Author's Note and Synopsis: The characters used in this story originally appeared in a short bestiality story (Cyrkan and the Hunter) that I wrote for a friend of mine. I liked these characters so much I continued their story; this time sans the horse-sex. Immediately preceding this chapter, Gregor (the gorgeous, unassuming eunuch) had been dispatched by the Vizier to deliver orders to the Hunter (a brooding, muscular man). The Hunter had cum on Gregor's face as the horse fucked Gregor from behind. Then the Hunter and his horse (Cyrkan) rode north and Gregor remained. Please email me any thoughts or comments.
Heading to the northern plains meant a long grueling trek through the Canbar mountains. One week's ride north of the Capital, the Canbar appeared like jagged teeth on the horizon. However, the Hunter knew that was just the distance. Up close, the Canbar rose over two miles at most, and were traversed by only a few narrow, rocky trails (that he knew about - seldom did he or anyone travel north of the city). The only pass still open this time of year lead through the Tir Gap, up through the Tir River Canyon. The Canyon was very steep; the grade of the trail, at times no wider than a foot and a half was at times three to one. It wasn't an imperial highway for the empire hadn't built it. Most travelers maintained that it was a game trail that simply came into use. The Hunter had his own theory. Amongst his many secrets, the Hunter was literate and he had read once about a great civilization that had flourished in the Canbar mountains. He believed that the Tir Gap Trail was one of their ancient routes.
These were the thoughts that crossed his mind as he rode Cyrkan slowly out of the city. Crossing the mountains would require supplies and at least two weeks. He rubbed his hand over his scalp - that would be bare enough time to grow his hair out and begin to try to fit in. Unconsciously, even as he was planning the trip in his head, he brushed his fingers over his lips. He smelled his hand; it still had that lemon-sweet smell. Then he shook his hand away from his face and leaned into Cyrkan. He stroked the horse's neck. The full, sweaty, horse-smell chased away unwelcome feelings and he smiled as the wind blew grit into his face. It was the beginning of the hunt.
The eunuch made his way back to the palace. The guards held their nose as he walked passed them, but the three bells around his neck guaranteed that they would not molest him. He had hoped to sneak back to his quarters and then quickly bathe and sleep but the Master of Eunuchs intercepted him in the hallway. The Master, as everyone simply referred to him, was a dour old man, tall, thin and almost bald, except for a wisp of grey hair he kept brushed up in the back. His eyes were wide as he pulled the eunuch to the side.
"Gregor, is that really you?" Said the Master. He sounded awe-struck.
"Yes, master." Replied Gregor.
"You must see the Vizier, then. Before he learns from someone else. Go, now!" Said the Master. Then he held Gregor in his gaze for a second. The master squeezed his arm and then sent him on his way. Puzzled as he was by this rare show of affection, Gregor didn't wait, he ran up the three flights of chairs and presented himself, out of breath and still covered in cum, in the chamber of the Vizier.
In the center, against the far wall, stood the Vizier's chair, to the left was his aide's chair and table and in the middle of the floor was a beautiful, raven-haired girl dancing in a twirl of silk scarves. The Vizier was a small, unattractive man with high cheekbones, a small pointy nose and wide lips. At the first he didn't take note of Gregor but as he squinted in Gregor's direction, recognition dawned like a thunderbolt. The Vizier sat up straight and waved to the aide. The aide quickly clapped his hands twice and the girl fled.
"Are you the same one I spoke to earlier? About the message to the Hunter?" He said slowly.
"Yes, sir." Said Gregor.
"What, didn't he like you?" asked the Vizier.
"Sir?" Gregor was unsure how to respond.
"Good God, you reek of horse and you're covered in semen. You did deliver the orders, yes?"
Gregor merely nodded. He was very confused.
"So he didn't fuck you. I suppose he's grown noble with time. How unlike him," the Vizier mused, then he continued "How did he react to the news?"
At first Gregor was about to reply, that there had been no reaction. But when he paused to think about it, there indubitably had been one. The Hunter had kissed him. What did that mean?
"Your grace," began Gregor slowly, "I believe the Hunter acted like one receiving a new posting to a far-away position. I don't believe he thought he'd return." The Vizier took this in with a shrewd nod and then pulled his lips back in a ghastly smile, no less mocking.
"Good, very good." Murmured the Vizier to himself, "Perhaps they didn't cut away your brains with your balls then. You may leave, you lucky fool, indeed, before you make my chamber stink like a stable."
Gregor stepped out and made his way back to his chambers. He peeled off his sticky, sodden clothing and made his way to the baths. At this time of evening they were cold, so he washed quickly. He was suddenly aware of how drained he felt, both physically and emotionally. He wrapped in his towel and quietly stepped back to his chamber. There he found his sandals were missing from under his bed. He looked under the other three cots, but didn't see his shoes. He was too exhausted to worry about it and just crawled onto his little bed and fell asleep.
Someone nudging him wakened him hours later.
"Hey! Wake up!" whispered Simon, one of his roommates. "You're here! The master told us you'd been dismissed, but you're back! What did you do wrong? You're so bad!"
"He's not bad, he's just stupid," whispered another roommate, Hervil.
"Where are my sandals?" asked Gregor suddenly. Simon jumped up and ran to the chest at the foot of his bed.
"Sorry," said Simon, "I swiped them because I thought you were gone." Simon placed them beneath Gregor's cot. Gregor lay back down and then Simon jumped on top of him. He started kissing Gregor's neck and dry-humping him. Even through the tunics, Gregor could feel the size of Simon's rapidly-growing cock. For a eunuch, Simon was pretty large. He turned his head as Simon zoomed in for another kiss. Unfazed, Simon then jumped off the bed and started humping Hervil. But Hervil shrugged him off too.
"Go to bed, you never-ending erection," commanded the fourth and oldest of the quartet, Arturo. He glided into the room, long hair black hair flowing gracefully with his motion
"Aw, come on, Turo, I never get to fuck anything at those parties." Said Simon. But Arturo waved his hand dismissively. Gregor immediately fell back asleep.
They were a week out of the city when Cyrkan smelled something on the wind. He drew to a stop and sniffed the air. The Hunter immediately became alert. He looked all around him and squinted at the road in front. It was just a day's ride from Canyontown, where they would get provisions and news about the Tir Gap, but so far they had seen very few travelers on the road. He fitted his telescope to his eye and adjusted. Column after column of foot soldiers filled his vision. Riding at the front was a high ranking officer, a colonel judging by the plumes coming out of his hat. Then he saw a glint in the officer's hand. The man had a telescope too. Swearing, the Hunter urged Cyrkan off the road. The last thing the Hunter needed was to be recognized by someone in the Imperial guard. They quickly trotted a half-mile off and hid behind some bushes. There was still a good chance that either the colonel or one of his scouts had seen him, but from this far away maybe they would not bother with him. Both Cyrkan and the Hunter held their breath as the soldiers steadily approached. Silently the Hunter counted, 3 centuries of soldiers, 10 columns thick marched past. He let out his breath explosively and nuzzled Cyrkan. What were 300 imperials doing this far north? And why were they heading towards the capital?
They waited until the last of the soldiers had disappeared over the horizon and then continued on their way. They reached Canyontown the evening of the next day.
Canyontown had once been just a small farming community, but it had grown with the trade coming through the mountains and the emperor had seen fit to station a small garrison of troops there. Now the town boasted an inn with a tavern. The Hunter and Cyrkan stopped there. The Hunter bid Cyrkan good night at the stable and then went inside to get some news. He ordered a pint and then motioned the barkeep over.
"I saw a large number of imperial guard on the road yesterday. You happen to know why?" the Hunter asked.
"They've been trying to track down rebels in the mountain." The Barkeep replied. The Hunter nodded slowly, however on the fringe he lived, this was the first he had heard of trouble in the mountains.
"Is the pass still open?" he asked.
"I'd assume so," replied the barkeep "that monk over there just arrived from that direction today, he'd have the most current news." He gestured to a hooded, brown-cloaked figure sitting off to the side. The Hunter took note of the green silky cord around his waist and the slightest of bulges on the monk's left side. This man was a Brother of History. They tended to roam in these parts, supposedly collecting knowledge. One of the legends of the mountains intimated that they had a secret fortress, hidden somewhere in the Canbar, which was a treasure trove of books and ancient scrolls.
However before the Hunter could make his way to the monk the doors of the tavern swung open and in walked a beautiful, raven-haired countrywoman. Everyone in the bar turned to look at her. She had large dark eyes, rosy cheeks and full red-lips. She bowed her head slightly, as if to greet the crowd and then looked out and started scanning. As her eyes passed over his, she stopped looking and made her way to him. The Hunter swore and turned back around to his drink. But she came and sat next to him.
"Good evening, stranger, how fares your health?" She asked. Her voice was sultry and low. The tavern was deathly quiet.
"Alright," the Hunter finally responded, "thanks for asking." She put her arm on his shoulder and felt muscle through the cloth. Her touch was soft and pleasant and unconsciously he relaxed his posture.
"You are so strong, you are a blacksmith, no?" Her voice was low and melodic, yet somehow innocent and he found he was fighting the urge to start talking. He could just start and not stop, the job he had to do, the Vizier, the eunuch, Cyrkan.
"Yeah, well I find things and I kill them. Sometime I bring things back and look lady, who are you?" He finally asked.
"Excuse me," she chuckled, a deep throaty chuckle, "my name is Lilit, I am the matriarch of Canyontown. And tonight is the spring equinox." The Hunter completely forgot about the rest of the tavern, all he could see were her beautiful eyes. And her hair, how much would he like to run a hand through it.
She leaned in, so that he could feel her hot breath on his cheek and whispered in his ear.
"That means I choose the right man and ensure the future of my village." The almost ignored the intent behind those words for he was about to run one hand through her hair and use the other to toss her over his shoulder and take her up to his room. Instead, he pulled back.
"Lilit, you are the most beautiful woman I think I've ever seen. I know someone who kill to spend a moment in your presence." He paused and took a long sip of his drink, "But not I. I fuck men. Find someone else for your village." The silence in the room suddenly became noticeable again. She leaned back momentarily; her eyes wide with surprise. Then she smiled, nodded and moved to a booth on the other side of the tavern. Whispers slowly filled the silence. He turned to visit with the monk, but the monk was gone. He slammed his mug down with frustration and strode out of the common room to his quarters for the evening.
"You've ruined another batch!" Hervil reprimanded Gregor. Hervil picked up the blackened loafs of bread and then with a curse dropped them on the floor. They were still very hot.
"Don't stand there, pick them up you dumb oaf! Throw them away. Now I have start all over again!"
Gregor mumbled an apology and hurriedly picked them up, burning his fingers and tossed them to the rubbish container. Then he moved quickly to the mixing bowl as Hervil furiously began kneading other dough.
"Who died and made you baking vizier?" asked Simon. He had an even more unpleasant job; he was cleaning dishes.
For the past three days the four of them had been assigned to the kitchen, despite the fact that none of them had baking experience. Except of course, Hervil.
"I don't know what it is, that Gregor did, but I don't see why the Master has to punish us." Hervil said and then stalked out of the room. Gregor and Simon exchanged glances and rolled eyes. Simon came over and kissed Gregor on the cheek, and then made a face and started washing dishes again. Gregor reluctantly kneaded the dough and fit it into the pans to go back into the oven. He had no idea bread was so difficult.
"Hervil professes such intelligence yet continues to miss the point, doesn't he?" said Arturo. He was standing at the entrance to the kitchen, dragging up another bag of grain from the basement. Gregor and Simon looked up. Somehow, even covered in flour, Arturo looked poised and harmonious.
"The Vizier goes everywhere in this palace, nowadays. Except where?" Arturo asked. Gregor and Simon both responded: "The kitchen"
"Exactly. The master is doing his very best to make sure that the Vizier forgets about Gregor. And lucky us for that matter to work with him."
"But I don't get it. I never get called to the Vizier's chambers. And I've got a nice ass and dick." Exclaimed Simon.
"The Vizier has his uses for Eunuchs. And if he doesn't get attached to them, they become conveniently expendable." Murmured Arturo. He eyes centered on Gregor in a way that made Gregor very uncomfortable.
He did his best the rest of the day, but still earned nothing but rebukes from Hervil. That feeling, though, lingered and after washing up in the evening he went to ask Arturo what he meant by his comments. Arturo wasn't in the Eunuch's atrium, nor was he at their quarters. He was about to wander the Palace gardens when he caught sight of long, flowing black hair disappearing around a bend in the hallway. He quickly hurried after it. He kept a good distance and succeeded in following Arturo to a dark, narrow alley on the far side of the servant's quarters. Arturo slipped through a small wooden door. Gregor quietly stepped up to the door and put his ear to it. Inside he could hear voices.
"... the emperor will be away two days from now for the entire week. Only the vizier with a half-century will remain." Whispered Arturo.
"You must give me the names and locations of the guards. Do you have them?" asked a deeper, gruffer voice.
"Yes, of course, Erev... Haven't you missed me?" asked Arturo. Gregor concentrated harder to hear Erev's response.
"More than you can imagine." He whispered. Suddenly Gregor heard the sound of fabric on fabric and a slight moan from Arturo. Gathering his courage, Gregor nudged the door open.
They were in a linen closet. In the lamp light Gregor could make out two figures. One was nearly nude. That was Arturo. The soft light illuminated his slender, cut body, highlighting his defined abs, his Apollo's belt and his smallish, rosy nipples. His immaculate white skin shone like alabaster and contrasted sharply with his glossy black hair. Standing over him, somewhat obscured, was a much more bullish figure. Garbed like a soldier, his hair was close-cropped and his jaw, as outlined by the dim light, was sleek and square. He was kissing Arturo and one strong hand was massaging Arturo's left nipple. Arturo convulsed again and leaned backwards against a pile of rugs and towels. Erev slowly made his way down Arturo's silky torso, kissing each abdominal and then hovering right above the small thatch of pubic hair above Arturo's cock. His cock was thin, correctly proportioned and curved upward. First Erev blew on the head, then he gently gripped the bass and ran his tongue around the glances. Arturo let out another moan and this time Erev completely swallowed the head in his mouth. He sucked on it, then bobbed, then licked around the tip like it was a honey comb. He moved his other hand up and down Arturo's slender thigh. He slowly pushed it up. His face moved beneath the cock, he gave a few more loving strokes with his tongue and then started lightly lapping at the small scar at the base of Arturo's erection. Gregor unconsciously pushed the door open to get a better look, but neither Arturo nor Erev noticed.
"Oh," murmured Arturo, "My place!" Arturo started to gently hump Erev's hands. "Touch me in my secret place. Make me warm and soft!" Erev ran his hand down the upraised leg to cup Arturo's small, tight, ass. Then he brushed his fingers past Arturo's crack. Arturo shuddered. Erev deftly spread the little ass cheeks apart and ran his fingers over Arturo's rosebud, letting his middle finger massage it and gently press it. Then he lifted both of Arturo's legs with his hands and leaned his face in. Arturo was freshly bathed, and smelled like almonds and sweet oil. First he kissed to the left of the rosebud, Arturo groaned. Then he licked to the right of it and Arturo's fingers grabbed at the towels he was sitting on. Then with slow deliberation he licked a spiral straight to Arturo's puckered little hole. Arturo groaned even louder and started thrusting his ass at Erev. Erev for his part lost his restraint and dove into that sweet orifice. First he licked, then he covered it with his entire mouth and started sucking. All Arturo could feel was those hot, soft lips, sealed to his asshole, drawing him in and out and creating a delicious pressure on it that caused him to jolt and spasm. Finally Erev licked one of his fingers and brought it up to push into Arturo. Arturo's ass clamped immediately down on the intruder, but then relinquished it's grip and Erev's finger slid in even more.
Erev withdrew and caught his breath. Then he stood up and removed the shirt he had been wearing. The light revealed a trim, muscled back, that rippled as his hands went down to untie his trousers. Gregor found it to be less wide than the Hunter's but youthful and beautiful. Once his trousers fell to the ground, Gregor saw that he had a beautiful ass also, with tight, muscular thighs and calves. He suddenly understood Simon's attraction to topping as he fantasized briefly what it might be like for him to sink his cock into an ass like Erev's. But then he was distracted by the hot action, taking place in front of him.
He saw Erev apply something to his penis and then lean in and bend over Arturo. Arturo for his part lifted both of his legs up and smiled at Erev. Erev's cock was longer than Arturo's, perhaps seven inches and of a medium girth. But it too, was a thing of beauty. He held it steady at Arturo's asshole and then slowly pushed forward. Arturo started exhaling heavily and grunting, but Erev continued his steady assault, grabbing Arturo's torso to steady himself and then push in even more. Gregor found himself unconsciously rubbing his own penis, as it strained against his loose pants. Erev then pushed all the way in; his crotch and trimmed pubic hair mingling with Arturo's. Arturo was whimpering softly and Erev leaned forward until his body pressed into Arturo's and kissed Arturo's neck, then suckled his ear. Arturo's body relaxed, his hands relinquished their grip on the towels and he wrapped his arms around Erev's solid back. Erev kissed Arturo on the lips. Arturo hungrily leaned up for those soft lips and Erev pulled his hips back and then thrust in again. Arturo caught his breath and lay his head back. Slowly, every so slowly, Erev built up a rhythm. His cock began to slide in and out of Arturo's hole. Arturo moans encouraged him and he began to fuck more forcefully.
"Yes, my lover, take me, take me!" repeated Arturo over and over again. Sweat began to run down Erev's back, it glistened in the lamp light. Gregor started grinding his hand against his crotch in time to Erev's heavy, sensual thrusts. He was moments away from orgasm when his ears detected something. The steadily, growing sound of many, heavy boots headed his way. He looked over his left shoulder and saw the dim glow of approaching lamp light. Without thinking he darted into the room.
Arturo and Erev started in surprise but Gregor didn't give them a moment to speak.
"Be quiet and lie still!" He whispered. He pulled a few towels and put them on his arm and then seized their lamp. He paused for the briefest of seconds to compose himself and then walked out.
He went about five steps and ran into five imperials guardsmen and the Vizier. The lead guard was a giant. His face composed of a prodigious chin, an almost grotesquely large nose and thick hairy eyebrows. He held his lamp up high and looked down at Gregor. Gregor bowed deeply and then made to move to the left of the group. An enormous hand stopped him.
"What is your business here, eunuch?" asked the guard. Gregor trembled momentarily at the tone of his voice and then responded.
"I am getting towels for the baths." Gregor responded.
"You're out after curfew." Said the Guard.
"I didn't know a curfew had been imposed." Murmured Gregor. The guard grinned and wrapped his hand around Gregor's throat. Then he remembered himself and looked to the Vizier for permission. The Vizier rolled his eyes and waved the guard back. Then he addressed Gregor.
"You have an erection, boy. Are you off to some midnight tryst in the stables?" He smiled that sneering smile again. Gregor looked up startled. The Vizier recognized him! Then he put his head down again.
"I'm sorry sir, I am awed by your presence." He replied. The Vizier drew back, surprised. Then he snorted.
"I don't do eunuchs, boy." He said peevishly. Then he waved his hand at Gregor, dismissing him and they walked on. Gregor didn't look back he walked slowly with the towels in his arms down the hall until he turned the corner. Then he ran all the way back to his room.
When he entered he found Simon and Hervil already asleep in their beds. Arturo was just getting into his bed. Gregor stopped in his steps. Arturo merely smiled and said "Be careful, Gregor. There's a curfew now."
Lilit stealthily stepped down the hallway. She had removed all her jewelry and if she held the hem of her skirt she didn't make a sound. She came to a stop outside the Hunter's room. The barkeep had proven very gracious in providing her with this information. She pulled out a key and delicately inserted it the lock. He had been even more helpful when he had given her the key. She carefully pushed open the door and tip-toed inside and then shut the door. The room wasn't very big, just a bed in the middle with a washstand on the side and a window. But there he was, illuminated by the moonlight. She made her way over to get a better look and her breath caught. In the soft, silvery light, he looked different from before and a bit younger. In sleep, his face had softened; many of the lines caused by unknown worries, sadnesses and hurts had disappeared. He looked as handsome as before but also impossibly innocent. And vulnerable. This is the man he might have been had fate not decided differently. She could have stayed there, gazing at him forever - she never tired of seeing men in these rare, unguarded moments - but he was starting to wake. She concentrated for a moment and then lightly brushed her fingers over his forehead. Now he would continue to sleep deeply.
She undid her skirt and disrobed. She wore no small clothes so except for her cotton stockings; she was now naked. She was truly beautiful. One of those rare, lush, full-figured women. Her belly was smooth and taut, her breasts round and full and her hips and arms firm yet pliant. In between those smooth, warm thighs, protected by a soft, dark triangle of pubic hair, was her pussy. It was beginning to dampen in anticipation.
She pulled back the sheet and blanket covering him and caught her breath again. She feasted her eyes on his naked body. His broad, muscular shoulders, the shelf created by his taut pecs and then the raised rows of his abs. She put her hand on his chin and then slowly ran it down his neck, the cleft in the middle of his chest and then lightly pinched his erect nipples. He had very little chest hair, but it was soft and oddly blonde (in contrast to his dark hair and whiskers). Then she drew down further, caressing each ab muscle and feeling the suppleness of his waist and the indent where his thick thighs met his torso below his belly button. Then without hesitation she dove her fingers into his trimmed, luxuriant pubic hair. His large cock was just coming to life and for the moment she ignored, instead paying attention to the big testicles cushioning it. She stroked them, then bent her head and ran her hair over them. His penis was growing now. She gripped it with both hands and started pulling it with long gentle strokes.
It was so big and powerful. She smiled. This man would give her a good child. He or she would be strong like him, a leader for her community. A protector. She reached one hand down and started rubbing her pussy. She was so wet and hot. She knew she should be patient but she wanted him now. Wanted him to shoot his cum deep inside her and start a new life. She spread her legs and straddled him. With one hand, she mixed some of her wetness with his pre-cum and got the tip of his now fully erect cock all slick. She positioned herself above him and then slowly lowered herself onto him.
She was remarkably deep, her but she was surprised to feel him hit bottom in her with an inch left to spare. It was a passing thought for then she started furiously bouncing up and down on him. She groaned, she grunted and came to a screaming climax.
Gregor didn't get a chance to get Arturo alone the next day. But he did find himself with a rare opportunity to talk to the Master. The Master was bathing at the same time as he, and they were the only ones there. He waded over through the warm water to the old man. The Master was obliviously attempting to wash his back and started when Gregor drew his fingers across his shoulder.
"Master," Gregor spoke, "allow me." Gregor took the sponge and started to gently scrub the old, delicate skin of the Masters back. The Master nodded and silently accepted the wash. Gregor cleared his throat and took a chance.
"Master, no one expected me to return from my errand to the Hunter, least of all the Vizier. Why? Is the Hunter a violent man?" Gregor asked. The Master's body stiffened but Gregor continued to massage the sponge into it. Finally the Master spoke.
"No more or less than any other man. The answer to your question lies in the past. You must keep what I am about to tell you to yourself, for this is worse than palace gossip. This contains elements of truth." Gregor spoke his assent and the Master continued. "The man who was once the Hunter was once a member of the imperial guard and when he was younger, he and the Vizier were of approximate rank and held the same favor with the Emperor. Before he became the Hunter, that man was very handsome, perhaps the most attractive man in the Empire. He was also smart and talented, certainly as capable as the Vizier. Both were extremely ambitious, so they became rivals. In one area only did they not compete: the Hunter preferred men, the Vizier women." The Master lapsed into silence again, and Gregor bit his tongue waiting patiently for him to go on. Finally he did so. "The Vizier, one day fell in love with the daughter of a powerful aristocrat. You can imagine from what you know and see of the Vizier, that he seldom received much attention from women. However, uniquely enough, perhaps because she too was quite homely, she fell in love with him also.
Because of who she was, their marriage would have guaranteed him a successful and powerful life. When the Hunter learned of this, he did something he'd never done before to oppose it. He went and seduced the young girl. You can imagine how difficult it would be to turn away someone like the Hunter. He came away victorious and informed everyone that he had just fucked the Vizier's fiancé. The girl, distraught, begged the Vizier for forgiveness. The Vizier had none, the light of love had been replaced by ignominy and he spurned the girl. She was sent away, far to the south. The Vizier avenged himself on the Hunter by cursing him. As a result of the curse, the Hunter was banished from the Imperial Guard. It was only the kindness of the Emperor that kept him on, albeit in a much reduced function as Imperial Hunter." The master became silent again.
"Master," pressed Gregor, "what was the curse?"
The Hunter woke up. He felt like he couldn't breathe, something was smothering him. It was hair, lot's of hair. He pushed the hair away from his face and looked to his left. It was the countrywoman from the tavern, calmly lying next to him; her hair was everywhere. He jumped and then tumbled out of bed, closing and then reopening his eyes. He ran to the door and sure enough found it unlocked. He quickly locked it again and then returned his gaze to the bed.
"Oh no." He moaned to himself. "Please, no." He pressed himself against the door shivering and rubbing his arms. Her eyes were closed, she could still be sleeping. But she was still, so still. Reluctantly he stepped over to the bed. He reached one hand over and touched her face. It was cold. Mechanically, he reached his fingers down to her neck and felt for a pulse. There was none.
"Damn't!" he swore. He slammed his fist into the wall. He lifted the bed and threw it down again. "Damn you Cestis! Damn you!" He kicked the washstand and then collapsed on the bed. "You fool!" he said to the corpse next to him. "You silly fool! I warned you. I am death!" He put his face in his hands and ran one hand repeatedly over his scalp, "I am death," he whispered again to himself.
Then he stood up resolutely and quickly dressed. He opened the window and crawled out.
Gregor was the last one left in the kitchen that night when Arturo unexpectedly came up behind him. "Thank you for what you did," Arturo whispered in his ear, "you have earned my gratitude. There's a change coming in the wind. I will make sure you are provided for."
The sun's rays were just beginning to climb up from above the peaks of the Canbar Mountains as the Hunter and Cyrkan chased the rapidly retreating shadows out of Canyontown. Only the wind knew of the tear that flew off his face as they raced away.