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AN: Finally! I managed to get a new chapter out. This one is a bit longer than the usual, and I prey to God it doesn't come of as me tap-dancing, but I just had so much story to tell. So, enough chit-chat from me... It's story time! Again, I've put this through Grammarly, so I apologise for any spelling or grammar throughout the story.
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.
It was no surprise that Jason didn't get a wink of sleep that night. When the morning sun eventually started shining through the window's closed shutters, the Sciuridae rose and began preparing for the day. Jason remained quiet while he went about his business. When Tac was finally ready, he held up his hand, palm out towards him. Jason just stared at it and sighed before stepping onto the pads and sitting down.
{There's nothing to be afraid of,} Tac reassured him, as he gently lowered his hands down towards the table where his sack was waiting. {They will not eat you.} Jason turned to look up at him as the healer opened the sack. The mammalian paused.
{Let me tell you something we Sapiens learnt a long time ago,} Jason said. {Theory and reality exist in two different worlds.} Tac sighed and lowered him into the sack gently, before closing it. He was careful as he hoisted it onto his back and left the house.
He was quick in travelling to the palace, as if he wanted to end this as soon as possible. Jason didn't bother looking out through the knitting, instead, choosing to sit and wait for the inevitable; praying that the Sciuridae would be right. When he heard the familiar barking sounds of Lupus's tongue, he couldn't help but tense up. There was more walking before he recognised a familiar and loud voice.
{Tac! What a pleasant surprise,} the Prime Alpha cried. {Couldn't stay away from my charming personality?}
{Actually, I have something to show you,} Tac said, and Jason went stiff; This was it. {I wanted to show you last night, but your Rattus guests gave me reason to hesitate.} The Prime Alpha scoffed.
{I don't blame you,} he said. {I wouldn't show a Sapien in front of those **, either.} Jason shot up. The Sciuridae must have done the same because the sack jolted suddenly.
**-! *... **?
{Of course I knew,} the Prime Alpha answered. He paused in thought. {Well, I didn't honestly know until last night; After you left.} Again, there was another pause. {Is it in there?}
Tac was silent, before answering, {He. Yes, he's in there.} There was murmuring in the background. They weren't alone. The Sciuridae walked a few paces, before setting the sack down on something hard. The top opened up, and reaching in, he enclosed Jason within his fist, before gently lifting him out.
Released from the sack, Jason blinked at the world around him as Tac carefully placed him on a wooden table. Standing before him, was not only the Prime Alpha but all six of his wives. As one, they all gathered around to peer down at him. Ears were fully erect; tails were high, and more than a few had an excited look in their eyes. Jason's whole body tensed up, and he took an automatic step backwards.
{Please,} Tac warned, {Be gentle, you're scaring him.} A few of the wives sniffed the air.
***, one said. ****?
*******, Tac answered. Jason would love to know what was said, but he was too terrified to utter one syllable.
The Prime Alpha was scrutinising Jason. {My information told me that it could speak trade,} he said to the Sciuridae.
The Lupus not only knew he existed but that he could communicate? Jason licked his lips and tried to speak, but his mouth just worked silently. He hadn't been this terrified since he'd been captured by the Procyon's. When he was at the market's, he'd had no problem building up the courage to speak in front of many predator's, and even the Vulpes, through protection by distance, heavily armed soldiers, and a cage. Here, there was nothing.
****! Tac said, and the Lupus's all took a step backwards. Jason took in a deep breath and spoke.
{I- I can speak trade.} Again, ears shot up. One of the wives, the one who'd spoken with the Sciuridae, pointed at him.
{Can you remove your Surrexerunt petals? I want to smell you.}
"What?" She flicked an ear at the sound of his natural tongue, before continuing.
{I've never smelt a Sapien before. I want to taste your scent.} Jason took an even greater step backwards.
{Now, now, my love,} the Prime Alpha said gently. {You're scaring the poor little thing.} He turned back to Jason before looking towards the Sciuridae. {Now I understand why you were hesitant in revealing it- him before the Rattus's.} He turned back to Jason. {A Sapien that can speak? That would indeed be a prize.} As he spoke, it sounded as if he was having a hard time believing it.
{How did you know about me?} Jason asked. The Prime Alpha's ears twitched in excitement and surprise.
{My pack is loyal to me,} he answered slowly, as if unsure that he was having a conversation with a Sapien. {Any information they discover, they let me – or those of higher rank – know. Any news deemed of capital importance is passed up the chain to me. There is nothing in this city that I don't know about.}
{Are you having me protected?} Tac asked. Jason quirked an eyebrow. Protected? He couldn't help but wonder if that was a euphemism for, 'Watched?'
{Indeed,} the Prime Alpha answered. {You are my dearest friend, Tac. Those four years ago, you risked your own life to ensure that no harm came to me. So while you live in my lands, I wish to do the same for you.} Tac seemed to be thinking hard about something.
{The mother?} The Prime Alpha nodded.
{That was an unexpected opportunity,} he answered. {She didn't go to you straight away, but the healer she did go to, knew that you were here, and suggested you to her, not just to protect you, but heal her daughter.} He paused awkwardly. {Though he knew about our friendship, he didn't know about your greatest fear.} Now Tac gave an awkward pause.
{Actually, since we're all being honest here, this brave Sapien helped me.} Ears and tails went still, then as one, almost machine-like, they turned to look at Jason. {Jay-sun's small size allowed him to fix the internal damage done to the child.}
*, the Prime Alpha muttered.
"Jay-shun?" One of the wives asked. ****? The Sciuridae nodded.
{Why does your name sound so weird?} Another wife asked.
{Hey, can you speak a full sentence in your tongue?} asked another.
{Can you fly?} a third chimed in. More were stepping forwards, crowding around and looming over him.
{You're so small, you remind me of the dolls I used to play with.}
{Can I touch your skin?}
{No, let me touch your head fur!}
{Please, take those petals out, I want to smell you!}
The Prime Alpha barked loudly, and they all backed off, ears lowered. He then turned back to Jason. {So, you helped Tac conquer his fear of operating on children?} Jason nodded.
{Yes, I did.} Although technically kidnapped, Jason considered the friendship between the Sciuridae and the Lupus, and he didn't want to tell him that.
{Jay-sun? That is how you say your name?} Jason nodded. The Prime Alpha suddenly stiffened and lowered his head towards him. {Thank you, Jay-sun. Thank you for helping, Tac.} The wives quickly followed suit. Jason turned to see that Tac was gracing him with a giant smile that pretty much said, 'I Told You So.'
{He means a great deal to you?} Jason asked.
{No mammalian would've done what he did,} the Prime Alpha said, standing up straight.
{Why?} The Lupus's seemed surprised.
{Because I'm not of his species,} The Prime Alpha answered, as if explaining the obvious. {Everyone in my pack knows this, that is why the lower ranking Lupus's are willing to protect him for my sake.} Jason thought back to when they'd first arrived at the palace. The guards recognised Tac straight away, and they took him to the Prime Alpha with haste. Or when they'd come for the celebration last night. None of the high ranking Lupus's cared in the slightest that they prioritised the Sciuridae's entry over theirs.
It was then that an unanswered question finally returned to the forefront of his mind. {How did that mother Lupus know I was here?}
{Her daughter spends most of the time sleeping, healing from her injuries,} the Prime Alpha answered. {Time she doesn't spend with her daughter is time she spends listening for trouble, and patrolling your home.} Both his ears wiggled slightly. {Though I did have trouble believing her reports that Tac had a talking Sapien.} Jason half-turned, as if looking back towards their house. How thin were those walls?
{You believed her?} He asked.
{No one in my pack would dare report a lie to me, nor concoct one so outlandish.} He gave a half shrug. {And even if she did, what purpose would a lie abut a talking Sapien serve? There was no other choice but to believe it.}
{Why didn't you tell us that you had us protected?} Jason asked.
{As I said earlier,} the Prime Alpha answered, {I didn't make that decision. The healer she initially visited – being of higher rank than her - decided that Tac needed looking after. My friendship with Tac is common knowledge to all Lupus within my pack. While I am unaware of how long it takes for information to circulate among Sapiens, with us, news travels as fast as a mammalian can move. I wasn't aware of the decision until after you settled into your new home.} He gave a small smile. {She was more than happy to pass on the news that Tac had saved her daughter.}
Jason thought about something else. If she knew he was in the house, why didn't she eat him? Then he remembered why the Sapien's the Rattus's held wouldn't be eaten. Jason could couldn't help but admit that yet again, the Sciuridae had been right. Then another thought crossed his mind. If she heard him and knew he spoke trade, did she know he was responsible for saving her daughter?
The Prime Alpha stared at him with a cocked head, before sitting down a chair and giving a small laugh. {Can you believe it? I'm having a conversation with a Sapien?} He looked back at Jason. {Even with everything I've seen and done, the world still finds a way to surprise me.}
One side of Jason's mouth rose. {And you are the second predator, I've held a conversation with.} The smile then vanished, as Jason gave the Lupus a long, hard look. He needed to put pleasantries aside and ask the question that needed answering. {Does that mean you won't eat me?} Tac tensed, while a few of the wives gave the Prime Alpha subtle, hopeful looks.
{Do you want me to?} was the answer he received. Jason shook his head, vigorously. {Then why did you ask?}
{Your kind does have a habit of doing so,} Jason said. Behind him, he could hear Tac give a small whimper.
{You are the friend of Tac,} the Prime Alpha said. {Even if you are a Sapien, I won't eat you. Especially not after what you've helped him overcome.}
{Sir, I apologise,} Jason said, {but my kind has never had a history of good relations with Mammalian's; not just predator's. I had to be sure.} The Prime Alpha was silent for a long time.
{I would be lying if I said I hadn't eaten a Sapien.} Jason visibly flinched. The Prime Alpha missed this as his expression turned nostalgic. {Your kind is... has the most delicious flavour. I can recall each time I-} He abruptly shut up, aware of what it was he was talking about, and to whom. Behind him, Jason could see his wives twitch with excitement; One even gave her lips a quick lick as she eyed him. Jason attempted to take another step backwards, only to realise that he'd run out of table.
{I believe we need to change the topic of the conversation,} Tac hastily added, as he moved closer to Jason.
The Prime Alpha gave the table a sharp slap that sent a jolt up Jason's spine. {You're right,} he muttered, though Jason could detect a slight hint of disappointment in his voice. {This is an inappropriate conversation.} He turned to look down at Jason. {You must forgive my wives and I for our behaviour. For predator's who aren't native to the Middle Continent, talk of - and actual Sapien's... can excite us.} Jason gave a single, emotionless nod. {Still, I am a Lupus of my word. Jay-sun?} Jason nodded. {I hereby grant you my protection. As a friend of Tac, you are now my friend.} Behind him, the excitement in many eyes dimmed; Tails stilled and ears lowered. He then added softly, {Though I suggest you keep those Surrexerunt petals on your person at all times.}
{Thank you, *,} Jason said, doing his utmost to pronounce the Prime Alpha's name correctly. It was like trying to cough up phlegm. The sound he made saying his name; It sounded like he was saying 'Hark.' The Lupus's ears wiggled in excitement, reminding Jason of the first time he called Glitch by her name.
One of the wives, the one who'd asked to pet him pointed at herself. {My name is *, can you say that? *.} Jason pronounced it as carefully as he could, resulting in the female letting out an excited yip. It led to the rest of the wives demanding that he say their names. Jason turned from one demanding large furry face to another, unable to answer any of them as they started talking over each other. The Prime Alpha gave a sharp bark, and they backed off once more. He then turned to the Sciuridae.
{Tac,} Hark said, {You told me that he helped with healing the little girl?} Tac nodded.
{Yes,} Tac replied. {Jason can help heal many more children. It was because of his small size he was able to repair the internal damage caused by the fall.} All heads turned back to Jason as if now, noticing his small size.
{I never imagined that Sapiens could be useful in that manner,} Hark mused.
{Indeed,} Tac said. {Though, it's his ability to communicate that allows for coordination between him and myself. I can instruct him on what to do.} The Prime Alpha frowned.
{I can't help what wonder what else you could be used...} He trailed off, as he stared at Jason. Then he tilted his head. {Pardon my curiosity, but do all Sapien's know the Trade tongue?} Jason shook his head. {And yet, Sapien's don't negotiate with Mammalians. Why would your people bother learning the trade language if you have no intention of using it?}
{It's useful,} Jason answered. {We Sapiens learnt from the very beginning, just because it's useless now, doesn't mean it won't be helpful later on. We never know when such information could be an asset.} The reality was that Sapiens used this knowledge to spy on the mammalian settlements that lay between their colonies. Their small size, combined with the Surrexerunt flower allowed them to gather information about the Mammalian's culture, their level of technology, and if possible, Sapien raids.
Though he trusted the Prime Alpha, and the Sciuridae, there was no way in hell he was going to let them know about that. The first thing his tutors – and later himself – would make their classes understand, was under no circumstances, were they to let mammalians discover that Sapiens spied upon them.
It was then that all this talk about the trade language awakened another question from the recesses of his mind. {Does the mother Lupus understand trade?} The Prime Alpha nodded.
{That she does,} he answered, and more than a few of the wives snorted derisively. {Her family Kappa does quite a bit of foreign dealings, thus she is a scribe for him. So she's trained in the art.} Jason couldn't help but remember, that was Glitch's occupation.
A sudden cough drew everyone's attention to the door. A Lupus, wearing an elaborately embroidered cape and kilt stood at the door. He looked like someone significant. *****************, he said.
**, Hark said. He turned back to Jason. {I'm sorry, but I have urgent matter's to attend to.} He moved his arm as if to place his palm on Jason's shoulder. He paused as he looked at the Sapien, and then his hand. He wiggled his fingers in embarrassment, before simply bowing and saying, {You won't have anything to fear from me, or my pack, Jay-sun.}
Although it sounded as if he were forcing himself to say those words, Jason believed him. Still, that didn't stop sweat from forming on his brow. {Thank-you, Hark,} he said. Again, the Prime Alpha couldn't stop his tail from giving an animated flick at hearing Jason speak his name. Then Tac wrapped his fingers around his body and lifted him up and off the table. He opened the sack with his free hand, and placed Jason back inside, before closing it and carefully hoisting it over his shoulder and walking away.
Jason listened to the sounds of the Lupus tongue fade behind him as they left the room. The Sciuridae muttered something unpleasant sounding, and Jason couldn't stop himself from tensing up.
{Is something wrong?} he asked.
{No, no,} Tac reassured him. {Just... what's going on back there in the Prime Alpha's room doesn't concern us, but it sounds like possible trouble for him.} Jason was silent, before climbing over to the knitting, and peering out.
{You care for him, don't you.} Tac stopped and sagged.
{He's the only Mammalian who has ever tried to help me.} He paused. {And I turned him down.}
{If you've helped other Mammalian's before, wouldn't they be as great-full as Hark?} Tac turned and aimed a queer stare towards him. Jason had seen that look before, back in Tribus City, when he'd asked Glitch why the Vulpes would take their frustration out on her, despite the fact she'd hadn't done anything to offend them.
{No.} Although short, the response sounded as if he weren't sure he'd heard Jason correctly. {While some mammalian's do look favourably upon such actions, other species don't value such generosity. Some would look upon my works with suspicion, as if I were trying to curry favour. Other's wouldn't even let me touch them because I could very well be an assassin.} Jason was shocked.
"They'd rather die than receive help?" Once he translated that, Tac nodded. His expression, one of trying to be diplomatic towards a fool.
{You weren't willing to help Mammalian's because they're not Sapiens,} Tac reminded. {Why should this piece of news surprise you?} Jason was about to bring up their long, unpleasant history, but decided against it. Chances were the Sciuridae would remind him of how he'd been wrong about the Prime Alpha.
Instead, he said, {It's just that, among Sapiens, acts of kindness are the most wonderful gift you could give somebody. There is an old Sapien motto, which goes; 'Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.'} Tac laughed.
{Do I need to remind you, mammalian's aren't Sapiens.}
Jason was silent as he remembered his conversation with the Cervidae Guild member. {It's just sometimes... Well, I like to think that virtue exists amongst your kind.}
{It does,} Tac answered. {But among different mammalian species, not so much.} Jason then explained about the Cervidae Guild, putting their people in harm's way. When he finished, Tac shrugged and said, {That's the guilds for you.}
{What do you mean?}
{I mean, only the Mammalian's of the Middle Continent have guilds.}
{But, I thou-} Jason cut himself off. He thought that only Leo's were guildless. Then he remembered Glitch's exact words. She never stated that they were the only mammalian's who didn't have a guild, but rather, they were the only mammalian's who still fought amongst themselves. {Why is that?} Jason asked.
{Mammalian's of the middle continent look upon themselves as the centre of the world.} Jason bit his tongue. The reason for the name behind the Middle Continent arose because it was in the centre of the known world. Then again, Sciuridae's are natives of the High Continent, so there would be bias. {Since most of the powerful mammalian empires reside there, they tend to believe that they are the cradle of civilisation.} Again, Jason had to keep his mouth shut, because the Mammalian's of the Middle Continent was the most technologically advanced of all the mammalian species. Tac paused, before asking, {how much do you know about the guilds?}
{That they are a conglomerate of the wealthiest merchants in the lands, and that's it.}
{That's half right,} Tac answered. {While they are merchants, they are more akin to nobles. Forming a governing body that rules their empire. Their method of selecting the chairman of the Guild is through a voting process, with only citizens of the capital eligible to vote.}
"Oh, like a senate." That took Jason a few tries to translate. Once he explained that, the conversation steered into how all Sapiens throughout their colonies could vote, how they were all consolidated, followed by the explanation of what exactly radio transmissions were. Eventually, Jason managed to correct the conversation's course back to the original subject.
{We view their method of ruling as organised chaos,} Tac explained. {Not having a royal family, or grand chief; That's backwards. Royal blood has arisen through strength; survival of the fittest. All species have fought amongst themselves in the past, but are all united through strong leadership. The most powerful have proven their right to rule and having healthy blood governing the species will ensure unity and survival against all opposition. Having anybody ruling because a group of mammalians like them is not a recipe for stability or a prosperous future.}
Jason mused over that for a moment, drinking in what the Sciuridae had just said. He opened his mouth to say something but paused. Instead, he simply asked, {Herbivores also follow this path?} Tac nodded.
{Predator's are naturally more durable and more fierce on the offensive. You of all people should know, you have to do what you must to survive; Even adopting methods that work for your opponents. The Mammalian's of the Middle Continent, both Predator's and Herbivores, adopted the Cervidae method of ruling because they were the most dominant species. It has always been mammalian nature to gravitate towards strength for protection.}
{And your kind never bothered adopting their methods?}
{No,} Tac laughed. {There are already great powers well established not just on the High Continent, but all over the known world. While the guilds are authoritative on the Middle Continent, they aren't capable of power projection to lands beyond their coast. Each continent has its major powers, that Mammalian's tend to gravitate culturally to them, rather than the Middle Continent. Everyone has too many problems on their borders to worry about those who's borders they don't share.} He paused. {I can tell Sapiens are the same, in both government and attitudes.}
Jason thought back to his explanation of democracy and realised that the Sciuridae believed that Sapien's adopted their form of government from the Cervidae guilds. He'd failed to grasp the translation of the word, 'Rule by the People,' instead of believing that they were some form of a guild; Powerful Sapiens by birthright being voted for by those who weren't. Staring up at Tac, Jason realised that translations could only take one so far. It would seem that names weren't the only untranslatable concept between different species.
As he thought about translating the true meaning, he realised it would just be a waste of time. The Sciuridae would believe it backwards. Instead, he said that they should head for home. Without another word, Tac continued on his way.
When they were home, Tac lifted Jason out and put him down on the table. {Wait here,} he said, then climbed the stairs. Jason listened to a door opening, and some muted words. Then the Sciuridae returned with the Lupus mother in tow. Jason couldn't stop himself from tensing as she turned her eyes on him.
She stopped where she was, and spoke. {You have nothing to fear, for I am here to protect master Tac, and his property.} Jason suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, while Tac looked somewhat embarrassed.
{Thank-you,} Jason said. Her ears flicked at the sound of his voice, addressing her. {How is your daughter's condition?}
{Master Tac did a fantastic job,} she said, her voice pitched with praise.
{Actually, this brave Sapien helped me,} Tac confessed. The mother shot him a puzzled look, before turning to scrutinise Jason.
{How?}
{He was able to climb inside your daughter and fix the internal damage. Without him, I wouldn't have been able to save your daughter.} The mother was still.
{That's right, Ma'am,} Jason said. {I was able to stop internal bleeding.} The mother continued to stare at him.
***, she said slowly. The Sciuridae shook his head as he conversed with the mother in her tongue, pointing numerous times at Jason, indicating his size and hands. When he finished, she still looked unconvinced.
{It's my ability to communicate that allowed me to help,} Jason piped up. {Tac, can guide me, and tell me what to do. Also, mammalian's aren't too different from Sapiens in their physiology, so I was able to apply our techniques to your daughter's wounds.}
Again, that blank stare.
{But you hate mammalians,} she said.
Jason tilted his head slightly. {Pardon my asking, ma'am, but what exactly did you hear me say?}
{You won't follow your owner's orders to operate on Mammalian's.} Jason raised an eyebrow. How could she misinterpret that? From her grasp on the trade tongue, she didn't seem to be as limited as the Leo Guide that Jason saved.
{Actually, I meant adult predators. I'm more than happy to work on children.} She looked confused.
{But... You hate mammalians.} Now Jason frowned. What the hell was wrong with this Lupus? Tac started a quick conversation with her in the Lupus's tongue. She gave the Mammalian the same perplexed expression she'd given Jason. He quickly added something else, which seemed to calm her somewhat. She still gave Jason that same disbelieving stare, before bowing to him and leaving rather abruptly.
{What just happened?} Jason asked, {And what is wrong with her hearing?}
{Her hearing and grasp on the trade tongue is perfectly fine, Jay-sun,} Tac responded. {She's just not accustomed to others performing acts of kindness on a Lupus of her rank.}
{Annnnd what about you agreeing to help her daughter?}
{She expected to pay for my services,} he said. Jason remembered when she'd offered him a coin sack, only for him to turn it down. That caused her to burst into tears. {A Lupus of lower rank doesn't expect to receive rewards for good behaviour,} the Sciuridae explained. {Being loyal to your pack – which will benefit everyone - is the reward.} Jason was about to ask what that had to do with her mistranslation when Tac silenced him. {For the Lupus, pack loyalty is their entire world. For those of lower rank, the idea of negotiating is alien; you do as your told from those higher up. Not doing what your superior asks of you, is unthinkable.}
Jason was still for a moment.
{Are you telling me that she sees me as a creature of a lower rank?} Tac gave a nervous laugh.
{Not quite. Do you remember how she called you my property?} Jason nodded. {Before you ask, she's not a slave. The Lupus don't have slaves. They see slaves as rankless.}
{What am I to her?}
{Below a slave,} Tac answered. {That is why she can't understand why you will only help children. She heard you arguing with me. To her, a creature below a slave, shouldn't do that. It's not civilised. So, in her mind, because you are my property, by not doing as instructed, you hate me. Thus, because everyone has a rank, and you are a creature of no rank, you hate all Mammalian's.}
Jason thought this over in his head. Every mammalian culture seemed to have its own wacky laws. Then again, any unfamiliar culture would seem wacky in the eyes of the beholder.
{She won't eat me in my sleep?} Tac shook his head.
{Remember, she's here to protect me for the Prime Alpha; Including my property.} Jason turned in the direction of upstairs.
{What will she do?} Tac followed his gaze.
{She will think about this,} he responded. {While she doesn't understand you, she does understand you saved her daughter. How she digests- **... I mean, processes this information will be anyone's guess, but she won't harm you. I have ordered her not to.} Jason quirked an eyebrow.
{She wouldn't if you hadn't?}
{I'm not sure, but she may have tried to... discipline you.} Discipline? Jason cast an awkward glance back up the stairs, unsure if that should scare him. {Fear not, Jay-sun. Within these walls, you are safe.}
Jason spent the rest of the morning wandering around the top shelf. It was the highest place in the room, and he found he liked looking down at Mammalians for a change. It reminded him of home, high up in the forest canopy; thus putting his mind at ease. The ground would never belong to Sapiens. Half-way through the day, the Lupus mother came down to make lunch for everyone. She cooked vegetables in a pot, which turned out to be stew, and served the Sciuridae. He thanked her, and after bowing to his praise, she set about making lunch for herself and her daughter.
Jason watched her work. Since she would be looking after him, he decided to try and get on her good side. {How is your daughter's condition?} he called out to her. Instead of looking to him, she turned to Tac, who nodded.
{*, is fine, but very weak.} She said nothing more. Jason licked his lips nervously, as his mind ticked over what would get a conversation from this female.
{Your singing is lovely,} Jason said. {I heard you singing to your daughter. You have a beautiful voice.} She flicked an ear in response. The uncomfortable silence continued. Suddenly, Jason blurted out, {could you sing for me?}
This time, she turned to look at him. She stared at him for a moment before turning back to her work. Jason sighed and turned away in defeat, but looked back as she started a low, howling. It was soft at first but built up in pitch and tempo. Although he couldn't understand it, it sounded sad. When she finished, Jason applauded her, which caused both mammalians to stare at him.
{What are you doing with your hands?} Tac asked.
{Its how we applaud,} Jason answered. Then he asked, {How do mammalian's show approval?} He then jerked his head back as the Sciuridae let out a series of high-pitch chittering sounds that forced him to cover his ears.
{It's different for every species, but it has the same universal meaning.} He gave an amused smile. {You applaud by clapping your hands together?} Jason nodded. {Why? How are Sapien's supposed to know that you approve of their work if you don't express it with your voice?}
Before he could answer, a frail bark, barely audible, floated down from upstairs. The mother spun to the healer, who nodded. She abruptly became a blur and was gone. The healer kept his eyes glued to the stairs. She called out to him, and he smiled.
{Her daughter is fine,} he said to Jason. {We woke her up, and she's still a little groggy by the sounds of it.} He turned to look back up the stairs. {She just wanted to know where her mother was.} Jason smiled. Tac rose. {I might as well check on her condition.} He paused, one foot on the first step. Then he turned and asked, {would you like to come too?}
Jason rubbed his chin in thought. {She won't eat me, will she?} Tac gave him a none too pleased look. Jason held up his hands in defence. {I had to ask. Don't forget; all Mammalian predators eat Sapiens.}
{Not these,} Tac reminded, as he held out his hands. Jason stepped into his palms and sitting down, allowed the Mammalian to carry him upstairs.
The mother was calmly stroking her daughter's head as they entered the room. The Sciuridae carried Jason over to the bedside table and set him down. The little Lupus girl before him looked groggy, but she managed to settle her gaze upon him.***? She asked.
*******, the mother answered. She then placed a hand under her chin so that she could look her daughter in the eyes. ****. **. The Lupus girl gave a weak nod, and the mother leaned down to lick her face.
{She's telling her daughter not to touch or play with you,} Tac said. {Lupus's obey all orders given to them by their superiors.}
{It's good, having you translate these things for me,} Jason said. Tac smiled, then looked confused.
{Is the trade tongue the only language you know?} Jason shook his head.
<I can speak the tongue of the North-Eastern Mountain region of the Middle Continent.> [And I can also speak the tongue of the Low-Lands Plains.] The mother flicked an ear as he spoke. {Those of us who pursue teachings in your language must train to speak at least three; Trade being a priority.}
The Sciuridae flicked both ears. {You don't know any other tongues outside the Middle Continent?}
{Our exploration of the lands beyond the Middle Continent has been slow,} Jason said. {Mostly due to the predator's of those realms being just as eager as those of our homeland in eating us...} He trailed off as he saw the Lupus girl watching him. He smiled and waved to her. She gave a weak wave back.
****? The Lupus mother said a few words to her daughter.
{She wants to know if you are a Fae,} Tac said.
{What's a Fae?}
{A small, mythical creature that is both helpful and mischievous,} the healer answered. {While they often play pranks on Lupus's, they are well known for helping children, lost in the woods.} He paused. {They are roughly your size; albeit more Insecta-like in appearance with rhopalocera wings.}
{Since I helped a Lupus child, I suppose that makes me a Fae,} Jason said. Tac smiled warmly. The Lupus mother did something too quick for Jason to catch.
*****, the Lupus child said to Jason.
Jason turned to the healer who translated. {She says you remind her of her doll.}
{A bizarre doll that has no fur, tail or muzzle.} Tac chuckled, and Jason caught the hint of a smile from the mother.
The Lupus child asked something, and her mother said a few words to her. {She wants to know if you can do any tricks?} Jason wasn't offended, and he considered the question.
{I'll sing her a song,} he answered. Tac looked interested. Jason licked his lips and started singing. He sang his favourite children's song, 'Beware the Big Bad Vulpus.' The Sciuridae listened with a cocked head, while the Lupus mother turned both ears towards him. The Lupus child lay there and watched, her ears flicking whenever he made the movements adults would perform while singing; Designed to both teach children about hiding, and entertain, by imitating a Vulpus hunter on the prowl. When he finished, there was no response.
{You sound like an avian,} Tac finally observed. The Lupus child asked a question. Tac gave the child a stern look, but she wiggled her ears hopefully. He then turned to Jason and said, {She... wants to know if she can pet you.}
Jason looked at her. Then he smiled and nodded to Tac. He translated, and before he even finished, she reached out. Jason stiffened as her fingers trailed down his entire left side. However, it became evident that she was straining just to reach him, and he started to worry that she'd fall out of bed, then if she would hurt him. The Lupus mother steadied her daughter, and the Lupus girl continued petting him. She was surprisingly gentle, as the rough pads of her palm touched his skin and hair.
Inwardly, Jason was surprised he had allowed this. She was a predator. However, watching the delight in her eyes, it brought back memories of Glitch. He turned away as he felt sadness welling up within.
{Did she hurt you?} Tac asked as the Lupus child hastily withdrew her fingers. Jason waved him away.
{No, it's...} he sighed. He felt so conflicted. Although he'd kidnapped him, working with the healer had saved this Lupus girl's life. Because of this, her mother would be planning her daughter's future and not her funeral. {I'm just tired. It's been a big day for me.} The Sciuridae nodded, and gently encircling his torso with his fingers, picked him up and took him back to his bedroom. He spent the rest of the day there alone until night fell and Tac came to fetch him for dinner.
There was a loud pounding on the front door. Jason shot up and looked around. Below him, the Sciuridae mimicked his dazed and confused expression. Judging by the amount of light filtering in through the closed windows, it was very early in the morning.
****? Tac snarled unpleasantly. They heard the front door opened, and there was a long silence before there was a polite knock at the bedroom door. The Lupus mother called out, her voice full of worry. The Sciuridae jumped out of bed and marched out of the room, not bothering to put any clothes on. Jason listened as the healer stomped down the stairs, but his angry protests died just as quickly as they started. There were the sounds of muted discussions before Tac returned to his room.
{Jay-sun?}
{What's wrong?}
{It's Hark,} he said. {He... wants to ask you a favour.} Jason was so stunned that his only reply was a single nod. After hastily dressing, Tac helped him down from the top shelf and carried him downstairs.
The mother stood in the far corner of the room; head bowed deeply towards the Prime Alpha who sat at the table. He wore a long, hooded cloak that amazingly obscured everything but his head. He was all alone. Jason couldn't help but smirk as he saw the stool the Lupus sat upon, straining to hold him up.
{Sir}, he greeted him. {You need my help?} Hark didn't answer straight away, instead, staring at Jason with an unreadable expression.
[Is it true, you speak the tongue of the Low-Lands Plains.] Jason blanched. He gaped, then turned a suspicious look towards the mother; still bowing towards the Prime Alpha in the corner.
"Yeah, I can, I mean-" he cleared his throat. [Yes; why do you ask?]
[Because it is the Rattus's native tongue.] Jason was silent. He stared hard at Hark as it all fell into place.
[You want me to be a spy.]
[I believe my Rattus guests aren't being truthful with their intentions,] Hark said. [The delays and excuses are numerous, and what they are asking for in supplies, doesn't always match up with their experiments. Untraceable supplies, and messages constantly arriving from unknown shores; in code.] He leaned in close, causing Jason to take three steps away. [I don't like secrets.]
[You don't think they're making what they promised?]
[Oh, they are,] Hark said. [But what they are supposed to be working on, it isn't their priority; something else occupies their time.] He stabbed a clawed finger into the table. [if there's one thing I can't tolerate, it's information withheld from me within my seat of power.]
[Can't you just force the Rattus's to tell you what it is they're doing?] Hark reared back slightly, surprised by the question. Slowly, he cocked his head to one side.
[The Rattus's are very secretive,] he answered. [They'll simply destroy all their work, deny everything and show themselves the door. Then, they'll go somewhere else and start all over again. I want to know what their secret agenda is. Besides,] He wiggled his fingers slightly. [If I understand what it is, then if the need ever arises, I can have some leverage over them.] He paused. [You don't know much about the Rattus's.] Again, this wasn't a question. [Let me give you some free advice. Any leverage you can hold over those little * puts them on the back-foot. They don't like surprises.]
Jason only nodded. He wasn't thinking too hard about that as something else had his attention. The night of the feast, the Rattus's had been somewhat cagey about revealing information in public. Still, when questioned about their intentions, they gladly gave all details without hesitation. He once more remembered that age-old saying. How does a magician make a card appear in his hand? He distracts the audience with the other.
[Then, why did you grant them funding in the first place?] Hark gave a half-shrug, spreading his palms out.
[Two reasons. One; Profiting from what they promised? Why not. Do you remember what I told you about Mammalian's who don't call the Middle Continent home? How they value Sapien's and Sapien artefacts far more significant than those of your homeland?] Jason nodded, and the Prime Alpha nodded back before continuing. [And two; I get bored easily around here, so I figured I'd amuse myself. I knew they weren't entirely truthful when they first arrive. They were trepidatious in their mannerisms as if having hastily fled from a danger they weren't entirely sure they had escaped. They had no idea I could speak their language, so I believed that I would be able to decipher their true intentions with time.] His muzzle wrinkled. [That has proved impossible, as the * little *** won't speak their tongue outside of their ** laboratory. The door is too thick, and they speak too softly.] His fingers flexed, unsheathing long, sharp claws, as he spoke through clenched teeth. [I have grown tired of this game, and I'm no longer amused; I want answers.]
Jason suddenly jerked his head up in surprise. He couldn't believe his luck. The Prime Alpha had given him the opportunity he needed. Jason could not only spy on the Rattus's, but help free their captives. Then, he could join them on their escape home. He looked over at Tac. The Sciuridae had no idea what the conversation was about, but his features showed a nervous expression. If Jason went through with this, then he would have to abandon the healer. Despite everything he'd done, he had been kind and hospitable towards Jason. Looking at him, he couldn't stop thinking about that expression in his eyes, the day they saved the Lupus girl.
He stared at Tac for a few moments, weighing his options. Then he turned back to the Hark.
[I'll do it!]
First Chapter: Act I
Next Chapter: Act XI
Previous Chapter: Act IX
***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: XIt was no surprise that Jason didn't get a wink of sleep that night. When the morning sun eventually started shining through the window's closed shutters, the Sciuridae rose and began preparing for the day. Jason remained quiet while he went about his business. When Tac was finally ready, he held up his hand, palm out towards him. Jason just stared at it and sighed before stepping onto the pads and sitting down.
{There's nothing to be afraid of,} Tac reassured him, as he gently lowered his hands down towards the table where his sack was waiting. {They will not eat you.} Jason turned to look up at him as the healer opened the sack. The mammalian paused.
{Let me tell you something we Sapiens learnt a long time ago,} Jason said. {Theory and reality exist in two different worlds.} Tac sighed and lowered him into the sack gently, before closing it. He was careful as he hoisted it onto his back and left the house.
He was quick in travelling to the palace, as if he wanted to end this as soon as possible. Jason didn't bother looking out through the knitting, instead, choosing to sit and wait for the inevitable; praying that the Sciuridae would be right. When he heard the familiar barking sounds of Lupus's tongue, he couldn't help but tense up. There was more walking before he recognised a familiar and loud voice.
{Tac! What a pleasant surprise,} the Prime Alpha cried. {Couldn't stay away from my charming personality?}
{Actually, I have something to show you,} Tac said, and Jason went stiff; This was it. {I wanted to show you last night, but your Rattus guests gave me reason to hesitate.} The Prime Alpha scoffed.
{I don't blame you,} he said. {I wouldn't show a Sapien in front of those **, either.} Jason shot up. The Sciuridae must have done the same because the sack jolted suddenly.
**-! *... **?
{Of course I knew,} the Prime Alpha answered. He paused in thought. {Well, I didn't honestly know until last night; After you left.} Again, there was another pause. {Is it in there?}
Tac was silent, before answering, {He. Yes, he's in there.} There was murmuring in the background. They weren't alone. The Sciuridae walked a few paces, before setting the sack down on something hard. The top opened up, and reaching in, he enclosed Jason within his fist, before gently lifting him out.
Released from the sack, Jason blinked at the world around him as Tac carefully placed him on a wooden table. Standing before him, was not only the Prime Alpha but all six of his wives. As one, they all gathered around to peer down at him. Ears were fully erect; tails were high, and more than a few had an excited look in their eyes. Jason's whole body tensed up, and he took an automatic step backwards.
{Please,} Tac warned, {Be gentle, you're scaring him.} A few of the wives sniffed the air.
***, one said. ****?
*******, Tac answered. Jason would love to know what was said, but he was too terrified to utter one syllable.
The Prime Alpha was scrutinising Jason. {My information told me that it could speak trade,} he said to the Sciuridae.
The Lupus not only knew he existed but that he could communicate? Jason licked his lips and tried to speak, but his mouth just worked silently. He hadn't been this terrified since he'd been captured by the Procyon's. When he was at the market's, he'd had no problem building up the courage to speak in front of many predator's, and even the Vulpes, through protection by distance, heavily armed soldiers, and a cage. Here, there was nothing.
****! Tac said, and the Lupus's all took a step backwards. Jason took in a deep breath and spoke.
{I- I can speak trade.} Again, ears shot up. One of the wives, the one who'd spoken with the Sciuridae, pointed at him.
{Can you remove your Surrexerunt petals? I want to smell you.}
"What?" She flicked an ear at the sound of his natural tongue, before continuing.
{I've never smelt a Sapien before. I want to taste your scent.} Jason took an even greater step backwards.
{Now, now, my love,} the Prime Alpha said gently. {You're scaring the poor little thing.} He turned back to Jason before looking towards the Sciuridae. {Now I understand why you were hesitant in revealing it- him before the Rattus's.} He turned back to Jason. {A Sapien that can speak? That would indeed be a prize.} As he spoke, it sounded as if he was having a hard time believing it.
{How did you know about me?} Jason asked. The Prime Alpha's ears twitched in excitement and surprise.
{My pack is loyal to me,} he answered slowly, as if unsure that he was having a conversation with a Sapien. {Any information they discover, they let me – or those of higher rank – know. Any news deemed of capital importance is passed up the chain to me. There is nothing in this city that I don't know about.}
{Are you having me protected?} Tac asked. Jason quirked an eyebrow. Protected? He couldn't help but wonder if that was a euphemism for, 'Watched?'
{Indeed,} the Prime Alpha answered. {You are my dearest friend, Tac. Those four years ago, you risked your own life to ensure that no harm came to me. So while you live in my lands, I wish to do the same for you.} Tac seemed to be thinking hard about something.
{The mother?} The Prime Alpha nodded.
{That was an unexpected opportunity,} he answered. {She didn't go to you straight away, but the healer she did go to, knew that you were here, and suggested you to her, not just to protect you, but heal her daughter.} He paused awkwardly. {Though he knew about our friendship, he didn't know about your greatest fear.} Now Tac gave an awkward pause.
{Actually, since we're all being honest here, this brave Sapien helped me.} Ears and tails went still, then as one, almost machine-like, they turned to look at Jason. {Jay-sun's small size allowed him to fix the internal damage done to the child.}
*, the Prime Alpha muttered.
"Jay-shun?" One of the wives asked. ****? The Sciuridae nodded.
{Why does your name sound so weird?} Another wife asked.
{Hey, can you speak a full sentence in your tongue?} asked another.
{Can you fly?} a third chimed in. More were stepping forwards, crowding around and looming over him.
{You're so small, you remind me of the dolls I used to play with.}
{Can I touch your skin?}
{No, let me touch your head fur!}
{Please, take those petals out, I want to smell you!}
The Prime Alpha barked loudly, and they all backed off, ears lowered. He then turned back to Jason. {So, you helped Tac conquer his fear of operating on children?} Jason nodded.
{Yes, I did.} Although technically kidnapped, Jason considered the friendship between the Sciuridae and the Lupus, and he didn't want to tell him that.
{Jay-sun? That is how you say your name?} Jason nodded. The Prime Alpha suddenly stiffened and lowered his head towards him. {Thank you, Jay-sun. Thank you for helping, Tac.} The wives quickly followed suit. Jason turned to see that Tac was gracing him with a giant smile that pretty much said, 'I Told You So.'
{He means a great deal to you?} Jason asked.
{No mammalian would've done what he did,} the Prime Alpha said, standing up straight.
{Why?} The Lupus's seemed surprised.
{Because I'm not of his species,} The Prime Alpha answered, as if explaining the obvious. {Everyone in my pack knows this, that is why the lower ranking Lupus's are willing to protect him for my sake.} Jason thought back to when they'd first arrived at the palace. The guards recognised Tac straight away, and they took him to the Prime Alpha with haste. Or when they'd come for the celebration last night. None of the high ranking Lupus's cared in the slightest that they prioritised the Sciuridae's entry over theirs.
It was then that an unanswered question finally returned to the forefront of his mind. {How did that mother Lupus know I was here?}
{Her daughter spends most of the time sleeping, healing from her injuries,} the Prime Alpha answered. {Time she doesn't spend with her daughter is time she spends listening for trouble, and patrolling your home.} Both his ears wiggled slightly. {Though I did have trouble believing her reports that Tac had a talking Sapien.} Jason half-turned, as if looking back towards their house. How thin were those walls?
{You believed her?} He asked.
{No one in my pack would dare report a lie to me, nor concoct one so outlandish.} He gave a half shrug. {And even if she did, what purpose would a lie abut a talking Sapien serve? There was no other choice but to believe it.}
{Why didn't you tell us that you had us protected?} Jason asked.
{As I said earlier,} the Prime Alpha answered, {I didn't make that decision. The healer she initially visited – being of higher rank than her - decided that Tac needed looking after. My friendship with Tac is common knowledge to all Lupus within my pack. While I am unaware of how long it takes for information to circulate among Sapiens, with us, news travels as fast as a mammalian can move. I wasn't aware of the decision until after you settled into your new home.} He gave a small smile. {She was more than happy to pass on the news that Tac had saved her daughter.}
Jason thought about something else. If she knew he was in the house, why didn't she eat him? Then he remembered why the Sapien's the Rattus's held wouldn't be eaten. Jason could couldn't help but admit that yet again, the Sciuridae had been right. Then another thought crossed his mind. If she heard him and knew he spoke trade, did she know he was responsible for saving her daughter?
The Prime Alpha stared at him with a cocked head, before sitting down a chair and giving a small laugh. {Can you believe it? I'm having a conversation with a Sapien?} He looked back at Jason. {Even with everything I've seen and done, the world still finds a way to surprise me.}
One side of Jason's mouth rose. {And you are the second predator, I've held a conversation with.} The smile then vanished, as Jason gave the Lupus a long, hard look. He needed to put pleasantries aside and ask the question that needed answering. {Does that mean you won't eat me?} Tac tensed, while a few of the wives gave the Prime Alpha subtle, hopeful looks.
{Do you want me to?} was the answer he received. Jason shook his head, vigorously. {Then why did you ask?}
{Your kind does have a habit of doing so,} Jason said. Behind him, he could hear Tac give a small whimper.
{You are the friend of Tac,} the Prime Alpha said. {Even if you are a Sapien, I won't eat you. Especially not after what you've helped him overcome.}
{Sir, I apologise,} Jason said, {but my kind has never had a history of good relations with Mammalian's; not just predator's. I had to be sure.} The Prime Alpha was silent for a long time.
{I would be lying if I said I hadn't eaten a Sapien.} Jason visibly flinched. The Prime Alpha missed this as his expression turned nostalgic. {Your kind is... has the most delicious flavour. I can recall each time I-} He abruptly shut up, aware of what it was he was talking about, and to whom. Behind him, Jason could see his wives twitch with excitement; One even gave her lips a quick lick as she eyed him. Jason attempted to take another step backwards, only to realise that he'd run out of table.
{I believe we need to change the topic of the conversation,} Tac hastily added, as he moved closer to Jason.
The Prime Alpha gave the table a sharp slap that sent a jolt up Jason's spine. {You're right,} he muttered, though Jason could detect a slight hint of disappointment in his voice. {This is an inappropriate conversation.} He turned to look down at Jason. {You must forgive my wives and I for our behaviour. For predator's who aren't native to the Middle Continent, talk of - and actual Sapien's... can excite us.} Jason gave a single, emotionless nod. {Still, I am a Lupus of my word. Jay-sun?} Jason nodded. {I hereby grant you my protection. As a friend of Tac, you are now my friend.} Behind him, the excitement in many eyes dimmed; Tails stilled and ears lowered. He then added softly, {Though I suggest you keep those Surrexerunt petals on your person at all times.}
{Thank you, *,} Jason said, doing his utmost to pronounce the Prime Alpha's name correctly. It was like trying to cough up phlegm. The sound he made saying his name; It sounded like he was saying 'Hark.' The Lupus's ears wiggled in excitement, reminding Jason of the first time he called Glitch by her name.
One of the wives, the one who'd asked to pet him pointed at herself. {My name is *, can you say that? *.} Jason pronounced it as carefully as he could, resulting in the female letting out an excited yip. It led to the rest of the wives demanding that he say their names. Jason turned from one demanding large furry face to another, unable to answer any of them as they started talking over each other. The Prime Alpha gave a sharp bark, and they backed off once more. He then turned to the Sciuridae.
{Tac,} Hark said, {You told me that he helped with healing the little girl?} Tac nodded.
{Yes,} Tac replied. {Jason can help heal many more children. It was because of his small size he was able to repair the internal damage caused by the fall.} All heads turned back to Jason as if now, noticing his small size.
{I never imagined that Sapiens could be useful in that manner,} Hark mused.
{Indeed,} Tac said. {Though, it's his ability to communicate that allows for coordination between him and myself. I can instruct him on what to do.} The Prime Alpha frowned.
{I can't help what wonder what else you could be used...} He trailed off, as he stared at Jason. Then he tilted his head. {Pardon my curiosity, but do all Sapien's know the Trade tongue?} Jason shook his head. {And yet, Sapien's don't negotiate with Mammalians. Why would your people bother learning the trade language if you have no intention of using it?}
{It's useful,} Jason answered. {We Sapiens learnt from the very beginning, just because it's useless now, doesn't mean it won't be helpful later on. We never know when such information could be an asset.} The reality was that Sapiens used this knowledge to spy on the mammalian settlements that lay between their colonies. Their small size, combined with the Surrexerunt flower allowed them to gather information about the Mammalian's culture, their level of technology, and if possible, Sapien raids.
Though he trusted the Prime Alpha, and the Sciuridae, there was no way in hell he was going to let them know about that. The first thing his tutors – and later himself – would make their classes understand, was under no circumstances, were they to let mammalians discover that Sapiens spied upon them.
It was then that all this talk about the trade language awakened another question from the recesses of his mind. {Does the mother Lupus understand trade?} The Prime Alpha nodded.
{That she does,} he answered, and more than a few of the wives snorted derisively. {Her family Kappa does quite a bit of foreign dealings, thus she is a scribe for him. So she's trained in the art.} Jason couldn't help but remember, that was Glitch's occupation.
A sudden cough drew everyone's attention to the door. A Lupus, wearing an elaborately embroidered cape and kilt stood at the door. He looked like someone significant. *****************, he said.
**, Hark said. He turned back to Jason. {I'm sorry, but I have urgent matter's to attend to.} He moved his arm as if to place his palm on Jason's shoulder. He paused as he looked at the Sapien, and then his hand. He wiggled his fingers in embarrassment, before simply bowing and saying, {You won't have anything to fear from me, or my pack, Jay-sun.}
Although it sounded as if he were forcing himself to say those words, Jason believed him. Still, that didn't stop sweat from forming on his brow. {Thank-you, Hark,} he said. Again, the Prime Alpha couldn't stop his tail from giving an animated flick at hearing Jason speak his name. Then Tac wrapped his fingers around his body and lifted him up and off the table. He opened the sack with his free hand, and placed Jason back inside, before closing it and carefully hoisting it over his shoulder and walking away.
Jason listened to the sounds of the Lupus tongue fade behind him as they left the room. The Sciuridae muttered something unpleasant sounding, and Jason couldn't stop himself from tensing up.
{Is something wrong?} he asked.
{No, no,} Tac reassured him. {Just... what's going on back there in the Prime Alpha's room doesn't concern us, but it sounds like possible trouble for him.} Jason was silent, before climbing over to the knitting, and peering out.
{You care for him, don't you.} Tac stopped and sagged.
{He's the only Mammalian who has ever tried to help me.} He paused. {And I turned him down.}
{If you've helped other Mammalian's before, wouldn't they be as great-full as Hark?} Tac turned and aimed a queer stare towards him. Jason had seen that look before, back in Tribus City, when he'd asked Glitch why the Vulpes would take their frustration out on her, despite the fact she'd hadn't done anything to offend them.
{No.} Although short, the response sounded as if he weren't sure he'd heard Jason correctly. {While some mammalian's do look favourably upon such actions, other species don't value such generosity. Some would look upon my works with suspicion, as if I were trying to curry favour. Other's wouldn't even let me touch them because I could very well be an assassin.} Jason was shocked.
"They'd rather die than receive help?" Once he translated that, Tac nodded. His expression, one of trying to be diplomatic towards a fool.
{You weren't willing to help Mammalian's because they're not Sapiens,} Tac reminded. {Why should this piece of news surprise you?} Jason was about to bring up their long, unpleasant history, but decided against it. Chances were the Sciuridae would remind him of how he'd been wrong about the Prime Alpha.
Instead, he said, {It's just that, among Sapiens, acts of kindness are the most wonderful gift you could give somebody. There is an old Sapien motto, which goes; 'Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.'} Tac laughed.
{Do I need to remind you, mammalian's aren't Sapiens.}
Jason was silent as he remembered his conversation with the Cervidae Guild member. {It's just sometimes... Well, I like to think that virtue exists amongst your kind.}
{It does,} Tac answered. {But among different mammalian species, not so much.} Jason then explained about the Cervidae Guild, putting their people in harm's way. When he finished, Tac shrugged and said, {That's the guilds for you.}
{What do you mean?}
{I mean, only the Mammalian's of the Middle Continent have guilds.}
{But, I thou-} Jason cut himself off. He thought that only Leo's were guildless. Then he remembered Glitch's exact words. She never stated that they were the only mammalian's who didn't have a guild, but rather, they were the only mammalian's who still fought amongst themselves. {Why is that?} Jason asked.
{Mammalian's of the middle continent look upon themselves as the centre of the world.} Jason bit his tongue. The reason for the name behind the Middle Continent arose because it was in the centre of the known world. Then again, Sciuridae's are natives of the High Continent, so there would be bias. {Since most of the powerful mammalian empires reside there, they tend to believe that they are the cradle of civilisation.} Again, Jason had to keep his mouth shut, because the Mammalian's of the Middle Continent was the most technologically advanced of all the mammalian species. Tac paused, before asking, {how much do you know about the guilds?}
{That they are a conglomerate of the wealthiest merchants in the lands, and that's it.}
{That's half right,} Tac answered. {While they are merchants, they are more akin to nobles. Forming a governing body that rules their empire. Their method of selecting the chairman of the Guild is through a voting process, with only citizens of the capital eligible to vote.}
"Oh, like a senate." That took Jason a few tries to translate. Once he explained that, the conversation steered into how all Sapiens throughout their colonies could vote, how they were all consolidated, followed by the explanation of what exactly radio transmissions were. Eventually, Jason managed to correct the conversation's course back to the original subject.
{We view their method of ruling as organised chaos,} Tac explained. {Not having a royal family, or grand chief; That's backwards. Royal blood has arisen through strength; survival of the fittest. All species have fought amongst themselves in the past, but are all united through strong leadership. The most powerful have proven their right to rule and having healthy blood governing the species will ensure unity and survival against all opposition. Having anybody ruling because a group of mammalians like them is not a recipe for stability or a prosperous future.}
Jason mused over that for a moment, drinking in what the Sciuridae had just said. He opened his mouth to say something but paused. Instead, he simply asked, {Herbivores also follow this path?} Tac nodded.
{Predator's are naturally more durable and more fierce on the offensive. You of all people should know, you have to do what you must to survive; Even adopting methods that work for your opponents. The Mammalian's of the Middle Continent, both Predator's and Herbivores, adopted the Cervidae method of ruling because they were the most dominant species. It has always been mammalian nature to gravitate towards strength for protection.}
{And your kind never bothered adopting their methods?}
{No,} Tac laughed. {There are already great powers well established not just on the High Continent, but all over the known world. While the guilds are authoritative on the Middle Continent, they aren't capable of power projection to lands beyond their coast. Each continent has its major powers, that Mammalian's tend to gravitate culturally to them, rather than the Middle Continent. Everyone has too many problems on their borders to worry about those who's borders they don't share.} He paused. {I can tell Sapiens are the same, in both government and attitudes.}
Jason thought back to his explanation of democracy and realised that the Sciuridae believed that Sapien's adopted their form of government from the Cervidae guilds. He'd failed to grasp the translation of the word, 'Rule by the People,' instead of believing that they were some form of a guild; Powerful Sapiens by birthright being voted for by those who weren't. Staring up at Tac, Jason realised that translations could only take one so far. It would seem that names weren't the only untranslatable concept between different species.
As he thought about translating the true meaning, he realised it would just be a waste of time. The Sciuridae would believe it backwards. Instead, he said that they should head for home. Without another word, Tac continued on his way.
+++When they were home, Tac lifted Jason out and put him down on the table. {Wait here,} he said, then climbed the stairs. Jason listened to a door opening, and some muted words. Then the Sciuridae returned with the Lupus mother in tow. Jason couldn't stop himself from tensing as she turned her eyes on him.
She stopped where she was, and spoke. {You have nothing to fear, for I am here to protect master Tac, and his property.} Jason suppressed the urge to roll his eyes, while Tac looked somewhat embarrassed.
{Thank-you,} Jason said. Her ears flicked at the sound of his voice, addressing her. {How is your daughter's condition?}
{Master Tac did a fantastic job,} she said, her voice pitched with praise.
{Actually, this brave Sapien helped me,} Tac confessed. The mother shot him a puzzled look, before turning to scrutinise Jason.
{How?}
{He was able to climb inside your daughter and fix the internal damage. Without him, I wouldn't have been able to save your daughter.} The mother was still.
{That's right, Ma'am,} Jason said. {I was able to stop internal bleeding.} The mother continued to stare at him.
***, she said slowly. The Sciuridae shook his head as he conversed with the mother in her tongue, pointing numerous times at Jason, indicating his size and hands. When he finished, she still looked unconvinced.
{It's my ability to communicate that allowed me to help,} Jason piped up. {Tac, can guide me, and tell me what to do. Also, mammalian's aren't too different from Sapiens in their physiology, so I was able to apply our techniques to your daughter's wounds.}
Again, that blank stare.
{But you hate mammalians,} she said.
Jason tilted his head slightly. {Pardon my asking, ma'am, but what exactly did you hear me say?}
{You won't follow your owner's orders to operate on Mammalian's.} Jason raised an eyebrow. How could she misinterpret that? From her grasp on the trade tongue, she didn't seem to be as limited as the Leo Guide that Jason saved.
{Actually, I meant adult predators. I'm more than happy to work on children.} She looked confused.
{But... You hate mammalians.} Now Jason frowned. What the hell was wrong with this Lupus? Tac started a quick conversation with her in the Lupus's tongue. She gave the Mammalian the same perplexed expression she'd given Jason. He quickly added something else, which seemed to calm her somewhat. She still gave Jason that same disbelieving stare, before bowing to him and leaving rather abruptly.
{What just happened?} Jason asked, {And what is wrong with her hearing?}
{Her hearing and grasp on the trade tongue is perfectly fine, Jay-sun,} Tac responded. {She's just not accustomed to others performing acts of kindness on a Lupus of her rank.}
{Annnnd what about you agreeing to help her daughter?}
{She expected to pay for my services,} he said. Jason remembered when she'd offered him a coin sack, only for him to turn it down. That caused her to burst into tears. {A Lupus of lower rank doesn't expect to receive rewards for good behaviour,} the Sciuridae explained. {Being loyal to your pack – which will benefit everyone - is the reward.} Jason was about to ask what that had to do with her mistranslation when Tac silenced him. {For the Lupus, pack loyalty is their entire world. For those of lower rank, the idea of negotiating is alien; you do as your told from those higher up. Not doing what your superior asks of you, is unthinkable.}
Jason was still for a moment.
{Are you telling me that she sees me as a creature of a lower rank?} Tac gave a nervous laugh.
{Not quite. Do you remember how she called you my property?} Jason nodded. {Before you ask, she's not a slave. The Lupus don't have slaves. They see slaves as rankless.}
{What am I to her?}
{Below a slave,} Tac answered. {That is why she can't understand why you will only help children. She heard you arguing with me. To her, a creature below a slave, shouldn't do that. It's not civilised. So, in her mind, because you are my property, by not doing as instructed, you hate me. Thus, because everyone has a rank, and you are a creature of no rank, you hate all Mammalian's.}
Jason thought this over in his head. Every mammalian culture seemed to have its own wacky laws. Then again, any unfamiliar culture would seem wacky in the eyes of the beholder.
{She won't eat me in my sleep?} Tac shook his head.
{Remember, she's here to protect me for the Prime Alpha; Including my property.} Jason turned in the direction of upstairs.
{What will she do?} Tac followed his gaze.
{She will think about this,} he responded. {While she doesn't understand you, she does understand you saved her daughter. How she digests- **... I mean, processes this information will be anyone's guess, but she won't harm you. I have ordered her not to.} Jason quirked an eyebrow.
{She wouldn't if you hadn't?}
{I'm not sure, but she may have tried to... discipline you.} Discipline? Jason cast an awkward glance back up the stairs, unsure if that should scare him. {Fear not, Jay-sun. Within these walls, you are safe.}
+++Jason spent the rest of the morning wandering around the top shelf. It was the highest place in the room, and he found he liked looking down at Mammalians for a change. It reminded him of home, high up in the forest canopy; thus putting his mind at ease. The ground would never belong to Sapiens. Half-way through the day, the Lupus mother came down to make lunch for everyone. She cooked vegetables in a pot, which turned out to be stew, and served the Sciuridae. He thanked her, and after bowing to his praise, she set about making lunch for herself and her daughter.
Jason watched her work. Since she would be looking after him, he decided to try and get on her good side. {How is your daughter's condition?} he called out to her. Instead of looking to him, she turned to Tac, who nodded.
{*, is fine, but very weak.} She said nothing more. Jason licked his lips nervously, as his mind ticked over what would get a conversation from this female.
{Your singing is lovely,} Jason said. {I heard you singing to your daughter. You have a beautiful voice.} She flicked an ear in response. The uncomfortable silence continued. Suddenly, Jason blurted out, {could you sing for me?}
This time, she turned to look at him. She stared at him for a moment before turning back to her work. Jason sighed and turned away in defeat, but looked back as she started a low, howling. It was soft at first but built up in pitch and tempo. Although he couldn't understand it, it sounded sad. When she finished, Jason applauded her, which caused both mammalians to stare at him.
{What are you doing with your hands?} Tac asked.
{Its how we applaud,} Jason answered. Then he asked, {How do mammalian's show approval?} He then jerked his head back as the Sciuridae let out a series of high-pitch chittering sounds that forced him to cover his ears.
{It's different for every species, but it has the same universal meaning.} He gave an amused smile. {You applaud by clapping your hands together?} Jason nodded. {Why? How are Sapien's supposed to know that you approve of their work if you don't express it with your voice?}
Before he could answer, a frail bark, barely audible, floated down from upstairs. The mother spun to the healer, who nodded. She abruptly became a blur and was gone. The healer kept his eyes glued to the stairs. She called out to him, and he smiled.
{Her daughter is fine,} he said to Jason. {We woke her up, and she's still a little groggy by the sounds of it.} He turned to look back up the stairs. {She just wanted to know where her mother was.} Jason smiled. Tac rose. {I might as well check on her condition.} He paused, one foot on the first step. Then he turned and asked, {would you like to come too?}
Jason rubbed his chin in thought. {She won't eat me, will she?} Tac gave him a none too pleased look. Jason held up his hands in defence. {I had to ask. Don't forget; all Mammalian predators eat Sapiens.}
{Not these,} Tac reminded, as he held out his hands. Jason stepped into his palms and sitting down, allowed the Mammalian to carry him upstairs.
The mother was calmly stroking her daughter's head as they entered the room. The Sciuridae carried Jason over to the bedside table and set him down. The little Lupus girl before him looked groggy, but she managed to settle her gaze upon him.***? She asked.
*******, the mother answered. She then placed a hand under her chin so that she could look her daughter in the eyes. ****. **. The Lupus girl gave a weak nod, and the mother leaned down to lick her face.
{She's telling her daughter not to touch or play with you,} Tac said. {Lupus's obey all orders given to them by their superiors.}
{It's good, having you translate these things for me,} Jason said. Tac smiled, then looked confused.
{Is the trade tongue the only language you know?} Jason shook his head.
<I can speak the tongue of the North-Eastern Mountain region of the Middle Continent.> [And I can also speak the tongue of the Low-Lands Plains.] The mother flicked an ear as he spoke. {Those of us who pursue teachings in your language must train to speak at least three; Trade being a priority.}
The Sciuridae flicked both ears. {You don't know any other tongues outside the Middle Continent?}
{Our exploration of the lands beyond the Middle Continent has been slow,} Jason said. {Mostly due to the predator's of those realms being just as eager as those of our homeland in eating us...} He trailed off as he saw the Lupus girl watching him. He smiled and waved to her. She gave a weak wave back.
****? The Lupus mother said a few words to her daughter.
{She wants to know if you are a Fae,} Tac said.
{What's a Fae?}
{A small, mythical creature that is both helpful and mischievous,} the healer answered. {While they often play pranks on Lupus's, they are well known for helping children, lost in the woods.} He paused. {They are roughly your size; albeit more Insecta-like in appearance with rhopalocera wings.}
{Since I helped a Lupus child, I suppose that makes me a Fae,} Jason said. Tac smiled warmly. The Lupus mother did something too quick for Jason to catch.
*****, the Lupus child said to Jason.
Jason turned to the healer who translated. {She says you remind her of her doll.}
{A bizarre doll that has no fur, tail or muzzle.} Tac chuckled, and Jason caught the hint of a smile from the mother.
The Lupus child asked something, and her mother said a few words to her. {She wants to know if you can do any tricks?} Jason wasn't offended, and he considered the question.
{I'll sing her a song,} he answered. Tac looked interested. Jason licked his lips and started singing. He sang his favourite children's song, 'Beware the Big Bad Vulpus.' The Sciuridae listened with a cocked head, while the Lupus mother turned both ears towards him. The Lupus child lay there and watched, her ears flicking whenever he made the movements adults would perform while singing; Designed to both teach children about hiding, and entertain, by imitating a Vulpus hunter on the prowl. When he finished, there was no response.
{You sound like an avian,} Tac finally observed. The Lupus child asked a question. Tac gave the child a stern look, but she wiggled her ears hopefully. He then turned to Jason and said, {She... wants to know if she can pet you.}
Jason looked at her. Then he smiled and nodded to Tac. He translated, and before he even finished, she reached out. Jason stiffened as her fingers trailed down his entire left side. However, it became evident that she was straining just to reach him, and he started to worry that she'd fall out of bed, then if she would hurt him. The Lupus mother steadied her daughter, and the Lupus girl continued petting him. She was surprisingly gentle, as the rough pads of her palm touched his skin and hair.
Inwardly, Jason was surprised he had allowed this. She was a predator. However, watching the delight in her eyes, it brought back memories of Glitch. He turned away as he felt sadness welling up within.
{Did she hurt you?} Tac asked as the Lupus child hastily withdrew her fingers. Jason waved him away.
{No, it's...} he sighed. He felt so conflicted. Although he'd kidnapped him, working with the healer had saved this Lupus girl's life. Because of this, her mother would be planning her daughter's future and not her funeral. {I'm just tired. It's been a big day for me.} The Sciuridae nodded, and gently encircling his torso with his fingers, picked him up and took him back to his bedroom. He spent the rest of the day there alone until night fell and Tac came to fetch him for dinner.
+++There was a loud pounding on the front door. Jason shot up and looked around. Below him, the Sciuridae mimicked his dazed and confused expression. Judging by the amount of light filtering in through the closed windows, it was very early in the morning.
****? Tac snarled unpleasantly. They heard the front door opened, and there was a long silence before there was a polite knock at the bedroom door. The Lupus mother called out, her voice full of worry. The Sciuridae jumped out of bed and marched out of the room, not bothering to put any clothes on. Jason listened as the healer stomped down the stairs, but his angry protests died just as quickly as they started. There were the sounds of muted discussions before Tac returned to his room.
{Jay-sun?}
{What's wrong?}
{It's Hark,} he said. {He... wants to ask you a favour.} Jason was so stunned that his only reply was a single nod. After hastily dressing, Tac helped him down from the top shelf and carried him downstairs.
The mother stood in the far corner of the room; head bowed deeply towards the Prime Alpha who sat at the table. He wore a long, hooded cloak that amazingly obscured everything but his head. He was all alone. Jason couldn't help but smirk as he saw the stool the Lupus sat upon, straining to hold him up.
{Sir}, he greeted him. {You need my help?} Hark didn't answer straight away, instead, staring at Jason with an unreadable expression.
[Is it true, you speak the tongue of the Low-Lands Plains.] Jason blanched. He gaped, then turned a suspicious look towards the mother; still bowing towards the Prime Alpha in the corner.
"Yeah, I can, I mean-" he cleared his throat. [Yes; why do you ask?]
[Because it is the Rattus's native tongue.] Jason was silent. He stared hard at Hark as it all fell into place.
[You want me to be a spy.]
[I believe my Rattus guests aren't being truthful with their intentions,] Hark said. [The delays and excuses are numerous, and what they are asking for in supplies, doesn't always match up with their experiments. Untraceable supplies, and messages constantly arriving from unknown shores; in code.] He leaned in close, causing Jason to take three steps away. [I don't like secrets.]
[You don't think they're making what they promised?]
[Oh, they are,] Hark said. [But what they are supposed to be working on, it isn't their priority; something else occupies their time.] He stabbed a clawed finger into the table. [if there's one thing I can't tolerate, it's information withheld from me within my seat of power.]
[Can't you just force the Rattus's to tell you what it is they're doing?] Hark reared back slightly, surprised by the question. Slowly, he cocked his head to one side.
[The Rattus's are very secretive,] he answered. [They'll simply destroy all their work, deny everything and show themselves the door. Then, they'll go somewhere else and start all over again. I want to know what their secret agenda is. Besides,] He wiggled his fingers slightly. [If I understand what it is, then if the need ever arises, I can have some leverage over them.] He paused. [You don't know much about the Rattus's.] Again, this wasn't a question. [Let me give you some free advice. Any leverage you can hold over those little * puts them on the back-foot. They don't like surprises.]
Jason only nodded. He wasn't thinking too hard about that as something else had his attention. The night of the feast, the Rattus's had been somewhat cagey about revealing information in public. Still, when questioned about their intentions, they gladly gave all details without hesitation. He once more remembered that age-old saying. How does a magician make a card appear in his hand? He distracts the audience with the other.
[Then, why did you grant them funding in the first place?] Hark gave a half-shrug, spreading his palms out.
[Two reasons. One; Profiting from what they promised? Why not. Do you remember what I told you about Mammalian's who don't call the Middle Continent home? How they value Sapien's and Sapien artefacts far more significant than those of your homeland?] Jason nodded, and the Prime Alpha nodded back before continuing. [And two; I get bored easily around here, so I figured I'd amuse myself. I knew they weren't entirely truthful when they first arrive. They were trepidatious in their mannerisms as if having hastily fled from a danger they weren't entirely sure they had escaped. They had no idea I could speak their language, so I believed that I would be able to decipher their true intentions with time.] His muzzle wrinkled. [That has proved impossible, as the * little *** won't speak their tongue outside of their ** laboratory. The door is too thick, and they speak too softly.] His fingers flexed, unsheathing long, sharp claws, as he spoke through clenched teeth. [I have grown tired of this game, and I'm no longer amused; I want answers.]
Jason suddenly jerked his head up in surprise. He couldn't believe his luck. The Prime Alpha had given him the opportunity he needed. Jason could not only spy on the Rattus's, but help free their captives. Then, he could join them on their escape home. He looked over at Tac. The Sciuridae had no idea what the conversation was about, but his features showed a nervous expression. If Jason went through with this, then he would have to abandon the healer. Despite everything he'd done, he had been kind and hospitable towards Jason. Looking at him, he couldn't stop thinking about that expression in his eyes, the day they saved the Lupus girl.
He stared at Tac for a few moments, weighing his options. Then he turned back to the Hark.
[I'll do it!]
First Chapter: Act I
Next Chapter: Act XI
Previous Chapter: Act IX
Category Story / Macro / Micro
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Great chapter!
Man I'm glad the Prime Alpha is a great leader that promised to not him or any other Lupus on his kingdom could eat or hurt Jason, that's nice, also I think when Jadon prononced the Prime Alpha name it made him likes Jadon even more and that's super cute!
Also the Rattus being able to keep whatever they are doing a secret to the Lupus is quite mysterious, I wonder if the humans that the Rattus are keeping have something to do with this whole mystery.
Only time will tell, until the next chapter. Keep up with this great story~
Man I'm glad the Prime Alpha is a great leader that promised to not him or any other Lupus on his kingdom could eat or hurt Jason, that's nice, also I think when Jadon prononced the Prime Alpha name it made him likes Jadon even more and that's super cute!
Also the Rattus being able to keep whatever they are doing a secret to the Lupus is quite mysterious, I wonder if the humans that the Rattus are keeping have something to do with this whole mystery.
Only time will tell, until the next chapter. Keep up with this great story~
Honestly, I don't know. That... was a long time ago, and I've kinda, sorta moved on. Heck, I honestly don't know if I still have the Word Doc on my hard drive. While I still have an itty-bitty soft spot for it, I'm more than a little embarrassed by it, as I've evolved as a writer since. The Attic was a first-step in the journey/world building genre that I love so much, and I made many, MANY mistakes with it.
Who knows, but at this point in my life, I can't give a yes or no answer to that question.
Who knows, but at this point in my life, I can't give a yes or no answer to that question.
I got the idea from general alpha wolf behaviour. They will mate with anyone they want. The Prime Alpha having multiple wives was inspired by the royal families of Hindu Buddhist. They could marry many times. to reinforce their web of alliances; creating a royal harem.
I based the Lupus culture primarily on the Celts, but I wanted to add a dash of other cultures so that not only would I create something unique, but they wouldn't be a simple copy-and-paste.
I based the Lupus culture primarily on the Celts, but I wanted to add a dash of other cultures so that not only would I create something unique, but they wouldn't be a simple copy-and-paste.
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