FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Chapter 2:

Richard counted the seconds as their demise chased after them. The elevator that carried them to safety cared not with its ponderous pace, cold gears steadily dragged them inch by inch, whining in protest. Their hearts were close to bursting, banging like battering rams in their ears. Muscles twitched, ears flicked at every stray sound, no one spoke a word. When the elevator came to stop and the doors sprang open, all of them burst into a sprint.

How much time did they have left? Seconds? Richard didn’t want to know.

Adan and Proetus were smiling and waving them onward as they first emerged. That changed with one good look up and down. Dwarven arms crossed with a raised brow, the brown gryphon’s ears pinned to his helmet.

“What happened?” Proetus winced.

“Glowie fucked up!” Bathor shouted at the top of his lungs, “It’s going to explode any minute now! MOVE!”

None of the gryphons took flight with their wings, choosing to dash across the streets. Each of them knew that if they were to give into such a choice, the Odin’s patrols would easily spot them overhead. Instead they raced to the alley ways, seeking the protection only darkness could provide.

Claw over boot they squeezed into a broken crate filled alley stinking of booze. Huddling together they waited for the phantom counter to tick its final moments.

“When do you think its going to-“ Adan began, only to be interrupted by the thunderous crack of their explosions.

In a brilliant flash, night turned to day. The windmill’s passing punctuated by the splintering of timber and the shattering of stone. Ground beneath the town quivered and shook, as if decreed by the gods themselves. From the burning corpse of a building came lances of red-orange fire, streaking across the sky. They slammed into roofs, devastated homesteads, and spread utter pandemonium in their wake. It came to an end with a metallic shriek as billowing black smoke spiraled upwards. Then came the deafening silence, and the weight of what they’d just done

Richard followed as the group dashed to street after street, color drained from their faces except Bathor. Behind them they could hear the blaring voices of magically enhanced soldiers trying their best to direct the catastrophe on their hands. One that would claim innocent and guilty life alike. They were forced to lay low in another alley, the walls squeezing in at their sides as a trio of flying boats flew overhead.

“Stay calm citizens, Odin Hammer is on the task. Stay in your homes unless the fire has spread.”” The guards droned, casting shining beacons of light to the streets below, clearly more interested in finding the Wings of Freedom instead.

“We did it.” Bathor panted, thumping his green feathered chest. “Mother fucker we did it.” He turned to the others with a gryphon wide smile, tapping the others with his wings. “One down and at least seven to go!”

“Yea.” Eris winced, shying away. “Didn’t think it would get that big.”

“Me neither.” Proetus drooped his head. “I thought just the building was going to go.”

The green gryphon grunted, ruffling his feathers as he stared the others up and down. “Come on yall. We all knew it was going to get messy. Especially since they build so close.” He peered out from their hiding spot, admiring the billowing flames dancing in the distance. “So what if it was a bit bigger? That’s just a price we have to pay to stop those bastards.” When no one replied he snapped back, eyes mirroring the flames. “Am I right?”

The others said nothing, only Adan nodded with a punctuated, “Aye lad. Odin Hammer will just use those morals against ya. I’ve seen it before.”

Richard paced as they tossed back what was right or wrong in dealing with the Odin Hammer. He didn’t care in slightest, money was money, job was a job. “Hey.” He glared, putting an end to their squabble. “Try having this conversation back at base? That way I can get paid. Word of advice get tougher. As the dwarf says, they’ll walk all over you.”

“Hmmph.” Bathor scowled as the others looked way. “Glittery things all you care about? Perhaps you shoulda been named after a dragon.” The gryphon pressed passed him, smacking him with his tail.

“You have an escape plan right?” He leaned out from the streets, scanning the empty cobblestone. In the distance he could hear the steady thump of hooves. It wouldn’t be long before their foes were soon upon them. Whole scores of soldiers with things far worse than arcanum blades. They might have a few sorcerers or metal tanks at their disposal. Not to mention they’d have to worry about flying ships and other gryphons to worry about.

“Course we have an escape plan, we’re not stupid.” Bathor sighed, holding the top of his beak. “Delora your friend is killing me.”

“You’re telling me.” He rolled his eyes. The bartending friend of his was going to get an earful on their return. Mostly about what constituted an easy job.

“So how we are getting out boss?” Proetus squawked, dropping down with pinned ears as a searchlight passed mere inches from the alley. “And hopefully before the whirly birds get us.”

The gryphon laughed nervously, shoving the dwarf Adan in the back with a wing. “That’s a good question. But we certainly have a plan.” Bathor turned to Adan, “Right.”

The dwarf chuckled, stroking his beard. “Course we do, we be takin the trains by thunder. If dey haven’t shut them down I mean. We take the last one out of here, exchange a few times on our way back to Hullbeck. Who’d expect a group of gryphons to escape by train?” The stout man gave Richard a wink, “No one that be who.”

“Don’t forget we all split up to avoid attention yall.” Bathor smirked at the others, clasping his metal claw tight. “Like how you think old man.”

“Old? Hundred and fifty isn’t old you sack of feathers.”

“And I wanted to fly.” Eris’ feathers drooped, “Stupid whirlybirds. Why’d the Odin’s have to make them?”

“Speciesism.” Proetus shrugged.

“Hey now.” Bathor pulled them in with his wings, “Lots of flying when we be back. Maybe even some tinkering with arcanum. Just we all have to say safe is all.”

“All of us?” Richard growled, crossing his arms.

“Did you get the gunk out of your ears glowie? All means you too.”

Richard sighed, resting against the cold alley wall. “Where even is the train station?” He didn’t’ get an answer, so he repeated the question with a sterner tone. Still no reply. He turned to find the alley was empty, the gryphons clearly having scampered off in the while. He might have been angrier if he didn’t think he was better off on his own. He preferred it that way.

“Delora.” He sighed, dashing along the shadow filled streets, “Where did you even find these people?”

Quietly as he could he made progress through the chaos-stricken town. Sirens were still calling in the distance, the flames could be seen from any street he jogged. He pushed any guilt from his mind, burning it down in years of training. All that matters was the mission.

Once or twice he stalled, the hair standing on the back of his neck. He could have sworn someone was calling for him, signaling platoons of guards to chase after him. Beads of sweat dripped as he pictured them resting weapons upon him and letting loose their entire magical power on his flesh. He snapped himself out each time, gritting his teeth as he ground his nails into his palm.

“You’re going to get yourself killed.” He hissed as boots marked his passing. According to a sign he’d just passed, he was on the right track for the station. Lucky for him that Odin’s Hammer were so methodical.

“Hey you, stop right there! You’re past curfew!” Came a demanding voice from behind.

Without even looking he flung a lightning bolt in their direction and bolted into a nearby alley. There he crouched, weapon drawn and begging to be used.

By his accounts, those guards would need to recover, if they were not dead. There he waited in the uneasy silence, ever prepared to bisect another pair of guards. Yet they never came. He stowed his weapon and creeped out to take a gander down the street.

From the homes lining the streets came humans, eyes wide at the carnage raging in the distance. Some were still in nightgown, missing shirts, all of them worried and asking questions.

“Is it another firestorm?” A woman asked, rubbing her eyes.

“I bet it’s a live drill.” Scoffed an elderly man, resting upon his cane. “Damned Odin’s Hammer. Can’t they see we’re trying to sleep!”

Questions spread like the flames through the mass of nightgowns, focusing into a weapon when the guards came into view. Perfect, it would give Richard all the time he needed to make his escape.

Down a packed alley filled with rust encrusted pipes, the warrior crept and slunk his form through the tightest of squeezes. He only paused to hide in the shadows when searchlights pierced just overhead. One thing could be said about Odin Hammer, they were at least persistent.

“Return to your homes.” Sounded in the distance, of magically enhanced voices of the crews. He was unsurprised, most of them had things such as this to handle the numerous crowds of towns. Some battle commanders even had stones to mentally communicate with the other, allowing strategies to be launched with such precision that none could match. But the statement at least let him know the gryphons had yet to be caught. The train would still be waiting for his arrival.

Gritting his teeth he squeezed through a mazelike area of heated pipes, hissing at several points as his limbs grazed the humming metal. As a train’s whistle sounded in the distance his footfalls ever increased. One right after the other with increased purpose, until he fell head over heels. Something had caught his foot. It was human sized, covered in a cloak, and had the brightest blonde hair he could imagine.

The streets struck him like a hammer, sending waves of pain quivering up his limbs. Holding his head, he had but a second to gather his wits before the woman he’d tripped over had stirred and sprung to her feet. In a flash of steel her dirt covered hands were holding tight a sharpened knife out from her.

“You won’t be taking us back!’ The dark skinned woman shouted, her leg ever twitching. Her stance was off, the blade was wavering. By the fear in this woman’s eye, she was clearly no warrior. “Over my dead body.”

“I’m not here to take you back.” Richard replied coldly, composing himself with a groan. He shook free whatever dizziness was still about him. “ And you’re holding the weapon wrong.” He turned to ignore her, setting his sights back to the end of the alley and his destination. “If I had wanted to kill you, you’d be dead.” He went to leave.

“You’re not here to get us?” Down went the weapon, relief in her voice. “Hey, where are you going?”

He didn’t turn. “Away, what’s it look like?”

“You can’t do that!” She jogged to him, voice cracking. “If you don’t work for Odin’s Hammer, you must help us escape!”

“Listen lady.” He turned around, his stern demeanor bringing her stride to a halt. “I don’t have to do anything. You’re just another person I’ve come across.” He looked her up and down. She didn’t even have a pair of boots on her callused feet. “Whatever you want, I’m not buying.”

“Are you an adventurer?”

He tilted his head. That term hadn’t been used in quite some time. Perhaps a few hundred years ago when things still needed to be explored but not now. “I’m a merc.” He sneered, “None of that happy go lucky palling around with your buddies here.”

“That means you’ll accept payment right?” She pulled back her tattered rags to reveal a bruised and thoroughly scarred body wrapped in bloody bandages. Whatever she’d been through was quite drastic. It was a miracle she was still standing. She reached around, not finding whatever she was looking for. “I swear it was right here.” She slumped, “Look, we don’t have much. Can you get us out of here safely?” She gestured to a cart that lay forgotten behind her, a simple wooden one draped in a thick blanket. It would have been innocent, if not for whatever was beneath the blanket was rising steadily up and down. Almost like it was breathing, if he had to guess it was the size of a small wolf.

Suspicious eyes traveled from this strange woman and her more so cargo. Best case they were refugees from the surrounding kingdoms it happened all the time. Worst case they were someone being hunted, something he didn’t want this night. With no payment of coin it wasn’t worth the trouble. He turned to leave, “Good luck with your night. Maybe some other bleeding heart will swing by.”

“How can you leave a bruised and tattered woman on her own? Especially a child!”

“A child?” He stopped, almost turning back. He sighed, squeezing tight his fist. “No.” He shook his head with a growl.

She grabbed his arm, a slithering cold traveled up his arm. “You can’t be that heartless! They’ll take us back!”

He pulled free, thrusting a finger to her nose. “Listen woman. I won’t be taking you or your child anywhere.” His gaze almost set her hair ablaze. “I have enough trouble without you and the little one tagging along.”

Peering back the woman was torn. For a moment she contemplating her next move. She sighed, clutching tight her chest. “How about a more physical reward? I’m not sure if I’m pleasing, but we need your help. I’ll do whatever you desire.”

He pulled back as if bitten, the thought almost causing him to wretch. “Gods woman, no. I’d not sink so low. If you’re that concerned, wait for an opening after I depart.” He shrugged to the alley as the train called for him once more. He was cutting it close, already he could feel his chance slipping through his fingers. “I’m certain they’ve got bigger worries tonight.”

“But…” She reached out, but was silenced by the warrior’s raised hand.

“The world is a cruel place. Tonight, feel lucky I wasn’t out to rob you.”

“Rose.”

“Excuse me?”

“That’s my name.” Her eyes hardened like steel. “And Red back there.” She gestured to the cart with a sneer. “That’s who you’re killing tonight.”

“Then good luck finding a heroic knight.” He gave a mocking bow, “They’ve left for better pastures I’ve heard. “The human raced from the streets without a further thought. It wasn’t his problem. The world was a cruel place, and she just got unlucky. They’d only weigh him down like an anchor and get them both killed. Thankfully, the train’s shrill cry shattered any lingering thoughts of his returning.

All instinct to stay hidden was blasted from his mind as he practically galloped for the station. Sweat ran rivers down his forehead, whisked away with but a wave. He could see the simple black train waiting on the tracks, the Odin Hammer symbol shimmering in the lantern light. Patiently it waited it seemed, just for him. Fate seemed to have his side tonight, he just needed to cross a bridge that passed above the darkened tracks below.

Mid stride a demanding voice shouted for him, “Stop right there sir!” It was the voice of a guard, strolling swiftly towards him with ghostly arcanum armor already lit. “Why are you not in your home? Do you not known theirs a curfew? Hey stop!” The click of an armed weapon sounded behind him. “I said stop!”

Richard did just that, spinning on a coin right around. Up went his hands in surrender as he donned a confused expression. Behind him was at least a dozen guards. Their arms where already held at the ready, fingers hovering over their arcanum lit gauntlets, begging to loose their spells. “No reason to be so jumpy!” He gestured to the station with a slow nod. “I was just trying to catch the train home!”

The guards didn’t believe that in the slightest, nervous hands starting to waver above their stones. “That so eh?” The lead one asked, crossing his arms with a skeptical brow. “What a strange time to be out running at this hour. What business have you in Alenwick that you’re sprinting like you’ve seen a ghost?”

Eyeing the twitching guards, Richard could feel their muscles begging to spring. With but a press he’d be bombarded by a near dozen spells of different variety. If he had to guess, fire as was handed out to the standard grunts. He shrugged, “I lost track of time. Fell asleep on a blasted bench, no one woke me. What else do you want me to say?”

Questioned murmurs traveled back in forth between the guards. “Odd coincidence that you’re trying to run out on the night that an extractor exploded.” The man’s features wrinkled, “I’d say that’s quite suspicious. Enough to be brought in for questioning if you ask me.”

He tried to wince, feign surprise. “Was that what that was? Lit up the entire sky! Here I thought you lot were just loosing fireworks!”

The air stilled as the others looked upon him with disgust. “That’s certainly an interesting way to discuss a tragedy. Let’s have more of a chat back at the headquarters. Chad, secure that man.”

Guess that was the end of niceties.

Like lightning he’d activated his armor, letting the light wrap around him. It wouldn’t hold off the magic lobbed at him, but it would hold off any projectiles they might be loosing at him. Plus it helped when he tumbled along the stone, merely feeling the pressure.

As if summoned the guards attacked, loosing streaks and spheres of pure orange flame. They struck the street uncaring, scorching what some had taken hours to create. Like a swarm of hornets, they followed, making sure every inch of ground was met with yet another barrage of fiery death.

For wanting to keep him alive, this was most unproductive. Richard was just about to slip away when a wall of fire sprouted from the stone, curling, and twisting malevolently. That way was blocked unless he wanted to be torched alive. That wasn’t a standard weapon for the guard.

He spun round, his hands finding his lightning arcanum.

“Stop right there rebel scum.” The confident leader clapped, gesturing to the pillar of orange-red might. “Nowhere left to run now.”

Richard eyed the man and his back up carefully. Exposed as he was, he might be able to take down a few of them, but not the entire dozen by the time they scorched him to nothing. This was before he considered the hovering airboats no doubt zeroing in on their position. Quantity certainly had its quality to it.

“I’d rethink your attitude.” Richard snarled, hand hovering over his arcanum, “I can take quite a few of you with me.”

“I’m certain you could.” The man dusted his crimson uniform. “But I think we all value our lives, you have no cover, no magic that I can think of to save your life. So, if you can agree to have a chat with my superiors, we can get to finding these terrorist friends of yours.”

“There not my friends.” The train tracks below looked ever more inviting. Already he could hear the departing metal beast starting to drag itself forward with metallic screeches.

“Then it will be easier to let free the information! Mercenary I presume? I’m sure a special circumstance would be bent to give you a pardon of some kind.”

“Another time perhaps.” He sheathed his sword, racing towards the ledge. Fire grazed his clothes, filled his nostrils with burning cloth and seared flesh. He ignored them with but a bite of his lip. Through the air he leaped, pledging himself to the god’s mercy. Today they proved fruitful as the train raced below him, meeting him with the roof of one of its many exquisitely crafted cars.

Muscles screamed out as he slammed to the car’s roof. Stars burst before his eyes as he was tossed and tumbled to what would be his unfortunate death. The warrior lashed out in his final moments, certain he wouldn’t make it. Yet again he was rewarded with cold steel, aching fingers, and a pained grunt as he strained to keep himself from being a bloody smear on the ground.

Up he pulled himself to the roof, collapsing onto his back with panting relief. Somehow, he’d made it. In silence he stared at the passing stars above, letting the rapidness of his heart fade away. His limbs though sore would be fine with time. For a sprain or injury a normal human might have sustained, one enhanced like himself was fine. Give it a night’s rest and he’d be restored to working order come morning.

Thoughts dwelled upon the steady clacking of the tracks, and the simple fact that he’d been ditched by his employers. Lesser men would have been captured or killed given what he’d faced. He scowled at the stars overhead. One thing was certain, he was going to have a long chat with Bathor and Delora. “I should have asked for a raise.” He grumbled.

*

Bathor relaxed in his spacious train car, pressed between various crates of spices and dry goods. Each breath was slowing his heart, whispering for the proud beast to relax. His gryphons were all around him, safe and pleasingly chirping in the air at a job well done. Even Adan the dwarf was getting in a fair bit of ribbing at how nervous Proetus had been. All the while lighting his celebratory pipe.

“The look on yer face lad. I thought you was going ta lay an egg!”

The brown fluffy gryphon squawked indignitatly. “I’m a male. I’m one hundred percent certain I can’t do that!”

“And yet you have me convinced as well.” Eris chuckled, nudging he narrowed eyed gryphon with her teal tipped wings.

Thankfully for them, no one had questioned three gryphons slipping into the traincars. They were far too busy with the panic and fear of having their precious extractor destroyed. It was easy, but the gryphon wasn’t going to question it. Not after a night of being chased and attacked by robotic monsters. He sighed, taking in the heavy scents Adan’s pipe, letting his feathers puff outwards, dragging a pleased warble from his throat. Thoughts of his drifted to his little girl at home, probably waiting anxiously with wide eyes for him to return. The trip now seemed ever longer, causing the gryphon to scowl at the walls and shift his hinds.

The wings of freedom had a round of good jobs and ribbing of wings, even a round of happy squawking. They added for good measure nudges with the wings, playful tackles and even trying to drag Bathor into the whole affair. Whatever they thought of the bigger explosions seemed like a distant concern.

“Don’t be needing any of that mushy crap.” Bathor fought them off with a wing, but to his heated squawk they ignored him and leaped upon his feathers. He was soon pressed to the floor by two sets of claws. “What did I just say!” He squirmed.

“And ya knew they’d ignore it.” Adan emerged over their shoulder, chuckling before dragging his pipe. “Yet ya still act surprised.” He shook his head. “That be the ole burd for ya.”

“I’m not old!”Pinning his ears he gave it all the strength he could, shoving the pair of gryphons off with a mighty squawk. He eyed their retreating forms with mistrust, glaring as he began to preen and reset his ruined fluff. “I swear this is but a game for you.”

Silence lingered as Eris and Proetus reclined back to their seats, letting their eyes droop to the steady clack of the tracks. Adan was beside them, puffing smoke rings above them all. There was a calmness to it that even stilled Bathor’s ire with ever stroke of his feathers.

“I guess Delora’s friend didn’t make it.” Adan grumbled, “Shame, cause fer a Odin Hammer spy, he’d of been good company.”

“Good company?” Bathor snorted, “Guy hardly talked. We’d have gotten stuff done without him. Without me, he’d have been toast.” He chuckled into his feathers, “So much for the skills of a pheonix eh?”

The others stayed silent, but Eris perked up, ears pinned with a heavy thump of her tail. “That’s a bit unfair Bathor. He was kinda cute, and did leap into save you. Without his skilled hands you’d be dead too!”

The green gryphon froze, eyes widening. The others coughed as he returned to preening as if nothing was wrong. “Ok, so what if he helped a little. Not the bad ass we paid for though!”

She looked to the rust speckled door of the car with a mournful sigh. “Think a bad ass like that was killed though? Maybe he got away?”

“And you’re only saying that cause you think he’s cute.” Proetus chuckled, nudging the female with a wing.

“Not all the reason.” She glared back, shoving him back, almost taking off his helmet. “Keep laughing it up though and we’ll see what happens.”

“I’m game.” Up shot the brown gryphon, wiggling his haunches with a chirp. “You’ve got a crush on the human!”

Rolling her eyes the female gryphon rose, flipping her scarf. “You’re one to talk. I thought you exclusively mated with human woman?”

Proetus’ ears splayed, his eyes sharpening. “That was a bit uncalled for!”

“Was it?” Her head tilted, tail swaying ever playfully. “What you going to do about it?”

With that the game was on, Proteus leaped across the car. Both sets of talons found each other as the grypons crashed to the floor and rolled around. Squawks and chirps soon filled the air as their heavy paws and forelimbs smacked and crashed into one another. Any crates in between them stood no chance, smashing like twigs beneath them.

Bathor watched for only a minute, before ending their squabble with a resounding squawk and flare of his wings. “Knock it off you idiots! You’re going to give us away!” His dagger spewing gaze shied the two away, making them slink back to their crates with splayed ears. Neither addressing the thick layer of dust about their feathers.

“Sorry boss. Just got worked up.” Eris chirped, “Fledgling here shooting off his beak.”

“Hey!” Proetus snapped, whirling around. “I’ll show you fledgling, I’ll let you know I’m full grown!”

“Not where it counts.” She chirped.

“Enough.” Bathor’s wing cut them off, “Settle this crap at home. Then you can wrestle and do whatever you want till it ends in humping.”

“Hah.” Eris laughed hard, “That will be the day. You heard what I said right? Exclusively female humans_._”

Proetus waggled his head, rolling his talon. “Ok, not all the time, but it does have its appeals.”

Bathor’s eyes practically rolled out of his head. “Whatever. Just stow it till we’re home. We don’t need Odin Hammer suddenly springing out of no where to-“

There was a sudden thump above their heads, the whole car shook. Every gryphon’s ears sprung up in time their fur. Muscles entered well practiced stances, their chatter evaporating with the wind. Even Adan had frozen, his hand hovering over an arcanum stone in his hand. Eerie silence hung about them like an unwelcome fog, only broken with the clunks below, and the thumps up above. Something was on top of the train.

Shiver’s crawled down Bathor’s spine as he reared, pinning his wings behind him. This wasn’t supposed to happen now. He rose his limb, igniting the arcanum blade as he gestured to the others to open the door. Might as well face whatever it was.

“Ready? On the count of three…” Bathor whispered, tensing as the others readied to open the door. “One…Two..-“

The door flung open, Richard flipped inside, landing with a pair of cerulean suns in his eyes. In a flash his red blade flung up, deflecting Bathor’s own without a hint of effort.

“Richard!” The others stepped back in shock, crown feathers raising.

“You made it!” Eris shot forward, curling around the man with a satisfied smirk. “See? And you guys thought he was dead.”

“Not dead.” Richard growled, “Just ditched.”

“Shit Richard.” Bathor ignored him, slamming shut the door. “Scare me half to death.”

“You?”

The gryphon coughed and splayed his ears, making sure his eyes narrowed at the slip up. “Us. Scared us to death. What took your ass so long anyway? Cut it any closer and you’d be bisected like those guards.”

“Left behind.”

“Left behind or part of the plan?” He tilted his head with a smirk. “Kinda suspicious for us all to bunch up. Use that pheonix brain of yours. You got here safe didn’t you?”

The man was not amused in the slightest, his arms crossing like swords across his chest. “If you’re going to do stuff like that. My rate just doubled.”

The gryphon merely chuckled deep in his green feathered throat. “Funny thing that. You fucked up on the timer. I think your pay stays the same.”

The human’s eyes rolled. “If you weren’t micromanaging, we’d be fine.”

He had him there, but he wasn’t going to let him know. The gryphon flicked his tail, shut his beak and answered with a harsh snort.

How the air burned as they stared at one another.

“Oh stop kissing you two.” Proetus laughed, holding his sides. “We survived. You can get to that sort of thing after.”

Without warning, Bathor pounced the laughing gryphon to the train floor and wrestled him across of it. Feathers were ruffled, hair shed as the pair of beaks were set upon one another. It ended with the metal armed gryphon pinning Proetus to the ground, panting. “Like I’d be caught dead kissing a cold bastard like that.”