Bonded Spirits

by Jake Daniel

  I slipped inside just as the front door burst open. I wedged the pin through the handle and hoped it would at least buy us enough time to figure out our next steps.

  I hurried down the ladder and jumped to the bottom. We were about nine feet down and inside a large square room. Gwen was already across to the other side and pointed out a small hidden door behind a bookshelf.

  I held a hand to Dahlia’s warm back and led her toward the door in darkness. I could only see the outline of her gorgeous body but knew she couldn’t see anything as she had her arms stretched out in front of her as she tried to find us. “This way, Dahlia.”

  “Thank you, night vision is not my specialty, that’s for sure.” She reached a hand down and grazed my groin on her way to hold on to the edge of my shirt as we entered the door behind Gwen. “Oops. There you are.” Even through the darkness I could see her small embarrassed smile.

  Chapter Ten

  I held onto Dahlia with one hand and led her through the doorway out of the small room. It continued straight forward.

  My best guess was that we were running parallel to the main street of the town. After a couple of minutes, we reached another doorway. I moved close and held my ear up to the door. “I hear nothing, but do you smell that?”

  Gwen shifted and leaned her head against the door facing mine. Her intoxicating breath filled my nose while she listened and took in a long breath. “Yeah, is that smoke?”

  “That’s what I thought as well.” I reached down to the door handle and carefully touched it. The metal nearly seared my finger with how hot it was. “There’s a fire on the other side of this door. We can’t stay here or we are going to die of smoke inhalation. They can’t be too far behind. Be prepared.”

  A warm orange glow flickered under the door, lighting the tunnel around us and outlining the door. It didn’t appear as the pressure had built up to where if I opened the door I would cause any sort of backdraft. “Okay, hold your breath, here we go.” I slammed my boot into the door and smashed it open, revealing several barrels and shelves engulfed in flames.

  I held onto Dahlia’s hand and she to Gwen’s as we formed a train and worked our way out of the inferno. A small set of wooden stairs sat directly across from us. “There!” I pulled Dahlia’s arm and for a moment I thought I had pulled too hard as she let out a sharp yelp.

  I turned back and glanced down to her feet. A flaming board had fallen from the ceiling and landed directly onto her legs, setting her on fire.

  I quickly pulled my shirt up over my nose to block out some smoke and lifted her in my arms. I hurried to the only corner of the room that was not on fire and set her down.

  I patted out her delicate petals and ensured that I doused all the fire before exchanging a worried look with Gwen. “We need to get her out of here.”

  Gwen nodded and kicked over a flaming barrel off to our side, clearing the path for us.

  I lifted Dahlia and rushed to the stairs. I held her body close to mine and tried to shield her the best I could. We made it to the top of the stairs and reached another doorway.

  The door hung off its hinges, creating a full wall of flame. I braced myself and kicked the door open, sending it flying into the room.

  I immediately recognized where we were. It was the inn where the holstaur had served us less than an hour earlier. How quickly things fucking change. I started toward the front door when I heard a voice call from behind the bar. It was the barkeep, Chloe, and the small rabbit woman.

  Chloe yelled out across the room, her voice barely audible over the roaring flames. “This way, hurry!”

  I readjusted Dahlia in my arms and made sure Gwen was next to me as I hurried toward the back of the inn. Chloe led us through a room off the side of the bar and out through a small door in the back.

  We met up with the two women a short distance away from the tavern where several others had gathered together. A few I recognized from earlier, but there were several other non-humans amongst them I’d not seen yet, including a few additional rabbit, fox, and winged girls.

  Besides the girls were several small green creatures that looked like goblins, a few centaurs, and three lizard men. Normally I’d have stopped and convinced myself I had way too much to drink, but as I looked down at Dahlia in my arms, I knew it was real.

  I turned and looked down along the row of shops and houses and saw that nearly every building in town was currently ablaze.

  I hurried past the others and I caught a few of them either watching me curiously or shooting me a glare. “Whatever your issues with me are, they’re going to have to fucking wait. If you want to live, follow me.” I continued on down to the stable and let out a relieved sigh as I spotted the wagon and mint horse.

  Everyone except for the centaurs, lizard men, and the winged girls squeezed into the wagon amidst the wine barrels and other scattered goods.

  The wagon bowed under the weight of everyone but held. I handed Dahlia up to the others, who made her a spot on the floor.

  I glanced at the massive horse and worried it wouldn’t be able to haul our weight away from the city fast enough. I turned to one centaur and motioned him over. His torso was huge, and he looked like he spent a ton of time at the gym. His face, however, gave off a wizened appearance, almost as if he were ancient.

  He gave me a fiery glare and called up to me. “I am not a mode of transportation.”

  “Mode or not, get your horse-ass over there or we’re dead.” I turned back in time to see the mob of poachers moving through the city. One man spotted us and I could tell he was calling out to the others.

  Gwen climbed up and took up her spot next to me. I saw the hesitation in the centaur’s eyes until he glanced at the others that had loaded up in the wagon.

  He grudgingly took up a spot next to the mint-colored horse who let out a loud neigh. He wrapped part of the harness around his thick bicep and looked back. I nodded and urged him forward. “Follow this road. Go as fast as possible. I know somewhere where all of you will be safe.”

  The wagon pulled forward with a slow but steady lurch. The men called out from behind and the other remaining centaurs peeled off from the wagon, lifting their weapons high in the air and formed ranks.

  The centaur pulling the wagon didn’t look back and continued to dig his large hoofed feet into the ground, trying to pick up speed.

  The group of centaurs pushed forward toward the pursuing poachers and met them about fifty yards from us. I glanced back to the floor of the wagon and my eyes fell on Dahlia, who remained motionless.

  I had just told her I’d protect her, and now she looked as if she were moments from death. I snapped the reins angrily, forgetting for a second that it wasn’t just the horse pulling the wagon, prompting a glare from the centaur next to the mint horse.

  Several men clashed with the centaurs and I thought for a moment that they could keep them from pursuing, but their primitive weapons would not be enough to hold the human poachers off, especially once the bullets flew.

  The loud cracks of several rifles and pistols from behind prompted scared and uneasy screams from many of the women who rode in the wagon.

  Two poachers broke from the others on horseback and approached the wagon with guns held at the ready. They pulled up alongside us and both released a shot. Thankfully, their aim was shit, and they missed wildly. I pulled my 30-30 out from underneath the seat and aimed it at a man on horseback. I had a moment of hesitation before I pulled the trigger as the realization set in that I had my gun aimed at another human being. My old Hunter’s Safety instructor’s voice rose in my head. Never point your gun at another person.

  I wasn’t hunting though. I was fighting for not only my life but the others in the wagon. Fuck Hunter’s Safety. I squeezed the trigger and watched the man’s face drop as he lost his grip on his gun and fell unceremoniously off the back of his horse.

  I readied another bullet in the chamber and shifted my attention to the remaining rider. He had his gun point
ed at Gwen as he rode alongside the wagon. Before he squeezed the trigger, I let out a long exhale and pulled mine. I shot the son of a bitch right between the eyes.

  I stared in where the man had been seconds earlier than our wagon picked up some speed. I’d just killed two men. I’d shot many things in my life, but this was new. As soon as I looked back to the wagon of scared expressions and landed on Gwen’s determined face as she held the reins, I knew I’d made the right decision.

  I stared down at the rifle in my hands and gripped it tightly. I was in a strange unknown world, with even stranger occupants, but one thing remained crystal clear in my mind. They needed my help, and I was ready to do whatever I needed to do to protect them.

  We continued down the path for nearly an hour; the wagon looked and sounded as if it were about to fall apart by the time we neared the manor.

  A voice called out as the manor came into view. “Halt! You come any closer and you’re dead.”

  I readied another round in my rifle, kicking out the spent shell and loading a fresh bullet. Today is not the fucking day, man.

  Chapter Eleven

  I spun in the voice's direction and lowered my gun as I spotted who had spoken. Wofferd stood fully decked out in a suit of mail armor and held a crossbow aimed at the wagon. I chuckled as I spotted the plump man. “Hey Wofferd, looks like you found the armory downstairs, eh?”

  The large man blushed and lowered his weapon slowly. “Yes, yes. Apologies, I’ve been on edge since I got here. I’m glad you're back.” He paused and looked curiously at the full wagon. “I see you brought along some... friends.”

  “That’s correct.” I stood and turned to the others. “You’re all welcome to stay here as long as you wish. There isn’t a ton of room inside the house, but it should be safe.”

  Several goblins jumped out of the wagon and joined the lizard men. The largest of the goblins stepped forward and waved to get my attention. “Sir Logan, sir.”

  I cocked my head curiously at the diminutive figure. “Yes, can I help you... um, I don’t think I got your name.”

  “Name’s Fap’zak. I’m the leader of what’s left of our once proud tribe, the Kilney goblin clan.” The goblin motioned for the other small pale green creatures to join his side. “We appreciate your hospitality, but where are the defenses?”

  “Defenses? Well, I know this place is somewhat hidden from all who mean it harm, if that’s what you’re referring to?” I surveyed our surroundings and thought that Fap’zak had a point, but I hadn’t really given it much thought. If I was going to turn this into a haven, I would need to protect them, foremost. I jumped off the wagon and down to the ground. “You’re right, Fap’zak. I have a few ideas on where to start, but I have a feeling you have built defenses before, is that correct?”

  The goblin beamed. “Oh, of course! The Kilney clan is known for their defenses. If it were not for the lack of food and drinkable water, we could’ve been safe there for years. Alas, I made a grave mistake and did not think about that.” He turned his face to the ground in shame.

  “Don’t beat yourself up. If it were not scarce food and water, I’m sure something else could’ve come up. You never know how things will play out.” I looked at the three lizard people who stood a short distance behind the goblins. Two were female from the looks of their small but perky breasts, and the other was a muscular male. I stepped up to the male and held out my hand. He accepted it and gave me a firm handshake. “I haven’t met you or your...” I trailed off, letting him respond.

  “Sisters. This is Shah, and Cress. My name is Brazziosz, but you can call me Brazz.” The lizard man had a snake-like quality to his voice that came out as a mix between a whisper and a hiss.

  He motioned toward the women. “I would like to offer my sisters to you as a sign of goodwill. They will do anything you ask.” He gave his sisters a nod as they remained straight-faced and stared at me. The shorter of the two, Cress, let her eyes slip down to my waist and her tongue flicked out of her mouth.

  My eyes met the sisters’. “I appreciate the offer, but I have my hands full as it is.” I glanced over to Gwen at my side.

  The satyress leaned closer and whispered in my ear. “Do not turn down Brazz’s offer. They will see it as an insult. Hear them out, it could make things... interesting.”

  I shook my head lightly and let out a long breath. “There is still much I do not know about your world.” I paused and chose my next words carefully. “I accept your offer, but I wish for them to keep their free will and to help where their skills fit best.”

  Brazz’s face brightened, and he straightened. “Great. If you were unaware, Lizard folk are natural builders, we will help the goblins with the defenses and at night Shah and Cress will join you as their master.”

  “Master?”

  Gwen elbowed me. “Just go with it.”

  I cleared my throat. “Yes, that sounds acceptable. Thank you for your help and welcome to my manor.”

  My thoughts landed on Dahlia as I turned back to the wagon. The holstaur barkeep remained huddled over her. I thought for a moment that her breasts were suffocating Dahlia, but when I entered the back of the wagon, I nearly fell back in shock as Dahlia’s color had almost completely returned.

  She lapped hungrily at the barkeep’s massive exposed breast and braced a hand against one side to help keep the holstaur’s nipple in her mouth. The sounds of sucking grew louder, and the barkeep moaned loudly as if she were about to reach complete ecstasy.

  Her moans mixed with Dahlia’s as the Alraune thrust her hips toward the sky as if beckoning me closer to take her right there. She moved up and down, and intensified as the holstaur’s creamy milk spilled from the sides of her mouth and out onto the floor of the wagon.

  The moaning continued and strengthened until each of them fell to the floor of the wagon in a heap of orgasm. Dahlia’s legs quivered and shook as the color returned to her petals and she opened her eyes slowly.

  Chloe laid on the floor and laughed. Her gigantic exposed breasts bounced wildly with each breath.

  I held out a hand to the holstaur and helped her up. She slipped on her bikini top and covered her breasts, her still erect nipples poked through clear as day.

  She reached down and cupped my balls through my pants and ran her hand up along my now erect shaft. “Interesting.” She licked her lips and worked her way off of the wagon with Gwen’s help.

  I looked down at my rock hard member and adjusted my pants slightly to give myself a little room. Something about what had just unfolded in front of me was erotic as fuck.

  Chloe turned and smiled as she regained her footing on the ground. “She should be okay, for now. I have healed most of her wounds, but there seems to be something deeper that I cannot fix, I’m afraid.” She paused. “Although, I’d be happy to try again later. You’re welcome to join me if you wish.”

  I let out a breath and nodded. “Thank you for healing her. I will let you know later on your offer.” Something in Chloe’s face told me that if she were to get me alone at any point, I better prepare for a wild ride.

  I climbed up into the wagon and crouched down next to Dahlia. Her breathing slowly returned to normal before she opened her eyes and gave me a small, shy smile. “Hi.”

  Something about her was so sweet, so innocent. I leaned closer and kissed her lips softly before rising to meet her eyes again.

  The taste of her sweet nectar mixed with the holstaur’s milk, sending a satisfying shiver through my body. “I’m so sorry that I let you get injured. Are you okay? You had me worried there for a minute.”

  Dahlia wiped a small trail of milk that had spilled down the side of her face. “I’m much better now.” She sat up and held a hand to my cheek before pressing her soft lips into mine and giving me a flavorful kiss. She glanced down to her now healing legs. “You could not have stopped that board from falling on me. Do not blame yourself for things that are out of your control. Besides, I am healed now.” She pushed slowly
up to her feet. “Thank you for getting me out of there. I was too afraid of what Ashnam could do to me if I tried to escape, not to mention how I couldn’t fight against those potions she forced me to take.”

  I chuckled and helped her down off the wagon. “I don’t think we’re going to have to worry about old lady Ashnam any longer.” Dahlia regained her footing and her legs wobbled slightly. I moved next to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. She looked up and gave me a smile.

  I looked back and noticed Gwen had grabbed my rifle from the wagon. She rejoined us and I wrapped my free arm around the small of the satyr’s back and led her toward the manor.

  I called back to the others as they unloaded the wagon. “Gather all of your belongings and find a place to store it for the time being.”

  We spent the rest of the night rationing out the bread and wine to those who had joined us at the manor. I was hoping to have enough for our journey to save Gwen’s sisters, but everyone at the manor was hungry after what they had just gone through, and the wine was a welcome distraction from their otherwise completely shitty circumstances.

  As the night grew late, I guided Gwen and Dahlia inside the manor and noticed several of the new arrivals scurrying in and out of the rooms trying to find a good place for the night.

  Wofferd had already returned to his newly claimed spot in one of the large chairs in front of the fireplace. He had his feet up on a stump and his boots off. His big right toe poked out awkwardly from his worn, old sock. He had a big pipe hanging from one side of his mouth as he craned around the back of the seat to face me. “Nice place you have here. If I hadn’t been born for the road, I’d almost think I could stay here a while.” He took a long draw from his pipe and let the smoke billow out from his small bulbous nose. “Now, about that payment you promised me?”

  I shook my head. “We ran out of time, but I assure you, I will pay my debts. And look at it this way, you bought yourself a lot of good karma by letting us use your wagon to help bring these folks here to safety.”