The Quest III: Return to Volter Read online

I should have given him a quick, painless death. I should not have taken the cowardly way out and allowed Meka and the others to tear him to pieces as they did.

  As far as Jemi was concerned, Stalker had received exactly what he deserved, but she was careful to shield that thought from the distressed Hunter.

  You had no idea what they intended.

  What will I say to she who bore me when she asks if I at least ensured his death was quick? How will I be able to face her and tell her the truth?

  It wasn’t your fault! I defy anyone to say it was! she said fiercely. You won’t have to face her. I’ll face her and everyone else in Tern Terra and tell them the truth. I won’t have you made to feel bad for something you had no control over.

  No. It is my duty to face her.

  She linked her arms around his neck and kissed his mane. We’ll face her together.

  As you wish, my Jemi.

  She nodded. Yes. She was his Jemi and she defied anyone to fuck with her male.

  They lapsed into silence and she allowed her thoughts to drift back to how she, a modern day, civilized woman had come to be so passionately involved in a relationship that would have been impossible on Earth.

  With the death of her husband, Cody, her world had been torn apart. Just before he lapsed into a coma, he had promised her that he would find a way for them to be together again. Five years after his death, she had received a letter from him telling her to go to an abandoned mining town so that they could be together again. From there she had been transported to the world of Volter, where she’d learned that Cody shared the body of a shape-shifting Carnivore, called Hunter. She had been dismayed to find herself sharing the body of Jeroni, the only child of the ruler of Volter.

  She and Hunter had quickly fallen in love and become lovers. After attempts from his now deceased brother Stalker, and the recently killed seer, Tioni, to prevent Hunter from returning home, they were now on their way to Tern Terra. Tern Terra. The land of Hunter’s birth and the land where he would one day be ruler and they would hopefully all live happily ever after.

  That is if they could get through the mist that was steadily descending on them. She looked up and blinked. The air above them was blanketed with a thick mist.

  Do not be alarmed, Jemi, Hunter told her. The encroaching mists mean we are very near home.

  * * * * *

  My lord, Hunter. We have arrived.

  At the words spoken by Traveler, the huge, almost black Carnivore who had been sent to ensure his sire’s safe return home, Slayer looked up and frowned.

  In front of them appeared to be a wall of unbroken rock rising high into the air, through the mists covering its top. On either side of the road were the majestic Mountains of The Gods. Slayer could see no way beyond what appeared to be a dead-end.

  His sire, Hunter, a huge Carnivore with a sleek bronze coat and a regal dark golden mane approached the wall and touched his head against it. Slayer listened as the wall made a rumbling noise. He tensed, expecting the earth under his feet to shake as it sometimes did or for the wall to tumble down, crushing his sire. Instead, as Hunter stepped back, the wall of rock suddenly rumbled open, revealing a wide, foggy passage.

  His sire turned his head and looked at him. Slayer. We are home, my club. Come. Walk the path into Tern Terra with me.

  The other Carnivores, sent to guard Hunter on his journey home, moved aside to make room for him and bowed their heads as Slayer padded past them. Soft, respectful murmurs of, My lord, Slayer, brushed against his thoughts as he moved to stand by his sire and his mate, Jemi Hunter.

  He bowed his head. Sire, he responded softly.

  Hunter bent his head to brush his head against his. We are home, Slayer. At last.

  Slayer tried to share his sire’s obvious excitement, but his thoughts kept turning to Volter and Ayanni and Meka, and the prides he had left behind.

  Come, my club. It is time to meet Seeker, Lord of Tern Terra, and Tyla, she who bore me.

  Yes, Sire. I am eager to meet Seeker and she who bore you. He paused and looked up at Hunter. He had heard much of Seeker, his own sire’s sire and of Tyla. Hunter had always said there had never been a more majestic and regal Carnivore born than Seeker. And now he was about to meet him. He who had been born of a normal carnivore, rather than a valued human female. Will they find me sufficient, sire?

  He felt Hunter’s surprise. They will not find you wanting, my cub.

  She who bore me is not human, sire.

  Meka is worthy and brave, as are you, my cub. Come. We must not keep Seeker and Tyla waiting.

  Hunter moved into the passage and disappeared into the swirling mists. Slayer, with a last look back at the path leading toward the Volterian forest followed. Once inside the mists, he was relieved to find his eyes quickly adjusting. They were in a huge, cavernous cave lit by what appeared to be some strange luminous crystals covering the walls.

  Ahead of him, he saw Hunter, with Jemi still on his back, padding towards a large circle of sunlight. He followed. He heard a rumbling noise behind him. He turned and saw the four Carnivores accompanying them within the cavern and the wall of rock was back in place.

  For a moment, he felt a sense of loss and panic. He was cut off from the world he had known and loved all his life. He would see Meka again when he returned to Volter, but Ayanni was now lost to him forever.

  My lord, Slayer? You are sufficient?

  He looked at the she-vore who stood next to him with her head bowed. Sheela, the seer who had healed him and Dioni. Thanks to your skill as a healer, I am very sufficient, Sheela, he replied.

  It is my duty and my pleasure to serve you in any way I can, my lord.

  He felt a distinct warmth emanating from her. He realized that she was offering herself to him. He wanted to mate, but he longed for the slender, beautiful human female whose dark, lovely image was seared into his senses. He could still remember the smell of her body, the taste of her pussy under his tongue, the feel of her soft human hands fondling his flanks. Her warm lips brushing against his mouth. Her dark eyes looking at him with adoration and desire. How could he be satisfied with another female after having known such delights?

  Even a she-vore as becoming as Sheela could not hope to compete with sweet, adoring Ayanni. Still, the offer stroked his male pride.

  I will remember that, Seer, he said and turned to follow Hunter, Jemi, and Dioni.

  He stepped out of the cave and found himself standing on a wide path, bounded on either side by tall, leafy trees and foliage. At the end of the long path, he saw a huge stone building with many large openings his sire called windows. Outside the building, many huge Carnivores in humanoid form prowled back and forth.

  As Hunter, Jemi, and Dioni approached, the Carnivores parted and kneeled with bowed heads.

  It is the abode of Traveler, my lord Slayer, master of the guard of the royal house of Seeker. All who would enter Tern Terra must first pass through the guardhouse.

  Slayer turned to find Sheela again at his side. He inclined his head slightly and padded behind Hunter.

  My lord, Slayer.

  Welcome to Tern Terra, lord Slayer.

  Tern Terra rejoices to welcome you, lord Slayer.

  Reverential murmurs buzzed in his ears as he neared the still kneeling Carnivores. The inside of Traveler’s adobe was large and airy. They passed through the main room, along a huge tunnel-like room, and came out into the most lush, verdant forest Slayer had ever seen. Everywhere he looked was green. The trees were tall with strong, low hanging branches capable of providing welcome shade on the most scorching of days.

  More Carnivores in humanoid form prowled the forest. Slayer noted the path under his feet sloped upward. He raised his gaze and blinked. Ahead, several hundred yards along the forest path, was a gigantic stone building with low windows too numerous to count. The building seemed to extend upwards for a very long time, vanishing into whirling mists. Slayer felt pride swell his chest. For this was surely the royal pa
lace, home of Seeker, ruler of all Tern Terra.

  Hunter, with Jemi now walking beside him, spoke quietly to Dioni, who nodded and followed one of the Carnivores around the building. Hunter then turned to look at him. Slayer, come. His highness and her majesty await us.

  Yes, sire.

  The Carnivores patrolling in front of the stone door stepped aside and Hunter, Jemi, and Slayer entered the building. They stepped into a long, high room lighted with the same luminance crystals that had provided light in the cavern. More Carnivores patrolled the room. Two stood on guard in front of a set of massive doors. As they approached, the two guards shape shifted to humanoid form. With bowed heads, they opened the doors.

  Hunter paused, lowered his head. Slayer watched as his sire shifted from his natural form into that of a tall humanoid with dark hair, fair skin, and green eyes. They then passed through the doors and into an enormous room with low windows, a strange silky floor with two huge throne chairs at the end of the room. Seated there were two humanoids. One, a beautiful woman, had kind eyes and long, light hair. The male was huge with tanned skin, green eyes, and blond hair. He wore human covering, but he had a regal bearing and Slayer knew immediately who he was.

  Without being told to, Slayer knelt. He glanced towards Hunter in time to see he and Jemi kneel and bowed their heads, along with everyone else in the room.

  My lord Seeker. My lady Tyla. Your humble servant, Hunter, has returned.

  And who have you brought with you, Hunter?

  I have brought my mate, Jemi Hunter of Earth, and my only surviving and eldest offspring.

  And who is this offspring who would one day rule Tern Terra in your stead, Hunter?

  He is Slayer, born of Meka, your highness. She who bore him leads the largest pride in all of Volter.

  This Meka is a Volterian carnivore?

  Yes, my lord.

  Then your offspring has very little human blood.

  He in no way suffers from that lack, my lord Seeker. He has already proven his worthiness to bear your blood, my lord. You will not find him wanting in any way.

  No. Of that I am sure. Seeker descended the throne and stopped in front of Hunter. “Rise, my cub.”

  When Hunter had, Seeker embraced him briefly before turning to stand in front of him. “And you who would one day rule this land. Slayer. Rise and face your sovereign.”

  Slayer rose, but kept his head bowed. My lord.

  “Lift your head so I may look upon you.”

  I am humbled in your presence, your majesty, he admitted, keeping his head bowed.

  “Excessive humility is unbecoming in one who would stand before the counsel of elders as ruler of Tern Terra.”

  “Oh, enough with all this pomp and circumstances and talk of the counsel of elders,” Tyla suddenly said. She sprang from her chair and ran to throw her arms around Hunter’s neck, sobbing. “Hunter! Oh, Hunter! I feared never to see you alive again! It’s been so long, my cub!” She pressed kisses all over his face before looking at Seeker. “Our eldest is all grown up now. He is no longer a cub. He has a mate and a cub of his own.”

  She looked at Jemi, still kneeling with bowed head. “Jemi Hunter of Earth, you are among your pride. Rise and lift your head. Welcome to Pride Seeker.”

  Without waiting for Jemi’s response, Tyla released Hunter and flung herself at Slayer, wrapping her arms around his neck and covering his head with kisses. “Slayer! Offspring of our beloved Hunter, welcome home and to Pride Seeker.”

  You humble and honor me, my lady Tyla.

  “Enough with all the formal nonsense. You are Slayer, my grandcub. You will not call me your lady Tyla. You will call me grand.” She stepped back and studied him before rushing back to hug Hunter. “Hunter, he is a strong, handsome cub. Just as you were.”

  He is also brave and honorable, Mother.

  “Like his father,” Jemi said.

  “His father left Tern Terra without permission many seasons pass,” Seeker said, his voice suddenly cold. “His disobedience caused much grief and anxiety.”

  “He intended no disrespect,” Jemi began. “He only—”

  “Silence human!” Seeker thundered. “You have not been given permission to speak!”

  Jemi jumped and pressed back against Hunter. Slayer could see her visibly shaking and longed to rush to her aid, but didn’t quite dare. Being in Seeker’s presence made him feel inadequate and insufficient.

  She meant no disrespect, sire, Hunter said quickly. She is from Earth and does not know our ways.

  “Then you have best instruct her to remain silent until she learns her proper place, Hunter. I will not be spoken to with anything but respect.”

  Hunter bowed his head. My lord.

  “Oh, don’t be so supercilious, Seeker!” Tyla snapped. She walked over to Jemi and put her arm around her. “Seeker roars frequently, but he is a very tamed Carnivore. Do not fear him.”

  “Tyla!” Seeker roared.

  She whirled around to face him. “Yes, my lord?” she asked, smiling at him.

  Slayer watched as his grandsire’s face stretched into a smile under Tyla’s look. “As you say, Tyla.” He turned to look at Jemi. “We will speak no more of your indiscretion, Jemi Hunter.”

  She bowed her head. “Thank you, my lord.”

  “You may call me Seeker,” he said graciously.

  “You honor me, my lord Seeker.”

  “Seeker,” he reminded her, smiling. “Without the lord when we are not in formal company.”

  “Now, we’re all introduced and home and happy,” Tyla said. “When your siblings hear of your arrival they will rush back to Tern Terra to welcome you home, my cub.” She looked around, her smile turning into a frown. “Hunter, where is Stalker?”

  Slayer felt his sire’s turmoil and spoke before he could. I regret to inform you, that my lord Stalker is dead, my lady. By my hand.

  Tyla stared at him, then looked at Hunter. “Dead? Dead? Stalker? My cub is dead?” She looked around, her legs buckled, and she fainted.

  Chapter Two

  Does her majesty hate me, sire? Slayer asked as soon as Hunter, in his natural form, padded into the room where he and Jemi had been escorted after Tyla had fainted.

  Hunter approached him and gently butted his head. Of course she does not hate you, Slayer. You do not think I allowed her to think Stalker’s death was your fault, do you? I told her the truth.

  But his death was my fault, sire. If I had not been injured, Meka and her pride would not have killed him. If I had been stronger and able to battle more fiercely, he would not have injured me so, provoking Meka’s wrath.

  You are her only surviving cub, Slayer. She would have ripped him apart for scratching you. What happened to him was not your fault.

  “Nor yours,” Jemi said.

  Hunter turned to look at her. Still speaking out of turn, huh? Have you learned nothing about holding your tongue until you’re spoken to?

  “What? Why you arrogant, big-headed, egomaniac. You are not yet ruler of this place and I am not afraid of you. You…oh, you…” she began hotly, stopping suddenly when he laughed. After a moment, she laughed too.

  “Is your mother all right?”

  He shook his head slightly. One of her cubs met a horrible death at the hands of his sibling. How can she be all right?

  Slayer looked up at him. But sire, it was not your fault. She does not now find you insufficient. Does she?

  I do not know. She says not, but how can she not? He was my younger sibling. I should have protected him.

  Sire, he was not worthy to be your sibling! He was not honorable!

  Hunter tossed his head angrily and stepped away from him. You are speaking out of turn, Slayer! You did not know him. He did not deserve to be ripped apart.

  Slayer disagreed, but remained silent. He glanced at Jemi. He had a feeling he and she would need to suppress their thoughts frequently in this place his sire called home. He wondered if he should have remained in Volter, wh
ere he was accepted as he was. His grandsire had not seemed very pleased that he had been born of a Volterian carnivore instead of a human, like all the royal family before him.

  Hunter butted his head again. What troubles you, my cub?

  I should not have come here, sire. I am not wanted. I will return to Volter to those who find me sufficient.

  He received another head butt, this one not so gentle. Silence, Slayer. You are in the royal house of Seeker. Have you no sense of the honor bestowed upon you to be here?

  “Hunter! Let him speak! You may be used to all this bowing and scraping and holding your tongue, but we are not!” Jemi snapped. “Don’t you stifle him.”

  He kept his gaze on Slayer. Then he will have to learn to adapt. You both will. Seeker does not tolerate disrespect in any form. He will make very few allowances for either of you.

  She stiffened. “Oh, really? What will he do if we displease his royal highness? Eat us?”

  Slayer found the image painted in his mind by Jemi’s words humorous. He tried, but could not stifle the rumbling in his chest.

  Hunter gave an angry roar. You will not teach Slayer to disrespect his sovereign, Jemi. And you would do well to realize that now you are in Tern Terra, Seeker is your sovereign as well. His cold gaze raked over them both. He shifted into a humanoid form, turned, and stalked out of the room.

  Jemi tossed her head angrily. Her gaze softened when she looked at him. She smiled and linked her arms around his neck. “Don’t worry about him. He’s just still hurting from having to tell his mother what happened to Stalker.”

  Now that he is here, he is different.

  She nodded. “I know he seems different, but underneath, he’s still the same sire who loves you more than he does his own life.”

  He pulled away from her. I am not going to stay in this place. I am returning to Volter.

  “No! Slayer! You can’t. Oh, Slayer, you’ve been through such a lot and I know this is going to be a big adjustment, but you can’t leave.”

  Why not?

  “Your sire needs you.”

  His sire needed him, but he left anyway. Why should I not do the same?