed himself not as confused as the shrew was. He whispered to Pulkan once again. "Is this normal for you whiskered folk?"
Pulkan only sighed "Yes, sadly. I know you slave folk have it bad, but it ain't much better for us cats here."
The sea otter and his ferret guard were once again on their break from their ceaseless duties and were staring out over the docks. Even the sea otter, spiteful of his chains on his legs, grew bored with the waiting and the constant trouble he found himself in. Both sighed in unison and watched as yet another ship approached, one which looked curious to them. The two had to improve their guessing game somewhat, since the last few times they had played it had been difficult to predict who or what exactly would come off the ship. The ferret was the first to speak, putting his paw to his chin to think.
"I bets it be some southern beast, eh."
The sea otter gave him a strange stare, and prodded "Why'd you say that?"
"I mean, just look at dem weird designs on the sails, dat weird color on der deck. I mean, what kinda beast has a completely red deck, eh? I can't dink of a more troubling sort of mish mashed colors den some southern beast. I hears der south of Mossflower be a weird place, where der be not but summer an' der hills be full of giants! Me ma used to say beyond dat desert lies a land untouched an' kind."
"I mean sure, lad, but unless dem cat folk are suddenly very friendly with woodlanders. I doubt that. I am betting its another pirate ship. Some weird folk, or mercenaries. I am thinking stouts, or maybe even a pine marten."
"Bah, I bets it be dem south folk." The ferret said confidently, although also stupidly. The sea otter rolled his eyes as he stood up and got a better view who would be coming off the docks. Yet, a swift crack of a whip from another beast sent the two reeling to attention as their overlord and master walked amongst them, furling up his whip "At attention, slaves! I will not have you lazily skulking about while fellow cats are here. I will not be embarrassed by the likes of you two!"
Their master, the dockmaster, strode out and looked at the sails and gave a nasty grunt. He cursed as the ship's crew laid down a plank for the group to come off. Both the ferret and sea otter stared while their master was not looking, and were surprised to see who came off this red ship.
A wildcat and a mouse stride with confidence and authority onto the docks, locking in step as the two seemed to be in deep conversation. The cat wore a white robe, sashed with yellow cloth. His turban was affixed to his head, and his sandals were mundane. On what could be considered his belt was a simple and small book. Yet it was his eyes which drew the most attention, which were marked with red paint all around. His companion was of a strange breed, a rodent for sure with long rabbit-like ears, and a great tail with a small bit of fur upon its end. He was a warrior for sure, his scaled armor and round iron shield clung to him, and a great pike he used as a walking cane. His own eyes, much like that of the cat he followed, were also marked with red paint.
When the dockmaster approached, he was clearly very cautious and twitchy, fearful of this beast's presence. He stepped back in fear a bit, as the two approached as if they had walked these streets before, but yet neither the ferret nor sea otter had seen them before. The two stopped talking when they found themselves before the dockmaster, and awaited his greeting. Yet none came, as the creature seemed to slink back a bit and fumble his words.
"M-my lord, my c-cleric! Tis an honor! I-I-I welcome, no. . .I mean yes! I welcome you to sandbotch. Sandcastle. Sandbeach. Yes, that is it!"
The white robed feline did not look impressed, as his attention turned to the two slaves whom he gave a pitied look. The sea otter and ferret felt a chill go down their spine, even as the red eyed cat spoke in a foreign language to his companion, who only nodded in agreement.
"I seeb nothing muchb has changed sinceb I was last here, Dockmasterb. The disappointmentb and degeneracy of this small island never ceayses to amaze. Truly ab wonder."
The cleric's word struck the dockmaster like a brick who slumped his whiskers low and did not say much in response. The ferret and sea otter had expected at least a little resistance from their overseer, his anger towards his fellow cats was as abundant as his cruelty towards them. Yet in the presence of this strange beast, the dockmaster looked more like a meek and frightened servant.
"My lord! My lord!" Called a voice beyond the docks, as Chuggas Felis came rushing with guards and servants down to the docks. The cleric gave a more calm smile seeing him, as the plump and baby faced Chuggas gave a humble bow to him. "Aslom Ayn Zenead! I welcome you back to Sandbeach, my lord cleric! We are surprised you have come so early, we barely had time to even see your ship on the horizon!"
The cat excused himself with a light pat on Chuggas's shoulders "Chuggaybs Feylis, for the descendent ofb a mamluk, you are as ever humble to me. I am welcomed."
Chuggas made a motion to the mouse next to Aslom, and gave a bow as well. A couple phrases were uttered by Chuggas, and repeated by the mouse. The ferret and sea otter looked at each other, unable to understand what was happening in front of their very eyes. Yet, the dockmaster gave a nasty huff, seemingly knowing the language all too well.
"Youb should be more respectful, dockbmaster. This humble mamluk is of a higher station than you areb." The cleric said, giving his spiteful gaze upon the dockmaster
The dockmaster angrily gritted his fangs and spoke a cursed series of words to the visitor, much to Chuggas's dismay. "I am not lower than a slave, you pompous zealot! I will not grovel before you here!"
"Grovel at my friend's feet, or I will have my other pet, your lord and master, have your head thrown into the sea." The cleric responded in a cold and uncaring tone. The dockmaster regretted his words as all the eyes were upon him. Chuggas silently begged the dockmaster to comply, and awkwardly the dockmaster bent down on paws and knees and began to speak in the language of these western folk. The mouse grinned in amusement and spoke in a dismissive tone of his own "I haveb no need for thisb. Begone, serf."
The dockmaster thanked the mouse and left in a hurry, practically running down to his office on the docks as Chuggas wiped the sweat from his brow. The cleric gave out a hardy chuckle and turned to the sea otter and ferret. "Youb two. Tend to ourb ship an' crewb. As yourb master's liege will have of youb."
"I most profusely apologize for the dockmaster's tongue, my lord! I will have him demoted at once an-"
"Enough, Chuggas. Heb has learned the lesson of humility forb now. As my god has commanded, orderb and obedienceb is a guide to the heavensb above, and a shield tob the faithful. Now. Showb me to that wretched piece of filthb my brother calls 'ally'."
_
Milo tapped the throne's armrest with impatience as he dreaded the coming of this envoy from across the sea. He did not hate his western kin, but he certainly felt annoyed by them. His subjects were all rejects and criminals, fleeing cruel overlords and vicious masters of far flung theocracies and caliphates who waged endless war for a title of a dead god. It is funny, really. All that civilization wasted on some non-existent wretch who can't be bothered to make a single miracle happen in our favor. I wonder what the fool wants now. Milo's anxiety blossomed as he waited patiently for Chuggas to return, and to bring with him the less than agreeable brother of a loan shark, the sultan of a mighty and far away kingdom. He sold to him the bounties of his raids, the marble of his one quarry, and the trees on the isle. Yet it was never enough. Not even if he broke his promise to his wife, and sold them the bounty of his many slaves, the profit would never exceed his expenses.
A lesser beast like my wife would choke at the idea of my machinations, my plans. Once Mossflower is mine, I will be beyond power. I will rule a landmass larger than most of those wretched kingdoms, and legions of slaves to build our cities and build my palaces. Debt is only a number, a number which these stupid, indulgent, fools think to lord over me! Me! When I rule Mossflower, I will remind them of my titles and take to account their many mockeries! Gashan will deal with their attempts to claim me, and they will have no choice but to abandon their pursuit of me. I won't even need Sandbeach any longer. I will rule as the lord of all vermin. A master of all slaves.
Milo was snapped out of his thoughts by the doors to his court opening, and stepped in Kurgle, Pulkan, Lougar, and Skarv. The four entered as Kurgle and Lougar bowed before their liege as Milo gave them vicious glances.
"Kurgle. Where is Shaer, my half wit of a brother."
Kurgle was a little silent at his request, but Lougar replied for him "Myb emperor, Kurgleb ayn I were on ourb way here forb our own reasons, when yourb messenger cameb to us. I thinkb they will be alongb shortly."
Milo sighed as he turned to Kurgle and his other companions. He grunted when he noticed Skarv, looking around at the great and ancient hall of such foreign beauty. "Kurgle, put your servant away or to work. Your other brother, have him stay in our guest rooms or with Tarlo's wife."
Kurgle gave a nod of his head to Milo and went off, with Lougar joining him. When they had left, Maria had slowly strode into the room and took her place on the throne next to Milo. She could see he was upset, and a bit anxious, and she had no intention of comforting him.
"I imagine you heard, Maria?" Milo asked with a slight amount of spite.
"I've heard enough. That cleric. He comes today? Where is that bulbous fool of a brother?"
"He went down to greet him, since that accursed mocker seems to only like him. It is one thing to be afflicted with these endless troubles, but to meet with him again. I confess that I dread it."
Maria huffed in amusement "You could have him killed you know. You have the power to do so."
"I could, and I would, if we didn't need his brother to keep that army well fed and supplied. If we lose their support. We won't have Mossflower. . .or Green Isle. Now, hush your voice, lest that wretched creature hears." Milo turned his attention to the doors which produced a number of small voices. A number of cats came in, with Chuggas being the first to be seen. He was tapping his paws in fright, as he looked uncomfortable and trembled a little. Yet the white robed wildcat he strode in walked with a calm pace, his bodyguard keeping to his side as he came to the court.
"My emperor Milo Greeneyes, I present to you-" Chuggas was about to begin, but Milo was quick to interrupt. He knew this beast all too well, and he knew his attitude.
"Aslom. Aslom Ayn Zenead. I had not expected you to arrive so early."
"Miylo. I had not expected you to set looseb your armies so suddenlyb." Aslom snapped back. There was a clear amount of anger in his voice as he looked around the court, clearly disgusted with what he saw. Milo was always quick to take notice and seethed under his fur. Milo's claws dug into his throne, as Aslom continued uninterested. "Hereb I was thinkingb you prided yourbself on your plans an' tiyming. My brotherb is less then happyb to have so manyb of our soldiers all of a suddenb missing on yourb behalf."
Milo grunted "I'd prefer you'd address me by my title, Aslom. My plans were pushed forward by chance."
Aslom gave a low chuckle, not even giving the dignified response in turn. "Ib am here to reaffirm our supportb for this ventureb, Milo Greeneyes. Nothingb more. This isleb of wretched and blasphemoubs souls is not as interestingb as you seem to make it outb to be. Yourb temple. Where mightb it be located?"
"In the city, a small one fitting for you." Maria responded in kind. Aslom took quick notice of here and gave his own retort. "Ifb I wished to be responbed to by the daughter of a mamluk, I will have askebed for it. If youb do not have one here, I shall takeb a room instead."
Maria was practically twitching her eyes in rage, but held her tongue. Milo grasped his forehead in frustration as the cleric made himself at home. No other beast in the world could frustrate him more, and he had no power over him. They remained silent as Aslom and his bodyguard excused themselves to the guest rooms, and left Milo and his entourage in deafening awkwardness.
_
Aslom sat in the middle of a small room, a mockery of a great palace apartment from where he came from. The finery had to be just perfect as his mouse bodyguard ordered around the slaves who helped unpacked his luggage.
"Thisb? Oh, just putb it over there, likeb this." Aslom could hear the slaves setting up a table, bring in chairs, hang silken threads. The desert mouse overlooked the design of the room. His master sat cross legged, his paws on his knees and his eyes closed. He mumbled strange words which got weird looks from the slaves. Yet, it was the fellow woodlander who confused them the most. He was certainly one of their own, yet he commanded them like inferiors. He had limits to his kindness, as was demonstrated when he gave a vicious stare at two shrews who did not work to a favored pace. "I swearb, Aslom. Whyb does yourb brother, my caliphb, tolerate this Milo." He complained.
The cat shrugged as he continued to pray "Beyondb your paygradeb I am afraidb, my friend."
One of the sea otters came in with another piece of luggage, struggling with it and then tumbled. His fellow slaves tried to catch him, but he fell before the mouse. The desert beast looked with pity at him and held his paws to his hips, a much larger beast this sea otter was and wearing the clothes of a prestiged slave. Yet, he looked lashed and tired and struggled to even lift his paws to try to undo his mistake, silently going about his business as if trying to pretend nothing had happened. The mouse looked him over some more, coming to him and asking "Yourb name. Speakb."
The otter turned, and sheepishly spoke "I am sorry, me lord. I am tired, and I did no-"
"You look bigb for a common house servantb, doyg beast. I askedb for yourb name, you have nob trouble from us."
There was silence as the sea otter sighed and said "I am Nolkan Streamdiver, sir. Please. Forgive me. I beg of you. . ." The otter looked broken and horrified, which only insulted the mouse. He looked to his own master and huffed "Aslom. I hateb this bleedingb place, and itsb people. Look how this Milo treatsb his lowest. I've seen better in quarries!"
Aslom nodded and arose, and looked to the frightened beast. He pitied these creatures terribly, and he had an inking suspicion "Slaveb. You haveb a family I take it?"
The sea otter sadly nodded "Me missus an' three pups, me lord. They work below with the others."
The mouse looked like he could fume "Dobes your masterb not haveb them even up hereb!? Does he atb least give them charity?! Tellb me they at leastb get more rationsb."
The sea otter sighed and shook his head "I try to sneak out food. . .sir. We all do." The sea otter hoped the cleric would understand, and partly thought he made a mistake by telling him, but he was so tired he could barely think. Aslom listened and nodded, already having suspected this. One of the shrews, working on trying to hang some of the silken pictures, tried to speak up. "That Tarlo cat, he an' his missus looks the other way on it at least."
Aslom whirled and spoke harshly "Youb speak when spoken to. . .but I am wellb aware. Youb are all excused. Youb have done wellb." Aslom took from his pack and handed a small golden coin to the otter "Notb sure if you can useb this, but take careb of yourb kin. Mayb god giveb you strengthb." The otter nodded and and the slaves left. The mouse looked on angrily and with new found spite.
"I hateb this place. I hateb it. I'd ratherb be back in my barraycks in younger years thenb this place! Such disrespect tob god. Such a stupidb system. Whatb does this Milob think he is?! The Evening Starb himself!?"
Aslom chuckled and sat at his desk, looking over some papers. They were reports from Chuggas on the loans and profits made, and all the other fancies of hiding away the absurd debts that Milo owed his brother. "Youb be surprised, Suran. Thatb Maria wouldb certainly thinkb so. Speakingb of which. I thinkb it is time we did ourb 'true' task."
The mouse rolled his eyes "Bah. I don'tb even wish to be in the sameb room with the blood of a traitorb. Must I? Dishonorsb me with such beastsb who pretendb to be beyondb their true station."
"Ohb my friendb, this is a placeb of madness youb see. Every beastb here thinks they are aboveb their station. Now feytch a slave and tell them to summon Maria to my chambersb. I must speakb with her."
The mouse nodded, leaving to go do his tasks. The cleric smiled, lightly tossing the worthless trash of papers aside for his true designs. Ohb my dearb Milo, howb I long forb the day for my brotherb to put you in yourb true place. The eastb you will give us, and all will fly the bannerb of our city. If onlyb that stupidb beast had the visionb to see it.
_
Aslom sat in his chambers, with his bodyguard sharpening a knife nearby. The two were bored as the sun was beginning to set when they heard angry padding of feat down the halls. Chuggas had come by earlier, speaking at length over all manner of debts. Aslom like Chuggas, an overly friendly creature who tried his best when it came to such matters. He was perhaps obese and dull to be around, but he at least been agreeable. It was such a boring affair, and his bodyguard struggled just to keep himself from falling asleep. Officially, that should have been the end of his business on Sandbeach, he had reaffirmed Milo's benefactors of continued support, made larger and more exorbitant loans, and threw in a few more demands to be shelved as 'we will discuss later'. Aslom gave a loud sigh and prepared for the most disagreeable and vicious evil to burst through his door, which did so with a loud bang.
"Insolant whelp!" Cried Maria Felis and she bursted open the door, dragging a sea otter maiden in her paw, throwing her into the middle of the room, tearful eyed and horrified. Suran stood at immediate attention as Aslom grunted, looking up at Maria from where he sat. Maria was the very definition of a traitor Mamluk, a bold and strong beast with a terrible temper and a cruelty like no other. They had tales of such beasts back home, their nature inherent in their treason, passed down by blood.
"Of all your dirty, idiotic, foolery cleric, this is your lowest yet!" Maria kicked the sea otter who tried to get away, but was grabbed and pulled back, pushed further into the room. She knew not to resist, and to not expect help. None dared oppose the Mistress of Sandbeach. Lumbert slowly trodded into the room, heartbroken as he watched the sea otteress try to keep away from the mad wildcat.
"I seeb you got my messeyage." Aslom answered coldly. Maria was having none of it and slammed the door to his office. She looked like she could boil over. "I know your insults well, sending some blasted lesser slave to summon me! Me! I am the mistress of these beasts, not you!"
Aslom smirked "Youb are lawfully unableb to own anythingb, lestb you forget."
Maria grunted angrily to him "To you and your god, perhaps, but not here you miserable fool. It's bad enough you send this beast to summon me. If you wish to insult, at least have the decency to do so in front of my soldiers, and in my court!"
Aslom smiled even harder, trying to hold back from laughing "I couldb insuylt you anywhere Ib wish with digynity, Mariab. Yet I willb not. Now whyb don't you sit. I didn't summonb you to insuylt you. We will haveb plenty of timeb to do that tomorrowb."
Maria huffed and crossed her paws, only to realize why Aslom had been grinning so widely. She breathed in deeply and commanded the sea otter maid below her "Remove yourself from my presence, worm."
Taking up a partly bleeding arm, the sea otter maid arose and rushed out the door. Lumbert closed the door behind her as Maria stood and stared at Aslom. Fool I am. Of course he would send a slave to summon me, an insult. He knows me far better than he lets on, and whatever game he plays is certainly a devious one. Yet he is no Felis. I will have him wrapped around my paw one day, and I'll have him gutted for all of these little tricks. "Your ploy. It works well for the religious fool you are. Yet I do not know why you would deal with the likes of me, a feline an' the blood of a traitor. That isn't your ill suit, is it?"
Aslom nodded "Youb would be riyght. This isb in fact not a socialb visit as you canb surmise. Keep yourb voice low, for we haveb much to discuss. Sit closeb, I do not wish to repeatb my voiceb to the liykes of you."
Maria sat as Lumbert took a place far from her. Aslom's bodyguard kept an eye on him, a little bit intrigued by his white fur and pink eyes. The otter seemed more bothered in his servitude than his strange fur. Suran had never seen such a beast before, and his meekness showed. Lumbert yet kept a close eye on Suran as well, wondering why a mouse with a weapon would not spear his master and run at any chance. He wondered sometimes why he didn't do it, but realized that he would likely be dead before he even got the chance to do anything. At that fantasy he lightly sighed and listened.
"Outsiyde my disdainb for youb, my brotherb has putb much intob this littleb venture your huysband hasb accumulated. I amb aware heb made manyb allies beyond usb, and in clearb violations of ouyr treaties. Yetb, he is very muchb succeeding inb Mossflower? I do hope sob, for your son's sakeb."
Maria huffed "Speak ill of my son, and you won't have a tongue, cleric. Yes, my son does well. Slow, but well."
Aslom tapped a paw to his chin "Wellb, then as youb should know, my brother's mostb puyblic intentb is that once yourb idiot husband conquers andb suybjugates theseb forest dwellers, youb will flood this land with settlers. My brother has nob true trouble with how youb run your lands, so long as youb accept ourb colonists and create a moreb mutual alliance. Ecoynomically and politically, we willb create a poywerful dynasty together. . ."
Maria raised an eyebrow to one word in particular. 'Public'. She was aware of backroom deals between Milo and Aslom, but now the cleric was dealing with her with such secrecy. "Yet, your infernal brother's private intentions are different?"
"Why yesb, of couyrse. Did youb truly think my brotherb thinks yourb idiot husband can keep theseb forests underb control? His ironb fist is great on an island, no largerb than even ourb smallest cities. An entire continent? I doubtb so. Yet, a presenceb in these woods is a victory we desireb most, but oneb which we mustb. . .be careful and prune atb. Youb and your son Mintob are a candidate, but sob is your other sonb, Tarlo."
Maria scoffed, but continued to listen. She was intrigued and bent closer to Aslom, covered in an increasing darkness as night fell further upon Sandbeach. "So what exactly does your brother, our 'beloved' benefactor, want then? What does he want of me?" Maria asked skeptically.
"When Mintob takes thatb mountain, we desireb that youb go and visit himb of course, in secret. There youb will await ourb instructions. Youb and yourb son will return, whereb we will 'provoke' a little coup in yourb favor, where you can directb this wretch horde's true attention. Greeyn Isle."
Maria froze as she was given this offer and Lumbert stood at attention, horrified from what he heard. He knew that Maria in particular wanted to enslave his people, but these cats as well. He looked down, a bit dismayed as Maria spoke up "Impossible. You would never offer this to me."
"My brotherb has always taken interest in that islandb, of your family's failuyres to keep it, lady Feylis. I can evenb understand yourb obsession as youbr brother put it so lightly on keeyping these beasts here, miserably tending to yourb every whim. Yetb, in ourb homeland, such beasts are strongb, and would make excellent slayves and mamluks. My brotherb and I offer this to youb, Maria, when youb aid in our little coup we willb gather an army and reinforce a siegeb of the island, and grant youb dominion over it, a free state. In returnb, we will expectb one hundred slaves everyb season, fifty young males, fourty females, and ten pups. Whatb we do with them is ourb own choice, and it will be the trickling payment for your ancestor's treayson against usb and fleeing to that island in the first place! Youb can rule both it and Sandbeach, and Mossflower's conquests canb be of a different lifetime."
Maria could not believe what she heard as the grinning cleric made his deal. The dark thoughts entered her mind again, a proper punishment for her enemies. Perhaps I will set up a gibbet at the ports of that island, so its last king can see his people leave to be leashed underneath the caliph's paw. The thought invigorated her ambitions, and she smiled back. Reason told her that something was up, but the gash she made in her hand itched with pain. She looked upon it briefly, a bloodied mark which she extended her paw to Aslom. The cleric took it, sealing a deal with a servant of the Red Caliph.
_
It was early morning as Aslom looked over the great walls and into Sandbeach below. He did not bother to show up at court, he would leave tomorrow after a short feast, but a part of his plan was already coming to fruition. Yet he and his bodyguard who stayed to his side couldn't help but frown at all before them. Aslom did not see cats going about their business, vermin serfs marching through the streets, or slaves toiling below. He saw pagans, barbarians, and unfortunate souls who did not know the love of his god. It was an insult that Sandbeach harbored the unclean, the unworthy, and those who dared defy the will of their superiors. Aslom felt solidified in his beliefs, seeing the cruelty and degendercy before him.
Suran whispered "Youb see thatb shrew overb there? I think sheb is dead." Suran was looking at one shrewess who had been beaten in the streets below them, visible in some way. Aslom shook his head "Nay, sheb is stillb alive. Unforytunate, considering thisb is the place whereb she shallb perish."
It made Suran angry, irrationally so. He knew slavery was cruel, he had gone through the training of a mamluk, made the humiliating oaths, and was sold like any commodity. Yet what he saw on Sandbeach disturbed him deeply. Aslom could see his friend dismayed by what he saw, and he couldn't comfort or disagree with him. There was no excuse for this place. He wondered sometimes why his brother ever agreed to treat Margos Greeneye, the strange cat from an island with an ambitious claim. Margos's promises were less sweet each moment he spent on this island, seeing what his descendents intended for all living things, a chaotic realm of secular banditry which disgusted Aslom beyond measure. Hayd they turned tob god, perhaps they wouldb never be this way. By god, I dob hope.
Aslom was distracted when he and his bodyguard heard a cough behind them. They turned to see a shrew looking back at them, draped in the servile clothes of the common servants. He looked up at Aslom, curious at first and then a bit frightened. "M-my lord, I am a servant of Kurgle Greeneyes. You had, erm, asked me to bring a message to. . .his pa?"
"Are youb new to all this?" Suran asked, a little annoyed and frustrated
The shrew huffed "Of course I bleeding am, mouse. I've been trapped in a blasted pit. . and. . .oh." The shrew shut himself up, answering the mouse's question. He expected a lot worse and was tempted to beg, but neither spoke up in anger. Instead, like always, they looked down at him in terrible pity. Aslom nodded and beckoned the shrew to continue.
"Kurgle says, as he says to me, that you two are to meet him, his pa, and his ma in a secret place, of their choice, which. . .erm. . ." Skarv embarrassingly scratched his head. They waited, with the mouse growing increasingly frustrated with him "Yesb?"
Skarv gave out an angry sigh "Look, they tells me to go find em, they said a 'slave beast' like meself don't need to know the details! I swears, dis ain't me fault, it be them lot you see. I apologize, truly I am, but that is seriously all they told me!"
Aslom grunted and could only match Skarv's increasing frustration "As I suyspected of thatb wretched lot. Useless tob a bitter eynd. Can't eyven speak to themb correctly without playingb some stupid game. Slave, youb will join us in 'finding' them, forb I do already suspect whereb they may be."
Skarv gave a depressed look to them and joined them. He began to really hate that word, 'slave'. He walked alongside Aslom and Suran deeper into the palace. He was grumpy for certain and his mind wandered on his daughter. He hoped she was safe and that Kurgle had kept his word, but yet he always had this sickening suspicion that it was worthless. He had so little choice. He hated always looking at the ground like the others did, and his anger could boil over to a murderous fury had it not been quelled by a need to keep his own kin safe. The three would arrive at the door of a room, farther than most, the personal quarters of Shaer and his kin. It was not exactly secret at all, but Skarv and the group could hear yelling, shouting, and angry hisses from the other side. Aslom knocked on the door, and Pulkan opened it and stepped back in fear of the cleric immediately. Aslom smiled at the young cat and waltzed in, and a silence fell in the room.
"Suran, you stay outside to guard. I can handle this alone." Aslom ordered. Suran motioned Skarv to enter, which he reluctantly did as Shaer and his family remained at arm's length between himself and the cleric. The cleric then smiled, his usually dismissive and arrogant rebuking attitude turned to one of strange respect.
"My goodb lord Shaer Greeneyes, I had been hoping youb would speak tob a humble and seyrvile cleric suych as I."
Skarv nearly dropped his jaw at this and so did the rest, yet, what Skarv saw really made him question his sanity. Before, this cleric was feared for his cruel tongue and immunity, a creature whom the other slaves whispered in this damned palace of his vicious rebukes, a beast of true authority. Yet his humble bow and fair greetings was welcomed by Shaer who arrogantly strode forward, taking it all hook, line, and sinker.
"Why yes, I did summon you, haven't I! My son's slave I hope had been kind in word an' deed, good cleric. God is in all things and all that!"
Truthfully, Aslom was trying very hard not to cringe or even warn Shaer of the perceived insult. Yet, Burba did not wish to mess around for much longer and corrected her husband "No you dolt, he summoned us, remember!?"
"Silence Burba! No swearing in front of the cleric." Shaer hissed
Kurgle only sighed and stepped aside, a bit more comfortable as he watched this clown show unfold. Aslom smiled as he spoke in length to Shaer.
"Shaer Greeyneyes, youb and I both knowb how much we despise yourb brother Milo. The arrogant foolb constantly speaks ill of us all, his wife, and his own chiyldren. My brother and I had a longb discussion as youb must be informed, that we are nowb considering new options. We dob not trust that yourb secular brother will be true to ourb designs for Moyssflower, as I can imagineb you have already guessed."
Shaer and Burba listened like common children, as Shaer matched Aslom's sweet tongue with his bitter remarks "Oh, yes of course. You should hear my brother drone on about what we will do to Mossflower. Can you believe it, good cleric, he plans to not even build a single temple? You should see him sit entire hours on a picture of your god, and I have even heard terrible rumors he plans to just give Mossflower away. . .to your brother's rivals!"
Aslom froze at this. He knew it was blatant rumor mongering, and lying of the most absurd kind, yet his designs demanded he believe it. Kurgle cringed, but yet he listened intently. He was curious why the cleric would now approach them, and he looked to the cleric skeptically.
"Oh? Truly, asb I. . .erm. . .expectb." Aslom had to pause. He wondered if he could challenge Shaer in some way, but his newest victims seemed ever the more oblivious.
Aslom composed himself, sweetly speaking to both Shaer and Burba with his promises "It is gooyd to knowb, truly, of your brother's desiresb. Milo was already knoywn to usb to seek to stab us in the back sob cruelly, and my own brother knows well of yourb desires Shaer Greeneyes. He wishes to keep ourb original designs intact, and asks if youb perhaps wish to be the oneb to 'fulfill' those designs."
Shaer could have nearly fainted to what he was hearing, and Kurgle could not believe it. Shaer ran up to the cleric, shaking his paw and gladly sold himself to his dark cause "Of course, to anything your brother demands of course! With my idiot brother no longer at the helm, we could accomplish so much together!"
Aslom was partly taken aback as Kurgle spoke up, standing and looking to the cleric with a cautious eye. He kept his voice low "You had not wished this before, cleric. Why now? What exactly does your brother want of us, if we were to 'fulfill' his desires?"
"Simple. Shater here will allowb the construction of new temples, and streamlineb settlers to these new conqueredb territories, as of courseb Milo has promised but Shaer here will keep. More sob, we desire compensation of lootb, and in terms of slaves, a largeb number of these variousb woodlanders, veyrmin, and anything else we desire. Of courseb, we desire yourb subordination, but not yourb vassa-"
Burba spoke up "Of course we agree! Now. . .how do you plan to do this for us?" Burba was slightly less enthusiastic as her gitty husband, speechless as he pumped the air. Skarv, watching this whole thing unfold could not believe it or stop himself from opening his mouth. I can't believe it. Are they really buying this? They have to know? Yet, even Kurgle was unsurprised as he listened intently to Aslom. The cleric spoke up and produced a vial from a sleeve, gently handing it Shaer.
"Firstb thing is first, goodb Shayer. Milo is not theb only target, his accursedb wife and daughterb with tainted blood of a disobedientb Mamluk must face ourb wrath. Youb must do this, in loyalty tob our cause. With her outb of the way, we shallb 'move' forward with otherb plans, to get youb in charge of this wretchedb hive of pagans."
Shaer gleefully grasped the vial, knowing what it was already. He nearly dropped the thing much to Aslom cringed features as he gave an attempted reassuring look to Kurgle. "Youb will come to knowb us as benefactors, and yourb council will be loyved more sob than yourb infernal brother. We look forwardb to this relationship."
Aslom left before they could even reply, as Skarv gave the red eyed cat a sickened look. He looked to Kurgle, who should have known better of such a blatant trick but yet even he seemed to be silent as he watched his gleeful parents fiddle with the vial. They knew just how to use it, and when, for a feast would be made tomorrow. Shaer's family schemed and plotted anew, with Kurgle giving Aslom and his bodyguard a skeptical glance, but was pulled away by his father, already talking about all the amazing things he would do when he ruled the Green Eyed Horde.
_
It was night as Aslom walked with his bodyguard amongst the palace grounds, and he was not at peace. He thought of the real plan, the plot to swipe away the Greeneyed Horde from the fools who ran it. He was above the station of slaves of course, but yet Aslom thought long and hard on the nature of Sandbeach and its cruelties. Each step he made was walked by many generations before him, and he did not know if it would continue so far into the future. All the tales the Greeneyes told themselves of past glories he had heard from Milo and Margos, and yet he cared not a single bit for it. He wondered if Margos's soul was resting, or if he and his ancestors burned for all time in the hell they made for themselves and their followers. As a young kitten, when he was chosen to become a cleric, he was taught of the sanctity of death. Yet, when he looked at Sandbeach, he sometimes questioned his faith.
For after all, would a loving god he worshiped allow such misery to exist?
Aslom battled his question over and over in his head, but came to the same conclusion. Life around him was short and cruel, dictated to all manner of beasts to make life even shorter for others. Had he been younger and less experienced, he wondered if he would be as disillusioned as many scholars had been. Many questioned the existence of the soul, and even of the nature of god, questions he should have found disgusting but yet still fascinating. He scoffed at the notion that the soul was non-existent, but not because he was a preacher, but because he could never imagine something so cruel. He did not need to know the mysteries of the world to know how unfair it would be to the many victims of many atrocities to simply end, their captors living in the lapse of luxury, forever entombed in golden vaults as thousands perished by either the sword or lash. Aslom hated to think of it, that all the terrible things done by tyrants such as Milo would all be in such vain.
No. It had to be God's design in some way, but it wasn't Aslom's place to know what it was.
As Aslom grappled with his thoughts in silence, he stopped by the ill lit tower at the farther end of the compound and knocked upon the door. When it was answered, Aslom stared back to the surprised face of Gana.
"Cleric, you. . .I. . ." Gana froze a bit. Tarlo's missus was joined by two others, two river otters who were her own personal servants who opened the door more thusly. "I was just preparing to sleep, my lord, if I had known you would be coming, I would have-"
Aslom stopped her with a raised paw "Nob. No need tob apologize, Gana Greeneyes. I knowb my intrusion is suydden. May I comeb in?"
Gana allowed the cleric to enter as the other slaves were guided out by the desert mouse warrior. At a nice table, overlooking the midnight gardens, the two sat across from each other as Aslom spoke as briefly as possible.
"I haveb heard of you, Gana Greeyneyes. I have come to ask. Does yourb husband haveb good health? I hadb hoped to meetb him."
Gana blankly blinked and nodded eventually "Yes, cleric. I did not know my husband's health was of the temple's concern?"
"It is." Aslom coldly replied. He looked at Gana and began to speak "Yourb husband is a good creature, lastb we spoke. A charitable, braveb, and young warriorb whom I was hoping to meetb again beforeb he had left. My dear, sinceb I cannot talk to him, I wasb hoping to speak tob you."
Gana grew concerned and spoke up "About what, my lord? I do not mean to insult, but I do not understand."
Aslom wanted to speak the truth, to be honest. Of how his brother planned to wipe out Tarlo's family except for two. He wanted to speak about the plan to rescue her and her husband and wisk them away to the west where they would be safe. How his agent Kain and Milo's Daughter would rule for a temporary time, while Tarlo cooled off in the halls of civilized beasts and came to the senses of western cats. Yet, the fear Gana had of Aslom and the distrust he had of him was understandable. She was the daughter of a local, a banished creature no doubt who was despised in higher society. They were spun tales of his land's many cruelties, but blind to their own.
All except Tarlo, and his missus. Aslom sat, unsure for the first time if he should continue, but yet a single piercing thought raged in his mind. The hate he and his brother had for Milo grew only by the day, the insolent cur allowed to even breathe a sigh of relief and plot against their own desires was to always be challenged. Lying was a sin, but yet, if Aslom had spoken of the truth, so much that would be in the favor of these few good folk in the middle of this terrible place would have been for nothing. Forb if God would notb bring justice, it is up tob his seryvants to do so.
"Perhaps youb could pray with me, Gana Greeyneyes. This place tests me, andb I have little trust of any otherb beast here."
Gana was relieved and nodded. The two did as what was custom in the west, and bowed their heads low to the Evening Star, and made prayers for those lost and those who suffered. They spoke in friendly terms for a while and Aslom left.
As Aslom returned to his room with Suran, the mouse perked up to ask. "Did youb tell her of yourb brother's plan, my lordb? Shall I prepareb a place on a boat for her?"
"Nay, notb yet Suryan. When that even worseb creature that Milo calls 'brother' founders, then I will whiskb her and Tarlob away, once all the pieces haveb fallen into line."
Morma Puff had a very simple routine each and every morning on Sandbeach. She would awake at earlier hours from the servile apartments in the compound before most others and dress herself. The dormousess was always particular on what she wore, even if it was the same garments most of the other slaves wore. Yet she awoke early for one particular purpose, to mostly quickly leave herself from the servants who viewed her as mad and made her way directly to Milo's quarters. She didn't like the awkwardness of waking to see several miserable beasts arise and give her deathly stares before going to work for the cats they began to really hate. She heard their spite, but always kept her mouth shut, not wishing to ever cause trouble with them.
Morma was the only other beast allowed to enter as she pleased into Milo's personal quarters as the wildcat snored loudly. As if on cue, as she began to lay out clothes for Milo on a small rug and bring up water for a quick morning bath, heated to his specifications, Milo arose and gave a very rare and confident smile.
"Morma. One day, you will be late." Milo joked, and Morma as always played alone. "Oh, you know me, day I am late you can kick me right on out, me lord."
Milo gave an even rarer chuckle as he arose and began his own rituals and routines. His only regret in choosing his favored servant was that Morma was not tall at all, and he often dressed himself as such. It was a tedious task, but Morma could do most of the things he needed without asking.
Milo had to be cleaned top to bottom, his clothes had to be fine and silky, as no cat here in Samdbeach to his desires could be taken seriously if they did not look the part of a mighty conquering emperor. As he basked in the richness of his room, perfumes and incense fill his nostrils, Milo began to frown. Morma stopped and noticed, and spoke up to ask.
"My lord, is something wrong?"
"Yes, to tell the truth, Morma. That cleric leaves today, but yet insists I feed him and take part in his meal. I wish my spymaster were here, for I feel naked without her eyes and ears prying on that evil thing."
Morma nodded in agreement. Milo spoke of a far off spymaster, sent to leash the Juska to his cause and did so in a spectacular manner. Morma didn't miss her persay, but Milo has been less himself since she left. Milo finished up, putting on his crown and admiring himself in the mirror. He was stern looking, a solid wall against the backdrop of his real emotions and anger. "Sometimes Morma, I think I am in too deep and over my head. My wife wants my head on a pike because I don't go along with her insane obsessions, Minto is well. . .you know him well enough. Cana is married, but she seems so miserable without her brothers. Of course, my fool of a brother. . ."
Morma only listened as Milo ranted to himself. Morma listened, but truthfully, had trouble sympathizing. Her whole life, ever since she came to Sandbeach and learning her role in this terrible place, has revolved around making Milo happy. Milo only felt happy complaining about his issues, and Morma listened as she always did, with no advice to give him.
"Morma." Milo asked, catching the dormouse off guard. She snapped to attention as Milo spoke in a bit more desperate tone.
"I think at the end of the day, you are perhaps the only creature I truly trust. It is silly, perhaps, but yet I feel like I am alone. I should be emperor of a mighty country by right of my blood, but I sit on a desert island, simply waiting. I wonder. Perhaps I should have gone to Mossflower myself."
Morma felt touched and smiled as Milo nodded to her "I am going to need as much enthusiasm today as you have had in your many years by my side, Morma. That cruel tongue of Aslom's can tempt me to do terrible things. Be sure everything is good for the day. Please."
Morma bowed her head and spoke, more as a friend then Milo's serf "Of course, my lord. Of course."
_
The slaves in the kitchens were preparing the main three meal course for Milo, his family, and his guest. Shrews, sea otters, and dormice and other sea faring woodlanders all prepared the meals with dejection as Morma oversaw the whole thing. It was her element to help out, to make sure the puddings were well, the sugary treats were perfectly arranged, and each and every meat and salad was fresh and steaming. Morma herself would serve the meals, with two others who joined them that day. One beast she knew already, the easily frightened albino sea otter Lumbert, and some shrew named Skarv. As Morma entered another section of the kitchen, she could see the two readying themselves, but Skarv looked incredibly unhappy.
Morma came over, trying to put on a smile, but knew it was no use. Lumbert waved friendly to Morma and she greeted him in kind "Mornen Lumbert. You seem ready as always, and not even shaking! Most excellent. Now, you already know what is expected of you, and you must be Skarv, I take it? Kurgle's servant? I know it isn't a good life, but for your own sake I must ask you to at least perk up a small smile, even if ya gotta fake it."
Skarv looked up at her, and then began to redden, and then flew into a rage. "Ohhh! I've had enough of this!"
Lumbert nearly squealed in horror and spoke up "N-not so loud! If they hear us, they'll have our rudders to be sure!"
Morma was also taken aback, but the shrew continued, a little more quieter but still furious and kicking his feet "Blasted cats, blasted all! All them scheming, overly pompous, arrogant, slavers! I can't stand it anymore! It's a bleeding insult there isn't a competent one amongst them, and all of them want each other dead! Scheme this, spy that, its all so bleeding stupid! All this court procedure, and we are all just pawns in it!"
Morma had no clue what Skarv was talking about, and shushed him "Please, good shrew, if Milo hears. . ."
"Oh if Milo hears what?! Not like he knows half of these blasted beasts want to kill him! Sea otter, why don't you tell her what you told me, eh?"
Lumbert looked embarrassed but spilled the beans after a short and comical kick by Skarv as Morma listened, a bit shocked. "I just heard around that Aslom visited your master's chamber, shrew. Me mistress wants to know stuff, and naturally she would like to know what you heard. Not sure why your so angry though. I mean, erm, Morma is perhaps not the beast for this to hear, and it could put all in trouble, and-"
"Is there some plot you two know about?" Morma's voice became more serious as Lumbert became suddenly frightened and silent. Skarv grunted and produced something from his pocket. It was a vial, with a clear substance in it as Morma nearly screeched and reached for it before Skarv pulled it away.
"You know what that is! Get rid of it! Ohhh, if Milo ever finds out. . ."
"Exactly." Skarv seethed. "All these cats are scheming against one another, while we toil and suffer for them. Hells, i'd not be mad if not for the fact me own daughter be in a blasted quarry, serving as I serve that stupid idiot I have to call 'master'. A reward he calls it, for loyal service."
"Please. You need to get rid of it." Morma begged "Not today. Milo needs to know, he needs too-"
Skarv silenced her by covering her mouth and began to reveal the full extent of Aslom's dark plot as Lumbert listened and the shrew furiously growled "Listen here, dormouse. Maybe unlike you, I don't like being a bleeding slave, bending me back and watching good beasts suffer for this lot of idiots. Aslom. Milo. Shaer. All of em be damned beasts walking. However, this is meant not for Milo, but his missus. His cruel, unrepentant missus."
Lumbert's eyes shot up and grew concerned "Oh. Maybe you should destroy it then. I mean. ."
"Burba herself gave me this poison to put in Maria's drinking cup otter, since she herself wouldn't do it. 'If something goes wrong, you'll be the one to suffer you blasted idiot'. You see, I ain't gonna poison our overlord's missus's goblet."
Morma and Lumbert calmed a bit as Skarv took down a plate of drinks and dipped the liquid into another's cup. Morma and Lumbert looked at Skarv as if he were insane as the shrew formed his own plan. "Listen up an' listen well. You two are tied to your masters, an I to mine, but don't mean we can't throw a rock into their rudder as me pa would say. I got a plan that'll satisfy all of us an' protect us from the worst of this, while all these idiot schemers throw themselves on their own swords." Skarv explained his plan to both, as ever loyal Morma finally began to nod.
_
Milo sat across from Aslom as the cleric ate in a humble way. Milo gripped his paws, even with the delicate meal in front of him, his eyes shifted to Maria who sat close to the cleric. Milo was joined by Burba and Shaer, both whom looked just as clownishly overdressed as he suspected them to be as the wildcat emperor kept his gaze on Aslom who seemed so comfortable. Chuggas Felis was perhaps the only happy beast, eating happily and merrily as the servants brought out food for them. Milo only perked up when Aslom spoke, eating away at a freshly made bread. His bodyguard to his side kept watch, ever vigilant as his master seemed to enjoy him.
"Ah, Milob. Yourb cooks fillb me with joy! It is toob bad I cannot bring themb home to serveb more finer maysters."
Milo grunted and began to eat his meal, trying to ignore the cleric. He will be gone soon enough. Infernal wretch thinks he can bait me into something. Yet the cleric continued and spoke. "Youb keep your headb down like a serving beast, Milob. Has yourb appetite betray youb?"
Milo had enough and pounded the table, which brought everyone's attention. Milo calmed himself as he spoke to the cleric, enjoying his food. "I tolerate you only for your brother's sake, Aslom. Not because I admire your quips and jabs. At least give me the dignity I deserve as Mossflower's ruler, as you would any other sultanate. For only but a day at least."
Milo hissed to himself, as Maria scoffed to see her fool husband growing angrier with her new found ally. Aslom only smiled, giving in to Milo's challenge.
"Dignity?" Aslom chuckled "A soldierb has dignity in the gearb he has and the blade they'b wield, the skillb of their aryms, and the fealty ofb their captain. The crayftsbeast has dignity inb what they canb make and sellb. The emir hasb dignity in theirb lands, their families, andb the respectb of their people. Evenb slaves have dignity forb where I come fromb, Milob, dignity thatb their masters have a useb for them, that they canb rise above meagerb stations, and evenb to perhaps oneb day see their childrenb become great warriorsb, scholars, and administratorys." Aslom mockingly ate of his meal and continued, Milo nearly arising from his seat in rage. Shaer and Burba wanted to chuckle, but felt true fear in the stare Milo gave to Aslom.
"You Milob? I'd ratherb live in the lowest pits of the abyss thenb stay a moment longerb on thisb isle. The way youb treat yourb slaves and allies alike would makeb even the most senile sorycerer blush withb embarressment."
Milo had enough and spoke harshly to the cleric, his anger boiling with fury over the cat's ceaseless insults. "Aslom, do you know what the populace of Sandbeach is made of? Don't answer that, you already know. Perhaps you need a reminder, when you return to that ship to swiftly send you back to your brother, you can perhaps pass by the families of the cats who flee your land. You know why they flee, cleric? Your lands are stretched to its limits by war, you worship a god who may as well curse you, your rules and disregard for those who supposedly serve you is no better then what we do here! You don't have subjects, Aslom, you only have slaves. At least here, my cats are free! They are all free and happy, ruling as they were meant to! Not without your religion hammering down on them!"
Milo felt better, but the smirk on Aslom's face made him retreat back into his chair as the cleric scoffed. "Web are aware, and youb know whatb is funny Milo? This pathetic excuseb for an islandb is why we needb the order web have in ourb homeland. Yourb cats are free, trueb, but they areb degenerates. They escapeb righteous causes to fightb your 'cause' if youb can even call it that. The factb my brother believes youb can even take Mossflower at all, let aloneb Green Isle, is theb true mystery here."
"For a beast of order and rules, your hypocrisy in regarding me with such ill will is deafening, cleric." Milo snapped at him
Aslom held in a chuckle, enjoying another piece of his meal "Whatb exactly am I supposedb to hold in highb regard, Milo."
"My title for starters."
"Your title? Emperor? Ha!" Aslom nearly burst into laughter. The rest of the table tried to awkwardly finish their meal while the cleric continued to speak to Milo in his absurd manner. Milo found it childish, but the cleric didn't seem to mind at all. He spoke in a foreign language to his companion which Milo seethed at. In the cat's own rules, such a thing was an insult, to speak the home language in a foreign land. Yet, when the two laughed a bit and calmed down, Aslom's mood became more sinister. He knew full well if his plan succeeded that Milo's days would be numbered, his family reduced to ashes, his son brought into his fold. He didn't just want to see Milo dead and forgotten, far from it, he and his brother wanted Milo to break.
"Thereb is a governor of a city youb may not know of very well, ruledb by a rabbit. He is a slaveb you see, boughtb and sold like any otherb, trainedb like any typical beastb would. He rules a city twiceb the size of yourb pathetic island. His palaceb is three times theb size of this equally patheticb hovel. I know him, and playedb a nice game of chessb or two with him. He hasb an army youb see, perhaps notb the size yourb father built, but pretty closeb. You live onb a desert isle, filledb with criminals and slaves aloneb. Youb claim I come from a worseb place, but whatb of youb, oh 'emperor'? Youb are nob more richerb then your own slaves in ourb eyes, who justb so happens to be in ourb mutual interest."
Milo squinted his eyes, angrily wondering to himself if the attempt on Minto's life was perhaps just a sick joke. He was partly convinced the western cats had some plan in mind, but a plan he didn't fully know of. Maria finally spoke up, bored of this back and forth. "Enough, the both of you are clownish enough. We are allies after all." Her glare at Aslom did not make the cat shut up, but it did make him speak more softly.
"Youb are correct, daughterb of a mamluk. I apoylogize. Our godb is mighty, and he wouldb frown upon ourb ill will. As of our business Milob, my brother willb continue to send reinforcements and suppliesb to your commander. Of courseb, in return forb these early troubles, we expectb compensation at theb very least. Chuggas hereb says you willb grant us. . .a portb along the coast?"
Milo said nothing, but eventually nodded. Aslom gave his smug smile, as he noticed one of the slaves serving a drink. He noticed Skarv giving him a drink and passing them down. As he did so, Maria in a bored mood sought to drink fast from her goblet but Aslom stopped her by placing a paw harshly on her. Maria was confused at first, but then noticed Burba and Shaer staring very longingly at her, and Maria realized what was happening.
Or well, so she thought.
To Aslom, nothing could have happened any better. Aslom's web of deceit and machinations would all fall into place, as Shaer and Burba would hang themselves in trying to kill Milo's wife. Aslom was watching Milo, wondering what he would do to his incompetent brother, his precious family no longer even trustworthy. Once Shaer and Burba were finally gone, he would say goodbye to Maria as she faithfully got to the shores of Mossflower and would meet her own end at an assassin's blade. Nothingb has gone wrong, and allb has gone right, praise godb for my blessings!
"A toast." Burba smugly spoke, trying to encourage Maria to drink. Maria gave a concerned glare to Aslom as he seemed confident. Once this cat had gained her fill, he would make the accusation. Perhaps that foolish shrew would taste test for him once he returned of course. He would of course have no choice.
Burba drank from her cup, and Aslom drank from his. He felt a bit weird at first, and then realized he had drunk a bit too much. Then he began to hear coughing and gagging. Aslom froze and looked shocked as Burba began to shake and drop her goblet as the ever quick signs of the poison he gave to them was coursing through Burba as she began to heave. Shaer got up and so did much of the table, shocked and unsure what to do. Milo called for a healer as Maria looked horrified. No. This can't be right? They wouldn't. Couldn't. They aren't that stupid! They wouldn't poison themselves!
Yet, the thought hit Aslom like a runaway cart. He and Maria just watched, terrified as Suran rushed over to try to salvage the situation, but Burba gave one last gasp and began to go limp. Kurgle was yelling and screaming, as he held his mother, trying desperately to get her to awake. Shaer was horrified and nearly ran into Milo, frightened as he was. Milo gave him a sympathetic look.
_
The compound was on lockdown as guards gathered the slaves and began lining them up. Yet, it wasn't the slaves who came under suspicion, but the cats themselves. Milo privately yelled and blamed Aslom, and Aslom only yelled back. Only two beasts now knew the full truth, at least what they thought. Shaer was inconsolibable, babbling to himself as he looked over the now draped body of Burba. Guards were rounded up, stories given, and the series of events began to challenge and change. Yet, Kurgle walked alone with Pulkan by his side. Pulkan had been shocked as well the terrible things that had happened, and could have never imagined this would ever come to pass. Pulkan could see his brother had changed a bit, his face in a terrible, angry frown as he walked with a mission.
"Kurgle, where are we going?" Pulkan asked, trying to keep up. Kurgle said nothing and only continued. Pulkan grew a bit scared as Kurgle continued to walk with terrible, demonic speed towards one target in particular. He arrived in the kitchens themselves, and looked around, making sure no beast was looking.
Skarv was there, and so was Morma. Both of them and Lumbert were the first to be questioned and each gave the same story. No beast to their knowledge had tampered with the food, and that they had been distracted by something when they left their stations for a moment. Milo excused them, as he could never imagine a slave of his coming up with such a poison to harm his kin. A cat perhaps, but the slaves feared him rightly, and Morma would have caught the beast before they acted. Yet, strangely, Morma shed no tears for Burba.
The four paused as Kurgle spoke "Pulkan. Grab that dormouse and escort out." He ordered. Morma huffed and spoke up "Now now, you ain't doin anything without Milo's permission youngster. We are innocent in this tragedy!"
Kurgle looked to Morma and his stare was deafeningly unresponsive. He was cold and made his order again "Pulkan. Do it. We must speak, shrew."
Skarv gulped as Pulkan did as asked and shooed Morma out of the kitchen. Once the two were alone, Kurgle pounced in anger at his personal servant, slamming him into one of the kitchen tables and taking a knife and put it to his throat. He seethed and hissed "You messed up badly, shrew. Your daughter is next after I finish with you."
Skarv didn't seem as afraid as Kurgle had hoped as the shrew quickly blurted out "Kill me, and the real murderer gets away, you blasted feline!"
"Explain." Kurgle slammed the shrew again into the table as Skarv spoke up. "I lied. We weren't alone, I put the blasted poison in Maria's cup I did! Me an' that dormoue went to go check on a noise you see, in the kitchens, we left that white otter there alone! Twas like he knew already! No doubt, he was spyen on you and your parents when that foreign cat visited! You think I am gonna risk me daughter's life just to kill your ma! I ain't gonna shed no tears, if ya excuse me, but I ain't stupid!"
Kurgle paused a bit and questioned him further "Why hide that information from Milo then? How can I believe you?!"
"And tell him I even knew of a poison, or get involved in the empress's affairs. That blasted white sea otter nearly got me killed as well ya see! It was my cup I gave to them lot, and suspicion fell on me. I think I be blessed for having your emperor thinking me too dumb to know what a poison is. Dat empress outplayed us all, an you know it."
Kurgle paused and began to let go of Skarv, and let him down. The shrew dusted himself off as Kurgle looked around "The white otter. Where is he." He demanded to know. Skarv grunted "Last I saw him, he fled back to his mistress. He'll return I thinks, at least, that's what he told us."
Kurgle put his knife away and looked down at the shrew. Skarv only continued to speak "I'm not intenden to be your enemy, master. If you folk die out, who takes care of me and me kin?"
Kurgle thought it over. Skarv was right, in some way, but Kurgle still held his suspicion. He sighed and left. Once gone, Skarv gave a sigh of relief as he unlocked a cupboard in the kitchen, and a frightened Lumbert fell out. The white sea otter fiddled his paws and spoke with a fright. "Oh seasons, if that cat even looks at me, I'll be a dead beast."
"Ya won't be. Yer mistress will protect ya." Skarv said a bit proudly. Morma returned, less then happy as she rejoined her conspirators. "Ohh. I should have never allowed this. Milo is upset, whole bleeding family be upset!"
"Aye, but yer master's missus be safe, an we got what we wanted out of this. Means on trouble cat be done for, an' dem others will be too divided. It means a chance for Mossflower and Green Isle. Any resistance is better than none! Listen ya two, an listen good. Were gonna make a mockery of those idiot beasts, and one by one were gonna help them get rid of themselves. We just gonna do so carefully, an' with a good amount of patience."
Morma was still unsure. She still liked Milo, but Lumbert nodded in agreement. "We may not be free, but if we can keep their attention here on Sandbeach more so on Mossflower, all the better." The frightened otter said, pride in his voice. Morma agreed. If these two poor fools get what they want, Milo and his whole family will be trapped here at least. Where they can't harm anyone else. And be safe.
_
Aslom and Suran walked in the streets of Sandbeach a bit dismayed, deep in thought and his paws firmly behind his back. He had a lot to think about. When he and his brother created this great plan to usurp Milo of his horde, everything was to be perfect. Shaer, Maria, all those close to Milo would perish in a specific way, and when Milo suspected the least, he would not even know what had hit him! His great plan to replace Milo with someone far more moral and agreeable now felt distant, as he thought a bit more on what could be salvaged.
Aslom spent the afternoon in his room as guards swarmed the grounds looking for the poisoner. Blame was immediately put on him, but it was lucky that Tolas and his guards found the vial in the paws of a less than agreeable lesser cat. Aslom didn't know who it was, but Milo's fury was quick as he suspected it to be, and the tortured confession was a thankful change of pace. It was curious they found the poisoned bottle in the personal possessions of that cruel taskmaster. Both he and his bodyguard counted their blessings knowing how unreliable torture can be, and Milo was satisfied in that justice had been served. Yet, Aslom insisted on returning home, and Milo allowed it. The cleric thought a bit more on why he was let go so quickly, and imagined it was because Milo was so fed up with him that letting him go was more preferable then having him stay a moment longer.
Aslom didn't even want to know what happened to that poor taskmaster, as he made his final attempts to salvage what he could of his master plan. Shaer was inconsolable, meandering in a room where Burba was set upon and draped in cloth. Shaer was not one to shed tears for his hated wife, but he seemed now convinced Maria had intended to kill him. Aslom was made aware of the information Kurgle had gotten from his personal slave. Aslom imagined that Shaer and his kin were dumb, idiotic, ambition mongers but he never imagined them dumb enough to botch such a scheme.
Yet, it was curious, he had talked to Maria about this in small and subtle details, prying as he did to try to see if she acted in such a manner. Yet, she did not. It was no shock though that Maria would not go to Mossflower until she had dealt with Shaer and his kin, having taken such an act personally. This would have been resolved at the dinner table, sure, but Aslom could only hope that Maria would finish her vengeance in good measure and make her way to her up and coming demise on Mossflower's shores. He had just hoped Kain had not botched up his end of this dark bargain.
The cleric felt a bit embarrassed, even naked, about all these schemes upon schemes. He wondered if God would be so understanding of all the sins he had to commit to make this rotten horde a more formal part of a civilized world. As he left, he gave a last and pitied glance to the compound and felt a twinge of concern. He wondered how long it would take for Maria to find out that he had Minto assassinated, or for Shaer to realize he was so easily duped? Or yet, perhaps, he didn't need to wonder. He could already imagine how foolish Milo was, their arrogance would never reveal his own tricks. It was a curse of all noble beasts, so paranoid of their close allies that their true enemy would never truly go uncovered. Aslom found it a bit amusing. Even if Milo had found out of his scheme, he could do nothing.
Aslom and Suran neared the docks, their ship was ready to set sail back to their beloved home. Leaving Sandbeach behind was a comforting thought. What wasn't so comforting was all those who were trapped on this isle. Suran gave a sad glance at the slaves who were busy on the docks, their well lashed back made him sick and their miserable faces were without hope. He had long given up on any chance of his own freedom, but to see such misery gave the hardened bodyguard pause. Aslom joined in this. He imagined the justice that would have come to these beasts when Maria finally was felled. Yet he could do nothing for them, not yet anyways.
"Put your bleeding backs into it! The cleric sets off soon, and you two have a longer shift ahead of you soon!"
Aslom and Suran turned their attention to the cat overseer they had humiliated before, angry and furious as he waved his whip at the enslaved sea otter and the ferret soldier who together began to load another box onto the ship. It would be food for the journey home as Aslom's crew mostly meandered on the ship, ready to set sail.
Aslom walked to the edge of the docks and gave a look to these two miserable beasts. The sea otter was too lashed and weak to even lift his head, his shackled legs look red and twitched. The ferret, his supposed guard, was no better. He wore Sandbeach's colors, but he was just as weakened from corporeal punishments inflicted on him, and his branded cheek was aberrantly obvious. The two beasts stopped when they saw Aslom and Suran looking at them, and froze, wondering if this would finally be the day their little game on the docks had ended.
"Do youb two haveb names?" Aslom asked
The two turned to each other and gulped. The ferret spoke first "Yes, me lord. Bulad be what me ma says my name was. Dis one here? He be named-"
"Danvan." The sea otter croaked. The two looked like they feared the cleric, as they rightfully feared any cat. Aslom took note of this, but the two's overseer came over and waved his whip at them "You two, get back to work!"
They immediately obeyed, but stopped when Aslom raised his paw. He paused and spoke, his voice softer than it had ever been since he came to the isle. "Bulad. Daynvan. Would youb come to the west with usb."
The two stopped what they were doing, as the overseer hissed. He came between the two and Aslom, speaking in harshness to the cleric, no longer fearing him. "You have no right! These beasts are property of Milo Greeneyes, and I will not let you take these stupid, ill bred, slaves back to that hellish land you call 'home'. They are staying here!"
The ferret spoke up first "If we came wit ya, will we. . .erm. . ."
"Be free?" The sea otter looked a bit hopeful, only to frown as Aslom shook his head.
"Nay. Nob beast is ever truly freeb, only a servant ofb another's servant. Yet, whatb this taskmasterb forgets is that thereb requires responsibility between those whob serve and those whob command. I cannot offer youb freedom, only a release from this place. I offerb this choice, sinceb you were deniedb it here, to come with usb, and we shall treat youb better."
The ferret and sea otter looked at one another, somewhat unsure. Yet, their seasons spent on Sandbeach had been nothing but turmoil and trouble. It was true, they thought, that they would still be servile creatures to another, and would likely be forever if they took this red eyed cat's offer. Yet, both knew that the hope of ever being free from this place was long gone. The sea otters were too weakened by their brutal work to do much, and the vermin soldiers too obedient and fearful to think otherwise. Both turned to Aslom and only gave a smile and appreciative nod. Suran came to them and motioned them to board the boat, which they did so as their overseer snarled out.
"Get back here! The both of you, or I'll-"
Aslom huffed, grabbed the overseer by the collar of his shirt and pushed him into the waters of the dock while others watched. None dared speak out against the cleric as the taskmaster could only hiss and desperately swim ashore, humiliated again. He was tempted to call out some command, but Aslom spoke down to him.
"Youb are already damnedb, but do notb damn yourself further. We willb leave with orb without yourb consent, and for your ownb sake I hope you will notb speak of this to yourb master whob will look unfavorably on youb."
The red sailed boat set itself to finally be off as Aslom boarded his ship last. Suran had unlocked the sea otter's shackles set on his legs as the two looked out over Sandbeach. Both didn't have a great deal of regret, but Aslom could see they still pitied those trapped in that terrible place. As Sandbeach began to meld off into the distance, the two gave a long sigh of relief and turned their attention westward, wondering what exactly laid so far away that even their previous masters showed so much fear for.
