AN: Here's another chapter. I'm at this moment, helping my brother renovate his house, so again, I don't know how long it will take for the next chapter to arrive. Like all the other chapters, I've put this through Grammarly, but mistakes still manage to get through. Don't be afraid to point them out to me. Other than that, enjoy.


First Chapter: Act I
Next Chapter: Act VII
Previous Chapter: Act V


***

SYNOPSIS:
Jason Sankowski did not expect to live an exciting life. Not even in a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for food by the giants that roam the lands. Yet, upon arriving in a new city, to begin a new life, he is suddenly removed from his comfortable surroundings and thrust into a fight for survival.

***

“The Odyssey”
By MrNelg

Act: VI

If there was a hell, Jason was in it. The air stank with unwashed fur, clothes, waste, manure that littered the streets and even the occasional dead animal. On top of all that, the air within the sack was stifling. He had loosened all his clothing, and he was still sweating.

Glitch had requested an extra hour to search for any Oryctolagus's before asking. She was going to take another big gamble and ask a soldier because they'd be the only ones who would both know and be willing to assist her. From the looks of the soldiers, this city appeared to be in control of the Grevyi. They wore no armour, just a leather vest, long, billowing capes with belts, bronze round-shields and long, outwardly curved bronze sickle swords. Some of the more important ones had bronze shoulder guards and carried spears instead of swords.

An hour passed, and there was no sign of any Oryctolagus's. Reluctantly, Glitch sought out a soldier to ask. She had to seek out a high ranking one because none of the grunts spoke any trade. His answer confirmed their worst fears. The only Oryctolagus trading mission in the city had just left over a week ago. They had joined a Leo caravan travelling north, through the Grass Sea to a trading port on the coast.

{Let's focus on the positive,} Jason said as they walked away. {We know. Now we can go about organising a quick way out of here. The Cervidae understand where we were heading, and they will hear that we're looking for Oryctolagus's. All we do now is proceed with our backup plan. We get some coin, and find a way out of here.}

{Okay,} Glitch said, as she looked for a secluded alley into which to duck. After finding one, Jason found himself in a long, narrow passageway that felt too cramped even for the small Oryctolagus. Looking both ways, she placed the sack on the ground and opened it. {What clothing do you have to give away?}

Jason pulled off his vest and gave it to her. {This is a big piece of clothing I can do without,} he said as she pinched it between her finger and thumb claws. {The aim is to get as much coin as possible from this.} She gave it a test sniff.

{Whoa, this is heavier than your tye,} she said.

{I've been sweating in here.} Glitch leaned in closer, examining him.

{Then why aren't you panting?}

{We have, sweat glands in our skin,} Jason said, holding up his arm, to show the hair along it was slick with sweat. {It leaks out whenever we are hot.} Glitch's face twisted into an expression he couldn't read.

{That is disgusting, and yet amazing at the same time,} she said slowly. She returned his vest so that he could imprint more of his scent onto it.

Putting it back on, Jason paused as another scenario played through his mind. {Just out of curiosity, if the Cervidae do find out about you, they are going to find out you're selling sapien clothes. It won't be too tricky putting together those puzzle pieces to see the full picture.} She nodded as if she wasn't afraid of being discovered. {Wouldn't the Cervidae be worried that you plan on selling me to the Oryctolagus's?} He paused. {Would they declare war on them?}

Glitch shook her head matter-of-factly. {Oryctolagus's and Cervidae's don't share borders; in fact, they are far apart. If they did, it would grab everyone's attention, and then they'd find themselves explaining this invasion. The other guilds are subtly aware that they're after an Oryctolagus. The Cervidae are already under suspicion from the other guilds that they weren't truthful about your fate. Declaring war on the Oryctolagus's to prevent them from getting their hands on you, would all but admit they were lying.} She smiled. {Besides, I don't intend to sell you to the Oryctolagus guild.}

{But would they be willing to allow the risk of me falling into their hands?}

{No, because the Oryctolagus Guild wouldn't have a clue what the Cervidae are talking about. Before war could even begin, they would call upon the Law of Trade for an investigation into the matter, which will prove that they won't have you. Once the inquiry is settled, everyone will then turn their eyes towards the Cervidae.} She chuckled. {Until something substantial comes up, there's nothing the Cervidae can do about it, other than speculate.}

Jason nodded and decided to steer the subject back on topic. {So, what are the details of our escape?}

{We find out which ships are sailing to Oryctolagus lands,} she replied. {Or if any are going on a round-about way there.} Off they went to find the harbour master.

They didn't have to search long, as she was kind of hard to miss. Comically overweight, she wore no clothing; except for a sling bag, and covered her whole body in necklaces and jewellery. Numerous piercings of sorts dotted nearly every inch of her face. She must have been charmed by her cuteness, because she was polite to Glitch, answering all her questions. What Jason heard made his heart sink.

There was a reason why the Oryctolagus's had travelled north through the Grass Sea. No boats were journeying to the Oryctolagus's lands, or anywhere near there for months. Ships were taking that route, though the city which the Oryctolagus's were going to, was their only port of call.

{So what's next?} Jason asked as they walked away.

{First, we get some coin,} Glitch answered as they returned to the market district. {Then we will have to discuss our next course of action.} She smiled. {We don't have to rush, and being a slave to a merchant, I picked up a few tricks.}

Although the high-end district would pay handsomely, they couldn't go there, as the merchants would demand answers Glitch couldn't afford to give. That left them with the middle-class neighbourhood. While not able to pay as much as the wealthier traders, they wouldn't ask questions. Hunting around, they eventually settled on a well-to-do pawn shop. Much to Glitch's distaste, the owner was a Suricatta. Still, it looked like the only shop in the area, that would be able to pay a decent amount of coin for Jason's vest.

The male wore a long, flowing black cloak, richly embroidered with gold. His height put him at eye-level with Glitch. {*! You speak the trade tongue,} he greeted her. {Well educated.} He gave her clothing a once over. He momentarily paused, as he judged the situation. {What can this humble merchant do for you?}

Glitch gave the contents of his shop a thorough examination. {I'm not sure,} she said slowly. {I see you have many beautiful items, but -}

{Do you doubt the quality of my merchandise?}

{Not at all,} Glitch answered. {It's just that its commonplace items that everyone would need.} The Suricatta gestured for her to elaborate. {I have an object that would turn you a profit, but I'm not sure you could afford it.} The mammalian's expression didn't change.

{Why don't you let me be the judge of that.}

{It's such a valuable item,} Glitch responded. {Very rare too, but if you are unable to afford it, I'll understand.} She unslung her sack and reaching in, withdrew Jason's vest. After handing the garment to her, Jason couldn't help but once again, pry apart the knitted wall to watch what would unfold.

The Suricatta's entire body went ridgid. Like the Lutrinae captain, his nostrils flared, but more audibly. Even within the sack, Jason saw his pupils dilate and his laced fingers tense. His friendly smile was gone, his mouth slightly gaping. He could hear the harsh breathing increasing in volume.

*****? His voice was almost hoarse. Glitch responded with a friendly reminder to speak trade. {Where did you get that?}

{So, you're not interested in buying?} Glitch tilted her head slightly.

{No! ** Yes!} the merchant snapped. {I mean... I- *!} His fingers unlaced and angled themselves towards Jason's vest. {That is an * artefact.} Glitch's brow furrowed. {It's from my tongue,} he explained. {It roughly translates into 'naked small-one.' I believe you call them Sapiens.} He inhaled noisily, drinking in Jason's scent. *********... he muttered.

{As I said earlier,} Glitch said, {I'm not sure you can afford it. As you can tell, the scent it emits is quite overpowering. I'm sure that you could find a predator who would pay handsomely for such an item.} She half turned her head towards the exit. {Maybe I have...}

{You have come to the right place, my dear,} the Suricatta was suddenly beside her; though his eyes were locked onto the vest. {Did you know, just over two weeks ago, a Cervidae merchant train came through, with five of the little delicacies? I never got a chance to see them myself, because they were quickly snapped up by a Leo clan.} Jason shuddered within the sack. Other sapiens were purchased before the riot, and he'd forgotten about them.

{So, you do understand its value,} Glitch said. For a brief moment, the fur on the Suricatta's hackles rose. He'd allowed himself to break the cardinal rule of bartering. Never let the seller know that you understand the object you want to buy is valuable. He quickly regained himself.

{Well played, my dear, however...} he held up a finger. {You are right, my shop is full of every-day items, that everyone can afford. After all, I'm not a wealthy merchant. However, I can't help but wonder, why you didn't go to the more prosperous merchants first?} To her credit, Glitch didn't flinch. {Is it because no one will take you seriously with your age or clothes? Or are you unwise as to the full value of the item in question...?} He trailed off and deliberately paused. {No, or else you wouldn't have trapped me like that.} Then he gave a smile that was both friendly, and predatory. {You know precisely what you have; You don't want to draw attention to yourself.}

Glitch was silent for five seconds. {But you still want it,} she said.

{I didn't say that I'm not interested,} the Suricatta hastily added, his eyes locked on Jason's vest. {I'm just saying, that I might not be able to afford your asking price.}

{What is it you're suggesting?}

{Maybe we can help each other?} he asked. {You don't want to talk too much, and I would be very interested in what you have to sell.}

Glitch was silent for another five seconds. Then folding her arms, said, {Let's talk.} They haggled back and forth over price. In the end, they were only able to get thirty silver coins. Glitch even managed to get some new clothes; A cobalt blue tunic with gold trim borders and a leather belt. After changing, she left the shop behind, listening to the sounds of the Suricatta merchant inhaling deeply.

{Could you have gotten more for that?} Jason asked. Glitch gave a single, sharp nod.

{I told you, Suricatta's are cheats,} she muttered, {I believed if he soaked up enough of your scent, I'd be able to catch him off his game, but he was too smart for me.} She sighed. {I guess I didn't pick up enough tricks.}

{You did good,} Jason assured her. {We have coin, and you look respectable.} At this, she stopped to give her tunic another look. {Perhaps you won't get as many stares as before.} She smiled.

{It does look nice,} she commented.

{Exactly,} Jason said. {Let's try to avoid focusing on all the bad that happens. As we sapiens say, 'Any success, is a success.'} Glitch half turned towards the sack, a small smile on her lips.

{I like the way you sapiens think,} she said. {Now, let's have some lunch, and figure out what to do next.}

They still had some food left over from the ship, so Glitch went to a public fountain for water and a place to relax while they planned. Trying to find a round-about way back to Oryctolagus Lands by boat, would be too risky, time-consuming and expensive. They would have no choice but to cross the Grass Sea and follow the Oryctolagus's. Glitch would have to ask around, to find out when the next trade caravan or if a Leo clan was heading to that city.

They had to travel to the outskirts of the city to were the caravans were parked. Here was where the Leo's made their camp. Unlike the ones on the dock, these were armed and contained expressions that were intimidating without aiming them at anyone. They wore strange necklaces with beads and feathers. All had cloth wrappings around their wrists, hands ankles and feet. Other articles of clothing consisted of either loincloth or slit dresses with an apodesmos around their breasts. They all carried iklwa short-spears, and some even sported cowhide shields across their backs.

They tended to their riding avians. Two and a half meters tall, they all possessed a large, sharp beak, a powerful neck and sharp talons. They were fed meat, and although tethered, Glitch couldn't help shuddering at the sight of them. She wisely kept her distance from their camps.

Many merchants wished to seek passage with the Leo's across the Grass Sea, and so, she approached them for information in regards as to who was travelling where. They quickly discovered that none of the Leo clans that were trading within the city was leaving anytime soon. The only tribe that was travelling north to were the Oryctolagus's had gone wasn't leaving for another twelve days. As the merchant walked away, Jason saw that they were being observed by a grey-furred, bushy-tailed Sciuridae, dressed in a long, flowing green robe, that obscured his feet. His expression was one of deep thought.

{Okay, what are the chances of Cervidae guild agents arriving here, within the next twelve days?} Jason asked as they left the merchant behind.

{Too close to chance,} Glitch answered. {They know where I am, and given the time it takes to get a message from the coast to Tribus City, organise an agent and get them across the Lesser Sea, they should be here in roughly ten days. Bear in mind, that's just an estimate.}

{So, the Grevyi won't care if the Cervidae make you disappear?} Glitch shook her head. Jason sighed. He should've expected this by now. No one cared about anyone else but their kind. Still, he had hoped that someone would. A frown adorned his features; Sapiens were the same.

{Excuse me?} Glitch turned to the Sciuridae from earlier who'd watched them from afar. Like the Suricatta, he stood at eye-level with Glitch. Up close, Jason could see that he had a stripe of light grey that went from his lower jaw and down his neck to his chest and waist. Beneath his robe, he wore a faded yellow-brown leather skirt while cloth bindings covered his feet, ankles and calves. He carried no other decorations or accessories. {I couldn't help but overhear that you are travelling north to the coast. As it so happens, I am too.} Glitch turned towards him with interest. {I have hired a Leo bodyguard to help guide me across the Grass Sea. No other companions; just myself.} He held up a single finger. {However, if I were to have a travel companion, we split the payment for both supplies and hiring cost? Half and half?}

{When are you leaving?}

{Dawn, tomorrow.}

{What is the full price?}

{Seven gold coins.} Glitch nodded.

{Will fifteen silver suffice?} Jason winced. That was half their budget. The Sciuridae's eyes narrowed in concentration as he calculated.

{Deal,} he said, holding out his hand. Glitch accepted it. {My name is *,} he said. {I am a healer, travelling north to the coast.}

{You said you were hiring a bodyguard?} Glitch asked. {Will one be enough to protect the both of us?}

{Travelling in large groups will attract notice,} the Sciuridae answered. {Small groups are easy prey, but mammalian's travelling in pairs, three's or even groups as large as six will slip past their noses. Just the two of us, plus our Leo guide should indemnify us from attack because we won't have much in loot to steal.}

Glitch thought about that. {I can't argue with that,} she said. {Where is our gathering point?}

{The city gates to the north,} the Sciuridae said. {Our guide is a Leo answering to the name of *.} To Jason, it sounded like he was trying to cough while growling; sounding like, Rhahq. {She has three, large claw-marks running across her face. Although she has her riding avian, all of us will be travelling on foot.} He eyed her sack. {Is that all the luggage you have?} Glitch nodded. {Excellent. I'll meet you at the northern city gate at first light.} He pointed in its direction. {Bring your coin. Our guide will accept our payment and then take us across the Grass Sea.}

{I shall see you then,} Glitch said. Then the Sciuridae was gone.

{That will drain us of half our coins,} Jason said. {But I suppose that it's better than waiting, and possibly running into any Cervidae spies.}

{So long as you have articles of clothing you're willing to sell, coin won't be a problem,} Glitch reminded him. {I'm more worried about crossing the Grass Sea. While that Sciuridae healer was right, tiny groups will go unnoticed, I'm still concerned with being surprised.}

{So what dangers will we find in the Grass Sea?}

{I don't know too much about the Grass Sea, but I'm aware of two dangers that will require us to take precautions. Our prime concern will be other Leo tribes. They love raiding caravans, because why buy exotic items when you can steal them.} Jason snorted. {Secondly, there will be wild herds of *,} Jason recognised them as the avians the Leo's rode. {They are our most likely threat we'll face out there. They shy away from large groups, but smaller ones, like ours, will entice them to attack us.}

Jason sighed. Stuck between the Vulpes and the Burning Tree. {What are the chances that the Sciuridae will double-cross us?}

{Unlikely,} she answered. {I honestly believe he's just trying to find someone with which to lessen the cost of his journey. Otherwise, he would've demanded payment before we joined him.}

{So, what now?}

{We find a room to spend the night,} Glitch answered. {After all this time, I want to sleep in a bed again.} Again, Jason frowned. During their time on the road, Glitch had wrapped herself up in a blanket, while using a tiny cushion as a pillow. She stored both at the very bottom of her sack.

{That night we spent in the Inn, back at Litore Town, was that the first time you've slept in a bed?} She chuckled.

{I had a bed when I was a slave, but that was the first time in a long time I slept in one.}

{Where did you stay back in Tribus City?}

{It was between two houses built into a hillside, on the outskirts of the residential section. I was able to wedge some wooden logs between the walls and place two stolen sheets on either side to act as a make-shift curtain.}

{You weren't worried about being cornered in there?} She shook her head.

{I also chipped holes into the sides of the walls so that I could climb up them to the roof above.} She paused. {Though I never had to use it.}

They found a cheap inn to stay the night, costing them less than one silver coin. To call it a flophouse would be generous, as it was more akin to a bedspace apartment. The bed itself looked as if it'd been built within the room, as the small door frame would never have allowed it to have been carried in. It was wide enough to enable Glitch inside, while the window was almost the size of her head. It was tall and long enough to allow a Leo-sized mammalian to lie down comfortably.

Unlike the last inn, there was no bedside table or oil lamp. She stowed her sack in one corner and stripped off her clothing to go to bed. Jason kept his back turned to her as she quickly hopped under the blankets and nestled into the soft mattress and went to sleep. Laying down on the pillow beside her giant head, he soon followed her.

+++

Glitch woke first, before waking him up. Looking out the window, Jason could see the first rays of sunlight, peaking over the skyline of the city. They quickly dressed, and Jason was safely stashed away within her sack.

Mammalians gradually appeared on the streets as they hurried towards the Northern Gates of the city. The majority of the buildings they passed seemed to be apartment buildings. Privately owned business's occupied the first floor while tenants or the shop's owners lived on the floors above. Palm trees dotted the sides of the roads and open spaces around fountains. The further they travelled, Jason could make out a large stone wall in the distance.

Finally, they reached the wall, right at a massive archway. Armed Grevyi stood on both sides, checking those who were entering. Beyond the entrance, Jason could see caravan's of all kinds preparing to leave, or unpacking for their arrival. Loxodonta's laden with all sorts of sacks, rugs, art works, foodstuff, and trunks.

A tribe of Leo's had arrived with a caravan and was setting up camp outside the city walls. The Grevyi didn't seem to mind, nor care. From the looks they gave the Leo's, he was pretty sure they would've if they'd tried that within the city. Just beyond the city exit, stood a familiar robed grey-furred, bushy-tailed Sciuridae. He was standing beside a Marching Pack, consisting of a leather satchel, with cross-shaped reinforcements. A roll-shaped sack, tied at one end, a waterskin, saucepan, and cook pot, all attached to a long wooden pole. He looked pleased as Glitch walked through the archway towards him.

{Good-morning, young one,} he said as Glitch arrived. {Do you have your coin?} Glitch fished her coin out, and he nodded with satisfaction. {Hold onto it for now,} he said. {You'll have to give it to our guide,} he looked up and surveyed their surroundings. {When she arrives.}

They waited as the sun gradually rose. With nothing much to do, Jason decided to watch the Leo encampment. Leo's patrolled the edges of the camp, keeping a watchful eye on everyone. They held their shields and spears in full view to all, even striking their weapons against their shields at anyone who drifted too close.

Leo children rushed between the many Yurt-like tents that made up the camp. Their games appeared to be a hunting exercise of sorts, as they would be chasing a lone Leo cub, who was kicking a ball. One seemed to be the leader, who directed the others, to try and steal the ball away with their feet. After watching a few games, the rules appeared to rest around the one with the ball. Their goal was to get the ball from one end of camp to the other, while the others had to find a way to relieve them of it. Interestingly, the leader of the cubs was always the same every single time; though the owner of the ball was different. The Leo sentries would shoo them back towards the camp if they drifted too close to the edge, where they were patrolling.

{Is that her?} Jason's attention was drawn away as Glitch spoke.

{Yes it is,} he said. Jason followed Glitch's gaze towards a Leo who was walking towards them, leading one of those two-legged avians. Its back, loaded with personal items, much like the Sciuridae including a small, collapsible tipi. Rhahq was tall and athletically built with golden fur. She wore a tight-fitting, dark brown halter top crop top and yellow-brown leather pants. Her legs, from bellow her knees to ankles, were covered in cloth bindings. Her face held the aforementioned claw marks, but her whole body was a road-map of wounds.

Rhahq frowned at Glitch. {Who this?} she demanded, speaking in halting trade.

{This is - sorry, I never got your name, dear?} Glitch introduced herself. {She wishes to travel north with us to the city of Juu Mwisho. She has agreed to pay half the required fare.} At this, Glitch produced her coins. The Leo eyed them speculatively.

{She pull weight?} the Leo asked.

{She will,} the Sciuridae assured. Glitch nodded. The Leo eyed her again, before accepting her silver.

{We leave, now,} Rhahq said, motioning with her head. The Sciuridae picked up his marching pack and began trailing the Leo as she led her avian away from the city gates to the north.

As they left the city behind, they travelled a wide road that passed through suburbs, low one-story houses. Traffic, leaving and going tramped along, kicking up dust. It wasn't long before the houses thinned out, giving way to farms and fields. The grass was a dull green, almost yellow colour, while here and there, lone trees and bushes were visible against a nearly unobstructed panoramic view.

Eventually, the traffic grew less congested, trickling off to one or two lone travellers. Signs of civilisation started disappearing altogether, leaving only the road. It wasn't until a week had gone by that Jason realised that they hadn't seen any other mammalians at all.

After five more days travelling, the road terminated at a square-shaped mud-brick tower. Surrounding it, were a few trees, a large rectangular well and numerous hitching posts. From the parapets, were a few vigilant looking Grevyi, their gaze aimed to the north.

{This is it, my dear,} said the Sciuridae, pointing towards the tower. {That marks the end of civilisation. Beyond that, lies the unknown dangers of the Grass Sea. Are you ready?} Glitch nodded. From what Jason could see to the north, was nothing but flat plains. {Make sure to fill your waterskin for the journey, because it will be hot out there.}

Jason wiped some sweat from his brow and started loosening his clothes. It was already boiling within the sack, and he was not looking forward to the temperatures out there; though he wouldn't have to worry about dehydration. During their travels, Glitch had always stowed her waterskin within the sack, allowing for Jason to remove the stopper and drink whenever he was thirsty. However, he barely took anything out, while Glitch drained it quickly. He was more worried about his Oryctolagus benefactor.

Everyone filled their waterskins at the well, before having a deep drink; their Leo guide allowed her avian to drink its fill. When they refreshed themselves, they all headed off, passed the tower and into the Grass Sea.

Beyond the tower, the land's turned flat. Tree's dotted the landscape but hardly obstructed the view. Beyond them, hills and low mountains were a rare sight, while white, fluffy clouds filled the light blue sky. In some places, the grass rose to below Glitch's waist and was either a dull green or bright yellow.

Some days, they saw a herd of giant, reptilian quadrupeds in the distance. They were bulkier and more heavy-set than the regular beasts of burden the mammalian's of the Middle Continent used. However, Rhahq would become nervous whenever she saw them, or signs that they had been in the area recently. When Glitch queried her about this, she reassured her that they weren't dangerous.

{They *,} she said. {Leo's hunt * for food. So do *.} That was the name of the Leo's riding avians. {Where * is, so is * and *.} Glitch nodded. So in other words, where ever these giant reptiles were, there was bound to be trouble. It was no surprise that everyone quickened their pace to leave the herds behind.

+++

Three more days passed before they ran into any signs of civilisation. As the sun was setting behind the horizon, they came across a large Leo encampment. The Sciuridae asked if they should avoid them, but Rhahq soothed his fears.

{I know them, they *,} she said. {No danger.} Still, Glitch surreptitiously heaved her sack onto her back, to be behind her, for Jason's sake. The guide lit a torch, and walked towards the camp, holding it high. The camp sentries stopped her, with whom she spoke in her tongue. One hurried amidst the tents, to return with another Leo.

This new Leo and Rhahq stared at each other, before reaching out to slap a solid grip on the other's shoulders; then they smiled. The Leo spoke with their guide, before waving her on through. The sentries stood aside as the group quickly followed their guide into the camp.

Despite the danger, Jason peered through the sack netting at the Leo camp. There wasn't much activity now that the camp was settling down for the night. Various families were sitting around earth ovens; then he spied something unusual. Admits the families, he saw a towering, bulky form, shrouded in a walking robe of thin cloth; its face veiled. It was at least a head taller than the Leo's.

These creatures appeared to organise the children and give orders to the other Leo's. It wasn't until one of them approached the being did Jason realise what it was; a male. The Leo lifted the veil to reveal a larger feline face surrounded by a thick, prominent, golden, almost white mane. The female gingerly brushed at the males mane, before the two kissed. Which resulted in all the other female Leo's nearby to demand their share of the affection. The male was more than happy to kiss each and embrace every one of them. Among the Leo's who interacted with this male, Jason saw something he'd never seen on Leo's before; happiness.

Glitch must have been staring, because one of the female Leo's turned in their direction, and bared her teeth. Other's turned their heads, their expressions turning hostile, and the Leo before the male lowered the veil back into place. Like a ripple, the rest of the Leo's turned towards the group, until the whole family – now visibly armed - was watching them with threatening glares.

{Do not look, child,} the Sciuridae warned. {Leo families are highly sensitive about female non-family members seeing their husband unveiled.} He then gave her a thoughtful look. {What's the limit of your knowledge of Leo's?}

{Just the basics,} she answered.

{What do you know about Leo families?}

{That they're matriarchal. The family is militaristic in its hierarchical structure. Females rule the family, but a single male, the husband, runs the inner workings.} The Sciuridae was silent as if waiting for more information. When it was apparent Glitch had explained all she knew, he spoke.

{Because males are rare, their wives and daughters protect them. One of the primary reasons for Leo's still fighting among themselves is because of males. 'Husband Raiding,' they call it. These usually result in massive retaliation, because the only way you can continue the family, is with a male, and stealing one's husband, is seen as a method of undermining a families future.} Glitch stiffened.

{But I'm not -!} Her cry was cut off as he raised a single hand.

{To them, it doesn't matter. Not only are you a non-blood relative, but you are a female. In their culture, any female they don't know they see as a potential rapist or kidnapper. Because their culture has lived by those rules for hundreds of years, they apply it to all mammalian's.} From within the sack, Jason could see Glitch's ears twitching with fear. {It will be alright, my child,} the Sciuridae assured her. {Our stay here is limited to one night. Try not to stare too much, and if you see any males, veiled or not, avert your eyes.} Glitch swallowed audibly, and nodded.

Jason couldn't help but feel her fear. If anything happened to Glitch, he'd be down on the ground without a ladder.

Rhahq led them through the camp to the other side. Here, the tribe had tethered their riding avians, and they were permitted to set up their camp, not far enough from them for Glitch's liking. Inside the sack, Jason could feel every twitch and jump she made in sync with the echoing squawks the creatures gave.

Glitch and the Sciuridae ate their dinner by themselves. Shortly after setting up, their guide was invited away into the camp, by her friend. Not too much time later, the Sciuridae was asked to apply his healing skills to some Leo's who was suffering from a fever, leaving Glitch all by herself.

{Are you okay?} Jason asked, seeing that Glitch was staring off into the darkness of the Grass Sea.

{I'm just confused,} she said. {I've always been viewed as a pest, but never a threat.}

{I heard,} Jason said. {That Sciuridae didn't receive any hostility. Wouldn't they be worried about male mammalian's sexually assaulting them?} She shook her head.

{No, because mammalian males do not sexually assault mammalian's of different species.} She gave a half shrug. {Sex outside of one's species is considered a taboo.}

{But, what about Leo's captured in battle?}

{They fight to the death if they can,} she answered. {Surrender is humiliating to them because that means slavery. Those who do end up in enemy hands, voluntarily leave their families and tribes due to the disgrace, becoming warriors for hire.} Jason frowned, then turned as if looking in the direction of their Leo Guide.

Jason thought about that for a moment. They didn't apply their laws to mammalian men, but rather mammalian women. {You're right,} he finally said. {They are strange.} At that moment, two Leo children raced passed, somewhat close to where Glitch was. Their laughter died when they spied Glitch, and their game came to a screeching halt. Jason realised that aside from the fact that they were both girls, he hadn't seen any Leo boys. They eyed her wearily, before hurrying off, casting watchful glances over their shoulder at her.

{The sooner we leave the entire Amber Continent behind, the happier I'll be,} Glitch said flatly.

The Sciuridae healer returned sometime later, his bag jingling with coin and reeking of alcohol. ****, he said to himself as he started setting up his mat with a blanket and a cushion pillow. Glitch likewise set up her bed. Sometime later, Rhahq returned. The fumes that wafted from her muzzle stank worse than the healer. She was slow in her movements but didn't stumble as she prepared herself for sleep. Safely inside Glitch's sack, Jason eventually managed to get to sleep himself.

+++

It was the long, mournful horn, echoing all across the camp that woke Jason. All around him, he could hear the sounds of the others rousing from their sleep. The Sciuridae was babbling something in a questioning tone in his language, while Rhahq was snarling at him in her own.

{What is it?} Jason dared a whispered hiss.

{I don't know,} Glitch replied. {The entire camp is -} Her words were cut off in a startled scream. Jason would've shouted her name, except the sack was violently thrown. **! ****! Jason slammed his face into the wall as the sack jolted violently again. What in the name of Primus was going on out there?

No sooner had he hit the wall, then the sack was tossed upside down, as Glitch rolled. He wasn't interested in knowing what was going on, instead, hanging on for dear life, lest he end up catapulted into something that wouldn't cushion the impact. {Hold on, Jay-sun!} Glitch cried as she ran. {We're under attack from-} her words ended in another startled scream and she leapt sideways.

Jason was again thrown against the sack wall, just as a huge, bronze point of a sword, stabbed into the sack. Jason blinked in horror before the sack jerked, and the blade tore down the sack wall, leaving a large, gaping hole.

His mind only had a second to process the information, before all the contents began spilling out like a waterfall. Jason's eyes widened with terror, as the torrent dragged him along. His arms shot out, reaching for the wall of the sack as it passed by. His fingers snatched at empty air, and with a sickening tumble, Jason fell head-long outside.

The world around him moved in slow motion as he tumbled, his limbs flailing uselessly in the air, as he spun over and over towards the oncoming ground below.



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