A/n here's the slightly overdue ruff, please enjoy! Still working on edits in some of the back chapters, consult the Q/A thread for information.

Ch21 Run that by me again!?

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In the castle study I sit at the king’s desk while the actually king, or soon to be king, Vuk jr., stands before me.

Admiring the set of quills and pretending my side doesn’t itch like crazy, I speak to the young man, “Well Jr. I am indeed alive as we agreed so you can stop looking ready to piss yourself.”

He's fidgeting where he stands, his short blonde hair an absolute mess, his clothes seem to be an assortment of whatever he saw first this morning.

Maybe I shouldn’t have threatened to cut his dick off, this man is a wreck.

I point to a chair near the desk, “Sit down, there's some things I want to cover.”

Walt is looking around at the various animal trophies mounted in the room while Mora is browsing the books on the shelves.

Once the man is seated, “First you’ll need to hire new guards if you haven’t already, I need supplies and a boat ride South, information on the situation with people going missing, and if I’m not mistaken you need to be publicly declared as the new king here right? How do we even do that?”

The door opens, “You just gather a bunch of good for nothing, rich humans from the city, and give him a shiny hat in front of them in the name of the Fenrir.”

An old man walks in under a ragged cloak on two goat legs, his clothes smudged with mud, his beard actually has small leaves caught in it and there are chunks missing from his massive curled horns.

Did he just walk in here from a swamp? “And you are sir?”

He takes a seat across from Jr., “I’m the shaman who’s kept you alive, I’m here for your payment and I suppose I can help with a few of your questions.”

I nod, “I’m certainly grateful, I could have done without the crazy dreams but I assume that couldn’t be helped. Please go on.”

The goat man takes out a ridiculously long pipe and begins smoking, “I Volo, of the Mouflon tribe, and my wife, were here on our way North to Moskva, however once we heard news of the turmoil currently in the black city we have stayed here. I can offer you some information from the South, the missing people for example are related to the hooligan posing as the king of this city for the past while.”

Jr. pipes up, “You knew and yet said nothing?!”

Volo laughs, “If a man such as myself arrived on your doorstep claiming your father was in fact a mischievous creature in disguise you’d of had me arrested and hung the next day. Anyway, the mass of bandits he’s encouraged into the area have been kidnapping folks to sell to the Old Baron.”

Jr. visibly pales so I ask, “Are you perhaps aware of who he refers to?”

The young man just nods, I bet this is the same person Janyu referred to when he threatened Mora.

The old man goes on, “He’s an ancient fellow, nearly as old as some of the gods, he happily stays in his castle however, I’m sure he is just as annoyed by the situation as your Yoden is. I suspect if you can find his abode, he’ll play the humble host before sending you on your way and out of his life.”

Sounds like a fellow I could get along with.

Now for the other bit, “You mentioned payment?”

Volo nods, “Yes, your first born daughter.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

A red spark leaps from my tail destroying a nearby bookshelf

I will not give my daughter to some old goat, I don't care if he saved my life!

Volo frantically waves his hands in realization before bowing, “No my lord, my wife is pregnant with a son, I request you allow him to attend your Yoden academy and, at the suggestion of my god, the right to wed your first born daughter. In return my god has said he will bless your first litter. The daughter in particular will receive a gift of power.”

Well that is a bit different matter, isn’t it?

My grandfather is headmaster after all, “The academy part is easy, you can be assured that much for now.”

I think I would already be a failure as a father to decide such a thing for my child in so far advance.

Hmm, “How do you know it is a boy?”

He grins, “My god told me so.”

His god told him so… gods should mind their own business a little more.

Quite the heavy request, I don't even know when I’ll have a daughter or if I even will.

I set down the quill and give Volo a hard stare, “A heavy proposal, as royalty it is quite the ordeal for me to already promise my first unborn daughter. What is the name of your god?”

He bows deeper, “Perun, my Lord Alpha.”

In the corner of the room Mora drops the book in her hands, I suppose she knows the name.

She meets my gaze and nods frantically. I’ll take the word of a Valkyrie on this.

Guess he’s an important god, “Well seems I have decided the life of a daughter I’ve yet to even have. I will say that if the two in question ever refuse this arrangement then we shall respect their choice. Mind you, the headmaster of the school is family, should he deem your son no good for my daughter, do not doubt your son will die and so will you.”

Volo stands with a nervous smile and offers his hand to shake, I stand and take his hand.

He dashes out his pipe on the chair, “This is wonderful news, my god will be pleased.”

I hope so, “Have Vuk here arrange your safe and heavily guarded trip to Yoden, I’ll have a letter wrote up for the academy.”

The old goat bows again and dashes from the room, if he was making things up, Freki will destroy him for involving her promised pups.

Mora walks over, “Perun is a greater god, gaining his blessing is rather fantastic, also considering he is a thunder god it's not difficult to understand why he would want one of his charges in your bloodline.”

While smiling at her, “If Mother hears her first granddaughter has been promised to marry a goat and gets upset, I’m telling her it was your idea.”

She smiles awkwardly, “I’m sure everything will be fine.”

Hmm, I doubt it.

Looking back to Jr., “Take care of that matter, also, gather your nobles, use my name if necessary. We’ll see to your coronation this afternoon.”

He hesitates, “Gathering the nobles would take at least a month to arrange for the ceremony and invitations and decorations….”

I cut him off, “I said this afternoon, you want to be king right? Move your ass!”

Vukky boy hops off his seat and takes off out of the room. I realize he's quite a bit older than me but he is rather pathetic and barely as tall as my shoulder.

Not sure old Volo’s instructions for this party are going to cut it, “Mora, see if you can get some proceedings instructions from any of the older servants. If I’m going to make an ass of myself I would like to at least seem like I know what I’m doing.”

As she leaves the room I consider Volo’s words about the fellow south of here. If some powerful demon baron, who makes no effort to hide his existence apparently, was in your kingdom’s borders since its creation, I can’t believe you wouldn’t be aware of him.

Maybe there’s a way to have some fun with this if father knew who was down here all along.

Asking Walt, “You have any thoughts on all this brother?”

Without stopping his examination of an oddly colored, stuffed squirrel, “I don’t like any of this nonsense, I wouldn’t mind going hunting right now instead.”

I can’t hold in a small laugh, “What are you going to do when you’re the Fenrir then?”

He stands up straight and stretches his back, “That Fenrir business, forget it. If Akane is supposed to be destined to rule lands far and wide she can start with Yoden herself. If not, we just have to have a son before father retires.”

Skipping a generation, grandmother will ring his neck for the idea. I like the notion of having Akane take the center stage though.

Having kids… I watched Iris grow up but she’s barely younger than me. If I was to have a kid now, I wouldn't even see it for two years and then it would barely look any younger than me… That just feels weird.

If I leave Yoden someday then I will get to watch my kids grow up, I wouldn’t need the den if I’m already free from politics. Just another reason to leave everything to Akane, she seemed excited about conquering stuff.

Hmm, but if I’m not the Fenrir in Yoden then I can’t marry Iris. It would feel weird at this point anyway, she’s already like family to me.

Looking back to Walt, “I think I like the having a son take on all the annoying stuff idea. We’ll marry him to Iris, hand him the axe and job done. I can go off to build my kingdom in a new land and you can hunt every day while marching your army for Akane.”

Walt grins, I continue, “Asta already had her first heat, I bet I have her off to the den in no time.”

The grin is gone, maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that bit.

Mora walks in at the perfect timing, “My lord I have the information, as Volo surmised we gather nobles in the great hall, you give your title and place the crown on Vuk’s head in the name of Yoden. Everyone bows and we have a feast, the city will hold a festival…”

She sees the nasty look on Walt’s face, “Um did something happen?”

Waving my hand, “No don’t worry about it...I don’t suppose Ulfa told you what title I’m supposed to use for ceremonies?”

She nods, “Yes you are to address yourself in order of importance, champion, son of the Fenrir, and Winter Alpha.”

Winter alpha?

“Where did that bit come from?”

She looks at Walt, “As the descendants of the goddess you are to rebuild her tribe, had Lord Walther won the tournament he would have been named alpha. Walther also has right to challenge General Igor for the title of Cold Steel Alpha, but I believe the intention is to once more separate the two tribes.”

To Walt I ask, “Have you ever fought Igor?”

He nods, “Ten times, each duel he won in a single move. Too fast.”

Igor must be impressive, I suppose I’ll get to see him in action once we reach the south.

My tail feels a cramp coming on in this small human chair.

Standing, “Let's go eat, surely something these humans eat tastes good.”

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Guests didn’t start arriving until late in the afternoon giving the servants plenty of time to give the previously destroyed throne room another cleaning. The windows still haven’t been replaced so the weather might be an issue.

Deciding I can show off a little, I make the ever present dark clouds part enough to allow the light of the sun approaching the western horizon to flood the room from the side.

Vuk is sitting on the nicest chair we could find in the castle, however it's still just a wooden seat with a leather cushion.

His robes are a dark grey and green set. Honestly they look a bit shabby and simple, coarse cloth with a slight fur trim. Maybe the expensive tastes of Lupa and my mother have rubbed off on me.

I’m irreverently playing with the crown in my hands while waiting for any more guests to file in. It’s odd, a poufy green cloth cap caged in a thin gold array, images of two headed birds circle the headband, a small gold ball with a large red gem tops the cage.

If he wants to wear a small bird cage on his head I won't stop him, silly humans.

Counting ten families gathered in the hall, it’s been a bit since the last entered.

In a quiet voice, “Hey Jr., how many people should be here?”

He grimaces, “I sent out invitations using your name to the thirty noble families closest to the castle.”

I frown, “How close?”

Vuk nervously shifts in his seat, “It shouldn’t be more than fifteen minutes walking to each of their estates.”

My ear twitches, “Well you did fine keeping interests of my time in mind.”

A small lesson about wasting people’s time, “Tomorrow morning send a few guards around and demand the absent families immediately gather here. Leave them standing outside in the courtyard half the day without explanation and then send them home, notification of further punishment will be sent to them in letter form.”

I step with purpose to the side of Vuk and hold the crown properly in front of me.

The small crowd ends their chatter and gathers forward.

I won’t lie, this is slightly fun, “Greetings noble families of this fine city of Sigdun. Today you gather to bear witness as I, Nox, Champion to the goddess Freki, First son of the Fenrir, and Winter Alpha, crown your new king in the name of the capital Yoden.”

Vukky stands and kneels before me.

I have to pause, I can only imagine how awe striking the sight of their new king being crowned as the light of the evening sun hits my back, In front of me is the man who will lead their territory into prosperity or poverty.

As I place the crown on his head, “Hail your new king, Jovan Vuk.”

Vuk stands as his people bow.

Afterward people clap and the feast commences.

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A bit later, after the sun has set and bellies are full, I order the family head to once more gather in the hall.

The candles barely cling to their flames as the night storm sends a cold breeze through the room.

I sit on the temporary throne while Vuk stands at my side.

Speaking to the ten men before me, “A passable day at minimum, the absentees will be punished accordingly for wasting all of our time. However that is not the only punishment needing to be dealt tonight. As my Mother, the Inari, has put it, as a leader is responsible for his people, the people are responsible for their leader.”

Many of the faces pale, a few remain stoic, likely expecting this. I feel impressed by their determination to show up knowing this.

Maybe I’ll pull back slightly, “A cretin killed your king and left your city to rot while he hired miscreants to pillage and murder travelers in attempt to murder the family of the Fenrir. Being sent here myself I was even lethally injured in my fight with the creature and the medical treatment cost me the marriage rights of my first born daughter. The fellow saved my life I have no right to decline him.”

The previously stoic men now have a pained expression, clever aren't they, “So solving your problems have come at great personal cost to myself, so now I will pass that down in the form of my service fee. You present here tonight will receive the lesser punishment of a one percent tax for the next three years to be set aside for the marriage of my daughter to the son of a vagabond goat.”

That’s right, this is their fault, “Furthermore you are to bring your daughters and nieces of marriageable age to the castle for introduction to Vuk here, the man needs a wife. He has a year to pick the smartest girl, be she fifteen or thirty, pretty as a flower or ugly as sin. Their first born daughter is to succeed the crown and family name.”

I can see the mix of excitement and fear on Vuk’s face, he should be in for a very interesting year.

One burly man speaks, “What of the others who did not attend today?”

No harm in telling I suppose, “They will stand together outside in the rain all day tomorrow with no explanation, when they return home they will find notification that they are to permanently pay five percent of their annual income towards a city ordinance I will be starting tomorrow.”

The man seems to be unable to hide a large grin creeping onto his face.

He slightly bows, “Thank you for your dedication to justice My Lord.”

Hmm, he should wait till he learns about the plan before being so quick to thank me. I wonder if any of these men here own slaves. I did notice plenty of servants accompanying their families when they arrived.

It isn’t difficult to understand why he’s happy, I’m sure this will be a blow to some of his political and trade competitors.

I may not have listened in class but I dare anyone to fall asleep while in private lessons with Mother.

As the men file out the door past Walt, Mora walks up.

She asks, “So, what’s left before we leave? Is there a reason to stay even tonight?”

Thinking on my little plan, posing as a demon and arranging a meeting with the baron by way of the bandits.

I admire Mora’s looks for a moment, “I’m sorry about what I’m going to have to do tomorrow.”

No I’m not, she's going to be the most gorgeous, completely fake, slave, ever.

Without providing any explanation to ease her worried state I call it a night.

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The next morning starts with a booming thunder, as I pull in my Mora pillow I smile at the thought of all the uptight nobles standing in the rain.

I can hear the sound of the rain beating against the windows while I enjoy my eggs for breakfast.

Walt left earlier saying he was going to try fishing, I mean, why not I guess.

Mora and I meet Vuk in the castle landing, “Morning Vukky, ready for our adventure on the town?”

He seems nervous of any idea I have at this point, “Where exactly are we going?”

We walk towards the stables entrance, “Your personal carriage for starters, the rest is a surprise.”

The stables smell strongly of damp and rotting straw, the horses are smaller than the ones in Yoden. That doesn’t mean they aren't pretty though, they have a silky black coats and long manes.

We board Vuk’s carriage and immediately start off towards the castle gates.

I give a friendly wave to the twenty odd men standing around in the downpour. One man gives an angry shout, I call a lightning strike down just barely behind him. No one bothers to help him up.

The driver nervously calls in, “Where to my lords?”

Seated facing Vuk, I give him a hard look, “Take us to the slave market.”

While the driver does set off Jr. says, “My lord I don’t believe we have a slave market.”

The sincerely confused look in his eyes suggest he’s being honest however we can't have gone more than a block before the carriage comes to a stop.

Raising an eyebrow, “I’m aware humans don’t outlaw slavery, however this is rather close proximity to the castle for a practice that commits rather heinous deeds.”

He is staring out the windows in disbelief, I too glance but see nothing, I wasn't expecting them to hang a sign on their door anyway.

As we get out I separate the clouds over us, sunlight shines down on the street. Nothing seems to stand out about any of the dreary grey buildings.

The driver points at an alley close by, between a flower shop and a bakery...Well I would never guess this spot.

Leading the way while Mora guards our rear, just inside the Alley we find a staircase leading under the flour shop. The smell hits me, rot, waste, blood...

I knock on the iron door at the base of the stairs, a man opens a slot, “Password?”

A fun thought pops in my head, “Let me in or I'll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow this door down.”

“Piss off!” he slams the slot shut.

Mora immediately guides Vuk back out of the alley.

Well I warned him. I take a deep breath, and walk a ways back, haven’t used this in a while.

I exhale a black cloud that bursts forward and cracks with a loud thunder, the force of the sound knocks Vuk on his ass. The arcs between the cloud and the door ricochet all over the stair well.

As the cloud clears a bit, I see a mangled metal door warped on the ground, and a large smoking body on the floor just inside. Add burnt flesh to the list of smells.

As I walk forward the cloud spreads about the room, the desired effect seems to work as a man who rushes out from a back room instantly pales in terror.

“I’ll have you take us to your stock if you don’t mind.”

He nods in cower, “p-Please, this way.”

We’re led through a few hallways into a large store room. What must be nearly a hundred cages are lined up.

Members of every race of all ages can be found as I walk down the front line. All of them are naked and chained to the center of their cells.

A particular cat boy is chewing on a rat he must have caught, his fingers stained with its blood.

I turn to Vuk, “Have them rounded up, cleaned up, and house in a barracks. We’ll cover the details in a bit.”

He looks at the cages and covers his mouth to hold in his vomit from the smell, it is quite rancid.

The cat boy looks up from his mangled rat, “Are you here to rescue us sir?”

What would I do with a hundred naked, homeless people? “No, I’m here to put you to work.”

A glint of anger flashes in his eyes but he’ll soon understand.

Maybe if the town is cleaned up a bit trade will rise.

The slaver looks nervous, “I don't suppose you’re paying for them all sir?”

From the dark mist that has followed in my wake I pull up my weapon, Rost, and level it at his throat until it draws a line of blood, “What do you think?”

Listing my demands to the cretin, “I need a pair of high class cuffs and a chain for my companion here, disable them so she’ll be able to remove them herself at any time. Have a man standing by with them at the castle gates this afternoon.”

We’ll pick them up as we leave.

Once back in the carriage Vuk asks, “You're not freeing them and killing the slavers?”

I’m not the bad guy here, “Look, you just executed most of your staff, and clearly there is corruption in this city. Use the coin you take from the nobles to get those people healthy. Allow them to contact family if they have any who can then come collect them in return for the food costs.”

He interrupts, “What about the clothes?”

Think a little man, “They didn’t show up there naked, search the place. In two weeks send any healthy enough for the trip to aid the war along with the sons of the nobles soaking in the rain. The rest are to work cleaning your city until they find better employment on their own.”

I won't just set them on the street and say ‘hey you're free! Good luck!’

The driver calls in, “Where to next Lord Nox?”

Giving Vukky a grin, “Take us to your king’s favorite brothel!”

Once more the carriage starts moving without further question, preventing Jr. the opportunity to deny such a place.

The trip is a little longer this time, I enjoy the sound of the rain beating on the world but Mora’s silence is making me nervous.

“Mora, nothing to say so far?”

She narrows her eyes at me, “Slave cuffs and a brothel? Is this what you were apologizing for?”

Yikes, “Yes, I’m going to disguise you as a captured prize to present to the baron in order to meet him without having to fight hordes of bandits or his guards.”

Her expression softens considerably, “Oh, well that shouldn’t be a bad idea I guess.”

Please keep that attitude.

We stop in front of a building that makes no attempt to disguise itself. Many Women can be seen lounging under window awnings, waving to passing men. Red banners and lamps decorate the front.

A tidal wave of perfumes destroys my nose, I guess staying for longer than necessary is out as I may be the one to gag this time.

Vuk and I get out, but Mora doesn’t move, “I don’t want to go into such a place of debauchery!”

Being upfront with her seems to be the only thing to ever win her over, “Mora, this place stinks so bad we won't be staying long enough to bother yourself over, however I do require you for this.”

I can't get her clothes if she isn’t present to size.

It’s almost possible to see the internal debate she's having in her mind played out in her frustrated expressions.

Finally she looks up as if cursing the sky and chooses to obey her duties by following me in.

The front room is filled with haze of pipe smoke, various men are scattered about the room relaxing while being fed fruit by….ugly women.

Their clothes are sloppy, worn grey corsets and frayed dresses, their faces are caked with makeup.

A tall woman approaches us in long heeled boots, the way they click against the wood floors sounds forceful yet rhythmic, to my surprise I can see an orange tail swishing behind her as she sways her hips with each step.

Her bow reveals her fox clan ears in her short, spiky blonde hair, “greetings your majesty, we’re so pleased to hear of your coronation, this must be the young lord alpha, a pleasure. I am Mistress Rang”

I can’t help it, “How in Terra can you stand the smell?”

She smiles and actually pulls a bit of cotton from her nose, “You’ll have to forgive me my lord, I do certainly understand your plight at the moment, so let's be quick. What brings you here tis fine wet day, certainly your own guard out classes my girls so what may I help you with?”

Certainly Mora is by far a more refined beauty, and the stench makes me long for Lupa’s soft honey scent….her glorious breasts could beat any in here as well.

I open my mouth to speak but immediately close it from the foul air. Obviously this place does not have my race as its target clientele.

The fox woman smiles and leads us to her office where I may have some small measure of respite.

It's actually very plain, a small room with a simple wooden desk and chairs, the lamp has a rather lacy, orange shade. To my relief, a large open window is allowing rainy air to keep the awful den’s musk at bay. An awning keeps the rain from entering.

To Vuk I ask, “Really, this is where you come?”

The woman interjects, “Now my lord, I’ll have you know this is the finest establishment in town. As you seem unfamiliar with the trade I’ll shed a bit of light. If we did have truly natural beauties, fine makeups, and fancy clothes the cost would be outrageously less profitable and I would be in constant concern for the wellbeing of my girls from the greedy desires of human nobles.”

An interesting insight but it comes counter to my intentions in coming here… well the important one anyway.

“I need clothes for my attendant here to act as a disguise as an irresistible and distracting prize, I was hoping to find something eye catching here.”

Rang sizes Mora up, “It wouldn’t take much honestly, but I understand, I know an outstanding tailor that can have something for her ready within a few hours. If it is just a disguise I hope you don’t mind if she goes with something generic rather than attend to your own tastes?”

Sure, shatter my dreams, “Yes of course that's fine, I need only to fool some bandits and servants.”

Rang bows her head and stands up, “If you’ll follow me for a moment miss I’ll note your sizes and send it over to my friend.”

Mora follows her out taking a chance to slip me an annoyed glance. A noble dragonkin and Valkyrie disguised as a slave, I will have to sincerely apologies… after I see her in it.

Vuk shifts nervously in his chair, “I suppose I can't be seen coming to this sort of place anymore?”

I absently watch the mist from my tail splash onto the floor, “No, but you’re a king, do what you want within the walls of your own castle. Just don’t forget to assume those walls have ears. Who knows, maybe you’ll be lucky and have a beauty of a wife.”

He sighs, “It is not a stretch to say the girls in that room are the finest in the city.”

That so? “Guess you’re shit out of luck Vukky boy.”

The fresh king moans in dismay.

I pat him on the shoulder, “Ah don't be like that, just blow out the candles and it’s all the same.”

Rang enters again and Mora looks a shade of red.

Mora talks rather fast, “May we please leave immediately?”

The proprietress giggles and once more gives a short bow before leading us out the front.

In the cart, “I wonder what her friend has in stock for you.”

Mora’s eyebrows raise, “I’m sure it hardly matters, and I won't be allowing you to see whatever it is until necessary.”

But I see her naked every night, how could this be more forward than that?

“Surely I have right to inspect our purchase?”

Mora, “Only if you honestly can tell me such an inappropriate garment is purely for the sake of your plan.”

“Of course!”

She frowns, “Your tail is wagging.”

It’s swaying ever so slightly, spilling a bit extra black mist onto the floor boards.

I can't help but mutter, “Fuzzy, traitor, bastard.”

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A/n will do more proof reading of this on sunday, stoked for comic con tomorrow! As always looking forward to comments, if your ever curious on what im working on check the status and Q/A thread. bummer about bad reviews lately, especially after just finishing work on the early chapters.