Wolfmist squatted to get a better view of the creature prowling the bottom end of the paddock nearest to the woods. It was a magnificent creature, part dragon part pegasus part cougar. It's coat was a jet black and rippled smoothly with the shadows. The Skeplar were quite tame if respected but it had taken much time for one to trust Wolfmist enough for him to hear it's thoughts. They were ordered and gave the impression of cool air, shade in a burning desert, while sonorous in their meaning and initiative. They were often quite ready to coil and dance around Wolfmist since first contact and had taken on a kind of alliance with the Fenian Kingdom as a result.Wolfmist then looked at the gates and touched a metal railing. He stroked it and let a low cutting growl ripple his throat to summon a strange beast slithering from the metal to become invisible, the only evidence of it being there was the odd warping of the view behind it.
"Sire, while you are gone, the Skeplar will monitor the grounds. There is only one, at the gate, but his presence will bring more. They are most adapted to stealth and scent - rest assured they will render any evil physical or otherwise as prey. I advise that villagers surrender the odd carcass once a week Sire, just to affirm alliances, as they hunt for their own food otherwise."
Wolfmist felt the beast nuzzling his shoulder and he petted the thicker air movement with an odd understanding that was almost carnal. "Farewell, my lord."
With that, Wolfmist bowed then left for the stables to return the fille to the stable shed proper and set about to attract other beasts and magical creatures to defend the Kingdom in the King's absence.
They were large animals, much bigger than Wolfmist or any horse than he had seen, yet they were able to twist and turn to fit in any alley and light enough to move about the walls, rooftops and tiles without being seen or heard. This remarkable talent was because of their natural camouflage ability and the odd habit of becoming one with the wind and darkness. Unchallenged, however, their metal coat shifted to their natural midnight blue with white millimetre tips on the end of each hair to give the display of a shimmering effect. A most beautiful, graceful creature with much reverence and respect to be demanded, else a most destructive yet efficient and clean enemy, as was being proven to Wolfmist right now.
Wolfmist smiled, they were hungry and grateful for the many rabbit carcasses that had been hanging from the paddock fence - merely a morsel hardly that of popcorn to humans, yet it often proved as a symbol of friendship between human and Skeplar. In return, the Skeplar had defended the woods and fields from other beasts and magical species that would prey upon the livestock vital for human survival.
Now, the King was gallivanting off to a do something Kingly - Wolfmist was unsure what, precisely and understood that it was not his place to know - and Wolfmist had been charged to defend the Kingdom while the King was away. Somehow.
So, in a quick decision that he could possibly regret, Wolfmist decided to rely on the talents he could do best. Beast Keeping and Weaving. The Beast Keeping had proven worthwhile so far, with the only drawback of poop becoming a quickening inconvenience. Not only were Skeplar guarding the city by prowling between metals and shadows, but a pack of Firefang Wolves had joined the prowling route although on the furthermost outskirts of the Cities' walls. These were more obvious and citizens tended to avoid them for obvious reasons - they were not called Firefang for nothing.
Smiling, happy that a defence network was in place, Wolfmist decided to seek help from the Citizens of the Fenian Kingdom. He just hoped that he would not bump into the Town Militias and their arguments or complaints about the animals now augmenting their duties.
| Dear Citizens of Fenia, The King is travelling and has charged me with a duty of defending the Kingdom. Who will help me? Any questions - come see me. One note: beware of the beasts defending your walls - do not challenge them disrespectfully whatsoever. - Wolfmist | ||
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