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Presents

Siberian the Half Blind Prince

A Call for Change

By Peace Maker

Story, setting, plot, and characters are all original and are copy write of the author. You may not use any of these without permission of the author. Any similarity between my work and another's is purely coincidental and unintentional. Published by Star Light Productions Dec 10, 2010©

A thank you to Alba for betaing, and to Alana, the women who got me off my ass to write it.

This is Deadicated to my best friend Siberian

Delarim, a city forged in the fires of war and on fallen brothers in arms. It rests nestled on the northern shore of a large lake, Vanderfell. While the Tribulation mountain range expands across her southern boarder, at its base stands a small forest that has been cut down for lumber and farming land. A mighty wall surrounds the city itself, providing shelter from the harsh outside world. Sitting atop the west flank of the city, on a high rolling hill, stood the mighty castle Hellpawn overlooking its people and mighty walls. The northern slums of the city house the docks where a Royal Fleet waits, ever vigilant, as they explore the great lake and her offspring rivers that flood into the mighty ocean of O'maz. The outer plains held the many farming lands and hunting grounds that the city founded its massive trade center off of, and at one time it made the people of Delarim wealthy.

At one time this might have been true, but these are dark times for the once prospering people of Delarim. With the constant waging of war, Delarim's normal resources are being diminished rapidly to help support her vastly growing armies, this has put a huge strain on all of her citizens, all in the name of Hellpawn.

The Hellpawns, the ruling families of Kunigh, for generations have controlled the ever-changing seat of power. Kunigh are Canis Lupus like species, they have two arms, two legs, but are of wolfen decent. They have a muzzle, pointed ears, tend to grow between the sizes of 6'8" and 7'11". They also have razor sharp claws, the palms of their hands and feet have padding as well as their digits, while fur covers their body, the colourisation of which, tends to change depending on environment or family line.

With the City of Delarim's population being mostly made up of Kunigh, the ruling family easily gained power and maintained control for over one hundred harvest moons. Though there where some interlopers, Almorian, and Half-breed alike, it was mostly dominated by the Kunigh. And with the Hellpawns in control it would seem like it would remain that way for some time.

A city run by Kunigh caused their high moral code to be passed along. Sadly, the Hellpawns are dominated by pride and greed and have an uncontrollable lust for power. Though most Kunigh could resist such temptation the Hellpawns, did not even try.

Still in power they rule with both Lust and Greed over the once great city, that now lies on the brink of destruction. As they continue to plunder all nearby towns, sack entire cities, wage war on enemies, allies, and even their own people. It seems the Hellpawns are hell bent on gaining just the tiniest séance of superiority over everyone and everything. The people of Delarim did not matter to the Hellpawns as long as their muzzles were stuffed, their pouches fat with coin, while power lay nestled in their grubby little paws.

But the time of the Hellpawns grows short as a rival family gains power in the streets, rallying the people behind them. Though in truth they were no better than the Hellpawns, this did not matter to the people of Delarim, as long as the power left the hands of the bastard rulers. The Hellpawns, seeing the threat within, scrambled for support trying to hang on to the shifting power that now flowed freely through the streets and its people. It quickly became apparent that the sons and daughters of Delarim called for nothing short of a new King and Queen.

However, their salvation came from within. A wily elder, being only 310 harvests old, came up with a mutually despised plan among the house of Hellpawn. He proposed a union between the two families, so that the Hellpawn name could stay in power. He had noticed that a young female, by the name of Marra, hand still untouched and ready for union. That if the prince gave his hand to her they would be mated to one another, forging an inseparable bond between the two families, by Kunigh Law. The household was in uproar, especialy the Prince's brother Akies who already sought the hand of Marra. With combatants on both sides of the argument a blood feud was raised inside the House of Hellpawn.

As time drew on, more in house fighting broke out. So much that Hellpawns were caught fighting in the streets of the city, creating a ruckus, and with each passing day they debated, their rivals gained more power. Soon it became apparent even to the most stubborn members of the Hellpawn name that they would be cast out if they did not comply. The house was still spilt a few weeks before winter would fall when all the members of the house gathered to cast their stone to decide the future of the house. Behind closed doors for three days every major figurer lay, debating and arguing on what to do. On the morn of the fourth day they emerged, with votes in hand. It had been decided with less than a comfortable lead, that the prince would unite with Marra in hopes to keep the Hellpawn name in power. They arranged a meeting with their rivals and proposed the plan the very next day.

As the seasons change, from the mellow winds of fall to the cold depths of winters grasp, so does the seat of power. On the eve of winter the pure blood Hellpawns announced at a Royal coronation the engagement of Prince Hellpawn and Lady Marra. Both the Prince and Akies were left heart broken.

If anyone knew Marra they would know that if a women's heart was paradise, Marra was anything but. Though she had the figure of a Goddess, her heart was dead and her veins pumped poison through her cold body. A stone statue would sooner pump blood then the abyss that was this women's heart. The prince knew this and hated his union to the Poison Witch, as many of wise men called her, but his brother Akies only saw her outer beauty, like most young pups, and was enthralled with her. He felt he had been robbed of his one true love and vowed to somehow claim Marra for his own.

The prince, however, had no interest in the Witch or the promises of lust and power. He sought the affections of someone with character, sadly he was given no say and was now bound to the bylaws of the land, no matter how unfair they seemed. He would unite with Marra and the Hellpawn name would stay in power at the price of his happiness. He longed for a way to be freed from the poison that coursed through his veins, known as Marra.

In one week's time a ball was to be held to celebrate the new couples union and their inevitable rise to power. It was here that the king to be found a women deserving of his love and affection. As he sat perched on his throne overlooking the dimly lit ball he caught his first a glimpse of a real goddess. As his gazed transfixed upon her, he marveled at the sight that lay before him. His eyes lacking the ability to feed the growing hunger that now consumed his very body. Though her name lost to time itself, it still calls to him, echoing throughout the sands of time. He so desperately sought her affection.

He approached her among the crowd and quickly pulled her aside to hold a simple conversation to see if she was real, or just another poisonous queen to be.

As they talked the king heart began to melt as his eyes locked with that of hers. She was nothing more then a common gypsy turned priestess of Lady Davinua, protector of wandering travelers and brave adventurers.

She was Kunigh like himself, but unlike Marra her heart was a warm and welcoming paradise for any young pup that won the delicate she wolfs affections. This is not to say she was fragile, far from it, in fact. Her years on the road had turned her into a rose, though prickly, if held in just the right way she was radiant. She had this smile that would 'cause the most humble of creature to stop and stare as she flashed her white fanged teeth. Her form was slender, but sturdy. Her eye's were lit like the night stars glimmering a royal blue, as her silver fur glimmered brighter than the most precious of royal gems. Her paws held four padded fingers and a stubbier rounded thumb, like any Kunigh, but held a touch softer then the finest of silks. Her claws where well sharpened that it could compete with the best cut from any blade, as her gentle nature made them seem softer than a swans feather as she caress a pup's cheek. With harmony and gaze in tow as she walked, her tail would sway in motion with the joy she brought.

The young Prince could not believe his luck as he laid eyes upon the perfect women. She was not only beautiful, but smart, witty, brave, and oh so much more to him. That night the prince stayed with the one he loved as they went into the town, exploring the festival that was taking place in honor of his engagement. They played games, watched exotic street performances, shared a meal, and spent the wee hours of the night on the shore of Lake Venderfell whispering sweet nothings into one another's ear. As midnight approached they dreaded one another departure but as the moon hung high above, signaling the great hour of the night, neither made a move to leave the others arms.

In the watchful gaze of the moon and stars above the prince leaned in to his beloved and placed a kiss on her muzzle. At first he wondered whether or not he would be rejected, when the she wolf did not stir, only to be surprised as she suddenly returned the kiss with all the love in her heart. Their tongues danced and swirled with the feeling of love they shared for each other. The Prince heart nearly leaped out of his chest as they spent the early hours on the shore bed, locked in their passion.

On that morn, in the early hours of darkness, the princess forged within his heart the passion he needed to bond himself in holy union to the young priestess.Their bodies locked with one another, their hearts fused together, completing them as the cries of passion where swallowed up by the lapping sound of waves crashing on the sandy shores. Now and forever shackled to one another by the bonds of love they lay in the afterglow of the rising sun, in one another's arms, they drifted into peaceful slumber knowing they have beaten the odds and in one magical night found true love.

Though their love was not the only bond forged that night. Marra too had forged her own chains with a young man, but not one of love, rather of lust. She had known of Akies desires and had given herself to him so that she might have him by the strings. That night both had broken their vow to one another, one for happiness, the other for power. It seemed that the new king and queen to be aren't so different from the old after all.

As the Prince awoke at midday, he found his arms empty, his heart saddened, but his paws full with a letter. He quickly broke the seal that bound the parchment and plundered its contents. In the letter he read that his love would meet him on the shore of their first mating every time the stars held their gaze high in the night sky for three nights. This allowed the prince to avoid suspicion while still being able to see his beloved every third night the night sky was clear.

The prince was overjoyed. He would see his beloved again, but he needed to tell someone of this joy he felt in his heart. Without a seconds delay he jumped to his feet and dashed off to the one man he knew he could tell anything to. He darted his way through the stone streets of Delarim, weaving through the morning market rush of venders, trading their goods, dashing past the wooden houses of the families just waking up to start the day. He burst into the town square, he had to rest to catch his breath, when he did he glanced around knowing that this was where he knew his father would be.

As he entered the square he saw the Commander of the Royal Guard standing next to the marble stone fountain eyeing the statue of the current king that stand upon it. As the Prince ran up to him screaming, "Kolkin!" When the commander heard his name he turned to see who it was when he recognized the young Prince running his way.

"My son," the commander shouted as he extends his big arms engulfing the much smaller prince in his giant arms. Though not the Prince's real father, Kolkin was the closest thing he had to it seeing his real father never had any real time for him. Kolkin, truly a giant among Kunigh, lifted the seemingly frail Prince up in his arms standing at his full height of 8'11" with a well-earned muscular build. With their greeting concluded he set the young pup down and put his large paws on his shoulders taking a good look at him.

"How fares my favorite Prince and Star Pupil," he said with a hardy laugh to his voice as he patted him on his back causing the Prince to lose his balance only to regain it in a moment.

"Well father, I bring wonderful news," the Prince said with the glow of last night's events still shining on his cheek.

"I told you not to call me that in public, it might give the town drunks something to gossip about, and I don't need that kind of attention again. Remember what a mess you caused me last time," Kolkin said with a gruff frowning his eyes and waving a disparaging finger at the Prince.

The Prince just grinned, "And why shouldn't I father, you call me son after all. Besides you can hardly blame me for what the drunkards say." As he lifted his arms up in a shrug and shook his head to emphasize his point.

"Aye, this be true, but I'd prefer if every Harleton in this city didn't think you be my illegitimate pup again, you raised no end in hell with my Mate. I went home that night to nearly have my head cut off with our Iron skillet last time such rumors were spread through this gossip buoyant town. Besides, I'm an old condor, everyone is my son," he said resting and arm over his shoulder as he lead him away from the bustle of the square to the local Tavern.

Kolkin asked for a seat in the back corner of the bar away from those who might interfere with his time with the young Prince. As they were seated he ordered some ale for himself as the Prince asked for nothing only wanting to get this building pressure of his chest. To tell someone of his new found love.

"Prince have you been drinking," Kolkin asked suddenly. Catching the Prince off guard he shook his head, no, but before he could speak Kolkin quickly questioned the Prince again.

"Do you feel ill my son," this time he reached forward and placed a paw on in his forehead as he watched his breathing to see any irregularities. The Prince pushed his paw away and again shook his head no, now giving the old dog a funny look. "You brush up against any weird plants or eat something that made you break out?" Now annoyed with the line of questioning the Prince shook his head and said rather loud.

"No Kolkin I came here to tell you," before he could finish he placed his much larger paw over his muzzle cutting him of before he told the whole bar his secret.

"She is a lucky women, when do I get to meet her." The Prince only blinked in confusion, wondering how he knew. "Only a few things bring the shade of red to ones cheeks, you crossed out all others possibilities. From the look you display she must be some catch." With a nod he smiled at the old dog as he felt the heat from his cheeks pulse through. They spent the rest of the hour talking in the tavern as Kolkin listened to the young pup's tale.

With the last sip of his ale the Old giant stood and pull out his purse and from it a single silver coin leaving it on the table. He signaled the Prince to follow pulling the Prince close, leaving the Tavern together. The Prince followed Kolkin on his daily patrol and listened as the self-proclaimed condor spoke to him all about life and what he had learned about love.

Along their trip through Delarim streets they stopped now and again to keep the peace and teach the Prince a few things he may have forgotten while living in the castle. As the night drew closer the more the two laughed, as memories of old flooded their mind. There current task being identical of the years of the Prince being under Kolkin's tutelage. They continued on their merry way untill his shift was done and they reached his home. The sun setting behind the castle, casting the streets of Delarim into the shadows as the two friends entered his humble abode. Here a lovely woman by the name of Sondra, Kolkin's mate and two daughters approaching the age of adulthood, greeted them.

It was here that the Prince, in complete safety from all watchful eyes, told his secret to his friend, of the priestess that had swept the young Prince off his feet and madly into love. Kolkin could only boast of the Prince's good fortune as Kolkin's mate made him swear to be a better mate then her partner. She of course was only half kidding like all women do. It wasn't till the late hours, however, before the real conversation was struck.

During the twilight hour, Kolkin made a vow to the Prince, to protect him, his true Queen, and the family that would be from any and all harm. With one last toast of ale the promise was sealed and the Prince laid his head in the guest chambers a welcome member of the family as he dreamed that night of the one he loved most.

In the following weeks Kolkin made good on his vow. He arranged to go with the Prince to meet his beloved every chance he could, keeping a watchful eye out for any who would disrupt the wonderful couple. He managed to keep the couples love a secret and had keep watchful eyes from peering in on them.

Two harvest moons passed with a few close calls, but still the Prince's secret remained safe from those who would use it to bring him and his beloved harm. With the coming of the third moon, however, the house of Hellpawn became restless, as the Prince had not yet taken the ritual right that would unite the two families. Their rivals grew tiresome with the Prince's excuses. They demanded that they be mated at the conclusion of this coming harvest festival or the deal would be off and the blood of Hellpawn would flow through the streets.

What was once a harmonious agreement had now turned into a full-blown feud. The seat of power once again calling out for change, demanding action be taken. The Prince, being at the forefront of the problem and the one to blame, knew his families threats were real. For the moment they were the least of his concerns, his best kept secret was getting harder to hide and threatened exposure as he sat under the watchful eye of the entire court of Hellpawn. With the entire house watching him he could not go see his beloved and worse yet, his newly born pup.

Marra herself had grown irritated of her mate's reluctancy. She had tried everything to force his hand, and still he would not budge. She craved the power the throne brought and was determined to gain that power for herself. She knew just what to do to sever the bond between his body and mind, but first she need to break it to do so. So she might have him, a puppet on her strings, making him dance for her entertainment.

To do this she needed to find what made the Prince tick, but he would not let her close knowing what she truly was. It was then it hit her; she'd have her plaything Akies find out for her. With a snap of her fingers her pet came a running to her side and soon she dispatched him to find out what made the king so resistant to her, and in exchange she promised him her hand. Without a second thought the pup was off to betray his brother for his own selfish desire. This was a plan most devious as the Prince was wary of a many a men, but never would he once suspect his own brother of such misdoings.

On the next night the Prince left with Kolkin he was trailed by his brother Akies. He too was trained by Kolkin and knew how to remain outside of the old wolf's gaze as they walked the city to a destination unknown. They traveled for what seemed like hours aimlessly around time, obviously in an attempted to lose any one who might be following them. It almost worked when they snuck out the back the local Tavern, but Akies knew that trick from his child hood he shared with the Prince. It surely would of worked on anyone else for you had to climb out the second story window to do so.

Sure that they had lost all lingering followers the pair increased their pace to their real destination. As they left the town square and headed to the wealthier part of town in a hurry, they only stopped once they reached the gates of a large manner. Akies recognized it immediately as the Hellpawn guest estate. It was where all foreign nobility stayed when visiting Delarim. With Delarim constantly being at war it had been empty for some time, or at least that's what everyone thought.

Being Hellpawn himself, Akies had no trouble following his brother into the well-guarded estate. Once inside, the Kunigh continued to follow his brothers movements by following the strong scent that lay before him. He traversed the long hallways hiding every time he passed servants of Half-Breed decent. Half-breeds being a mix of the long extinct human race, mixed with another species. Considered little better then cattle they were sold and traded as slaves and are used for breeding stock and very little else. Through magic they're forced to follow their masters every command. Making them perfect for taking care of secret places like this, though they posed no real threat if he were caught by one. He'd be able to dispatch the weakling rather easily.

With one last turn he found his brother's scent to be its strongest at the door of the Nobilities Chamber. This most decorative room in the entire estate, being fashioned with marble walling and gem lining that made the room appear fashioned out of the finest stone, glimmering in midmorning sun dewing the room in random colors. While colorful drapes cast faded shadows across the room which are made out of only the finest threading the royal court could provide. Making the room a surreal place of slumber. More than fitting for any Queen or King.

Here in this chamber was the King to be, kneeling at the bedside. His paw locked with another, as Akies looked onward he saw a young she wolf lying in the silk sheets smiling to the future king. This alone would crucify the King, but if Akies had left a moment sooner he wouldn't hear the muffled cries of a child. Upon investigation of where the sound was coming from, his eyes trailed to the source of the mysterious sound. He noticed the she wolf clutched protectively in her arms a bundled red sash.

Akies eyes widen as he recognized the sash to be one of the most Holiest of items. It was the Sash of Davinua, believed to be made from her very hair and held untold power to its owner. The cloth almost seemed to flicker like a fine flame as the light shimmered upon the sash. Casting the room into a sparkling light, as the young she wolf handed him the newborn pup. The Prince looked into the pups eyes and smiled a fanged grin.

"Have you thought of a name dear," he said in a hushed voice. Akies found this odd at first, and realized the pup must not have opened his eyes yet. In the Kunigh culture it is customary when a pup opens its eyes for the first time is when its name should be spoken as well, signaling the birth of a healthy pup. This meant that the child is yet to be a few weeks old.

Akies gazed at the bundle wanting to get a better look at his nephew, but unable to as the king kept the pup averted from his hungry gaze. Akies was now transfixed upon the buddle that now lay rocking in his treacherous brothers arms. He, for unknown reason to him, desired to see the young pup. He waited what felt like hours for the King to turn and when he did his gaze fell upon the bastard child.

The pup was small, its ears perked, while its eyes remained closed. Its black fur glistened as it blended with the white fur that rested on its belly, as its paws wiggled up wards as if trying to reach something. It tossed a little as it kicked its padded feet out of the sash, giggling as it did. As a single white fang escaped its muzzle, standing proud in its grey muzzle.

Akies swore under his breath as he saw the pup. It was an abomination to the Hellpawn name, for not only was it his brothers bastard son, but a Mutt no less. To the Hellpawns, being pure breed was everything, and the fact one of their own would father a Mutt was far worse than betraying the throne. Without a second thought Akies made to leave, leaving his damned brother to the fate he forged. Cringing inwardly at the thought of being a Mutts uncle.

With great haste Akies made his way back to his master, divulging all he knew to his shallow beloved. Marra was not pleased with the news her toy had brought, in fact it angered her that a common she wolf beat her and lay claim to the Prince's heart. Akies tried to calm his love, but she would have none of it as she thought of what next to do. Then a wicked thought entered her mind as she thought of a plan most fowl. For her plan to work she'd need to separate the bonds the king held most dear. As she turned to Akies she worked her poisonous tongue spewing her evil plan to his waiting ear. As he drank it like fine liquor, he marveled at her brilliance.

On the eve the Prince next left they would strike. They would sever the bond between the Prince and his beloved and child. With the die cast and all the pieces in their place, the Witch made her move. She stood atop a balcony overlooking the city of Delarim. Her wicked grin casting the city of Delarim into a ghastly shadow of the coming night, while torches lit a river of fire towards the estate where the Harleton Mistress and the Mutt son slept soundly unaware of the approaching danger.

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This is the first to a short series, it is just a taste of what's to come. Is my second story place inside my own created univers. I hope you enjoyed the show. Now I ask you fill out comments and let me know what you think. I want to grow much better so be harsh. Don't hold back. Every bit helps. Thank you, see you same time next week.