FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Wind blew through dunes of the Turanian desert. Spiraling dust devils threw small debris of stone and branches every which way. Smooth, hard stone marked what was left of roads in the Exiled Lands. Along the sides of the roads and various ruins were the remains of various scarecrows - men and women impaled on stakes and hung from crosses. Arrows and spears marred most of the desiccated bodies that had darkened and leathered by the oppressive sun and wind.

A lone camel, loaded with gear and rider paced slowly along the road seeking reprieve from the sweltering sun. The rider gazed upon the bodies marking the path, listlessly, as the camel's feet smacked on the occasional road stones. In the distance, a large stone monolith stood that was surrounded by dunes on all sides. The rider shook the reins to hurry the camel along.

As they rounded a bend in the road, the rider noticed another cross set back near the monolith. A man hung from it, fresh from the look of it. The rider eased the camel to a stop and dismounted making its way towards the cross. It looked the nude figure from head to food. He had long wavy hair, the color of walnut. The wind whipped his hair back and forth across his face. A scar ran down from his forehead over his eye and down his cheek. Large scars were carved into both shoulders and his right thigh. Amid his body hair, silver glimmered from his chest, navel, and genitals. Plain bright silver was pierced through him. A sign was pierced into his abdomen with his crimes scrawled in messy handwriting.

Here hangs

A Nordheimer,

Condemned to death and exile for crimes including

Heresy

Assault of a priest

Defiling of a temple

Any who removes this body, living or dead,

From the cross will be flayed alive

Along with all members of their family

The rider stepped closer and slowly the head of the man rose. Hair covered half his face as his face contorted to a scowl of defiance. The single visible lapis eye glared at the cloaked figure. A pale linen turban was wrapped around a stone mask with thin slits for eyes. A similarly colored cloak covered the frame of the rider. The rider produced a curved dagger from behind its back and pointed the blade at the Nordheimer's face. He kept his eyes locked on the slits of the mask as the dagger ran down from eye level to his neck. Defying his wrist and ankle bindings he pushed himself forward so his neck rested against the edge.

The rider shook its head and dragged the blade through the ropes at his wrists and then his ankles. The man fell from the cross with a heavy thud in the sand. The camel became nervous and started pacing. With a snap of the rider's fingers, the camel calmed itself. The Nordheimer slowly forced himself up to a kneeling position and looked down at the sign piercing his abdomen. Silently the rider flipped the dagger over in its hand and held out the hilt. He looked up at the handle and shook his head causing a shrug to come from the silent figure. He hooked his fingers through the rings of the piercing sign and pried them open. With bloodied hands, he dropped the sign into the sand. The wind took the sign and it blew towards the dunes. The rider moved past him and walked up to its camel and began rummaging through a satchel.

The Nordheimer struggled to his feet and faced the rider. Suddenly a parcel flew at him and he caught it instinctively. He unraveled it and realized it was a hooded cloak. The rider mounted the camel and began riding back the way it came. The man quickly covered himself with the cloak and began trailing behind the camel. He looked up through the grey hood as the sky began to darken. The winds whistled as a sandstorm picked up. He moved closer to the camel to keep it in sight. The wind buffeted the group as they continued traveling down the road. Through the heavy winds, he made out the various bodies impaled and hung. He nodded to himself.

After some time, the sandstorm died down to a mild wind. The bottom of the sun was nearing the horizon as the group came upon an oasis. The rider led the camel to the edge of the spring and dismounted. Immediately the camel began drinking as it was tied to a nearby palm. The rider began removing the packs from the camel and the man walked up to assist. After rummaging in a satchel the rider handed him a couple of sealed but empty waterskins. He made his way to the spring and filled them up. The camel looked at him briefly then returned to drinking. He leaned down and did the same.

Washing his face, he turned to see the rider setting up a camp fire but was struggling to get the flame to start. He made his way to the pit and stood blocking the wind. The rider nodded in thanks as the fire finally took hold of the tinder. The Nordheimer held out the water skins to the masked rider. It reached out and claimed one of them before sitting down on a dead tree lying nearby.

"That one is yours," a low yet feminine voice came from the mouthless mask. The Nordheimer nodded in thanks and sat cross-legged across from the rider. The fire between them gave him welcomed warmth as it cast shadows about the oasis. Quietly the rider removed the turban causing her long wavy black hair to cascade down around her cloaked shoulders. Next, she removed the pale mask and set it on top of the linen next to her. Her face was pale but more tanned than the Nordheimer's.

Light liner circled her mantis green eyes and the fire casts shadows on her face from her aquiline nose. Her thick lips were at a slight frown as she spoke to the Nordheimer. "I would offer you clothes but all I had was that extra cloak. Here, have some food." She threw a small bundle in an arc over the fire and he deftly caught it. He unwrapped the parcel and it was a bundle of dried meat, nuts, and fruit. Ravenously he dug into the food.

"You're pretty strong, Northman, to be able to react so quickly after hanging on that cross for who knows how long-"

"This morning made a week," he spoke through his bites.

"Impressive, Northman."

He bowed his head humbly as he continued to eat. She kept her eyes on him as she pulled another ration from her pack and opened it for herself. They sat in silence for a bit eating their meager dinner. The wind had died down and the sound of insects in the oasis filled the air. The camel grunted as it lied down for the night.

"Thank you for saving me," the Nordheimer said as he finished his food.

"It's no problem, Northman."

"I am in debt to you."

She raised a muscled hand and shook her head.

"Think nothing of it. I know what it's like to be on the brink in the middle of the desert."

"I intend to pay you back for it."

She let out a hardy laugh as he stared back at her and swung one of her axes from her belt into the log, breaking off a branch. His face hadn't changed much from that murderous glare since he was released from the cross.

"And what should I call my new thrall?" she asked jokingly throwing the branch into the blaze. His expression softened slightly.

"Njordr," he said with a small smirk.

"Pleasure is mine. My name's Rodica but enough pleasantries. We need to camp for the night. There's a day's ride ahead of us tomorrow."

Njordr nodded in agreement and laid down in the sand using the cloak to support his head. Rodica smirked as she rolled out her bedroll and leaned her axes against the log. She stared up at the night sky. The stars and moon shone brightly without any coverage. Eagerly she lied down on the bedroll. They both drifted off to sleep to the sound of the insects droning.

As the sun began cresting the horizon Rodica blinked her eyes open. The sound of running water caught her ear as she rubbed the sleep from the corners of her eyes. As she focused her vision, she saw Njordr shaking his manhood dry near some bushes. She shook her head as she pulled herself up to the log. He made his way to the camel and gave it a pat on the hump before filling his waterskin.

Rodica rose heavily and made her way to the bushes to likewise relieve herself. As she squatted down she lifted the leather skirt of her armor. She sighed in relief as the stream started. She called out to Njordr as she continued to empty her bladder.

"We're heading east to a trading post today. We'll probably get there right before dusk, again."

"I figured as much," he called turning to face her.

"We'll stop by the market area and try to find you some clothes," she said plucking a large leaf and wiping herself. "I can't have my thrall wandering around without clothes. Most places find that unlawful," she continued with a chuckle. She kicked dry sand over her waste as she rose dropping her skirt into place. She made her way to the fire pit and threw fresh sand over it.

Together they gathered the gear and loaded up the camel. It let out a grunt of protest when the satchel was thrown across its back. Rodica patted the neck of the camel before fastening the rest of her gear to herself. Njordr swung his cloak about his shoulders and pulled the hood over his head. She mounted her camel and gave it a pull on the reins and they were on their way.

The sun blazed in the sky as they made their way through the desert. Steadily the dunes became shorter and the trail had hardened up. The patter of the camel's feet and Njordr's feet were the only sound to keep with the monotony. They had agreed not to make more noise than necessary earlier in the day. By midday the sun was oppressive and the winds had picked up again. The pair stopped briefly to eat and rest the camel as the heat bared down on them. They continued their trek through the dunes until the light of torches shone in the distance. The sun was just nearing the horizon.

"Looks like we're here," Rodica said as she brought the camel to a stop. "We're going to go get you some actual clothes. Then stop at the tavern for the night - make a plan from there."

Njordr nodded and the pair continued on their way towards the village. As they came upon the braziers, the guards nodded their heads at Rodica. The guards focused on Njordr and one stepped forward and held his hand out to Njordr's chest.

"The rider can pass. The leper cannot," he said trying to look under Njordr's hood. His eyes widened when he met the cold, scarred, gaze beneath.

"He's with me," Rodica's voice boomed from the mask.

The second guard cleared his throat and with a sigh, the first removed his hand and gestured for Njordr to follow. Once they were out of earshot, Rodica spoke back to him.

"I pass through here frequently enough that they don't question it. I've had a bit of trouble with the captain of the guard though, he's a real piece of shit."

"So what's the story?" he asked as they continued towards the stables.

"He didn't appreciate being called impotent in front of his men when I declined his proposition," she said with a chuckle. Njordr responded with a chuckle of his own. They reached the stable and Rodica paid for the camel and a lock box for her gear. Njordr followed behind her as she chatted idly with the merchants, easing their minds about him being a leper. The market guards watched with interest as they moved between the various stalls.

"Looks like the blacksmith is closed for the day. We'll try in the morning," she said as she led him towards the tavern. There was a large bustle as usual from the tradesmen drinking for the night. Rodica removed her headgear and tucked it under her arm. Njordr stood to the side of the room as Rodica made her way to the tavern master. He could not make out the conversation over the other patrons but she seemed to be greeted warmly. He ran his eyes over the large room, observing the patrons. He noticed the guards at a far continued to focus on him as Rodica came back to him.

"Okay, we're set up for the night. One of the barmaids will help you with a bath and then we can get some food."

"Sounds good," he said not breaking eye contact with the guards. A small woman walked up beside them and tilted her head in a bow. She had deeply tanned skin with long curly hair tied back behind her head

"Master Njordr, I am Fadila. I will be yours and mistress Rodica's chambermaid for the night. I've prepared a bath for you both at her request," the slight woman said bowing again. "Please follow me."

Rodica tilted her head in the direction of the chambermaid and Njordr nodded in agreement. They followed her to a side room with a large basin big enough for five people. She gestured at the baskets to the side of the room. Rodica places her head gear in and slowly removed her armor. Fadila helped her undo the chest bindings and her breasts dropped to their full size. Njordr looked over the heavily muscled body in silent appreciation. Various scars covered her entire body front and back. A heavy mass of curly black hair covered her genitals.

"Am I shaving today, mistress Rodica?" asked Fadila.

"What have I told you about that?"

"I'm sorry ma'am...."

"Just the legs and arms like usual."

Fadila nodded and gestured for Rodica to step in the bath. Njordr turned his back to them as he placed his new clothes in the hamper. He removed his cloak and placed it in the basket. He turned around and made his way to the tub. Fadila stared intently at his body focusing on the piercings. Rodica spoke up breaking the silence.

"Fadila, for shame!" she said with a chuckle in her voice.

Fadila bowed her head and murmured, "I'm so sorry! I've never seen a man with piercings. Especially there..."

Fadila's voice trailed off as she deftly dragged the blade against Rodica's skin on her right arm. Njordr quietly lowered himself into the hot bath and groaned in relief. The heat felt amazing on his aching muscles.

"Small comforts, eh?" Rodica said as she lifted her lifted her arm for ease.

"Tell me about it," he said as he sunk down slightly in the tub.

Fadila kept glancing down between Njordr's legs as she continued with Rodica's grooming. Finished, he placed the blade aside and began to lather Rodica down but was stopped by her hand taking the cloth.

"I can clean myself. Thank you Fadila. Why don't you focus on Njordr? He hasn't bathed in a while," Rodica said with a smirk as she began lathering her breasts.

She bowed her head and quietly moved to the other side of the tub. Almost at a whisper, she spoke.

"If Master Njordr would permit me to clean him..."

He nodded and she began cleaning his hair. Rodica watched with a smirk on her lips as she continued to clean herself. Fadila grabbed a lathered cloth and cleaned down his back running her fingers over the various scars that covered it. She then cleaned his arms and then his chest. She trailed her fingers over his pierced nipples and navel as she cleaned. Her breathing had become more akin to panting. Rodica continued smirking as she lathered her own legs.

Fadila's hand traveled down to his waist and she hesitated momentarily. She started to move her hand slowly down when suddenly Njordr grabbed her wrist. She let out a whimper, not from pain but from fear. She stared into his lapis eyes.

"I'll take it from here," he said dryly and took the cloth from her. Rodica let out a boisterous laugh as Fadila blushed and pulled away.

"In that case. I'll take the clothes to be cleaned," Fadila said hurriedly and grabbed the baskets. Quickly she disappeared through the door. Njordr continued cleaning himself as Rodica shook her head. She lifted herself up on the edge of the tub and sat with her legs slightly open. She wrung the water from her hair into the tub.

"I love messing with that girl," she said with a sigh.

"Do you now?"

"Yeah. It's a shame. I would have loved to see her expression when she felt it."

Njordr let out a chuckle as he finished up cleaning and sat up on the edge too. He rung his hair out as well and they sat and made small talk while they air dried. Afterward, they dressed in the plain clothes that Fadila had left for them and made their way to the bar. The crowd was even more boisterous and rowdy. They took a seat at the table closest to the bar and the bartender personally waited on them. Food and drinks came plenty as Rodica and Njordr discussed their plans to make their way to the trade capital.

Rodica spoke passionately and a bit angrily about a slave merchant that needed to be dealt with. Njordr did not pry and nodded following along with her plan. The pair suddenly realized the bar had gotten quiet. A scowl came over Rodica's face as she realized why. The sound of multiple boots clanking on the stone floor rang out. A guardsman dressed in far better-kept armor approached.

"Well if it isn't Rodica and the recently exiled Northman."

"This is none of your concern Nadir," she spat as she rose to meet him.

The guards all reached for their swords but Nadir gestured for them to hold.

"You know what the punishment is for removing him."

"You don't have the stones to do it yourself and I know none of your men do either."

Nadir let out a chuckle and looked down at the still seated Njordr and then back to Rodica.

"Perhaps I'll give you some leniency if you change your mind about what we talked about earlier. If not we definitely make sure he is well hung this time."

Rodica roughly thrust out her hand and grabbed him between the legs. Nadir's eyes widened as she grasped tighter without breaking eye contact. Hushed murmurs escaped from the patrons and a look of nervousness washed over the group of guardsmen.

"He is definitely well hung compared to you, captain," she said mockingly with a measured rage in her voice. She squeezed tighter causing him to yelp and double over. "Now get out of my sight before I feed them to you in front of the town," she growled pushing him backward. He stumbled into his guards and they readied their swords. Gasps came out from the crowd as rage contorted Nadir's face. He began to speak but stopped as he looked over to Njordr. Silently, he rose from his chair and stepped up beside her. His massive pale stature towered over the guardsmen and Rodica alike. He locked his cold eyes on Nadir's. The rage changed from fight to flight.

"L-let's go men!" he ordered as he abruptly turned. The men quickly filed out of the tavern behind him. The bar had whispered murmurs as Njordr turned to face Rodica. Rage was still etched on her face and she tightly balled her fists. He looked down into her burning eyes and nodded. She took a deep inhale and exhaled before sitting down. He returned to his seat across from her. Slowly the patrons got back to their rowdiness and Rodica began downing cups of mead in quiet rage. After a handful of cups, the bartender brought the sixth with a look of nervousness on his face.

Rodica thanked him and set it down on the table. She looked across the table a Njordr. He stared quietly back. She nodded to herself and rose to her feet. Gesturing for him to follow, she walked toward the hallway with the bedrooms. She lifted her hand and pointed down the hall. He walked along with her to the end - stopping between the last two doors.

"The one at the end is yours," she said.

He nodded and opened his door to his room. As he entered, he scanned the area. A simple but comfortable looking bed was in the room with a chest at the foot of the bed. He closed the door behind him as he stepped towards the chest. He opened it and found within all of his items that Fadila had taken earlier. Satisfied he closed it and removed his clothes lied down on the bed. He drifted into sleep easily and slept through the night with no trouble.

The sound of the door opening caused him to wake instantly. As he sat up a large shadow cast upon him from the door. Rodica stood, broad-shouldered taking up much of the frame. She nodded at him and he brushed the sleep from his eyes.

"It's dawn. The blacksmith should be working now," she said leaning against the frame.

"Then let's go."

He relieved himself in the chamber pot and dressed in his armor while she patiently waited in the doorway. As they walked through the main area, there were a few guards from the night watch eating their dinner. They averted their eyes from Njordr's cold gaze as the pair made their way to the exit. The tavern owner called from behind the bar wishing them good morning and Rodica gave him a slight wave as they walked out into the street. The market was starting to get set up and a supply caravan was at the western getting an inventory inspection. The pair made their way up the merchant area to the smith.

Smoke was rising from the furnace already and the sound of metal on metal rang out from the back of the building. They made their way to the back and came upon the smith. He was broad and muscled with a shaved head. A large greying black beard hung from his face as he struck his hammer to the iron sword he was shaping. He looked up and the dour look on his face changed to gladness.

"Rodica!" his deep voice boomed as he thrust the sword into a barrel of water. "What brings you by so early?"

"My brother-in-arms requires a sword of your skill, Haerviu," she gestured towards Njordr who was looking over the great swords.

"Anything for you lass," he said wiping his brow with a cloth and stepping up to Njordr. He stuck out his hand. "Haerviu."

"Njordr," he said as he reached out and clasped the smith's arm at the elbow. They gave each other a nod of respect.

"I'll leave you two to discuss it. I'm going to get provisions for the journey," Rodica said with a half-wave as she walked back towards the marketplace. Haerviu noticed Njordr's interest in the greatswords.

"Looking to kill a horse and rider in one swing?" the smith asked jokingly.

"That would be beneficial," Njordr said still glancing at these blades. "These are works of art as much as weapons. I am impressed and humbled by the skill of your craft... Cimmerian." He added the last part with a tone of reverence.

"I appreciate it, lad. You and Rodica are the only two that have been able to pick my clansmen's steel from the usual drek I provide.

"If it's no trouble, I'm looking for a sword with a blade long enough for me to rest my elbows upon when cross-armed. A blade three fists wide."

The Cimmerian's brown eyes brightened at the proposition. The joy quickly left his eyes and it was replaced with concerned calculation as he stroked his beard.

"It's no trouble but for a weapon of that measure - it'd require two days' work to construct. I know Rodica and you were planning to leave this evening."

"I'm no Cimmerian, but I have worked Nordheim steel in the past. I would be glad to assist you with the task."

Haerviu let out a hardy laugh and brought both hands to pat Njordr's broad shoulders.

"It would be my pleasure, my boy! You teach me some of your northern skills and I'll give you some Cimmerian knowledge! Come let's get started!" the smith said with a look of happiness on his face. Njordr removed his chest armor and began gathering the supplies.

The two men worked eagerly and talkatively throughout the day. Periodically, Rodica would come by and stand in silent awe watching the men hammer the massive weapon. Fadila and a few of the young women from the village hid behind some barrels to watch the sweat glistening and dripping from the Nordheimer's build for a time before Rodica chastised them. The men's work continued late into the day and as the sun was starting to dip, the blade was quenched for the final time. Haerviu stood looking over the blade on the work bench with satisfaction and pride. He turned toward Njordr who was drinking water from a cup.

"This is probably my finest work so far, Northman. My Cimmerian technique will lighten it a bit but it will still be a tiring sword to swing."

Njordr set the cup on the table and examined their work. The blade met his measurements but the process had left it black as night. The only silvered part of the sword was the cross guard and pommel. The handle was wrapped tightly with the same quality leather that his armor was made of. He wrapped his hand and lifted the sword up easily and gave it a flourish with one hand before gripping it in both. A look of awe crossed the blacksmith's face and his mouth hung open.

"It has some weight, but I'll get used to it," Njordr said.

"That is amazing lad!"

"How much for it?"

"Son, working on a project like this with someone as skilled as you is payment enough. Consider it paid in full with the experience gained.

"Thank you Haerviu."

"If ever you decide to stop adventuring, I wouldn't mind teaching you more."

A large volume of voices suddenly started up from the marketplace. There was unintelligible shouting and screaming coming from a crowd. A look of confusion crossed Haerviu's face. Njordr's face changed from the jovial to his usual coldness. He gripped the sword and rested it on his shoulder and bowed his head to the smith.

"Thank you for the offer but it looks like that won't be anytime soon," he said with a slight bow of his head and began to stride toward the market.

A large crowd was gathered in a circle. Njordr could easily see over even the tallest. In the middle was two score of guardsmen, including Nadir, surrounding Rodica. Her twin axes were drawn and a look of pure rage covered her face. Njordr placed his free hand on the shoulder of the man in front of him. The man turned to say something and stopped with wide eyes as he met the Nordheimer's gaze. The man moved out of the way and steadily the crowd let him through until he was within the ring.

Nadir looked over and gestured for a set of guards towards him. A dozen of them stepped forward with pikes and swords at the ready and surrounded the Nordheimer. Nadir called out for everyone to hear.

"In accordance with His Holiness's orders, Rodica, the Hyrkanian, will be flayed and executed for releasing the Exile from his bindings. The Exile will be executed first," he said with a flourish towards the men.

The guards circling him readied their weapons and Njordr lowered his massive blade to the ground so the blade touched the sand. They lurched forward all at once and gasps escaped from the crowd. Faster than a pounce from a predator, Njordr let out a roar and swung the blade in a circle. Blood and viscera flew as the bodies fell bisected horizontally. Screams rang out from the crowd as the blood mist settled. Rodica's face changed slightly with awe before a smirk crossed her raging face. Njordr wiped the blood from his face with his free hand and slicked his long hair back with the liquid. He grabbed the hilt with both hands and leaned forward with a murderous glare. The civilian crowd fled with screams and horror.

A roaring battle cry came from Rodica as she began hacking through the guardsmen encircling her. Njordr dashed towards the mass of men with his blade behind him shouting his own.

"Blood and Thunder!"

The melee raged as blood and viscera flew. Blades and pikes swung and stabbed at the pair. Rodica took many slashes and piercing blows as she roared through the mass in her fury. She had one target and he was hiding in the back of the group - as a coward. Gore flew around as she chopped through the armor with unrelenting strength. She burst through knocking three men out of the way. Fear covered Nadirs face and he began to bolt, far too late. Rodica pounced with a growl knocking to the ground. She brought her axes down in a flurry of chops with raging fervor. She roared as she continued hacking at what remained.

Two of the guards behind her took off in different fleeing the raging barbarian. Njordr stood over a pile of broken and maimed bodies. His chest heaved. He was drenched in blood, his and theirs, and gore. He turned to check on his companion as he noticed the two men running past him. In her bloodlust, the last guard stepped up behind her and gave a heavy slash to her back followed by a quick one to the back of her right thigh with his sword. She let out a roar of pain dropping her right axe to grab her thigh. She turned around to swing the left one but was struck in the forehead with the pommel. Dazed she fell to the ground dropping the second one. Struggling to take hold of it again, she looked up at the guard standing over her. He lifted the sword above his head and began to bring it down in a mighty chop.

A squelching sound came from his mouth as blood mist sprayed over her face. A large black protrusion of steel stuck through his navel at a downward angle, the point stopping a mere hands-width from her face. The blade arched upwards splitting his torso in twain. The body fell with a thud at her feet. She looked up to see Njordr breathing heavily. The sword was stabbed into the ground next to him and he was holding the hilt for support. She locked eyes with him. A smile crossed both their faces. She noticed a throbbing in her head momentarily before his face faded into darkness.

A ringing filled Rodica's ears momentarily as she struggled to open her eyes. Everything was bright and hazy. She let out a groan and heard Fadila's voice as she began struggling to sit up.

"Master Njordr! She's awake!"

Multiple hands grasped her arms and shoulders and lifted her into a sitting position. She looked up to see shirtless with bandages covering sections of his torso. His cold eyes met hers and a smile crossed her face. Fadila began crying and hugged her close.

"It's been a week! Everyone had given up hope! Well, except Njordr. He stayed here and doctored both of your wounds. A-and..." she began sniffling as she buried her head into Rodica's breasts. Tears ran down her face.

"Hush child. I have a mighty thirst and hunger," Rodica's said and patted the girl's head. She lifted her head slowly with tears in her eyes, but with a smile.

"Y-yes! Right away! I'll go make you something!" she said before dashing past Njordr. Rodica chuckled and looked up at him.

"Thank you, Njordr."

"I had to see if my debt had been paid."

"I believe so! You are relieved of your burden, thrall!" she let out a laugh. A slight smirk crossed his face. "I suppose now that it's done you'll be on your way?" He shrugged nonchalantly.

"I'm an Exile. I have nowhere to go and nowhere to be."

A shared smile crossed their faces. Rodica removed the covers and struggled to her feet. She outstretched her right hand. Njordr reached out his and grasped her elbow as she did his. Her mantis green eyes locked with the cold lapis.

"Brothers-in-arms?" she asked.

"Sworn brothers," he replied.