My Knight in Shining Fyr*
by Cyberwulfe

Chapter 1

It was a beautiful sunny day in the land of Sarhah; the land of human-like animals. In this mystical land, humans and Fyrz lived side by side, working and trading together. The system of rules was based on respect and a non-tolerence policy towards the minority of Fyrz. But there were many Black Circles who abducted Fyr females and sold them as slave girls. Many had gone missing, but they were dismissed as having wandered too far into the dangerous Swamp of Death.

One day, in the town of Sunny Brook, a lonely traveller was passing through on his horse, pulling a small wagon behind him. He was a tall man, with a slight build and shining green eyes that reflected the midday sun. He kept his brown hair covered with a hat that was wrapped around his head, made completely of red dragon scales. He wore a blue tunic, armoured in appropriate places with shiny plates of metal; a lightweight alloy that could deflect arrows and sword thrusts. From his belt hung a large broadsword, and over his shoulder was slung a bow and a quiver of arrows. His face was cheery, but grim. A person who seemed pleasant, but not to be crossed under aggressive circumstances.

He stopped his wagon outside the nearest tavern and entered inside for a drink and to inquire about shelter for the night. The room was hot, and Fyrz and humans drank and sang and shouted. He made his way straight to the bar and sat down on a large wooden bench along side a fox and a dwarf. The fox turned and winked at him and then went back to his drink. The man cleared his throat as the bartender approached and asked for a mug of ale, which he drank down quickly.

"I need boarding for the night. And room for my horse and wagon," he said.

"Five gold pieces, for the room and stable," replied the barkeep, a gruff looking bear Fyr.

"I expect a decent room and stable security for that price," chuckled the traveller.

"Bed, window, table, chair. I have three guards who patrol the stables night and day."

The traveller nodded in agreement and paid the barkeep, then exited the tavern to move his wagon to the stable. As he went, he heard a shrill cry, then a loud sound that reminded him of leather slapping against the side of a horse's flank during a gallop. He just assumed that a wife was getting what she deserved from her husband, and continued into the stable.

He met with the first guard and showed him the card that the barkeep had given him. The guard nodded and pointed to a nearby empty stable. It was roomy, large enough for his horse to lay down and sleep and keep his wagon safely secured. After the traveller had parked his wagon, fed and watered his horse, and made a nice soft bed of straw for his beast, he entered the inn side of the tavern and found the room labeled with a swirling symbol carved into the plain wooden door. Inside, as described by the barkeep, was a plain room. A comfortable-looking bed sat at the far end, with a table and chair against the side wall, and a window on the opposite side of the room.

The traveller sighed as he pulled off his boots and dumped a few stones out onto the hard wooden floor. He sat down on the bed as he took off his light armour clothing and laid down on his back, wearing only his undergarments. He had been travelling many days, and had slept in the woods each night. Once the town came into sight his heart lifted as he knew he could find room and board, and hopefully a nice soft bed. For five pieces of gold it had better be worth it.

A candle sitting on the table flickered as a draft of wind floated through the stone window. The man stood to close the shutters when he looked out over the town. It was small in comparison to the great city he was from, and far poorer than the great castle in Balshaa, but still very homey. The kind of town he had wanted to live in since he was a young apprentice. Living under the mastership of a great knight, the traveller had learned many tricks in swordplay, archery, and theft; thought he rarely used the third trait. He had fought many strong fighters, and only lost twice, lucky to still be alive. He glanced at his sword, tucked in its leather sheath as it leaned against the wall. A special gift from the knight, give to him before he left on his quest for good. It was plain leather, twined with straps of dark material and decked with gold and gems, bounty taken from the fighters he had killed.

The sun sat high in the sky, shedding light and heat down on the town. Just as he was about to leave the window, the traveller looked down into the backyard of a house that was surrounded by a tall stone wall. The house was of decent size, possibly owned by a rich individual, but it was what was in the yard that caught his attention. Laying in the heat of the sun, chained to the wall was a lovely female Fyr. Judging by her fur and body form, the traveller concluded that she was a husky dog. She was obviously a slave, for no Fyrz deserved to be chained up like that, and the man was insane for chaining her up in the open, with so many people able to see into his backyard from the higher buildings in town. She wore only a loincloth and some rags, which she clung to even as she drowsed in the afternoon heat. There were no trees for shade, and the only thing to keep her cool was a small bowl of water, which was no doubt warm from the sun.

The traveller regarded her slender body and fine gray fur, which contrasted against her pure white hair. He stood awstruck in the window, staring at her beauty. Then a knock at the door brought him back to his senses and he went to see who it was. The door opened to reveal a squirrel, carrying a small wooden tray that carried a simple loaf of bread and a small cup of wine.

"Perhaps his lordship would like something to eat?" the squirrel asked, bowing slightly.

"Yes. Thank you very much," replied the traveller," Please, leave it on the table."

With another bow the Fyr entered the room and walked swifty to the table. This creature had obviously been doing his job for a long time, and was very good at it. The traveller followed and stood by the window once more as the squirrel placed the bread and cup on the table. He nodded out the window and spoke to the Fyr.

"Who owns this house behind the inn?"

"Baron Ratcliffe. He is a tyrant among our town, but no one, not even the local garrisson, dare go against him. He is a powerful man, my lordship. I beg you to avoid him as much as you can. They say he also has powers of the Forbidden Arts," the squirrel shuddered as he spoke, in apparent fear of the man living in the house behind the inn.

"So no one has ever stopped him from taking Fyrz as his slaves? Or beating them?" suddenly realizing that the sound he had heard earlier was the female being slapped.

"No. They just ignore it. It's almost as if those Fyrz have died... or disappeared. I should be getting back to work," the squirrel bowed once more.

"Yes. Thank you for your help," the traveller placed a silver coin in the squirrel's paw.

"Oh... thank you sir! Please have a pleasant evening."

The squirrel left swiftly once more, quietly closing the door behind him as he left. The traveller stayed by the window, continuing to stare down at the lovely Fyr. She entered his mind and clouded his thoughts. Never had he been so infactuated with a creature before. Not even a human had caught his eyes as this husky had. And a slave? It was wrong, and against the laws of the country. It was time to pay Baron Ratcliffe a visit.

Chapter 2

Night came. The light of day was replaced by inky blackness, and shadows filled every nook and cranny of the small town. The perfect place for thieves and murderers. On this particular night, a thief and knight moved slowly through the shadows behind the Baron's house. After taking a quick look in each direction, he leapt up and grabbed the top of the wall. Easily mounting the stones at the top, he gazed around the yard with one quick sweep of his eyes and then dropped noiselessly into the backyard.

With no trees or anything else for cover, he trusted the clouds to cover the moon long enough for him to get to the lovely husky that called to his heart. Sneaking along the wall, close as a snake, he reached the chain and followed it in the darkness until he found her body laying on the grass, huddled in a tight ball to protect her from the cold of night. Kneeling down next to her shivering body, the knight rested his gloved hand on her shoulder and shook very carefully. She moaned in her sleep and then raised one white eyelid. As her eyes focused she made out the form of a black shadow. Before she could scream a gloved hand covered her mouth and silenced her.

"Shhh," a calm, pleasant voice assured her," I'm a friend. I am here to help you. Please trust me."

The husky nodded and blinked her eyes, trying to focus on the face shrouded in the black hood. She saw the sword at his side and knew he was either here to rescue her or to kill her. She prayed for the first possibility.

"Who are you?" she whispered, throwing anxious glances at the house.

"My name is Shahn. And I have seen you suffering down here in the yard with no shade or water or friends. I wish to free you, and take you with me on my journey if you will come?"

"You have come to save me from that horrible man?"

"I hope so. I need you to tell me what kind of defenses he has. Guards?"

The husky nodded," He has four guards who patrol the yard every half hour, and guards stationed inside the house at every door. Trying to get inside is suicide."

The knight nodded," When were they last here?"

The husky turned away," About ten minutes ago... when they... they..." a small tear rolled down her face.

"They what?" asked the knight, but the husky had gone silent," If they have hurt you in any way, I will pay them back for it tenfold!"

"This kind of pain will be hard to pay back. For they have stolen something very special from me," the husky cried.

The knight suddenly realized. She was a bed slave. Stolen and sold to serve the pleasure of her master's disgusting fetishes. Anger swelled inside the knight as he stood slowly. He would wait for the patrol to return and then kill them, but not until he had the husky safely over the wall.

"Here. Let me get you out of those chains," he placed his hand on her again and reached for the collar that was around her neck. She drew back and pushed him away.

"Please... forgive me. I cannot stand being touched by another male... not ever again."

"I am truly sorry, m'lady. But I must get these chains off you. If you will permit me?" he smiled in the dark, and she could sense the kindness flowing from him. She nodded.

He once again placed his hand on her, reaching for the collar and exploring it with his hands. he felt her breath close to him, and her soft fur around his hands. Finally he found the secret behind the collar's lock and pulled out a small tool. Within seconds the collar was unlocked, and the husky pulled it off in earnest and tossed it to the ground, causing a loud clinking sound as the chain fell to the ground.

"Stop making so much noise and go to sleep, bitch!" a shout called from the house.

The knight could see a guard in the window. He ducked down to hide behind the female as she crouched once more. The guard disappeared. The female stood and looked at the knight. He stayed at a safe distance, giving her some space. She let the tears flow from her eyes, realizing she was finally free.

"Please come with me. I will have to help you over the wall... if you will let me?" asked the knight, motioning to the wall.

The husky nodded. They crept slowly to the wall and pressed their backs against it. The knight watched the house intently, looking for any signs of attack. He saw none. He held his hands down for the husky to step onto and vault up to the top of the wall, when suddenly a cry of alarm went out. Cursing, the knight looked up to see the moon shining through the clouds, right on him and the husky.

"Hurry! Please, don't let them take me again!" pleaded the husky.

The knight wasted no time in grabbing the husky around the waist and tossing her up into the air. She caught the top of the wall and pulled herself up, then over and into the street below. There she stayed, awaiting the protection of her rescuer.

Meanwhile, the knight was having some difficulty. The four swordsman who patrolled the yard were now bearing down upon him. His only chance was to fight them off. In his greatest battle he had defeated five opponents, but never four at one time. He pulled his sword and stood ready. The guards were poorly trained, and rushed him with no apparent strategy. The first one fell with a quick sword swing, and the second was stabbed through the belly soon afterwards. Two guards remained. The first called for help while the second attacked.

The second fighter was obviously the leader of the guards, swinging and parrying the knight's sword with each attack. The clumsy guard who had called for help entered the fight, taking a quick sword blow to his ear, drawing blood, but doing little damage. Wounded, the guard shrieked and swung wildly at the knight with a vicious rage. The sword swung through the air towards the knight, who was locked in combat with the captain of the guards. He ducked just in time, allowing the sword to cut cleanly through the neck of the captain. His head fell off and rolled along the grass.

"Oh my..." began the guard, but was cut short by the knight's sword.

The knight surveyed the yard once more before vaulting to the top of the wall. Just as he was about to leap down to join the husky he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. An arrow had penetrated his armour and was now embedded in his flesh. Turning, the knight saw an archer on the balcony of the house, nocking another arrow, ready to shoot. Before he gave the archer a second chance, the knight slipped off the roof, just as the second arrow flew overhead.

The husky cried out as she saw the arrow protruding from the knight's arm," You're wounded!"

"I'll be okay. I have healing supplies in my room. Come this way, quickly," Shahn covered the wound with one hand as he motioned towards the inn.

The two rushed towards the inn door and closed it behind them, just as another squad of guards and two archers leapt over the wall, searching for the knight and the escaped slave.

Chapter 3

In his room, the knight collapsed on the floor. The husky rushed to his side and pulled him up onto the bed. She stripped him of his upper armour and carefully worked the arrow out of his his arm. The knight winced in pain, but was happy once the arrow had been removed. He looked at it as the husky set it on the table by the bed, and then went to get his pack of supplies. She dressed his wound and wrapped it in a bandage. Once she was done she stood up and sat in the chair, laying her head on the table, crying.

"Thank you m'lady. But why are you crying?" asked the knight, sitting on the edge of the bed. He wanted to comfort her, but knew she would push him away. How could she been hurt in such a way?

"You don't know what they did to me in there. I went willingly, replying to a job advertisement for a server for the Baron. My friends warned me, but it was good money and I need the job. But then they prevented me from escaping. The took my clothes and forced me to wear these rags," the husky pulled at the loincloth for emphasis," And they... used me almost every night. It was horrible."

The husky began to sob and cry once more. The knight felt sorry for her, wishing he knew what to say.

"That is just wrong. He knows the laws prevent the taking of Fyrz as slaves. I only wish there was something I could do," the knight offered his hand to the maiden, but she continued to cry. He looked at the floor and then out the window. He stood and looked out at the yard. Many guards with torches were now scouring the yard and surrounding streets for any sign of the knight and escaped slave. Then a dark figure emerged from the house and approached the main group of guards, flanked on both sides by a group of four bear Fyrz, armoured in black dragon pelts.

"What has happened here?" he shouted.

"Lord Ratcliffe. The female husky has escaped. She was taken by someone. He killed four guards before our archer got him, but he escaped over the wall," replied the closest guard, a fox in light armour.

"How could she have escaped? Aren't I paying you enough? At least those fools paid for their incompetance," growled the man. He turned and looked up, seeming to watch the knight in the window, but then turned around back to his house," Nevermind. She was never that good anyway. And I still have my other slaves."

The knight fumed with rage as he heard this. The man still had many other slave girls in his possession. He turned and kneeled next to the husky," M'lady, please. I beg of you to tell me the layout of his house, so that I might rescue the other slaves."

"You cannot. They were bought and paid for... human slaves. I was the only Fyr. I swear it. Please... do not get killed over it," the husky looked at him, pleadingly.

The knight nodded. As much as he hated it, it was still legal in the land to have human slave girls. But at least he had done good, and rescued the Fyr from the Baron's evil hand.

"Here, m'lady. You sleep on the bed tonight. I will sleep on the floor."

"But sir. I couldn't..."

"Please. I will make my usual travel bed on the floor and sleep comfortably. I want you to sleep in comfort and warmth for one night," the knight nodded and motioned to the bed.

The husky nodded and curled into the bed, wrapping the covers over her. She soon fell asleep.

Chapter 4

The next day, early in the morning, the knight helped the husky up onto his horse. Late into the night, he had carefully theived his way into a clothing shop and stolen a lady's riding garments. Adding a hooded cape to conceal her face, the knight thought she looked very beautiful in her new clothes. The husky thanked her for his kindness and more than happily mounted the horse, ready to escape the town. He then joined her in the saddle, carefully putting his arms around her to grab the reins.

As they approached the bridge that led out of town, the knight's grip on the reins tightened. There, guarding the exit, were a pair of archers and two swordsmen. Baron Ratcliffe's men. Maintaining his composure, the knight trotted onward until he was halted by the guards.

"You there. Where are you going?" asked the captain.

"I am travelling from here to Gloschester. My companion and I are through with our business here," replied the knight.

The husky hung her head, imitating a sign of respect for the captain, but also trying to conceal her face further inside the hood. The knight could feel her trembling and wanted to continue.

"Let's see your identification," ordered the captain," Dismount and give up your sword."

"Very well, but I am keeping my sword. Or are you afraid I'm going to kill you with it?" jeered the knight as he dismounted.

The guard growled a little, but took the knight's small pocketbook and examined it closely. He turned to his companion and they discussed something for several minutes before turning back to the knight," We'll have to take a look at your companion as well. Plese have her dismount or I shall force her from the steed."

The knight nodded and turned. As he did so, he pulled two small daggers from his belt and flung them backwards under each arm. The two guards grunted as the knives pierced their chests. They fell to the ground. Before either of the archers could get an arrow ready, one was eating the blade end of the knight's sword, and the other was hit over the head with a large piece of wood that the knight had picked up off the ground.

"Come on! Let's get going!" the knight cried as he leapt onto the horse.

Just as he was under way, an arrow flew past his face. Turning he saw the archer getting up from his fall and nocking another arrow. It whizzed by, dangerously close.

"We're going too slow. They'll have horses here in seconds!" screamed the husky.

"We're not getting caught. I'll disconnect the wagon," the knight leaned backwards and hacked at the leads that connected the horse's harness to the wagon. The wagon broke loose and slammed against a tree. With the lack of weight behind him, the horse began galloping. The two riders were soon safe in the woods, many miles from the town.

"I think we've lost them. I doubt the Baron would care that we escaped, since they have nothing on or against us. Just a renegade and his companion. One in a thousand that travel through here each day.

He dismounted and then helped the husky off the horse. She stood by him as he surveyed the surrounding area.

"This will make a good campsite for tonight. I'll set up the tents and start cooking somethng for us to eat," he said, reaching for what was left of his supplies, still strapped to the side of his horse.

"Please, kind sir. Let me cook for you. It's the least I can do for you," asked the husky, smiling a little.

"Very well. I'll get wood for a fire then."

Several minutes later, smoke drifted up through the trees and the smell of cooked meat floated through the woods. The knight reclined against a large log near the fire as the husky tended to the meal, a rabbit on a spit that the knight had caught. Other foods sat beside the fire, such as berries and other types of fruit and a few roots. The husky was mixing several of them into a small pot that the knight had, and would occasionally taste the brew and add more of one ingredient. Once she appeared to be finished, she filled a cup and handed it to the knight.

"Here. I made it myself. Forest Ale. Not as good as the real stuff, but you won't find its flavour anywhere else," she said, kneeling next to him and smiling as he sipped the steaming drink.

"Very nice. It is very delicious," the knight took another sip, and then downed the whole glass in one last gulp.

"Thank you. I think the rabbit will be done soon. We can eat in a minute."

The knight nodded and laid back. His arm flared up for a second, but the pain soon subsided. It would take a few more days to heal, but until then he could put up with the pain. He quickly went to his tent to get his knife, having never eaten without it. Next to his tent was the husky's. A similar tent, but smaller. He had very little material, epecially after losing his wagon, but he had enough to keep them comfortably slept for the next few nights. Until they could reach the next town.

As they ate, the knight told her of his grand adventures, and his quest to be a full knight. In return, the female told the knight of how she had grown up in the forest with her family, until they died of a disease and she had come to the town to find work. Tired and alone, she found the well paid job of handmaiden to the Baron. But instead she ended up as his bed slave.

The knight shoved himself closer to her and reached to put his arm around her to comfort her, but she pushed him away," I'm sorry. I don't feel safe with a male. They did terrible things to me. I don't think I could ever be with someone again!"

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to help."

"No... I'm sorry," she submitted and let him hug her closely.

He could feel her shuddering as she sobbed, and she gripped him very tightly, safe at last. The knght closed his eyes and gently stroked her smooth hair, hoping she felt safe and loved. But she had been abused, and he knew it could take a long time for her to recover.

Chapter 5

Days passed, and the two lived together in the woods. The husky revealed herself to be Chinook. A noble name among her people. Shahn had become very attracted to her, and was glad she was opening up a little each day, but she never gave more than friendly hugs when they met or parted or when a flashback of her terrible ordeal swept over her. Shahn was a very gentle and understanding man, and stayed with her all through her sorrow and longing.

One night, a wild boar had run through their little campground, making a mess and shredding Chinook's tent before Shahn could kill it. Knowing there was only one tent left, Chinook offered to sleep on the grass, but Shahn carefully invited her to sleep in the tent with him. She cautiously entered and then knew it was safe, for he had prepared two seperate beds inside the small space. As she laid down next to him, a sudden wave of emotions came over her. She rolled onto her side and looked deeply into his green eyes. He smiled and wished her a good night, and then rolled away from her.

She sat up slowly and laid against him, snuggling into his back and murring quietly. Shahn turned onto his back and held her close. She put her arm on his chest and held him close, crying into his arms as their love blossomed that night. Daring to kiss her, Shahn leaned closer to her face, her blue eyes getting larger and larger as he approached. Chinook's eyes closed as their lips met, pressing against each other in a passionate kiss.

"I love you," she said as they parted.

"I love you too. And I will always be here to protect you," replied Shahn.

The two snuggled close under the blankets as the night went on, leading hour upon hour until dawn approached. The sun rose over a hill and shone its red morning rays on the two lovers sleeping in their tent. Finally having found happiness and contentness. Chinook felt safe with Shahn, and Shahn felt his quest could wait until another day. Right now he wanted to be with Chinook and protect her forever and ever.

And that is how life goes on in the land of Sarhah.

The End

*Fyr & Fyrz are different ways of pronouncing Fur and Furs.