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Chapter 16

He was hurled into another cell, the guardians that escorted him sneering and laughing as he crashed to the cold stone. Pain sparked through his bones, wrenching a groan as he tried to regain his footing, “Not the most careful of hands are we?” He groaned, “Your matters of persuasion are quite poor, don’t expect me to recommend this place to anyone else.”

“You’re not supposed to enjoy it slime.” One of the guardians kicked him in the ribs, knocking what wind remained in the paladin’s lungs.

“This is what you think someone enjoying something is like?” He wheezed, “I pity whoever you call lover.”

The gaggle of thugs went to strike him again, but the paladin found himself spared by the cleared throat of an elderly woman. She sat behind a weathered desk, smeared in the dried blood of numerous others. Off-white candles rested upon it, lit with flame, dripping with wax, painting her features and silhouetting her crooked nose. Her robes were of the finest silk, adorned with numerous different metals and marks of prestige, telling of years of service. Her boney fingers rested upon the desk, folded on themselves, each one sporting a differently sized ring of polished gold.

He sized her up, practically tasting the air of dread that the other guardians exuded at her cold stare. If the previous man had tried to win his favor with kindness, he didn’t think this would go too well. Dragged up he was thrust into the seat opposite her, all without another word from his host. She merely brushed her salt and pepper hair.

“I’ll tell you the same thing I told Steven.” The paladin’s gaze narrowed, “My loyalty cannot be bought, nor will I lie to aid your cause. I am not here for your politics, I care nothing about your titles. Once this ordeal with Dreadflame has gone, Crimson Sky and I will depart your-“

Her hand rose, her voice was like a snake’s hiss, “Oh, that I know darling. Believe it or not, I was listening to your entire conversation with Steven.”

“Fantastic.” He smiled, “Then I don’t have to be repeating myself do I?”

“You’re a stubborn man Arcturus, one of virtue and honor. You’d die before even harming your friends.”

“Or threatening future peace between our kingdoms.” He replied, “Pinning Nivra with the blame of those lies would do damage that our children will be unraveling for years ahead.”

“It’s amusing that even with what they’ve done to you and those you care for, that you believe peace is in the cards for Lumara. That it will not get the justice that it deserves.”

“There always must be hope. Otherwise, what would be the point? Now, if you’d be a dear, could we get pleasantries out of the way before we indulge in whatever awaits me?”

The woman nodded, “But of course, Arcturus Lund, you stand before Fiona Una Karen, daughter of the third house, owner of the sacred rings of Fuereen.”

“I must say, that is quite the mouthful. Even my dragon has not that long a name.”

Her eyes widened in interest as she leaned forward, her bones creaking. “And what might that be?”

“Oh, you know better.” He replied with a tired grin, “Dragon names are for those they respect and trust. With what I’ve seen of your friends, you’ll never get anything of the sort.”

“Rude.” She clicked her tongue, reaching down beside her to pluck a thin, darkened box of wood. “Though I suppose it’s expected for the stubborn of you, rather suffer righteously than even give an ounce of ground to practicality. You and your dragon would be better useful to us, and yet you refuse to even bend a tiny bit of your oath.”

“Its you who are leaping at ghosts, planning to fight a war that’s not yet here. If anyone is destabilizing Struport, then it is whatever this scheme is.”

“But we can’t forget it won’t happen. That when this ordeal with the undead passes, we will be back to our old ways. Your bright idealism won’t change that.” She gave the men behind them a warning look, to not interfere. From a blackened thin box she pulled a gnarled wand of mahogany wood, wrapped tight in turquoise strings. It pulsed with power, a focus for a mage to cast their spells.

“Oh, you expect to torture me into compliance now?” He scoffed, eyeing the simple looking tool, “If you’re going through all the trouble, why not just fabricate my story?”

“We certainly could, but a verbal testimony always does wonders. Especially one from a man of honor as yourself.”

“And yet, you would have me use that same honor to dishonor myself and sully the reputation further of my friends and kingdom.”

She smirked, procuring a parchment. Upon it was a testimony that he was supposed to read, how Arcturus condemned and backed up the ruby guardian’s evidence. It claimed that Nivra ordered him to keep his mouth shut, on order of death. He could no longer find the strength to support such villains, helping the guardians bring her and her soldiers to justice. “Here is what you’re expected to say. I figured we would be able to get some practice.”

His gaze could kill as she waited patiently for a response. He growled and pressed it back. “Not a word of this trash will tumble out of my mouth.”

Disappointment flickered across her face as she shook her head, “Pity, though I suppose to be expected.” Up went her wand, the head of it crackling with an orange light. It pulsed and shifted, whispering terrible things. “Arcturus, we will not let personal oaths let the guilty go free.”

What was she getting at? His teeth clenched when she insisted that he read the line. “I won’t, r-“ A great pain lanced through him, the flesh upon his back opening up. He arched; red faced with a grunt. It was though a whip had inflicted upon him it’s terrible kiss. Panting, sweat forming on his brow, he eyed the still calm, patient woman smiling at him. His gaze would ignite the air if given the power.

“I do believe you need to say the line.” She tapped the parchment. “Do be a good man.”

“No.” He spat, only to receive another pair of lashes courtesy of her spell. It left his flesh trembling, screaming for aid. Still, he refused to utter what she wanted, when she went at him again, he was thrashing against the chair. Blood had started to soak through his tunic, deep crimson lakes of suffering. For hours or minutes, he was subjected to more phantom strikes against him. It was hard to get a sense of reality as his entire existence was stitched together with pain and demands. When his back was all bloodied and scared it shifted instead to other limbs. His arms, legs, neck, each of it was fair play to be opened and let his blood dibble forth. It left Arcturus shattered, his vision dim as he slumped over before them. Thick dollops of saliva and blood pooled from his lips, dripping to the ground through intervals of pained groans.

“Such strength you show.” Fiona cooed, leaning to observe the blank expression on the knight’s face. “Your people would praise you for this show. I certainly am keeping track.” When she got no response other than a grunt, she stood tall. “Though I appear we gain very little from this venture. Arcturus, you win for now, take heart of that if you would.”

He took a deep sigh as she instructed one of the guardians to heal him with their magics. His rent flesh restitched itself, blood being restored. Yet even despite their divine care, the ache was still festering below the skin. His brow was sticky with sweat, his hair ruffled in a disorganized mess. Fiona glared back at him with a smugness, as though she was still the victor here.

“I do wonder if the others of your kind are quite as strong.”

“I don’t think your knights could last.” He chuckled, getting a crackling of pain in his ribs for his trouble.

“I mean of course the other Lumarians I captured. One or two came to mind.”

“Woman, I went back on my kingdom when I saved my dragon and helped him. The others have not. I doubt they will be as keen to betray their queen.”

“But it was not them I was thinking of.” She poked his nose, “For we have a certain gryphon that I believe you said was closer than a brother? Not to mention a small, innocent looking kobold with stickier claws than your blue gryphon.”

He growled, his voice raspy. “They’ve done nothing to you.”

“That doesn’t really matter does it? Do you think Feku could stand up to what you’ve endured? Could you watch her body twist and wrench with pain? Her poor little snout slit open, her claws trembling in agony? I wonder how strong you’d last, being forced to watch her suffer so.”

“You bitch.” Though his muscles ached and wished to rest, he tugged at the chains that bound him. “I thought my opinion could not go lower, but to after one such as that? I don’t think there is an ounce of decency in you.”

She ignored him, arms folded behind her. “Then there is the matter of the wing commander Skywing-“

“Don’t you touch him either.”

“Then you know what to do.” She gestured to the testimony on the desk, “Help us prepare you for trial. Your friends need not suffer for your unwavering oaths.”

Was this how it was to be? Choosing between sticking to one’s vows over the defense of his friend’s lives? Could he sacrifice the future diplomacy between Drenedar and Lumara? If looks could kill, his would have ended Fiona thrice over, his reply was stern and filled with poison. “Show me that you have them. Then we can discuss…” He gestured to the desk, “Whatever filth you want me to say.”

Fiona grinned, “Excellent.”

** ** ** ** **

It still stung as he walked behind the guardians, with every step he could feel the lashes that had been subjected upon him. His teeth grit, his screams still lingering the back of his mind. No matter how he swallowed, the taste of copper was on his tongue. Yet, despite his pain and weariness, his thoughts mainly dwelled upon the fates of his companions. He’d suffer such things again if it meant to spare Feku or Skywing, any of the others. Gods willing, they were not here, though with the confidence with the guardians, he doubted his prayers would be heard.

To think that guardians of all people would resort to such tactics. It was hard to imagine that it was just a limited number, that this corruption didn’t run to its core. Back home, he figured orders such as this were well maintained, bastions of virtue with ideals that all within aspired to withhold. Yet, as of late, it seemed these places were the breeding grounds in which corruption could fester. Where politics and power mattered more than the bricks that build the foundation. He now realized the disappointment Veledar expressed when he’d first told him his rank of paladin. It used to be so much more.

Long hallways became the norm, dark and humid spreading thick across every surface. Only the guardians lights lit the way with their hooded lanterns, the rest was enshrouded, winking of moisture slick surfaces. It felt as though they’d least traveled a mile thus far of winding corridors. Now the man made structures had been traded for more natural formations, where stalagmites hung down like the teeth of some great beast. They must have been taking the long route for wherever they were taking him, to ensure he could not remember if he tried to escape. Though in his current condition, he doubted he’d be even up to it.

“How did you all get this under storm’s nose?” He asked as they crossed a stone bridge, old and weathered, the ravine it crossed covered in spikes. “Unless he funded the entire project.”

“There are places that not even the dragons knew about.” Fiona replied coldly, the one leading this convoy with a lantern held high. “One never knew when we’d need to deal with them after all.”

“Deal with them? They were your allies where they not? I thought Fremra and her children were seen as mascots for the city.”

“Perhaps to the masses that trundle about above our heads, to others they were always a threat, great power that could be wielded at a moment’s notice. We were thankful that Storm reserved his control thanks to east cliff’s disaster, but who knows if he’d ever go back. Control had to be kept if he or his mate ever leaned their weight upon the city.”

“Like caverns to interfere with draconic bonds? I imagine you even have vaults of dragonbane.”

She didn’t reply, softly laying a hand upon an uneven section of stone. With a few mutterings she pressed her fingers into several key holes. “Just to start.” Stepping back there was an audible click, the stone starting to press in. The section slid into itself, revealing a hidden path.

“And you imagine yourself better than the Lumarians.” Arcturus growled, “But those that you despise did things such as this. They kept secrets from the masses, turned people into crystals to fuel their empire. To think what your people would think of your actions at this moment. Do you think they’d pull you from your homes, to meet a guillotine’s strike?”

At such a description she smirked. “When you’re the one being held accountable, I suppose it must look that way. But to maintain society as you know it, these methods are always needed. Its foolish to think adventurers and beasts of power will appropriately control themselves.” Gesturing for the others to follow, Arcturus was roughly shoved forward into the new passage.

It was grimy and drier than the rest, smelling of dust and age. Either wall seemed to press into him, hardly big enough for a gryphon to trundle along, his wings pressed tight at his back. Above him were signs of cobwebs, several creatures crawling about with dozens of legs. They hissed at them with chittering teeth, warded away by the guardian’s spears. It wasn’t until they came to a closed off section with a well-made floor, a pegasai carved into it’s surface and fitted with sapphire eyes. There was a trio of doors large enough for a gryphon, each of dark stone with runes that lines the edges. With only a single vision slit to be opened and closed, it didn’t appear as though there were any windows.

“I do hope we’re not left here to rot and starve.” Arcturus muttered grimly, to hide the concern for his friend. As the guardians chuckled behind him, he was shoved towards the nearest door.

“You wanted to see your friend and we’ll reveal him.” Fiona said, plucking off a ring of keys at her belt, finding one with mismatched teeth, a solitary sun crafted into the steel.

With a click the door opened, revealing sparse conditions to rival any dungeon. There was a solitary orb of light to grace the stone confines of the cell, steel rings to latch manacles and bindings to, and a lone slot with bars to gaze out to the harbor beyond. It also contained a white gryphon with tiger stripes along his flank. Sky blue eyes like fire and a resounding squawk were the only warning the guardians had before Skywing surged out, his claws slashing and winking in the lantern light.

Sharpened talons met the haft of the guardian’s weapons, followed by his weight, smashing against their armor. Three guards were smacked aside, enough force to move them, but careful, precise, not meant to kill. Skywing was a dervish, though his wings were bound with thick leather straps. He only stalled when Arcturus caught his eye, throwing a wrench into whatever escape plan he’d concocted.

“Get back! Get back!” Guardians yelled, recovering from their shock. Others pinned Arcturus to the ground to prevent his aid, while Fiona ducked for cover. Several with blackened spears with runes, jabbed them at the gryphon with little fear on their faces. Instead of metal points, these spears had prongs, and between them, electricity flared to life, all at the touch of a rune.

The gryphon shrieked as these magical tools struck his feathered hide. Muscles spasmed, beak trembled, he was pushed back reeling. The next slashes of his limbs were dulled and slow, perfect for his attackers to get in a few more jobs, forcing the gryphon to the ground. There skywing coiled in on himself, eyes clenched with pain. He was unable to escape, unable to attack, he thrashed at their efforts.

“Get off him! Stop touching him!” Arcturus roared, strength surging through his worn limbs. The trio of men holding him down struggled and grunted, barely able to restrain him. To his horror they continued to jab at his friend, again and again until the gryphon was hardly moving, only able to wheeze pained breaths. “You didn’t need to do all that, he was down!” Thrashed the paladin, elbowing a guardian in the chin, only for his buddies to crack the butt of a rifle across Arcturus’ face.

“Get them both in the cell.” Fiona’s calm voice came to resound off the cavern walls, “Perhaps a night with what he might lose might loosen his resolve.” With a gesture the guards dragged Arcturus and Skywing back to the cell, refashioning manacles, and binding them both to the metal rings.

Scowling at them didn’t cross the paladin’s mind as the door slammed shut. With what freedom he had, he crouched low to look over the weakened gryphon still whining before him. Calloused hands met his feathers, accidently marring them with what dirt clung to them. Normally he’d have been given a scathing speech about it, but not as the gryphon struggled for breath. “Speak to me. Skywing. Are you alright?” He tried to use lay on hands, finding that the magic wouldn’t gather at his command. Wherever they were, whatever means they were using, it was interrupting their spells.

“Yes, I think.” The gryphon’s ears twitched as Arcturus caressed his neck, “Though when I asked them to improve my view, I didn’t conceive they’d deliver you to me.”

He laughed weakly with him, caressing under his chin. “Some dashing escape you had.”

“Rubbish you mean.” He groaned, looking away, “Didn’t even make it outside the hall. If only they didn’t have you.”

“Don’t go blaming it’s failure on me friend.”

“Wasn’t. Just stopped me from hurling a guard in your direction.”

“It sounds as though your blamin-“

He squawked to silence the man, tail flopping. “I’m just glad you’re here. Least I get some company now to warm the inviting atmosphere.”

Though it warmed his heart that his friend was yet alive, it soured at their location, and the reminder on why they were showing him. Arcturus grew silent as his hands drifted to the gryphon’s head, caressing around his ears and electing a pleased trill.

“And why do I deserve such a treatment? If I knew getting electrocuted would get a valiant knight to appear and treat me to scratches, I’d have done so more swiftly.” His eye peered back, reading Arcturus face, “Wouldn’t believe that lot, treating me like I mounted their sister. Think they’d be a bit more grateful I broke up a minotaur execution.”

“Execution?” He groaned, “Let me guess-“

“Asterion Arc, that minotaur of yours? Absolute maniac, how you can put up with him is beyond me. I was this close to tearing into him.”

“We’ve been through a lot, he’s rather the one to heal us when we get injured. Way I heard it, this is natural for their kind.”

“But within our walls. This isn’t their land Arcturus, we can’t just go murdering other soldiers because they insulted our honor for gods sakes. Just as we can’t have the chosen ilbir of Parunga hunting mates in our lands. Can you go back where you were?” As Arcturus shifted his fingers to the tips of his black tipped ears, the gryphon’s eyes drifted closed, satisfied chirps filling the air as his hinds kicked the empty air. “There, that’s the spot. Don’t know what I’d do without your magic fingers.”

“Long as you clarify with mug what you mean.” He countered with a laugh.

“Though truthfully he wouldn’t be completely wrong, isn’t that right?” The gryphon nuzzled into Arcturus’ chest with a happy trill, “I would like to take responsibility for teaching you that. Nothing but a blundering oaf when we met.”

“Oh come now…I wasn-t”

Skywing peered up with a skeptical eye.

“Well, perhaps a little.” He laughed, cheeks flushing a bit red.

“Now, who was the woman there that led you in?” He shifted to his hinds, sitting himself beside the man. “She didn’t look like the typical rank and file. An aura of darkness and ugliness about her. Like of those dark mages that you hear of.” He waved a talon as Arcturus groaned.

“Wouldn’t be that far off, the blasted witch tortured me for ages.”

“She did what?” Squawked the gryphon, his beak now thrust to Arcturus with concern, his eyes darting all across of him. They never lingered for long as he tilted and moved his head in and out, inspecting every inch of him. “You look alright.”

“Wonders of magical healing isn’t it?” He scratched the gryphon’s jaw, getting a grumbling warble. “Not a trace of their touch. Yet even despite that, the ache still dwells below the skin.”

“Guess they’re not interested in a list of complaints?” Skywing chirped, “Where is that roguish princess when you need her, I have quite the number.”

“Off having an adventure with her green dragon boyfriend.”

“She has a dragon too?” His ears flicked up, “Were they just handing dragons out to adventurers when I wasn’t looking?”

“Long story, involved a very terrible crash into a forest of despair.”

“Oh, that one. I too had an encounter with a green dragon then.”

“Take it you didn’t start romancing him?”

“More like surrendering to her.” His ears pinned, “Whole mess with Garroth was a disaster.”

“Don’t feel too bad.” Replied Arcturus, thinking to the man he’d called his friend. A shadow fell across his face, “That blasted draconic orb took him from me as well. I’d be surprised if the entire time he was following us, nothing but Dreadflame behind his eyes.”

“That’s when everything started to go amiss. The forest of despair, Emerald Lady, the orb.” Skywing shifted uncomfortably, staring off beyond the door. “The night your ship was destroyed.”

“You alright?” The knight leaned over, a hand resting tenderly upon the gryphon’s chest. He quickly looked over his lower sections, moving up towards he’d been skewered. There was still a scar despite the healing, “Wound from the previous eve holding up?”

Skywing clacked his beak, “Not the worst, but I wish the scar was upon my face. Not enough to hamper me, but they say that woman really dig a male with scars.” He gave Arcturus a knowing look, an amused trill, “Some men too if I remember right.”

“And ruin that handsome face of yours? Come on.” He laughed, nudging at him, “If your heart demands one, go and make the acquaintance of a gryphon mercenary named Athenais. Try to make a sexual pass at her and see how swift her talons be.”

“Handsome face am I?”

The paladin rolled his eyes as Skywing placed a claw to his chest, a beak parted smirk about him. “Oh you know what I meant.”

“Course I do.” Came the gryphon’s beak at his shoulder, eyes flickering with playful intent, “It means you when you ponder about my face, the first word to inspire you to speak if handsome. Good to know you still think of me in that way.”

“Bah, I’m just glad you didn’t end up mangled or the like.”

“Is that all that’s troubling you?” He nibbled at Arcturus’ ear, forcing the man to push it away.

“Now with the ear nibbling?”

“Would you rather your hair? I do remember you liked that.” His claws grabbed Arcturus with little protest, moving him before the gryphon, facing away. “See? You scratch me, I preen you, fair is fair.”

He rolled his eyes and let the gryphon work, his beak gently nibbling at his hair every few moments. It didn’t hurt, rather odd that he thought of it. The sensation was enough that he could drift his eyes closed and let Skywing work, letting concerns melt away into the feathery chest of his friend. “Why must you know the way to relax me?”

“Comes with the territory. Just like you clean my paws and scratch my ears. It would be an insult at this point to not know how to relax you.”

He imagined the gryphon’s chest swelling with pride, he’d probably flare his wings if given the choice.

“If I didn’t have the claws I could massage your back. I know Selina liked doing that for you.”

“Does that mean, I’m regulated to massaging your back?”

“The belly will do for now.”

“We’ve played that game before, it ends with you suddenly grasping me with all your limbs.”

Skywing’s beak clacked, not a word being uttered for a moment, “I don’t see how that’s a problem.”

“Of course you wouldn’t.” Arcturus laughed.

“But back to what you said before? Because of the others, I know you best. Even better than your dragon of yours.”

That was rather odd. He turned to face his friend in the eye.

“I mean, we’ve fought with each other for years. Spent harrowing nights with you where we thought the world was ending before us. I’ve held you as we took in the deaths of our friends on the fields of Rothdell, carried each other to safety. Arcturus, I’ve seen you kill, there is no truer sense that I know you.”

“Crimson Sky has seen me kill before.”

“Yes, though many more times have I observed it. Where you started, where it went.”

His voice went soft, turning back to lean into the warm embrace of his friend. When his beak went back to his hair he spoke again, “And what did it say of me?”

“Of a human that didn’t enjoy the experience. That it was a necessary evil needed to be done. Probably why my gryphs and I took a shining to you.” Skywing nuzzled at his face with a pleased chirp, “Running in the snow, goblins hurling stuff at you. Like a fresh babe you fell into our nest.”

“Oh, come now, I wasn’t a babe.” Scoffed Arcturus, blushing at the comment.

“But you were different than most that came through. Lots wanted to fight, prove themselves, kill and have some grand story. You though? You just wanted to end the fighting. That impressed me.”

The words weighed heavily on Arcturus’ mind, his previous night’s slaying still fresh. It soured them, almost made them seem unearned. “What if I did enjoy it? That you were wrong about me? Perhaps I was always like my father, clothed in false words and lies to convince myself otherwise.”

“I’ve known you for eight years Arcturus, I’m not wrong.” He nuzzled the man’s cheek. “I choose who I like very carefully. If you were as such, things would not have gone as far as they have.” When Arcturus’ didn’t reply to his confidence filled statement, he tilted an eye, “Thinking about such times are we? I get it, dreary cell…” His ears splayed, realizing his mistake, “Was it something I said? I only meant to-“

“No, it wasn’t you.” He laid a tender hand upon that onyx beak, “The other night I slew a dragon.”

“So?” Chirped the gryphon, “That one was tying to kill my soldiers. Kill you and your dragon, I say good riddance to it.”

“Yes, but I enjoyed it.” Arcturus shuttered, “Truthfully relished as that thing’s blood as it spilled upon the snow.” As it came the words seemed almost alien, as though they were from someone else. “As he choked his last I adored it. But it wasn’t him that I cared about, it was that he was of Dreadflame’s plans.”

“Sounds like you want Dreadflame to hurt.”

“That I do.” He replied softly, hating himself. “Every waking moment, I want that bastard to suffer for what he’s done. I picture what my father had me do to a gold dragon when I was but a boy…I’d inflict upon him that and some, only letting him pass until I was certain he’d suffered for his crimes.”

Skywing grew still, “I heard of that…Terrible thing. But its Dreadflame. After what he did to you? To Selina and Geophery? I’d tear him apart myself!”

“But is that what I should want?” He looked to his trembling hands, “I believe in justice Skywing, not vengeance. Yet his mark wounds me deep, that such a deed seems fair. Dangerous men have begun with such thoughts.”

“I think you’re being too hard on yourself.” Skywing sighed, “You’re not a god or a divine being Arcturus, you’re merely human.” He nuzzled over Arcturus’ shoulder, his claws holding the man hostage against his feathery hide. When the knight tried to escape, he didn’t release him, insisting upon it with an angry squawk and clack of the beak.

“Fine, trap me then.”

“I plan to. You’re in need of an embrace.”

“And you’re insisting upon it?”

“Just be glad that I’m not enforcing all the other things you promised. Remember back on Belmont point? Where the twin moons kissed the singing hills?”

“I hardly recall.”

“You applied and I quote, scritches and hugs should we find ourselves captured and we were pouring out our souls. I do believe there was also mention of paw massages and other alluring things” He cleared his throat as Arcturus gave him a skeptical eye, “For moral support of course.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Are you really resisting me?”

Arcturus slumped and let Skywing drag him to the floor, smushing him into his comforting fluff. A nuzzling neck and trill were more than a match to force a smile to the knight’s face. “You’re horrible.”

“Possibly. But I think our hosts are far worse.” Groaned the gryphon, ceasing in his playful state. “Speaking of, why did they want us all in here? I do believe we got sidetracked.”

“Would you believe it was all political? Though they may deny it, fear of losing what power they have surrounds them. I imagine they believe, when all this is said and done, that Lyndis might offer us positions of control.”

“Which puts all their positions in jeopardy.” Grumbled the gryphon, “Gods I hate politics. Let me guess, you being a Lumarian offends them.”

“To the ends of the world.” He sighed, “They believe our kingdom deserves no such peace, that it must be punished for what it’s done. I understand the sentiment…” Flickers of his past haunted him, convincing towns and villages to pledge allegiance to his rulers, oblivious they might be used for mana stones. “But that is not a way for it to stop. Nivra and Lyndis at the head of the kingdoms? We might finally have a chance to talk things out, start healing. If these guardians make things impossible, who knows if it could be even solved in their lifetimes.” When the gryphon ruffled his feathers and gave an indignant squawk, he told him the rest of it, how they wanted him to give a false testimony. That they were dangling his freedom and willing to help, mixed with threats to the gryphon’s and the other Lumarian’s safety.

“Those dastardly, no-good fiends!” Shouted the gryphon, most likely for the benefit if any guardians lay eavesdropping in the hall. “We’re supposed to be fighting the undead, not one another! My gryphs and men secure a ship and come all this way for us to be captured and put to death for daring to come and help!”

“That must have always been the risk was it not?”

“Not when Emerald Lady told it to me.” He clacked his beak, eyes narrowed. “It would have been the first time she’d lied to me if so.”

“She’s a quirky one I’ll give her that. Lie straight to your face if it furthers her goals. Manipulation runs in her blood, even when she’d trying to be heartfelt. There is always the suspicion that something is off, as though it’s still part of her greater plan.”

The gryphon drooped, ears pinning to his head. “Even from the start. It was her that requested the king seek you out for Dreadflame you know.”

He blinked, as the gryphon turned to him, his eyes a vast sea of guilt. “Do you mean the orb? The night that we found Vargus?”

Skywing nodded, “The night she captured my wingmates, made a mockery of the king’s defenders. I thought then it was because you were the best for the job, but I see now it was to forward whatever scheme she’d thought of. If I’d have said something, insisted upon going with you…Perhaps what happened wouldn’t have.” He trailed off with a whimper, his feathers shivering as though a cold breeze had gripped him, “Selina would still be greeting me when I visited, a salacious glint in her eye as we discussed local banter. Geoffrey would still be admiring his father, planning to follow in his steps. Perhaps chasing me around with a wide smile, as if he were one of my own chicks. We would not have the dark shadow that now rests over us.”

Arcturus’ heart stretched as the gryphon shook once more, these feelings no doubt buried deep and just now emerging out. He caressed the back of that feathery head, looking square into those eyes he’d known so well. “It wasn’t your fault, nor could you have stopped it. Not even Emerald Lady was responsible for what happened. True she sent me against that orb, but it was Dreadflame’s actions that made that night. Always was it that monster, cruel and malicious. Anyone else that might have been sent against him would have perished, and this evil would have been unleashed far sooner.” He choked at the memories of his family, finding them in such a terrible state. Even after it all, the feeling was fresh as the day it’s happened. “You would have died too if you were there. Just like the rest of that ship that night. Then where would I be?”

“Clearly in a cell with another gryphon.” Laughed the gryphon weakly, “Or perhaps kept from your red lover, locked away in a Lumarian cell.”

Their foreheads pressed together as the gryphon shook, a weakened warble passing between them. Many nights before they’d taken comfort with one another, shared pain, and strength. It was just another of those times, “Those days were dark my friend, I was a fool for thinking everyone was lost to me. When they died…Part of me wanted to go with them. I wish I’d the strength to see then what I know now.”

“Which is why I should have been there. Been the wings that you might rest on. I never visited, never sent a letter.” The gryphon closed his eyes, pulling the human tight against him. “Instead of at wing’s length out of guilt, I should have been there to ensure you didn’t sink below the sea of sorrow that gripped you so. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to make you smile like you used to.” He pulled away, big tears in those sky-blue eyes, to be wiped away by the paladin’s soft touch. “Selina would have been rightfully cross with me.”

“Now I know this is a dream, Skywing crying before me?” Arcturus laughed, his own eyes watering, “The world must be at risk.”

“Her passing will haunt me as much as you.” The gryphon said softly as the knight caressed the side of his head. “You two were like my home. The festivals, the games we played, the stories that were spun. I thought of your nest as my own. Don’t get me started that she always trounced my team in gryphon ball when given the opportunity.”

“Like that time, she hurled the ball to a goal and you flew to block it?”

The gryphon’s ears splayed, tail thumping, “Vaguely.”

“Oh I remember it well, you hurled yourself to block her attack, only to find you’d misjudged your leap. The ball sailed straight into-“

“My balls.” Skywing uttered flatly, “Yes, I remember now. Not my finest hour.”

“She was so distraught over you.” Arcturus laughed, ruffling his friend until what minor irritation had left him. “Made you meals for what a week?”

“Month more like it. Then the poor lass made me scarfs, little presents. You’d think she’d maimed me proper.” Skywing gave a weakened chuckle, “Always seemed eager to have me make you sing.”

Cheeks flustered for a moment as he figured what the gryphon meant. “I don’t recall such songs.”

“Oh, you sung them. They were not long verses nor to any tune, and I do believe most the lyrics involved different grunts and wails of my name.” The gryphon gave a lewd smirk, “I have quite the vivid memory.”

“Perhaps don’t try to think of them and get yourself worked up.” He scratched at the gryphon’s ear.

“Too late. It’s started.” Sighed Skywing, positioning Arcturus once more for his preening. “Better at least then this blighted cell, days long since gone.”

“Should I be worried now? Finding myself in such a position?”

“What position would that be? You tied up, myself looming over you, salacious thoughts abounding?”

“Yes, precisely that.”

“Why, you worry I have no control?” He finished preening his hair, “That I am like that lewd beaked blue you have with you? I care for you Arcturus, as though you were part of my family.”

“Considering what we’ve done, that troubles me.” Chuckled the knight, cheeks bright red.

“Part of the flight. You know what I meant.”

“Perhaps. I’ll say that, even with our current predicament, I’d not share a cell with anyone else.”

“You flatter me.” Chirped the gryphon, hinds squirming. “Though what of your dragon?”

“I mean, of course rather him.” He leaned back, scratching below Skywing’s beak to wrench a pleased coo from his throat, “But you’ve always kept a place in my heart. Gripped tight with your onyx claws, never quite letting go.” As he continued and leaned back, his hand to secure him accidently slipped and found the gryphon’s sheath. The furry coating was just as firm and warm as he remembered, he swiftly retracted his hand and wheeled around.

“What?” Skywing chuckled with a chirp, “Don’t you remember those days? I won’t apologize for how you make me feel. That is not my people’s way.”

“Course not.” He managed to say, his blood starting to warm. Concerns started to be massaged away as he caressed the gryphon’s neck, remembering the days of passion that they spent with one another. “I would be lying if I said you still didn’t have a way with me.”

“I still have a way with you.” The gryphon warbled, shifting closer with amused look on his beak. “I suspected as much, and I would have to say the same to you. If that wasn’t evident.”

“So, what happens now?” He asked innocently, his breath starting to hasten. “Two of us trapped in a cell together, nothing to do but pass the time.”

“Anything could happen.” Skywing whispered into Arcturus ear, making the knight shiver, “And I haven’t paid you back for massaging my hinds, or coming to my rescue.”

“Skywing, I’m not certain…Crimson-“ His hand halfheartedly tried to press the gryphon away, but one look of need was enough to silence his tongue.

“It’s a gift. Given to one I care for deeply.”

Hands glided through the gryphon’s feathers as he descended, cooing as he sought out the man’s trousers. Any hesitation or worry was lost, a need flicking to life within Arcturus’ blood. It was hard to deny Skywing now, always had been. The gryphon had a way of twisting around him, awakening a primal desire within. Like a fiddle the gryphon could play him, strike every pleasurable chord. Even with Selina, Skywing had been there to share numerous nights, always getting the knight beneath him.

Expert at this by now, Skywing unbuckled the human’s trousers. Carefully he exposed the man’s length, warbling as it had already started to grow. His voice came but a whisper, dripping with need, “So, you are not so resistant.”

“Never for you.” Arcturus groaned as the gryphon opened his beak, his tongue caressing his most intimate regions. It was warm, warmer than a dragon or man, how he’d forgotten such a touch. His fingers quivered atop Skywing’s head as he began to work in earnest. Slurping around the soft foreskin, focusing right on the underside of the head. It made the knight squirm, but Skywing held him firm. The gryphon knew exactly how to tease him, where to press and caress. The air soon filled with his lewd wet slurps, each one making the paladin huff and groan.

Up and down along his shaft did Skywing work, diligently with a swaying tail. The warm breaths and wet tongue were enough to leave the paladin in perpetual bliss. Talons locked on either side of Arcturus’ rump as the gryphon continued his rhythm. His saliva pooling across his shaft, leaving it gleaming in the light. Though his beak may have put off some, he knew there was no harm to be had. Just stuck on a wave of pleasure, the gryphon edging him like days of old.

“Gods.” He gasped, the pleasure starting to be too intense. It was now the third time he’d been worked close to a finish, only for the gryphon to settle down and lap at the base of his maleness. The gryphon would only smirk and chirp in these times, a sense of amusement in his eye. He could have done this for hours, letting Arcturus sit and stew, desperate for a release.

“Someone wants something.” Skywing huffed, his voice muffled by the underside of Arcturus’ shaft. Long slow licks he was now using, giving the man an all too alluring look.

“Skywing.” Arcturus moaned in bliss, going along with his rise and fall.

“Magic word?”

“Please.” He trembled, his entire body begging for release. With a huff his request was granted, Skywing taking him to the base on the precipice of his pleasure. Eyes clenched, his thighs went to buck, but the gryphon’s strong limbs held him firm. Arcturus groaned as he pulsed, back arched in pleasure. His cock swelled and throbbed, spurting his heavy load into the back of Skywing’s eager throat. Every salty offering was swallowed loudly, the gryphon never stopping. Even when Arcturus held his ears and hissed when the sensitivity proved too much.

“Someone liked.” Skywing peered up with mischievous eyes, his tongue pressed to the man’s length. It seemed to split the pink thing before the gryph pulled up, bathing every inch with his attention, only stopping when Arcturus was fully clean. He retracted with a soft peck of a kiss upon the head.

Panting, face flushed, there was no denying it. He ruffled the beast’s neck, giving him a kiss upon the beak. “Thank you for that. Your skill has not waned.”

“I’d hope not.” Skywing chirped with pride, “I know your cock almost as well as mine.”

“Speaking of which.” He huffed, still enshrouded with a cloud of lust, “If I know you, you’re probably-“

“Exposed and dripping with need? That would be correct.”

“Can I see?”

“Arcturus, you need never ask. You could touch me whenever you want.” Skywing shifted so that the man could see, his crimson shaft gleaming in the light. It was about three times the size of a man’s at full mast, tapered and adorned in a network of pulsating veins. At it’s base was a larger section where a knot would swell to trap the gryphon’s mate and force them to accept everything that was given. “I do believe you’re familiar with my cock.”

“One could say that.” He laughed, already starting to crawl down towards his friend’s bestial length. The musk had already reached him, brushing away any doubts that might have haunted him. All that dwelled before him was his friend in need, one he was willing to relieve.

Now it was the gryphon’s turn to pin his ears and flick his tail, “Now, I did that to thank you for my rescue. Arcturus you need not think you need to-“ Any words were shifted to a satisfied groan as Arcturus’ tongue pressed against the gryphon’s head.

Earthy, with a taste of spice was the gryphon’s shaft. The flavor sent Arcturus’ senses into a daze, it always had. It ignited his passion within his blood, egged him on, craving for every pleasurable grunt the gryphon could muster. He savored every lick, blushing as Skywing shivered, softly groaning his name. His eyes hooded as the firm spire pulsed against his tongue, rewarding his service with spurts of salty pre-cum. The head was adorned in tiny spines, ones made to tease any mate that it found. Instead, the knight used them against the gryphon, lathering them in lewd, wet kisses that reverberated through the cell. He smirked with pride at an exceptionally loud groan from above, as he shifted a tender hand to caress the gryphon’s bulging, furry white balls. Each filled snuggly within his palm, churning and warm, filled with copious amounts of essence. They were almost warmer than the meat currently oozing between his lips, he couldn’t help but groan.

“That’s right. I know what you’re thinking.” The gryphon panted with need, spreading his legs to make Arcturus room as he shifted into a better position. “He was saving up to empty into me…Not true, but I hoped.” Skywing groaned as Arcturus took the first few inches into his mouth, “Gods, they bless me. Your lips… I’d forgotten how well they know me.”

“You taught me well.” Arcturus said, letting the shaft free of his mouth for but a moment with a lewd pop. A lewd smirk creased the edge of his lips as he reversed the direction, spreading his lips around the gryphon’s length. Skywing’s groan was an added bonus.

“That I did, and glad for it now. No better a mouth has ever graced it Arcturus.” He whined as the man massaged the underside, moving up to circle the head. “Or moves without my saying…Oh, all those hours we practiced have paid off.”

Every spurt and word was music to Arcturus’ soul. He started to bob along that throbbing spire, losing himself to the heat and musk surrounding him. He’d have buried himself in the gryphon’s nuts and licked away if given the chance, but now he had a greater task. Opening his throat he surged forward, letting Skywing batter away his gag-reflex as he took the cock half way.

The gryphon trembled and whimpered; his beak parted as he was lost in pleasure. He turned to watch the man work. Never had he seen such a beautiful sight, Arcturus his eyes closed, face red, moaning into the cock throbbing within his throat, painting his inside with pre. He bucked his hips with a heavy groan, knowing the dutiful knight could take him. There wasn’t even a gurgle or any resistance, “Oh, your throat remembers me.” Eyes clenched as Arcturus kept going, inch by inch moving in on the gryphon’s sensitive knot. “What…a delightful…surprise.”

Spread wide around the gryphon’s cock, it was all Arcturus could do to smirk. He could feel Skywing’s heart beating through his flesh, smell the need radiating around him. Eyes began to water as the knot was grinding against his lips, firm and covered in his saliva the thick breeding bulb had not even swollen. It was as far as he’d ever gotten. The paladin closed his eyes and smashed himself right against the turgid flesh, tongue teasing at it’s throbbing surface. He’d never make it to the base, there was only so much he could do. He made up for it by caressing both Skywing’s hefty nuts within his palm, practically begging for their contents.

“Almost.” Skywing trembled, his voice hoarse. “You’ll get what you want.” When Arcturus returned to the tip he could almost have sung, the pleasure all too much. His cock throbbed and swelled, announcing the knight’s return to the knot. The gryphon screeched as pleasure took him, his balls rising from the man’s grasp. Every shutter was accompanied with a powerful pulse of thick gryphon seed, fired and milked into the man’s eager throat. Lost in pleasure he continued to loose himself, head drooping as Arcturus seemed willing to drain every bit out of him. He was left panting, a satisfied groan passing his beak.

Arcturus groaned as Skywing shifted, regrettable pulling his shaft from the man’s throat. It hit the air with a lewd slorp, painting his face with a few scattered drops of seed.

“Did you miss this?” Skywing peered back, loving the love drunk look upon the man’s face. One mixed with pride at having swallowed every pulse that had been offered. “You didn’t let a single drop loose.”

“Most definitely.” Arcturus replied, pressing his lips back to Skywing’s pulsing tip. He patted his belly and dragged his tongue along the still sensitive flesh. For minutes he worked without resistance, cleaning the gryphon’s cock from spine covered head to his swollen knot. It was when he was down around that sensitive flesh, bathing it in his tongue when he felt Skywing’s claw gently grasp him around the head.

“Oh Arcturus. I love the enthusiasm at keeping me clean.” Skywing mused with a mischievous tone, gently dragging Arcturus up along his shaft. “But in your efforts, you’ve only done one thing.”

He faced down the gryphon’s rock-hard shaft, the head swelled and ready for more. The man gulped as the gryphon’s balls flexed in his grasp, a promise of more to come. Cheeks blushed and his own maleness rock hard, Arcturus spread his lips and let Skywing spear him upon his lance.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you.” Skywing sighed with a satisfied chirp, eyes closing as he throbbed powerfully and pressed more of himself into the all too willing human. “I think this will be a long night for you.”

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