FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

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Chapter 25

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Kaldor

The warlord council lasted for hours, after Malakye had delivered his surprise announcement of becoming a daemon we discussed the topic of promoting him to the rank of warlord and master. The debate was relatively short. There were many questions asked as to the details of what he should be recognised as a Master of, and a number of individuals who questioned the logic of making him a Warlord, rather than just a honorary master like Tau'ruc.

Once we had voted on Tau'ruc and Malakye's promotions we began discussions on the mission to Rengilar*. There had been much debate amongst the warlords as to whether we should risk our warriors in an attempt at negotiations with the wolves at Rengilar*. But I had made up my mind, and used my influence over the council to silence the majority of those who were against it. The leader of the opposition was General Ortavia, but despite the couple of warlords loyal to him, with the majority of the council on my side they had no choice but to follow the will of the council.

Once everyone fell in line, and if not agreeable with the decision, they were at least willing to cooperate with planning and organising the logistics. I was more than happy to help arrange and organise the excursion to Rengilar*, but logistics were not my strong point. The last thing we wanted to do was to repeat the mistake made nearly two decades ago, dedicating the majority of our military force and leave Zangar vulnerable to attack. After the fall, even though most of Zangars population escaped unharmed through the Labyrinth*, they never returned; choosing instead to move to other settlements or form new ones. Zangar was a shadow of its former self, surviving all these years on the wolves ignorance of our survival. But now we were strong enough to declare our presence within the Tribal lands as more than a settlement of survivors, but one as a powerful force, not only capable of defending our home as we have proven, but one who can take the fight to our enemies.

Ortavia was an awkward, old fool as usual. He objected to the plan at every opportunity, even after his usual cohorts had submitted to going along with the will of the council. His objections made the meeting last nearly twice as long as it needed to be.

Millennia ago every race, tribe, fur and scaly swore an oath. To protect our lands from the incursion of the demons, and assist the Guardian Deities* and their chosen champions, the Daemon*, in what ever way necessary. That oath was sworn in the name of Asurmen*, the creator and protector of our world. He and his children helped to save every race from oblivion the last time a gate to the Underworld* had been opened. And while our ancestors were the ones who had given that oath, we were still honour bound to uphold it. Sometimes Callidus's love of knowledge and history truly is a wondrous thing, and he really knew how to make a speech! By the time he was finished even stubborn Ortavia stopped fighting; albeit grudgingly.

Everyone knows the story of how the k'tan* came to be, blessed by the creator Asurmen himself to have the strength to defend our homelands from the demonic hordes during the great war. And everyone knows the names of the first of the Daemon*, the warriors chosen from the ranks of the k'tan* for their noble deeds, incredible skill and power. One such drake was the founder of Zangar. A k'tan who wielded the power of the very elements themselves; Tau'ruc Jarra. The father of the three houses of Zangar which were founded by his sons; Anaris, Valelor and Killik.

It was going to take two or three days to get everything organised. But all going well we would be at Rengilar in seven days time. I didn't mind that it would take that long, it meant I could spend some more time with my son. My only worry was that he would consider that to be too long to wait, and would instead run off and attempt to complete his mission alone.

Jovani took my fur cloak from me once we were both safely home. I was glad to be rid of the thing. It may be traditional, but it just wasn't me. It felt cumbersome and restricting. As I enjoyed my new found freedom from the oppressive garment, the delightful aromas of Harold's labours reached my snout. My maw watered with anticipation of the meal that was to come. I don't know what I would do without Jovani or Harold. They kept this place running. Harold would undoubtedly be wanting some attention from me tonight. He deserved that attention. I had been complacent about his needs for the last few days since Malakye's return, and tonight when we turn in I would make sure to let him know just how much I appreciate the little drakes efforts.

But before that I needed to give something to Malakye. It was overdue and I should have done it a long time ago. I had never worried about not having enough time with him before, and now I regret all the time I wasted with him. I needed to show him how much I care before I lost the opportunity to do so again!

As I opened the door which lead into the family room I was hit by a wall of intense heat. The fireplace burned with an impressive fire, a fire which lit up the room with flickering light and filled it with its intense heat. The familiar scent of the room comforted and relaxed me, bringing back fond memories of when I was young. Back when Mother and Father were still alive and when my sister still lived in Zangar.

Malakye sat in one of the high backed chairs in front of the fireplace. He stared into the flickering flames, lost in thought or mesmerised by the flames. As I approached Spryte chirped and flew over to me to greet me. The small black dragon flew around me, chirping to express his happiness to see me. I squeezed Malakye's shoulder before taking a seat in the other chair in front of the fire. Spryte landed on my lap and curled up to rest.

He gazed at me, not with cold indifference as he had done the past few days, but with warm recognition and the slightest signs of a smile curling the edges of his muzzle. It seems that his facade was beginning to crumble. A good sign.

"Where are your friends?" I asked.

"Kassandra and Laguna?" He asked. "Or the others?"

"Either." I smiled.

"Laguna went home, he received a message that his mother was worried about him. Once he's finished there he'll return. Apparently his mother had been so worried she sent his brothers out looking for him."

"It's nice that he has family that cares for him like that. There's nothing quite like family."

"And Kassandra has gone for a bath."

"So I take it they will be staying the night again?"

"Is that a problem?"

"No. No problem at all." I grinned knowingly.

"Shame. It would be nice to get some peace and quiet."

"What the pair of them wearing you out at night?" I teased. "Young drake like yourself should be able to keep up."

"That's not what I meant." He scowled. "They just won't leave me alone. They're worried that I'm going to run off if they take their eyes off me."

"I'm sure that's not the case. They aren't here now."

He rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the fire. The heat of the fire on my exposed scales was pleasantly hot. I knew this would be too hot for the likes of Callidus, but then I am a fire bender. I like things to be hotter than most.

"I'm glad you're here." I say, breaking the silence that had fallen between us. "You have no idea how much I missed you."

"I take it you're still planning on going ahead with this plan of yours?" He asked bluntly.

"Of course." I declared with as much determination as I could muster. "It's my honour and privilege to help you. Both as my son and as a Daemon."

"You're being stupid." He snapped. "There is no need for you to get involved! You're planning on marching up to a wolven strong hold and asking them to aid me. Their sworn enemy! You're going to get a lot of drakes killed!"

"Given the fact that the Elder in charge is your grandfather, I'd say there is a good chance!"

"Grandfather?" He said in surprise. He was taken aback for a moment. "Even so... as an Elder he isn't in charge of a military outpost. Simply an advisor to the Alpha."

His knowledge of wolven hierarchy shouldn't be that surprising to me since he grew up in a wolven village. It was easy to forget that though, even though his muzzle was distinctly wolven. There was no denying his heritage; neither side of it. He was trapped by the social stigmas both races held against one another. But while the wolves had never accepted him I was so glad that the majority of Zangars citizens welcomed him with open arms.

"True. But you're grandfather is well respected amongst the wolves. His reputation as a warrior, and his wisdom as an Elder are well known, even amongst the dragon tribes. He is a faithful follower of Jain'zar's teachings. He will not allow any dishonourable bloodshed, and even if the Alpha does want to attack us, I doubt they would be able to ignore him easily." I countered, using Callidus's words as my own to try and convince him. Gabriel Redpelt, Malakye's grandfather, was well known as an honourable warrior and Elder who followed the teachings of honourable warfare, set by the guardian deity of war herself. Our scouts had reported that he has been acting as elder in Rengilar* for nearly six seasons now. "I'm sure once he finds out your with us he will be even more eager to hear us out."

"I doubt it! He did nothing to help me growing up."

"I doubt that." I argued. "I have little doubt that without him you would have been killed a long time ago. While he was probably not able to openly be seen helping you, I doubt he would let anyone try and kill you. Half dragon or not, you are his kin, his blood. No honourable warrior would allow harm to befall their kin. And he is honourable... for a wolf at least."

"Heh!" He muffled a laugh. He didn't seem as angry now. This was as good a time as any to present him with my gift.

"Will you come with me?" I asked.

"Why?"

"I have a surprise for you." I grinned

I rose from my seat and headed for the door that lead to the bedrooms and private areas of the household. I was feeling excited about this. I never thought I'd get the chance to give this to him!Spryte fluttered off my lap as I moved to stand, and landed back on the now vacant chair to sleep. Malakye rose from his seat and followed me. We said nothing as we walked, he followed me in silence towards the forge.

I pushed open the double doors and we are bathed in the gentle blue light from the anglaor* embedded into the wall. The entire room glowed with the pale blue light, the forge sitting at the back of the room is cold and slumbering. The numerous racks of weapons displaying the finest works of my ancestors glow in the light.

I summon a small portion of nen to my right paw and with a snap of my fingers send a bolt of flame into the wall mounted torch above one of the work benches that line the walls of the room. The warm light of the torch easily pushed back the pale light of the anglaor from the surrounding area. The work bench is strewn with tools, and a mannequin covered in a dirty white sheet sat a few feet to the left of the table.

I grabbed the item I wanted to present him from the work bench, turned round and presented it to him. He looked at it for a moment before taking it. It was a wrist guard. Thick black leather topped with gold plated steel. It's design was simple, but sturdy and strong. The crest of the Anaris house was engraved prominently in the center.

"What's this?" He asked.

"We have a tradition." I say. "Sons of the Anaris house are taught how to forge weapons and armour from a young age, and when they complete their training and come of age, they are required to make a wrist guard much like the one you hold now."

"Okay..." He eyed the wrist guard with a little more curiosity.

"Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to teach you." I sighed. "I wanted to teach you but you were so dedicated to your training... I thought... eventually I would have the time to teach you."

"You could have said something."

"No. I was happy to let you do what you wanted." I assured him. "Learning to smith takes a lot of time and effort. It's just a stupid tradition." I lied. Traditions were important, Callidus would scold me for calling them stupid, and they had a place in society, but they were not essential to a happy life. "But since you never learned I wanted you to have this. It was the wrist guard I made as part of my coming of age ceremony. I want you to have it."

"That's..." He examined wrist guard in his paw, and then back to me. "Very generous. But I can't take this."

"You will." I insisted. "I haven't worn it since I inherited this thing." I chuckled holding up my right arm which currently bore the wrist guard traditionally worn by the head of the house. An intricately designed piece made of gold, and inlaid with a beautiful, orange gem set in the center. The gem was an unusually large Firris stone*. Rare and valuable, in terms of worth, but an even more valuable weapon to a fire bender. Firris stones had the ability to trap fire within them, fire which with training could be drawn upon at a moments notice by a fire bender.

"If you're sure." He said uncertainly, pulling the wrist guard to his chest.

"I am." I smiled broadly.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. That's just the first part of your gift!"

Before he could say anything I turn to the mannequin and pulled off the dirty sheet that covered it, and revealed the contents beneath. I had spent the last two nights finishing this. I had started it before Malakye's disappearance and had planned on presenting it to him upon his eventual rise to the rank of warlord. I had wanted to make sure he looked the part. I had nearly finished it when he had disappeared, and since then had been left untouched. I hadn't been able to bring myself to lay eyes upon it until recently.

It was a beautiful set of armour, although I will admit my opinion to being slightly biased since I made it. A leather cuirass of the finest black leather, light yet durable, with steel plates fitted on the chest and sternum. The design was far more suitable for Malakye due to his prowess in the martial arts, than a set of heavy metal armour, or a set of full bodied leather armour; with the lighter weight and extra movement it allowed his arms. The steel plates were trimmed with gold, and it bore the Anaris house crest proudly on the chest. The set also included matching wrist guards, which also had steel plates for additional protection since Malakye was so fond of fighting with his paws. I had also made him a jerkin and matching breeches to go with it. Simple, light, strong and durable. It was fine set of armour, as practical as it was beautiful.

He stared at the armour, almost transfixed on it. He reached out and touched it, examining the fine detail of the design I had engraved in it. As he did that I went and grabbed the set of shoulder guards I had finished last night and handed them to him. I had made these to go with the armour, and had been the last part of the gift to be completed.

"Congratulations." I said with the biggest smile I could muster. "You are officially a warlord, and a master bender of Zangar!"

He stared at the shoulder guards. I had designed them to go with the armour. The same black leather and gold trimmed steel, the right shoulder was engraved with the symbol depicting his rank as a warlord, the left depicted his rank of Master. As tradition dictated, it also bore the symbols of the elements that he was a master of.

In addition to the symbols of wind and fire I had put a third symbol, showing his mastery over a new and unique technique. Namely his ability to wield the blue flames, symbolised by a large individual flame, much larger than the three smaller ones representing regular fire bending. The technique had been discussed at length during the discussion to make Malakye a Master. During the meeting Xavier had aptly referred to the technique as 'inferno', a name which caught on quickly amongst the other Warlords.

Many thought that recognition of his unique technique should be held back until he had demonstrated both his mastery of it and until the could confirm that it could not be replicated by another master bender. Kassius himself argued the point that no one had seen such a technique since grandmaster Lanir's 'smoulder' technique, a technique to which no one had ever been able to come close to replicating.

The fact that Malakye's technique had dominated Kassius so completely during the mal'dov had been enough to convince the majority of the Warlords that Malakye should be recognised for his accomplishment. I suspect that many agreed to recognising his achievement just to move the meeting along.

Regardless of their reasons it was a great honour to be recognised for such a thing, a notable achievement that would earn him a place amongst the ranks of Zangars most recognised benders in history! It's a good thing the council agreed to recognise him for his new unique technique, because I had already made the damn things!

"What do you think? Do you like it?" I asked nervously.

"I do. I didn't expect... this."

"You deserve it."

"But... I've..." He let out a heavy sigh. "I've been rude... to you and everyone else, and yet you did this for me."

"You're my son." I smiled. "You can be the biggest ass this world has ever seen, and I will still love you."

He smiled and was suddenly a little bashful. There it was! The old Malakye. He had been so cold of late, it was nice to see a bit of emotion from him again. I knew he was still in there somewhere. He had always been kind and considerate, even when he was nervous. It had always been endearing. He reminded me a lot of his mother. Kind, courageous and strong.

I knew that he had been keeping his distance from me. It wasn't that he had changed, it was because he intended to leave from the start. It was easier to leave if you think everyone hated you. It must have been difficult for him to act that way. He had put on a good act, I'll admit he had me fooled most of the time, but there were moments where that indifference of his seemed awkward and put on. The fact that he had shown up at the party had been my biggest clue to the fact he was still him. If he had been as cold and indifferent as he suggested, then he never would have shown up, let alone dress up for the occasion.

"The armour is yours. Wear it with pride." I grinned. "I suppose you want your sword back? You kept up your end of the bargain."

"Aren't you afraid I'll run off?"

"If you give me your word that you won't, then I will believe you."

"I still think I can do this without your help." He said defiantly. "But I... I appreciate the effort your going to. But once my mission is complete I will be returning to Aaru*."

"I understand." I sighed, but forced a smile.

I truly did understand. If he didn't return to complete his training the spirit, or whatever the hell it was, would eventually take complete possession of him. But there was also chance that if he returned to Aaru* that I would never see him again. And even if he did successfully complete his training who knows how long it would be before he was able to return to Zangar?

"If I've learned anything in this life it's that time is precious." I say, not caring if I appeared soppy and emotional. "Even if it's just for a few more days, I want to spend that time with you."

He didn't say anything. He just smiled and then a few moments later turned his attention back to the armour. I squeezed his shoulder and made my way to the door. It was getting late and there was a lot to do in preparation for our departure.

"I promise I won't run off." He said as I reached the doorway.

I stopped and smiled. I glanced over my shoulder at him. He stared at me with those intense green eyes of his. The eyes of his mother. Those eyes had captured my heart the moment mine had met hers. They were the eyes of honesty and compassion.

"I trust you." I smiled. "I'll go get your sword. We leave the day after next. I suggest you spend time with your friends. They've missed you."

I left him then, to go and retrieve his sword which was stowed safely away in the locked chest in my bedroom. I still had my doubts but I had to trust that he wouldn't run off and try and complete his mission by himself. He had given me his word, and that was enough.

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As I shoved the final mawful of my breakfast into my muzzle, I rose from my seat. Harold smiled cutely at me. If I didn't have a busy day ahead of me I'd be tempted to take him to my bedroom and have my way with him; just as I did last night. He was always so eager. And for a little guy he is surprisingly flexible. As I walked by he arched his neck, he wanted a kiss. I chuckled and leant down to kiss him. He made a cute moan and I reached round to grope his ass.

"Ahem."

I looked over to the archway to see Malakye smiling at us, his guests Kassandra and Laguna looked very bashful and were diverting their eyes away from the intimate moment I was sharing with Harold.

"Morning." I smiled.

"Morning." Laguna gave me a wave. Kassandra nodded her head in acknowledgement of my greeting but still didn't look at me.

"So what's for breakfast?" Malakye asked.

"I'll leave you in Harold's capable paws. I need to go and gather the warriors who will be escorting us to Rengilar."

"Are you taking volunteers?" Laguna asked eagerly.

"Of course."

"Then I'd like to volunteer!"

"Me too!" Kassandra added hurriedly after a moment.

I couldn't help but smile. It was good that Malakye had friends willing to help him. This was a risky mission. If the wolves were not willing to listen to our proposal, and instead decide to attack us, we could be caught in a bad situation. But there was no fear in their eyes. They were only concerned with helping Malakye.

I was proud of Malakye. Not only for his fine taste in companions. Not only for their loyalty but for the fact that they were undoubtedly sleeping together. As his father, as a male, I was impressed and a little jealous. They were both very attractive. But I was proud of him of having found friends willing to risk their lives for him. In that he was very lucky. I had little doubt that many of his companions, the ones he first arrived in Zangar with, would still risk their lives for him if he only reached out to them for help.

"Very good!" I clapped my paws. "I shall add your names to the list. I shall see you all later." I made to leave when Malakye grabbed my arm. "Everything okay?"

"Yes." He smiled and handed an old journal up to me. "This is for you."

"What is it?" I asked, taking it from him. I flipped it open and quickly glanced at the pages. What ever it was it was old. Some of the text I couldn't read, written in some language that was beyond me. I wondered if Callidus could make sense of it.

As I stared at the pages Malakye held up a scroll for me to take. This was much more recent. The ink still smelt fresh, which meant he had written this. This I could read. It was instructions. Pretty complicated... it was a recipe, but not for food, but for a type of metal.

"I didn't know how to thank you for your gift, and your trust." He smiled. "So I translated this last night for you."

"There's no need, but thank you." I smile at him and give him a hug. "I have no idea what you've given me." I chuckled.

"Here." He handed me a lump of black steel.

It was crude, the lump of metal had been made but never properly shaped into anything. It looked just like galician* due to the black colouration, but the fact that it didn't leave me with a feeling of nausea ruled that out. I channelled my nen into it and to my surprise is began to absorb a small amount of my nen.

"Is this?!" I looked at him in shock. "Gallium?"

"This was the journal I found in the chest in my room. I thought you might like to read it since it was part of our families history. But it turned out to be a little more than just a journal." He explained, pointing at one of the pages written in the language I couldn't understand. It impressed me that he was able to read it. "These pages describe the authors attempts at making a metal capable of channelling nen, using galacian steel as a base. I think they were trying to make gallium steel."

"The chest in your room? That means this belonged to... Xerxes!" Xerxes was a legendary Anaris smith, the most famous smith from our family. Rulers from other countries came to Zangar just for the sole purpose of having him make them weapons. He came up with several new techniques and metals that are still used today! He was a genius! If anyone could have worked out how to make gallium steel it would have been him. But if he had worked out how... why was it never announced?

"I figured you'd want Callidus to look over the journal."

"I do... I will. This is amazing!"

He smiled at me and I couldn't help but smile so broadly my muzzle hurt a little. I needed to get this journal to Callidus. If this truly was a journal describing how to make gallium steel then this would put Zangar back on the map as the leading weapons maker in not just the tribal lands, but all the known lands. We could make Zangar great again!

But before that we needed to deal with situation of helping Malakye find the fur who had sold their soul to the Demon Lords! I would have to give this journal to Callidus to verify Malakye's findings!

************

"Well?" I asked impatiently. I had given Callidus the journal a few minutes ago and he had been reading it with great concentration.

"This isn't easy you know!"

"But..." I was about to say more but he sighed in frustration and I shut up.

"This is not just some simple recipe!" He said sternly. "A lot of this text is written in old tongue."

"But you can read old tongue!" I argued.

"Yes... but this is not a form I'm familiar with."

"I don't understand."

"Like any language the written word has many variations. If you travel North even common tongue varies in slightly different ways from our own. This is true if you travel far enough in any given direction. Older languages like this are no different! And of course the writer, and if this is Xerxes we are talking about, spent many years travelling while honing his craft. He could have learned the language any where!"

"So can you translate it or not?" I asked. Not entirely sure what point he was trying to make.

"Yes. But I will need time. But looking at this..." He lifted the scroll Malakye had written on to read. "I would say Malakye has done a pretty fine job of it."

"So this is a recipe to make gallium?" I asked excitedly.

"A little early to tell... but it could certainly be." He lifted the lump of black steel in his paw. "But this is very crude. No where near as fine as the steel used to make Malakye's sword."

"What's your point?"

"I'm suggesting that Xerxes never announced his discovery because he never finished refining it. He was a perfectionist from what I read. And probably passed away before he ever finished his work."

"So we can't use this?" I asked, disappointment slowly washing over me.

"If it is what it appears to be then we certainly can. As a starting point. No one has ever come close to replicating gallium steel." He smiled. "This could be huge!"

"I was thinking the same thing. We could finally put Zangar back on the map!"

"But first we have business to deal with." He rose from his seat. "We are already late."

"Very well. I will leave this in your paws."

"And once I have a spare moment it shall have all the attention it deserves." He assured me. But for now we needed to rally the troops. There was a lot of work to be done in the next couple of days.