The Quest III: Return to Volter Read online

  He allowed her several moments to adjust to having her bottom invaded before he continued to move forward. She felt him stretching and filling her bottom until he was fully seated in her. When he was, he paused again, allowing her more time to adjust to his length and thickness.

  It felt strange but nice. He cupped his hands over her butt, lifted it, and began moving slowly in and out of her, leaving her bottom almost completely and then filling her up again. As he stroked into her, he sucked at her breasts, his teeth gently piercing the skin of each breast, his tongue teasing her nipples. Icy chills shot through her, making her body stiffen and shudder with delight.

  She moaned and felt the most incredible joy suffuse her body. It seemed to explode out from her bottom and engulf her entire being. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and surrendered to the ecstasy brought by his cock. When he shuddered and let out a deep growl, she held onto him as he filled her bottom with his seed.

  She sighed. Next time, she vowed, he would spill his seed inside her mating channeling. If the Gods of the Mountains smiled on her, she would be fertile and bear his cubs. She would call their first female cub Meka.

  * * * * *

  With the rising of the sun, Slayer woke to find Meka, Macak, and all the pride members gone. He was alone. He rose and called to Totter who immediately trotted up to him from the surrounding foliage.

  My lord?

  Where is she who bore me?

  She and he who is called Macak went hunting.

  Slayer stiffened. Meka was in no condition to hunt. Why would Macak allow her to risk further injury? Which way did they go?

  They went toward the watering hole. Fearing for she who bore you, I followed for a time but was ordered away.

  Slayer made an effort to control his temper. No purpose would be served by pointing out that Totter had erred in allowing Macak to send him back. Macak had no authority to send you away.

  I recognized no such authority from him, my lord. However, I thought it prudent to obey when she who bore you ordered me away.

  Slayer could see no reason for Meka to send Totter away unless she did it to please Macak. And why should Macak wish to be alone with an injured carnivore on a hunt? Berka’s veiled warnings came to mind.

  His chest swelled with rage. Macak! Hear me, he roared. I am on my way. It is in your best interests to ensure no harm befalls she who bore us.

  There was no response, but he knew Macak had heard him. He turned and raced through the forest with Totter at his side. Meka, I am coming!

  Slayer, my cub…I am not sufficient.

  The weakness he sensed in Meka sent a chill of fear through him. I am coming! And then to Macak, in a soft dangerous voice meant for him alone, If she does not survive, I will dispatch you in the most painful way imaginable! There will not even be enough left of you to gather in the misty place! he promised.

  * * * * *

  “Wynter, there is nothing I would like more, but my chores will not allow me to go walking. There is too much to do.”

  Wynter turned from the small opening in the side of the hut and looked at Ayanni. As usual, Ayanni looked weary but determined to work from sun rising to sun setting. Well not this time. “Mother, I will not accept anything less than your agreeing to come with me. I would have you meet Totter.”

  Ayanni shook her head. “Oh, Wynter! You are so young…too young to value anyone.”

  “I am the age you were when you met my sire. I am an adult, mother and I know what I feel for Totter is as strong as what you feel for Slayer.”

  She watched Ayanni’s eyes widen and a sad look settle on her face. Even after all the hard seasons of struggle, Ayanni was still very pleasing to look at. Small wonder Slayer had never forgotten her.

  “Please, Mother. Will you not come for a little while? When we return, we will both work in the field.”

  She saw Ayanni ‘s lips part and spoke quickly but firmly. “I have been selfish and remiss in allowing you to toil alone for so long.”

  Ayanni crossed the room and clutched her hand. “Oh, Wynter. Never selfish.”

  She sighed. “Yes, Mother. Exceedingly selfish, but it will not happen again. You are she who is valued by the future ruler of Tern Terra. It is unseemly for you to toil alone.”

  Ayanni moved away. “He does not value me, Wynter.”

  “Oh but he does, Mother. He has told me and I have sensed it in him. Will you come and meet Totter?”

  “I have no wish to see your sire again.”

  She sensed the longing in Ayanni. “Oh, Mother. There is no need to pretend with me.”

  “It is so weak of me to long for him after so many seasons and so much pain.”

  She squeezed Ayanni’s hand. “It was not pain willingly inflicted. Will you not give him another chance?”

  Ayanni shook her head. “I cannot, but I will come meet Totter.”

  She smiled and threw her arms around Ayanni’s neck. “Oh, Mother, you will be so impressed.”

  Ayanni hugged her. “I am certain of it.”

  Some moments later they walked together in the forest. Although she had assured Ayanni they would be safe, Ayanni carried the big, stout stick.

  Longing to see Totter again, Wynter had to overcome the urge to run swiftly along the path to Meka and Berka’s territory. But Ayanni would not be able to keep pace.

  Halfway there, she stopped abruptly, tilting her head, closing her eyes, and listening intently.

  “What is it?” Ayanni asked softly.

  Wynter frowned, keeping her eyes closed. “It’s Meka, Mother.”

  “What about her?”

  Wynter’s eyes snapped opened. “She’s in trouble. She is near.”

  Ayanni sucked in a breath. “We must help her.”

  “Yes. She is in grave danger. Oh, Mother. I wish there was time to see you safety back home before I go to her, but I fear she would perish if I did. Keep close, Mother.”

  With her heart thumping, she set off running as fast as she dared with Ayanni several body lengths behind her. She could feel Meka’s distress and despair. I am coming, Meka. Hold on.

  No. She sensed Meka’s dismay. It is too dangerous. You must not come any closer. There is great danger. Slayer is coming. Retreat and be safe. Slayer will ensure that I am sufficient.

  But Wynter could sense that Meka was being less than truthful. Meka was trying to protect her at the risk of her own life. She glanced back over her shoulder to ensure there was no danger to Ayanni and ran on. She reached out to those she sensed surrounding and threatening the injured Meka.

  I am Wynter, elder offspring of Slayer, future ruler of Tern Terra. She who you menace is Meka, she who bore Slayer. Stand down or face his wrath and mine.

  This is not Tern Terra, offspring of Slayer and if you do not wish to share in Meka’s fate, come no closer.

  The words spoken with contempt sent a chill through Wynter. Harm her and you will meet a painful end, she threatened.

  As she neared the spot deep in the forest where she knew Meka was somehow managing to hold off her attackers, Wynter paused and allowed Ayanni to catch up with her. “Mother, this is too dangerous for you.” She looked around and saw a tree that she knew Ayanni would have no problems ascending. “Climb up that tree and wait until Slayer arrives before you come down.”

  Ayanni shook her head. “No. There is no way I’ll allow you to go on alone, Wynter. We’ll go together or not at all. I will allow no challenge in this matter. Do you understand?”

  There was no time to argue and in truth, Ayanni’s resolve impressed her and made her proud. “Yes, Mother.” She inclined her head slightly. Then she turned and with Ayanni close behind her, she ran into the wooded area and felt her heart thump at the sight that greeted her.

  Meka, breathing deeply and painfully stood with her back against a huge tree, her flanks covered with blood, wavering on her feet. Surrounding her on three sides stood three adolescent males.

  Sweeping Ayanni behind her, Wynter
ran forward and stood in front of Meka, her clenched right hand extended. Ayanni stood at her side, the stout stick clutched in her hands.

  I am Wynter, elder offspring of Slayer, he who will one day rule Tern Terra, stand down or face our combined wrath.

  The apparent leader of the trio, a medium-sized beige carnivore with blood on his left flank padded forward. The other two males also showed signs of having been in a battle. Meka had put up a fight as befitted one who headed two prides and one who had born a royal son of Tern Terra.

  Offspring of Slayer, you may be, but you are but a human cub. Stand aside or you will all be dispatched, the beige carnivore told her.

  I am far from just a human cub.

  The one called Meka must be dispatched. We have no quarrel with you. Stand aside or be dispatched with her. Your sire will not arrive in time to save you.

  I do not require the assistance of my sire to dispatch cowards of your sort who would attack an injured carnivore. She lifted her head. You have been warned! Wynter took several deep breaths, calling up the energy she always coiled in her stomach. She opened her hand and a jolt shot out from her fingertips. The carnivore padding towards her stopped and wavered. The other two roared and charged. Ayanni screamed and Wynter swung around and quickly thrust out her hand to the closer of the two charging cats. Pausing only long enough to make sure he stopped, she turned to face the last one, not many body lengths away. She thrust out her hand and again felt the discharge leave her body, but this time the resultant charge was not strong enough to stop the charging cat.

  Wynter’s heart thumped. She didn’t fear for herself, but she was afraid for Meka, who had clearly been gravely injured and for Ayanni. She had been a fool to bring Ayanni into such a dangerous situation. Losing Meka would be a tragedy. Losing Meka and Ayanni would break her heart, as well as Slayer’s.

  Slayer. Keeping her gaze on the carnivore’s encircling them, she reached out. Sire. You must come immediately. There is great danger to Meka, Ayanni, and myself. Several carnivores have gravely injured Meka surround us. Come quickly, sire, or I fear I will not be able to protect those you value most.

  Having called out to Slayer, she snatched the stick from Ayanni. “Get back, Mother. Stay close to Meka,” she cried and ran forward, somersaulting into the air, twirling the stick. As she sailed over the charging carnivore, she brought the stick down across the back of the cat’s neck as hard as she could. She heard something snap as she landed lightly on her feet as the carnivore went down to his knees.

  She didn’t have time to catch her breath as the other two cats were now charging towards her. And she knew she did not have the energy to stop them. She turned and rushed towards the smaller of the cats, swinging the stick. Her intended target let out a low roar and jumped aside in time to avoid the blow. She saw a flash out of the corner of her eyes and then felt the breath knocked from her lungs as the other carnivore slammed into her, knocking her to the ground.

  Lying on her back, stunned, she nevertheless had the presence of mind to bring the stick up to ward off the snapping jaws of the carnivore standing over her. She heard Ayanni screaming and Meka roar as she fought to keep the cat’s teeth away from her neck.

  A big paw descended. She twisted her head to the side, but was unable to avoid the blow completely. She felt pain in her head and something warm running down her face. She was injured and about to die. But she would not die without putting up more fight.

  She extended her right hand, trying to channel what little energy she felt coiled in her stomach. Nothing happened and she resigned herself to a quick death. But Ayanni and Meka still had a chance to escape.

  Meka. Take Ayanni and go. I will stay and battle to keep those who would attack you here. Go and take she who bore me while there is time.

  Instead of retreating, Meka left out an angry roar and then charged forward with Ayanni on her back, clinging to her neck. As they reached Wynter and the struggling cat, Ayanni jumped off Meka’s back and Meka slammed into the carnivore standing over Wynter, knocking him onto his side.

  Wynter bounded to her feet and rushed to stand in front of Ayanni. She felt dizzy and her vision was blurred, but she had to protect Ayanni. Angry tears filled her eyes and rage her heart as she saw Meka lying on her side, bleeding and barely breathing.

  Sire! she screamed. You must come. Meka is dying and I am not sufficient. I fear I cannot protect Ayanni much longer. Please come, sire.

  * * * * *

  Wynter’s plea for help sent a chill of fear and blind fury through Slayer as he and Totter raced to the spot where the three females who meant so much to him faced death.

  To Wynter, he called out. I am coming, my cub. You are of Tern Terra. You must survive. If Meka is dying, there is nothing more you can do for her. Take Ayanni and flee. I will avenge she who bore me.

  I cannot leave her, sire. She has saved Ayanni many times.

  Wynter! Take Ayanni and flee. I command it.

  I cannot, sire. I am…am not sufficient.

  Slayer felt as if his heart had been ripped out. Meka was dying, Wynter was injured, and Ayanni’s life was at risk. He sent up a silent prayer to the Gods of the Mountains.

  Then he roared out an angry challenge to those threatening Ayanni and Meka. Infidels! Hear me! I am Slayer, elder offspring of Hunter, he who will rule Tern Terra. I order you to stand down or I will dispatch not only you, but all whom you value. I will show no mercy to your prides. I will dispatch them all from cub to elder. No one will be safe from my wrath. Hear me and obey! Stand down!

  And to Macak. Run, Macak. Run long and far for I will dispatch you on sight, you who have killed she who bore me will have a very short life.

  And to Wynter, Hold on, Wynter. I am coming, my cub.

  Beside him, Totter left out an angry roar that reverberated for miles through the forest. He sensed an anguish and fear for Wynter in Totter’s roar that nearly rivaled his own.

  I am Totter, elder offspring of Toren, of the royal guard to the house of Seeker, lord of Tern Terra. I will hunt you all down to the last cub and dispense a vengeance that will make the planes of Volter run with blood. Stand down, cowards who would attack females, or face the painful and ignorable death befitting your kind.

  Slayer put his head down close to the ground and let out an angry growl. Totter joined him in his verbal challenge and roaring together, they created a sound that echoed for miles through the jungle.

  Chapter Eight

  Both Slayer’s and Totter’s challenge reached Wynter. The combined vocals were so powerful that she almost felt as if the ground beneath her feet shook with their rage. She watched the carnivores menacing her and Ayanni exchange nervous glances. They were both young and she was sure neither had ever seen one of the Great Carnivores nor had occasion to hear the powerful battle-cry of one of the great cats.

  The sounds of her sire and he whom she valued, infused her with hope. Keeping Ayanni behind her, and ignoring her desire to close her eyes and lose consciousness, she backed up until they stood with their backs against the tree. She held the stick clutched in her left hand, breathing slowly in an effort to dredge up the remnants of energy still coiled in her belly.

  Not only was Slayer coming, but so was Totter. All would be well if she could just hold the remaining carnivores off for a little longer. She remembered Slayer’s words. You are of Tern Terra. And so she was. Both she and Ayanni would somehow survive and those who had taken Meka’s life would pay dearly with theirs.

  Cowards! Leave now while you still can!

  The two cats exchanged glances and then started a slow charge towards her.

  Wynter took a deep breath and clenched her right hand, bringing it slowly up from her side.

  “No, Wynter. They will kill you.” Ayanni snatched the stick from her hand and shoved her away and stood in front of her. “But only after they have killed me.”

  Weakened by the blow she had received to her the side of her head, Wynter lost her balance and fell
back against the tree. Unable to stop herself, she slid down the trunk of the tree and sat on the ground, dazed and confused.

  As the cats charged, she lifted her right hand and thrust it forward, her stomach muscles aching with the effort to dredge up enough energy to stop the charging carnivores. Nothing happened and she screamed with fear as the bigger of the cats, evaded Ayanni wild swings and knocked her to the ground. The other carnivore rushed at Wynter.

  Then as she struggled to rise, two loud growls shook the world and Slayer and Totter bounded onto the trail. Before the cat snapping at Ayanni could close his teeth over her neck, Slayer had slammed into him, knocking him away from Ayanni. He then snapped his teeth shut on the smaller cat’s neck and lifted him above his head before slamming him onto the ground at his feet. Lifting his massive paw, he delivered two crushing blows to the head of the other cat.

  Wynter heard bones breaking and the cat let out a short, cry of pain and then lay silent and still on the ground.

  The carnivore rushing at her, tried to veer off and flee, but Totter let out a loud, powerful roar that seemed to frighten and confuse the smaller cat. As he stood, staring, with wide, fear-filled eyes, Totter, delivered a blow to the side of his head that dropped him to his side.

  Slayer looked over at her. My cub…you are sufficient?

  I am now, sire.

  Slayer cast a quick look at Ayanni. See to our cub.

  Ayanni nodded and rushed across to kneel at her side and wrap her arms around her.

  Returning Ayanni’s embrace, Wynter watched as Slayer went to the spot where Meka lay.

  Meka lifted her head. My cub…I knew you would come. Lie with me so that I may die in peace with you at my side…you whom I will always love best.

  Tears filled Wynter’s eyes and rolled down her cheeks as Slayer let out a roar of pain and anguish and lay his head against Meka’s flank. Do not perish, Meka. Please. I am so sorry I did not arrive in time to help you.

  Do not despair. You are here now, my cub. I will die happy with you at my side.