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Changing Places

Chapter Three

By Roofles

“That won’t be necessary.” Kamir tried to argue with the two guards. “My presence should be enough.” He stepped once more defensively in front of Simeon, using his body to block the two from reaching the human. “I will take him.”

After all the efforts Kamir had gone too, it would be disadvantageous for the lion prince to just up and lose him like this. A waste of effort and time, as well as the fact Kamir didn’t trust the two knowing the city-guard captains reputation for how he treated prisoners.

“That is fine.” The older of the guards, Marton, nodded at that. “We only need the human, really. Your request to join us is more… one of formality, as you found him first. The Imperial Majesty only wishes to meet the visitor.” The lion taur just turned back toward the human. “Now then…” Marton gestured for Simeon to accompany him.

The look Marton gave Simeon told the human how foolish it would be to try to argue against it.

“Uh, what?” Simeon could only stammer out as he was surrounded on all sides. The smallest among the group, Simeon was beginning to fear the dread he should’ve felt since the beginning. Things had shifted to the point where Simeon knew it wouldn’t be wise to try and run anymore.

Even if he stilled desired too.

“What about…” Simeon tried to protest though moved over without putting up a fight. Marton was dressed for combat with a heavy chest guard, shoulder pauldrons and a helmet with a red tuft on top looking like Corinthian helmet. The lion taur held a hoplite spear in one hand, a sword slung around his other side and a massive shield slung on his back.

“It is fine if the young prince doesn’t wish to join us.” Marton just stood above the others looking between them with a bit of a scowl on his face. “We will escort you to the carriage and it will take you to the palace.” The lion’s lower body clawed at the ground, tail flicking in annoyance.

Marton reached out his free hand at the human but a growl cut him off.

“Aye, you ignoring me or what?” Ajax spat out vicious stepping forward now. The hyena had been shoved to the side and all but ignored since the guards had showed up. Marton glanced down at him before back at the human.

“Don’t make this any harder than it needs to be.” Marton hefted the hoplite and spun it around to jab the point at the hyena; placing it between the two and trying to push Ajax aside.

“What if I like making things hard?” Ajax smirked at Simeon before whipping out the hatchet at his side, catching the spear underneath the curved axe blade and pulling it out of the way. His other hand, wielding another axe, coming down hard on the wooden pole, breaking it in half.

Marton snarled at that, about to pull the sword from his side when a harsh voice stopped the two from escalating this any further.

“Enough!” Kamir spoke up making Marton and Ajax stop.

The hyena twirled an axe around, lowering them both down to his side. Ajax didn’t ease up as he stood between Simeon and Marton.

“Prince…” Marton warned his voice tense as he said the word as if obligated too. It was clear the lion-guard didn’t respect Kamir even if he was a prince. “Your father, the Imperial Majesty.” Marton went on holding his head up high as he addressed the emperor. “Has ordered me-,” but he was cut off again.

“I am still one of your princes! You will respect that.” Kamir warned as he stood up tall in front of him. “If you have issues with that, I am sure my father would like to hear the captain of the city-guard thinks so little of his lineage.”

Marton lip twitched at that, flashing fangs at the smaller two legged lion. One of his four legs pawed at that ground, claws extended to scratch at the dirt road. He didn’t say anything else as he bowed his head.

“We all will go. Together.” Kamir nodded towards Ryder who had distanced himself from the group. Simeon nearly jumped seeing the cheetah with a bow in his hand, arrow notched and aimed at the group. It was hard to tell which target Ryder was pointing at. Simeon hadn’t even seen the cheetah retreat from the others.

The cheetah grip eased and he tucked the arrow back into the quiver at his side bounding over quickly without a word. Simeon got the strange feeling both Ajax and Ryder were standing between him and the guards though as they began to walk.

Simeon had been too focus on Kamir to pay attention to the other two. For someone that was supposed to be a prince, the city-guard didn’t seem to appreciate Kamir’s status. Kamir’s tail swayed back and forth with a stern glare on his face, staring forward as they were escorted outside the city gates.

It had only been with threatening his father presence in the matter did Marton back down. Simeon was afraid to meet such a man that could hold such sway over people like these.

Simeon didn’t bring it up as the small group was escorted to a large, horseless carriage stationed out front of the stables. If everything hadn’t been so tense, Simeon might’ve laughed at the fact the other city-guard was strapped in to serve as the horse up from. Without reins, the guard was saddled up and tied to the carriage he’d be pulling.

“Just how strong are these guys…?” Simeon frowned whispering to Ajax. The hyena standing close to his side still.

“Tough.” Ajax just grunted still not taking his eyes off Marton. The hyena’s fur was bristled out, his Mohawk seeming to stand up as Ajax tried to keep the quiver of his lip in check, wanting to snarl at the guard. Or bite him. It was hard to tell.

“They can pull us all inside the cart. Should tell you enough.” Ryder rolled his eyes as he stepped forward. Instead of climbing inside, the cheetah grabbed one of the window seals and pulled himself up an ontop of the vessel. Climbing up onto the roof before sitting down, bow in hand as he kept look out.

“Simeon.” Kamir called over. The lion looking far more tired than he had previously. At least he didn’t look like he had just sucked on a rather sour lemon. Simeon didn’t put up a fight this time as he walked over, giving thanks as the lion held the door open for him.

“Are you… ok?” Simeon asked, keeping his voice down glancing over at the guards watching them. “Not that I’m worried or nothing.” He added quickly not meeting those warm honey eyes smiling at him.

“It’s alright. There is much you don’t know. It is your first day here.” Kamir offered a hand to help Simeon up and once more, the human found himself taking it. Those soft, warm paw pads brushed against his fingers in a tender touch.

For a hardened warrior, Kamir could be gentle when he needed to be. Simeon ducked inside, Ajax following behind. Kamir stood in the way however.

“Uh…” The lion stopped the hyena from joining them. His nose twitched. “I think it best if you waited out back.” Kamir tried to give Ajax a gentle smile but his face twisted a bit as his nose wrinkled again.

“I don’t smell that bad!” Ajax growled, sniffing under one arm.

“Trapped inside a cart for several hours…” Kamir said if reminding Ajax how long it would take. The lion just giving him a knowing look.

“I… well…” Ajax frowned at that. The hyena was still sweating in the afternoon heat. “Just leave the windows open then!”

“Ajax…” Kamir frowned now his polite tone fading away with his growing annoyance.

“What’s going on?” Simeon poked his head out one of the windows. “It’s really nice in here!” The human smiled down at the two as if waiting for them to join. “Don’t know what you’re missing.” He called up to Ryder who just lay down in reply.

“I’m glad to hear that, Simeon.” Kamir smiled up at him. “Keep your head inside, though. Just in case. We still can’t have you going around flaunting you’re uh… furlessness.” The lion chuckled, scratching his cheek with a sheathed finger, only the tip of his claw poking out. “We need eyes watching out for us.” Kamir changed his tactics, trying to reassure the hyena that they needed him to keep watch along with Ryder.

Ajax glanced over at Marton who was still watching them with a scowl.

“Fine, fine. You’ll have to enjoy my musky allure another time, cub.” The hyena gave a toothy grin to Simeon before moving around and hoping up onto the back, holding onto one of the handles as he rested back. Still grumbling bitterly about it. “I don’t stink. You stink.” Ajax grumbled as if only now thinking of the perfect comeback.

“What was that about?” Simeon asked through the open door, frowning a bit as Ajax didn’t join them.

“Ajax is a wardog.” Kamir said climbing up and into the carriage, it shifted at his weight before rebalancing as the lion closed the door taking a seat across from Simeon.

The human ducked his head back in to face the lion. Kamir kept both hands folded on his lap, one leg crossed as he smiled at the human. The vehicle shook and the group headed out. Kamir, although trying to appear friendly, came off more intimidating than anything else in the cramped, enclosed space.

“He’s a hyena though.” Simeon frowned thinking it over. It was easier to change the subject than to ask Kamir to stop leaning forward as he was. Any distance would be appreciated between the strange animal-like people and himself right now.

“Yes?” Kamir asked raising an eyebrow.

“Hyenas aren’t canines.” Simeon just pointed out resting back instead, trying to increase the space between the two.

It was strange how relax he felt around Ajax and yet, Kamir almost put him on edge as if he needed to be more respectful than the hyena sitting out back. Simeon had never been one to respect authority before and Kamir’s presence radiated it. Being a prince, it seemed to make sense now.

“Well…” Kamir frowned at that, thinking it over. “They are still called wardogs,” the lion just chuckled with a shrug. “They are a group of warriors out from the plains.” Kamir just went on, explaining things a bit more. “They don’t…” Kamir pressed his fingers together, chewing on the corner of his lip a bit as he tried to phrase it correctly. “Regularly, clean. As we do.”

Simeon took a moment on that. “What?” He just laughed unsure how else to respond.

“They stink.” Kamir just said frankly with a bit of a laugh. “AS much as I enjoy Ajax’s company. He is, well…” Kamir held up a hand as if in his own defense.

“A musky ‘yeen.” Simeon finished for him and the two exchanged a laugh. “Is he aware of that?”

“Ajax tries to be as… refreshed, as possible.” Kamir nodded. “As a member of the Sun-Seekers, he is able to bathe as needed to help with his more… natural, aroma.”

“Polite way saying he’s a stinky boy!” Simeon said loudly, out the open window. He heard the hyena grumbling behind them. Simeon chuckled at that. It was fun getting under his fur. In a way, it made the others feel more… human.

As if it were ok to tease them as Simeon would his friends back home. Or his family. Able to talk and chat without having to watch things they said with each other.

“Well… he can be a bit sensitive about that.” Kamir tried to say but Simeon was already leaning out the window.

“We love you, you stinky bastard! Don’t forget that!” Simeon just laughed as he shouted back at Ajax before pulling himself back in. “What?”

“That is an… interesting way, to reassure him.” Kamir smiled though. “Is this a natural custom for humans?” Kamir asked, those sharp warm honey eyes just watching every move Simeon did as if studying him. Simeon wanted to point out the massive lion beastman was the odd one here, not him.

“Maybe the males.” Simeon shrugged. “We tend to rip on each other a lot, if we like each other that is. My siblings and I do too.”

“Is that so…” Kamir thought that over. “My siblings and I don’t get along well… For friends, though?” The lion asked once more. It was a far less hostile interrogation than it had been before, one filled with curiosity. Simeon did nod at the fact Kamir was still a feline after all. Curiosity and cats just seemed to go together.

“Yeah. Though I will have to try and watch it… Being here, like this.” Simeon face faltered, his smiling slipping away a bit, sighing and shaking his head. “Uh… sorry, for before. This all. Is a lot to take in... I’m trying to manage, you know? It’s hard to just up and change yourself to fit in.”

“You seem to be doing well.” Kamir noted.

“I’ve… had experience in the matter, yeah.” Simeon only shrugged it off. “I’ve been through far more than most my age, back home that is.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Kamir leaned forward a bit, giving a simple nod. The lion’s face, though large had soft features with a warm smile matching those eyes. Despite the difference between the two, Simeon did find himself relaxing underneath Kamir’s unwavering gaze. His chestnut color mane blew in the breeze and with it, a smell in the air coming from the open window.

Simeon glanced out to see they were driving outside the city now, down a dirt road with cobblestone walls. Beyond them were large fields of bright yellow flowers almost looking like sunflowers and daisy’s combined into one. They smelled sweet and Simeon closed his eyes to breathe it in.

“They look like sunflowers…” Simeon noted as they continued to drive by in a slow rickety pace.

Kamir followed his gaze out the window. “Sun blossoms?”

“They smell so sweet…” Simeon smile faded though as he watched the field of flowers go by. They looked like something he’d see back home.

But this wasn’t his home. These people? Those plants? The sky above? This wasn’t his. He knew that, he felt it and with it the warm suns above seemed to cool as the draft made him shiver. This wasn’t his home…

Kamir’s voice brought him back, shaking Simeon from the funk and back to the present moment after a couple minutes. The lion having watched the human the whole time.

“They produce a very sweet nectar. Each flower only gives about a drop but if you have large fields…” Kamir chuckled softly. “You can get a sweet treat throughout the seasons.”

“How many seasons do you have here?” Simeon asked still just staring out the window at the endless field of flowers around them. The wind blew, sending yellow petals through the air, drifting away into the horizon.

Simeon wandered if he’d ever see his own again.

“Seven.” Kamir took a moment before answering, watching the human’s face closely. Simeon wasn’t one to show any sign of weakness and Kamir had to carefully study that furless face to see what was hidden behind those eyes.

Fear. Kamir knew. Worry. Doubt. Anxiety and something else he couldn’t place his finger on. It was the same look Kamir had when he stared into his own reflection back home. He hoped in a way Simeon could help him and in turn Kamir could help Simeon with these worries.

“Seven seasons…” Simeon mouth twitched as if he were about to laugh at the idea. He didn’t. He just continued to look out the window. “Two suns. Seven seasons… what else?” He said more to himself. “How am I supposed to adjust to this?”

Simeon took a moment, thinking about it. He should be a nervous wreck. Angry? Shouting? Crying? Huddled up and begging for his mommy to come and save him? He felt nothing though. All he could do was bite down on one finger…

So he could feel something…

Kamir just watched with soft, honey eyes. “Simeon.” He spoke up making the human stop.

“Uh… sorry.” Simeon chuckled, hiding his finger a bit. “Was trying not to sneeze. Allergies and all that.” He lied easily enough. He’d done that enough in the past to figure out the best way too. A hint of honesty to mask the lies buried underneath.

Kamir’s tail flicked but he didn’t address it. “Would you prefer a drink? Or snack?” He offered motioning to the nearby table built into the wall opposite of the door. Several drinks rested on top with small bundles under it.

“Sure.” Simeon was glad for the change of subject. The lion took the blown glass cup and filled it with a brown liquor and passed it over. He poured himself one. “Should we say a toast?” Simeon offered.

Kamir stopped from taking a drink to look at him. The lion smiled. “Do humans do that?”

“I do.” Simeon chuckled.

“What should we toast too?” Kamir offered letting the human decide.

“Uh…” Simeon frowned a bit on that. There was something off about this situation, unsure what he wanted to toast too. “To being alive?” He offered weakly.

Kamir chuckled at that. “I suppose that is something to be thankful for.” He nodded. “Though…” He paused, his glass touching his dark lips before he withdrew it. “What if we toasted to something a bit more… hopeful?”

“Being alive isn’t hopeful?” Simeon chuckled.

“There is more to life than just being alive.” Kamir just smiled in return.

“Ok, then. What did you have in mind?” Simeon rested back, offering up his cup. “I nearly died. I’m in a strange world and I have nobody.” Simeon watched the liquid swirl around in the glass, stopping just short of falling out.

A glass half empty? Or a glass half full? He wasn’t sure.

“You do have us…” Kamir voice was soft as he spoke.

“In return?” Simeon frowned though.

“Return for what?” Kamir was the one to ask.

“I’m sure you aren’t doing this out of the kindness of your heart.” Simeon chuckled. “I saw the city. It was a dog eat dog world out there, uh… you know what I mean.” He waved it off. “Streets filled with trash. People scrapping to get by. And then here you are helping some naked guy your buddy found in a bathhouse, for free? I don’t think so.”

Simeon almost laughed at that. He stopped though setting the glass back down on the table before finally looking at the lion.

“What do you want from me? What does your dad want from me? I have nothing for you to take…” Simeon said the last part harsher than he meant; although true as it was, he hadn’t meant to be so crass about it. The human had little to nothing left to take from him at this point.

Not like this was much different from home .

Kamir sighed though, brushing a hand back through his chestnut color mane. Those large fingers sliding through it as if it were made of silken strands instead of hair. The wind blew through the cabin of the cart again and with it, Kamir’s mane billowed to one side.

“I think we got off on the wrong start.” Kamir set his glass down next to Simeon’s. Close to it but not touching. “I went to Loffe during the last moon.” The lion started. “I went seeking advice, only. On what to do to prepare for the up and coming tournament. It is a sacred thing for my people, please understand. I do not take this lightly…”

Simeon nodded along, sighing a little as he forced his face to relax back into the casual look he put on around strangers. It was best if they didn’t see what he was really thinking or feeling. That way they couldn’t use it against him later.

“This tournament, right. The Games to honor the gods or something.” Simeon nodded, repeating what he’d learn half-assed as if only barely interested in the topic. Though coming off cruel, Simeon knew it wasn’t wise to invest in such things with a stranger.

“Correct.” Kamir didn’t take offense to it. “The gods choose the next emperor, not the games per say. We display our worth for them and then it is decided by them and them alone.” Kamir tapping a finger on his leg several times nervously before going on. “I am not the top pick for my family, you see…”

Simeon recalled Kamir mentioned he had a large family.

“Most of us aren’t participating. There are some that are… believed to have already been chosen, before the games even started!” Kamir growled a bit clenching both hands tightly before relaxing once more. “It-,” There was a flash of anger behind those eyes and his teeth showed, if only for an instant before the lion collected himself.

Kamir took a steady breath, wiping a hand through his mane once more to calm down.

“It’s ok to get angry.” Simeon just looked at the feline having been watching him. It was easy to read people, these guys might be covered in fur but that wasn’t anything special. There were just other tells you had to watch for.

“What?” Kamir paused at that looking at him as if he hadn’t heard what Simeon had said.

“Just now. You were angry and you just… dismissed it.” Simeon knew what that was like. “If you hate being ignored by your family, show it. I take it that’s why the guards acted the way they did?” He nodded towards the window where Marton walked nearby.

“Well… yes, to an extent.” Kamir took a moment as the gripped on his knees tightened before relaxing once more. “It is unbecoming for an emperor in training to let emotions control him.”

“But it’s ok to go to a fortune teller too?” Simeon smiled at him. The feline didn’t seem to find it as funny.

“Fate isn’t to be trifled with.” Kamir growled softly.

“Then why trifle with it?” Simeon just countered.

“What?” The lion once more ended up just frowning at him.

“If you said it isn’t to be trifling with it, wouldn’t going out to get it read be trifling with it as well? You still are poking at it even if it’s in some mysticism way.” Simeon wiggled his fingers at that with a laugh. “I rather not bother with such a thing…”

“Yes, well. Loffe is a seer. They are connected to the gods in ways we can’t understand.” Kamir spoke as he had before. Speaking with an air of unfounded confidence in the subject, relying fully on faith instead of any kind of scientific evidence to back it up.

Simeon always hated when his parents did that too…

“Then why trust it?” Simeon just asked without missing a beat. He kept the anger back this time, not wanting to argue about it. Shout about it and then storm out like he’d done during the last holiday with his folks…

Kamir found himself at a lack of words for that. “I have been raised to believe the word of the gods, to trust in fate and let it guide me.” He spoke as if he were at a church sermon.

“Yet acting emotionally is stupid?” Simeon eased up a bit though, sitting up. “Look. It might not be the most logical of things but at least it’s you doing that. Its how you feel doing something, be it stupid or not… at least you aren’t just blindly following what others have told you to do.” Simeon shook his head at the thought. “Without ever even knowing it themselves…” He trailed off at the end.

“Does it bother you that much?” Kamir was the one to ask. “You hide your emotions too.”

“Maybe fate willed it.” Simeon teased but quickly held up a hand, apologizing. “Sorry. I get a bit… sassy when I’m uncomfortable.”

“You’re uncomfortable?” Kamir asked as if not aware.

Simeon snorted at that, laugh loudly. “Dude! Ever since I showed up here I’ve been uncomfortable!” Simeon grabbed at the toga he was wearing. “This? We don’t wear things like this! I don’t wear sandals!” He motioned at his foot. “Ajax freaking chopping a spear in half because some giant four legged lion guy wanted to skewer him with it! That’s not normal!” Simeon nearly shouted the words, breathing heavily before covering his face with both hands.

“None of this. Is normal.” Simeon just finished with, looking back out the window at the strange flowers they were still driving by.

“For you.” Kamir said with a nod, somewhat understanding where Simeon was coming from. “I’m sorry. I am trying to… ease your burden.”

“Why?” Simeon asked once more. “What do you get from helping me?” Simeon brought the conversation full circle to try and get an answer once more.

“A friend.” Kamir just smiled in return at the look he got from Simeon. “I went to get my fortune told and Loffe said I needed a friend that wasn’t from here. One that could help me… achieve my worth.” The lion rested back, closing his eyes. “I don’t like… being a failure in the eyes of my father.”

Simeon didn’t say anything about that.

“I promise you, on my oath as a Sun-Seeker.” Kamir placed a hand on his chest. “I wish you no harm, Simeon. This maybe in my benefit, gaining you as a friend. But, in turn, I hope that my friendship may benefit you, too. This doesn’t have to be one sided… I do believe, this will benefit the both of us and is for the best. I promise you, I will do everything I can to help you in turn.”

“How can I trust you…” Simeon muttered the words, surprised the lion even heard them.

“You don’t. Or can’t.” Kamir shrugged a shoulder. “It is clear you aren’t one to trust others.” The lion smiled though. “Maybe that’s why you should. And in turn, I hope I can earn that trust from you.”

“That makes no sense.” Simeon just laughed though he did feel a bit better. Maybe it was those warm honey eyes looking at him. “Before I forget though…” Simeon said grabbing the glass he had. “Hold my legs.”

“Wait, what?” Kamir stood up now as Simeon nearly climbed out the window with the glass in one hand.

“You said I need to trust more, so hold my legs. I trust you.” Simeon just winked at the lion.

“You’re testing this so soon?” Kamir quickly headed over to hold onto Simeon’s legs seeing as how the human showed no sign of waiting for him too.

“If you drop me, then I know it wasn’t meant to be.” Simeon shrugged as he pulled himself out the window halfway. “Ajax!” He called back.

“The hell you doing? The hyena poked his head around the corner, still holding onto the back. Ajax looked rather uncomfortable from where he was sitting, or at the fact Simeon looked as if he were about to fall out the window.

“I brought you a drink! Also something to eat,” Simeon looked back inside. “Grab some food for them. Oh,” he leaned back out. “Dude, whatever the hell your name is on top.”

The cheetah looked out from over the side down at him.

“Drink?” Simeon offered up to him. If it wasn’t for Kamir’s strength he really would’ve fallen out the window at this point. Simeon could feel the burn in his abs as he tried to reach up towards the cheetah.

“You’re a reckless idiot.” Ryder just frowned down at him. He did not however refuse the drink that was passed his way. Simeon had to get another glass for Ajax, leaning out farther than he should’ve in the moving cart to get the hyena to take it. Along with a couple of wraps.

“What are these things anyways?” Simeon asked as Kamir helped him back in. The human was pulled close to the lion, who shut the window. Kamir seemed to be far more flustered by all this than Simeon did and the lion quickly let go, moving back.

“No more of that.” Kamir had to smooth out his mane with his fingers after it frizzled out. Shaking a bit as if trying to shake off the nerves from the situation.

“You ok over there, buddy?” Simeon asked taking a seat and grabbing one of the wraps himself. Undoing the cornhusk around it, he found it to be some sort of dry meat. Taking a bite, he found it tasted more like jerky than anything else. Very dry, very chewy jerky. “My jaw…” Simeon winced, still trying to bite a piece from the hunk of dry meat.

Kamir chuckled at that. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you don’t exactly have fangs. Here.” The lion ripped off a piece, taking it out of his maw he handed it over. “Small bites might be better for you.”

Simeon felt a bit like a child as he took it. “Please tell me there’s less tough food at the palace. Am I even allowed to eat there?” Simeon paused about to bite the piece he’d been given. “Will I have a room? Are they going to lock me in the dungeon?” He shuddered at the thought. “I’m too soft for prison life.”

Kamir laughed at that. “No. If that were the case, they wouldn’t have asked you to come…” The lion tried to ease his worry. “Plus, I wouldn’t have let that happened.” He added with a smile. “I promise.” Kamir smiled with those warm honey eyes making the air around them seem to brighten up with it.

Simeon paused a bit at that, once more before taking a bite. “Tell me then. You want to be all buddy buddy cause the mystic stars told you, right?”

“Uh… I wouldn’t word it like that but in a way, yes.” Kamir nodded, still trying to be understanding of Simeon’s situation. Kamir could only imagine what it would be like to end up in a strange land surrounded by people so very different than his own.

“What if they told you to kill me?” Simeon poured himself a drink. Kamir frowned at that. So, Simeon asked again. “If the stars labeled me a devil would you have killed me? If they didn’t mention anything, I’d imagine you wouldn’t give me a second thought. But, if they had said more than that…”

“No.” Kamir frown didn’t waver though. “I might trust in fate but I couldn’t take an innocent man’s life like that. We aren’t like the Syliss.” The lion lip twitched in a growl showing those large fangs hidden underneath.

“Who?” Simeon asked chewing on the tough piece of dried meat still and trying to ignore the fact Kamir had easily ripped this meat about with those same fangs.

“A neighboring kingdom… during the tournament, the other nations begin to act up as all eyes begin to look inwards for The Games. They don’t believe in the Pantheon and are…” Kamir strayed off, choosing not to discuss this right now. The human before him, though appearing calm, was still clearly nervous about all this. He didn’t want to overload Simeon. “Let’s just say things grow rather tense during this time and leave it at that.”

“During the transfer of power, you mean.” Simeon nodded at that. “Like home. Though they aren’t chosen by god.” Simeon laughed at the thought, shaking his head.

He grew silent after that just staring down at the jerky in his hand as he continued to chew on the same piece of meat.

Kamir wanted to ask more but sensing the situation, he left it at that rather not poking too much. Instead, the lion stood up walking over to him.

“May I?” Kamir gestured to the seat next to Simeon.

“I don’t own this thing. Sit where you like.” Simeon just shrugged, looking at him. Those warm honey eyes seemed to sparkle in the sunlight slipping between the curtains over the windows.

“If it wouldn’t be a bother, I would like to sit next to you. Simeon.” Kamir said softly, his voice as warm as the sun outside. It did put Simeon at ease and the human scooted over giving him a nod. “Thank you.” The lion pulled his tail to one side before sitting down, not wanting to sit on it. Only after Simeon gave him the a-ok too.

“So…” Simeon started off with a good five minutes later as the two rode in silence. “Sorry. About earlier.”

“Hm?” Kamir looked over at him, having been watching the flowers go by.

“With the seer, dude.” Simeon muttered a bit, getting embarrassed as he tried to apologize. “He just… rubs me the wrong way.”

Kamir laughed at that, his smile spreading over his face making his prominent mane stand out even more than it already was.

“Yes, well then you are not the only one.” Kamir turned to face Simeon, still keeping the distance between the two to be respectful. “Not many can handle Loffe… Though you are the only one to outright call him a charlatan.” The lion chuckled at that, the fur under his cheeks glowing a soft rosy red as he covered his mouth with one hand, once more being respectful of the human. “That was by far, the best thing that’s happen to me all week.”

“What?”

“Seeing his face after you just called him that!” Kamir laughed some more; like the rest of him, it was a warm sound that seemed to ease whatever tension there was between the two. “I wish I could have done something like that. Tell him off or…” The lion’s face softened then and he looked back out the window.

“Hey.” Simeon said drawing those honey eyes back to him. “Hold my legs again.” The lion didn’t argue this time, figuring it would be best not to bother and instead make sure the human didn’t hurt himself.

This time however, Simeon ended up sort of crawling over Kamir’s lap to the other window to reach out for something.

Simeon was already halfway out of the window by the time Kamir had a hold around his ankles. Crawling over the lion to reach out Kamir’s side of the carriage, Simeon winced as he reached for what he had in mind. Those strong fingers gripped him securely, allowing the human to stretch out just long enough to snag one.

“Here.” Simeon said sitting back down inside on Kamir’s other side as he held a yellow flower in one hand. “One of those Sun Blossom’s you had your eye on.”

Kamir chuckled at that. “I could’ve reached out and grabbed one.”

“What good would that have done?” Simeon was the one to laugh. “Here.” The human leaned forward to slide the stem of the flower through Kamir’s mane, “Perfect… it matches your eyes.” He added with a wink leaning back now.

Kamir reached up to touch the petals softly with his fingers. “What…”

“A gift for our friendship, or whatever.” Simeon just shrugged resting back against the window seal as he smiled at the lion. “If you had just grabbed one, then you’d have a dying flower in your hand. This way though,” he gestured to the flower. “It’s like a gift.”

“One that is dying.” Kamir chuckled though, smiling. “Thank you. Though, I am not used to wearing flowers in my mane…”

“It looks good.” Simeon said truthfully. “It really does bring out your eyes.”

“Well then…” Kamir flushed a bit, his ears splaying out a bit.

“I’m sure there are plenty of ladies that’d like it.” Simeon finished with making the lion frown at the human looking out the window. “It’s a wonderful day…”

“Did you assume me to be…” Kamir asked though, not letting the matter slide.

“Huh? Oh, sorry. Are you married then? Or uh… whatever is equal to marriage in this place?” Simeon shrugged.

“No. I am single.” Kamir just clarified. “Simeon,” the feline began but was never able to finish.

Simeon soon found his butt leaving the seat he was on as Kamir’s eyes widened and soon enough the whole carriage flipped over onto its side with a crash.

There was a shout from the front as the world turned on its side.

Simeon came down hard against the wall with the lion nearly falling on him. Kamir was able to catch himself at the last second, landing on his feet and hands over the human who was rubbing the back of his head.

“The fuck?” Simeon groaned. There were more shouts outside.

The whole carriage lurked violently to the side, nearly throwing Simeon against the other wall. Kamir snagged him in time, pulling him close; the lion using his body to absorb the impact as the carriage was spun around like a top, crashing into one of the cobblestone walls lining the road.

The windows shattered and the door dented inwards, trapped underneath the weight of the carriage tipped on its side. Glasses and bottles rained down around them as Kamir sheltered the human against his chest.

Kamir just held the human close with both arms, head over Simeon’s as he waited for something else to hit. There were more shouts outside as the lion finally let go.

“Wait here.” Kamir ordered as he got up, looking around quickly before up at the windows staring towards the sky in the flipped over carriage. The lion grabbed the window seal, flexing as he pulled himself up out of the open window and out in one smooth motion.

Kamir drew his curved sword as he looked at what had attacked them.

Scaled serpents with winding bodies and the torso of men hissed at the lions from the side of the road. One of the serpents had coiled around the other guard pulling the carriage, winding its body like a boa constricted enough to crush the lion taurs chest cavity. The serpents poisonous fangs had sunk into the guards throat and the body was limp in its grasp.

The serpent lay dead however, a spear jutting out through his chest cavity and out between its shoulders. The guards last desperate attempt to free himself from the ambush.

Kamir barely had time to duck as an arrow whizzed over his head. The whistle of it brushed his ear as the lion met the eyes of the Syliss staring back at him; the golden slits only seemed to narrow meeting the lion’s.

The tail rattled at the end as the serpent rose up on a winding, snake like body. The torso was larger with two arms and a curved head, the cobra like hood jutting out as it hissed at the lion showing its twin fangs.

“Death to the Imperial Family!” The serpent shouted pulling out another arrow. It barely had time to notch the arrow before an axe met the side of its skull.

Ajax was already leaping on the body to retrieve his weapon. “Don’t ignore me you slithering bastard!” The hyena snarled standing back up to face off against another serpent. The hyena dodging underneath the fang like sword it held, dodging the poisoned tip as he swung both axe’s at it’s body.

“There’s no end!” Ryder shouted out. The cheetah running along the wall as he launched two arrows at the creatures hidden within the flowers. Neither arrow connecting and the cheetah found himself jumping into the air as a tail the size of a small tree came crashing down onto the wall he’d been standing on.

Stones rained through the air as the serpent recoiled its tail, just in time for the cheetah in mid air to shoot another arrow into its skull. The serpent managed a final hiss before collapsing into the flowers. Blood staining the yellow flower petals.

Kamir stayed close to the carriage, watching out for any other attacker as the guards held off the attack.

Marton squared off with three of the serpents, holding each at bay with the large hoplite he held in one hand, the massive shield raised up in the other to deflect a blow from one of their fang like swords.

It wasn’t long before Kamir heard the slithering sound of the scales rubbing over the dirt path towards him. The lion pulled out the small metal slab from his back, hooking it onto his arm and lifting it up.

The slab disconnected, spinning outwards into a full circular buckler just in time to meet the forked sword the serpent brought down at the lion. The shield flashed as it was hit as if in the very moment it had been the sunlight had hit it, brightening the smooth gold surface blinding the snake like creature.

“Die!” It shouted as Kamir spun his entire body around, gutting the creature like a fish and letting the intestines fall where they may.

Marton to their side snarled as another closed in. Twisting the spear from his own fallen comrade, Marton brought down the bronze tipped spear against the serpent’s body, sticking it through into the ground. The serpent hisses, baring its fang and spitting venom at the lion taur face.

Marton shielded his face as he drew his sword, finishing the job as he lobbed the snake’s head off its shoulders. Blood sprayed into the air as the creatures body shuddered before collapsing to the ground, still twitching even stuck to the ground.

The hyena behind him pounced on another serpent, hacking away wildly at the scaled back of the creature. It could only thrash madly as it was hacked into bits and pieces.

Ajax war cry filled the air as the others began to retreat.

“That’s right!” The hyena shouted as he jumped up onto the carriage. “Run away you cowards! Bunch of teases, unable to finish what they even started!” Ajax cackled madly, barking at the lot as they slithered away in the tall flowers around them.

“Secure the visitor!” Marton ordered at Ajax as he ran ahead, giving chase. “We can’t let them get away!”

“On it.” Ryder was running on all fours ahead of the others, bow slung over his shoulder with several arrows in his mouth. The cheetah vanished into the tall flowers, his fur blending in perfectly with them.

Loud hisses filled the air before being silenced, forever. Ryder came back with his head held high, bow in hand without any arrows left in his muzzle.

“You ok in there?” Ajax asked looking down through the open window he was standing over. Simeon just frowned up at the panting hyena.

Simeon could clearly see just how excited the hyena was as he stood over the window seal, one leg on either side giving the human a clear view of the ‘yeen’s crotch.

“Dude. You really are into this stuff, huh?” Simeon called up. Ajax crouched down, looking between his legs at the human now.

Ajax just grinned. “I see your doing ok.” The hyena stuck his tongue out.

“Not as good as you apparently.” Simeon nodded down at the hyena’s groin making Ajax giggle loudly, the hyena laugh filling the air around them as he bent down to offer his hand. Simeon averted his eyes as Ajax didn’t bother covering up.

“Have you ever been free balling while chopping snake heads off?” The hyena asked, bending down on one knee and offering a hand down to the human. “It’s the best. I would really recommend it.”

“No. I can honestly say I have never done that before…” Simeon could honestly say as he took the hand. Pushing off the seat with a foot, Ajax easily pulled Simeon up out of the turned over window and held the human up in the air by a hand; Simeon grabbed Ajax’s arm with both hands as he hung there.

“What’s a cutie like you doin’, hanging around these parts?” Ajax just smirked in his face.

“I’d kick you in the nards if I wasn’t afraid of you dropping me.” Simeon glared back.

“How about I just throw you instead?” Ajax smile spread over his face at the look Simeon gave him.

“Wait, what?” Simeon couldn’t even finish as the hyena swung him around and tossed him over the side of carriage and into the open arms of Kamir.

The lion caught him deftly, forcing the human to cling to his chest a bit. Gripping the fur of the lion as Simeon took a moment to collect himself, half expecting to land hard on the ground instead.

“Throw me back up!” Simeon growled. “Going to punch that big nose of his in!” He tried to wiggle his way out of Kamir’s grip. The lion was having none of that.

“I think we’ve had enough fighting.” Kamir only chuckled setting Simeon down. “Are you alright?”

Simeon looked over at the fallen body of the man pulling the carriage and of the serpent wrapped around the body still. Both lay still, lifeless before them. Blood oozed from their corpses, staining the road in a dark black sheen in the twin suns above.

“Yeah...” Simeon forced himself to look away instead just at the furry chest in front of him. It had a faint musky tinge to it and it was pleasant distraction from what had just happened. Simeon closed his eyes, focusing on Kamir alone.

“I’m sorry you had to see this…” Kamir could tell what Simeon was thinking as he placed a hand on his shoulder, drawing him a half-step closer. “Just breathe.” Kamir voice was soothing.

“What… why… what did they want?” Simeon could barely form words.

“Our heads.” Ryder jumped down to join them. “Coast is clear.” The cheetah nodded at the lion then looked back at the human. “It’s safe.” He finished with, turning on his heel and walking up the road ahead of the others. “I’ll make sure of that…”

“We should go before they can regroup. Or if there are any stragglers. The blood will draw them like sharks…” Ajax dropped down to join them. “You ok, cub?”

“Going to be sick to my stomach, but otherwise…” Simeon just mumbled a bit, letting Kamir walk him around the bodies and along the path they had been taking. “The smell…”

“Yeah, not the most pleasant thing in the world.” Ajax chuckled lightly, frowning at the others. The three were used to this. Simeon on the other hand hadn’t ever seen a dead body before. Let alone ones that had died in front of him.

“I think he was talking about you.” Ryder laughed back, in a way trying to lighten the mood.

“Funny.” Ajax made a rude gesture at the cheetah’s back.

“You guys seem to be doing fine with it… does this… happen often?” Simeon was staring at the ground as they walked away from the scene behind them.

“Too often.” Kamir just nodded sadly.

“Why would they?” Simeon tried to look back but Kamir stopped him, blocking the view and pushed the human forward lightly.

“Money?” Ajax shrugged. “Spite, maybe? Who knows. Bunch of bandits.”

“Their nothing but scum.” Ryder growled, his fur standing up as he spoke.

“You’d know.” Ajax was the one to smirk now as the cheetah glared back without a word. Ryder’s tail lashed to the side but said nothing on the matter.

“Once we get to the capital, things will be fine. I promise.” Kamir tried to reassure the human. “There are guards stationed at every entrance, exit and window.”

“How long will that take without a ride?” Simeon thumbed over his shoulder though he didn’t try to look back this time. Kamir kept a firm grip on the human’s shoulder to make sure that wouldn’t be the case.

“At this rate…?” Kamir thought about it.

“Probably get there a little after sundown. In a day or two?” Ryder shrugged ahead of them. He pulled his flask out taking a drink before walking over. “You’ll need to stay hydrated for it.” He added, handing the container to Simeon.

Simeon took it, giving him a look.

“Not about to drag your dead body to the capital. Don’t read into it.” Ryder grumbled looking away, crossing his arms as his tail lashed behind him once more. Simeon didn’t put up a fight this time as he took a thankful drink of it.

Wishing it was the sweet wine Kamir had offered him earlier in the day. He needed a good drink after what had happened.

“He’s really not a bad guy.” Ajax laughed behind him, slapping Simeon on the back with a hand. Hard enough to make the human cough a couple of times as the hyena just laughed loudly as Simeon choked on the water he’d been drinking.

Simeon just shot him a glare making the hyena splay his ears, still giggling as if unable to stop.

“Keep that up and they’ll know exactly where we are.” Ryder snarled at the hyena. Ajax just continued to laugh a bit.

“No, he’s right.” Kamir just nodded, lost in thought for a moment. “It would be best if we took a detour. Without a guard escorting us, it would be wise to stay off the road. There may be more bandits out.”

“Those snake people?” Simeon dared to ask.

“Not all bandits are snakes…” Ajax smirked at the cheetah, wiggling his eyebrows. Ryder’s left eye twitched in turn as he turned away from the others, jumping up onto the wall without even needed a lift.

Balancing on one foot he looked around for a full minute before speaking up.

“We can cut through here, towards the East. Hit the mountain range and then make our way from there towards the capital.” Ryder just said before dropping down on the other side and vanishing in the tall flowers.

“Need a hand?” Ajax offered Simeon.

“I can help.” Kamir offered instead from Simeon’s other side.

The human just looked between the two of them.

“Right… well, go ahead and help each other.” Simeon took a running start before jumping up, finding his footing and then pulling himself up onto the wall with both hands, stretching out his legs glad for once he wasn’t wearing pants. Slowly he lifted his leg up, wincing slightly before getting balancing on top like the cheetah had. “I’m going ahead while you ladies exchange pleasantries.” The human gave a wink before dropping down the other side with a mocking salute.

“He really does have a sass when he’s uncomfortable.” Kamir just frowned at that, though the corner of his lip pulled up in a smile.

“I like that sass.” Ajax said walking over to the wall. “I’ll make him uncomfortable enough to hear it all night long…” The hyena chuckled only to yelp as a large paw stepped on his back.

“Thanks for the lift.” Kamir nodded as he pushed off the hyena and jumped over the wall only needing one hand to balance his weight before landing in the tall flowers on the other side.

“Wait up!” Ajax called after trying to scramble up the side far less gracefully as the others had.

The tall stalks of flower rose up on their sides, dark green underneath the bright yellow of the Sun Blossom petals above.

“I feel very small…” Simeon frowned as he walked underneath the flowers and in the shade they cast down on him. They were in neat perpendicular lines from each other stretching out as far as the eye could see.

“You are rather small.” Ryder chuckled in front of him, the two ahead of the others.

“Yeah but not small enough for freaking flowers to block the sun!” Simeon just argued.

“Suns.” Ryder just corrected his tail swishing to the other side.

“You always an asshole or just for me?”

“I can be far more than an ass for you.” Ryder glanced over at the human.

“You’re just as bad as Ajax.” Simeon only laughed though.

“I can be far worse.” Ryder smirked before stopping, waiting for the others to catch up. Or at least for Kamir too before continuing, leaving the hyena behind.

“Is it wise to uh… leave him?” Simeon did ask though as the three continued. It was nice walking in the shade of these tall flowers, though the stalks were far thicker than they looked with a fuzzy rough coating to them making it hard to push past.

Simeon was just glad he could follow behind the cheetah instead of having to deal with them. Getting a nice view of that ass while he was at it. Interestingly, underneath the flowers he couldn’t smell them. The canvas above him blocking not only the sunlight but the pollen as well it seemed.

Reaching up on his tip toes, Simeon managed to touch underneath the petals. Brushing a finger, he felt them move. Enough for a rather large glob of something the color of sunlight and twice as sticky as honey to land on his fingers.

“Ew, the hell?” Simeon asked pinching two fingers together and trying to remove them. Frowning as they seemed to be glued together.

“Careful.” Kamir only chuckled having watched the human from behind. “The honey sap is very potent when raw.” The lion carefully took his hand and brought it up. Opening his mouth just enough to exhale hot, moist air over them.

Only then did Simeon manage to pull his fingers apart.

“You just watch me do that without filling me in?”

“It is harmless.” Kamir just chuckled at the look he got from the smaller male. “I can help you, if you like.”

Ryder snorted in front of them, heading forward as the two had their moment.

“And if I say no?”

“Get used to your fingers sticking together.” Kamir just winked at him.

“I’m used to sticky fingers.” Simeon just smirked back making the lion blush a bit.

“Well… I…” Kamir clearly wasn’t used to this kind of talk or situation and though he had tried to be playful, it was backfiring on him quickly.

“Sure. Please help me with my sticky fingers.” Simeon wanted to say something more but decided against it as the large flustered lion was still a good foot taller than he was, and was still holding his hand. Simeon was sure Kamir could snap his wrist like a twig if he had wanted too.

“Well, yes then. I will… just…” Kamir fumbled with his words, ears splaying out now as he avoided Simeon’s eyes. “I do this cause it’s all that can be done, to help.”

“Just do it to me already, sheesh.” Simeon rolled his eyes now losing any fun he’d been having.

“Right. Well. Yes, then.” Kamir swallowed loudly, smacking his lips once before licking over Simeon’s fingers. The human felt that tongue running up his back from the sensation of the sandpapery feel of it over his fingers tips making him stand tall in response.

He shuddered openly as Kamir licked once more over his finger to get the sweet sap off. The lion chuckled lightly, still blushing a bit.

“I did warn you.” Kamir tried to say as he smacked his lips, wincing slightly from the overpowering taste of the sap.

“No you didn’t! What’s wrong with your mouth?” Simeon was the one blushing now.

“Well, tongue. It’s not my whole muzzle that’s… it’s a lion thing.” Kamir said sticking his tongue out, down at the human. Simeon could see the faintest markings of the grooved, backward barbs along the center of it. “It isn’t as pronounced as our feral cousins but…” Kamir shrugged. “It does get the sap off.”

“As well as my skin!” Simeon said looking at his finger to make sure he still had them.

“I was very gentle!” Kamir grumbled now, frowning at him. “I wouldn’t peel your skin off with a lick.”

Simeon shuddered at the thought. “It felt like you did!”

“Well, I didn’t!” Kamir huffed, more like a child than a prince now.

The two continued to argue and bicker as Ajax caught up to them. The hyena looked between the two then finally at Simeon.

“What did I miss?” Ajax asked, smirking at the human’s blushing face. His tail wagged in response to it.

“Kamir has a fucked up tongue.” Simeon just said making the lion gasp.

“It is not fucked up! It is just how Phoebus made me!” Kamir growled back.

“OH, yeah. That cat thing. Was weird the first time I felt it too.” Ajax chuckled.

“Kamir’s?” Simeon asked looking between the two as he stepped back with a gasp, half-forced though as he continued to tease the lion.

“No!” Kamir covered his face at the very idea.

“No, no. Different lion dude. Trust me, you’ll be standing on end when you feel it on your di-,” Ajax began with a wide open smile before getting clunked over the head with a rather large rock. The hyena fell over in a daze as Ryder came back.

“We’re losing sunlight. Flirt with the human another time,” Ryder motioned and Simeon was glad to leave the two behind as he caught up. “Besides, I’m far better with my tongue than the virgin prince would be.” Ryder winked at Simeon.

Making the human wish he didn’t have to put up with any of the three as they quickly headed out into the Sun Blossom stalks and away from the road. Wondering if he’d have been in safer hands with the guards.

“What about uh four legged dude?” Simeon asked thinking it over still. Eying Kamir then Ryder then finally back at the hyena who was glad to stick his tongue out for him; at least his looked somewhat normal. Wider than any human’s and nearly twice as long still. And drooly. Ajax seemed to drool a lot.

“His tongue?” Ajax asked, catching up with a huff as he jogged over. Kamir behind him. “Or his di-,”

“No!” Simeon said louder than he meant, rubbing his eyes now. The three laughed at his expense. “I meant are we just leaving him behind?”

“Yes.” The three just said in unison.

“Oh, well I guess that’s decided then.” Simeon only shrugged not about to fight against the will of the masses, especially when all three could bench press him probably with one arm each.

“Marton will be fine.” Kamir tried to assure him.

“Fucker trying to steal our credit.” Ryder just growled.

“Asshole stole my kill!” Ajax joined in. “You don’t take a man’s kill!”

Simeon didn’t ask.

“I know you’d never do that.” Ajax patted his back with a nod. “You’re a good cub. You don’t steal kills.”

“Right…”

“We went through all this effort to find you. We’re not about to let some sleazy fuck slip his way in at the last moment to put all our hard work to waste!” Ryder just went on, growling at the very idea. “The tracking. The payment to Loffe. Paying off the guards. Putting up with Loffe. Having to talk to Loffe!” The cheetah shuddered at the very thought. Anything to do with the jaguar seemed to bother him greatly.

“It will all be worth it in the end.” Kamir just smiled at Simeon. “The human,”

“Simeon.” He corrected.

“Simeon, yes.” Kamir blushed. “Is in our care and we will safely escort him to the palace. So my father will see my worth.”

“Our worth.” Ajax corrected.

“Uh, right.” Kamir just nodded, growing sheepish now as the three made their way through the field.

Hours would pass by before they could see the light of day above them once more, exiting out into rolling plains. Several large square fields had been laid out, each filled with different livestock going from horses to sheep to cattle making Simeon question the difference between one of the four legged kind, the two legged kind walking with him and the four legged two armed kind that had escorted them.

“On that note.” Simeon asked, more to himself. “What’s the difference between a monster and…” He paused at the thought as his eyes wandered over to the three not wanting to mention what he had been about too.

“Though Syliss look like monsters, they were once people too.” Kamir explained as if that was the thought Simeon had been having rather than the one he actually had. “I am sorry you had to see such a side to our country.”

The lion gestured out around them at the beautiful rolling green hills and at the farmlands they were being used for.

“This. This is what I wished for you to see, not that.” Kamir gestured loosely behind them at the field of flowers.

“You seemed to have liked the flowers.” Ryder chuckled though, glancing at the one still in Kamir’s mane. The lion blushed at that taking it out.

“Oh, right. I forgot about that…” Kamir muttered looking down at the flower in his hand.

“It’s fine. Sorry.” Simeon just said giving him a sad smile before moving ahead.

“Why you even put one in your mane? I thought you hated that.” Ajax asked walking past to catch up with the other two.

“Right.” Kamir said looking at the flower before pocketing it. “It was still a gift…” He grumbled as he caught up to the others. “And stop leaving your prince behind!”

“Technically not my prince.” Simeon chuckled at the lion’s misfortune.

“I’m more your prince than he is,” Ajax thumbed back at the lion giving a smirking smile to Simeon as he nudged his side. “You can call me prince, any night.” The hyena leaned forward only to be clunked over the head again.

This time by Kamir’s palm as the hyena crumbled to the ground as the others proceeded forward.

“Will he be alright, getting so many hits to the head?” Simeon had to ask, pitying their fallen comrade. Again.

Ryder chuckled ahead of them. “It might actually do him some good.”

“So would a cold shower.” Kamir nodded along.

“You know I can still hear you, right!” Ajax just called from behind them as the three chose to ignore him.

Hours slowly ticked by as they made their way through the farmlands towards the neighboring mountain range. The forked ridge rose high above the hills, jagged like teeth made of rock and stone jutting from the ground.

“They were formed during the battle of the titans.” Kamir would explain whenever they passed by such a land mark. “The gods came down from above as the titans rose up from the earth and sea. An epic battle took place all across the lands. Titans against gods, gods against titans!” The lion eyes lit up as he went over it.

“How many gods then are there?” Simeon asked thinking about it. A cold thought crept into the back of his mind. “There were hundreds right… then how many are left?” He asked as if his previous question had been answered. He shuddered from the cold wet feeling running down his back.

Turning around, Simeon saw someone up on the hillside they had come from watching them. When he blinked, they were gone making his frown only increase.

Kamir glanced over at him at that, following his gaze towards the hillside not seeing anything special there. “Hundreds?” The lion just asked now.

“Well, yeah. Once there were hundreds. Now, how many are there?” Simeon asked without noticing the others had stopped or been watching him.

“There are only twelve gods left…” Kamir said as Simeon finally noticed stopping and looking back at them.

“Only twelve?” Simeon at least got an answer. “What about the titans?”

“This was way before our time.” Kamir said uneasily now talking about this.

“Did the titans kill the rest? Or…” Simeon paused at that as if having a strange thought that he couldn’t get a hold of. Trying to grab it, only for it to slip through his fingers like salty sea water.

“Well, yes. A couple fell during the war but… not hundreds…” Kamir chuckled though, lightening the mood as he walked over on heavy footsteps the gravel crunching underneath his paws. “Are there that many where you come, maybe?” Kamir asked as if that would clarify the human’s misconception.

“We only have like one. Supposedly.” Simeon shrugged though with a shake of his head. “If you can even believe in that kind of thing.”

“Is it the one you are model of?” Ryder was the one to ask looking the human over. It was hard to say if he approved or not… or if he just pitied the furless, clawless, hornless creature in front of him. “Not even fangs…” Ryder muttered under his breath, shaking his head. Simeon was sure then he was indeed just being pitied.

“Modeled?” Simeon frowned a little, trying to recall his bible lessons. “Uh… made in his image, so… yeah? I guess?” Simeon shrugged not about to add he didn’t believe such things. Or how many other religions were in his world.

This one seemed to be clear. The gods exist and they were all modeled and created after a certain one. The Sun God temple he’d seen was the one who had created Kamir and his people, Simeon was able to piece together without it out right being told to him.

“Then…” He looked over at the other two wondering what kind of god would create Ryder and what kind would create Ajax. “What about the snake people?” He asked stopping once more.

The three stopped with him, Ryder rolling his eyes.

“Well they…” Kamir frowned a bit not wanting to bring up such a subject out in the open like this. There were too many sides they could be attacked from. “I’ll explain when we get to the capital, how about that?” He asked walking back over to Simeon.

“Sure.” Simeon just shrugged not sure why he was so interested in a place he didn’t plan in staying at.

Only for the group to stop in their tracks as the wind picked up around them as the suns above were blocked out by a massive shadow. Then a rush of wind followed as the shadow moved forward. The grass and ground around them were whipped up around them as the spinning cyclones tore the fencing of the farms apart.

Cattle cried out as cows were lifted into the air, sheep being flung about as a horse seemed to rise straight up into the sky. Just in time for a massive talon to crush the wind out of it, the large shadow above snagging the horse before flying off towards the very mountains they were heading too.

“The hell!” Simeon just shouted, feeling Kamir hold onto him as he felt his own feet being lifted off the ground.

It took several minutes for the winds to settle down and for everything to calm down once more.

“Welp, that sucks to be them.” Ajax shrugged as he continued as if nothing had happened.

“We can’t just leave a skyterror out here!” Kamir growled. “I still am their prince.”

“A prince they don’t even recognize!” Ryder snapped back the three seeming to get into it as Simeon walked over to inspect the broken wall.

Or rather the massive black feather that had been left behind. Picking it up with a hand he lifted it up. It had to be several feet long. Simeon looked back up towards the sky, wandering what the hell could’ve dropped something this size…