Commission for  KPF

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*story by kpf *


Beaten But Not Defeated
Part 1


As soon as spring came the snow started to melt and everything was covered in mud. Cora hated the mud. As an equine it was true pain and suffering to navigate her hooves through the land which turns into swamp this time of year. She stood at the cave's entrance looking at the distance. The valley below the mountains already started to turn green, it was pleasing to the eye, especially after the past three months that she had to spend in the cave.


She didn't have problem with her accommodation, she was used to much worse, but the food was awful. Lya is a carnivore, so she didn't have anything that was good for an herbivore like Cora, with the exception of a few herbs. But those rare herbs were off-limits for the mare because they cannot be found during the winter and they are too valuable to simply eat as food. So as a last resort Cora had to eat what Lya, smoked meat. It was not the first time she had to live as a carnivore, but for three long months it was almost unbearable. The only variety was when they could catch a small feral animal, something 'fresh' as Lya said.


Lya on the other hand was happy with the situation and she had multiple reasons. First of all she found the mare amusing, as she ate meat while trying to hide her disgust. Second, she was not alone during the dark months of winter. The winter season was always depressing for her as she lived alone like a hermit and the deep snow restricted her to the cave even further for weeks in some occasions. She did not live alone by choice, but due to the fact that she had 'shameful' affections towards females, at least that's what her tribe told her before she got banished. She also loved that Cora always told her stories about her long life, stories that were sometimes happy, but mostly sad. And last but not least she felt something towards the mare, something deep that has been developing since they are together.


It has been almost a month since they first kissed each other and it probably surprised the wolf even more than the mare. At first Lya thought that Cora was only thankful for rescuing her from certain death. But when she saw the fire in those golden eyes when they looked at each other she knew that there is something more, deep down somewhere. It's something that they are not ready to say out loud, but it is there and she is certain about it.


Cora had enough of the view and entered the cave. She sat next to Lya, who was packing some things for their trip to the valley. She carefully placed all the pelts they gathered during their hunts in the past months. They will be able to trade them for anything they need, even for some decent food for the mare. The wolf looked at the mare and she quickly licked her neck in a naughty way. Cora smiled and she licked back the wolf. When Lya was finally done with her haversack they took their weapons and left the cave.


Their journey led to a village in the valley, it was a settlement of mostly grey wolves, but other furs also lived there. Lya frequently visited the village and traded pelts, medicine and her healing abilities for food and other necessities she could not get by herself in the wild. She suggested that Cora should stay at the cave, due to her noticeable appearance, but the mare went with her anyway, it was clear that she did not accept orders from anyone. Besides, she was starving for something truly edible, she really hoped to eat some vegetables or maybe some leftover fruits from the last summer, and she would have died for an apple.


As they slowly descended from the mountain the temperature started to rise. After an hour of walking they both took off their winter coats and by the time they reached the valley even the sun managed to break through the clouds. They stopped for a minute and enjoyed as the sun heated their bodies. As they continued their travel towards the village soon they noticed the first signs of life, birds, flowers and green grass all around them. They valley was already blooming, long before the snow started to melt on the mountain. They watched as the main stream through the valley got bigger and bigger as the melted snow filled the riverbed with ice cold water that ran down the hills with fast pace. They followed the water towards their destination, by the time they reached the village the stream became a fast flowing river.






When they reached the village it didn't seemed much at first sight, it was a small place with a little over 200 furs, mostly canines, but also some felines and a few herbivore families. Cora's appearance was very striking among the mostly homogenous population, she felt as the locals looked, even stared at her without any disguise. She didn't mind it, she got used to everybody looking at here wherever she went. Lya was happy that seemingly nobody cared about Cora, aside from some random staring at her. It seems that they have no interest in her, at least not dangerous ones. She stepped closer to the mare while pointing towards a mill.


- I will go to the mill, there is an old female I know for a long time. She needs some herbs for her pains, I will go check on her if she needs any. You can go to the marketplace, which is on the other side of the river, the bridge is up ahead. Trade the pelts for some food, I will meet you there a bit later.


- Do they sell some fruits or vegetables at this time of year?


- Of course, winterberries are the first to ripe here as soon as the snow starts to melt, but I guess you might find some apples too, there is a bovine family who always put apples and other fruits to their basement for the winter. All cubs love apples, even carnivores.


When Cora learned about the apples she licked her mouth unwittingly. She hasn't had an apple for almost half a year. At this point she would have given away all their tradables for a single apple. Lya touched her shoulder to pull her back to the reality.


- You okay? You seem to daydream, again.


- I am fine thank you, but I would die for an apple.


- Then tell the Laura, the cow, that Lya sent you. She will give you, even if she says that they don't have any left.


With that they continued their walk on separate ways.






Lya arrived to the mill a few minutes later. She saw the old female sitting outside, next to the big wheel, looking at it, while the water from the river turned it around at a steady pace endlessly. The old wolf waved when she saw Lya.


- It is good to see you young Lya.


- Likewise, old lady. How's your health these days?


- I can manage, my dear. I haven't seen you for months, come closer, I want to see your face.


The wolf knelt before the old lady and they put their heads together, embracing each other for a moment.


- I missed you so much, little Lya. You have grown so much since the first day I saw you. You are strong and beautiful now. But what is this unfamiliar smell on your coat? Like a... an equine?


- Yes. It's a long story my old friend. I've helped her... and now we live together on the mountain.


- Her? So you have finally found a mate?


- I... I don't know. She is nice and... I think she might become my mate, one day...


- I wish you all the best my dear. You really deserve some happiness in your life. Now, we shall celebrate! I still have some cider left! Would you be so kind and bring it out from the kitchen? You must tell me more, let's have a nice chat.


- As you wish, old lady.


Lya stood up and entered the mill. Inside she saw the mechanics that transformed the water's power into various wonders she did not really understand, but she always adored the old machine that went on endlessly and did its job without any glitches. She saw the big sawing machine, the forge, and other equipments working all around. They were operated by the old lady's mate, who himself died many winters ago. Now the locals operated the machines in exchange for helping the lady with what she needed.


She entered the kitchen nearby and looked for the glass of cider. She saw it in the window, next to some other bottles of liquor. She grabbed the bottle and wanted to turn back when she saw some movement outside. As she moved closer to the window to look out suddenly a tall white wolf looked inside, face to face with Lya. She dropped the glass and reached for her sword, by the time the glass broke into many pieces when it hit the floor she already pointed her sword towards the window, but the wolf was already gone.


She rushed to the kitchen door to get outside as her mind started to race. She could not believe that a white wolf dared to come this south from the far north. She knew that they are never alone and that their presence can mean only one thing, a raid. When she reached the main room with the big mechanic wheels she had to take a sudden step back as a big white wolf was already standing in the entrance. He came in, followed by another two wolves.


She started to think about her options. She knew every part of this place by heart, so that will be her advantage. Three against one, that is their advantage. Maybe if she could lure them closer to the big wheels, she could use... Her mind froze when she noticed the body of the old lady outside through the open door, lying on the ground lifeless. She roared at the white wolves then she attacked the closest one without thinking. Her mind went blank, the only thing left inside was vengeance.






Cora was at a food stand picking fruits and vegetables in exchange for two flawless marten pelts. She even got a couple of apples which made her really happy. She took a bite of one when she heard a loud scream. She immediately knew that something is not right. She saw cubs and females running from the scream's direction while a few nearby males grabbed their weapons and nearby tools and ran towards the alarming sound. She pulled out her sword and ran with the others.


She ran towards the bridge as fast as she could, because she knew that Lya was in the mill on the other side. As she got closer and closer to the bridge she started to hear screams and loud sounds of fighting. When she reached the old stone bridge she saw as about two dozen locals from her side tried to stop about a dozen big white wolves coming over from the other side. The defenders were more in number, but they clearly lacked any meaningful fighting skills.


She lifted up her sword and ran towards the fight. She chose a nearby opponent and she swung her sword. The wolf saw her coming so he lifted his own sword to avoid the hit. When the two blades met the metallic sound echoed from the bridge's stone. Cora and the wolf used all their powers to push against each other. When the mare felt that her hooves start to slide on the wet and smooth stone surface she suddenly changed the direction of the pressure on her sword and used the cross-guard to punch the wolf in the face. The surprised wolf stumbled back just enough that one of the defenders managed to use his pitchfork to stab him.


As soon as the wolf fell another took his place, a much bigger one with a heavy battle axe which was already blood soaked. Cora knew that she must avoid that axe, he is too strong for her to counter a direct hit. She pointed her sword towards the wolf to slow his advance a bit until she figures out something. Suddenly something clawed her thigh from behind. She had only a split second to take a glance over her shoulder. A white wolf was lying on the ground, with lethal wounds, but he still tried to attack her. She quickly used her hoof to kick him in the face just before ducking from the incoming axe. She looked behind again and she saw that the defenders are pushed back almost to the end of the bridge. They are losing the battle if they can't figure out something fast.


She jumped just in time to avoid another hit from the axe and then she rushed back towards the end of the bridge. She stabbed a wolf in the back and pushed his body to other two attackers, who stumbled by the sudden push just enough to let the defenders finish them with their weapons. The remaining three white wolves were quickly overwhelmed by the remaining defenders. Cora looked towards the bridge again and saw another wave of wolves approaching with the big one with the axe on one of the sides, looking at right into her golden eyes. She shouted at the remaining defenders.


- Grab a sword and form a line! Stay close to each other! We must protect the bridge! Stand your ground and hold the line at all cost!


Deep inside she didn't believe that it's a realistic possibility, but they had to try. Maybe they can hold up the wolves just long enough to let the rest of the villagers flee while they still can, while she wanted go to the other side, but how? As the two sides clashed in the middle of the bridge Cora remembered all the battles she fought in her life. Her brain shouted her to flee, dying in a pointless battle for strangers is not worth it. But she also remembered her father's teachings about honor and duty. What's her life worth if she loses her honor anyway?


She looked at the big wolf again, tightened her grip on her sword and she lifted it high up above her head. She put all her power into one strike that will decide their fight either way. The big wolf saw the strike coming and he lifted his axe horizontally to counter it. It seems that he found a worthy opponent in this village otherwise full of peasants and cowards. He even grinned at her pointless strike until the sword hit the wooden handle that cracked under the sheer force of the hit. The wolf was shocked, no one ever could manage to break the thick wooden handle. The mare's blade even cut the wolf's chest open, just not deep enough.


Cora's blade went through everything until the stone bridge stopped the blade with some sparks. The moist surface and the powerful halt of her sword made Cora stumble a bit, just enough not to be able to raise a defense against the wolf's incoming attack. He hit her with his hand on her upper arm. The powerful hit pushed her over the stone railings and she fell into the river. She landed on her back in the water on a shallow bank in the middle of the river. She felt the pain in her arm and she saw as her blood leaked from the four long claw marks across her striped skin. She reached for her sword and looked up just in time to see as the wolf licking off her blood from his hand while he used his other hand to smear his own blood coming from his own chest.


She looked around and she knew that she can't get to the shore without swimming through the deep water, which was freezing cold as it came down from the mountains. But this gave her an idea. She looked up brave, with her eyes burning.


- Come if you dare!


The wolf roared at her in rage and jumped over the railings just as Cora jumped into the fast and cold water to reach the shore. The water was so cold she felt as it reached her bones, her body twitched as she lost the feeling in her limbs. Her brain kept sending orders to her muscles to swim, even if she didn't feel the movement anymore. After nearly a minute of struggling she reached the shore and she used all her powers to try to get out of the water.


When she managed to pull herself ashore she looked back just as the wolf tried to come after her by trying to swim. She smiled as the wolf struggled more and more as his thick winter fur started to fill with water and it became too heavy for him. The wolf realized too late what was happening. He couldn't fight the cold water and the weight of his own wet fur anymore. He tried to stay afloat and he grasped for air a few more times before he finally sunk like a rock.


Cora leant back onto the ground looking at the sky. She was still shaking when she started to silently laugh. Muscle without brain, one of the oldest stories in the book. The wolf beat her, but he could not defeat her. She lay there for a couple of minutes to catch her breath and let her body heat up on the sun when the turning wind brought smoke in the air. She turned her head towards the direction and she saw that the mill was on fire. Her eyes went wide when she realized that Lya is probably still there somewhere. She tried to stand up and ran towards the mill as fast as she could. She felt that she is racing with time itself...