FSE

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_ Forging Rust _

by Reserved Rodent

co-authored with AJH

Chapter Five

Where do you think you're going, sewer rat?

Lord Chase stepped out of his tent, his paw on the pommel of his sword.

Sid and Rust had both been standing outside, watching over the horses that had been delivered just before one. The fox knelt down in respect to the Knight. Rust's ears twitched at that move, but he did not copy it - instead, he steadied the horses.

The large lynx mounted his stallion with practiced ease, taking the reins from his Squire.

Sid glanced up at Rust as the rat moved to mount his steed.

"Thanks for seeing us off, Squire Sid." Rust smiled at the fox. "Take care of yourself."

As the Lynx started off with his Squire following behind, the fox whimpered. "Come back alive."

Looking back over his shoulder, the rat gave a confident nod. "We'll watch each other's backs. See you soon."

A few soldiers beat their shields in a low rumble as the pair moved towards the camp gates.

Passing through the gates, the feline paused to sniff the midday air, his Squire doing the same.

The lynx's broad face brightened with a smile. "This was your idea, Squire. Lead the way. I'll be right behind you."

Rust nodded. "Understood, sir. We'll want to get closer to the area first."

With the Squire leading the way, the pair stayed on the main roads headed towards the mountain pass. The pace was slow, as their search in the area would actually benefit from occurring at a later hour, when the hunters would be more likely to be settled in a camp taking care of their kills and equipment, rather than silently moving through the woods.

As the afternoon shadow of the mountains the barbarians were holding grew long, Rust led the horses on lesser animal trails, pausing occasionally to check for tracks.

With the day's last sunlight still on the eastern mountains of the valley, the rodent had caught the scent of a male ursine who seemed to be hunting in the area. On the alert for any traps that might have been left on the deer trail, the pair dismounted, moving cautiously, hoods up and horses being led behind.

The trail led up the side of the mountain. The higher they went, the richer the natural sounds became. Owls hooted, looking for mates or declaring their territory. A feral wolf howled occasionally.

Eventually, the pair caught a whiff of light smoke and cooking meat. In the distance, through the trees, the uneven light of a campfire in a clearing could be seen.

The lynx waved a paw, signaling a silent approach to his Squire, then vanished into the dark, leaving only his scent.

Rust quietly checked over the horses' tackle, making sure there was nothing that would make undue noise. He repeated the soft command for the horses to remain still and silent where they stood. The rodent's ears swiveled continually as his nose analyzed every minor scent.

Lord Chase appeared on the trail further ahead, and gestured for Rust to approach. When his Squire had silently reached him, the Lynx used the hand sign for "overwatch with bow", before making his way closer to the clearing.

Rust quickly got in place with an arrow ready, and watched over the clearing as his lord crept closer to the edge of available cover.

Rising, the feline stalked into the clearing where two bears were busy skinning a feral rabbit over a steaming pot. Chase made a soft whistle, startling the younger of the two hunters.

"Shit, Paw, we got company," the younger bear grunted, jumping up in shock.

The older male nodded. "Yup."

Holding his paws away from his sides, Chase stepped closer to the fire, the flame lighting his face under his hood. "I mean no harm, sirs."

Dark eyes running up and down the feline's form, the older bear gave another nod. "Good to know. Good to know. You're welcome to share our fire." The brown-furred bear glanced over at his young companion and let out a huff. "Sit down and stop staring, Runt."

The lynx approached the fire, pushing his hood back. "Thank you. I appreciate it. I am Chase." As he sat, the cloaked feline made sure to keep his sword in reach.

"Well met, Chase. I'm Cody. My rude son," the older bear reached over and swatted the younger one's rump where he still stood staring at the lynx, "is Runt."

Without taking his eyes from the sword-bearing warrior, the younger bear rubbed his stinging cheek and sat down.

Warming his paws over the fire, Chase smiled and gave a nod, his armor clinking at the movement. "A pleasure. How went the day's hunt?"

"Decently enough. The game has shifted down the mountain a bit since those ne'er do wells set up camp in the pass."

Chase nodded, idly scratching his jawline. "Yes, I hear they've got the Brotherhood stumped."

Cody's nose lowered as he looked over it directly at his guest. "I don't know as how that can be judged by the likes of me. Just because they're not doing anything out in the open don't mean they haven't got a solution."

The lynx met the bear's gaze. "Maybe you could help drive the invaders from the land."

Letting out a snort, Cody shook his head. "What could an old trapper like me do that the Brotherhood couldn't?"

Chase's gaze did not waver from the bear's eyes. "You could help the Brotherhood free the land of oppression. You could help them get behind enemy lines."

The fire crackled as the bear gave the rabbit stew a stir without looking away from the lynx's intense glare. "It's not an easy climb. Hidden mountain trails like you're talking about are narrow, so a large force would be strung along - spread out."

"What about a small party of Knights?" Chase rubbed his paws over the fire, warming them while remaining focused on the older male.

Runt shifted uncomfortably.

"Knights? I suppose, though again, very narrow paths. No mounts unless the Brotherhood has started using mountain goats for that purpose."

Chase slowly brought two fingers up to tap his cheek, signaling 'cease overwatch' to his Squire. "I see... and your reward?" The same paw then went on to scratch the feline's left ear, 'approach with caution.'

Seeing the two signals, Rust relaxed his bow and put the arrow away as he walked back to gather the horses.

Cody shrugged. "I have learned not to quibble with the Brotherhood. They pay what they deem fair. I have yet to see a time when it's not."

Runt started again when Rust led the two horses into the clearing, but remained sitting and didn't shout.

Chase smiled and held his paw out, palm up. "Then we have an accord, do we not, sir? Guide my party behind the lines and you will be rewarded."

Businesslike, Cody gave a curt nod and stood up, facing his son. "Boy, you're responsible for getting what we've got back to the shack. If anyone asks where I'm at, let them know I went off hunting a twelve-point buck.

Runt scowled and took a deep breath, straightening his shoulders, but then let it out, shoulders slumping. "Just twelve point, Paw?"

"Yeah, gives you the opportunity to raise the number each time you tell it - not that I expect you'll see anyone."

Chase cleared his throat. "I could have my Squire escort him if you wish."

Scratching his chest, the old bear looked at Rust. "He's not coming along? While it's a tricky path, I figured it would be more than just you going. I'm sure Runt would appreciate the extra hands, but I thought you'd want them too."

The Knight shook his head. "We aren't running the attack tonight. I will need at least a day or two to rouse the troops. How long would you need to get your affairs in order and be ready?"

"It's a day's trip to reach back home. I could be available in three days."

"Do you know where the Brotherhood are camped?"

"That isn't a secret to the furs around here, no."

"Come ask for me at the camp, then. Make sure you announce yourself to the tower guards, Cody. Let them know you have come to see me. I will ensure they are expecting you."

"Understood, Chase. I'll see you then."

The lynx and bear shook paws before Knight and Squire led their horses from the clearing.

After the pair had led the horses back to a larger path, they paused while Rust tightened the girths of the saddles again.

Chase watched the rat, smiling. "Well played, Squire."

"Thank you, sir. You did most of the work, talking with them. You did an excellent job there, sir, though I think the older bear recognized you."

The feline patted the stallion before getting up into the saddle again. "Oh, aye?"

"Cody was nervous until he saw your face clearly. I thought it might be just nervous at a stranger in a hood, but his words seemed a little more familiar too, like he recognized you." Rust swung up on his mount, getting settled quickly.

Chuckling, the feline nudged his horse forward. "I suppose he may have. I've been a peasant, Squire, and Knight in these lands."

"It seemed to reassure him, but then you seem to have that effect on furs. I was surprised how quickly he agreed to help us."

"A Knight is a warrior and diplomat both. Come, Squire, let's be away. I have a battle to plan. Since your idea led to this promising opportunity, you'll have the night off." With a happy yelp, Chase kicked his mount into a gallop.

Rust followed after at a less aggressive pace, eyes and ears watching the shady woods for signs of an ambush.

After no more than a second, the Lynx slowed up his mount and smiled back at his Squire. "Good. A wiser approach."

Nodding, the rat returned his lord's smile. "Just doing my job, sir. We protect each other."

"I chose well when I picked you for my Squire."

Rust's ears felt warm despite the cool breeze as the horses cantered down the road back to the camp.

Even with daylight becoming rapidly more scarce, it took much less time to return at the leisurely canter than to reach where they found the hunters.

As the last time the two rode into camp, the soldiers in the watch tower greeted Lord Chase. Cresting the hill to see the camp ahead brought a twinge of happiness to the rat that he had not felt last time. He was beginning to feel more comfortable in his new role.

Soldiers beat their fists on their shields as the pair rode back in. Sunlight was almost completely off the mountain peaks on the eastern side of the valley, so night was settling in.

Once at his tent, Lord Chase dismounted.

Outside Lord Gunner's tent, Sid went from sitting to kneeling in respect.

Rust hopped off his horse, moving forward to take the reins of both mounts.

The lynx's big paw reached out to ruffle his Squire's ears. "Good work, Squire. Have the Knight Commanders sent to me, then you can spend the rest of the night with whomever you wish." Chase smiled and walked into his tent, leaving the rat and fox alone outside.

Sid looked up at the rat with a wide grin.

Rust returned the smile while stopping the stallion from wandering into the tent after Chase. "How much work do you have tonight, Squire Sid?"

His fluffy tail waving back and forth, Sid kept smiling. "I can ask Lord Gunner, Squire Rusty."

"Fair enough. You heard what I've got to take care of, as well as getting the horses back to the stables. Don't get into trouble with your lord, but if you're not busy, maybe we could... keep each other company?"

The fox gave a nod and scurried into the tent behind him. A handful of seconds later, a huge, heavily armored rhino stomped out and gave the rat holding the horses a stern glare.

Rust dropped to one knee respectfully. "Good evening, Lord Gunner. Lord Chase is calling a Knight Commanders meeting in his tent. Your presence has been requested."

The Rhino nodded firmly, gesturing to Sid, who had stepped out of the tent behind him. "You're done for now, fox." Without waiting for a response, Lord Gunner stomped to the Lynx's tent, stepping inside without announcing himself.

With a grin, Rust looked over to Sid. "So I've got the horses to take back and the rest of the Knight Commanders to inform that Lord Chase wants a meeting, but after that I can meet you somewhere."

"Or you could ask me for help and get done faster. You know, unless you want to do everything the hard way." Sid giggled. "I can get the horses walked to the stables so you can focus on the Knight Commanders."

The rat smiled softly. "Your help would be appreciated, my friend."

"Happy to help you finish tonight." Sid stepped forward to take the horses, leading them down the alley. Before he reached the end, the fox calling back over his shoulder. "I... I'll meet you in the Squire's tent!"

"See you there!" Rust gave a wave and started towards the Knight's mess tent. As he went, he made sure to keep his eyes on the heraldry of the tents he passed. He'd been grilled on a lot of the Knight's names and heraldry, as well as proper behavior the first few days after Lord Chase had bought him. Part of that was learning who the Knight Commanders were, as well as which ones of the Commanders made up the Knight Council. It was important to know the lord's level of importance in the organization.

The rat was a little nervous that his first time of putting so much of that information to test would lead to him making a mistake, but kept his breathing calm.

His ears picking up the sounds of a quiet conversation from the tent of Lord Arrik of House Durrin, Rust paused there and knocked on the frame.

From inside, the rodent's sensitive hearing caught a growl and a muttered curse. "Fucking spine up the ass! How does this always happen when we try to do this?"

A second growling voice responded quietly, "We are at war. Important things have been known to come up at inopportune times."

The first voice kept muttering, "I don't hear any alarms sounding. If it's one of our Squires asking if we need anything again, I will have them help the soldiers with the latrines for a month." The voice called out, "Who is it, and what's the damn emergency?"

"Squire Rust, sir. Lord Chase is calling all Knight Commanders to his tent for a meeting."

"Oh, that actually does sound interesting." The second voice quickly approached.

The flap was opened and a massively built and very naked boar stepped out. Rust's eyes widened as the hefty male gestured at him with his snout. The rat kept his eyes on the curved tusks, remaining focused and respectful despite this surprise. "Will you be able to attend, Lord Garren?"

"Oh, aye. I'll drag Arrik along too. He might be grumpy at first, but I assume you and Chase found something useful, so I'm sure he'll warm up."

"It was a productive mission, sir." Rust nodded, keeping his eyes up.

"Excellent, excellent!" A massive pig paw came up to pat the rat on his shoulder. "You know son, you can look at the rest of me. I wouldn't have come out if I didn't want to show off." The male laughed heartily.

Rust's eyes slid down over the hairless barrel chest, noting how big the Knight's nipples were, before seeing the meaty length curving up from where two large balls hung free.

"Good boy." The boar patted Rust's shoulder again.

"Garren! Stop molesting Chase's Squire and get in here so you can get ready!"

The naked Knight laughed and turned back to enter the tent, revealing his plump ass with its wiggling curly tail. "Oh, the boy was enjoying it without a blush. Chase got himself a cute Squire, Arrik. I might have him shop for my next one."

Rust shook his head, feeling a bit of a blush coming on as he turned to continue towards the Knight's mess.

As the rat worked his way past the tents, he noticed that most of them were empty. It had grown dark with the sun behind the mountain peaks, and Rust was starting to get worried about finding all the Commanders.

The ring of clashing swords reached Rust's ears as he neared the end of the Knights' tents. The sounds were muffled, so at first the rat thought they came from the practice rings - but a quick look in that direction showed both the soldiers and Squires there were practicing unarmed combat. With careful attention, the source became clear - the metallic noises were coming from the tent of Lord Sleet of House Hurra.

As he moved to approach, Rust was stopped short as a black-furred wolf stepped from the shadows. "Where do you think you're going, sewer rat?"

"Squire Balen of House Durrin, I have a message for Lord Sleet from Lord Chase. Step aside, please."

The other Squire sneered and didn't move. "You aren't fit to be sending important messages."

The rat glared, his paw clenching, though he did not reach for his sword - to draw on a brother without good cause or in training was a grave crime. Besides, this was Lord Arrik's Squire. If he was here then Lord Garren's Squire, Jousi, might be nearby waiting to help. There was no guarantee the Squires were close just because their lords were engaging in the activities the rat believed he had interrupted earlier, but wolves were known to have backup close most of the time.

Squire Balen glared back, his hackles rising. "I know your type. Failed at being a commoner so were enslaved. I don't know how you tricked Lord Chase, but he'll see you for what you are and -"

Despite the rules chiming in his mind, Rust's paw grabbed the hilt of his weapon - but before he could pull it out, Squire Kyle of House Hurra - a short white-furred fox - stepped up and grabbed Balen's ear, giving it a sharp tug. "You need to watch what you're saying, wolf. Not only are you being disrespectful to Squire Rust, your words would be insulting more than one Knight as well."

The rat used the fox's tirade to regain control of his temper and release his weapon. He was happy he did when the tent opened and a sweaty, bare-chested Lord Sleet stepped out, sword in hand. "What is the ruckus going on out here?"

Behind the albino leopard, the rat caught sight of Garren's Squire. The snow leopard was also shirtless and sweating with a sword in his grip. Instead of coming to the entrance, Squire Jousi panted heavily, taking advantage of Lord Sleet's distraction to hunch over and catch his breath.

Squire Rust was the first to respond with an answer, bowing respectfully as he gave it. "I apologize for the interruption, Lord Sleet. Lord Chase has requested a meeting of all Knight Commanders at his tent. The three of us were discussing the safest way to alert you of this during your weapons practice."

By bowing, the rat made both the fox and the wolf do the same, which let them hide most of their reaction to his answer and school their reactions. Rust did not feel pride in the minor deception, but despite Squire Balen's cruel words, he had no desire to cause more trouble. While this probably wouldn't disarm the wolf's feelings, it should at least prevent them from growing into an active hatred for him.

For a few seconds, the rat feared he had upset Lord Sleet because no one said anything. Finally, the leopard spoke. "Thank you, Squire Rust. I assume something came of the trip you two took earlier?"

"Yes sir. My lord wishes to discuss that and make plans based on the new information."

"This is good news. All of you are dismissed." The albino lord waved Squire Jousi out of his tent as Rust bowed again and moved on towards the Knight's mess tent, leaving the other Squires to go their own way. He kept his head high and calmed his nerves once again.

As the rat approached where he hoped he would find the rest of the Commanders, he saw Lord Commander Kulo himself in conversation with a soldier. Rust approached the two tigers and took to one knee respectfully.

"Continue to change up the patrol routes to keep the barbarians from trying to get clever and sneak past," the Lord Commander finished saying to the soldier before turning to look down at the rat. "Did you need something, Squire Rust?"

"Yes sir, Lord Chase tasked me with letting all the Knight Commanders know he will be holding a meeting at his tent to discuss plans based on new information he has."

"Very well. Most of the Commanders are here. Who have you already reached?"

"I have informed Lords Gunner, Garren, Arrik and Sleet before reaching you, sir."

"Very good. I'll make sure the rest know to attend. You may consider this task done for your lord, Squire Rust." Without waiting for a response from the rat, Lord Commander Kulo nodded to the other tiger and entered the Knight's mess tent, leaving Rust free to head to the Squire's tent to meet Sid.

The rat was able to keep his pace to a purposeful walk, but could not keep the smile from his face.