FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

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CHAPTER 4

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After many hours of recounting my time in Aaru to them I decided it was time to go home. The others offered me a place to sleep but I polity declined. Kassandra and Laguna would be waiting for me at home and I had left them waiting long enough.

"You're leaving for Rengilar tomorrow right?" Michael asked. I nodded. "Safe journey Malakye. I hope you return home to us soon."

I wasn't going to remind them that I would eventually have to return to Aaru to finish my training. Perhaps one day I would be able to return home. I was glad I came here tonight. If I hadn't I know I would have regretted it. I said goodbye to everyone. Cody was still distant, that saddened me, but I forced a smile and said a final farewell before leaving.

I stepped through the heavy curtain into cooler air. Silence welcomed me. The marketplace was just a short walk away but everyone would already be packed up and home for the night. A few loud noises could be heard from the taverns. I sighed and began heading home.

"Malakye! Wait!"

I looked behind me to see Cody running after me. I stopped and turned to meet him. He ran into me and wrapped his arms around my waist. I leant down and wrapped my arms around him. I breathed in his scent and enjoyed the feeling of him warm, soft fur against my scales.

"I'm sorry!" He sobbed. "I-I-I..."

"Shhh..." I cooed. "It's all right. I understand. I'm sorry too."

We just stood there and held each other. He was the first to break the silence.

"I missed you."

"I missed you too."

"Please don't leave."

"I have to." I sighed. "You know I do."

"I don't want to lose you again!"

"You won't ever lose me." I assured him. "I'll be back. I promise!"

"Can't you stay the night?" He sniffled.

"I'd love too, but Laguna and Kassandra are waiting for me."

"Oh, okay..." His ears went flat and he sniffled into my chest.

"Why-why don't you come with me?" I suggested. "Spend the night with us?"

"N-no... it's all right. I wouldn't want to intrude."

"Come on." I insisted. "If anything you'll be the only one who's not intruding." He looked at me funny, not quite understanding my meaning. I explained that Kassandra and Laguna had basically invited themselves, and would not let me leave their sight for the past two days now.

"Really?" He giggled. "You're sure they won't mind?"

"If they do then they are welcome to leave." I grinned.

"O-okay then!" He nodded.

"Great."

I turned and we began walking home. He surprised me for a moment when he held my paw in his. I looked down at our paws and then at him before squeezing his paw affectionately. I suddenly wondered what Aceh had said to Cody to convince him to forgive me? He had still been distant after he had come out of the bedroom. But now it was as if nothing had ever happened between us.

Perhaps it was just an act? No, Cody is not that deceitful. He could lie, but he didn't like doing it, and the way he acted now was just too genuine but to be an honest reaction. Perhaps I'll get a chance to ask Aceh sometime. But now was not the time for such depressing thoughts. I would return home to Zangar one day, free of the burden of the danger the spirit within me posed. I had too much to lose if I didn't.

As we entered we were met by Jovani who was carrying a tray with a teapot and several cups on it. He smiled and bowed his head in our direction.

"Young Master."

"Hi Jovani."

"Your guests are in the family room with your father. I was just fetching them some tea, would you like some?"

"No thank you." I declined.

"Very good. And I see you have brought yet another guest with you. It is good to see you again Cody."

"And you." Cody grinned bashfully.

"Would you like some tea?" Jovani asked him.

"Yes please!"

"Very well. I shall fetch another cup for you. Go on ahead, I shall be in shortly." Jovani bowed his head at me again before turning and retreating down the corridor towards the kitchen.

Cody and I headed up the stairs into the family room. Kassandra and Laguna were talking to my father and hadn't noticed us enter. Laguna was the first to notice as we approached them. Kaldor greeted me and then Cody, who wagged his tail at the greeting from my father.

"You took your time." Kaldor smirked. "Your friends here were getting all impatient waiting for you. We ate without you."

"That's fine. I've already eaten."

"So we have another bedmate for the night do we?" My father asked with a knowing smirk. "Ah, to be young again!"

"Father... really." I sighed. But his comment had made the other three slightly bashful.

"What?! Nothing wrong with it." He assured us. "I could probably tell you a few stories..."

"I'd rather you didn't." I cut him off.

"Suit yourself." He smirked. "But try not to stay up too late. We depart for Rengilar tomorrow at midday. I expect to see you at the Western gate before then."

"I'll be there." I assured him. "But why are we leaving so late in the day? Surely we can leave earlier than that?"

"The main reason is because we will be spending the night at the Northern outpost. There are not a lot of sites along the mountain path big enough for three hundred drakes to camp at night."

And no reason to leave earlier if you are going to stop after a five hour march. Reasonable but still annoying. If I flew I could be outside Rengilar within a day. But no one would be able to keep up with me at that pace. It would defeat the point of bringing an army to begin with.

"Three hundred. You'll be leaving Zangar on a skeleton crew." I said.

"True. But Callidus insisted on sending as many as we could. It wouldn't do for me to be cut down by the wolves. I am, after all, the leader of Zangar." He smirked. "His words, not mine."

"But true none the less." Jovani chirped as he approached.

"You worry too much Jovani!" Kaldor huffed. "You're like my mother sometimes!"

"It is my duty to ensure your safety, and the safety of your family." Jovani countered. "If the two of you were to fall at the paws of the wolves then I would not only fail my sworn duty to your family, but I would lose my very purpose for living." Jovani began pouring cups of tea and handed them out to everyone.

Jovani had become steward to the Anaris house when he was young, barely even a teenager. He had been with my father for most of their lives. They were more than just master and servant, anyone who knew them could see it in the way they acted and spoke to one another. Through the act of servant Jovani was really family. I know my father thought of him in that way as well.

We spoke about the plans for tomorrows journey while everyone finished their tea before retiring to bed. My bed was going to be crowded tonight. Perhaps it was a good thing that we weren't leaving until midday. It was going to be a long night before I would be allowed to get any rest.

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"You look amazing in that!" Cody grinned, his tail wagging behind him.

I smiled at him in the mirror as I took myself in. I was wearing the armour Kaldor had made for me. Kassandra, Laguna and Cody had helped me put it on. It was a beautiful set of armour. It was pretty much a perfect fit as well. An impressive feat since my father didn't have anything other than his memory to go by.

"You look like royalty in that." Kassandra smirked. "Fitting for the future heir of the Anaris house hold."

"Do you really have to go?" Cody asked.

"I do."

"Will you come back?" He asked.

"It might be a while." I admitted. He knew I had to return to Aaru after all this was over. "But I dare anyone to try and stop me."

"Promise?"

"I promise." I knelt down and kissed him between the ears. "I know I've already apologised for how I behaved before, but I still regret pushing you away like I did. I wasted what little time we had together."

"I'm sorry too." He said as his ears flattened.

"Then we are both sorry." I smiled. "And I promise to make it up to you in the future."

"In the mean time Kassandra and I will keep him safe and sound, and protect him from the wolves." Laguna declared, standing proudly in his own armour.

"I'll wait for you. No matter how long it takes." Cody whimpered as his eyes teared up. "So come back safe... all of you."

After saying our goodbyes to Cody and the others who came to see me off, we headed to the Western gate where the drakes accompanying us were gathering. There were countless Zangarians here to see off their friends and family, their brothers, sons, fathers and lovers. None of them were allowed past the inner gate. That was were everyone was preparing for departure. As I passed everyone in the crowds they seemed to move aside to allow me through. The looked on their muzzles was that of respect. I couldn't help but smile, remembering the feeling of acceptance I had first felt after arriving in Zangar for the first time. No matter how long I may spend away from this place... this was home. Now and forever.

I approached Callidus and Kaldor who were surrounded by numerous warriors as they gave out directions and orders. I stopped a short distance away until Kaldor noticed me and waved me over. The other drakes around him parted to allow me through, some of them bowing their heads in respect. The ones that did were the warlords. The ones who knew me to be a daemon.

"Master Anaris." Callidus greeted me with a smile. "Nice of you to join us."

"I'm not late am I?"

"Ye..."

"Of course not." Kaldor cut Callidus off. "We will departing within the hour."

"You should go and meet your warriors." Callidus added.

"'My' warriors?"

"Yes. As a warlord you have been given a unit of drakes to command. A selection of the finest warriors we have." Callidus explained. "Basically they will be acting as your bodyguard as well as the vanguard for the army. Becaused if you do fight the wolves you undoubtedly will be in the middle of it all."

"I don't need a bodyguard." I countered. "But I appreciate the gesture, despite the insult."

"You're bluntness is refreshing." He smirked. "At your fathers request, the two following you are also part of the unit you are in command of. You can find the rest of your unit gathered in by the outer gate. I suggest you go and acquaint yourself with them."

"Very well. Quo'yujun." I formally said goodbye in old tongue. An act that garnered a faint look of surprise before he smiled.

"Quo'yujun, Master Anaris. I will pray to the deities for success in your mission."

With that I made my way towards the gate where the drakes who would form the unit I would be directly in charge of had gathered. I was not used to being in command of others. But I had received some level of training in regards to that back in Aaru as part of my studies. It was all theory however. I had never actually had any real experience being in command of others, not beyond the brief time during the wolven attack at the Eastern gate before my arrival at Aaru. As I approached the group by the gate I counted two dozen drakes, including Kassandra and Laguna in that number.

"Officer approaching!" One of the drakes announced as he saw my approach.

In a second the rest of the drakes there quickly stood at attention where they stood and turned to face me. I looked across the group. From that reaction I at least had their respect. Undoubtedly they at least respected my ability to fight, so that was a start. But that did not mean I had their loyalty. Loyalty would come, but for now I needed to show them that I was capable of leading them.

"Line up!" I commanded.

They did as I ordered, all of them formed two ranks and stood at attention. I motioned for Kassandra and Laguna to join them. I looked over them and recognised some of their muzzles. Their names were fuzzy, but I remember them some of their reputations. Six of them were also adept level fire benders. None of them were archers I noticed. Not surprising if they were to act as both vanguard and as my bodyguard. Archers would be left behind in the battle, and considering the number of other units in this army, there would likely be a single commander in charge of the archers.

"Sir!" One drake stepped forward. "May I speak?"

I nodded.

"I am Julius Nancrol." I recognised the family name as one of the noble houses. I remembered him. He was an accomplished bender, who was also reputed for his skills with a great sword. "Lord Anaris asked me to be your deuxas."

So my father had picked him to be my second? Then undoubtedly he had faith in this drakes ability.

"Very well. Report."

"Everyone is ready and prepared to depart once the order is given Warlord." He bowed his head in respect. "Everyone is present and accounted for."

"Thank you Julius." I looked over the group once again. "I know many of you will have questions, and I am not sure what you have been told. You may be nervous about heading into battle. Some of you may relish the chance to spill the blood of wolves. But so long as you are under my command you are also under my protection, as much as I am under yours."

This earned a few stares of confusion from them, but all of them remained standing at attention and let me continue.

"Our mission is more important that a fighting against the wolves. More important that fighting a war. It is to protect each and every fur that reside in this world. We are hunting a servant of the demon-lords."

"Sir! What do you mean?" Julius asked.

"The reason I have returned was to ascertain the identity of a fur who has sworn themselves to the demon-lords If left unchecked this fur could bring about a second demon war. It is my responsibility to hunt down this individual and ensure that they do not accomplish this mission. The how and the why I have been given this mission is not important. I feel it is important for you to understand how important this mission is."

"If what you say is true... I mean... I don't doubt what you say, but that is a serious issue Sir!" Julius said in a composed yet slightly panicked manner.

"It is!" I stated bluntly and levelled them a stern glare. "That is why no matter what grudge, anger or desire for blood you may harbour towards the wolves, you will not raise your blades against them except in defence. If any of you are unable to accept that, then you are not fit for this mission! Anyone who cannot follow that order is free to leave now. I will ensure that there will be no repercussions for doing so."

Nobody moved, but I could sense the hesitation from all of them. The only ones I couldn't sense it from were Kassandra and Laguna. Their scent hadn't changed after my announcement while everyone else had. The scent was similar to that of fear, but it was not as strong and considerably more salty. They were wrestling with their thoughts, but none of them had the scent of submission. They were all going to stay and fight. I already knew this even if they didn't.

Truly, how had I ever been able to read others without using their scents before I will never know. Callen had thought me how to use my nose not only to hunt but also how to read the scents of others. My sense of smell was superior to that of any dragon, thanks to my wolven heritage. But by using my nen I could now enhance my sense of smell to entirely new heights.

"This is your last chance!" I declared. "If you wish to leave do it now. After this moment leaving will be considered an act of mutiny!"

No one moved. But I had already known that they wouldn't. These were the warriors paw-picked by Callidus as the finest warriors Zangar had to offer. If they were to leave then every other warrior here in the army would leave. Soon word would spread throughout the ranks of what our true mission actually was. Whether the other warlords wanted them to know or not. This was my mission and if anyone was going to follow me and risk their life for it then I would make sure that they did it willingly. Of their own resolve and not through deception.

Kaldor and the other warlords may resent me for doing so without consulting them, but they were the ones who had insisted upon this course of action. And while it may have a higher chance of success over my initial plan to infiltrate Rengilar by myself, I will not allow these drakes to risk their lives for my mission without first allowing them the chance to leave.

By tonight the word will have spread throughout the rest of the army. We are scheduled to spend the night at the Northern outpost before continuing on at first light tomorrow. Once word has spread I will give everyone a chance to leave. But by showing the willingness of my own unit to stay and fight I'm sure I will be able to convince the majority of those who may leave to stay through their display of bravery.

Soon everything was ready and we departed. My unit was second in line, following Xavier's which took point. My fathers unit followed behind mine, then it was Malnark's, then Warlord Kassius's and finally Warlord Xavier's unit. My unit was the smallest. The units varied in size, but the next smallest easily had double my own.

Travelling with this many drakes meant the journey would take longer, but we made it before dark. The outpost was busy, tents were already being erected in the courtyard in anticipation of our arrival and a feast was being prepared. This would be the last decent meal that we would have until they returned home. After tonight it would be travel rations only.

By the time camp was set up night had fallen, but everyone was in good spirits as the ale was passed around freely. There would be more than a few drakes with hangovers tomorrow. But they would have a long day of marching in order to walk it off! The supplies for tonight had been sent ahead yesterday so that the outpost would have time to prepare everything.

"There seems to be some discord amongst the warriors." Malnark announced as he approached the table I sat at with my father and the other warlords.

"What do you mean?" My father asked.

"They seem to be questioning the reason for this mission."

"That will be because I told the warriors under my command the truth of it."

"What?!"

"Why would you do that!?" Warlord Malnark snapped. "Sowing discord amongst your own army?! That is crazy!"

"Watch your tongue." I snapped at him before turning to my father. "I went along with your plan to assist me, but I never agreed to allow them to risk their lives without knowing the reason why. I gave everyone in my unit the opportunity to walk away if they did not agree to my terms. I would ask that you grant that same kindness to everyone else."

"I suppose it is not unreasonable."

"Lord Kaldor! I must object!" Warlord Malnark exclaimed. "These drakes are under your command, sworn to follow your orders! If you order them into battle then they are obligated to do so!"

"They are sworn to the protection of Zangar and its citizens." I corrected him. "I have taken that same oath, but no where does it say they are obligated to go and die at the whim of the one in command. A leader only remains leader so long as the ones they rule over allow them to do so. Ruling through fear and intimidation doesn't work either. That's how coups happen."

"Tch!" He snorted and fell silent. Malnark was a drake that followed procedures and rules to the letter. But there was no faulting my argument and he knew that. This was why he had backed down.

"By giving them the choice you earn their loyalty." Jovani chimed in. "Loyalty is a powerful motivation."

"Very well. We shall give everyone a choice. If they wish to return home then I will ensure they don't suffer any repercussions for doing so." Kaldor agreed. "But you will explain it them, and have them understand what it is they are choosing to do."

"Fine." I sighed.

It wasn't unreasonable for him to make that request. He could have refused mine, and if a lot of the warriors here decide to leave as a result of this then there's a chance that there will be no point in continuing this mission. If that's the case then I would continue as I had initially intended to. But somehow I had faith in the Zangarian warriors. When I gave the choice to those under my command not a single one wavered enough to take even a single unsure step away.

I got up and moved towards the table were Julius was sitting and ordered him to gather the drakes in my unit before continuing to the centre of the courtyard. I felt a little nervous, it had been a long time since I had spoken in front of such a large crowd. Speaking is very different than fighting. I was going to need to choose my words carefully. Choose how to deliver them. I never did enjoy speaking in front of crowds.

"IF I COULD HAVE YOUR ATTENTION!" I shouted. Once everyone in the courtyard had fallen silent I began to speak again. Allowing my voice to rise from my gut so it would carry across the courtyard without needing to shout.

"You all know who I am. You know that I have returned and we are marching on the wolven outpost! Rengilar. We have all suffered hardships and losses at the paws of the wolves. And many of you are eager to get retribution."

The was a murmur of agreement that ran through the crowd.

"However... it is important you know why we are heading towards Rengilar. We are not marching to war. We are marching for an even more important reason. And it is that reason that I have to ask you for your understanding." A rumble of confusion made its way through the crowd. "I have been charged with the task of hunting a fur who become a servant of a Demon-lord."

"So are we attacking Rengilar in order to find the wolf who has become a Demon Servant?" Someone in the crowd asked.

"No!" I said bluntly. "I don't know if they are a wolf or not. But what we do know is that they are in Rengilar."

"How do you know that?"

"It was preordained by an oracle." There was rumbling of discontent and disbelief that running through the crowd now. I needed to get ahead of it. "I can understand how you feel. I felt the same way when I was told about it, even more so when I was told I was the one that had to hunt it down in order to prevent a second demon war from starting! Whether you believe me or not I do need your help!"

By now Julius had gathered the rest of the warriors in my unit and they were standing to attention at the edge of the courtyard.

"I have already explained to those under my command that we cannot antagonise the wolves! We need their cooperation in order to find the fur who is willing to bring bloodshed and darkness to not only the Tribal Lands but the rest of the world! They are willing to hold back on their desire of revenge against the wolves to prevent this disaster from occurring! So I ask all of you. Will you help me? Are you willing to put aside your hatred and desire for revenge for a greater calling? To save everyone, not only your family and friends in Zangar, but every fur in the world?"

There was an ominous silence. For a moment I feared that I had gone too far with my speech, that everyone would say no. A drake to my right stood up. I recognised him. It was Mantou. One of the most respected warriors amongst the ranks of the Zangarian warriors. He was the third in command of Malnark's unit. He stared at me for a few moments before slamming his right fist to his chest and bowing his head at me.

"It would be my honour to fight by your side." He said.

After that the dragons around him also stood and with their fists over their hearts bowed their head in a display of respect and loyalty. I couldn't help but smile as more and more drakes also did the same. It looked like I had won their loyalty. I sighed in relief. There may be a few unwilling to let go of their hatred of the wolves, but it looks like most of them here were willing to do so on this occasion.

"I knew you could do it." Kaldor grinned as he walked up behind me. I just smiled. "I am proud of all of you!" He declared to the crowd. "Your honour and bravery is something I could not be any prouder of! So as a reward to you all we have a little event planned for you tonight!"

There was murmur of excitement from everyone in the crowd as they waited to find out what the event was. I was intrigued myself. I hadn't heard anything about it until now. But Kaldor was very much a drake who cared about the well being of others above all else. This was something he must have had planned in order to improve the moral of warriors.

"Many of you witnessed the mal'dov where my son earned his rank as Master and Warlord! So now we are going to hold a gauntlet match!" A cheer rang through the crowd, but I had a bad feeling about this since he specifically mentioned me. "So anyone who wishes to challenge Malakye and test their strength against him are allowed to do so."

He turned to me and smiled. I glared at him. He could have asked me first. But there was no way for me to refuse now without looking like a coward. I nodded at him to let him know that I accepted the proposition but made sure I was not pleased about how he went about it with a cold glare. I stepped past him and looked around the crowd.

"I issue an open challenge to any willing to challenge me." I declared making the match official. "I will accept any challenge! That also includes teams and groups! Now steel your resolve and challenge me!"

"Anyone who manages to defeat Malakye will also receive a generous reward!" Kaldor announced earning a loud cheer. "Best of luck to all of you!"

Damn him! Now there would be no end of challenges. I had announced my willingness to accept teams of opponents to allow some of the weaker opponents to feel confident enough to challenge me. This exercise was to not only boost moral, but to help train the warriors here. But I couldn't allow myself to lose too easily, and I could probably count on one paw the number of opponents here who would be willing to challenge me one-on-one after my display at the tournament against four master ranked benders, as well as my fight with Aceh at the dojo.

The first pair of challengers stepped forward. I couldn't remember their names but I did recognise them as brothers from one of the noble families in Zangar. The older brother was considered one of the best swordsmen in Zangar, but he was not yet considered a master swordsman. He wore a set of polished armour and bore a heavy shield. The younger brother wore a set of leather armour with metal plates attached to it rather than a heavy set of armour like his brother. He bore a spear, and judging from the confident expression on his muzzle, he had to be fairly skilled with it.

I nodded at them and stood ready as they drew their weapons. I was not going to draw my sword, not yet. Not that I was over confident in my ability to beat them with my bare-paws. I was confident in my abilities but I would never be foolish enough to think that I could not be beaten by them. One misstep is all it would take for them to beat me.

But if I could defeat them unarmed then I might just be able to stop some drakes from considering issuing a challenge. I doubt I'd be able to defeat three hundred warriors, eventually fatigue would catch up on me and eventually I would make a mistake.

Two against one. I needed to take control of this match early if I hoped to defeat them in a timely manner. Neither of them were adepts, but I could feel them drawing on their nen. So they held some level of latent ability to use nen. Well then, I wouldn't feel guilty using my own nen to counter theirs.

The younger brother, with the spear, charged forwards at the same moment I did. He swung his spear in a wide horizontal arc. I leapt into the air, using my wings to give me additional height, so I was able to leap over his spear and land in a forward roll behind him. As I rolled into a crouched position the older brother was already prepared to bring his sword down upon my head. As I watched the flash of steel I raised my paws and with my nen enhanced strength caught the blade between my paws inches above my head.

Dodging would have been safer, but their attacks were so slow in comparison those I had trained with in Aaru. The look of surprise on his muzzle was almost priceless. He tried to pull his sword free of my grasp but I held it firmly. I glanced over my shoulder to see the younger brother was stepping forward to run me through with his spear. I pushed upwards and leapt off the ground, pushing the sword in my paws to the side and kicked the older brother in the gut with a nen enhanced kick which knocked him to the ground with a loud crash.

I landed and quickly turned to face the other brother head on. I dodged his first thrust of his spear, and then his second before backing away from him. His skill with a spear was no joke. The time between thrusts were minimal and the power behind them enough for the spear tip to pierce my armour. I had underestimated him slightly, but he lacked the ferocity behind his attacks to make him a real threat. As he pursued me and thrust his spear towards me once more, I stepped forward, turned my body sideways to the right to make myself a smaller target and slammed my right paw into the shaft of his spear as it cut through the air passed me.

My blow knocked the spear sideways and created an opening which allowed me to get up close and personal to the drake wielding it. To his credit he didn't freeze in shock or fear, but he did go wide eyed and tried to back away once he realised I had broken through his offence. But he was half a step too slow to escape my first blow. I landed a fairly powerful punch to the side of his muzzle and then grabbed his spear with my other paw.

The mistake he made then was his reluctance to give up his weapon. He didn't have the strength to yank it free of my nen enhanced grip and that allowed me to land several more powerful blows to his muzzle. Once he was dazed I grabbed him and threw him to the ground, the impact of which forced him to relinquish his hold of the weapon.

I readied the spear in my paws, twirling it with a flourish as the older brother leapt into attack me with his sword. I parried the first few strikes, using the longer reach of the spear to my advantage, but each time I tried to strike back he would block it expertly with that massive shield of his. After a minute or so of our exchange I noticed the younger brother was now fully recovered and despite his lack of a weapon was more than willing to enter the fray.

I spun round past the older brothers attack, caught him in the back of the knee with the base of the spear causing him to stumble, and I turned to face the younger brother and threw the spear to him. As he caught it with both paws, a confused expression on his muzzle as I returned his weapon to him, I seized that moment to drive my foot-paw into his chest with all the power I could muster and sent him rolling across the hard stone of the courtyard floor.

I leapt back to avoid the swing of the older brothers blade, stepped to his left to make it more difficult for him to attack with his sword due to the massive shield he held on his left. Unsurprisingly he used the shield itself to attack, but it lacked the additional reach that a sword granted him, and was slower due to its greater weight and bulkier size. He was seasoned and experienced with his choice of weapons. He was definitely the more challenging opponent of the two. His heavy armour meant that my punches would have little effect. Even if I was to draw my own sword he was the better swordsman. Right now as I was unarmed he seemed to be more willing to take chances when he attacked. I would use that to my advantage.

As he attempted and over head slice I caught his sword arm by the wrist with my left paw. I weaved my body and stepped to his right to avoid his retaliation with his shield before striking him in the gut with a nen enhanced punch. The bones in my paw shook from the impact against his armour. The fact that I had enhanced my fist with so much nen was the only reason I hadn't broken anything other than the scales on my knuckles as I struck his armoured torso. But the attack had been effective in staggering him. He grunted loudly as the air was driven from his lungs, the metal plate I had struck bent inwards slightly, making it even more difficult for him to catch his breath.

As he fell to his knees I twisted the arm I held with my left paw, twisting my body and flipped him onto the flat of his back. I quickly pressed my knee into his chest, my left paw firmly holding his sword arm and reared back my right fist.

"Yield!" I commanded as he stared up at me with a dazed but understanding look. He nodded and I released him. Once he had taken a moment to catch his breath I offered him a paw and helped him up. "Go to the smithy and get that armour seen to."

"Good fight..." He wheezed slightly. "Warlord Anaris."

I turned to look at his brother who bowed his head in respect to me before helping walk his brother from the field. They would be a little sore tomorrow, and his armour would be easily repaired by any capable smithy in a few hours. I had earned their respect though. My right paw was bloodied and sore, but still fully functioning. I flexed it a few times to test it.

I could smell the difference in the attitude of the crowd. While they were all excited for the match itself, many of them now lacked the willingness to step forward to fight. My plan had worked. Even I would have a hard time fighting this many drakes. A few more fights and I doubt many would be willing to step forward to challenge me.

My next opponent, surprisingly, was Tau'ruc. Named after the legendary Tau'ruc Jarra. One of the most powerful k'tan to have ever lived and founder of Zangar. In terms of nen Tau'ruc certainly lived up to his name sake, his nen rivalry that of a Grandmaster bender; unfortunately for him his attitude and ego prevented him from learning from his mistakes.

He glared at me across the courtyard his nen flared and ready to fight. I knew that he hated me. We had never really gotten on; not since that time he had attacked Aceh with the intent on hurting him just because Aceh had shown him up! He was too arrogant for me to like him and in general we just rubbed each other the wrong way. To top that off it was no secret that he was resentful towards me for becoming a Master bender, while he was just an honorary Master. Recognised for his impressive skills as a bender, but lacking the authority as a warlord.

"Fighting me by yourself Tau'ruc?" I grinned cockily, hoping to get a rise out of him. He replied by scowling at me. "Are you sure that's wise?"

"I won't lose to the likes of you!" He growled. "Once I beat you, they will promote me!"

"If you think you can beat me." I smiled.

It had been a long time since I had fought Tau'ruc. We sparred many times in the past. Back when I had first started learning to bend he had always beaten me. But once I had started getting better he began to win less and less, until he couldn't beat me at all. I would always bring the fight to him, making it a fist fight rather than a pure bending match. He had always been the superior bender. But then I had always been hiding my wind bending from him and only used my fire bending skills against him. Water always had the advantage over fire. It was time to see who the better bender truly was!

He raised his his paws and two large barrels of water slid forwards from the edge of the courtyard. He wasn't wasting any time. The water rose up out of the barrels and with one swift motion of his paw shot towards me at speed. The tips of the water freezing into a icy tip. He wasn't pulling his punches! I fire a large burst of wind between the two attacks, the force of the wind shoved them a few inches to the side and knocked them wide of striking me.

But Tau'ruc was not going to stop because of a simple thing like that. He had already prepared his next attack. Nearly two dozen shafts of ice hovered in the air around him before he fired them at me all at once. As I gathered my nen in front of me to form a shield, I reached my nen out towards the brazier a few feet away from me and ignited nen I'd gathered forming a wall of fire. The intense heat of the fire melted the ice before it could reach me.

I allowed the wall of fire to die and stared across the courtyard at Tau'ruc as the crowd cheered us on. Tau'ruc had more supporters than I had thought. But he was going to need to do better than that to beat me. In terms of nen he was more powerful than any of the other master benders, excluding myself. However he had always relied on beating his opponents with sheer force rather than skill. Lets see if he had changed after all this time?

With a powerful surge of nen he drew a large amount of water from the barrels. I dashed forwards in a hope to catch him off guard but it seemed he was ready for that. One of the large masses of water shot towards me in numerous tendrils, the tips of which had formed icy spear tips. I dived to the right to avoid being impaled on them. In order to avoid the following attack I gathered my nen around my wings and used them to propel myself backwards with one powerful flap of my wings. The crowd around us cheered. Tau'ruc had improved, but he was still just throwing his power around.

He fired another wave of ice spears at me, but there was no time to create a fire wall again. I gathered my nen, spread my wings and propelled myself upwards. Up and over his attack. The crowd gasped and Tau'ruc's expression was one of surprise. They all knew I could fly, but I suppose knowing and seeing it for yourself is quite different. With one more powerful flap of my wings I propelled myself towards him.

Tau'ruc raised a wall of water which froze before I could reach him. I flipped over and landed against his ice wall with my foot-paws and then pushed off and over so I landed behind him. He spun round to face me, and waved his paw sending a whip of water at me. I ducked beneath it and dashed forwards, slamming my bloodied right fist up under his chin with a powerful uppercut.

My blow stunned him. He staggered back into his wall of ice with a thud. The back of his head striking the ice. Before he could recover I delivered a reverse spin kick into his chest and sent him crashing through the wall of ice. I stared down at him as he groaned and shook his head. He rolled over and began to get up and I stepped through the hole in the wall of ice. He swung for me, but the punch was desperate and clumsy. I easily dodged it and drove a hard punch into his gut and the another to the side of his muzzle. He stumbled but didn't fall. His nen flared and as he spun round and reached out towards the ice I gather my own nen and fired off a powerful focused burst of wind into his chest and knocked him over.

"Yield!" I commanded.

But once again he attempted to stand. As he reached own with his nen I once again knocked him down with a powerful burst of nen. But he once again attempted to stand. Anyone could see that he was beaten, but he was stubborn and determined. He would not willingly yield. I would need to make it impossible for him to continue.

As he got up once more I strode towards him. He swung at me with another clumsy nen enhanced punch, I deflected it, grabbed him and threw his to the ground with a hip toss. Before he had a chance to mover I grabbed his arm, flipped him onto his stomach and pressed my knee into his back between his wings. I had him completely restrained now. He struggled but was unable to overpower me from this position, even using his nen to increase his strength.

After a few moments of struggle he finally fell still.

"I yield." He growled almost inaudibly.

I released him and he got up. A furious scowl on his muzzle as he stormed away. Disappearing into the crowd. Tau'ruc was considered the strongest of all the benders below the rank of Master. I would have expected the desire to fight me to have dwindled, but for some reason the scent of the crowd, their willingness to fight had grown.

My confusion was answered a few moments later when over a dozen drakes stepped forward. One after another they filed into the center of the courtyard. Sixteen warriors in all. They all wished to challenge me? My eyes scanned the group. Five adept level fire benders. Seven water benders. The rest were non benders. Leading them all was someone I didn't expect to see. Hazani.