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Shane's heavy winter boots echoed down the long stone hallway. The large arctic wolf that guided him from the docks had said less than a dozen words to him and move as silently as a ghost. The wolf turned abruptly and pointed to a heavy wooden door.Shane was not a large fur. He was a bat and he was chilled to the bone, but the wolf seemed to get a sadistic thrill at watching Shane struggle to push open the door on its rusted hinges.

"It's colder in here than it was outside!," he lamented as a blast of frigid air hit him from the dark room.

"There is a hearth. And a brazier can be fetched by one of the servants. Is there anything else you will require, or are your needs met?"

Shane's needs were definitely not met. He surveyed the dark room, jumping as the wolf struck a match and began lighting the few candles. The was a bed, a fireplace and a set of drawers for the meager possessions he had taken with him. The desk in the corner had to be moved in special for the bat. The northern packs cared little for art or writing.

"Food," Shane said. "I haven't eaten since this morning. Please send me some food." His perceptive bat ears picked up the almost silent snort.

"Very well. I will send for your room sla-" the wolf caught himself, "servant. He will see to your immediate needs. The Alpha will call for you this evening. Don't keep him waiting." And with that, Shane was left alone.

The bat now had more time to look around the room, though there was hardly anything of interest really. Going over to the bed, Shane picked up part of the blanket. It was thick and wooly, so he at least didn't have to worry about being cold at night. He looked around as a thought reached his head. There wasn't a bathroom in his room, so that meant when he had to go, he'd have to actually go out and try to find one, or perhaps the servant will be able to help him with that? At that moment, he heard a few soft knocks at the door, then went over and opened it. Standing outside the door was a red fox, a little shorter than he was, and wearing a ragged brown shirt and pants. The fox kept his eyes lowered, his ears laid slightly back.

"Hello sir, I've been sent to tend to your needs." The fox's voice was flat, having hardly any emotion to it at all.

Shane rubbed the back of his head, then opened the door some more. "Uh, please come in, my name is Shane. Can I get your name?"

The fox looked up briefly for a moment, giving Shane a mere glimpse at his eyes. The vulpine's eyes were a deep fiery orange that went rather well with his fur. The servant entered the room, immediately going over and flattening out the blanket and making it look nice.

"My name is Mikhail, sir" Shane's ear twitched at that. Again, the fox had replied with hardly any emotion at all.

Mikhail's tone reminded Shane why he hated working with Nobility, even if the artic wolves would have barely qualified as such back in the southern city-states. But it was challenging the Nobility's culture of inequality that forced him into exile in this frozen hell.

"Mikhail, the wolf, whoever he was, he said that I could make a few requests?"

"Yes, sir."

Shane shivered, he wanted to think it was the cold and not the poor fox's demeanor. "Is it always this blasted cold!"

The fox stared blankly at Shane's feet.

"Well, I suppose you're used to it by now. But I am freezing. The wolf said you could bring a brazier. Bring two. And coal enough to keep them burning all night. And light the hearth!" Shane pulled the blanket off the bed and wrapped himself in it. He wondered how he was expected to paint the Alpha if he couldn't feel his own fingers.

Mikhail knelt in front of the fireplace and set to building a fire. Shane watched him work, fluid movements and complete focus on his task. Shane had seen that in the houses of aristocrats among their second and third generation servants. He shook his head and promised himself he wouldn't get involved this time.

"Food and drink, too."

The fox nodded, silently continuing his work.

It didn't take long after that until the fox had finished, the fire in the fireplace soon flooding the room with heat. Mikhail turned and looked to the bat, blinking in surprise for a moment, but then hiding the look just as fast as it had come.

"There we go sir, the fire should warm the room within a few moments."

Shane huddled a little closer to the fire, sticking out his hands to warm his fingers as the vulpine went over and stood at the door for a moment.

"I'll be right back sir with your food and drink as well as the braziers and the coal."

With that the fox left, closing the door behind him. A question suddenly occurred to Shane at that moment, how was Mikhail going to carry all of that? Perhaps he should've just had him bring the food and drink first, then the braziers and coals later? Ah well, the vulpine was long gone by now anyhow. After several moments, the heat from the fire had spread throughout the room, and the bat felt like he didn't need the blanket anymore. It wasn't long after that before he heard a knock on the door, so he hurried over and opened it wide. Mikhail was standing there, two large braziers and a large wooden box of coal behind him, and a platter of food and water in his hands.

"Here's your food and drink sir, I'll bring the braziers and the coal in."

Shane took the food and drink, then went in and set them on the desk before hurrying back to the door, only to find himself having to step aside as the fox brought in the braziers and set them by the desk. He then looked at the large box of coal, seeing how heavy it looked.

He sighed. "Wait, Mikhail. Let me help you with that."

The fox's ears twitched. "N-no, sir. I can manage."

Shane ignored the protestations but the fox was insistent.

"Please, sir... I can get in trouble if you help me," he tilted his head up, giving Shane a glimpse of those orange eyes. "Please, just let me serve," he whispered.

Shane stepped back. The fear and sorrow in Mikhail's voice startled him. Every second he spent here made the feeling that this was all a horrible idea grow. This was not the escape he'd hoped for.

Shane ran afoul of some of the more influential citizens in the supposedly free-city of Xebico. It was Shane's only foray into politics and it had been a disaster. His renown as one of the south's greatest living artists did nothing to protect him from the retribution of those he spoke out against. With no one willing to hire him and threats of violence becoming more credible, the bat took a job he would have scoffed at only months earlier.

An Alpha, a wolf king, or prince - Shane wasn't sure - offered him a gerious sum to travel to the northern Packlands and paint his portrait. Shane hastily agreed and arranged travel on one of the ancient steamships. He resigned himself to a year abroad. He clung to the hope that by the time next year's summer thawed the iceberg choked bays, the political turmoil back home would have subsided.

Mikhail grunted loudly as he picked up the box of coals, staggering then regaining his balance after a moment. With a soft whine, the tod stumbled into the room, then set the box heavily down beside the desk before looking to Shane, panting softly.

"I-Is this good sir?"

Shane quickly nodded at that, gently shooing the fox away from the box of coals in case he felt the need to move it again. "Yes yes, that's more than enough, thank you"

The bat then grabbed one of the braziers, and moved it to a corner, then moved the other brazier over near the bed. Then after that, he went back over to the desk and picked up the large loaf of bread that was one it. It wasn't that hard, but it wasn't soft either. As he took a tentative bite, Mikhail went to work filling the braziers with coal using a small shovel, then he lit both braziers before standing patiently by the bed, watching Shane.

Shane felt the eyes on him. He swallowed the chewy bread and turned around.

"Oh. Uh, dismissed." He pointed to the door.

Mikhail shifted uneasily. "Isn't there anything else you wish me to do?"

"No. No, I am satisfied. You may leave."

"Sir... I- I'm assigned to you. If you wish me to leave, I can wait outside your door, but there's nowhere else for me." He placed his hand on his stomach, sliding up the tattered shirt, his bushy tail curling seductively between his thin legs.

Shane put the loaf down. The bat had been offered the company of prostitutes by some of the more vile furs he was commissioned by, but to send one's own servants? The list of grievances he planned to bring up with the Alpha grew longer.

"Please! No need for that." Shane stood and the fox looked fearful.

"Do I displease you?" Mikhail's ears flattened further.

"No. Not at all." If anything, the fox was just his type, leading him to wonder how much of a coincidence it was that he was given Mikhail as a personal servant. "I have a meeting with the Alpha this evening. I need my mind sharp." With any luck he could get the wolf to take back his... gift, and Shane would not have to deal with the temptation. But for now, "Can't you just return to the servants quarters? I'm a fur of simple needs. I really don't think there's much you can do."

The fox flattened his ears even more at that, and the bat could've sworn that he had seen a hint of disappointment in his eyes as he turned away and headed over to the door.

"I will leave you to yourself then sir, if there is anything that you need from me just call for me."

With that the red fox opened up the door then crossed the threshold before shutting the door behind him. But instead of going anywhere, Mikhail merely pressed his back to the wall beside the doorway, then slid down until he was sitting back against it, his ear remaining perked so he could hear if Shane called for him, while his tail curled around his legs. Shane stared at the door for several moments, unsure of whether or not the fox had actually left.

"I really hope that the alpha will take him back, I don't need a personal servant," He turned back to the desk, tearing off another piece of bread. "He'd probably get in the way anyway."

Outside of the door, in the cold drafty hall, Mikhail sat with his arms wrapped around himself for what might have been hours. He could see each of his shallow breaths and worried about the coming winter. He thought he had a chance to escape the cold cells where the servants were herded beneath the castle's cellars. It was always crowded, smelled horribly and for the past two winters there had been coal shortages. He still shivered when he thought of what the the other furs did in the dark without the watchful eyes of the wolves keeping them in line. But the bat seemed to show little interest.

A blur of movement caught his attention at the far end of the hall. His ears flattened and his heart began to race. Galvin, the arctic wolf who ran the Alpha's castle with an iron fist, moved swiftly toward him. Mikhail sprung to his knees and bowed low with his eyes on the floor, the wolve's prefered position from their servants. Only the rustle of Galvin's cloak told him the wolf was standing in front of him.

"If you have offended the Alpha's guest..." Galvin growled.

"N-n-no, Master Galvin! H-he didn't have need of me right now, so I'm waiting for him to call me back in." He squeezed his eyes shut. Galvin was fond of dealing out physical punishment for even the slightest infraction.

"Since you aren't doing anything, see to it that Shane is prepared to meet our Lord in an hour."

Mikhail released the breath he'd unconsciously held. "Yes, Master Galvin."

The wolf cleared his throat. "A little gratitude for giving your life purpose?"

The fox opened his eyes and saw the wolf was standing closer than he'd thought. Without thinking, Mikhail leaned forward and gave a quick lick to Galvin's boot. "Th-thank you, Master Galvin, for trusting me to prepare the Alpha's guest."

The wolf spun on his heel and continued his silent walk down the hall. Mikhail shuddered with a mixture of fear, hate and sorrow. Strong emotions he was used to burying deep. After a few deep breaths, the fox was calm and ready to knock on the door.

After knocking on the door, he waited patiently. After several moments, the door cracked open slightly, and Shane peered out before opening the door up more.

"I already told you that there's nothing else you can do for me." The vulpine's ears flicked at that, but he remained calm, like he always was.

"I'm not here for that at the moment sir, I need to get you ready to meet the Alpha in one hour. May I come in?"

Shane hesitated for a moment, but then nodded and stepped aside, letting the fox in before quickly shutting the door as to not let anymore heat escape the room. Mikhail went over to the bed, and sat down on the edge of it, inwardly hoping that Master Gavin didn't come in at the moment. The arctic wolf wouldn't be very forgiving if he found that the red fox had sat on a guest of honor's bed without any permission at all.

Shane looked to the fox, then asked, "So, uh, how do I prepare then?"

At that Mikhail quickly got up, stepping up to the bat and reaching out, but then quickly stopping and looking up at Shane, "May I sir?"

"May you what?" The fox had gotten a little too close now, only being several inches away from the bat.

"May I help you get prepared sir, I don't bite.... that hard"

Now that one caught Shane off guard. Did Mikhail really just tell a joke? He didn't even think the red fox was capable of being even remotely funny, but there he was, telling jokes. The bat glanced down at the vulpine's hands, which were still lingering dangerously close to him, then back up to the fox for a moment, before nodding softly.

"Alright... you may."

With that Mikhail began fixing the bat's clothing, making everything look nice and well presented on Shane. The fox worked on him for several long moments, before finally stepping back and giving Shane a small nod.

"There you go sir, now you look presentable."

Shane smiled and turned around, giving the fox a full view. His ears lowered a little when he realized the room did not have a mirror. A snap of his long fingers. "Aha! Mikhail, next to you in my pack you should find a hand mirror."

The fox grinned, the first time today, and opened the bat's bag. Mirrors were exceedingly rare in the Packlands, and from what Mikhail had heard, they weren't all that common elsewhere outside of the Old Cities. He saw the glint of reflected light and his tail wagged as he reverently took out the small reflective square in a narrow iron frame. He looked himself in the eye and his grin quickly faded.

"What's wrong?" Shane noticed the sudden mood swing.

"Nothing, sir. We servents use pools of water if we want to see ourselves... I haven't looked in a real mirror in years." He touched his paw to his cheek, tracing along his muzzle and watching his reflection do the same. The bed moved as Shane sat next to him. "I'm so sorry, sir! H-here," held out the mirror.

Shane shook his head. "There is no need to be frightened of me." He took the mirror and held it for the fox to see. "Years, you say? Such a pity. There is so much beauty in you."

The fox blushed and looked away from his reflection. "You flatter me, sir."

Shane tilted his hand so he could see his own face. "No, Mikhail. I mean it. I... I think I would like to paint you, during my time in residence here. Would you be alright with that?"

Mikhail blinked in surprise at that, then looked back at the bat. For the first time ever, Shane saw actual excitement on the fox's face. Without thinking, the fox placed his hand on the bat's thigh as he turned back to face him.

"R-Really sir?? You're serious? I-I would love for you to paint me, it wou--," He froze when realization dawned on him, and stared down at his own hand in horror. Quickly, he yanked it back then dropped down on his knees in front of Shane, "P-Please forgive me for my transgression sir! I-I didn't mean anything by it! Please, d-don't tell Master Gavin, he'll... he'll..."

Mikhail then fell silent, closing his eyes for a moment and shuddering at the thought of what kind of punishment the arctic wolf would deal out. He didn't even realize that Shane had no idea who this Master Gavin was. Opening his eyes back up, the vulpine looked up at the bat and whined pleadingly. Frankly, Shane was shocked at how fast the fox went from happy and excited, to horrified and miserable.

"Mikhail. I would never-"

Without a knock the door swung open. The arctic wolf stared at the scene. His eyes moving from Mikhail then to Shane. "Our intel did not stipulate your predilections. We have a wide assortments of whips, should you desire them. And the fox can even recommend the most of effective ones. He has ample personal experience. Isn't that so?"

Mikhail shook and Shane's anger rose. He stood, prepared to verbally tear into the wolf, but a whimper and tug on the cuff of his pants stopped him cold. Surely the fox would suffer for any outburst from Shane. "Thank you..."

"Galvin," the wolf said.

"Thank you, Galvin, but that will not be necessary. Are you here to escort me already? It hasn't been an hour. Please leave for a moment so that I might finish grooming."

The wolf glared. "You would be foolish to waste the Alpha's time. You are here at his expense and his mercy, need I remind you?"

Shane nodded, remembering this was the wild north, not the civilized cities he was used to. Who knew what the wolves might do to him. "I understand. Two minutes. That's all I need."

Glavin left without a word, letting the door shut and seeming to take the heat with him. Shane dropped to his knees by the cowering fox, taking him by the shoulders.

"Mikhail?" The fox shook and Shane pulled the blanket from his bed and wrapped it around Mikhail. "I need to see the Alpha. I want you to stay here. I will be back as soon as I can. Are you going to be alright?"

The fox glanced frantically at the door, rubbing his wrists nervously. Shane could tell that the fox was absolutely terrified of the arctic wolf. He didn't know how, but he was going to fix that. Maybe he could talk to the Alpha, he didn't quite know for sure. But would he be willing to risk making the Alpha angry? Didn't he already learn his lesson from back in the south?

"I-I'll be alright sir....," Mikhail glanced at the door again, then rubbed his arm, "I....I...." It was then that Shane knew he wanted to say something.

"Mikhail, please, there's no need to be afraid of what you say to me." The fox looked to him, then nodded softly, his tail lashing a little.

"M-Maybe if you can..... talk to Master Galvin.... then maybe....n-nevermind...."

The bat looked towards the door, wondering whether or not the arctic wolf was listening to their conversation. Then with a deep sigh, Shane looked back to the fox.

"I'll... see what I can do."

Shane left the room to find the tall wolf leaning against the wall across from him. Galvin gave the bat a disapproving look before pushing off the wall and walking away. Shane hurried to keep up. Only after they were deep into the labyrinthine complex did Shane work up the nerve to speak.

"Galvin... about Mikhail-"

"If you are asking if there are limits, the answer is no. The Alpha's pack controls more land than you can imagine. We are flush with furs offering up their broods for indentured servitude to gain my Lord's favor. If he breaks, others will take his place."

Shane was horrified. Even in Xebico's most decadent palaces the Nobility couldn't just kill their charges. There would be no reasoning with this wolf. Shane could only hope to shield the fox until he could work something out.

"You said he was to be my personal servant... should I have need of him during the night?"

Galvin looked over his shoulder. "Did he not tell you? He is yours until you depart. That includes his nights." He looked ahead and Shane could hear the low growl in Galvin's throat. "There is a small cage beneath your bed. It's better than he deserves and while you are with my Lord, I will happily chastise the fox for 'forgetting' to mention his new abode. He fears the dark, you see. I think leaving him locked away for a day or two will teach him to fear you more."

Shane felt sick. "I- I only meant to ask if he could stay in my room! Please, he's done nothing wrong. I didn't have time to speak more than a few words to him while I was settling in, he never got the chance to explain our arrangements. There's no need to punish him."

Galvin stopped short and Shane nearly walked into him. "That may be. But I think I will still have a chat with him while you are in with the Alpha." The wolf held up a finger, silencing Shane. "I will return for you when the meeting is over." He motioned to the red painted door he'd stopped in front of.

Shane hesitated for only a second, but Galvin caught onto it. The arctic wolf opened up the door, placed his paw on the bat's shoulder, then lead him inside. On the other side of the door, was a throne room. All the way across the room, sitting on the throne itself, was a large black wolf. Standing on either side of him were two guards. Galvin stopped, giving Shane a subtle push towards the throne, then bowed his head and began backing away.

"Here he is, as you requested sire, Shane the Artist" The Alpha waved the wolf away, and Galvin turned and left the room.

The bat took a few tentative steps forward, unsure of how he should greet the Alpha, but as it turned out, the Alpha greeted him first.

"Shane.... that is a very interesting name your have. I like the way that it flows from my mouth"

The bat blinked at that, "Uh, thank you."

The wolf raised an eyebrow at that, then proceeded to study Shane in silence, his fingers gently tapping the arm of the throne as he stared at the bat. Shane was doing his best as to remain respectably still.

"I became quite enthralled with your work while in the southern cities," said the Alpha after a long silence. "Your paintings were captivating."

Shane was used to gushing praise, but he always managed a humble facade so as not to insult his customers. "Thank, your majesty. I am honored-"

"Lenir. We are not nearly as formal as Galvin would make it seem. The use of titles and honorifics are typically only required of slaves and servants. And you, Shane, are a treasured guest. Call me Lenir"

"O-oh... Thank you, Lenir."

The wolf drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne, letting another long silence settle in. "It was a month after I first saw your work that I learned you were a male. Before that, I entertained thoughts of pursuing you in a more personal manner."

Shane blinked several times. Was he expected to apologize? Was he expected to laugh? "I, uh... I get that more than you'd think."

Lenir burst out in laughter. "Fear not, Shane," he said, still trying to control his mirth. "A formal mating maybe out of the picture, but you can still have a chance to please me."

Shane's ears flattened and he prayed the wolf meant artistically.

"Are your accommodations to your liking?" Lenir continued. "We lack many of the amenities you are accustomed to, but we make up for it in hospitality. Do you like your servant? I hope we haven't insulted you, but my scouts reported your fondness of fair males. We can always find you a vixen, or a bear, or anything in between if you would prefer."

Shane's eyes went wide. "No, my Lor- Lenir. I am happy with Mikhail." He was not happy to think the fox was being given without a choice, but he had to admit the wolf's scouts got his tastes right. Maybe he could use that. "I'm more than pleased, really. If I might beg of you one favor, Galvin seemed to be under the impression that I was displeased in the fox's behavior. I-If you might keep him from punishing Mikhail any further while I am here, I would greatly appreciate it."

Lenir nodded slightly. "Yes. Galvin is efficient when it comes to giving out his punishments, he's probably tending to your fox as we speak if I know him, but I will give word that you will be handling the servant from now on."

Shane swallowed, fear at what might be happening to the fox burned at the back of his mind, yet he was powerless to do anything as the Alpha began idly chatting about what he admired in Shane's previous works.

*****

Mikhail sat by himself on the bed in Shane's room. The red fox was twiddling his thumbs, doing his best as to try and pass the time, but there was very little he could do. With a small sigh, the fox got up and went over and checked the coals for the braziers, then poked a little at the fire in the hearth, making sure it wouldn't die out. As he did all this, he thought back to what the bat had offered him. Never before has anyone shown him that much kindness, and for the first time in years, the red fox felt a warmth in his chest. Once he finished with the fire, he went back over and sat down on the bed. At that moment, the door opened up. Mikhail perked his ears and looked up with a hopeful look, but that look turned into a look of horror as he realized that it wasn't Shane, but Master Galvin. The arctic wolf stared at him, then narrowed his eyes and lifted his lips in a snarl.

"Comfortable, are we?" He brought a paw out from behind his back, and to the fox's horror he saw that it was holding a whip.

Mikhail quickly slipped off the bed and fell onto his knees, "P-Please Master Galvin! I-I was only waiting for--," He didn't get to finish, for at that moment the wolf kicked him right in the chest and knocked him over.

"Did I say that you could speak you poor excuse for a fleabag?!" The whip came down, and the red fox let out a loud yelp of pain as he felt the sharp bite of the whip.

There was nothing that Mikhail could do except curl up in a tight ball as the wolf whipped him repeatedly, each new bite of the whip brought out another cry of pain, and more tears. The fox cried loudly, tears streaming down his face as the sadistic wolf continued to punish him. After what seemed like eons, the whipping finally came to a stop, and Glavin gave him a heavy kick to the side, making him yelp again.

"If I ever have to come back here again, I'll make sure your punishment is much worse than a mere whipping, slave." He has said the last word with a sneer, then turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him and leaving Mikhail curled up on the ground sobbing.

*****

"Then I want you to work as close as you can to what you are comfortable with," Lenir said.

Shane told the wolf all he wanted to know about how his masterpieces were created. The month he would spend getting the feel of his subject's surroundings, the informal sessions where the bat would talk more than paint, the copious amounts of sketches he liked to do. Truth be told, Shane didn't need to do most of that, but it made the clients feel like they were getting their monies worth. To Shane, all his works were self-portrait. He just wrapped himself in the shell of whoever wanted to be painted.

Lenir smiled as he looked at Shane. "Yes, you shall have the run of the grounds. If you find a place off limits, send your servant to fetch Galvin and we'll see if he can bend the rules for you." The wolf rubbed his hands together. "I will arrange a feast! Tomorrow evening, when I've returned from my duties. In the great hall. You will sit at my left and begin the process of getting to know me."

Shane could have sworn the wolf was salivating. Whether it was in anticipation of the food was anyone's guess. "Thank you, Lenir." It was still a strange sensation to be calling a client by name, rather than title. The northerners were a strange lot, the bat decided.

"You may wish to hold of thanks until you've seen your studio. My pack has managed to track down most of the items you requested, but a few are proving more elusive."

"I'm sure I can work around it," Shane forced a smile. Again, Lenir let an infuriating cloud of silence descend until he the bat found it almost too much.

"Have you eaten? I'm afraid you missed today's supper, but send your servant to the kitchen and our cooks will prepare you a meal."

Talk of Mikhail made the bat nervous. "I-I think I will do just that. And thank you again for your generous hospitality... by your leave?" he bowed low, waiting to be dismissed.

The wolf smirked and stared for a moment. "By all means. I will see you tomorrow evening, Shane."

Shane backed out the same way he'd seen Galvin exit. And as if thinking of the tall fur summoned him like some sort of demon, the arctic wolf was silently standing just outside to doors. Shane jumped, his heart racing. Galvin was amused by the reaction and almost smiled.

"I took the liberty of disciplining your fox. I still recommend you keep him locked in the under bed cage for a few days, but I promise he will not forget himself again."

Shane shuddered. "T-take me to my room, at once."

The arctic wolf nodded, then began his silent walk back the way he had brought Shane. The bat couldn't help but think of all the things that the wolf could have done to Mikhail. The thought of the fox lying in a puddle of his own blood came to mind, but Shane quickly shook his head and rid himself of the thought. Galvin wouldn't go that far, would he? The wolf already said that Mikhail wouldn't forget himself again, so that would have to mean that he was still breathing, right? After the long walk back with a mind full of torturous thoughts, the white lupine finally brought him back to his room. Without hesitation, Shane opened up the door and rushed in. He found the red fox laying on the ground in a tight ball, sobbing quietly. There were marks all over him.

"Mikhail! Mikhail I'm back now, it'll be alright!" He knelt by the red fox, placing a tentative hand on the tod's arm, then heard a growl come from the door.

"He is a servant, he doesn't deserve any compassion!" Shane clenched his fist at that, and before he knew what he was doing, he was standing up and facing the wolf, keeping himself between him and Mikhail.

"He doesn't deserve having some big bully like you beating him over nothing either! Get out of my room, now!" The wolf blinked in surprise at the sudden outburst.

"I have the--"

"I said get out! Or I'll tell the Alpha that you're being a nuisance." Galvin narrowed his eyes at that, shutting his mouth. With a snort, the wolf turned and left the room, shutting the door behind him.

Leaving the fox's side for only a moment, Shane found the door had no locking mechanism. Why would it, he thought bitterly. Summoning the full extent of his strength, and helped along by angry adrenaline, Shane pulled the room's set of drawers until it was blocking the door. He then ran back to Mikhail.

"Oh, God. Mikhail... I-I'm so sorry." He cradled the fox's head until the sobbing stopped. "It's alright now. I'm with you and you're safe now." The words rang hollow but it was all he had to offer.

He looked over Mikhail's body, his training as an artist gave him a better than passing knowledge of a fur's anatomy. Galvin was truly disgustingly good at his job. The welts and cuts were laid out for maximum pain but none near any vital areas. Physically, Mikhail would recover... but what of his spirit?

"Can you speak?" Shane asked softly.

The fox whimpered but nodded.

"I won't let you leave my side again, ok? I- I'll say I need you to assist me in my art. Lenir can't object to that." It was more hope than conviction. "Can I move you to the bed?"

Mikhail tensed as much as his aching body would allow. "Master Galvin, he said I had to tell you a-about the cage-" his voice cracked and he wailed, "don't put me in it! I'm terrified of the dark!"

"Never!" Shane held the fox tighter, forgetting the pain it might cause him. "Damn Galvin! And damn his cage! From this moment on, we are to be as inseparable as possible." Shane may have failed to better the lives of the furs of Xebico, but he vowed with every fiber of his being that he would find away to save this fox from his living hell.

After a long moment, Mikhail let loose a soft whimper as his head laid against the bat's chest, his tail curling around his legs. This was the first time anyone had ever stood up for him, and because of that the warmth in his chest only grew when he looked up at Shane. The fox had no idea what that warmth was, but he liked it.

"Let's get you to the bed Mikhail" The fox didn't object as the bat helped him to his feet, acting as his support as he helped him over to the bed.

Mikhail let loose a whine as he was laid down, but again, he had no objection. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to focus on something else other than the pain, but it was proving to be unsuccessful. The fox jumped a little when he felt something tap on his arm, and he opened his eyes to find that Shane was right beside him, offering him some water. Gratefully, the fox took several large gulps of water, then gasped softly and laid his head back onto the pillow. Then after another moment, he looked back up at the bat.

"Thank you sir.... I-I've never had someone who cared that much about me..." He could feel the warmth in his chest grow even more.

"He shouldn't treat you like this, even if you're a servant." Mikhail blinked softly at that, but then nodded gently.

"Sir... I don't know why, but.... but you make me feel... warm" The fox managed to produce a small grin at that.

It didn't surprise the bat. Warmth, emotional or otherwise, seemed in short supply here. Shane reached out slowly, pleased the fox didn't flinch away this time. He stroked Mikhail's head. "You make me feel warm too," he whispered as the fox closed his eyes. Shane would leave the candles burning all night in case Mikhail woke. He pulled the covers up, cautiously snuggling closer to keep whatever warmth the fox had kindled burning bright.

***

After several hours passed, Shane woke to the movements of the fox disentangling himself. When the fox saw he'd woken the bat a sharp edge of fear crept into his voice.

"I'm sorry, sir. I-"

Shane put his arm over Mikhail's chest and nuzzled into his neck. "It's alright. Everything's going to be ok."

Mikhail couldn't understand why, but he believed this traveler from a distant land. It was a rare occasion not to find another fur's physical contact either painful or repulsive, but the bat managed to return a sense of innocence to it. Mikhail would have happily spent the entire day laying motionless in the bat's embrace but unlike the fox, Shane was unaccustomed to hunger.

"Lenir said I had unrestricted access to the castle. What say you show me the kitchen and then we'll see if we can't find this place's beauty?"

It was an impossible quest as far as Mikhail was concerned, but anything the bat wanted, Mikhail would do his best to provide.

The fox then got up, moving a little slow because of his confrontation with Galvin. He stretched a little, though it was a touch painful, it did made him feel a bit better afterwards. Shane got up as well, then went over to the drawer's blocking the door and began pushing them out of the way. Mikhail perked his ears, then quickly hurried over and helped him. Once the door was unblocked, he looked to Shane with a very small grin.

"Oh, and while we're out and about, can you also show me where I can go to the bathroom at?" The question had popped into the bat's head, and he figured that now would be a better time to ask.

Mikhail nodded, "Of course sir, we'll pass by the latrine on the way to the kitchens. Do you need to use it now? We can hurry if you'd like"

Shane shook his head at that, "No no, it's perfectly fine. Right now my stomach is beginning to demand something other than just bread and water." As if to make a point, his stomach suddenly growled, making the fox giggle softly.

The bat perked his ears at that and looked to the tod in surprise. That was the first giggle he's ever heard from the fox ever since he first met him. Shane couldn't help but grin softly at that.

"Heh, shall we be on our way then?" Mikhail nodded quickly, then went over and opened up the door, letting Shane go first before following, shutting the door behind him.

*****

Surprisingly, the kitchen was one of the warmest rooms in the castle. A windowless vaulted room with a dozen or so ovens built into one of the walls. There were several dining halls throughout the castle but Shane insisted they take their meal with the cooks. Partly because he wanted to get a feel for how furs adjusted to these surroundings, and partly because Shane wanted to shield Mikhail from any of the wolves who might share Galvin's thoughts on the treatment of servants.

A deer seemed to be the one running the kitchen, barking orders to the numerous furs running about to prepare meals for the castle's staff and garrison. When he saw Shane he immediately went to greet him.

"You are the artist?" he asked.

The bat nodded with a small smile. "That's me. You can call me Shane if you want."

The buck wiped his hands in his apron but didn't move to shake hands. "I am Balthazar. I was given orders to accommodate you. So... food?"

"Yes, please," Shane laughed. "What is the typical breakfast in these parts?"

The buck shrugged. "Hard bread for most. The Alpha's pack eats most of the meat, and anything else that comes through here. I take it you want what they get?"

Shane was already sick of bread. "Yeah. Two plates."

Balthazar hesitated. "I was told to accommodate you, your servant can eat with the others. I'm not feeding him."

Shane's temper flared. "You will feed him. And he is not my servant. I've claimed him as my apprentice. Would you like to explain your reasoning for letting him go hungry to Lenir?" He hoped using the Alpha's name in front of a servant would carry some weight. And he hoped Mikhail had the sense to play along until he could explain his spur of the moment decision.

The buck blinked in surprise at that, but then nodded quickly, "Well, we certainly wouldn't want to bring the Alpha into this, my apologies"

Shane watched with a small grin as Balthazar put together two plates, then handed them to him and Mikhail, who perked his ears and licked his lips at the sight of the food on his plate, his tail wagging happily. The buck then cleared his throat.

"There are your meals, the dining hall for guests is just down the hallway--"

"I'll take you to the dining hall sir, I know exactly where it is." The fox had interrupted Balthazar, who narrowed his eyes.

Without another word, Mikhail turned and headed out of the kitchen, Shane following close behind. He led the bat to a small dining hall with a long table in the middle, then waited patiently for Shane to choose a spot, and once he did, the fox slid in beside him. After several moments, Shane suddenly heard the sound of footsteps, and apparently Mikhail heard them too, because he turned to look to see who it was. The fox's eyes widened, and he let out a soft whimper and quickly looked ahead and sat up straight. The bat turned to look at who was coming, expecting to see Galvin, but he stiffened a little when he saw who it actually was. Lenir walked up behind them, placing his paws on the backs of both of their chairs. The Alpha eyed Mikhail for a moment, then looked down to Shane.

"I heard from the cook that you now have an apprentice, and that the apprentice is in fact, your personal servant. Is this true?"

Shane gulped softly, then nodded, "I-I would like to have him as my apprentice"

"That would mean that he would be treated much more fairly, given better clothing, better meals, and he wouldn't be subject to any punishments that Galvin could give out... hmmm, this one was given to me as a gift from one of the nearby packs. As I didn't have to pay anything to bring him here, perhaps I will allow this. You have one week to prove to me that he is worthy of being your apprentice, and one week only," The Alpha looked over to Mikhail once more, before returning his gaze to the bat, "Enjoy your meal"

With that, Lenir turned and left the two of them alone, and once he was gone, the fox let loose a heavy sigh of relief, then looked back towards where the Alpha had gone, before turning back to his meal and digging in.

While Mikhail proceeded to stuff himself, Shane was fretting over Lenir's words. He'd been given one week to convince the Alpha that Mikhail was a worthy apprentice. Art was not an easy craft to master even under the best of conditions. He pulled out a small leatherbound sketchbook, a short quill and a vial of ink.

"Mikhail."

The fox put down the sausage he was chewing on. "Yes, sir?"

"Draw this tomato." Shane took the shriveled excuse for a tomato from his untouched plate and put it in front of the fox, then motioned to the tools.

Mikhail studied the subject, craning his head to see it at different angles. Then he opened the sketchbook to a blank page. Shane watched him, judging every move and impulse. Mikhail picked up the quill like he was holding a knife to stab someone and scratched at the blank page. He looked confused as no marks were made.

Shane put his head in his hands and sighed. "Uncork the ink, Mikhail."

A popping sound. "Oh. Thank you, sir"

Shane lifted his head. "Tell me, have you ever drawn, or even written, before?"

Mikhail looked down at the table. "No, sir. They don't teach servants any more than they need to. But I've seen wolves use pens."

Shane tried to smile at Mikhail's wide grin when he saw a shaky circle flow from the dipped quill's nib. He loved the rare moments when the fox was happy, but they had such a long journey ahead of them.

Mikhail continued to draw, looking rather pleased with himself as he did. Shane watched closely, noting the errors the fox made here and there. Even though the tod had no experience whatsoever in drawing, the bat could tell that there was some talent locked away inside of Mikhail. After several moments, the fox finished the drawing and leaned back a little.

"How's that sir?" The bat took the sketchbook, then looked over the drawing. It wasn't perfect, but it was very close to good.

"You do seem to have some talent for drawing, we'll work on it more when we get back to the room, alright?" The tod nodded at that.

"Alright sir" He then went back to eating the sausage.

Shane was going to make it his own personal goal to work on the fox's skills. If the Alpha proved trustworthy, and kept his word, that would mean that Mikhail would no longer be just a mere servant, and he would be treated much more fairly. The bat began feasting on a sausage himself, thinking deeply about this.

Shane planned to spend the day learning his way around the castle, but the small lie that snowballed into giving the fox a decade of art instruction in a week took precedence. They'd been in the room for most of the day, skipping lunch and burning the room's candles down to the wicks.

"The contours are off. Remember to break the shape into planes and spheres. Try it again." Shane pulled another sheet of paper from the desk and tossed the one Mikhail had been working on.

"Sorry, sir," the fox looked defeated. He winced as he picked up the brush again and took a fresh look at crumpled blanket he was tasked with drawing.

Shane saw the pained expression. "Mikhail, are you alright?"

"Yes, sir. It's just my hand is getting sore."

Shane had to remind himself that the fox had never held a pen before today. The strides he was making were amazing, but with so much riding on the fox's performance he might have been pushing the fur too far. He sighed.

"Here, let me see your paw."

Mikhail held out his hand. Shane took the brush from it and uncurled the vulpine digits. "We've done enough for today." He started to rub his thumbs into the tensed muscles of Mikhail's palm.

Mikhail was startled at first, experience suggesting he was about to be disciplined, but the bat's massaging brought back that inner warmth. A soft moan escaped his lips and he blushed.

"You like?" Shane slowly brought his lips to Mikhail's hand, kissing one of the out stretched fingers.

"Sir?"

"When we're alone, I would like it if you called me Shane."

Again the fox blushed, but he nodded. The warmth was becoming a tingling he couldn't understand. Why did the bat make him feel this way? Shane's suctioning lips parted and- "Ohh, S-shane," Mikhail moaned. His finger sliding into the warm cavern of Shane's mouth.

Shane pulled back, hesitating as he began to speak. "What... what you were told you to offer me, when they made you my personal servant... the sex... I refuse to take it from an unwilling fur. No matter how attracted I am. I want you to think tonight when we dine in the great hall, if it is ever something you would allow me to pursue with you. Your answer will change nothing, I promise. Just consider granting me that privilege. When done willingly, it can feel so good." As if emphasizing the point, Shape again killed the fox's fingers.

The fox's ears perked at that, and he looked away for a moment, the thought already turning about in his head. After a moment, Mikhail looked back to Shane, a very soft grin coming to his lips.

"Sir--I mean Shane, I would willing be intimate with you. For you have shown me kindness that I've never seen before, so my answer will always be yes"

The bat blinked at that, then allowed himself a grin as well, then gently kissed the vulpine's fingers again, this time getting the thumping of his tail against his own leg as a response. The fox was certainly enjoying himself. Though after a moment, Mikhail pulled his hand away, clenching and reopening it for a moment before looking to the bat.

"I want to do something for you Shane, please, sit in the chair?" The bat perked his ears at that, then grinned and sat down in the chair at the desk.

Mikhail then stood behind him, reaching down and placing his hands on the bat's shoulders, before gently beginning to massage them.

"Another reason why I am chosen to be a personal servant to any new guest, is that I'm very good with my hands"

Shane felt his worries begin to melt away. The fox may never have observed doctors dissecting bodies to learn the inner anatomy of a fur, but he did know his way around muscles.

"Mikhail," Shane groaned. "So good."

The fox beamed with pride. It was a pride he'd never felt when serving before. He experimentally brought his head closer, inhaling the bat's scent. Shane giggled.

"You know, I heard that, right?"

Mikhail's hands faltered. "Sorry! I-"

Shane tilted his head back. He'd worked with foxes back in Xebico. He knew how sensual they tended to be. Perhaps Mikhail would like a taste to go with his roaming fingers and nose. "Closer," he motioned for Mikhail to lower his head. "Closer," he whispered until he could feel Mikail's warmth and breath. He looked up at the upsidedown fox face. Unlike some furs, bats could operate just fine when inverted.

He kissed Mikhail, leaving their lips pressed together until the fox began to mimic Shane's lip movements, then the bat probed with his long pointed tongue. The fox was more than receptive, opening to Shane and letting the bat invade his mouth. Mikhail sucked the bat's tongue, moaning in ecstasy at his flavor.

Their lips parted with a wet smack. Shane was still grinning up at the fox. His body burned in anticipation of what he could teach Mikhail about pleasure after the feast.

"We should start to get ready. They'll send for me soon."

Mikhail began to look nervous. The thought of dining with the pack and their guests made him lose what little appetite he had. Shane didn't know how humiliating they could make it for the servants. Eating at a table was out of the question, and Mikhail had witnessed several occasions when Galvin would ensure there wasn't enough food so the servants would be forced to fight over scraps or beg to lick the empty plates. He tried to push those thoughts aside as he laid out a fresh set of clothes for the bat.

Out of respect, Mikhail turned and faced away from the bat as he changed into his new set of clothes, his mind on both the feast, and on the memory of being kissed for the first time in his life. Every now and then his tail gave a soft little wag, Shane unable to keep himself from grinning when he saw it. Once the bat was finished with changing, he took out the little mirror he had and looked himself over. Mikhail glanced over his shoulder, then turned around when he saw the bat was changed.

"We can head out now sir, then we'll be able to explore the castle a bit before the feast, since we didn't get to do it earlier"

Shane smiled at that and nodded, "I think that would be a great idea Mikhail, let's go exploring shall we?"

The vulpine giggled softly at that, then motioned for Shane to follow. His thoughts now filled with expectations for the times that they would have together as he led the bat out of the room, closing the door behind them, then heading down the hall.

The castle was utilitarian for the most part. A large imposing collection of walls and towers that overlooked the port city of Kalis. It was very unlike the opulent palaces of the south. But knowing Shane was an artist, Mikhail knew exactly what he wanted to show the bat.

"It's really old," he said when Shane asked where he was being led. "I heard rumors. that the first Alpha himself created it." They moved down a series of corridors, taking a longer than necessary route so Mikhail didn't have to show Shane the servants quarters. When they arrived, Shane immediately understood why the fox had been eager to bring him here.

"A mural," Shane whispered to himself. It was vast, spanning the length of a disused barracks. High narrow windows let in enough from the evening sun to illuminate the work. And Mikhail was at least partly right, it was very old. But it was doubtful that one fur could have painted it all. It spanned several styles and looked like a record of historical events that could have encompassed centuries.

In what Shane thought to be the oldest parts were depictions of the great fire-mushrooms that ate most of the old cities. And the flying machines talked of in children's stories. A band of uniformed furs left the flames in boats. Scenes of battles using guns showed the birth of the Packlands. Newer scenes presented a string of smaller conflicts, mostly involving wolves armed with spears, giving the bat a sense of the endemic warfare the northern furs lived with.

It was both impressive and horrifying. Shane shivered with a sudden chill.

Mikhail wagged his tail softly behind him as he watched the expression on Shane's face. Then after another moment, he softly cleared his throat.

"This mural, is the Northern Pack's most treasured possession. In fact, it's beauty is one of the reasons why the Alpha probably sent for you. Not many know this, but Lenir has a fondness for art, a soft spot for it if you will."

That got Shane's attention. Perhaps he could use the Alpha's soft spot as a means to win his favor in making Mikhail his apprentice? This was something that he needed to investigate into further.

"Is there, anything else that's significant about this place?" The fox only grinned at that, then motioned for him to follow.

After leading the bat down several turns, they finally came to a large room. The back was lined with bookshelves filled with books, some old, some very old, and some new...ish. Mikhail then gestured towards the wall opposite of the books, and Shane turned and saw portraits of different wolves.

"These are all of the Alphas before Lenir. They all had their portraits made, but Lenir wants his to be most significant of all. See that large frame?," He pointed to a huge frame, with gold outer trimmings. The frame was bigger than he was, "The Alpha wants a life size portrait of himself there. I know all of this because I've heard the discussions he had with Master Galvin, though I wasn't eavesdropping"

Shane studied each of the portraits, noticing the diminishing quality of the more recent ones. The bat would be measured against the skills of the old artists. It was something he'd become used to. Wealthy merchant princes would show Shane ancient photographs and tell him to make one. The technology has long since been lost, and outside of the educated elite, it was thought that magic, not technology, was what made the lifelike pictures. But Shane wasn't considered one of the greatest living artists for nothing. He could approximate life, given the right tools and enough time... Time he had, but the right tools?

"I need to see my studio."

Mikhail's ears flattened. "S-Shane, the feast..." As a servant, the fox was taught to never correct or contradict a better. But Shane was different, the mere fact he insisted Mikhail to use his name proved it.

Shane swore, but not at Mikhail, much to the fur's relief. "You're right. It'll have to wait until tomorrow."

They headed for the Great Hall. While Shane wondered about dividing his time between teaching Mikhail, and preparing for the Alpha's painting, Mikhail's fur began to bristle. His nerves were already frayed from his recent encounter with Galvin, now he was going to be face to face with many more wolves.

They soon turned a corner, coming to a pair of large wooden doors. Much to his disdain, Galvin was waiting outside of them, his eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of the two of them. Mikhail stiffened visibly upon seeing the wolf, then quickly retreated back behind the bat, trembling as he did so. The white wolf moved from where he was, approaching Shane. The bat slowed to a stop when he saw that Galvin wasn't going to let him pass just yet. Crossing his arms over his chest, he faced the arctic wolf.

"What do you want?" Galvin raised an eyebrow as he slowed to a stop, then snorted softly.

"To tell you something that the Alpha failed to tell you" Now it was Shane's turn to raise an eyebrow.

"What do you mean? Tell me what?" The white wolf suddenly smiled savagely, showing all his teeth.

"The terms of your, stay. The Alpha wants a painting of himself, this much you know, but what you may not know is that if you fail to paint him exactly the way he wants you to, he'll order your execution." The wolf cracked his knuckles, smiling even more at the horrified look on the bat's face, "I will be the one who will do this, I volunteered jovially for the role of your executioner. Though, before I execute you, I'll execute your 'apprentice' right before your eyes."

Mikhail shuddered at that and whined softly. Shane could feel his heart racing in his chest. Execution? He wasn't expecting this at all! Galvin then continued.

"You will only get a certain number of tries to get it right, after the fifth try, the Alpha will order your public execution for all the members of the pack to see. Heh, now have a nice meal, your fox, will be sitting beside you at the table." The arctic wolf gestured towards the doors, a huge smirk on his face.

This is why civilized furs avoid dealing with the Packlands, Shane realized. He took a deep breath and entered the Hall.

His senses were assaulted. Smells of food wafting from the kitchen, bright colored garbs worn by high ranking wolves and visiting traders, and the noise! Shane rubbed his ear, boisterous celebration and heated arguments woven together with the crude ballads sang by a coyote playing on a poorly tuned fiddle.

Lenir stood from his large ornate seat on the dais. "Artist!" he bellowed loud enough to be heard over the crowd, already buzzed from his pre-feast drinking. "Join me!"

Shane lowered his ears and walked between the rows of long communal tables. He glanced over his shoulder to see Mikhail was following closely. More furs were flooding in. Lenir pointed to a chair on his left as Shane neared. There was only one unoccupied.

"Begging your pardon, Lenir, but I was told there would be a seat for my apprentice."

Galvin brush past him, startling both Mikhail and Shane. "Deepest apologies, my Lord. One of these foolish servants must have miscounted the seats." He grabbed a passing snow leopard, shaking the fur and growling. "Fetch the... apprentice," he spat the word, "a small stool."

Lenir smiled as if the problem was solved. His smile turned into a leer that left the bat feeling exposed. "Ssshane," the wolf hissed when the bat took his place. "I trust Galvin has told you of your new terms?"

"Yes, Lenir?" Shane said softly.

The wolf leaned in, his words almost lost in the noise. "I hope that motivates you to please me." His breath reeked of wine. "If you value your life, you may want to take every opportunity to leave me satisfied."

The bat nodded quickly at that, but before he had time to answer, one of the servants placed a large platter of food in front of him. The platter was stacked with delicious mouth-watering steaks, juicy lambchops and tender ribs. He was a bit surprised to find that there were some vegetables too. Another servant came over and placed a tankard by his place, from just one sniff he could tell that it was full of wine. Then he looked over and saw that Mikhail had gotten the same thing, and was licking his chops before he dove into the food, chowing down like there was no tomorrow. The bat looked around, everyone was already eating, the noise level remaining the same. Lenir told him more about how he wanted his painting as Shane ate, the bat listening intently to everything that the Alpha was saying. Servants scuttled about, refilling tankards and restacking plates. He took a drink of his wine, nose twitching a little when he realized that it was rather strong, which meant he'd have to take it easy and not get drunk. The last time he got drunk, he somehow ended up in a grimy dumpster down a dark alley, still wasn't quite sure how that had happened, and it was likely that he'd never find out. He glanced over to Mikhail, the fox was taking it easy on the drink as well, taking only a tentative sip here and there. Galvin sat directly across from Shane, the arctic wolf never once taking his eyes off the bat for more than a few moments. He was studying him, and Shane knew it, though he didn't know why.

The evening wore on. More food and more drink until even the few bears in attendance were stuffed. Shane began to notice something. The servants who had been diligently keeping the guests satiated were beginning to salivate, staring longingly at the dishes. It seemed needlessly cruel to withhold food from them when there was so much to go around.

Lenir did not stop drinking. The more he drank the louder and more forward he became. At one point he stood on the table, arms flailing, as he enacted the heroic poses he wanted Shane to consider. The wolf also began to take more liberties with his servants.

"Do you like thish one?" he slurred at Shane as he cupped the breasts of a scantily clad doe. "A thing of beauty, no? I will take her tonight..." His eyes wandered. "And him!" Galvin, bring that one to me." He laughed and pointed to a goat, carting away empty plates.

Galvin had remained unsettlingly quiet throughout the meal and drank far less than the other wolves at the table. He wiped his mouth and stood. "As you wish, my lord."

Shane was speechless. He looked at Lenir, unsure if the wolf could be serious, but the way he was fondling the deer left no room for doubt. He looked to Mikhail but the fox had his ears flat, completely focused on the rare opportunity to enjoy abundant food.

Eventually the noise began dying down, and the wolves at the table began calming down as well. The bat perked an ear when he heard a soft belch come from beside him, then looked over to Mikhail, who looked at him. The bat raised an eyebrow, and the fox blinked for a moment before realization hit him.

"Oh! Excuse me sir." Shane grinned widely at that.

Once Galvin had brought the Alpha the goat, the white wolf cleared his throat loudly and brought his paws together in a loud smack, getting the attention of everyone in the room. As Lenir began fondling the goat as much as he did the deer, the arctic wolf began to speak.

"Today's feast is coming to a close my fellow brothers, and with the end of the feast, comes the end of this day. Our servants will accommodate you all for the night, you may go and have your choice of which servant you would like to keep you company." At that moment, servants came out from the Servant's Entrance and began cleaning up the table and tending to the other furs in the hall. Galvin then went over to Lenir, helping the Alpha to his feet.

He shot Shane and Mikhail a glare, then said, "The feast is done, Artist. You and your.. Apprentice may take your leave when the need comes to you, although, if I were you, I wouldn't stay in the company of drunken wolves for very long. Since my lord isn't in any condition to watch over you, whatever happens to you will be of your own consequence," The arctic wolf then smirked softly. "Try not to end up on the other end of someone's knot."

Shane watched as Galvin then led Lenir away with the two servants the alpha had chose in tow, his fists clenching tightly. But then after a moment, they unclenched. Was Galvin giving him advice? That was very.... out of character for him.

"We should go," Shane said to Mikhail.

The fox nodded, hurriedly stuffing his mouth with a last bite of food before reluctantly leaving the rest. Shane took him by the hand, hoping his foreign clothes would be enough to distinguish him from the servant furs as he pulled the fox along. Some of the wolves he passed were not waiting to take their night's company back to their bed chambers. Shane barged his way through the crowd gathered at the doors, dragging Mikhail.

When they had put some distance between themselves and the debauchery of the feast's aftermath, Shane released Mikhail's hand. "Are the feasts always like that?"

Mikhail nodded sadly. "Yes, sir. Sometimes they hold a feast every night, only stopping when the Alpha leaves to make war on a neighboring pack. Winters are always the worst."

Shane quickened his pace, not slowing until they were in the relative safety of his room. He slammed the heavy door and leaned against it. "Oh, Mikhail, I had no idea there was such wickedness in the world." As educated as the bat was, the world was vast and harsh beyond his imagination.

Mikhail survived in part by shutting it out. He didn't want Shane to become affected by what he'd seen. The bat was the purest thing in his life and he needed that shining beacon of warmth. Going off of a deep instinct he didn't fully understand, Mikhail stepped up to the bat imitating the kiss he'd received earlier.

Shane jerked in surprise and Mikhail jumped back. "I-I'm sorry, sir! I-It's just that it felt so good when you kissed me, I thought it would make you feel better."

Shane's startled look morphed into a soft grin. "Calm, Mikhail. I didn't expect you to learn so fast, that's all." He took the fox in his arms and kissed him until he could feel the vulpine relax. "Never fear me, Mikhail. Please."

"I won't Shane, I promise" The bat smiled at that, then began kissing the fox softly again.

Mikhail pressed into the kiss, his tail slowly lashing back and forth, while his ears gave the occasional twitch. The fox had never experienced such kindness from anyone, nor did he ever have a choice in anything. But Shane changed that, he gave the vulpine a choice of whether or not to give his permission for the bat to be intimate with him, and Mikhail felt like he could trust Shane. The growing warmth in his chest only confirmed this. His ears perked when he felt the bat's tongue push into his mouth, then he made a sound that he never thought he would make. The fox murred softly, gently sucking on the invading tongue, and pushing his own into Shane's mouth. They stayed like that for a long moment, before Mikhail finally broke gently away, panting as he caught his breath while gazing into the bat's eyes.

"Th-That... that was even more amazing than when you first did it before we went to the feast!" Shane grinned widely at that.

"I may have had some prior experience to these sort of things, so I know what I'm doing." He winked at the fox, who blushed madly.

Mikhail shifted from foot to foot, building the courage needed to test the freedom he found in Shane. He finally moved in closer, pressing his muzzle to the bats ear. And in a breathy whisper, "More?"

More might be just what Shane needed to forget the precarious position he found himself in. He nodded and gently pushed Mikhail onto the soft bed. His long fingers traced the fox's form under his loose garments drawing out a moan before lifting the shirt over his head. Mikhail help as best he could, holding his arms straight up but when he started to unfasten his pants Shane stopped him.

"Let me," the bat insisted. Nimble fingers caressed and cupped the prize hidden under the garments, bringing the fox to life. Mikhail gasped, prompting Shane to stop again. "Are you alright with this?" The question was serious, no hint of foreplay.

"Y-Yes," said Mikhail. The fox wasn't a virgin. No servant stayed a virgin in the Alpha's castle. But this felt different. No fear or pain. For the first time Mikhail found himself looking forward to being taken. He knew instinctively that Shane would make it feel right. That Shane would fill him with the the ethereal warmth he'd awoken in the fox. "Yes," he repeated with more confidence, reaching out and touching the bat's chest to prove his desire was real.

Shane pulled off the fox's pants and took a step back from the seated fur to unbutton his own more formal shirt.

Mikhail was panting softly as he laid on the bed, fully exposed and watching as Shane undid the buttons on his shirt. Just from watching the bat undress, he could feel his sheath bulge more and more in anticipation of what was coming. Shane undid the last button, then took off the shirt and tossed it aside before reaching down and undoing his pants, pulling them down and lightly stepping out of them before looking to Mikhail with a soft grin.

"Mikhail, I'm going to show you the best time of your life," The fox let out an eager whimper as the bat climbed onto the bed. "Are you ready?"

The fox nodded eagerly, bringing a wider grin to Shane's face before he climbed on top of Mikhail, pressing softly against him and pressing his lips to the fox's. Mikhail murred into the kiss, reaching up and slowly rubbing his hands up and down the bat's sides, wanting to see if it got a reaction out of him. His ears perked a little when it did, his length slowly pushing out of his leaky sheath and rubbing against the bat's own sheath. The fox wanted Shane inside of him, he wanted to be filled with him, he wanted to be with him like this forever.

Shane touched the fox's lips, coaxing the vulpine into sucking his long fingers. He then reached between Mikhail's spread legs, putting his wet fingers to work. He could feel the fox surrendering to his passion, his body rocking into his hands, urging the bat's fingers deeper.

Shane delighted in the sounds Mikhail was making. Murrs, moans, and garbled pleas for more. He leaned forward, kissing the fox and replacing his fingers with his hard, dripping cock. Mikhail nipped at the bat's lower lip, desperate to hold Shane close as he was entered.

"You make me feel so... warm," Mikhail said softly.

Shane understood what was being said. The fox was falling for him and his response was a deep penetrating kiss as he buried the last of his length in the fox's hot, velvety hole. They were as close to being one soul as two mortals could get. Shane didn't move, letting the fox's body stretch to accommodate his cock and his tongue caress Mikhail's.

"So warm," Mikhail moaned again.

Shane couldn't wait any longer. He started to pull out, leaving only his tip in the fox's warm embrace before sliding back in. Torn between wanting to draw out every sensation, to make it last forever, and his raging needs, Shane held tightly to Mikhail's arms. Mikhail suddenly wrapped his legs around the bat, taking the initiative to make Shane pound him harder.

Shane gasped at that, letting loose a low groan as he began thrusting into the fox faster and harder, Mikhail closing his eyes and panting as he enjoyed the sensation of the the bat thrusting deep into his tight warmth.

"Oh S-Shane~"

Shane's ears perked at that, and he gripped the fox a little tighter, clenching his teeth slightly as he kept pounding Mikhail's entrance. He could already feel his balls beginning to tighten. Leaning down, he began eagerly licking and kissing the vulpine's neck, get soft anxious mewls in return. As his inner walls tightened around the bat's throbbing length, Mikhail felt his knot beginning to swell, his own balls tightening slightly.

Their rhythmic motions neared a climax. Though both tried to prolong the inevitable, Mikhail screeched as a wave of orgasmic pleasure washed over him. His groping hands pulled Shane into his spurting fountain.

Shane moaned. The hot blast that hit his chest was too much and he began to flood Mikhail with his own seed.

They curled together, spent and exhausted, falling asleep on top of the bed's blankets, their burning heat for each other was more than enough to get them through the night.

***

Shane woke to the sound of the room's door opening. He sat up with a start only to see it was Mikhail, lugging a basin of steaming water.

"Good morning, Shane," he said with a genuinely happy lilt to his voice. "I brought this so I could wash you," he blushed and avoided the bat's smile as he put the sloshing bowl down on the edge of the bed. Mikhail carefully got on the bed and dipped a cloth into the hot water.

Shane put his hands behind his head and rested against the pillows. Mikhail was changing before his eyes. The fox would barely speak just a few days ago, now he was crawling up the bat's body, straddling Shane and wiggling himself into a comfortable position to scrub his dried cum from the bat's fur. But Shane's joy clouded over upon reaching the inevitable conclusion. Like an exotic flower, Mikhail would waste away if he stayed in these frozen lands without the bat's warmth.

Mikhail hummed to himself as he washed Shane, his tail swishing happily back and forth as the fox would glance up every now and then to see the bat's smile, and every time he did look up, he'd find himself blushing. There was a word to describe how he felt, he just knew it. The fox knew that he had heard the word from somewhere, but he couldn't quite remember where, or what the word was. Once he finished scrubbing, the fox put the cloth back into the basin, then looked down at Shane as he straddled him, another feeling of warmth suddenly flooding his chest, and without warning, a single word came to mind. Love. He stared down at the bat, almost in awe. Was this what he had been feeling? Love? Mikhail had never experienced love before, but something in his gut told him that it was love that he was experiencing. SHane suddenly cleared his throat softly.

"What's going through that head of yours?" Mikhail's face turned bright red at that, even redder than his own fur.

"N-Nothing Shane!"

Shane smiled at the blushing fox, deciding he would let it go for now. Though Shane suspected he knew that look the fox had... he was smitten.

With a yawn, Shane sat up, kissing the surprised fox as he scrambled to get off. Shane had a full day planned and as much as he would have loved to spend it with and in Mikhail, they had much to do. He got out of bed and padded over to the room's desk where he took out a notebook and a few quills he brought from the south.

"Alright, my apprentice, it is time I see the studio my hosts have generously provided me with. And be ready to work, too. We only have a few days to turn you into a great artist."

Mikhail's ears lowered, but the fact that Shane didn't seem overly concerned filled him with a sense of calm.

"W-what about breakfast?"

Shane paused at the door. It seemed the fox was starting to come out of his shell, and he loved that. "Have I ever told you how I started down the path I am on? The term starving artist is very accurate. Impress me, and we'll take a break to visit the kitchen."

Mikhail nodded softly at that, his tail giving a small little wag.

"Alright then Shane, uhm, I do believe that I know where the studio is, follow me!" With that, the fox headed out of the room.

Shane followed close behind him, his eyes trailing down the tod's backside before resting on an area just above the pair of round orbs beneath the fox's tail. He blinked when he saw strange colored spot of fur there, peeking out from between Mikhail's shirt and pants. After looking at it for a long moment, the bat decided that it was not so strange really, but just odd. It was a black spot of fur, like that of a dalmatian, except there was only one spot. Of course this was only assumption. He called no attention to it though. After a long while, Mikhail came to a stop in front of a large gold and red colored door.

"This would be the studio, and the door across from it," He gestured to the doors across from the studio, and SHane saw that it was a double door painted red with the image of a black wolf's head on both doors."That door leads into the Alpha's study"

The room was warm, spacious and filled with containers and stacks of the the equipment and material he'd asked for when his services were first contracted. He walked inside, Mikhail silently following. Shane tilted one of the life size canvases that leaned against the wall, rubbing it with his thumb. It wasn't the best, but it would do.

"Where are the paints?" he muttered. The two of them went about opening crates and taking inventory.

"Ah," Shane smiled as he found what he was looking for. Oil based, not acrylic. Just as he'd asked. The range of colors was far less than he'd hoped but the bat was used to improvising. He could adjust the tones with a few ingredients he'd seen in the kitchen. He let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. But this wasn't a time to relax yet.

He pulled out a ream of parchment and motioned Mikhail to one of the tables. The fox cautiously approached. "What do you want me to draw? More blankets?"

Shane grinned and shook his head. "No, my friend. Maybe if we had the time, I'm afraid you need to be hurried along." The bat could barely contain his laughter at the fox's expressions to his taking off his clothes. "I'm going to get a feel for how the paint pairs with the canvas. I will be doing so, nude. You will be drawing me while I work."

Mikhail bit his lip, wondering how he could possibly capture what he was seeing.

Shane stretched his arms after mounting a smaller canvas on an eisele across from the fox, giving Mikhail a view of him in profile. "Use what you learned last time. Spheres and cylinders. Do not stop until I tell you."

Mikhail nodded quickly. "Yes, sir- I mean, Shane." He flattened his ears and looked at the pens and ink bottles on the table, then back at the bat. Shane was already halfway to losing himself in his work, coating the canvas in paint. Mikhail tried to push away the growing thoughts of sex and began to draw.

He would pause frequently to look at the bat for a long moment, before going back to his drawing. He couldn't quite get his mind off the sex, so he began to try and distract himself. He forced his thoughts to go elsewhere, but they didn't have very many places to go. Finally, he let loose a quiet sigh, then perked his ears slightly. Glancing over at Shane for a moment, the fox then grabbed another ream of parchment and began to draw. Now there was only one thought that clouded his mind, and it was fear. If he didn't do well, he would disappoint Shane, and to do that would simply break his heart. The fox thought of all the dark history he's gone through in this castle, all the things that have happened to him, all the times he had been beaten and left for dead yet somehow, he survived each time. Mikhail's eyes didn't see what he was drawing, they were ridiculously blind to whatever it was. Instead, he used his hands to see. Through sense of touch, he drew whatever it was that was clouding his mind with near paralyzing fear, the only part of his body moving was his arm. Then, after a long while, he finally blinked, and stared down at what he had drawn. It was Master Galvin, standing there at attention. But there was a sense of foreboding regality to his stance, as is he was flowing with the blood of nobility. He stood tall and proud. There was a twinkle in his eye, a twinkle that only hinted at the dark savagery that he kept hidden behind that calm mask. Mikhail couldn't believe his eyes as he stared down at his drawing. Did he really draw this? It's quality matched that of the portraits of the Alphas of before, and yet... he felt as if it was better. All of a sudden, a familiar scent hit his nose, and he had a terrible sense that someone was standing behind him. Slowly, the fox turned, his ears laying back when he saw that it was none other than Master Galvin himself, and the arctic wolf was staring down at his portrait in silence.

"S-sh-shane!" Mikhail squeaked out.

The bat waved a hand, his mouth bristling with the ends of brushes as he broke them in.

"Sir," Mikhail whined, his body unwilling to flee as his soul screamed he should.

Shane sighed, mumbling, "whah?" through brushes clenched between his teeth. He glanced away from his canvas. Immediately his jaw dropped and he grabbed his clothes from the floor, covering his nakedness.

"Galvin!" How long had he been there? "I can't work with you terrorizing my apprentice! Leave now, or I swear I will tell Lenir that you... are..." The wolf wasn't paying any attention to him. His eyes were firmly fixed on whatever Mikhail had drew. Shane struggled into his pants, nearly tripping as he rushed to the table.

Galvin looked up as Shane put a protective arm around the fox's shoulder, shepherding the fur away from the table. "It's me," Galvin said softly. Disbelief and awe crept through his normally flat tones.

Shane pushed Mikhail behind him and edged closer to see. He gasped. It really was Galvin. An elegant ink drawing that would have made the fox the toast of any of the southern cities. Mikhail had found a way to tap the natural talent Shane had spotted. But what of his subject? Shane was aware of the rarity of portraits in the Packlands, but would the arctic wolf object to a lowly servant having drew it?

"Does it please you?" Shane asked with lowered ears. Galvin only stared at the work. Shane spoke a little louder, "Galvin, sir, does... does the work of my apprentice please you?"

Galvin looked at Shane, the force of his gaze nearly knocking the bat over.

"The servant did this...?" The wolf then looked to Mikhail, who flattened his ears and dropped his gaze.

The white wolf stared quietly at him for a long moment, then looked back to the portrait, picking it up off the table and gazing upon it. Shane then noticed a fondness appearing in the wolf's eyes. After several more long moments of silence, the arctic wolf set the portrait down.

"Mikhail," The fox flinched at that, having never heard the big wolf refer to him by his name before. "You do me more honor than I deserve by drawing this. I thank you......"

Galvin gazed upon the portrait for several moments longer, before suddenly turning and leaving the room, though not before looking to Shane, and giving him a small nod. Once he was gone, Shane and Mikhail were both left alone for several moments to think about what had just happened. Then all of a sudden, the door opened up again, and in came the Alpha himself.

"I was coming to see how you liked your new studio, when I passed Galvin in the hallway. He had a strange look on his face, one that I've never seen before. Do you--," Lenir froze when he saw the portrait on the desk. Going over, he picked it up, his eyes suddenly narrowing. Placing it back down onto the desk, the black wolf turned his gaze onto Shane, who flinched when he saw the venom in it. "What. Is. This?"

"A-a-a simple warm up sketch. T-to make sure his fingers are loose for when he helps me prepare for painting you. Y-your highness."

Lenir dropped the paper to the floor. "He... drew this?" The fox recoiled at the wolf's pointed finger.

"Yes," Shane said hesitantly.

Lenir's eyes narrowed, his voice as cold as the frozen tundra outside. "I might have forgiven you, artist, for this grave misstep. Southern furs are born ignorant of any manners. But you," Mikhail fell to his knees, shaking uncontrollably. "You insult me. After I allow this artist to take you as an apprentice? Have I not been a kind master? I never branded you, I never have my servants castrated... hell, I even let you scum enjoy each others company in the darkness of the servants quarters. And you repay me by honoring that sycophant, Galvin, above me, your rightful lord? Your owner!"

"Lenir, please!" Shane stepped in front of the enraged Alpha and was rewarded with a backhand that sent him tumbling over the table.

***

Shane came to, tasting blood from a split lip. The sound of Mikhail's sobbing breaths pushed aside any pain. Lenir had vanished.

"Mikhail! Mikhail," Shane scrambled to where the fox lay in a tight ball against the wall. His head still spun from Lenir's blow but the light filtering in from the narrow windows looked unchanged so he couldn't have been out for more than a moment. "What just happened?" In all his experience, Shane had never seen a reaction like Lenir's. How had he offended him so?

Mikhail wiped at his eyes. "I drew Master Galvin... He said there would be another feast tonight... Th-That I was to attend with you again..."

Shane helped the fox to his feet, unable to stop thinking about how Lenir had reacted. What was going to happen at this feast? The bat hoped that it wouldn't be anything serious.

"Come on, let's go back to the room" Mikhail nodded softly at that, letting Shane take him out of the studio.

The two of them headed back to Shane's room, where the bat shut the door after the tod sat on the edge of the bed. Looking to the fox, Shane let loose a very small sigh, heading over and sitting beside him.

"Are you alright Mikhail?"

"The Alpha was very offended by what I did...." Shane blinked at that. Obviously the fox was changing the subject, but what he changed it to was a bit important.

"What do you mean? How did I offend him?" It was then that Mikhail laid it out for him.

"In the Northern Packs, art is revered above all other riches. To them, art represents history, and history represents memory. Alphas have their portraits made to represent their standings in the north, to show others how important they are... the penalty for disgracing an Alpha's honor... is death"

Death? thought Shane. He'd seen the way servants were treated here. There was no doubt that the Alpha would carry out such a harsh punishment without a second thought. He collapsed on the bed next to the fox, his mind racing.

"We... we have to leave," Shane said uncertainly. He was in a foreign land, surrounded by savages and no clear means of escape. But Mikhail's life was in danger. "We have to go. Straight away." He jumped up and ran for the clothes he'd brought with him. There wasn't a lot and only one set of harsh weather garments, but if one of them took the coat and the other the pants, and they wrapped up in the rest of Shane's clothes they might-

"Shane," Mikhail interrupted quietly. "We can't run. No one ever escapes. And those that try..." he shuddered at the memory of what he and the other servants were forced to witness whenever one of them had been foolish enough to try and leave. "This is a fortress. All the exits are watched. And outside we'd freeze to death before we made it to town. And then what? I haven't been outside the outer walls since I was a pup."

Shane threw down the coat. "I'm not going to let them just kill you!"

The fox stayed silent at that, but then Shane was struck with inspiration. "Mikhail! Come, quick," he waved him over to the room's desk. "Draw Lenir. If art really is so valued amongst the norther packs, we might have something to bargain with."

"But-"

"No time, Mikhail. You need to draw the bastard as fast and as good as you can. We'll offer your work as an apology, a way for Lenir to graciously pardon you. If he refuses..." Shane dug through the drawer where he placed some of his sketching supplies, coming back with a small but sharp knife, used to sharpen graphite and quills. The blade glinted in the light and Shane knew it would work on an artery just as well. "If he refuses, then I will let him know he will be losing any chance at extorting a portrait out of me."

Mikhail nodded, then sat down at the desk. He took a deep breath as he stared down at the ream of parchment lying on the desk's surface, before taking one of the quills and pausing, looking to Shane.

"Please.... I'll need some room" The bat blinked, but then nodded and moved away, his heart racing.

The fox then closed his eyes, clearing his mind of everything in it, and thinking of only one thing, a picture in his head. Keeping his eyes closed, he focused on the feeling of his fingers gripping the quill, and began to draw. Every now and then, he'd open his eyes for a brief second to check on his work, but then he'd close them again and kept going. Shane found himself pacing back and forth in the room, having tucked the knife away in the pocket of the pants that he planned on wearing to the feast. If this plan failed, then he'd be sure to make his refusal to paint Lenir public. In the meanwhile, Mikhail continued drawing, using the different colors of ink that were on the desk to bring what he saw as life and vibrancy to the drawing. After a long while, he opened his eyes and stared down at the parchment, setting the quill down.

"Shane?" In the blink of an eye, the bat was standing beside him, looking down at the drawing.

It was a drawing of Lenir, sitting on a throne of gold and silver, adorned with a fancy robe and gold jewelry. On top of his head, he wore a gold crown, fixed with emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. At his feet were mounds of gold coins, and held in his paw was a golden scepter with a large amethyst jewel on top of it.

The artistry was raw, but the emotions Mikhail captured were as vivid as found in one of the photographs of the ancients. The wolf would be a fool to reject this tribute. Shane patted the knife in his pocket and wondered how big a fool he was to rely on holding himself hostage as a backup plan. The bat noded and managed to find a length of ribbon to hold the drawing as he rolled it for Mikhail to present it as ornately as possible.

They left the room, neither dared to risk being late for the feast. Mikhail may have grown up as a pack servant, but Shane was used to dealing with self-entitled Nobility in matters of their massive and fragile egos.

"No matter what happens, Mikhail, agree with everything Lenir says. And flatter him if he gives you an opening. I will speak on your behalf if he lets me, but just in case, remember that furs like him want to be told how much better they are compared to us." Shane put his arm around the fox, refusing to entertain the thought that this might be their last moments alone together.

"It's going to be ok," Shane whispered, again patting the knife in his pocket. He slowed as the neared the Great Hall, coming to a complete stop just before they would turn the corner and see the guarded doors. "Mikhail, I want you to know... I want you to know that I love you."

He looked into the vulpine's eyes, moving their lips closer. But before they touched, a familiar voice sounded from behind them. It was Galvin.

"I see you two are getting along rather well. Lenir chose wisely when he assigned Mikhail to be your personal servant," Both furs jumped at that, stepping slightly away from each other in surprise. Galvin only grinned softly, something that Shane had never seen him do. "Come, I'll take you to your seats"

With that the white wolf went between them, and opened up the doors. Inside the hall, wolves were gathered around the table, though there was no food on it. The coyote who was there at the last feast was there again, sitting quietly. At the head of the table, sat Lenir. The black wolf perked his ears when the doors opened, then narrowed his eyes and glared at the two furs as Galvin led them in. The alpha snapped his fingers, then pointed at the chair next to him.

"Shane, you will sit here. The fox will sit beside you"

Shane nodded, then quickly went over and took the seat next to the alpha while Mikhail sat beside him, laying back his ears respectively. The bat cleared his throat softly, drawing the Alpha's attention away from Mikhail.

"Permission to speak M'lord?" Lenir raised an eyebrow.

"Speak."

Shane cleared his throat, then said, "My apprentice here has a gift for you, something that he hopes will gain your praise."

Lenir lifted the side of his muzzle in a sneer, growling menacingly. "Show me this 'gift'."

Mikhail then set the rolled up parchment on the table, whereupon the bat took it, then gently set it before the wolf. The Alpha eyed it for a moment, then reached out and took it. He undid the ribbon, then tossed it onto the table before unrolling the parchment. The black wolf stared down at Mikhail's drawing, raising an eyebrow before looking to the fox.

"You drew this?" Mikhail nodded softly, making sure not to make eye contact as he replied.

"Yes M'lord, I drew it so that I might appease you and gain your forgiveness for my ignorance."

Lenir snorted at that, then looked back to the small portrait before rolling it back up. "Your drawing needs work, and you'll be able to perfect your skills as Shane's Official Apprentice."

Shane blinked at that. "You mean, you're not going to execute him?" The alpha snorted at that.

"If you had come to this feast without nothing to show for the precious work time that you've been wasting on the fox, then yes, I would have executed him. But since you have brought me this, I believe that I am satisfied," The bat couldn't help but breath out a sigh of relief, knowing that Shane was safe, and that he didn't have to anything drastic. "Now, if you please Shane, there is a strict no weapons policy here in the dining hall. Galvin will take your knife."

Shane wondered just how private their room was as he sheepishly handed the knife to Galvin.

"It wouldn't have worked anyways," Lenir said, leaning closer and smiling conspiratorially.

"What wouldn't have?"

"Your threat to harm yourself would have been hollow after I would have told you how Galvin would punish your fox for your outburst. Death would have been a welcome release."

Shane's eyes widened as the blood drained from his face. Even as Lenir burst into a fit of laughter, the bat wasn't sure how much of that had been said in jest.

Lenir gave a nod to Galvin and the arctic wolf signaled for the food and drink to be brought forth. A procession of furs carried heaping plates of meat and bowls of imported vegetables. The coyote minstrel began to pluck out an up tempo melody on a strange string instrument. The Alpha began downing mug after mug of strong wine like he was dying of thirst. Conversations amongst the gathered wolves grew in intensity.

Shane looked at Mikhail. After the initial relief that his life had been spared he reverted to his old learned behavior of consuming as much food as he could while it was available to him.

Lenir again turned his attention to the artist, spilling his drink as he gesticulated. "So, my sources tell me you have visited the library. You have seen the portraits of the previous Alphas. Tell me, great painter, can you do better?" He looked at his now empty cup and angrily motioned for a servant to refill it.

Mikhail was relieved beyond anything else that the painting actually worked. He glanced over at the Alpha, watching as he took another drink of his just recently refilled cup. Then he looked to Shane, and he could feel his heart melt slightly upon gazing at the bat. Love, he had heard tales of how powerful it could be, but he never thought that he'd actually experience it. His ears perked when he heard Shane reply to the Alpha's question.

"Given the necessary time Mi'lord, I do believe that I can do far better. I hear that you're wanting a full portrait?"

The alpha nodded at that. "I do, is that a problem?" The bat quickly shook his head.

"No no, I just have to get a better perspective of your form"

Lenir paused at what he was doing, then stared pointedly at the bat. "And what would that entail?"

"O-oh, uh..." Shane stalled and took a drink. "Typically, with my other clients who wanted the very best, it would entail a few sessions, um, nude, s-so I can-"

"Fully grasp my form," Lenir smirked as Shane blushed. "I am certain that can be arranged. Tell me artist, do you perform best at night, or in the light of day?" The wolf slid his hand possessively over the bat's.

Mikhail felt another emotion that was rare to him. Jealousy. Shane said he loved him, not the wolf. Mikhail had the notion of ever owning anything beaten out of him over the years, but love, if not a form of ownership, gave him a claim to the bat. And Alpha or not, Shane was not being given up without a fight.

The fox knocked over his tankard, spreading a dark red puddle of wine upon the table. His act of rebellion was enough to earn a few laughs and one harsh look from Galvin. The swarm of servants that swept in to clean the mess and refill his drink was enough to distract Lenir from his train of thought.

"Clumsy for an artist's apprentice," Lenir laughed loudly.

The wolf then took his hand back, and Mikhail let loose an inward sigh of relief. He knew deep down, that if something were to truly happen between the Alpha and Shane, that he wouldn't be able to stop it. But the vulpine didn't care, he'd fight for his love to the end of time. Shane cleared his throat softly.

"Well Milord, I really prefer doing it during the light of day, that way I can get a better picture to memorize in my head"

The Alpha nodded at that. "Then I'll be sure to make the needed arrangements. Once they're made I'll have Galvin retrieve you from your study or room, whichever one you're in. You'll have to leave your apprentice though, very few are permitted to enter my private quarters without my consent"

Again, Lenir gradually drank to excess. This time more of his attention was aimed at Shane. Unnerving jokes about his life still hanging in the balance after taking on Mikhail as an apprentice. It was within Lenir's power to call off his vague need for proof of the fox's talent, especially after receiving the gift he'd received, but Lenir said he didn't wish to appear soft. It was becoming more and more clear that Shane and Mikhail's futures were in the hands of an impulsive and unchecked dictator.

"I have total faith in Mikhail's abilities," Shane managed to sound confident.

"I'm sure," Lenir smiled, "but should you want sway the judge..." he let his eyes wonder over the bat. "We can discuss this when you are in my chamber."

A servant carrying a platter of fowl leaned too close to the wolf with his flamboyant gesturing. Lenir swung his arm,wanting to change the topic and let his prey consider the unspoken offer. He knocked into the platter and the cooked bird tumbled to the floor. He growled in annoyance but it paled in comparison to Galvin's furious response.

As the arctic wolf spewed threats and orders at the servants, Shane wished for the feast to end. He used the chaotic scene to glance at Mikhail. The fox was again stuffing himself with the rare and luxurious food, but this time he'd been caught looking back, and with the barest hint of a smile.

After Galvin had finished yelling at the servants, he then looked back over to Shane and Mikhail, before moving over and whispering into Lenir's ear. The Alpha listened, then glanced to the two furs and nodded softly after a moment. He then cleared his throat, getting their attention.

"Shane, you and your apprentice may take your leave of this feast at any given time, just be sure to excuse yourself before you go. This feast isn't in your honor after all"

The bat blinked at that, then looked to Galvin, who only gave him a small grin and a nod, "Uh, of course Milord! Thank you, excuse us" Lenir nodded.

At that Shane tapped Mikhail on the shoulder and got up. The red fox let loose a very soft whine, then grabbed a chicken thigh and got up as well, following the bat out of the hall. Shane could feel the Alpha's eyes drilling into his back as he left, and was thankful once Mikhail and him were on the other side of the dining hall doors

Shane lay awake that night. It wasn't the lit candles he left burning for Mikhail, and it wasn't the way the fox clung to him in sleep. It was the overwhelming sense of dread that had grown stronger with each new day in the frozen north. His eyes scanned the dimly lit room, unable to shake the feeling of being watched either.

Finally deciding sleep was to elude him that night, Shane managed to wiggle out of the fox's tight grasp, replacing himself with a pillow. He paced the room, glancing at the small desk every so often. Granted his personal wealth had dwindled to the point where he couldn't have passed up this mistake of a job, there had to be at least a few of his former patrons back in Xebico that would still consider him a worthy fur.

If he could just get word to some of them...

He restrained himself from kicking the chair that would have woken Mikhail. It was futile. If he had the opportunity to write letters without being spied on, then he would have to obtain a courier who could be trusted, and then he would have to survive the long winter until the shipping lanes became navigable in the summer to hear word from any recipients who didn't throw his letters away outright.

He sat down at the desk and put his head down until his hopelessness was replaced with a fitful and dreamless slumber.

The next morning, Mikhail stirred slightly, clinging tighter to what he thought was Shane. It took him a few moments to realize that something was off, and he opened his eyes. The fox laid back his ears when he realized that it wasn't the bat he was clinging to, that it was in fact a pillow. He sat bolt upright, his eyes wide as he looked from side to side, searching desperately for Shane, then stopping when he saw the bat sleeping at his desk. Quietly, the vulpine got up with the blanket, then went over and draped it over the bat's shoulders and wrapped him in it's warm folds. Shane was probably going to be hungry, so Mikhail decided to go and fetch something to eat for him. The fox crept over to the door to the room, carefully opening it before slipping out and shutting it behind him.

Mikhail crept through the halls. He had a lot of practice in avoiding the wolves who dwelt in the castle. He knew which route to the kitchen would be safest. His movements were almost as quiet at Galvin's, the one wolf who always managed to sneak up on him.

The fox breathed a deep sigh of relief when he began to feel the heat from the ovens telling him he was near. He could hear the shouts of Balthazar and his stomach rumbled. More from force of habit than actually hunger this time. Joining in on the feasts was a frightening affair, but he had to admit the food was always plentiful.

Mikhail dodged a snow leopard as he burst through the kitchen doors, carrying a tray of bread to serve somewhere. Mikhail ducked in the large doors before they slammed shut again. He saw the buck standing in the middle of the vaulted room. His antlers were adorned with scraps of paper, noting orders, quantities, and destinations for the many breakfast the castle's denizens and visitors required. Balthazar was the one of the few non-wolves on the staff who could read.

The fox approached cautiously, knowing the buck's quick temper. Balthazar pulled one of the notes from where it hung and read it. Mikhail saw his opening and dashed across the busy room to the head cook.

Balthazar saw the fox out of the corner of his eye at the last second. Crumpling the note he had in his fist, he turned to face Mikhail.

"Well well well, if it isn't the 'new apprentice'? Why in the hell are you in my kitchen?" Mikhail winced at the venom in the buck's voice.

"Uhm.... I came to get some food for Shane, er, the Artist" Balthazar snorted loudly at that.

"Fine. Whatever. There's some chicken thighs and legs over there on the counter. It was going to go out to one of the Northern Lords, but he surely won't mind waiting around for another half-hour for his breakfast" He gestured over to the counter, then eyed the fox. "And next time, don't bother sneaking in here. I may seem like I'm constantly too busy to notice, but there's no mistaking the smell of a fox"

Mikhail nodded and hurried to grab the food and get back to Shane. The journey almost ended before it began as he left the kitchen to see the white wolf looming in the shadows staring right at him. Mikhail froze, nearly dropping his cargo, wishing he could disappear but it was too late.

"Fox," Galvin spoke softly but it sounded like he spoke directly into Mikhail's ears.

Shane's hands trembled. "Master Galvin," he bowed his head as low as he could without dropping the food.

"I never like to be indebted to anyone. Especially not to a servant with a fancy title... Apprentice," he spat the word out and motioned the fox to walk with him.

To Mikhail's credit, he didn't let the rising panic drown him. The pain from Galvin's last visit could still be felt but he didn't let it show.

"That does not mean that I am ungrateful..." Galvin's words were strange and Mikhail had a long walk to wonder what it was that made them sound different. Galvin was able to walk the castle with impunity and Mikhail was obliged to follow. When the reached a long and deserted corridor, the wolf resumed his speaking.

"I've been watching the artist. I know the signs of a fur who is scheming. I am unsure what it is he intends to do, and if you value both your lives, you will keep it that way."

Mikhail looked at the wolf. "Sir?"

"Watch him, fox. You will see it too. See that he realizes the next time he offends the Alpha, I will not be able to save him... or you."

Shane opened his mouth, so many questions he wanted to ask, but Galvin only pointed in the direction of the bat's room before turning around and silently walking back the way he came.

The vulpine hesitated a moment, before taking a deep breath then heading back down the hallway. Once he reach the room, he knocked twice, and entered. Shane was awake now, and he had been frantically looking about the room for Mikhail. He perked his ears when he heard the knock on the door, and turned to face whoever was coming into the room. A look relief came onto the bat's face when he saw the fox.

"Mikhail! I was getting worried about you, where did you...Oh!" Shane saw the tray of food.

"I thought you'd be hungry so I went out and got you some food Shane"

The bat grinned widely at that, coming over to the desk as Mikhail placed the food on it's surface

The desk wasn't big enough for them both so they sat down by the fireplace. It was a cozy breakfast that let them pretend they weren't in the peril that surrounded them.

Mikhail forced himself to recall what Galvin had said. He knew Shane wanted to get them both away from the castle, but he didn't think the bat had made any attempt at planning an escape. Mikhail didn't want to trouble the Shane. At least not so early. He decided he would make it a point to keep an eye on what the artist did and keep him out of trouble.

Shane stripped the last of the meat from the chicken bone he chewed on. It was delicious and the company could not be better. He looked at the fox. He had a worried look about him and Shane wanted to fix that.

"You know, Mikhail, yesterday when I told you that I loved you... I meant it."

The fox's fur brightened. He grinned, almost giggling in innocent delight.

Shane continued, "After today's lessons I plan on demonstrating that to you."

"Shane," he whispered bashfully. "I would like that. I would like that a lot."

All of a sudden they both heard a heavy knock on the door. Shane got up and walked over, opening the door a crack and peeking out. He barely had time to see who it was before the door burst open. A male German Shepherd with no shirt on entered the room. He wore dark greyish leggings and a leather strap going diagonally over his chest. The canine glanced at the bat, and Shane felt a shiver run down his spine when he saw the dog's eyes. They looked as if he had gone mad. The canine was holding some sort of contraption.

"Pardon me, I'm here to install a mechanism to your door"

Without another word, he turned around and knelt down, beginning to put whatever it was that he had on the door. The bat realized then that the German Shepherd had some sort of curved sword on his back.

"Uhm, mechanism? What kind of mechanism?"

The dog glanced back at him, then continued working. "A lock. But don't tell Lenir or Galvin who installed it"

Shane motioned for Mikhail to stay back.

"A lock?" he asked.

The dog nodded and began to take apart the door's heavy iron handle. Shane sat on the bed and watched the fur work. Mikhail soon joined him. Every so often the wild eyed fur would open the door and poke his head out. He worked fast and was done in a matter of minutes. The only noticeable change to the door was a small slit for a key.

He stood up and looked over his work, nodding proudly. Spinning around, he dug into his pocket and pulled out a key. An abrupt toss landed the key next to Mikhail on the bed.

"Remember," his eyes shifted about before he put a finger to his lips, "Ssshhhhh." He backed out the door, still shushing Shane and Mikhail.

When the door didn't open again, Shane turned to Mikhail. "What was that?"

The fox shrugged and picked up the key, examining it before handing it over to Shane. The key was smaller and more intricate than the smithing capabilities of the Packlands allowed. It was either imported at great expense, or it was older than it's shiny surface showed.

The bat stood and put the key in his pocket. "We should leave. If there are any questions about the alterations to our door, we'll just say it happened when we were out."

Mikhail hurried to follow the bat to the door. "Shane. Should we lock it?"

"No," Shane shook his head. "That would imply we know about it... But here. You take the key. If I'm summoned by Lenir again and we become separated, you can lock yourself in until I return." He gave the key to the fox, his head swam with questions. Who was that fur? Why did he install a lock? And why mustn't Lenir or Glavin know who put it there?

In any case, they needed to be away from the room for at least a little while, so Shane looked to his apprentice.

"You've shown me around the castle, but isn't there any other places of interest?"

Mikhail thought for a moment, then grinned softly. "There's the Indoor Garden, although no one but the Alpha is allowed inside. Maybe there'll be an exception this time? Let's go!"

The bat smiled and followed the fox as he led him down the corridors. Seeing something with Nature's Beauty would lift his spirits a little. He wondered what type of flowers there were?

Mikhail was almost as excited as Shane. The fox had heard rumours of the garden's beauty, but none of the servants had ever seen it, though most knew where it was. He led Shane up a low set of stone stairs, into one of the later additions to the fortress. Through a few more narrow passage ways they came to wide hall, nowhere the size of the one they dined in, but large enough to let their footfalls echo.

Two wolves chatted leisurely before a tall set of doors. At Shane and Mikhail's approach they straightened. One picked up a spear that leaned next to him, the other didn't bother.

Mikhail lowered his ears and spoke. "The Alpha's artist wishes to view the garden, sir."

The wolves exchanged glances. "Alright," one said.

Shane couldn't help but notice Mikhail's tail swish in a short excited wag. It stopped suddenly when the other wolf said, "Your servant can wait out here with us."

Shane shook his head. "You are mistaken. Mikhail is my apprentice. I will be requiring him to take notes for me. It speeds up my process. You wouldn't want me to tell Lenir that two of his guards delayed my preparations for his portrait, would you?"

The wolves exchanged another cryptic glance. "No. Forgive us... we weren't made aware of you having an apprentice. You both may enter."

The wolves then opened the door for them, and Mikhail walked beside Shane as they entered the garden. Both were taken back by what they saw. The garden was filled with all sorts of colorful plants and flowers, there were even butterflies fluttering about. The garden wasn't like all the other parts of the castle, it was full of vibrant colors, and brimming with life. One of the flowers, a large red one that resembled a rose, caught Shane's attention. The bat slowly went over to it, then reached out a paw to touch it when a voice suddenly appeared right in his ear.

"I wouldn't touch that if I were you~"

The bat let loose a small shriek in surprise, jumping away from the flower. Standing right next to the spot where he had just been standing, was the same German Shepherd from before. How in the world did Shane not hear him approach? The dog was even quieter than Galvin, and the bat found this very disturbing.

"U-Uh, why shouldn't I touch it?" The dog snorted.

"Look closer, and tell me what you see"

Shane did. He stepped closer to the flower, and examined it carefully without touching it. After a moment, his eyes widened slightly in surprise when he saw dozens of sharp little needles sticking out from the pedals of the flower.

The canine chuckled softly. "One little poke from one of those needles, and you'd be dead within minutes. It wouldn't be a painless death either, oh no sir. The poison in those needles will start to absorb your blood as it follows your veins back to your heart. Once the poison reaches your heart, you'll experience pain the likes of which you have never experienced before. I have seen wolves claw out their own hearts, in a savage desperation to end the pain"

Mikhail clung tightly to Shane at that, pulling him away from the flower as the canine cackled softly, his mad eyes locked onto the bat's, keeping him from looking away.

"That would be a less than ideal way to go," Shane worked up a weak smile. "Who are you?"

The Shepherd looked up at the glass dome that kept in the garden's heat and moisture. "That is a complicated question to ask of someone you've just met."

Shane blinked. He doubted the fur had permission to be here, just as he doubted he'd been authorized to put a lock in their door. "Are you following us?"

The canine shrugged and smirked. "Maybe. Maybe you are following me. Do I scare you?"

Shane felt Mikhail nodding vigorously while glued to his arm. He wished the fox would learn to bluff a little better.

"No," Shane said. It was a half truth. "If you meant kill us, you've already had opportunities. But I can't say that I trust your deeds won't cause us trouble."

"I'm hurt," the fur theatrically clutched at his heart, closing his wide eyes and spinning like he'd been struck with an arrow.

Shane rolled his eyes. "Then allay my concerns and tell me what it is that you want from us."

The fur stopped his spinning and look at Shane again. "A small favor. That is all that I'm looking for."

Shane did not like the sound of that.

The German Shepherd reached into his pocket and took out a small vial before holding it out to Shane.

"In this vial, is a strong toxin. At the next feast, which is going to be tonight, I want you to pour this vial onto the Alpha's steak. Don't worry, it won't kill him, it'll just make him very, very sick"

Shane blinked at that, his eyes locked onto the vial. "Why would you want to make him sick?"

The canine grinned widely at that, then reached up and tapped his cheek a couple times.

"Now that would be telling~"

Mikhail gulped, then stammered. "Wh-Why c-can't you do it y-yourself?"

The dog snorted at that, and rolled his eyes. He suddenly reached back and grabbed the short curved sword on his back, then brought the blade up and pressed it against the side of his muzzle. He suddenly slid it down, the tip of the blade slicing into the side of his muzzle, though it didn't look like a deep cut. The canine licked the blood from the blade, and chuckled.

"I'm not even supposed to be here, that's why."

Shane clenched his fists slightly. "Why would we help you then?"

The German Shepherd smiled widely with all of his teeth exposed, his eyes locked back onto Shane.

"Because I know a way out of here, a secret passage if you will. No one else knows about it~" Shane blinked in surprise at that.

****

"We can't do it, can we?" Mikhail whispered as they walked quickly to Shane's studio.

"I don't think we have a choice."

Mikhail's ears flattened. "But, Galvin is watching you."

"What! Where?" Shane spun around, looking for the arctic wolf to be be lurking in the shadows.

"Not here," Mikhail said, though without as much certainty as he wished. "This morning, when I went for your breakfast. He cornered me and told me that he thinks you're up to something. And I was supposed to warn you because he said the next time the Alpha gets mad at you, he won't be able to help."

Shane ran his long fingers over his snout. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Mikhail's tail curled around his leg and he looked down. "I hoped that I wouldn't have to. You have so much else you worry about... I thought that if, if I just kept an eye out... I'm sorry." His voice cracked and any thoughts of annoyance that the bat had held left.

Shane wrapped the fox in his arms. "I appreciate the thought, Mikhail." He sighed. "This does complicate matters, though."

He kept an arm around the fox as they reached the door to the studio. Unless he could devise a plan, it would be almost impossible to sneak the liquid to the Alpha's steak without Galvin's all seeing eyes catching him.

The bat opened up the studio door, and froze, wide-eyed. Leaning against the desk in the studio, was none other than Galvin himself. The white wolf stared icily at them both, even though Mikhail quickly hid behind Shane.

"G-Galvin? What are you doing here?" The bat stuttered.

Galvin raised an eyebrow, his eyes wandering down Shane's body until coming to a rest on his pocket where the vial was. He then smirked, and looked back up.

"So. Back to your scheming aren't you, Artist? Empty out your pockets"

Caught already? How in the world was Galvin able to find out these things? There must be some sort of trick to it. But nevertheless, he reached into his pocket, and shakily pulled out the vial. Galvin came forward, and snatched it from him, then inspected it, his eyes narrowing.

"Where did you get this? I've seen this concoction before, and it's ingredients come from nowhere inside this castle"

Shane quickly shook his head, refusing to answer. The white wolf narrowed his eyes even more, then began to growl menacingly. He suddenly raised his hand, and prepared to swing at the bat, when all of a sudden Mikhail snarled and yanked Shane back, punching the arctic wolf right in the gut. Galvin grunted, then stopped and stared down at the fox in surprise.

"You.... You would dare raise a hand against me?!" The red fox growled at that, keeping himself between the wolf and Shane.

Galvin glanced to Shane, then back to Mikhail, the corners of his mouth lifting in a grin.

"It seems that you have grown brave ever since you were gifted to the artist. I do have to admit, that I am proud that you can muster up the courage to throw a fist at me. This time, and this time only, I'll let it slide. As for you, Shane. I can clearly see that this concoction wasn't of your doing, since you have no means to gather ingredients. But that means that there is an intruder in the castle, who wishes ill upon the Alpha. Go back to your room, and take Mikhail with you. I will not mention this to Lenir"

With that Galvin tucked away the vial, then left the studio, leaving the two furs by themselves, wondering what had just happened.

Shane grabbed Mikhail by the hand and hurried from the studio. The last thing the bat wanted was to be put in the middle of political intrigue again. In their flight, Shane reviewed the facts as he understood them. The German Shepherd was sneaking around the tightly guarded fortress. He took an interest in Shane and Mikhail to use them in delivering what he claimed to be a mostly harmless vile of liquid that would temporarily sicken the Alpha.

Galvin had known of nearly everything Shane had done in his room, leaving the fox to assume it was under surveillance at least intermittently. Yet the arctic wolf was apparently clueless about the nature of the intruder in his midst. Galvin stopped short of recruiting Shane as a double agent, but given his leniency with Mikhail, and his promise not to involve Lenir left the door open wide for him to call in favors when he needed them.

"I don't like the way things are shaping up, Mikhail," Shane said quietly.

"Sorry," the fox instinctively apologized.

Shane shook his head with a grin. "Not with you, my beautiful fox. In fact, I'm proud of you." And he was. Despite all appearances, Mikhail's spirit had not been crushed by the years of servitude. He was like find a rose the had grown atop a barren mountain, and the more Shane learned about the cryptic fox, the more things he found to love.

The vulpine blinked at that, then grinned widely. Shane returned the grin as they reached thier room. Opening the door, the bat led the fox inside, then shut the door behind them. He couldn't even react fast enough to what happened next. His sensitive ears caught the sound of the lock on the door clicking, then all of a sudden he felt the sharp edge of a blade against his throat. Mikhail saw this and snarled, but then yelped when whoever it was grabbed him by the throat. Then, a very familiar voice spoke into the bat's ear very softly.

"I do hope that you didn't agree to anything foolish, I wouldn't want to cut the throat of such a cute bat~"

Shane gulped, not daring to move. It was the German Shepherd.

"N-No no! We didn't agree to anything!" There was a soft snort.

A couple seconds after that, Shane felt the canine kick him in the back, sending him stumbling forward to where he fell onto the bed. The bat spun about to face the dog, who was still holding Mikhail captive.

"Please, don't hurt him!" The canine only grinned, then suddenly hit the fox right on the back of the neck.

Mikhail stiffened as he let out a gasp, then toppled to the ground and laid still, much to Shane's horror. The German Shepherd knelt down and checked the vulpine's pulse, before grinning softly then looking to the bat, his other paw still holding the curved dagger.

"There, now we can converse without your apprentice interfering. No worries though, I merely temporarily paralyzed him.... You were caught" His mad eyes now had an accusing look to them.

Shane gulped at that, glancing down to the motionless Mikhail then back to the canine. "It wasn't our fault, Galvin is too smart for us to fool!" The dog quickly put his ear to the door, and listened for a second.

"He isn't smart, only very tricky. The day you arrived he's had your scent memorized. Ever wonder how he sneaks up on you all the time? Or how he always knows exactly what you're doing, or what you're saying?"

"Yes! Can.... can you tell me?" The dog smirked softly at that.

"Can I tell you? Oh yes, yes I can, but I won't. Not all of it at least. I will tell you, that he has spies, all over the castle. But they are not your average fur, oh no. For them you'll have watch carefully where you walk, and listen carefully before you talk"

Shane blinked at that in confusion. But before he could ask what the meant, the canine suddenly sheathed his dagger and unlocked the door, staring pointedly at something underneath the bat's bed.

"Our conversation has been overheard, you may want to silence the one who was listening, or Galvin will be the least of your worries. Your apprentice will be able to move again in ten minutes" And with that, the German Shepherd was gone.

Shane knelt by Mikhail, and not trusting the German Shepherd, rechecked his pulse. It was steady but the fox was out for the time being. He lifted Mikhail onto the bed and wrapped him snuggly with a blanket.

Shane was about to fish the room's key out of Mikhail's pocket when he froze. Something about the way the Shepherd looked at the bottom of the bed. Spies... but how? He made sure the fox's pillow was fluffed and jumped off the bed. He ran to the desk and took one of his small sharpening knives. It wasn't likely to do any damage, but it gave him a slight surge of courage for what he needed to do next.

Quickly dropping to the floor he lifted the draped bedding and gazed under the bed. Shane stifled a shriek. For a moment it looked like there was a skeleton under his bed. Closer inspection showed it to be the sadistic cage Galvin had told him about. The size of a coffin made with thick iron bars. It made Shane sick to think anyone could suggest locking a fur in there.

Then a fleeting shadow caught the corner of his eye. Shane strained to see but it was too dark. Feral rat, he wondered. Then it moved again. Definitely not a rat, but what could it be? Shane grabbed a candle from one of the holders, cautiously tilting it to get more light without setting the bed on fire.

Wax dripped to his fingertip and Shane cursed. He snuffed the flame and kneeled back, searching his brain for a way to get at whatever was under his bed. Suddenly inspiration struck when he heard the faintest scrapping. Shane didn't need more light, he needed less.

Jumping back to the bed Shane brushed a hand on Mikhail's muzzle. The other fur said ten minutes, Shane tried to guess how long he had left.

"Mikhail... I don't know if you can hear me, but I need to make the room dark. I promise you I will be here when you wake." He felt guilty at the thought of his poor fox waking up to the darkness he feared, but if Shane was to catch whatever what under the bed, he was going to tip the scales in his favor. Hunting by sound was one of the few natural advantages he'd picked up from his ancestors. As he put out each of the candles he prayed that his seldom used skills weren't too rusty.

The room soon fell into darkness. Shane quietly moved back over to the bed, kneeling down and waiting patiently while keeping his ears perked and listening intently. He soon heard what sounded like tiny footsteps, making their way out into the open. Taking a deep, quiet breath, the bat saw a black shape down on the floor, and lunged. There came a small shriek as he felt his hand close around something small and warm... and wriggling. Clenching whatever it was tightly, he hurriedly went back over to one of the candles and grabbed a match that had been left on the desk then striking it against a surface and trying to relight the candle. The match went out the first time, causing him to curse softly. After striking another match and trying again. This time he succeeded in lighting the candle, whereupon he brought his other hand over and held it in the light of the newly lit candle, only to gasp at what he saw. He was holding another fur, only, this fur was super small, only about six inches tall perhaps? The micro fur looked like a small wolf, and was panting as it tried to squirm free of Shane's grasp, but to know avail. After a while, the micro wolf finally gave up, and looked up at the bat with a look of fear in it's eyes.

"P-Please, don't hurt me!" The bat bat blinked in even more surprise at that.

The tiny fur, a micro if Shane remembered from the nursery rhymes, squirmed in his tight grip.

"Oh! Sorry," Shane loosened his hand so the wolf could breath again. "No one's going to hurt you." He looked at the bed, hoping Mikhail would be starting to wake. No luck just yet.

"P-put me down?" squeaked the fur.

"You're the one who's been spying on me. Informing Galvin of my every move." Shane knew he should be angry, but the micro was so small and helpless.

"Not just me, sir! And not by choice either."

It didn't surprise Shane. It was very plausible that Galvin would force the small beings to do his bidding. "If I set you down, do you promise not to run?"

"I swear it!" The wolf's hold on Shane's thumb led him to believe the relative height was frightening him.

Gently, he put the wolf onto the desk. The micro made no attempt to run. Shane had many questions but as he opened his mouth he heard Mikhail yelp.

"Shane!"

The bat dashed to the bed. "I'm here Mikhail. I'm right here."

"Why is it dark?" the fox whimpered.

Shane hurried to relight the room. "I'm sorry, but I needed the darkness for-" How could he explain it? "Are you alright to move?"

Mikhail rubbed his neck. "I think so."

"Good. You need to see this."

The fox nodded softly, then got up. Shane led him over to the table, but then blinked when he realized the micro was gone. Mikhail looked confused.

"What is it you wanted to show me?"

The bat looked around the desk, then spied the loaf of bread on the tray. He reached out and moved it, revealing the miniature wolf hiding behind it. He yelped softly, and looked up at the two furs with the same eyes full of fear. Mikhail blinked in surprise at that, staring openly at the little wolf.

Shane crossed his arms over his chest. "I thought I told you to stay put? You even swore to" The micro whimpered loudly.

"Is that a micro?" the fox asked with a tinge of awe.

"I was hoping you could tell me. You've never seen them running around the castle?"

Mikhail shook his head. There were stories. But there were stories about flying machines and underwater cities too.

"That shepherd implied Galvin is using them to watch over the castle."

The tiny wolf shivered. "It was hard to spy on you two. You always kept the fires bright."

"Well, we can't just let you go now," Shane sighed. "But I'm not so heartless that I'd hurt an innocent fur, no matter his size. So we are at an impasse."

The wolf whimpered again. "N-no we're not! I-I heard what the German Shepherd said to you. I promise I won't tell Galvin... if you take me with you when you leave."

Shane glanced at Mikhail who was still staring intently. Their options were exceedingly limited, but could they afford to gamble? "How can we trust you? You're a spy."

"Not willingly!" the micro shouted. "We're treated no better than the servants. None of us micros are loyal to Galvin, but we fear him... Please, if you can take me away from him, I'll risk keeping a secret. He won't notice right away." The fur dropped to his knees on the desk and looked up with pleading eyes.

Shane had to admit it would be useful to finally be a step ahead of Galvin. But it wouldn't just be the bat's risk. "Mikhail. What do your instincts say?"

The vulpine was silent for awhile. When he did speak, he spoke carefully.

"I think it would be best to trust in. The more allies you have in this castle, the better off you are"

The micro beamed at that, "See? I'll be good, I promise! Though... if I see Galvin again, he'll force me to tell him what went on in here... the way that he gets what he wants isn't always very, pleasant"

Mikhail nodded at that in understanding, then looked to Shane, "Maybe we can keep him around? Take him with us when we go places maybe?"

The bat thought deeply about that. There would be risks involved with carrying the micro around, but maybe if he got a small shoulder bag he would be able to pull it off? Or even a drawstring pouch would suffice. That is if he could find out where he might get one

Galvin was not one to let the a disappearance go unnoticed. "Alright. For the time being we'll keep you with us." The tiny fur's tail wagged.

Shane opened a drawer and took out one of of his travel bags. Then emptying a few of the notebooks to make room, he picked up the micro.

"This won't be comfortable, but I've got a few handkerchiefs in here that should protect you from any unexpected bumps."

Mikhail tilted his head as he was handed the satchel. He could hear faint squeaks as the wolf settled in under a stack of papers and a few quills. "Are we going somewhere? Galvin told us not to leave the room."

Shane put his ear to the door, listening to make sure the hall was clear. "I know. But maybe if he thinks the micro was lost trying to follow us, he won't dig into the matter too deeply. Where is a place that that would be hazardous to a micro?"

Mikhail felt the pack stir and a muffled objection start bleating out. "The east courtyard. No one ever goes there and sometimes I see hawks swoop down a snatch vermin." The struggles in the pack intensified. Mikhail opened the flap. "Don't worry, little fur. We'll keep you safe. Shane just wants to go somewhere that might not make Galvin suspicious of your disappearance."

The fox handed Shane a cloak before wrapping one of the extra blankets around himself. Even this early in the season it was bound to be cold outside. Pausing before following Shane out the door, he opened the flap again. Mikhail hated that he was rarely given the respect of having his name used, until Shane came along. He wondered if the micro felt the same way.

"Little wolf, is there a name you wish us to call you?"

"My name is Daxter... Master Galvin calls me mean names..." The fox's ears folded down at that, he knew exactly how the micro felt.

The three furs headed down the corridors of the castle, making sure as to avoid as many of the castle inhabitants and visitors as they could without rousing any suspicion. After a long and suspenseful walk, Mikhail led Shane to a large wooden door guarded by two wolves.

The red fox cleared his throat, then said, "Lenir's Artist wishes to see the courtyard, may we pass?"

The wolves eyed each other, then one of them nodded. "Alright, you can pass" There was a smirk on his muzzle as he pulled open the door. The two furs were instantly hit with the bone-hilling blast of icy cold air from outside. But before Shane could rethink his plan, Mikhail grabbed him by the paw and pulled him out into the freezing cold

The courtyard was a barren field. Most of the grass had been trampled away by drilling soldiers and what grass remained was almost gray from the frost that came every night. Mikhail did not spend much time outside of the castle, but he'd been in the east yard enough times to know a secret.

"This way, Shane," he waved to the shivering bat as he hurried to a low heap of stones left over from one of the castles expansions piled against the inside wall.. He kept Daxter's bag under the blanket until he got there. Then he put his hand to the wall. "Ahh," he sighed.

The masonry was not finely done and the mortar was porous enough for some of the heat from one of guard captain's quarters to escape. It was still bitterly cold, but if they stayed near the rock pile, it could be bearable.

Shane was unused to the harsh climate. His teeth chattered as he spoke. "I w-w-was going to do some sketches, but I can't feel... anything. Why don't you take the opportunity to practice? Hopefully someone will come looking for us once they discover we've left the room."

Mikhail nodded and snuggled up to where the bat huddled so they could keep each other warm. He took out one of the notebooks from the bag along with a pencil. He thumbed through it to a blank page, "what should I draw, Shane?"

The bat smiled and nuzzled against the fox's neck. "Anything you want, Mikhail."

The fox thought for a moment, then stared at the bat. He kept staring until he finally grinned, then looked down at the notebook and began to draw. Shane watched with interest as the vulpine drew. It didn't take him very long before he realized what Mikhail was drawing, and blushed. The fox was drawing Shane's face as he saw him, and was even humming softly as he did so. After awhile, the picture began to come together, and it looked a lot more like the bat with every passing moment. Shane couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he watched his new apprentice. At that moment, a smooth, feminine, voice startled both of them.

"Is it not too cold out here to be drawing?" Both furs spun about, to see a slender white female wolf standing behind them.

The she-wolf was no servant, for she wore jewelry about her neck, wrists, and ankles. Her clothing looked as if it took many long hours to be made, and she had an escort of half a dozen armed wolves with her. There was a friendly grin on her face as she looked down at them. The she-wolf came a little closer, and looked down upon the drawing, before looking to Mikhail.

"You have talent, but no doubt you haven't been drawing for very long, Mikhail"

The fox perked his ears at that, staring wide-eyed at the she-wolf until something finally clicked in his head. A huge smile spread across his face, and he leaped up and hugged the wolf tight.

"Lady Kiniel! You're finally back!" The she-wolf smiled, and hugged the red fox in return.

After a moment, the vulpine stepped back, and Lady Kiniel looked to Shane.

"Ah, you must be the famed Artist. I wonder how much riches my younger brother exhausted in order to bring you here. No matter though, I'm sure he'll be surprised that his older sister has returned from her long journey in such a timely manner" She flashed the bat a disarming smile at that.

Mikhail released her from the hug and blushed at his actions. The she-wolf offered Shane her hand. He bowed as he would to any Noble of high rank. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," she smiled. "I thought I would take an opportunity to enjoy some of the warmth that is always lacking in the northern Packlands, but it seems the chill has traveled south with me."

Shane's eyes widened. "There are furs living further north than here?" He couldn't imagine how. Farming would have to be impossible.

Kiniel laughed. "I don't know if I would call it living, but there are wolves surviving out there on the icefields." She looked around at the equally depressing courtyard. "Come, let us warm up inside like sensible furs."

Shane was exceedingly grateful for the invitation and quickly agreed. He winced as he heard a small squeak from the satchel. Mikhail in his excitement must have hit Daxter with the notebook. The bat hoped it was only his ears that heard the micro. Kiniel and her entourage of guards led Shane and Mikhail to a more ornate door than the one they'd exited from.

She turned to one of the wolves. "Would you send for some hot tea. I have much catching up to do with my old friend."

Shane smiled to see Mikhail light up, his bushy tail swishing frantically.

The she-wolf sat down in one of the chairs in the room, looking Mikhail up and down before grinning softly.

"It seems that you're in far greater shape than I previously thought, has my brother really been treating you this kindly?"

The vulpine looked to Shane for a moment, then back to Lady Kiniel. "Unfortunately my Lady, Master Lenir hasn't been treating me as kindly as you would think. But, the reason why I am like this, is because he allowed me to become Shane's Apprentice, and--" He stopped when the wolf raised her paw a little.

"Lenir let you have the title of Apprentice? Then why are you calling him Master? It is in our pack's law that if a servant is given a title that has more weight than the title of Servant, or Slave, the title with lesser weight is instantly forfeit" Shane blinked in surprise at that.

"Pardon me, My Lady, but do you mean to tell me that Mikhail is no longer a slave, just because he became my apprentice?"

Lady Kiniel nodded softly at that, and the bat felt like leaping for joy. Mikhail was no longer a slave! He was free! But, if he was free, then why did Lenir and Galvin act as if the fox was still a servant. He decided to bring the subject to attention.

"Uh, pardon me again My Lady," She looked back to Shane. "But if this is true, then why does Lenir and Galvin still treat Mikhail as their slave?"

The she-wolf remained silent for sometime at that, her fingers drumming the arm of the ornate chair in which she sat. After the long moment passed, she then spoke.

"It may be that my brother is casting aside this particular pack law, but in doing so, it would mean that unless he acknowledged the law within a week's time, as Alpha his throne would be forfeit for not upholding the sacred laws of our pack"

Shane's glee was cut short as Lady Kiniel set down her cup of tea.

"Of course the entire matter might be moot when when it comes to Lenir. To enact his removal, there would need to be a challenger, a new Alpha. He's a lot of things, but weak is not one of them."

Shane struggled to follow the logic of the wolf's law. "So, if another wolf challenges him... what would that entail?"

The she-wolf tapped her chair's armrest, trying to recall the specifics. "The challenger makes known Lenir's violation of the law. If Lenir chooses to dispute the challenger's assertion, the matter moves to trial by unarmed combat."

"Unarmed combat?" Shane stopped short of outright saying it was a barbaric system that they lived by, but his tone made his feelings clear.

"Our ways must seem strange to you as an outsider. And I admit they are harsh and unforgiving. But they are always just."

For who? Shane wanted to shout. From being so close to securing Mikhail's uncontested freedom, to having this massive stumbling block throw in front of them... it was so unfair. Mikhail was taking it better than Shane, who'd slumped forward and rested his head in his hands. Experience had taught the fox that hope was a liability in the Packlands.

Lady Kiniel saw that she had upset the visitor. "Who knows, if word gets around, perhaps there might be one dissatisfied and ambitious wolf left in this castle."

Shane thoughts then turned to the German Shepherd. What if he could do it? Maybe that was his plan, to poison the Alpha with that toxin so that he'd be weak enough to easily defeat in combat?

"My Lady, what if another was to challenge him, like, say someone who was not a wolf?"

The she-wolf perked her ears at that, and looked to the bat. Her eyes studied him for awhile, before she finally spoke.

"It is possible... if a non-lupine was to defeat Lenir, he would have to step down from the throne"

Shane nodded softly at that, some sort of plan already forming in his head. If he could get that toxin into the Alpha's food, and the Alpha eats it, then the German Shepherd would be able to challenge him and take the throne.

"What are the stipulations of combat?" Mikhail perked his ears, and looked to the bat.

Lady Kiniel softly cleared her throat, then replied, "There's are two stipulations, and that is no weapons, and the combatants aren't permitted to allow anyone to fight in their place. Any other method is allowed"

He had hoped so. Maybe if the canine was able to get his hands on another concoction, or if he could somehow swipe the one from Galvin, then he'd be able to somehow poison the Alpha's food. His thoughts strayed to the micro. Perhaps Daxter will be able to help in this endeavor.

Shane stood, abruptly enough to make the she-wolf's guards tense. "M'lady, it has truly been a pleasure, but me and Mikhail must beg your leave. Matters of the utmost importance calls to us." He bowed as he backed away, practically dragging the fox with him. Mikhail frowned at the undrunk tea still in his cup and shrugged a goodbye to the amused Kiniel.

They were nearly running by the time they were back in the hall. "What's the matter?" Mikhail asked in concern. Daxter poked his head out of the satchel Mikhail clutched, echoing the fox's concern.

"We have a lot to do," Shane informed them, his thought still too disorganized to put into words.

"Aren't we going back to the room?" Mikhail asked as they passed the hall that would have taken them there.

"No," explained Shane in a hushed whisper. "If Galvin's spies had located us, he would be here by now. If we're lucky we'll have a few minutes in the studio without interruption. That will give me enough time to draw a very small picture of what Daxter will be looking for."

"What?" squeaked the micro.

Shane looked around, checking yet again to see if they were being followed. "We're going to need to split up. The danger will be great, but this is the only way. Mikhail, when Galvin comes for us, leave the satchel with Daxter. Galvin will take you back to the room, but I will tell him I must prepare for my session with Lenir later. That way I can work out a way to contact our mysterious Shepherd while you distract Galvin."

Mikhail's ears flattened. "H-how am I supposed to do that?"

Shane scratched his head. "I'm afraid I can't tell you that. But you've proven yourself so much more capable than you could possibly imagine. I trust you will come up with something... Do you still have the key to-" Shane's words died in his mouth as the ghostly arctic wolf appeared, walking out of Shane's studio a short distance away.

Galvin almost immediately spotted them. But right before he did, Mikhail quickly handed Shane the satchel, who put it on. The arctic wolf then spotted them, and scowled.

Coming over, he said, "What are you two doing out here? I told you to stay in the room!"

"I wanted to explore the castle some more, so I had Mikhail show me around" The wolf eyed the fox, then the bat. "I need to go prepare for my meeting with Lenir."

The wolf then looked back to Mikhail with his eyebrow raised, and the fox said the first thing that came to mind.

"I want to paint you sir" Galvin perked his ears at that.

"You do?" The vulpine nodded.

"Yes, I do sir. There are plenty of art supplies still in Shane's room. The trouble is, I'm having a bit of trouble keep your image in my mind, so I was wondering if you could model for me Master Galvin?"

Galvin stared at him for awhile, then finally grinned and nodded, rubbing his hands together.

"Alright then, let's get underway! I'll keep this quiet so that the Alpha doesn't catch wind of it"

Shane then softly cleared his throat and said, "I'm going to be in the studio, there are things that I need to do before meeting with Lenir"

Galvin only nodded at that, following the red fox down the hall and away from Shane

Shane allowed himself a quick sigh of relief as he shut the studio door behind him. Then he ran to a table, shoving the stacks of supplies out of his way to empty the satchel.

Daxter tumbled out with an Umph!

"Sorry, Daxter," Shane grinned.

The micro dusted himself off and walked over to where the bat was hunched over a sheet of paper, hurriedly dipping a quill and drawing. "This is what will help ensure all our freedoms," he said without looking up.

Daxter edged closer and looked at the picture that was taking form.

"I'm drawing it to scale," the bat said. "I can tell you that Galvin took it from me no more than a few hours ago. I hope that as one of his spies, you might know where to look for any confiscated items?"

"Y-yes, sir," Daxter knew many ways into the wolf's quarters, but so did many other micros. The vial being drawn was small by most fur's standards, but it was almost a third of Daxter's height. If he needed to run, the load would not be easy.

The wolf looked up at Shane. "Do you wish me to bring it here, or to your room?"

"Neither," Shane stopped his drawing. "I didn't think of that! There's to be another feast in the Great Hall tonight. That's where the German Shepherd said pour it on Lenir's food. Can, can you bring it to me there?"

Daxter's jaw dropped. A couple hundred drunk and rowdy furs? He might be able to go unnoticed, but the danger of getting stomped on would be incalculable.

"It's likely Mikhail will be stuck with Galvin, and I with Lenir until the feast begins. Your only chance to get it to me is in the Great Hall."

Daxter chewed his lip. This was his ticket to freedom, if it wasn't worth risking his life for, what was? "Yes, sir! I can do-"

The studio door opened without a knock and Shane knocked over a stack of papers to bury the tiny wolf.

An armed fur peered in at the bat. "Lenir will send for you within the hour. Be ready." From the doorway he looked around the studio with suspicious eyes before leaving.

Again Shane breathed a deep sigh and uncovered the micro. "Sorry, Daxter. Are you alright?"

The micro once more dusted himself off. "Yes, sir."

"Good. We don't have a second to spare." He picked up the wolf and carried him to the door. "Remember, find the vial and bring it to the Great Hall before Lenir finishes eating. Good luck, Daxter."

He opened the door slightly, and set the micro down. Daxter nodded to him, then disappeared through the opening. The bat let loose a heavy sigh, then went over and began collecting art supplies for his meeting with the Alpha. After about an hour had passed, the door to the studio opened, and an armed wolf came inside.

"The Alpha is ready for you, follow me"

Shane nodded, then followed the wolf out. The lupine led him down the corridor and deeper into the castle, before eventually reaching a stairwell guarded by two larger than normal wolves. They eyed Shane as he followed his guide past them. After walking up several flights of stairs, they finally arrived at the top, where a pair of large wooden doors carved and ornately decorated with gold and silver designs were. The wolf knocked twice and waited.

After a moment, Lenir's voice was heard, "Enter"

The armed wolf then pushed open one of the doors, and motioned to Shane to go in. "I have brought your Artist M'lord!"

The bat entered the Alpha's private chambers, and the first thing he saw was the Alpha himself. Lenir was standing off to the side in front of a full-size mirror, admiring himself. After the door shut behind Shane, the black wolf turned and looked at him with a smirk. It was then that the bat noticed that Lenir was only wearing an decorative robe that was kept closed with just a golden cord.

"Welcome Shane, to my Private Chamber"

***

Daxter, like the other micros kept and trained by Galvin, knew every inch of the castle. Making his way to Galvin's private quarters was easy. The real challenge was in getting the vial he was tasked with.

Exiting one of the air ducts that snaked through the oldest parts of the castle, Daxter found himself standing on the spacious floor of the arctic wolf's room. Galvin lived in a strange mix of spartan opulence, preferring to keep few open displays of his wealth and influence, but letting others know of his status through the size of his dwelling. Daxter was not the only micro in the room either. This was one of the few spaces they were allowed to congregate in the open. He steeled his nerves and marched briskly across the expanse of marble tiles.

"Daxter!"

The wolf turned to see another micro running toward him. He swore under his breath, hoping he would have been ignored. "Hello, Cecil," he said to the micro hyena.

"Daxter, Galvin was looking for you. You should go to him right away!"

Daxter hid the shiver that ran down his spine. "I've already spoken to him. He sent me to fetch something for him. Help me open the cabinet?"

Cecil's ears angled back. Opening one of Galvin's cabinets was no small task for the micros. Daxter suspected Galvin liked it that way, to remind the small furs of their place.

"Y-you sure he told you to open it?" Cecil asked wearily. "You know what he did to Eross and Floran last night..."

This time Daxter couldn't hide his fear. Galvin was always dreaming up new and sadistic ways of punishing and torturing the pack's servants and micros. Daxter swallowed hard, this was why he was risking everything for his freedom. Living in fear was no life.

"Of course, Cecil. Would I risk a fate like that if I wasn't sure of our master's words?"

The other micro hesitated, before nodding softly "Alright then, I trust you Daxter"

With that the micro wolf led the hyena over to the cabinets. Thankfully, the cabinet was low to the ground, so they were able to open it without too much trouble. Daxter looked around inside, the drawing of the vial still fresh in his mind. Eventually, he found the vial. Grabbing it, the little wolf picked it up and set it on his shoulder, his legs buckled a little, but he quickly regained them and made his way out of the cabinet. Once the doors were shut, he nodded to Cecil.

"Thank you for the help, now Galvin wants me to deliver the vial personally, so you'll have to stay here Cecil." The micro hyena nodded in understanding at that.

"Be careful out there Daxter!"

The micro wolf then turned and headed for the vent again. Now he needed to get to the Great Hall in time for the feast. Daxter climbed back into the vent, making his way while carrying the vial on his shoulder. It was a little heavy, but the micro was used to carrying things like that, and he was able to keep up a steady jog.Eventually, he reached the exit of the vent, then climbed out after taking a quick look around. The small fur started down the hallway, keeping as close to the walls as he could. There were times where a wolf or other fur would walk down the hallway, but Daxter would quickly find something to hide behind. He was nearly at the Dining Hall. Taking a quick look around, the little wolf quickly sprinted across the hallway floor, making it to the other side then taking a deep breath before moving on. He soon reached the double doors of the Dining Hall, staying hid behind the corner so the guards wouldn't see him. How was he going to get past them without being seen? As he thought about this, his ears suddenly perked when the sound of someone approaching reached him. Quickly, the micro hid behind the vial, and whoever it was walked past. The wolf looked up, and realized that it was Lady Kiniel and her guards. Quickly, he rushed forward, keeping up with them, yet staying out of sight. The guards at the Dining Hall doors opened them for Lady Kiniel, giving Daxter the perfect chance to slip inside. Which he did. Once he was inside, he quickly went over to one of the corners where several barrels were and hid. Now, all he needed to do was wait.

***

Shane stared in awe at Lenir. The Alpha had dropped his robe and stood naked in all his muscular glory. Kiniel was right, Lenir might have been a lot of things, but weak was not one of them. In all the bat's many, many models, he'd never seen such a living embodiment of warrior aesthetic.

Lenir grinned at Shane. "Am I not a subject worthy of your talents?"

He was indeed, but the bat knew he was treading dangerously, alone with an impulsive wolf wielding unchecked power. "You are, Lenir."

The wolf took a step forward. Shane panicked. "W-wait! Stay there! I, uh, I wish to capture you just as you stand. It has the element of spontaneity. Very important for preliminary drawings. It'll give such depth to the finished work. S-so just stand there, ok?" It was all a lie, but the look of hunger in Lenir's eyes gave no doubt to his intentions.

The wolf snorted in mild annoyance. "You are the artist."

He stood where he was, a living statue. Shane's reprieve would only be temporary if he couldn't get the wolf's mind off him. Shane slowly brought out his supplies, doing anything he could to prolong his work in hopes of making it to the feast unscathed.

"H-have you given any thought to a backdrop? Painting a background is a lot more flexible than painting the subject. You can choose to have the painting staged anywhere."

Lenir hummed. "I did not consider that... I suppose I'll have to give that some thought."

Shane hoped he could keep this up, but he was more concerned with how Mikhail was faring against his own monster.

***

"That's right, stay right there sir"

Mikhail was in the room, setting Galvin up so that he could paint him. The arctic wolf stood near the door, one hand on his hip and the other hanging down at his side while he gazed off into space. The fox studied him for a moment, giving a soft nod then beginning to draw.

"I'm sure that you'll like your drawing sir!"

The wolf gave a soft snort, but the corner of his mouth was lifted in a grin.

"Making you the Artist's Apprentice was an excellent decision on Lenir's side" The red fox couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at that.

But that sense disappeared when something came to mind. Glancing up at the wolf, he then cleared his throat very softly, getting Galvin's attention.

"What is it?"

"Well Master Galvin, I was doing a little bit of looking around the library, when I came upon a book of the Pack Laws. I was curious, so I decided to open it and read a little." He fell silent after that, continuing to draw.

The wolf eyed him for a moment, "And?"

Mikhail blinked at that, then looked up at him, "And what sir?"

"What did you find in the book? Surely you didn't just bring up the subject if you didn't find anything"

The vulpine nodded softly at that, then said, "I found one particular law that sparked my interest. It was one of the twelve sacred laws, and it stated that if a slave or servant is given a new title with more weight to it, like the title of Apprentice, then he or she is no longer a slave or servant. That law isn't in error, is it Sir?"

The arctic wolf remained silent for awhile at that, his tail lashing slowly back and forth. Mikhail felt his fear beginning to bubble up to the surface, and he gulped quietly. After a long moment, Galvin broke the silence.

"That law is correct"

"Oh." The fox took a deep breath, then asked, "Well, if it's correct, then doesn't it apply to me?"

The wolf clenched his jaw a little at that, but gave his reply.

"It does."

***

Shane was trapped in a timeless purgatory, unable to tell how much time had passed or how much time remained. He was fast running out of ways to fend off the Alpha's advances.

"You must be quite skilled with those long fingers of yours," Lenir said from where he now posed. His arm propped on the mantle of the fireplace, his other holding a book Shane gave to occupy his hand when he say it straying south.

Shane stopped drawing and looked at his hands, pretending this was the first time a client had mentioned them. The truth was that his fingers had very little to do with his artistic abilities, in fact he'd once studied with a capybara whose fingers were so stubby Shane first thought he was wearing mittens. "I've never thought about it."

"I bet their skilled at manipulating many things."

"P-perhaps, but we will have to discover that at a later date. I'm getting a lot of good sketches out of our session."

Lenir set down the book. "The hell with the session."

Shane dropped his notebook, stammering and backing away. As the Alpha cornered the bat the chamber door opened.

"Your majesty, the feast ready to begin."

Lenir growled at the other wolf who quickly apologized and closed the door. Lenir's anger gave way to a soft chuckle directed at the petrified bat. "Tonight, Artist. Tonight I take you instead of a servant."

The wolf walked over to the chair where a set of clothes were laid out. "Eat well tonight," he said. "You will need the strength.

Shane quickly gathered his things, before rushing over to the door and slipping through the opening. His heart was pounding in his chest as he practically ran down the stairs. He had just narrowly dodged a bullet there, and he prayed to the gods that the plan would work, otherwise Lenir would be having his way with him during the night. The bat rushed past the guards at the bottom of the stairs, then immediately made his way back to the studio. Once there, he went in and slammed the door behind him, letting his supplies drop onto the ground as he slowly sank down to the floor while leaning against the door. Shane couldn't stop the tears from welling up in his eyes, so he buried his face inbetween his knees as he curled up.

"You don't have time to cry, get up"

The bat let out a shriek of surprise, jumping to his feet. Standing off to the side was the German Shepherd, leaning against the wall.

Shane jumped to his feet. "You!"

The German Shepherd laughed and bowed. "Me. Is everything in place for tonight?"

"It will be." It had to be. Failure was unthinkable now.

"It had better be." He unsheathed his short curved blade and spun it between his fingers. "Furs don't usually get the chance to disappoint me twice. Understand?"

Shane nodded. When the Shepherd put the blade away and motioned the bat out of the doorway, Shane spoke quickly, needing to be sure he understood the plan. "You're going to challenge the Alpha, aren't you?"

The fur paused. "That isn't your concern."

"Yes it is. I'm risking my life for this! You have to promise me that-"

"No!" the Shepherd spun on him and grabbed him by the shirt. "You are risking your life because I will end it if you don't. I already said I can get you out of here. Do not pry into matters out of your depths." He shoved Shane away. "Do not fail me."

And Shane was alone.

***

As he walk past the gathering furs toward the double doors to the Great Hall he searched for Mikhail. The hall was already filling to capacity and the noise was deafening. Lenir was at his table of honor, surrounded by his lieutenants and important guests, but this time Lady Kiniel was there. The bat felt slightly more at ease with her present. Again there was an empty chair next to Lenir.

Shane took his place, avoiding the Alpha's eyes. He leaned over to the she-wolf. "Has Mikhail arrived yet?"

"I believe that is him now." She pointed to the red fox accompanying the tall arctic wolf whose presence seemed to part the crowd.

Mikhail came over and sat beside Shane, giving him a very small and barely noticeable smile before the bat asked quietly.

"How did it go?"

The fox grinned a little wider at that, "I talked to Galvin about that one law"

He had said it before Shane could stop him, and Lenir overheard what was said. The black wolf turned to them, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"And what law did you speak to Galvin about, fox?"

Mikhail gulped, then lowered his ears, dropping his eyes down to the table. All of a sudden Lady Kiniel spoke.

"He is referring to the sacred law of servitude dear brother. The one law that states that once a servant or slave is given a title that has more weight than the title of Servant, or Slave, he or she is no longer said slave. A law that I do believe you have neglected to recognize."

Lenir's eyes widened slightly, then narrowed again as he turned his gaze onto his older sister, "What business is it of yours to what laws I may or may not neglect to keep, sister?"

The she-wolf then turned her gaze onto him, her eyes becoming icy as she glared right into the Alpha's eyes. Lenir blinked, then lowered his ears and dropped his gaze.

"It is a Pack Law, and ever since the first Alpha the Pack Law has been kept and maintained, with the penalty of forfeiting one's throne if even one of the laws is disregarded"

Lenir threw the tankard he'd been drinking from and howled with rage. The Great Hall went deathly silent, watching in fear as their Alpha climbed atop the table.

"Hear me, my pack! I have been accused of violating the sacred law. Before you all, I deny this charge." He glared at Kiniell, "as is the right of all of you, do any dare challenge me for Alpha position?" spreading his arms, inviting all challengers as he slowly turned, staring down each of the gathered wolves who didn't immediately avert their gaze.

Shane saw the look of despair on the she-wolf's face. Her claws nervously tapped against the arm of her chair. Shane watched her, even as Lenir threw his head back and began to laugh. Kineil slipped a small shining tude from her palm, the gleam immediately made Shane think of the shinny key in Mikhail's pocket. She put it to her lips and in an instant Shane felt as if a dagger had been thrust in his ear.

The bat held his head, desperate to block out the sound until she removed the pipe from her lips. Shane was shocked none of the other furs seemed to have even noticed, let alone writhed in pain.

"No challengers?" Lenir gloated and kicked over one of his lieutenants tankards.

Suddenly there was a crashing noise from the other side of the heavy doors. The Hall's attention turned and the door was kicked open. Standing there, blood dripping from a curved blade was none other than the German Shepherd. A bleeding guard slumped behind him.

"I challenge you," he grinned maniacally.

The crowds eyes swung back to Lenir, who seem more confused than worried. "Who the hell is that?" he muttered. "Guards! Kill him!"

As armed wolves began to close in on the Shepherd, Kiniel lept to her feet. "No! You mustn't! A challenge has been made. Accept or step down as the law breaker that you are."

Lenir growled. "The sacred law only applies to the pack and its dependants. Not trespassing lunatics."

Kiniel's ears went back. "H-he is part of the pack. He is with me."

Lenir growled at that, his tail lashing back and forth before he gave a snort. "Alright then. I accept the challenge. Galvin! Have the servants move the table aside!"

The arctic wolf nodded at that, then quickly began issuing orders. The servants bustled about as the other wolves and guests in the dining hall moved away from the table. Once the servants cleared enough space, they moved the table off to the side while Lenir stood glaring at the German Shepherd, his claws extended and ready for battle. The canine chuckled, tossing aside his weapon since it wouldn't be allowed in combat. Everyone in the room back away to give the combatants more space. Shane anxiously looked over to Lady Kiniel as Mikhail clung to him. The she-wolf looked worried, and that was enough incentive for the bat to be worried as well. Galvin sat down at the table, grabbing a drink then turning back to watch the fight. At that moment, Shane felt something hit his leg, and looking down, he saw Daxter there with the vial. The bat quickly stooped down, scooping up both the micro and the vial and hiding them from sight. He glanced around, making sure no one had seen him.

"Daxter, are you alright?"

The tiny fur nodded. "Yes, I brought the vial"

Shane frowned slightly. "They started early, this is going to make things much more difficult."

In the center of the room the German Shepherd flung himself at Lenir. A flurry of fists, claws and snapping jaws began the fight. Lenir was bigger than the challenger, but the Shepherd fought with wild abandon. Lenir was being forced back. To Shane's eyes it looked like the Shepherd would win easily. Then the wolf saw the opening he was looking for and lashed out, raking his claws across the Shepherd's face.

Cheers rose from the crowd as the canine stumbled back and wiped at the red wounds that striped his muzzle. He touched his blood covered finger to his tongue and laughed before striking again. This time Lenir went on the offensive, knocking aside the Shepherd's blows and countering with his own. The outcome of the fight was suddenly in doubt.

Mikhail reached over, grabbing the bat's attention. He pointed to the vial. Shane looked at it. What good could it do them now? He looked up. The fight still raged, if Lenir won Shane could imagine the horrors that awaited him. He open the vial and grabbed the nearest tankard. The food hadn't been served and the bat could only hope the mysterious potion would work in a drink.

He poured carefully, shaking out the last drop. When he moved the cup in front of where Lenir would sit he noticed not every set of eyes were fixed on the fight. His hands trembled when his eyes locked with Galvin's. Time seemed to freeze for a second that stretched to eternity.

And then the arctic wolf looked away, as if nothing happened.

After a series of heavy hits, Lenir knocked the german shepherd to the ground, then gave him a vicious kick in the side of the head. The canine yelped, but then laid still. From what Shane could tell, the dog was still breathing. Lenir smiled savagely, then let loose a howl of triumph. Before smirking as he turned to look at Lady Kiniel.

"My throne is saved, and it shall not be taken from me today, or any other day"

The she-wolf remained silent as the Alpha practically strutted back over to the table, sitting down and grabbing the tankard of drink in front of him, the one that Shane had poured the potion into. The wolf took a big gulp of it, wiping his muzzle of any of the wine that was left on his lips. After several moments of grinning victoriously, his face took on a different look. Lenir's grin slowly disappeared, and he hacked several times while holding his throat. The toxin was taking effect, and Galvin saw this.

Lady Kiniel stood and rushed to the fallen Shepherd. In all the whirling commotion Shane missed what happened next.

"What?" Lenir grunted and held his hand up to silence the furs swarming about to congratulate him.

Galvin rose like a ghost from an open grave. His tall gaunt frame managed to come off as even more intimidating than usual. "I said," his voice a rasping growl, "that I challenge you, my Alpha."

Lenir laughed, slapping the table. "Galvin, don't be foolish!" But the way the arctic wolf glared at him like a specter of death soon made it clear this was no joke. Lenir narrowed his eyes, coughing into his hand as he stood. "You are more foolish than I thought, Galvin."

Lenir coughed again and yelled at a nearby wolf. "This won't take more than a minute. And get rid of this damn wine! I think it's gone bad." He shook his head and spat on the floor, rubbing his throat as he walked back to the still cleared center of the hall. "You know, Galvin," he spoke loud enough for all to hear. "I'm going to have to kill you. Not just for being a traitor, though I would gladly end your life for that, but to send a message to any others in the pack who might think I'm willing to put up with another challenge to my divine right."

The Alpha glanced down at his sister, holding the German Shepherd. "Someone get them out of here."

Mikhail jumped up, running to his friend. Shane followed close behind. "Lady Kiniel!" the fox whined at her distress. Between the three of them they managed to drag the Shepherd back to their table.

Galvin calmly got up from his seat, walking out into the open and waiting for Lenir. The black wolf growled as he faced the white wolf. His challenger saw how woozy he was on his feet, and glanced over at Shane for a moment. Lenir took that moment to strike. The large wolf lunged forward with a snarl, but at the last second his vision blurred slightly and his attack missed, leaving him wide open. The arctic wolf took the opening, slamming his elbow right into Lenir's side, hitting the kidney and knocking the wind out of him. Lenir staggered, dropping to his feet and clutching his side. There were gasps and murmurs from the crowd, and hearing this, the Alpha let loose a determined growl, and staggered back to his feet, spinning about and lunging for his challenger again. The toxin that was now seeping throughout his body had now taken more of a toll on him, and his vision blurred for a second time. Because of this, he didn't see what was coming. Galvin spun about, his foot connecting with the side of Lenir's head with a loud crack, and the Alpha dropped to the ground, and didn't get back up. The white wolf moved a little closer, eyeing him for a moment. He gave a loud snort after that moment had passed.

"It seems that Lenir is no longer the Alpha. Now, the pack must acknowledge it's new leader" He then stepped back from the wolf laying on the ground

The Great Hall was gripped in a stunned silence. One by one the wolves lowered their heads in submission to their new Alpha. Mikhail watched on in horror, knowing the full extent of Galvin's cruelty.

Shane knelt with Kiniel, tending to the fallen Shepherd. "I- I think he has a few cracked ribs."

The canine grinned weakly. "I've had worse... Help me off the floor, I'm not dead yet."

Mikhail backed away, hiding behind Shane and the she-wolf as much as he could. "Shane," he whimpered.

The bat put his arms around Mikhail. "I won't let him hurt you. It's going to be alright."

But Galvin had other plans. Secure that the pack was not contesting his new position he turned his attention back to Shane. The bat was responsible for his sudden promotion, but he also knew the secret behind it. The arctic wolf stalked toward him. Part of Galvin resented the waste of talent that would come with Shane's death, but a more calculating part realized the bat was expendable now that he knew the red fox cowering in the back could produce all the art he could need to prove his legitimacy. The bat was a liability.

"Artist, your agreement passed with Lenir's Alphaship. And as I have no further need of an outsider," he looked pointedly at Mikhail, "I would like to take this opportunity to revive an old custom... Ritual sacrifice."

Shock and fear gripped Shane's heart at that, and he backed away a couple steps, his ears laid back.

"R-Ritual Sacrifice?! I-I--" All of a sudden, the bat felt himself get pushed aside, and now Mikhail was standing in front of him.

Shane could see the fox trembling, but whether he was scared or not, Mikhail stood between the love of his life, and the monster that he feared. Galvin narrowed his eyes at that, his fists clenching.

"Get out of the way!" But Mikhail stood his ground, summoning as much courage as he could.

"N-No"

Galvin growled, stepping forward and grabbing the fox by the shirt, glaring into his eyes as he bared his teeth. "Out of the way, or die"

The fox shook his head, staring wide-eyed up into the icy cold eyes of the arctic wolf. Galvin snarled at that, then raised his paw as he prepared to strike the vulpine. All of a sudden, out of nowhere seemingly, came a fist. It connected with Galvin's jaw, and sent the wolf stumbling back. All eyes fell upon the attacker, who was none other than Shane. The bat chose to act in order to protect the one that he loved, but damn it felt good to punch the ghostly wolf for the first time ever, and quite possibly the last. For the arctic wolf snarled loudly, then extended his claws and headed straight for the bat.

All of a sudden, "I issue a challenge to the new alpha!"

That made Galvin stop in his tracks. He stared at the German Shepherd, whose chest had just finished being wrapped by Lady Kiniel. The canine stepped forward, his mad eyes locked onto the wolf.

"As pack law mandates, the Alpha must accept any and all challenges that are issued, or step down from the throne. If he or she refuses to do either, pack law mandates that his subordinates forcibly remove him from his seat of power, for he is then labeled as traitor for breaking the law"

Galvin looked at the German Shepherd, lip still bleeding and clutching his side. "I accept." He spun and moved back to the center of the hall. Several furs were carrying away Lenir and the Shepherd's blood from his first fight was still wet on the floor.

Shane held his breath and watched the Shepherd follow the arctic wolf. He seemed to be trying to hide a slight limp now.

"C-can he win?" he asked the she-wolf.

Her aristocratic upbringing couldn't conceal the worry on her face. "I believe in him, if that's what you're asking."

It wasn't, but Shane didn't want to hear the answer to his question. He stood next to Mikhail and took hold of his hand. Daxter scurried to stand on the table top, the novelty of a micro was nothing compared to the third fight for Alpha of the night.

"It won't be a fair fight," the tiny wolf squeaked. "The crazy one is hurt. Galvin wouldn't have accepted if he didn't think he would win."

Shane nodded in agreement, but there was nothing anyone could do now. The two combatants circled each other, looking like ferals ready to pounce.

"If you yield now," offered Galvin, "I will let you leave with your life."

The canine grinned. "And I extend to you the same offer."

The arctic wolf's fur bristled and he lashed out with a high kick that the Shepherd was barely able to dodge.

The canine staggered back a little, clutching his chest and grimacing. Galvin too this opportunity, and lunged forward. But the German Shepherd turned out to only be feigning the pain, and snarled. He slashed Galvin's face with his claws, the wolf letting loose a cry at that, staggering back and clutching at his left eye. Taking this opportunity, the dog lunged forward and slammed his shoulder into the wolf, knocking him off his feet. Galvin was quick to regain himself, and was back up in no time. The wolf lunged forward, his claws extended and his mouth open to reveal his sharp canines. The German Shepherd quickly dodged to the left side of the lupine, and slashed at the wolf's face again. Galvin let loose a howl of pain, stumbling away while once again clutching his face

In a final bid to end the Shepherd, Galvin pulled out a small knife and dove forward.

Shane gasped, recognizing the weapon as one of his quill sharpeners, the same one he'd planned to negotiate for Mikhail's life with.

The German Shepherd grasped at Galvin's outstretched arm, spinning and letting the wolf's momentum send them both crashing into a table, splintering it in half and doseing them both with spilled wine.

The crowd pressed in. Mikhail leapt onto their table, trying to see what the outcome was. Daxter climbed up the fox's back and perched on his head.

The crowded parted in silence, staring as the German Shepherd staggered forward. Kiniel ran forward, embracing and steadying him as he made his way to the Alpha's chair where he finally collapsed with an exhausted sigh. The fight was over. The castle had a new Alpha.

Shane let loose a huge sigh of relief, hopefully the Canine would be a much better ruler than the two wolves before him. His thoughts strayed to the frozen bay. There was still a long while before those waters unfroze, allowing trade to come in by boat. All of a sudden the canine cleared his throat, then spoke.

"I, Jaqueal, will uphold all the sacred laws of the pack, on my life I swear this" The wolves and other furs in the room bowed their heads at that, then the canine turned his attention to Shane. "Guards, bring the Artist to me"

The bat felt his heart skip a beat as two large wolves came forward, grabbing him by both arms then practically dragging him in front of the throne. The German Shepherd nodded to them, and they let Shane go. The canine then studied the bat as if for the first time.

"Artist, your deal died with the Alpha before the previous. Mikhail is no longer a servant, but your apprentice. However, since you still must stay here until the Spring Thaw, I have two a request. I want you to create three portraits, one of the Alpha Lenir, One of the Lady Kiniel, and one of me, the new Alpha. Will you accept, or deny my request?"

Shane glanced at Mikhail, who looked like he was in shock. The answer was clear. "I accept."

***

The festivities lasted all night. Shane and Mikhail were only able to break away after the sun began to paint the sky an optimistic orange. They'd toasted Jaqueal and Kiniel until they were almost as tipsy as the wolves. And after that they toasted Daxter, who explained the situation of Galvin's micros to the new Alpha and his mate. Kiniel didn't need to wait for the Shepherd's verdict, having announced they would rule jointly to ease any lingering doubts as to the outsiders connection to the pack. She pronounced them free and extended an offer for them to remain in the pack's employ as paid staff.

Much to Shane and Mikhail's relief, the new Alpha also promised reforms to the way the castle's servants were being treated. There were some protests from a few of the drunker wolves who had been counting on company that night, but they quickly quieted when invited to join the former Alpha's in exile.

It was the dawn of a new day with new possibilities. Shane kissed Mikhail for what seemed like the thousandth time that day as they supported each other in their journey back to their room to sleep off the festivities.

"What do we do after this, Shane?" the fox asked.

Shane thought for a moment, standing in front of their room. "Well, Mikhail, I think we'll wake up. Then I shall make passionate love to you for the remainder of the day. And after that we sleep some more."

Mikhail giggled and gave the bat another kiss. "No, silly. I mean after you've painted the portraits and the spring thaw comes."

Shane opened the door. "The world is ours, Mikhail. We can do whatever we like." He kicked the door shut behind him, ready to start their new life together.