The gnarled end of the staff accelerated towards my head. I ducked to the ground, feeling the wind from the staff whip my hair back. Cleyre didn’t hesitate, she spun and aimed the next attack straight on top of me. She never pulled her punches. But she wasn’t a maniac, meaning she was confident that I’d dodge. With all four limbs I pushed myself to the side. The staff smashed into the ground next to me, kicking up a cloud of dust. A normal opponent would’ve been temporarily blinded, not me, I have an extra membrane protecting my eyes.

  She was vulnerable while recovering from the colossal attack, now was my chance. Still on all fours, I launched myself straight at her torso, aiming to gorge her with my horns. I felt pressure as my left horn hit her leather tunic. A hit! But I felt myself hanging in the air for too long. She’d gripped my horn with one huge red-scaled hand! Then she threw me with full force behind her. I skidded like a flat stone on a placid lake. Bouncing one time, then two. During the third bounce, by instinct, I corrected myself and used my talons to skid to a stop.

  Cleyre grinned and pointed her gnarled staff towards me. My eye involuntarily twitched. Whether I used my claws, or a training spear, I could never land a solid hit on her. Out of pure frustration, I activated my Arcane Breath. I ejected purple energy from my mouth in a wide cone, completely engulfing Cleyre. After 10 seconds of Arcane Breath my throat felt like it was on fire and I was forced to stop.

  The blue shimmer of her mage armor was visible as the dust and smoke cleared. So at least I’d had some effect on her, but this was still a loss. I prepared for another charge. Cleyre dropped her staff and held her hands in the air.

  “Woah woah. Vylet. We’re just sparring, remember?”

  Sparring? The bloodlust burning inside me like a white hot iron started to dissipate. We were sparring. Cleyre was training me. We’re friends not enemies!

  I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths before responding, ”Sorry Cleyre, that one felt close, kinda lost myself for a second.”

  “It’s okay. You know I don’t go easy. How about we call it for today? It’s our turn to use the bathhouse and Gorefang spent the entire morning prepping it for us.” She came over and brushed some of the dirt out of my long black hair.

  “And I think you really need a bath,” she added.

  Cleyre and I walked until we arrived at an opening in the almost complete Sapwood village walls.

  Sapwood had made rapid progress the last few weeks. The longhouse was the first building completed. It was a long(duh) log building where we ate meals, had meetings, concerts, and socialized. In the garden, next to the longhouse, the first sprouts peeked through the dirt. The smithy, the village well, and additional lodging (we still used tents) were all under construction. After an unexpected twist during a town meeting, the bathhouse was the second building completed in the village. I don’t know, the people of Sapwood love being clean I guess!

  Along the way to the bathhouse, we greeted a few villagers going about their daily duties. Windthrow waved down to me from his watchtower and flashed his brilliant smile. I almost stumbled, but Cleyre was there to steady me. The man was like the sun. Radiant.

  “Hey Vylet! No luck beating Cleyre again today?” Windthrow shouted down.

  Damn, it would be obvious to everyone I’d lost. My violet scales were covered in dirt, while her red scales were pristine.

  “I still could beat you in a fight!” I shouted back.

  He pointed to his bow and said, “Ranged, remember?”

  I scoffed and entered the bathhouse with Cleyre. This was not a fancy bathhouse, it was a hut with a large tub and a barely functional wood fired heater. And it took a lot of manual labor for a single bath. Luckily, Gorefang was kind enough (mostly directed at Cleyre) to prepare it for us, so the room was full of steam when we entered.

  Without missing a beat Cleyre tossed off her leather tunic then pulled her grey robe over her head. I also slipped out of my cloak and unpinned the linen strips I’d been using to cover my breasts. Next, I untied the woven loincloth I used to cover my bottom half. At first I was hesitant to wear clothes. I only changed my mind when Cleyre pointed out the relentless stares some male villagers directed my way when they thought I wasn’t looking. So we decided on this outfit together -but I still considered this a trial period.

  After we stripped, Cleyre and I submerged ourselves in the tub, causing water to overflow and splash to the floor. We sighed and practically melted into the water. My tight muscles instantly relaxed. Bathing in the river couldn’t compare to this bliss.

  As we relaxed, I couldn’t help but take a peek at Cleyre. She stood over a foot taller than me, and her body was covered in dark red scales. Despite the scales, I could tell she was in fantastic shape, her thighs and arms were huge! And that wasn’t the only part that was huge…her breasts were much much larger than mine. She was like an amazonian goddess.

  “You’re not being very subtle dear,” she muttered while she laid back with her eyes shut.

  “How do you do that!” I replied.

  “I can feel your lecherous eyes on me!” She laughed playfully.

  I splashed her with a bit of water. She had an uncanny way of always knowing my thoughts.

  “And don’t be too jealous, since you moved in with us, your chest has grown too. Better nutrition maybe? If only I knew what species you were…” She looked down and held her head in deep concentration.

  I was used to this. Cleyre cared about me, but she also saw me as a mystery that required solving. And she was right, my chest had grown. For the first time I was beginning to feel weighed down by my breasts, somehow less aerodynamic. At least I’d become stronger to make up for it.

  “Scales like a Dragonborn, tail and horns like a Tiefling….” she continued to mutter under her breath.

  “Cleyre!”

  She opened her eyes. Apparently remembering that she wasn’t alone in here.

  “Sorry, sorry! Lost in thought, but that did remind me! I have a proposition to make. Tomorrow, how about I help you clear the collapsed passage in your bunker and we explore it together?”

  She dropped the absent minded professor act and started right into my eyes.

  I looked away from her powerful gaze. It sounded interesting…but maybe like a bad idea. Now that I’d found Sapwood did it really matter if I explored the rest of that place?

  Cleyre reached under the water and gently squeezed my upper thigh.

  “We might discover a way to bring back your Telar, and Windthrow already agreed to come, I guess I could tell him that you’re not interested…”

  “Fine! Fine! Fine! I’ll go, but just for Telar!” I used my tail to brush her hand away.

  “Perfect! I’ll start preparing and see you tomorrow. If you’re lucky Windthrow will ask you to the couples tent on the trip.” She stood up, letting the water drip down her curvaceous body before putting on her robe -ignoring that it was almost transparent when wet. I was left alone in the tub.

  As if Windthrow would ask me to the couples tent, or that I would agree. I mean if he asked I might think about it, just to be nice. We wouldn’t do anything though, unless he wanted to. Wait, no no. None of that would happen! It’s just some dungeon diving with friends.

  The next morning we gathered by the western edge of Sapwood. I brought my trusty spear, Tanglewood. Windthrow, of course, would be using his bow. While Cleyre would be using magic (and raw physical power).

  “Morning Windthrow! How you feeling?” I asked.

  “A little nervous, but Cleyre said you needed a ranger. And I’d rather it be me.” He finished clipping on his hip quiver.

  That…didn’t exactly fit with what Cleyre told me yesterday. Whatever, it was too late now.

  Cleyre stifled a big yawn. “Alright lovebirds, let's go! Lead the way Vylet.”

  On the way we discussed basic battle strategy. I’d be acting as an “evasion tank”, while Windthrow and Cleyre pelted enemies from the backline. If there were enemies; for all we know the mysterious collapsed passage could be a supply closet hiding an old mop and bucket.

  We arrived at my former home, otherwise known as a rusty hatch in the middle of the forest. I took the initiative and pulled it open. Cleyre kneeled down next to the hinges, examining them closely.

  “Cleyre! Not the best time,” Windthrow said. Then he started down the dark passage. Cleyre followed, while I took up the rear. Together we entered the main surgical chamber.

  It was the same as when I left. Still bathed in dim blue light from the huge crystal hanging from the ceiling, and only containing a few scattered surgical tables. Including the one with old sheets that I used as a bed. Cleyre stared in awe at the crystal. That’s right! I forgot to tell her about that.

  “Vyl-Vylet, what..what is that?” Cleyre stuttered.

  “A light I guess?”

  “We need to take that, the whole thing, we need to take it to Sapwood.”

  “Cleyre, Vylet said it’s a light. We have torches in the village and it looks heavy.” Windthrow said as he stepped forward next to Cleyre.

  It was like he was telling a child that they couldn’t eat more candy.

  “Right, now’s not the time. But I’ll come back with Grel and Sally and we’ll bring it back.” Cleyre said. “With Vylet’s permission of course.”

  “It’s not really mine, soooo sure?”

  “Thank you, thank you! Now take me to the collapsed passage,” Cleyre said.

  I walked them across the room. Despite days of working on the passage it looked untouched. How was Cleyre going to clear it?

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  She picked up a few rocks then tossed them back on the pile. Windthrow and I shared a skeptical look.

  “Cover your ears,” Cleyre said.

  Then she pointed her staff towards the rubble. Twirls of flame gathered around the tip of her staff, forming a large globe of fire. Then it shot forward and detonated with an ear splitting boom. The room shook, rivulets of dust fell from the ceiling, and I felt myself get pelted by dozens of pebbles.

  “CLEYRE, WHAT THE HELL,” I screamed. All three of us were coughing as dust saturated the entire chamber.

  But we couldn’t argue with the results; the rocks were no longer blocking the passage. They were now all over the room, in pieces.

  “You can be quite scary,” Windthrow said. I nodded in agreement.

  Our squad proceeded forward. This time I led the way. The designated sacrifice, I mean tank.

  Behind the rubble was a long passage, about 15 meters. At the end was a closed steel door. I was about to walk down the passage when Cleyre held me back.

  “Windthrow, see anything?” She asked.

  He took out his dagger and shimmied it under the stone tile - the one I was about to step on. He jiggled the blade around before jamming the butt of the knife with his palm, hard. There was a snapping noise from under the tile, then he holstered the blade.

  “Pressure plate, think it connects to the small holes in the ceiling. Gas trap probably.”

  He was right, about three tiny holes were carved into the ceiling.

  “I don’t see anything else, you can go to the door. But don’t touch it,” Windthrow said.

  I gingerly walked, on the tips of my talons; ready to jump at a moment's notice.

  Just before reaching the end of the hall, Windthrow put his hand on my shoulder. Then he put his ear against the metal surface of the door; he brought his finger to his lip, and mouthed the word “enemy”.

  Next he took out a small pin and slipped it into a tiny keyhole on the otherwise flat steel door. I heard a click. Then he slipped behind me. "Surprise it,” he whispered.

  I slowly opened the door; the room was as large as the surgical chamber. Pitch black. Metal cages lined every wall. There was a door at the other side of the room, and another along the eastern wall. Both had carved signs above them, I couldn’t understand either. The worst part: Between the rows of cages slinked an abomination that almost made me retch.

  A 10 foot tall amalgamation of rot and bone. Splintered bone claws emerged from its massive arms. 4 skulls were jammed onto its hulking torso, each empty socket glowed green. All along its body were jagged bones, like the spines of a porcupine. It patrolled the room in a circular pattern, seemingly unaware that we’d opened the door.

  Oh fuck fuck fuck. What the hell is that!? I looked back at my teammates. Windthrow had his bow already drawn, and Cleyre was holding her staff at the ready. They were waiting on me.

  Welp. I immediately activated Action Surge. I felt time slow to a crawl, the bone golem stopped mid step. I charged, staying low to the ground, leading with Tanglewood. The spear pulled me forward. Almost faster than I could handle. Almost. I extended my talons, at this speed it sent me flying at the golem. I aimed Tanglewood at the thing's right shoulder, almost 10 feet off the ground. It turned to face me, too late. My spear pierced it. Bones and stinking flesh burst from the wound. The hit completely tore off its arm, which flopped limply to the floor.

  I deactivated Action Surge and skidded to a stop behind the golem. Then I watched as an arcane bolt smashed two of its skulls to bits. A heavy arrow from Windthrow decimated a third skull. Meanwhile I circled the golem, putting myself between it and my allies.

  The creature started lumbering towards me; a booming voice emanated from it.

  “EsCAPEd SLAVES. Get BAc in YOUR CAGE. OR you'll GET the WHIP aGain!”

  We’re not your slaves anymore!” Cleyre yelled from behind me.

  She had already prepared a second arcane bolt, but this one dissipated after colliding.

  The thing laughed, “HAH heh ha”. It aimed at us with its remaining arm. The arm rapidly pulsed and then shot hundreds of bone shards towards us!

  I reactivated my Action Surge and concentrated on dodging, occasionally knocking a projectile out of the air when I could. There were hundreds of them, I wouldn’t be able to protect my teammates.

  Cleyre dived in front of Windthrow, before conjuring a shield of her own.

  “Windthrow aim for a leg! Vylet hit one of the skulls!” she shouted.

  Windthrow peaked from behind the barrier and loosed an arrow straight into one of its legs. It only chipped off a chunk of bone. Luckily that was enough to stagger it and briefly halt its barrage. I took the opportunity to charge with Tanglewood.

  But before the tip of Tanglewood could smash its last skull, the golem grabbed the spear. It lifted Tanglewood, and me, high in the air.

  “The ADMINISTRATOR woold LoVE a SLAVE liKe yOu!”

  With one bony finger it reached out to disembowel me. My mind raced, evaluating how best to survive and win the encounter. But this wasn’t a battle I was fighting alone. I heard the twang of Windthrow’s bow and an arrow severed the golem’s finger. A perfect distraction. Using Tanglewood like a gymnastics bar I swung back and then used the momentum to launch myself upwards. I landed atop the last skull; it crushed beneath my talons. The golem went limp and collapsed to the ground.

  We’d won! But then the pieces of the golem, now scattered across the floor, started shuddering. It was reconstituting! Just like the undead I’d fought at Tangle Village! Cleyre pushed past Windthrow and dashed to the main body of the golem. She grabbed me by the cloak and yanked me off. Then she pointed her staff at the pile of parts, she muttered an incantation and light flooded into its innards. She held her spell until nothing remained but dust. The other pieces stopped moving.

  Victory! For real this time.

  “What- what was that thing?” I asked.

  Cleyre was examining the smoldering mound of bones.

  “Clearly some sort of amalgamation of at least four Imperial wardens.” Cleyre picked through the pile with her staff. “Make that five imperial wardens.”

  “But…how?”

  “It appears the cataclysm that ended the War, and toppled their empire, had some side effects.”

  Windthrow looked around the cages throughout the room.

  “Elves, dwarfs, dragonborn, even goblins were kept here. All dead for years,” Windthrow said as he continued to look through the bars. “Damn the humans, and their Empire.”

  “That’s…so awful. There’s so much I don’t understand. Maybe some history lessons or something would be helpful once we’re out of here,” I said.

  “I’m already teaching you combat. Windthrow?” Cleyre said. “I’ll even lend you my books.”

  “Sure, I’d love to teach Vylet. But which way should we go next? Admin Offices, or Storage?”

  What? Since when could they read the signs?

  “Ah, which is which. I can’t read the signs above the doors,” I said.

  There was a long pause.

  “You can teach her to read too,” Cleyre finally said. “These signs are written in High Common, I thought you’d understand, since you speak a variation of High Common while we speak Low Common.”

  “I speak High Common?”

  She let out a drawn out sigh and shook her head. “Windthrow needs to teach you long and hard.”

  She didn’t have to say it like that…

  Windthrow interrupted with a suggestion, "Let's check out the storage, I don’t want to deal with that thing’s boss.”

  After Windthrow inspected the door for traps, I opened it up. The storage room was half the size of the Sapwood longhouse; it was full of dusty shelves, barrels, and crates. No enemies or other doors. I took the lead, more confident in my combat abilities now, and entered.

  Unfortunately, the room began to rumble. Dust fell from the ceiling, then small stones, then large stones started breaking off. Windthrow rushed inside and pushed me under one of the shelves, before slipping under himself.

  When the dust cleared the door we’d entered from was blocked with huge stones. The ceiling had partially collapsed. Windthrow and I were trapped.

  “Hey you two okay in there!” Cleyre yelled, her voice barely audible from beyond the rubble.

  “Vylet and I are okay!” Windthrow responded.”How about another Fireball to clear the rubble and let us out?”

  “Well, about that. I can’t cast it again until tomorrow.”

  “WHAT? We have to spend the night here!?” I shouted back.

  “Relax. Nothing can get you there. I’ll be in the surgical room taking a look at that Crystal, I’ll see ya’ll in the morning!”

  “Wait, WAIT! Cleyre! Cleyre!”

  No response. We were left alone while she went off to study that dumb crystal.

  ”We should look around, maybe there’s something to help us get out,” Windthrow said. He sounded tired.

  Desiccated bread, basic tools, hammers and medical supplies. The best find was some ink; plenty of people in the village could use that. We also found some old white lab coats and a very lumpy, but clean, sleeping mat. That one felt like a joke Cleyre was playing on us.

  After an hour there was nothing left to rummage through. My stomach growled. Embarrassing…

  “I have my dry rations if you want to share?” Windthrow offered.

  My own rations were in my bag, which was still in the surgical room.

  “Sure, thanks Windthrow.”

  Together we enjoyed a bag of stale nuts and dried fruit. Well, I tried to enjoy them. AGAIN, my hands were awful at gripping small things. Holding a nut with three 4 inch claws is borderline impossible. I pretended that the 3 pieces of dried fruit that I struggled to eat were enough to fill me up. Of course it didn’t work.

  “I can- only if you’re okay with it, I can feed you.” Windthrow looked away, as far away from eye contact as he could. For the first time in a while I saw him blush, even with his dark skin in this dark room it was obvious.

  I could eat out of the bag like a horse, or Windthrow could delicately feed me. This felt wrong, but it was survival.

  “Please…” I said quietly. Then I opened my mouth.

  Windthrow would slowly grab a handful of the mix, and hold it out for me. I would eat it out of his hand, careful to not accidentally graze him with my teeth. This was still, very much, eating like a horse. Only slightly less weird.

  Occasionally I felt my tongue brush against the bottom of Windthrow’s hand. At first it was accidental, then it wasn’t. I felt warmth rising up from my belly and spreading throughout my body. I began to pant heavily. Licking more of his hand, not caring about the food. I traced my tongue from his palm, up to his arm. Again and again. He pulled away.

  What did I just do!? I got lost in…something.

  “I don’t know- Windthrow, I’m sorry. Sometimes I just feel-”

  “It’s okay Vylet. You were hungry and got carried away. That’s it.” He pulled the edges of his tunic down, covering his crotch.

  Is it possible that he was…excited? No, I was seeing what I wanted to see. Hold on, that’s what I wanted to see? So I like men, because I’m a woman. But I also like women. Was I always bi? I guess the better question is, does it matter?

  A few hours passed. Neither of us spoke.

  Windthrow was the first one to break the silence.

  “Since you’re so hungry, I can cook something for you when we get back to Sapwood.”

  “You can cook?”

  “Of course I can cook! I used to be a scout. I spent months out in the wilderness. All alone. I had to make and hunt my own meals.”

  “Why would you scout for the Imperials anyway? Couldn’t you run away?” I asked. Another thing I didn’t understand.

  He scooted closer to me.

  ”I don’t know. After the calamity everything was fuzzy. I think they held something over me. To force me to work with them, maybe my family.”

  I put my hand over his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.

  “Now you can use your skills for Sapwood, and for me. And I can’t wait to eat your cooking.”

  “I’m glad I met you,” Windthrow said. “Actually, I’m glad I trapped you.” He laughed.

  We reached out, slowly at first, and held each other's hands.

  Eventually we both started getting sleepy. We rolled out the bedroll, and a few of the lab coats for blankets. This damp room was pretty cold.

  “It’s all yours,” Windthrow said.

  “We could both use it. Just for warmth,” I responded.

  This, again, was purely a matter of survival.

  I took off my linen wraps and cloak. Then I curled under the “blankets”. Windthrow took off his cloak, revealing his dark, toned body. Then he slipped next to me. I clung to his back, pressing myself against him. So warm. He was radiant. Like the sun.