FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 29

With utmost care, they crept through the facility, sticking to the shadows and avoiding passing patrols. Disguised in their uniforms and radiating an air of confidence, they were determined to avoid any misstep that might trigger an alarm throughout the facility. Despite the urgency of their mission and the ticking clock, they moved swiftly. The silent acknowledgment of the precious time slipping away hung heavy in the air, and even Veledar, usually quick to chastise, remained silent.

Into what they assumed was the detention room, they stepped, with Shandalar leading, her authoritative aura apparent. Each of them readied their weapons before they entered and exchanged knowing nods, prepared for any unexpected turns.

The air within was heavy with moisture, steel, and despair—the dismal resting place of those condemned to be forgotten by the world. Mana lanterns adorned the walls, casting long shadows onto the cold stone beneath their feet. In the center of the room, a table bore the scars of years, etched with scratches. Forgotten candles, paperwork, and various keys lay scattered, relics of the guards' neglect.

Around another table, a few guards—both gryphons and humans—gathered, engaged in a game of dice. Their joyful expressions vanished upon the intrusion, replaced by the weight of their duty. Some shot up from their seats, others hastily gathered their winnings, sweeping them into waiting pouches.

"And what, pray tell, is the meaning of this intrusion?" inquired the gryphon, a female adorned in tan feathers with piercing green eyes. She gracefully made her way to a central desk, settling onto her haunches.

"Prisoner transfer from cell block unicorn." Shandalar responded curtly, rummaging through her pouches for the parchment she had used earlier.

As the humans crossed their arms with suspicion, Veledar peered from his hiding spot, eyes narrowed into slits. Gripping the leather beneath his paws, his tail swished back and forth. Hopeful that the sun-elf's trick would deceive these fools, his fire glands lingered on another possibility, yearning to showcase his might.

"Prisoner transfer, huh?" The gryphoness held the parchment with a raised brow, her chain armor jingling as she sighed and placed it on the table. "This is rather unusual; I wasn't informed about it."

Shandalar maintained a composed demeanor, meeting the gryphoness's gaze with a steady expression. "It's a recent decision. Urgent matter from higher up. You know how it is."

The gryphoness leaned in, her gaze sweeping from the worn boots to the crown of Merlia's head. "Why the grand escort for one diminutive dwarf?" She arched a skeptical brow. "Doesn't seem like much of a threat, does she?"

“Not much?" Merlia barked, pulling against Arcturus who held her tight, “Not much? Oi don't let size fool ya, lass. I've got more fight in me than a dragon in heat. You'd be wise not to underestimate a Gallogalar!"

The guard chuckled, her tone slightly mocking as she replied, "Well, ain't that adorable? A feisty dwarf. I bet you could fit right into a locket. Just remember, little one, play nice in your new home."

“Adorable! Why by Thor's beard I never!" Cheeks burned red as Veledar's scales as Merlia tested her manacles, “Why don't ya come closer here birdie and I can show ya how adorable I can be! You'll bear witness to all me dwarven fury!"

“I'd be wary of that." Arcturus managed to cough, “I've seen this dwarven fury in action."

“Which is why I brought such an escort." Shandalar gestured to them all, “I didn't want to risk having another incident."

Solid as granite, the gryphoness let out a weary sigh and shook her head. "I'll have to send this through, confirm your story. Not blaming you, dear, but it seems there's been a bit of a communication breakdown." She reached for a wooden disc on the desk, adorned with a rune for sound engraved on its surface.

This was the moment! Veledar felt a surge of heat in his blood, his instincts ready to burst forth. He was on the verge of breaking free from the bag, ready to reveal himself, when Natassa's chirp pierced through the unfolding chaos.

Natassa, adopting a tone of feigned vulnerability, spoke with wide-eyed innocence, "You see, I've been trying my best to get everything right on my first day, but the stress of it all... it's overwhelming. If there's any mistake, it's mine. I wouldn't want my superiors to think poorly of me, and I'm sure you understand how hard it can be for a newcomer. Please, let's keep this between us, and I'll make it up to you somehow." She accompanied her words with a subtle, enticing smile.

“I'm sorry, but it needs to be done." Sighed the gryphoness guard, “Protocol is protocol."

“Ah, then I do apologize for what comes next."

“Excuse me?"

"She's apologizing for me!" Veledar's roar echoed through the chamber as he sprang forth from the shadow of Arcturus' pack. With a swift charge, the man unsheathed his sword, a glint of cold steel cutting through the air. The dragon descended upon a bewildered guard, teeth bared in a menacing snarl, transforming his size with a graceful mid-air shift. The force of his descent overpowered the guard, dragging him to the ground, where he lay pinned beneath the mighty crimson paw.

With a precise strike, Veledar incapacitated the man, rendering him unconscious. The dragon swiftly leaped away from an approaching blow, shrinking in size as he deftly slid between the legs of his attacker. The attention of his assailant quickly shifted to Veledar's companions, who had seamlessly joined the fray, engaging the adversaries one after another.

Arcturus confronted two guards, brandishing his sword and shield. His steadfast defense proved unyielding, thwarting their attacks to the sound of clashing steel. With a tactical move, he blinded one opponent using a shield flash, swiftly disarming him and causing the man to crumple to the floor with a well-placed cut.

The cacophony of battle abruptly hushed as Asterion, with a decisive gesture, sealed the sounds of their skirmish from prying ears. His grip firm on the hammer, he surged forward, colliding with the nearest adversary. The impact sent both the gryphon and human crashing against the wall, the latter succumbing beneath Asterion's hooves.

Merlia's wore an amused grin laughing despite the lack of sound. Successfully liberating herself from the confining manacles, she deftly retrieved her bow, and with a swift, precise motion, planted two arrows into the guard entangled in combat with Arcturus, targeting each kneecap with unforgiving accuracy.

The guard, writhing in pain, emitted a muffled cry as Arcturus seized the opportunity to deliver a decisive blow. Raising his shield with formidable force, he struck the disoriented man squarely in the face, sending him crashing to the unforgiving ground. An exchanged glance between Arcturus and Merlia conveyed a subtle acknowledgment – a silent dialogue that seemed to convey, "I had that under control."

In response, Merlia offered a playful wink before swiftly nocking another arrow, redirecting her focus toward a new adversary with determined intent.

Veledar moved like a crimson whirlwind beneath the towering guards. With no effective means of defense, they were compelled to engage in a perilous dance, choosing between spells and steel against Veledar's companions or attempting to breach the formidable defense of his scales. Unpredictable and relentless, the dragon grew in size suddenly, unleashing devastating blows that sent the guards hurtling into walls or crashing to the ground, ensnared by the snapping jaws.

Before they could mount a counterattack, Veledar shrank back to his diminutive form, leaving their weapons to strike only stone or empty air. However, the pledge he had made to Arcturus not to outright kill them proved to be a hindrance when a blade finally found its mark, drawing blood across his crimson scales. It wasn't too deep, but it stung with every movement, he made sure to slam his bulk into that guard with exceptional effort.

The battle reached a resounding conclusion as Asterion seized the gryphon by the neck in a vice-like grip. With a snarl he slammed them against the table, the impact was thunderous, the sound of splintering wood echoing through the chamber as it shattered into two distinct halves. He rose, panting, blood staining his lips, Asterion indulgently dusted his hands, proclaiming, "There, it is done, and not even an alarm was raised."

"Indeed." Shandalar remarked, her eyes scanning the scattered paperwork, "though I do find myself questioning the methods we employed."

"Aye, we made a bit of a mess, but who cares about some papers and a broken table? It's not like we're at a fancy tea party!" Merlia scoffed, a mischievous grin on her face as she went about retrieving her arrows.

“And I of course will go get the princess." Veledar proudly remarked.

Beyond the initial room, an intricate stone hallway unfolded, bearing the weathered marks of despair etched into its surfaces. The corridor extended into the distance, lined with thick wooden doors, each secured with sturdy steel locks, containing the secrets and sorrows of those imprisoned within. Veledar, reveling in their success, assumed a large form, careful not to let his magnificent horns scrape against the low wooden ceiling. A warble of triumph rose in his throat as he anticipated the shocked expression on Lyndis' face when she saw her unexpected rescuers. The praise that awaited him for this daring feat filled him with eager anticipation, a prospect that would undoubtedly tickle him pink.

“Like hell you're going alone." Natassa squawked, chasing after his tail. “Can't let you go hogging all the credit."

“Don't trust me?" He mused with a grin as Arcturus carried himself over as well. “I'll have you know; I can be trusted."

“On occasion." Arcturus gave him a knowing eye, “Though when it comes to matters of pride or vengeance- “

“Listen you, that fall in the mud you had was well-earned, you can stop trying to make me out to be the villain. It's not my fault you insulted my scales."

“I said they looked fine."

“Precisely. Just fine?" He snorted at such a casual remark, “Can you hear yourself? Arcturus you have the greatest dragon right in front of you, beauty incarnate, the jewel of Sethera, and you can only describe them as fine?" He nearly vomited from the word.

“That was days ago, before we even had…well you know."

“And that does wonders for soothing over the slight against me." He nuzzled at the man's cheek, “I know you were not being entirely untruthful, hiding the beating truth inside." He rumbled, enjoying the red shade now enveloping the man's cheeks, “Now shall we give Lyndis the taste of our heroic nature as we deliver her from these terrible lodgings? Arcturus, how much do you think a heroic rescue is worth? I'm picturing a hundred…no, a thousand gold pieces."

“For rescuing your…friend." Natassa gave an indignant squawk.

“That is the friend and family discount." Veledar chuckled, “My expertise is quite expensive, granted that you are paying for the best."

“How do you put up with him?" She groaned.

“Drinking helps!" Merlia shouted down to them with a laugh.

Veledar paused, wrinkling his snout. In all the excitement of their victory, he'd forgotten the princess' prison cell. He leaned down to whisper in Arcturus ear, “Umraadi, could you- “

“It's cell forty-two." whispered the knight, covering his mouth.

“Life saver." Without a miss in his stride, he cantered over to her cell, clearing his throat in a most regal manner. “Oh Lyndis, princess of Drenedar, my roguish adventurer, I hope you're done being in these abysmal surroundings you find yourself, for I am here."

Arcturus was the one to open the door, after all, he had the digits for it. What was to begin with a heroic speech, possibly boast of their skill and expertise sadly fell upon its face. Inside the diminutive area was just a celled area with a tiny bed. Lyndis was nowhere to be seen.

“She's not here." Arcturus said in shock.

“Of course she's not here, I can see that." Natassa surged in, ruffling her feathers. “She was supposed to be here."

Placing his snout to the ground, Veledar took a deep whiff, catching the scents of human, kobold and what had to be Lyndis. Shandalar had not been lying, she had been here.

“She isn't here!" Natassa poked her head out into the hall, eyes aflame, “The hell is this all about mage? You said she'd be here!"

“Ya mean this was all for nothin?" Merlia barked, giving the mage a look that could kill.

“I got to beat some heads in, it wasn't for nothing." Asterion grunted, crossing his arms.

A terrible pit dwelled within the dragon's stomach as he returned to the others. He could see the expression on Arcturus' face as well, them putting it together. If she were not here, there was only one place she would be brought to, the very place they were trying to prevent. He growled and lashed his tail, “Shandalar, what is the most direct route to the interrogation chambers."

“Down that hall, down the stairs and across the courtyard." Replied the mage.

“There be no way we're not seen then." Merlia growled. “We're going to be swarmed by the bastards."

“Here I thought you wanted to get Lyndis back." Veledar growled, enjoying how red the ranger's cheeks flushed as she realized he was right.

“Course I do, just don't want to die doin it. Shite story that be."

“I relish the challenge." Asterion cracked his knuckles, “Bring it on, my body can take it."

“And if we go that way you shall get your challenge." Shandalar had kneeled, plucking a circular device from one of the unconscious guards. It was about the size of a coin, a red rune upon its surface. It was currently glowing red hot, like that of a forge.

“And they had some fancy coin?" Veledar scoffed.

“It's an alarm." Arcturus frowned, speaking in tandem with her. “One that lets them know of intruders."

“Oh great, just great!" Merlia tossed up her hands, “Why don't we all summon the whole ruddy building to us den? Oh, when it rains it pours."

“Korde answers my prayers." Asterion snorted, tapping his weapon, “Let it be known that those stand before us paint the ground below our hooves crimson."

“Oh, stop yer ego trip ya walking beard, not all of us are built that way!"

“And your suggestion is to leave a comrade behind?"

Merlia froze for a moment, realizing the muscled bull had a point, “No…well…Oh, Asterion stop yer grinning before I smack it off ya!" With a huff she snatched her bow, knocking it, fire dwelling behind her eyes, “Well what the hells are ya waiting on, an invitation? Her life be in danger! Let's get your bums a movin!"

** * * * * ** *