Howling Thunder Ch19: Game of Fancy Chairs

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Rounding the table, I take a seat on the bench near Mother while leaving room for Akane to sit at her side.

Standing behind Mother is a tall woman whose tail is has short sleek black fur with a bright golden tip, her hair is short, but similarly sleek black with vibrant golden streaks accentuating her sharp ears. The style of black silk barely wrapping only her chest and hips matches Patra, this is her mother Klea.

From the other end of the table, a pair of winter tribesmen, a man and woman, flank Walt and scoop him up by the arms.

The female speaks in his ear, “Come little cousin, sit with your big sis. Grandmother says you’ll be my new toy,”

The male cuts her off, “Our student. I’m Igor, this is Olga, we’re Sassa and Asta’s older siblings.”

As Walty is kidnapped down the table I can’t hold back a small chuckle. I don’t see the twins themselves, they must still be at the academy.

Patra’s mother seems to be sizing me up when Ulfa walks up and takes a stance behind my left shoulder. For the first time I see her true form, a dark as night, silky wolf tail hangs from under her dress, and a pair of matching furred ears poke from her elegant hair.

She leans down and whispers, “Suppose there’s no longer any need to hide in the shadows. Seems time for the fun to start little pup.”

With a nod she directs my attention to the line of men in expensive clothes approaching the table, many of whom actually have young women in tow behind them.

Meanwhile servants bring out massive trays of whole roasted animals to cover our table in food, Mother nudges Aka to stop her from digging in live a ravenous carnivore.

The food all smells divine, as I go to take my first bite I see a man standing in front of me waiting patiently. He has short pointy ears of golden fur. His beard is braided and in a tight square shape. His inspecting gold eyes have vertical slits, the skin is tan like Ptah. A gold and white robe drapes over one shoulder. Atop his head a strange, large hat with blue and gold stripes, it looks like a water pitcher, cloth drops down in front and behind his shoulders.

A cat…

Looking at his outfit I get the idea of somewhere hot and sandy with large pointy structures made of stone…

Father speaks up, “How are you Phix, I didn’t spot you in the throne room.”

The man displays a handsome smile, “Yes my apologies Lord Fenrir, we have just arrived, a rather annoying flock of birds delayed our caravan.”

Father takes a moment to examine the cat then rolls his eyes, “These ignorant fanatics have been cropping up, dealing with them has become taxing while we continue to send people south.”

Phix waves his hand, “I completely understand and I certainly appreciate your aid in matters so close to my own kingdom. Worry not, the trash was thoroughly swept aside. Now I’d like to introduce myself and my daughters to your fine looking pups.”

He waves to his right, two women walk up. I’d guess them to be a few years older than me but I’ve no way of knowing. This is my first time meeting anyone from the Neko clans.

The man smiles broadly at me, his teeth are perfectly white and exceptionally sharp looking.

“Young alphas, I am Anax Phix of the Parsa Neko Tribe, ruler of many lands not far south from here. And these…” He places his hands on the two girls shoulders, “Are my daughters Ailu and Sachi.”

Sachi gives a strong impression, her toned muscles showing in her revealing green gown. It seems to be some reptile skin, the scales cast shadows on the dress in the soft fire light. It’s similar to Patra’s, it crosses her modest chest in front before forming a knee length sarong. Her shoulder length white hair is done in hundreds of thin braids. Her long tail has short white fur.

Ailu is shorter than her sister, her black hair is extremely short and messy and contrasts her white gown. The dress matches her sister’s which means it clearly shows off her larger breasts. Gold rings line the bottom sides of her black furred ears along with a small gold nose ring. Her tail is also short furred, but black.

Ailu winks at me while Sachi gives me a polite nod of her head before showing interest in Walt who likewise gives a nod invoking an ever so slightly noticeable smile from the warrior girl.

Gods is it that easy for him?! And what’s up with this Ailu girl...now she just licked her lips. Personally I’m flattered but the short hair and overly forwardness aren’t doing anything for me. The slight display of shyness from Sachi was much more appealing.

I speak to Phix, “It’s nice to meet you and your daughters.”

He keeps up that unsettling grin, “Naturally, I’m sure you’ll find time to acquaint yourself better with my girls.”

Not if I can help it.

Suddenly Phix jumps a little, “Ouch!”

Clamped down on his golden tail is a small, white creature that looks like a bear and rabbit combined, on its forehead is a small red gemstone horn.

Phix shouts at the man approaching the table, “Dammit Hevel, get this thing off me!”

An old cat with grizzly grey hair with tufts of black on his ears, no tail can be seen in his grey robes. With his wooden staff he whacks the little white thing. I notice the staff is topped with a reddish gem matching the one mounted on the creature's head.

He wheezes a little while he laughs, “My apologies Lord Phix, Monty is a very young carbuncle.”

Akane looks like she is about to explode with excitement. I admit it’s damn adorable, and the red gem matches her.

The old man named Hevel picks up the creature and hands it across the table to her. It immediately takes to her curling up in her lap.

Father speaks up, “Already spoiling my daughter Hevel?”

The cat just chuckles more, “I see no issue with it, enjoy your meal young pups we will speak later.”

He hobbles off out of the hall, Akane looks sad she didn’t get to thank him.

Mother looks to be inspecting the creature, “Take good care of that creature, it may serve you better than you expect. You will get to thank Hevel later tonight.”

Phix looks rather annoyed, his creepy grin gone, “Madam Inari, might I suggest cooking the vicious thing?”

Akane looks terrified as she pulls it into a hug.

Mother looks at him with curiosity, “You know exactly what that creature is Anax, suggesting such a thing is akin to placing a dagger in your own back. Be a good kitty and go back to your table.”

Phix storms off in a huff, the girls politely bow before following their father.

Ulfa whispers at my side, “Phix is pharaoh of the civilized lands across the northern coast of the southern continent. While his age is unknown, his profile is spot on with descriptions in old war documents detailing a lesser demon army leader.”

Wonderful, and that was just the first guest, “What about the older fellow?”

She steals a drink from my mug, “Hevel is a sage from the Lynx tribe, they pulled turn coat from the demons to help the beastmen win. You can trust him, he’s actually long advised against the bigotry within Yoden.”

Ulfa points to a man speaking to father, his tail is long enough to toss around his shoulders like a scarf, bushy and brown.

“He's of the Stoats, a weasel tribe, one of the top merchant families in the city.”

She nods to the next fellow, “The Great Boar Chief, they were neutral. Still are, he’s only here to maintain the bare minimum so their tribe isn't forgotten should some calamity occur.”

This time she actually points with her fork to the next man, “The fellow with blue goat legs isn't beastman, a demon called a satyr. Though they’ll try and claim the monster race, it changes depending on who you ask. They're not so bad just a bunch of slobs, real goatmen don't drink have a nomadic culture.”

“Next is the Swan Duke, clothing merchant family similar to the Nico wolves…”

The line goes on and on and I’m simply amazed the maid can keep my mug topped off.

Ah, the Nico girl seems to be the only one as upset to be here as me. Refusing to look forward, constantly checking her cream colored tail fur or long nails.

I sneak a glance at my grandmother as the men begin to push the girls my way.

She looks ready to rip the men’s balls from between their legs for blatantly trying to sully her family bloodline.

Even now her and many people in the room continue to glance at my black fur in disdain. Fine, time to play their game, but screw the rules!

Chugging my mug and slamming it down, I stand.

Ignoring the startled Ulfa, I call out, “Noblemen, let's not waste a great feast with so much courtesy, come, line your daughters up! No need for silly pretense and boot licking, I’ll pick my company for tonight right now. Grandmother, I’d sooner step on my own cock then make a selection without your say, please come over.”

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