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Forging Rust

by Reserved Rodent

co-authored with AJH

Chapter Fifteen

If you want to grab my balls again, come see me

At the top of a hill near the mouth of Coyote Pass, the Brotherhood's temporary camp was busy, even as the sun started to peek over the mountains to the east. In the Squires' tent, Lord Chase sat beside his sleeping charge, idly sharpening a small punch-dagger.

On the other side of the rat's cot, Squire Zeek sat up in his own bunk, the wolf's eyes wide as he watched the big feline.

Rust's ears twitched as the sharpening stone clicked over a rough spot on the weapon. The rat rolled out of bed slowly, as if asleep, then tossed his sheet at the Knight in a blur of motion, as his tail pulled his sword out of its sheath where it lay under the cot.

The wolf's ears perked up at the sudden burst of motion as the rat's naked form took up a guarded sword-stance in the space between their bunks.

The lynx caught the sheet and casually set it down on the bed.

"Crap," Rust whispered as he relaxed as he realized who he had drawn a blade on.

"Lie down," the lynx said softly.

While the inside of the tent was silent, the rat's ears twitched at the noises outside. The Squire's tail brought the sheath out from under the bed so the blade could be carefully sheathed once again. "Sorry sir. You surprised me." Eyes never leaving the gaze of the large feline, Rust set his sheathed weapon up against the cot and lay back down on it. "I am also embarrassed you got so close without my realizing."

With a smirk, the Knight twirled the dagger in his paw. "I can move silently when I want to. Now, are you listening?"

Ears perking forward, Rust nodded. "Yes sir."

"I... I got a patrol killed once. I missed a scent. We were ambushed. I was the only survivor." The lynx's whiskers twitched, his eyes unfocused.

The rat's heart rate increased slightly. His bandaged ear flicked, remembering the pain of the arrow piercing it.

"I was broken... in mind and body. When my Lord found me, I could barely crawl to his side." The dagger flicked between the Knight's long fingers. "Do you know what he said?"

The Squire's brows furrowed as he thought a moment before shaking his head. "No sir."

"He... he taught me the meaning of humility. He told me that I would be broken forever if I let my failure rule my heart. And... so... I picked myself up, and fought on in the name of the brothers I got killed." The lynx's eyes focused back on his Squire. "We are of the Brotherhood. By all means mourn those lost, but do not be paralyzed by feelings of failure. We fight on. We show strength to those we lead. And we find that strength in ourselves."

With barely a hint of movement, Rust nodded. "Life doesn't stop because you had a bad day. You either keep fighting or let it stomp you into the ground." The rat's whiskers twitched. "Well, that's how I heard it said on the streets, where things are a little more self-centered."

Lord Chase reached out and rested a paw on the rat's knee. "Yes my Squire," The feline held the rodent's gaze. "We fight on... don't we?"

"Yes, my lord. We learn from our mistakes to continue on, working to do better."

The feline squeezed Rust's knee and leaned close. "You saved the convoy. Be proud of that. Cast shame out, and do not speak of it, if you want to be a Knight."

"Yes sir." Rust placed his paw on the lynx's, giving it a quick squeeze.

Chase held his Squire's gaze for a moment before nodding gently. "I'm proud of you. Don't let me hear you talking of such shame again."

"Yes sir. There were a lot of new experiences and lessons yesterday... being responsible for others." The wounded ear flicked. "Taking a prisoner. It was a lot to take in, but I'm managing."

Gazes still locked, the Knight nodded. "Come and find me if you need to talk, Squire. But, I have faith you will continue to grow in skills and honor."

The big feline stood and left, several Squires bowing as he walked out. The lynx pounded a fist to his chest in return.

Taking in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Rust got out of bed to start his day.

The wolf across from him watched the rodent and shook his head. "Your Lord takes the time to give you a pep talk, and you sigh?"

The rat looked over while starting to get dressed. "That wasn't a sigh. That was me trying to come off the adrenaline rush of waking up like that."

The wolf stared at the rat, slightly shaking his head.

The rat shook his head as well. "You can believe what you want, but I woke up out of whatever I was dreaming thinking someone was going to kill me."

"Whoa, whoa... relax... I'm just pulling your leg."

"It wasn't my leg you were staring at." Laughing, Rust threw yesterday's underwear at the other Squire. "Sorry I was a little defensive. Waking up hearing that blade sharpening got my blood pumping. I've gotten soft."

The wolf sniffed the dirty garment, growling softly. "Doesn't work like that. Nor did you look soft."

Rust chuckled and shook his head as he finished straightening the bottom of his jerkin.

The wolf laughed as he tossed the rat's underwear to hit the side of the Squire's muzzle. "You know, I don't even know your name, rodent."

"I'm Rust. I've not caught your name either." The rat admitted as he put the dirty garment aside to be cleaned.

"Zeek," the wolf responded, laying down on his bunk. "Now piss off. I need to sleep." The lupine Squire grinned and winked.

"Sure thing, Zeek. Enjoy your beauty sleep." Laughing and giving the wolf a wave, Rust headed out of the tent.

Outside, the camp was as busy as it had sounded - soldiers were still getting more permanent structures set up for the stables and defenses. Lord Chase sat on a low barrel, watching.

Looking around to make sure he didn't get in the way of any of the work, the rat wandered over to the lynx. "Good morning, sir."

The Knight looked up and smiled softly. "Good morning, my Squire. Apologies for shocking you this morning. You... needed a telling-to." The feline's smile grew wry.

"I suppose I did. What's on the agenda for today?"

"Until lunch, it's your own time. Bring us both a good meal to my tent and expect some training." The lynx smiled and patted his Squire on the shoulder before walking off towards the Knight's mess tent.

Rust stretched as he considered what to do with his morning, eventually deciding that a morning jog around the inside of the new camp wall would do him well on many levels.

The rat discovered, during his two laps around the inside of the camp wall, that the layout was built on the same plan as the last camp. The rate at which the outer wall and other more sturdy buildings were being put into place was incredible to the Squire. Though as he thought about it, there was much more manpower with all the soldiers than the community he grew up in could pull together - and they were able to raise barns in quick order as needed.

Rust decided to take a slightly longer walk through the camp after he finished his jog. He didn't want to be panting still when he reached the mess tent. As he approached the training ring, where a large lion Knight was apparently teaching hand-to-hand combat, he heard a squeal from a swine.

Looking closer, the rodent saw a portly pig in the light armor of the brotherhood's standard forces facing off with the lion - just before the Knight, clad in only a loincloth, landed two quick jabs, knocking the Squire out and silencing his squeals.

As the unconscious swine was dragged from the ring by two wolves, the lion roared. "Anyone else foolhardy enough to challenge me?"

A stoat accepted the challenge and entered the ring as Rust made his way to where he had spotted Sid watching with the other Squires. The challengers took position as bets were made in the audience.

"How many bouts have I missed?" Rust asked his friend, wiping some of the sweat from his brow with the back of his paw.

"About six." Sid folded his arms. "Nobody can beat Lord Dynosius in close combat." The fox chuckled as he turned his head to look the rat up and down, nose twitching as he smelled the sweat. "Sex or training?"

Rust's breathing was still a little hard as his eyes followed the moves lion and stoat were using in their brawl. "Training. Well, this time. Kind of. I did some running on my own this morning. Lord Dynosius still looks quick and strong. Is anyone even making him work for his wins?"

The lion expertly floored the stoat Squire with a combination block-punch and a leg sweep.

Sid laughed softly. "Not really. That wolf who likes you got close, but he's out cold now."

Rust chuckled and shook his head. "I'm never sure if it's admiration or hunger with a wolf. So what are the rules?" The rat rolled his shoulders, trying to loosen them up.

The fox's bushy tail whipped the rat's ass idly as he laughed again. "You're going in there?" The stoat groaned as his unconscious form was dragged away past the Squires. "I think the Lord is going for knockout only."

"Yes. Better to be beat in training if I manage to learn something than in battle. So as far as rules... Stay in the ring, I assume. Knock him out before I get knocked out. That it?"

Sid nodded, stretching his spine. "That's it, m'lord rodent."

Rolling his eyes, Rust patted the fox's shoulder. "I'm still a Squire, friend. You gonna make sure I'm not taken advantage of if I go down?"

"You want me to take advantage of you if you go down? Sure." Sid grinned.

"Just make sure you're the only one who does." Rust winked and stepped into the ring to be the lion's next challenger.

Lord Dynosius looked the rat up and down, grinning and panting slightly. "Another challenger. Come then. I've got one more bout in me."

Rust gave a slight grin and nodded respectfully. "I'm glad I made it in time, sir." The rat started circling to his left, on his toes and watching the Knight alertly.

The lion couched, picking up a pawful of dirt and rubbing it in-to his palms. "You're Lynx's boy, aren't you?"

"Yes sir." Rust darted in, feinting a right hook since he assumed the Knight was expecting an attack.

The lion blocked the true strike he planned to make while swinging a counter punch that the Squire barely managed to avoid.

"You're not high-born." Lord Dynosius grinned. "That was a dirty trick. I like it!" The lion threw the pawful of dirt he still had in his fist at the rat's eyes, following it up with a two-punch combo.

Unsurprised by the thrown dirt, Rust dipped his head, letting his ears block most of the grit. Blinking rapidly, the rat twisted and sidestepped, avoiding the Knight's first blow, though taking the second on his ribs hard enough to leave a bruise but not as solid as intended.

"Gotta keep folks on their toes." The Squire landed a counter punch to the lion's gut, though not with as much force as he'd intended, as the lion spun away and continued circling

The Knight's stance adjusted to that of a wrestler. "Insolent pup!" the lion grinned, flashing his fangs. "Come on!"

Rust bolted at the feline as if taunted into recklessness. The Knight jabbed at the rodent's head, only to have the Squire jump, grabbing the fist and letting his legs swing around, bringing his knees up to impact the lion's head.

The Knight turned his head to let his thick mane pad the blow. As Rust fell at his side and tried to roll away, the lion stepped in with a harsh kick to the rat's belly.

While the rat rolled away as soon as he hit the ground, he barely kept from being hit squarely by the combination of stomps, kicks and fists the lion swung in with.

"Little... git!" The lion laughed and growled in equal measure, trying to hit the Squire while the crowd roared.

Rust was chuckling himself, though nearing the edge of the ring. He was keeping away from the lion's blows, but not buying himself enough space and time to get back on his feet. Wanting to avoid being chased past the edge of the ring - the equivalent of a forfeit - the rat twisted, pivoting to bring his legs into position to kick up at the attacking lion.

Lord Dynosius caught the rodent's leg, locking it in his grip and applying pressure as he dropped to one knee.

The crowd roared louder and bets started changing hands as furs assumed the Squire had lost.

Rust squeaked in pain as he felt the pressure applied to his leg, but refused to give up. His tail slid up under the lion's loincloth, wrapping around the big feline's tawny balls and squeezing tight.

The lion growled lowly. "Now that's... a low blow... YIELD!" The Knight applied more pressure

The Squire gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out or yield as he stared up into the Knights eyes and squeezed tighter himself. Rust wasn't sure if the Knight's pain tolerance would prove to be stronger than his own leg bone and sweated a little, wondering if such a wound would get him kicked out of the Brotherhood.

Snarling, the lion released the rat's leg, rising to his feet and stepping back. "I won't break your leg. You're too useful. Come. One last exchange."

Breathing heavily, Rust got back on his feet, watching his opponent closely - but unprepared for the lion's speedy attack.

The Knight stepped in and floored the rat instantly with a skillful block-punch movement, sweeping the rodent's footpads out from under him.

The crowd cheered.

"Damn." Rust muttered, sitting back up.

Lord Dynosius held out a paw to help the Squire up.

Rust accepted the paw "Thank you for the lesson, sir."

Pulling the rat up to his footpaws, the Knight set a paw on the rodent's shoulder. "You're the best I've faced today. You fight like a common street thug - willing to do what's needed. I like that. These wimps could learn from you."

The rat grinned, letting out a short chuckle. "Thank you, sir. It's how I've had to fight. The barbarians are just smellier and bigger than what I had seen in the city."

Smiling, the lion leaned close, speaking softly under the chatter of the audience cheering and getting bets paid. "And if you want to grab my balls again, come see me."

Rust's ears grew redder as he smiled and nodded.

The Knight smiled and spanked the rat as he stepped back to the center of the ring. "That's it! Show's over, back to work!"

The crowd laughed and started breaking up, Squires and soldiers drifting off in small groups or alone as they finished paying off bets and chatting.

The rat slowly made his way out of the ring. When he reached the fox, the rat gave a weak grin. "Ouch."

Arms folded, the fox laughed softly. "I told you you'd have trouble, tough as you are, big shot.

Several other Squires applauded him and a few patted him on the back.

"We don't get better if we don't push ourselves. This was just a hard push." Rust chuckled dryly.

Sid nodded and smiled, putting an arm around his fellow Squire. "Come on. I'll patch you up."

Rust slid an arm around the fox to make his support more sturdy and the pair walked off to Lord Chase's tent.

The Squires found the tent empty when they entered it. The fox led the rat over to sit on the stool the rodent used during meals with the lynx.

"Just sit there, Rusty. I'll go grab my medical kit and be right back." Sid lightly patted the rodent's shoulder before rushing out of the tent.

Rust took a deep breath after his friend was out of the tent, letting the familiar smells of the place roll through his nose. There were new smells from the area and faded ones that still lingered from the last, but would fade over time. But the tent and items within it were the same. The scent of Lord Chase was still prevalent throughout. It comforted the Squire. He carefully undressed until he was clad only in his breeches, idly cataloging the wounds he's acquired in the ring.

Sid returned, carrying a small trunk that he set on the table and opened. The fox went to work, expertly cleaning and treating all of the scrapes and bruises the rat managed to pick up during the fight that had gone unnoticed until after the adrenaline started to fade. The orange-furred Squire's paw idly squeezed Rust's leg. "Mmh... Such a tough man."

The rat chuckled softly. "I think it's more stubborn than tough."

The fox knelt and began cleaning the rodent's dusty footpads. "Mh. It did seem an odd choice. Although the Lord enjoyed the bout, he had six openings to take you before you started wrestling."

"He did? I didn't realize he was taking it easy on me..."

Sid smiled up at the rat. "I'm teasing. He had to fight hard." The fox held the rodent's foot up and licked between the toes, one by one.

Rust moaned softly. "Mmmm... I could tell he was having fun."

The smaller male kissed up the rat's calf, then thigh. The fox's lusty musk grew thicker in the air as he scooted closer, kneeling between Rust's knees. "He was. Let me... help you relax? You've earned it."

The rat gently pet his friend's head, fingers rubbing the black tipped ears. "As much as I'd love that, I don't want to get you in trouble."

Sid smiled up as he eased the rodent's pants open. "You just watch the tent flap..." The fox's long, pink tongue began lapping at the rat's sheath and balls.

Rust moaned, leaning back against the side of the table and spreading his legs as he grew hard, his red tip poking out of its furry home to be licked directly. "He'll be able to smell this..." the rat murmured, eyes and ears turning to the tent flap while his paws continued to rub his friend's ears. "He snuck up on me this morning..."

The fox didn't answer, closing his maw around the rat's length, easing the rodent's large furry balls loose

Rust's footpads swung off the chair as he squirmed, moaning as he grew fully hard. The rodent continued stroking his friend's ears while trying to watch the tent flap.

Sid whined happily and made soft yipping noises as he slurped noisily on the rat's member. They sounded loud in the still air of the tent, but the heavy fabric shouldn't let the sounds out into the noisy camp beyond.

The rat's paws moved from petting the fox's ears to rubbing his shoulder as a climax neared. "Mmnnn... Sid, you're making quick work of me."

The orange-furred Squire pulled back to lap at the rat's tip.

At that moment, Lord Chase walked in, taking in the scene at a glance.

Rust's paws squeezed the fox's shoulder hard. "Um... Hi, sir"

Sid froze in fear.

Frowning, the Knight padded over and sat in his chair, where he could clearly see the two Squires. "Finish, Sid." He crossed one ankle over his other knee.

Cautiously, the fox started lapping again, his tongue moving even quicker than before.

Ears darkening to a deep red blush, Rust resume petting the fox's ears and rubbing his shoulders.

Groaning, Sid took the rodent's member into his muzzle to the hilt, tongue rubbing it while he moved a paw under the balls to slip a finger inside the rat and press his prostate.

Rust squeaked in surprise at the penetration and came hard into the other Squire's throat.

Whimpering, Sid gulped all of the seed down. After making sure he had it all, he pulled off and bowed to the Knight. He whined and grabbed his medical kit before bowing again and scampering from the tent, whimpering softly as he made his escape.

Breath returning to normal - but cock and balls hanging out still - Rust awaited his lord's response. He lifted his gaze to meet that of the feline.

The lynx's ice blue eyes stared back.

It was the Squire who eventually broke the silence between them. "I hope you don't think we were doing that to be disrespectful of you, sir."

Lord Chase rose slowly, padding over to his Squire. "No. I think you made a mistake though." A large paw reached out, gripping the rat's sheath, wet with saliva and cum, and squeezed. "Not in my tent. Ever again."

"Yes sir," the rat gasped, whining softly.

The lynx tucked Rust's package away, pulling the rat's pants up. "Now," the Knight said, moving to sit at the table behind the rat. "What does a Squire do when he's dishonored his master?"

Standing and turning to bow, Rust's ears were held back in shame. "Whatever matter he feels will erase the dishonor."

Chase smiled softly. "You apologize, recognize your failing, and we move on."

"I'm sorry that I failed you, sir. I will never repeat that act."

"Oh, you can do it again. Just not in your lord's tent. In here, I get the goods." The lynx smiled warmly. "Now, get the maps, we've work to do."