Sacred Oaths

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When the threat of the undead plague the lands, the paladins of the White Lady Bredite sally forth to smite evil. Paladin Raiko was eager to earn the favor - and glory and fame - of his patron only to discover other adventures had beaten him to it. Gathering a hastily assembled crew, he plunges into the catacombs, ready to do battle with the evil that waits within.


"Brumuna's bones, watch those hands! I'm a Kin, not a piece of meat! Can you stop poking?" Raiko barked, swatting at the kneeling cleric. The equine ignored the ramfox's protestations, a smirk on his face as he prodded the injuries. Raiko swore the cleric was enjoying it. With nothing to do while he was handled like a rump of meat, Raiko shifted on the hard, stone flooring and looked around the room.

Heaps of broken bones and rotting flesh lay scattered around the crypt. It was one of the larger rooms of the catacombs, three dozen paces across with alcoves cut into the walls for the bodies of the dead. Those spaces were empty, their occupants either scattered over the floor or somewhere further down the tunnel. The ruddy light of the hooded lantern faded before it reached the ceiling overhead.

A few paces away, the torches of the rest of the party bobbed up and down as they searched for the next passage.

"Hey, hands off!" Essi cried out. The short doe struggled against the grip of the ranger, Motia. The wolf remained silent, his yellow eyes staring at the stone in front of her. Shaking his head, he tugged her away the sarcophagus she was about to search and knelt.

He pulled out a knife and pried at the stone, revealing a hidden plate. Without a word he nudged Essi out of the way and depressed the trigger. There was a click and a half dozen darts passed over his head, embedding themselves in the opposite wall. He stood and sheathed his knife, going back to searching the ground.

"Um, oh, sorry. Thanks," Essi said. Though Raiko couldn't see her face, from the sound of her voice the bard was embarrassed. Essi the Magnificent, it seemed, didn't like being shown up by a smelly border ranger.

Before he could snicker at their antics a sharp spike of pain made him hiss. He looked down to see Jacka pulling a tear in his flesh apart to check the wound. Not wanting to give the equine the satisfaction, Raiko bit his lip and suppressed a grunt. He'd show the cleric how a paladin of the White Lady Bredite comported himself.

While the cleric poked and prodded, Raiko attempted to make himself a tad more presentable. Reaching up between the short pair of horns on his head, he loosened the braid in his hair and shook it free. It needed to be redone anyway after being stuffed in a helmet for goddess knew how long. He ran his fingers through the shoulder length locks and went about re-braiding it.

He suppressed a shiver as the cold of the crypt soaked through his leather breeches. He was stripped to the waist, his breastplate and tunic piled next to him against the wall. Dried blood stained the white of his chestfur and the brown of his arms. Though his breastplate was strong, the undead managed to hook their fingers through the gaps, tearing his flesh. He gave a worried glance at the wounds, offering a silent prayer to Bredite that she wouldn't let the wounds fester or, worse, leave a scar. His toned chest and arms were unblemished despite long years of service and Raiko meant to keep it that way.

It was in sharp contrast to Jacka's flesh. The cleric had the sleeves of his tunic rolled up the elbow exposing a network of scars across the forearms and hands. Next to him sat his armor, a thick leather vest reinforced with mail at the chest and joints, thin plates of metal holding it together. Despite his thick fingers and large hands he moved deftly over the Raiko's flesh, examining each wound and gouge in detail. The cleric took a moment to adjust the light of the hooded lantern and leaned in, squinting. When Essi cried out in excitement as a wall dropped down, revealing a hidden passage, Raiko growled with frustration.

"I thought you were supposed to be a cleric. Can't you just, I don't know, heal the wounds so we can get moving?" Raiko said. He craned his neck to look over at the newly revealed passage. They needed to get moving.

"I could, but how would you learn?" Jacka said. He reached into the pack at his side, pulled out a wooden box, and opened the lid. Raiko caught a glimpse of needles and thread nestled among several glass bottles. Jacka withdrew a bottle and scooped out a glob of thick, pungent paste, smearing it over the largest wound. Raiko felt his flesh tingle and grow cold before going numb. Jacks pinched flesh, making sure Raiko was numb, before he withdrew a rather thick looking needle and began to thread it. "Pain is the best teacher. If you'd waited for the rest of us you might not have been banged around like you were. Besides, the wounds aren't bad. I won't waste my blessings on scratches."

"Scratches? These are wounds earned in holy battle. I returned the honored dead to their...hey!" Raiko yelped as the needle bit into his flesh. Though the paste had done its job, the sight of his perfect flesh and smooth fur being sullied with something are crude as a needle and thread was aggravating. Holy healing knit the flesh together as if the wound never happened. Stitches would be sure to leave a scar. He'd need to see a real cleric when they returned to the village.

"Hush, I'll be done in a moment. This will keep you from bleeding all over the place till we can rest. Once we find a place to hold up for the night, I'll ask Etar to heal your wounds. I'd rather save my god's blessing for when it is needed." The cleric's eyes narrowed as he began to knit the wounds closed. "Maybe you'd have a few less scratches if you waited for us."

Raiko frowned and shut his mouth, leaning his head against the wall as the cleric worked. The rebuke was entirely uncalled for. He'd been doing just fine shattering bones and smiting the undead with his silver infused mace. Of course he'd take a few wounds in the process, that was part of fighting. And he wasn't about to be 'swarmed and torn limb from limb' no matter what the cleric said. Being surrounded meant you could attack in any direction.

Not wanting to give the cleric any further satisfaction, Raiko kept quiet and stared at the ceiling. The darkness was oppressive and soaked up the light of the lantern as if trying to swallow it. He could feel how unnatural it was. Something profaned this once holy place.

He'd followed the rumors, first catching wind of the lurking evil some weeks back. Each roadside inn and city tavern told the same tale: a village to the east, their catacombs cursed, decades if not centuries of dead rising from their graves. It was supposed to be his holy quest to destroy the undead meanece. His way to earn the glory, that is, favor of his goddess, the Lady Bredite. He'd traveled through the choking dust of the road, skipping meals and more importantly baths to make it to the village. His annoyance at finding others already there was incalculable.

A motley collection of adventures and mercenaries gathered in the village, overflowing the tavern and renting barns from locals. Much to his gall, some groups were already breaching the upper levels of the catacomb and heading into the lower depths. Many went, though few returned. Those that did spoke of hoards of undead ready to pounce on the unwary and tear them limb from limb. He'd decided to share the favor of his goddess by bringing a few more members into the catacombs. Discretion being the better part of valor.

He'd found the stoic Motia, a wolfkin ranger fresh from patrolling the goblin infested border, alone in the tavern nursing a mug of ale. His sharp eyes and knack for traps would come in handy. Plus there was the fact he was one of the few capable with a weapon that hadn't already found a group. Necessity was often the mother of ingenuity.

Essi found them a short time later. She'd had a falling out with one of the groups and was shunned by the rest. She remained tight lipped about what had happened, though about little else. Essi made her distrust of predators, especially the wolf, clear. That didn't stop her from talking, without pause, from the moment they'd stepped off to the catacombs. Raiko hoped the headache was worth her company.

They'd found Jacka on the road. The towering equine stood in the middle of a hoard, laughing as he smashed skeletal rib cages and skulls with his massive warhammer. He waded through a small group of the undead with a smile on his face as he pounded the last one's skull to dust. When asked about where they were going, Jacka joined them without asking. And thus their party became four.

Raiko found it hard to believe the equine was a proper cleric. He'd met plenty of them back in the monastery and they certainly didn't swear, wear armor, and stick needles in people. They were always hand with a healing spell and kind word, sweet, bookish fellows with a quiet smile for when a paladin was injured in the sparring pits. That was the proper way of things. The paladins did the fighting, the clerics supplied the wisdom and the healing. Jacka even had the audacity to joke about finding a beer and brothel when they were done! Whatever he was, he wasn't a proper cleric.

Raiko's eyes widened and he led out an involuntary squeal at the burning at his side. The paste was wearing off. He looked to see Jacka tying off the last stitching and covering the wounds with another stinking, burning paste from one of the jars. The ungent burned his nostrils and stung his eyes. "Tidia's toes, that hurt!"

"I thought paladin's weren't supposed to take gods' names in vain," Jacka said. His fingers followed a jagged cut running down the ramfox's stomach, claw marks scraping the flesh.

"And I thought clerics were supposed to be well mannered with excellent bedside care." Raiko flushed as the thick fingers tickled, trailing over his stomach, and stopped at the top of his breeches. He tried to to scoot away from the probing fingers but his back was literally against the wall.

"Your god's rules, not mine. Etar is more forgiving than some as long as his followers give battle in his name and slay the unjust." Jacka tugged the waist of the thick leather trousers. "Pull those down. I want to check the wounds. They aren't deep but undead claws bring infection."

Raiko's heart raced and his flesh grew hot. "Nonsense. My god protects me. There is no need."

"Best not to tempt the gods. Seen plenty of uncovered flesh in my time. Comes with the job. Now, be quick. We need to move."

Raiko bit his lip and looked into the darkness. Motia and Essi were lost in the darkness. This was fine. Nothing to be ashamed of. Unlacing the cords that held the trousers in place he tugged them down, exposing himself in the chilly crypt air.

"No, not too bad. A light scratch, nothing more. Won't need to stitch it." Jacka rooted around in his box, the clink of glass as he pulled out the bottle. Thick fingers spread salve on the wound, rubbing the paste into flesh and fur, then paused. "Wait...what is that?"

"That...that is none of your business!" Raiko began, his cheeks flushing in the darkness. He had no reason to explain himself to someone outside his order. Then he said, "It is a symbol of my order and devotion to The Lady."

Nestled between the brown fur of Raiko's thighs a glint of metal reflected the lantern's glow. Bars of metal encased his sheath, holding it tight, a solid metal lock keeping it in place. Runes etched into the metal danced in the light. And the equine had the sheer gumption to touch it!

"A symbol, eh? How do you take a piss?"

"That is none of your business!" Raiko said. Tugging his trousers back up, he tied the laces and reached for his armor. "Every order and religion needs their focus. Mine is just...different is all. And I certainly don't need to explain myself to you!"

"Well, I appreciate the explanation nonetheless," Jacka said. He picked up his armor as he stood and shrugged it on, tightening buckles and straps. He picked up his massive hammer, shouldered it, and bumped into the ramfox as he walked by, a grin plastered on his face. "Come then, little paladin. We have evil to slay."

Raiko huffed and buckled the straps of his dented breastplate. It was not that uncommon of a holy focus. It wasn't! He grabbed his helmet and shoved it on, the high cutouts in the metal accommodating his short horns. With shield in arm, mace on belt, and lantern in hand he stormed after the party.

The deeper they went into the catacombs, the less constructed and more cave-like it became. Tiled floors, mural covered walls, and carved crypts gave way to unfinished stone and dripping ceilings. Instead of well appointed ossuaries where the bones of peasants lay in carved nooks, here they were built into the walls themselves. The vacant eyes of skulls danced with torchlight. Each turn, staircase, and ramp took them further down into the crypt.

There were a few more sharp skirmishes, Jacka and Raiko taking the fight to the enemy. Motia spotted a few ambushes, his sharp eyes finding undead waiting silent in the shadows. His bow was useless in the close confines of the tunnel but he darked around the fleshy undead, his short daggers cutting hamstrings and tendons, collapsing them onto the ground where a well placed mace finished them. Essi's songs kept their spirits up, her metal shod club claiming a skull or two. Eventually, however, they recognized the crypt went far deeper than anyone imagined.

Three of them stood at an intersection, waiting for Motia to return. The tunnel split into three branching paths and the ranger had offered to scout ahead. Raiko stood with back straight and armor straps digging into flesh. Faith only did so much to shield one from hours of fighting and marching. He offered a silent prayer that Motia found something.

"The tunnel on the right dead ends in a storage area or something," Motia said. It was the longest string of words Raiko heard the ranger speak since they met.

"Ug, this crypt is never going to end. My feet are killing me and I want to rest. I thought adventures were supposed to be fun," Essi said. She threw herself onto the floor, crossing arms across her chest. Raiko saw that she glanced out of the corner of her eye, watching Motia give a reassuring pat on her shoulder.

"We're done for one day. We can rest here. Whatever is down there can wait."

"Agreed," Jacka said. He nodded down the tunnel, waving a massive paw toward the dark. "Motia and I have the first watch, you two take the second. No fires, of course, but get something to eat."

"I'm not tired at all," Raiko said. He stood straighter and fought a yawn, looking the equine in the eye. "I'll be fine. I can take the first watch."

"Nonsense. You were wounded and fought all day. You need rest."

Before they could continue, Essi stood up, smiling. "Why don't you both rest first? I'm sure you both need to recover your blessings and I think we'll need them sooner rather than later. If you rest now you'll have them recovered in case we need them. Better now than later."

"That...makes sense," Jacka said. "Very well, you two can have the first watch. I'd take up a position here and get comfortable. You know to call if you see anything."

"Of course!" Essi said with a smile. She waved them along. "Now get some rest you two. See you in a few hours."

"I am not tired." Raiko grumbled under his breath. His jaw popped as he let out an involuntary yawn. He trudged after Jacka down the hallway with their footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

The room was thankfully free of any bones. It's original purpose was unclear though the space was clean and dry. The room was neither squared off nor circular, the space hacked into the stone, the walls unfinished yet the sign of tool marks were proof it was Kin made.

Raiko turned from his examination to find Jacka already disrobing. The large equined stripped off his armor, tossing the heavy vest next to his warhammer and pack. The scent of equine sweat and musk filled the small space and Raiko's nose twitched. He turned to face the wall and took off his own pack, keeping his armor on.

"You can take that off now, you know. One way in, one out, we're safe. You can relax."

"I prefer to be prepared, thank you."

"Prepared or not, you're not going to rest in that. Drop your gear and take a few. Plenty of undead to smite later."

Raiko's shoulders ached at the suggestion. Begrudgingly his hand reached for the buckles and dropped the armored plates against the wall next to his shield and mace, keeping them in easy reach. The sweaty tunic cooled against his fur, making him shiver and sent him digging into his pack for a blanket. When he turned with the blanket in hand he nearly dropped it at the sight that greeted him.

Jacka hadn't just taken off his armor; he'd take off everything. Nearly. The cleric was sprawled out on a blanket clad in just a loincloth, his clothes spread out on the floor. He was drinking out of a flask and rooting through his haversack, pulling out a lump of hard tack. Jacka made a face at the biscuit and tapped it on the floor, "Can't stand these things though they are the only thing that keep. Bring anything good?"

Gods above the kin was massive. Somehow the kin seemed to be even bigger outside his armor. Everything on him seemed to be muscle. Muscular shoulders, muscular chest, muscular arms, and all covered with scars.. And the smell. Chymos' cock, the musk was something amazing. Forget Chymos' cock, Raiko could see the cleric's member hanging under the folds of the loincloth.

A cough brought his attention to the fact he was staring. His own cock strained against the confines of the cage and the metal reacted instantly and cooled itself. It was nearly freezing. Shivering, Raiko recovered and dug into his bag, shaky hands pulling out his own haversack. "J-just hard tack as well, and some berries and nuts. I h-have a little cheese in here, I think."

Jacka took a long pull out of the flask before capping and tossing it across the space between them. Raiko scrambled to catch it, uncapping the top and recoiling from the smell. Making a face, he said, "What in Vyris' vision is this? Something to clean my wounds?"

That got a laugh from the cleric. "No, it's a drink, and a good drink at that. Keep you warm here. Have a taste."

"I should think not. We are on a quest and one does not drink while on a sacred mission," Raiko huffed. He stole a glance at the equine before continuing. "You'd know this if you were a proper cleric."

"What, cause I wouldn't heal your little scratches? May as well. I'll recover it soon enough." The large Kin stood and walked over, giving Raiko a perfect view under the thin loincloth. The cage cooled itself again, sending a shiver down his spine. The equine stood over him, musk heavy in the confined air, and then laid a hand on the ramfox's head. Divine power washed over the paladin and the wounds knit themselves closed, pushing the stitching out on their own. "There, all healed up and good as new. Now, have a drink and strip out those clothes. You'll be colder with them on."

Bredite wouldn't want a servant getting sick. And he would be more comfortable. And Jacka was standing there, looking down expectedly. Uncapping the flask Raiko took a swallow of the burning liquid and gagged as it slid down his throat. It tasted like Amtar's asshole. The burn did feel good, though. Steeling his resolve he took another drink, forced himself to swallow, and capped the flask. It was worse the second time.

Raiko flushed as he stood up, the equine only an arms length away. He unlaced the tunic and trousers, stripping them off as fast as he could and wrapped the blanket around his exposed body. With the sweaty clothes off and the liquor burning in his gut he had to admit that he felt better. The air was cold but didn't feel as chilly as it did minutes ago. Then his eyes went back to roaming over Jacka's body. He gave a shiver but that was from the cage activating again.

Jacka leaned in and Raiko reached out, ready to embrace the cleric. Instead, Jacka bent to retrieve his flask, his eyebrow quirking at Raiko's half embrace. The ramfox shoved his arms down at his sides, flushing with liquor and embarrassment. He prayed that Iborh would immolate him on the spot.

Raiko felt Jacka's eyes on him as the cleric took another drink. Instead of the cutting remark he expected, the equine said, "It is rather cold in here. No way to light a fire. Probably best to share blankets. Body heat and all."

"Y-yes. Body heat. Conserve our energy. Best thing."

The words tumbled out of Raiko's mouth and the cage burned with cold fire. Jacka went to the blanket he'd spread on the floor and waved to Raiko. The paladin found himself moving on his own accord and settled in next to the equine. His nostrils flared as he inhaled, drinking in the manly musk of the cleric. He pressed his slim body against the muscular one, feeling the warmth coming from the equine. It was enough to make him forget the chill coming from the cage.

Raiko felt Jacka's arm wrap around his waist and pull him closer. A quick glance down the darkened tunnel told him that Maito and Essi were far enough away. Surely they couldn't see anything down that tunnel; not even Maito's sharp eyes would be able to pick anything out. Not even The Lady Bredite could see them now.

"So, you wear a cage. Does that mean you're a...?" Jacka let the question hang in the air.

Raiko flushed, shaking his head. "Well, no. I only put the cage on after the Sacred Oaths. There was, ah, plenty of time before that. Since I've put the cage on I haven't been able to do anything like that."

Jacka's hand slid down his hip, the large paw feeling along the flesh. The equine chuckled. "That is only a partial answer. The cage doesn't cover everything."

Raiko was going to combust. His cheeks flushed and the cage was a block of ice. Shifting, he looked away as he answered. "Even a paladin has needs, you know. There have been certain, ah, occasions where I've bent my oaths. Slightly. And done penance. As is proper."

He felt Jacka take him by the chin, that rough, calloused hand tilting his head upward to meet the cleric's lips. Raiko was hardly able to wrap his arms around Jacka's sides, pulling himself against the flesh, pressing against him as they kissed. Raiko let the blanket slip away and pressed flesh against flesh. The large, thick tongue pressed against his own, twirling, wrestling, playing against each other. The cage seemed to finally give up, the metal returning to room temperature. There would be time for forgiveness and prayers later.

Jacka was solid muscle and Raiko's finger traced the scars on his chest. So many. A lifetime of adventuring. Strong hands wrapped around his waist pulling him onto the horse's lap. He straddled the cleric, cupping Jacka's face with his hands, feeling the thick shaft pressing against him. Reaching down and back he pulled the shaft between his ass cheeks, toying with it, his paw sliding up and down the flared length.

Thadnja tits he was huge. The flare already leaked a steady stream of precum, helping Raiko's paw slide over the shaft. He bent his head down, licking over sweaty chest fur, his tongue gliding over the pecs. His tongue teased one nipple, then the other, getting an appreciative moan out of the large stallion. A finger teased at the piss slit, rubbing back and forth, coaxing the flow. Pulling his finger away, Raiko scooped up some of the clear, sticky liquid, his tongue licking it clean.

"I have to try some of that. Lean back," Raiko said. He slid off Jacka's lap and got between the thick, muscular thighs, running his hands over them. The musk was headier than anything he'd smelled before. The sight of horsecock greeted him. Sticking his tongue out, Raiko leaned forward and slid the shaft into his mouth, tongue pressed along the underside, pushing his head forward.

When he went to his final reward after a lifetime of service, he hoped that the afterlife included horsecock. Raiko bobbed his head up and down on the shaft, one paw cupping the large sack and massaging, the other stroking at the base. As he worked the shaft, inhaling deeply of the musk and drinking down the precum, he pondered how he was going to take the Dhiaos damned thing.

Jacka must have caught the look in his eye. Reaching over to the sack he pulled out his wooden box and retrieved a glass bottle, holding it up in the lantern light. "Don't you worry about that. A good cleric always comes prepared."

He unscrewed the lid and dipped his fingers into the bottle, the fluid oozing over them. As Raiko worked his mouth around the shaft he watched Jacka reach over him, one paw holding on his plush rear, the other slowly pushing into his hole. Eyes rolled back in his head as thick fingers slid into him, feeling their way up his tight tunnel. Broone's blessing that was good. His own cock leaked, fluid running over the metal bars and dripping onto the blanket.

Each time his mouth slid down the shaft the fingers slid forward. When he pulled back, the fingers slid out. In and out, up and down. A steady rhythm developed as fingers and mouth worked in time, Raiko savoring each moment.

Jacka's fingers slid out leaving an empty feeling behind. The cleric wiped them clean on the blanket before digging his fingers back into the bottle for a fresh coat. Raiko's mouth slurped as he pulled back and Jacka smeared the cock with the lubricant. Giving the thick cock a few strokes he smiled and gave a wink. "Turn around."

Raiko turned around on the blanket while leaning down on his elbows and forearms, pressing his ass into the air. He braced himself, licking his lips in anticipation. A moment later he felt strong hands grab his hips and pull him back, the flare pressing against the entrance to his tail hole. The large cock teased the sensitive ring before pressing against it, the flesh slowly yielding under the pressure, his ass opening and allowing Jacka to slide in.

He was thankful for whatever mixture Jacka applied to his ass. It cooled slightly while it lubed, numbing the pain while taking away none of the pleasure. The thick shaft slid in as if it had been made for him, his ass pulling it inward. In his eagerness Raiko pushed back, throwing his ass back toward the cock, eager for more. Grabbing the blanket he bit down on it to muffled a moan of pleasure. The walls would carry the noise.

They were as quiet as they could be in the dark. Jacka's thrusts were slow and steady, the cleric holding back to keep the slapping sounds from traveling down the tunnel. Raiko kept one part of his mind focused on holding back his moans of pleasure, the other thoroughly enjoying itself. For now, enjoy what it was. There would be plenty of time back at the tavern.

The thrusts built as Jacka pushed himself deeper and Raiko thrust himself back against the equine's crotch. Sweat dripped onto the blanket in spite of the cool cavern air and Raiko gulped down air. The cock buried itself deep in his guts and he could feel his own need building. He'd gone without this for far too long. Laying face down on the floor he pushed his ass up in the air, slamming it back to meet each thrust, stifling a moan.

Cum filled his insides. He could feel the cock pulse inside him, emptying itself. His own cock twitched in the cage, a stream of cum flowing forth from his cock, the cage doing whatever it did and absorbing it all. Hot breath caressed his neck as Jacka bent over, huffing, resting his paws on the floor. They laid like that for a while till Jacka's cock softened and slid out, a flow of cum making a mess on the blanket.

Jacka flopped onto his back and Raiko nestled up right beside him, laying his head on that broad chest. Their lantern was running low on out and the flame flickered. Raiko leaned over and blew the flame out. He reached around, paw blinding grabbing for the blanket, and pulled it over them both. Raiko settled in and sighed in contentment.

"Think they heard us?" Jacka asked, a paw stroking between Raiko's horns, caressing the headfur.

"I doubt it. I know when to keep quiet."

"Well, let's get some rest. They'll be wanting us to take watch in a few hours."

With their body heat trapped by the blankets, Raiko was cozy and comfortable as he could get. He barely had closed his eyes before drifting off to sleep.

He was the first one awake, eyes popping open in momentary disorientation. It was pitch black, a light far down the tunnel. That right. Cave, undead, fighting, and fucking. A good day. Rousing himself he rolled over and poked Jacka in the ribs, stirring the equine from his slumber. The cleric roused himself with a stretch and yawn.

They dressed in darkness, feeling around for their clothing and equipment. Motia had the rest of the oil, a small oversight. They bumped into each other, hands grabbing random body parts as they searched for gear and stomped feet into boots. Eventually they gathered up their equipment and got dressed, walking down the hall.

Raiko yawned, rubbing at his eyes as they walked down the tunnel. "So, what do you think is waiting at the bottom of this? Necromancer? Lich? Vampire?"

Jacka laughed, slapping the ramfox on the back. "Whatever it is, I feel quite a bit more prepared to face it. I don't think my morale has ever been better."

Raiko's cheeks flushed and he said, "Well, yes, that was quite invigorating. Have to keep the party morale up."

They walked into an empty tunnel, a hooded lantern casting its light on the floor. There was no sign of Motia or Essi. Raiko reached for his mace and Jacka unslung his warhammer, their eyes searching. No sign of a struggle. A sound drew their attention, footsteps walking down one of the side corridors. They raised their weapons ready for whatever undead horror approached.

As they raised weapons to attack, a startled looking Motia rounded the corner. He was lacing up the front of his trousers, his hands frozen as he tied them in place. Motia stood dumbfounded in front of the pair and a confused Essi could be heard saying, "Mo, what's up? Come on, I want to get some sleep you dog you."

She walked into the light and yelped at the sight of the pair. Her blouse was undone, breasts exposed, and she hurriedly covered herself. The four stood in the intersection, Raiko and Jacka lowering their weapons, and looked at each other.

Jacka broke the silence. "So, a quiet watch?"

"Oh yes," Essi said. "Not so much as a peep. I take it you two slept well?"

"Yes. Yes we did. How about you two get some rest now."

An embarrassed Motia hurried down the hall while Essi followed after, calling out. "Wait for me. I'm scared of the dark you know."

The sound of her laughter echoed down the hall. Raiko watched Jacka lean against the wall and settle in, resting the warhammer next to him.

"Well, high spirits all around then," Raiko said.

"Indeed. Doubly ready to face whatever is down there."

Raiko smirked and settled in next to Jacka. This was going to be a grand adventure.