The Werebears of Adengaan - Chapter 3

The Werebears of Adengaan

by MC

Chapter Three:

Gaden arrived for his audience with King Halben just before three. His Majesty's page met him outside the royal hall and briefed the new member of the guild on protocol when meeting the king. He was told to bow before entering the room, always address him as "Your Majesty", to bow before leaving and under no circumstances is one to ever, ever, show their back to the king as they leave.

Satisfied that the mage understood the protocol, he escorted Gaden to the ornate, gold inlaid door. He looked at Gaden and nodded slightly to ask if he was ready. Gaden nodded in return. With a flourish, the page pulled on the brass handle to the king's chamber causing the large door to swing open majestically.

"GADEN OF TENBY REQUESTS AN AUDIENCE WITH HIS MAJESTY, KING HALBEN OF ADENGAAN!" the page announced. Gaden bowed deeply as a sign of respect and walked into the room taking the surroundings in as he walked down a carpeted aisle toward the throne. Ornate wooden benches, stained and polished, were arranged on each side of him. Few people were in attendance today. Large, arched windows along the walls on his left and right brought plenty of light from the outside and allowed excellent views of the courtyard and the city. The gold inlaid throne was on a raised dais on which the king sat. Garbed in a regal outfit and a crown of silver and gold, he held a scepter in one hand as he sat, surveying the room from his elevated height. On each side of the king a royal honour guard of five men stood. He knew from his studies at home the highest place of honour would always be the first man at the king's right. The mage nearly tripped when he recognized the big man in this spot as Brunaulf, but covered his misstep well using the opportunity to get into a kneeling position before the king.

"Your Majesty," Gaden began, "At your request I, Gaden of Tenby, humbly present myself to you, to swear the Oath of Allegiance."

"Rise, Gaden of Tenby." King Halben commanded. Gaden rose to his feet waiting for further instructions.

"Brunaulf, present the scroll with the oath to Gaden of Tenby," the king declared.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Brunaulf replied, his stoic expression remained unchanged, but the intoxicating scent from the young mage was driving him wild. His enhanced sense of smell was both a blessing and a curse. Fortunately his armour hid the excitement he felt for the man before him well. He moved forward and grabbing a scroll off a silver platter, moved down the dais toward the handsome man standing in front of his king. Arm's length away, he opened the scroll, facing the words on the scroll toward the newest member of the guild. Gaden began to read the oath from the scroll.

"I, Gaden of Tenby, on this the twelfth day of the seventh month in the 856th year of the city of Adengaan, do solemnly swear to His Majesty, King Halben the seventh, that I will serve and protect his majesty in all affairs where His Majesty deems my talents will be required. I will obey all decrees from His Majesty and carry them out to the best of my ability. I swear this today before you, Your Majesty, on my life and my sacred honour!"

Brunaulf rolled up the scroll and returned it to the silver platter before returning to his place beside the king. King Halben then went into a speech about the history of Adengaan and its rich traditions. Gaden forced himself to pay attention, but the black bearded man to the right of the king didn't hear a word. He simply stared at the mage, blood roaring in his ears, and feeling overheated under his armour. It took a large amount of self-control to keep his expression neutral, but he knew the rules. He would have order in his mind and used the discipline developed through years of training to make sure it stayed so.

After what seemed like an eternity to the big man, Gaden was dismissed by King Halben. Gaden bowed, walked backwards to the entrance to the room, and bowed once again as the page closed the door. The last sight Brunaulf had of the man he desired was the mage rising from his bow and making momentary eye contact with the big man just before the door sealed shut. He hoped that was a sign the feeling was mutual. He planned to find out.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with administrative tasks. While the ritual of the oath was mandatory, the required signatures to legally bind him to the oath were performed afterward in private with a clerk and page of the court. Various rules and regulations of the city were laid out for him, and signing various acknowledgements, stipend verifications, and other paperwork were completed. An hour later, he was finally a free man. He looked forward to getting back to his room and change into more comfortable clothes. The mage was also feeling pensive, agitated. Between the travelling, preparations, and the huge brute of a man running through his thoughts, he realized he hadn't had a good run in almost two weeks. Running always cleared his mind, provided focus. Going in circles around the training ground seemed boring, and he missed the freedom running in nature provided. On returning to his room Gaden changed into some comfortable shorts and shoes and headed out. He hated running with a shirt on and while going shirtless was immodest it wasn't "illegal" so he opted to go without it. Besides, feeling the wind whip through his chest and back hair gave him a feeling of being connected to nature. Just as he was about to leave he felt like he was forgetting something. On a hook next to the door he realized what it was. Donning the pendant of the bear, he made a mock salute to an imaginary Jamder.

"Fit body, fit mind," he said aloud as he closed the door to his room behind him.

He took a few minutes to stretch in the fresh air. He figured he could get a few miles in and still be back in time to grab a meal in town well before taverns closed. It was a great opportunity to explore and see what the unknown terrain held for the man. This challenge was calling him and he was glad to accept it. Beginning at a slow pace, he used two sides of the field to warm up before turning for an open gate. It was only down the road, left, and down another road to a main gate before he was outside the city and into the wilderness.

A pair of eyes from a guard tower observed Gaden start his run, watching the man's taught muscles contract and relax in rhythmic cadence. He certainly was a fast runner, controlled, disciplined, with a gait that exhibited power that he seemed to be holding back as he ran through the city streets. He admired the man's body and had thoughts of ways he wanted to explore it. The observer's thoughts were broken by a clang of metal against stone behind him.

"I relieve you, Brunaulf" a tenor voice called from behind.

Brunaulf, shook from his musings, turned to face Therin, the soldier behind him. An automatic response from doing this thousands of times, he lifted his right foot and slammed it down against the stone floor bringing his body to rigid attention.

"Thank you, Therin. I stand relieved" was the standard reply.

Brunaulf briefed his relief on the activities of the shift. It had been a quiet one so only a minute was required. From the top of the spiral staircase leading down from the tower he took one more look to see if he could locate Gaden before going down, spotting him as he was exiting a main gate on a road leading to the fields outside the city walls. He watched as the strong man's fast pace quickened another notch, bounding away on the road from the city walls with grain fields on each side like a predator chasing prey. Brunaulf watched Gaden, amazed at the pace he was setting without wavering, lustful thoughts danced across his mind as his cock sprang to attention.

"Something wrong, Brunaulf?" a guard's voice called from behind.

Motionless, but snapping back to reality, he replied, "No, everything’s fine" and without turning around and headed down the stairs. His thoughts returned to Gaden as he walked out of the royal sector into the main city toward home. He knew Gaden was a candidate, a strong candidate, and all it would take is one night to change him. But to do this without knowledge and without consent was absolutely against the rules. This was also personal. He found the man absolutely handsome. His ripped musculature, his tight beard framing his face, even his slightly crooked nose obviously broken in his past added to his masculinity. He walked the rest of the way home with his cock rock hard under his armour and leaking slightly. The five minute walk to his small home in the west quarter seemed to take an eternity. He approached the door to the home he had known since he was twelve and let himself in. It was empty now as Uncle Karn had been released from his duties to tend to "personal matters" in the west. It wouldn't have mattered if he was there anyway. The burly man stripped off his armour as fast as he could in the foyer. He wasn't going to wait another minute longer than he had to. This mage captivated his thoughts, taunted him and driven him wild since he came to town yesterday. He needed release. Pieces of armour were strewn about the floor in the foyer as his beefy hand wrapped around this thick member, stroking hard from the tip all the way down to the bottom of the shaft. It took less than a minute before he closed his eyes and felt his balls contract, a guttural growl escaping his bearded lips. As he felt the pressure finally released across the floor the tension subsided. He gave himself a minute to let his breathing come to normal, savouring the release like a cool wind across his body on a hot day. The big man opened his eyes and surveyed the carnage around him. With a sigh, he began to clean up both the armour and the floor.

Gaden crossed the threshold of the city wall and felt like a free man, quickening his pace in celebration and turning west. Strong men with tanned skin were finishing their work for the day in the fields as he ran by, but his thoughts were focused on one man and one man alone. He had never seen someone of Brunaulf's size before. The strength, power, and masculinity the big man had fueled his thoughts. He thought back to the way Brunaulf's green eyes pierced his soul as a big hand reached out for his papers at the gate. He remembered the baritone voice commanding the new recruits in the training fields demanding respect. The mage in his mind could see practically every whisker in that gorgeous, thick black beard as the soldier confidently held the oath scroll for him to read. Gaden wanted him, he wanted to explore that raw masculinity but he just didn't have the experience to know if he should try. The soldier's expressions always seemed to be neutral, professional, but there were one or two moments giving him hope that his feelings might be returned. Gaden turned more attention back to the woods he was running through and less on the man he desired when he came across a cairn of rocks. There seemed to be nothing special about it except that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, but it would serve as a good marker for a halfway point in a run. Taking a moment to collect himself after studying the formation, he turned around and began heading back to the city allowing his thoughts to return to more mundane matters. He was getting hungry and was looking forward to a good meal, but kept his focus on a fast pace as he headed back toward his new home, the afternoon sun warming his back as he ran.

After returning to his room and cleaning up, Gaden decided to explore the town. He walked to the square in the city center and looked around. Every direction seemed to have something to offer and after a moment's hesitation he decided to check out the western quarter of the city. It was a good decision. It was fun to discover the many traditional shops selling meats, clothing or other goods. They were closed for the day but he made note of them for future reference. The many taverns were just coming beginning to stir with activity, filling with patrons seeking food and drink. A cozy one at the corner of a main and side street caught his eye and he decide to enter. A boisterous crowd was enjoying a group of minstrels playing a happy tune while other patrons danced in a corner. The young mage took a seat at the bar and ordered a drink and some bread and meat while enjoying the scene unfolding before him. The friendly, cozy atmosphere reminded him of the way Tenby's tavern came alive after a good harvest and he decided to stay long after his meal. The cool summer night and mild drink made him feel at home. A few hours had passed since finishing his meal and Gaden, in pleasant spirit and with a light buzz from mead, left the tavern to return to his quarters, humming a folk tune softly to himself. The night was clear and a network of constellations filled the sky in anticipation of the moon. The slightly intoxicated man decided to wander the local residential streets, taking in the sights and enjoying the calm of the area.

Brunaulf opened his bedroom windows as he finished his evening ritual. Cleaning the last piece of his patrol armour by lamplight, the burly man stood up - his hairy body naked except for a loose fitting shirt - to place the arm piece on the armour stand. After walking over to a basin to wash and dry his face, he crawled into the larger-than-king-sized bed as he let his mind organize the next day's events. He was snoring lightly, barely holding onto consciousness, when traces of a faint scent came in through the window and tickled his nostrils. Reflexively he sniffed deeper as the tantalizing, and intoxicating aroma dragged him back to consciousness. Brunaulf knew that smell. It was unique and he knew exactly what, or rather who, it was coming from; Gaden. What was he doing around here and at this time of night? Curious, the bearish man roused himself out of bed, put on a pair of shorts and shoes to go with his nightshirt, and padded into the night to investigate.

Adengaan at night was absolutely stunning, Gaden decided. Soft lights reflected by shadows in all directions creating intricate patterns against the street and houses. Whoops and cheers could be distantly heard from the far taverns that continued to serve those who would stay late into the night. The few who were on the streets seemed to be enjoying themselves and in no hurry to be anywhere on such a pleasant night. It made him feel at home and long for Tenby at the same time. He rounded a corner onto a smaller side street head down in thought, when he heard footsteps and felt a searing pain from a blow to the side of the head as a man grabbed his arm. Another set of footsteps from behind and he felt a man covering his mouth while a third man grabbed his other arm. Unable to move or speak, a fourth man emerged from a shadow created by some shrubbery and walked toward the mage reeling from pain. He was holding a bag in one hand and a lantern in the other.

"Why, hello there!" The man said in a mockingly joyous tone holding the lamp to his face, "Remember me?"

Gaden fought through the pain of being sucker punched and scanned the man's face. After a minute he realized where he had seen this man before that realization dawned on his face.

"That's right," the man affirmed, "I was the one who needed 'convincing' at the gate yesterday. Isn't that right?"

Fear began pumping adrenaline through the mage's body. He wanted to fight back, but with his mouth gagged and his arms restrained there was little he could do for the moment. The guard, who tonight was in plain clothes, put the lamp down turning it off, and opened the bag removing a gauntlet. He slid it over his right fist.

"I think it is I who will convince you what a mistake that was. Make sure he stays restrained and can’t utter a sound."

The guard reached back and with a gauntleted fist punched the mage in the gut with all his strength. A loud expulsion of air could be heard as the mage tried to double over unable to breathe, but was held up by the other three. The guard with a malicious grin cocked the mage square in the eye with a down-stroke eliciting a whimper. Surveying his captor, the assailant without hesitation punched him in the side twice. The mage felt something crack on the second deliberate blow as he tried to scream in agony. Blood started coming out of his nose and tears of pain clouding his vision.

"Convinced?" the guard said in parody, mocking the same question asked to him. "No? Okay I'll keep 'convincing' you". Another shot across the face made him see stars. A punch to the abdomen and he felt something rip inside. The guard reached back to deliver another blow when a large hand pulled on his arm and spun him around. The other three guards watched as the man seemed to levitate about a foot in the air desperately clawing at something around his neck before being thrown about six feet to one side. The three holding Gaden looked at the looming figure unsure what to do.

The figure spoke with a speech that sounded slurred, almost like it had marbles in its mouth. It managed to say two words to the three holding Gaden up.

"LEAVE! NOW!"

The three men after seeing what was before them did not have to be told twice as they let go of Gaden letting him collapse to the ground and bolted as fast as they could. The figure lumbered his way over to the mercenary guard. Gaden, head sideways against the pavement and unable to move tried to see, with the eye that was not swollen shut, what was going on. His mind couldn't process the scene. Through blurry vision he thought he saw a man, but it was as if the man was covered in black fur. His shoulders easily three feet wide split open a shirt he was wearing hunched over as he bent down in front of the guard. The "man" had something of a black beard but also a... snout? Like a bear? Gaden watched as his attacker was effortlessly picked up off the ground and slammed against a wall maybe four times, his dizziness made it unclear. What was clear was that the mercenary cried out in pain on the last and hardest slam, and Gaden could swear he heard something snap. Whatever this man looked like was enough to make Gaden’s attacker piss himself. Gaden's defender spoke again with that slurred, marble mouthed speech that was like a growl. He couldn’t quite make out what was being said, the ringing in his ears made it unclear, but the sound of seething menace and barely controlled rage was very clear.

Though Gaden could not hear what was said, the trembling guard heard clearly.

"Touch him again, you die. You understand?" the last of that came with a guttural growl.

In shock, no response came forward.

The larger man shook the guard and demanded, "UNDERSTAND?!"

The guard nodded.

"GO!" the man commanded and threw his captive toward the main road.

The attacker took off like a shot, clutching at his side as he ran.

Relieved the immediate danger was passed, Gaden closed his eye to compose himself. He used all his will to concentrate, to manage the pain. So much pain he simply wanted to lay there forever and not move. He knew something was wrong though. Blood was coming out of his nose and mouth. He had to try to move, to cast a spell, to stop the bleeding, but even breathing was difficult. Heavy footfalls approached him but he didn't have the energy to open his eyes.

"Gaden?” a rich baritone voice called to him, concerned.

“Gaden!"

With an effort, he opened his good eye to see Brunaulf standing in front of him. What the hells was he doing here? He didn't know and he didn't care.

"Brunaulf?" Gaden managed to say, weakly.

"Yes, it’s me."

"Help... me..." was all the mage could utter before he passed out.

Brunaulf assessed the damage. His eye was swollen shut, possibly fractured. Maybe a broken rib and blood was coming out of his mouth. It was bad. He had some field training as a medic, but this was something beyond his skill. He had to get him to some help. Gingerly, he picked him up and carried the mage the short distance to his house and placed him in his bed. He could help him immediately, but dismissed the thought. It was against the rules. After trying to make him comfortable, he headed back into the night for help.

Late the next morning, Gaden's eyes fluttered open in surroundings he didn't recognize. His head pounded and his side hurt. The disorientation didn't help his recollection of the night before. He was assaulted that much he remembered, and he thought he saw Brunaulf helping him, but there was someone else. As hard as he tried, he couldn't bring the memory into focus. He groaned softly as he tried to move and reached down, feeling bandages on his side. His noises alerted someone else nearby he was awake and heard heavy footsteps coming toward the door from the other side. The big door opened and Brunaulf looked inside.

"You're awake," the big man confirmed, "that's good. The herbalist did his job well."

"Where am I?" the mage asked, confused. He tried to sit up, but the searing pain from his abdomen told him now was not the time. The big man came over and put his hand on Gaden's shoulder discouraging him from getting up.

"You're in my house. You were assaulted last night near here, this was the closest place I could bring you that was safe. How do you feel?"

"Terrible."

The big oaf smiled in spite of himself, "Getting the shit beat out of you will make you feel that way. Just rest," he patted Gaden's shoulder gently, "there's no need to move now. I've sent word you've been incapacitated. The Guild will wait." In no position to argue, the mage closed his eyes again and drifted into a light sleep as Brunaulf, sitting in a chair beside the bed, used two fingers to lightly stroke his hair in comfort.

The magical teas brewed by the herbalist accelerated healing but had to be taken every two hours. Like clockwork Brunaulf offered his ailing friend the tea which he had to drink - no exceptions - and some food should he feel up to it. Gaden refused food the first four hours, but it didn't take long for his appetite to return with a vengeance. By evening the young mage was feeling about ninety percent restored. The pain in his side subsided and swollen eye had receded to a small black mark in the upper outer corner. Brunaulf came in with the last dose of tea and some cheese.

"Thank you," Gaden said gratefully, "for everything. You must have some people in high places if you know someone versed in Sandor's Preparation." He had read about the mixture that was part herbalism, part alchemy, part magic. The taste, smell and effects seemed to match the descriptions from his studies. He made four attempts himself to re-create it, none of which were "almost okay".

"You're welcome." He sat down in the chair next to the bed, “And yes, I have some people in high places," Brunaulf quipped, "I may not be the smartest oaf, but I'm smart enough to know people who are."

Gaden smiled at the comment, locking his gaze with Brunaulf. It was as if a series of unspoken questions were passing between them when Bruanulf broke the silence.

"Look, you might think you're okay but I want to make absolutely sure before I set you loose on the city again," he chuckled. "Stay the night here. It’s not a big deal and as you can see from the size of the bed it’s not like I don't have the room."

Gaden turned the invitation over in his head. It’s true, the bed was huge. It could easily hold four or five people Brunaulf's size. He searched the bearded face in front of him for clues if this was genuine concern or if there was something more. He got nothing from his neutral expression.

"Of course if you feel well enough to leave," Brunaulf continued, "I don’t blame you for wanting to go back to your room. There's always something nice about sleeping in your own bed."

The young mage took a chance as he made his decision.

"Well, to be fair," he pondered out loud, "I've only been in town for a couple of days, so it doesn't really feel like my own bed in that room yet. Besides, I'm pretty comfortable here," and quickly added, "if I'm not imposing."

Brunaulf flashed a large smile, but reigned it in quickly, "No, no imposition at all. Just stay and rest." He got up from his chair and went to the bedroom door. "I have things to do but I'll be back." He reassured the man in the bed. Gaden closed his eyes and drifted off into a light sleep against the noise of the big man cleaning up elsewhere in the house. Several hours later, Brunaulf quietly opened the bedroom door to see the man sleeping peacefully in bed. Any signs of the assault were gone and he seemed to be resting well. Quietly, the big man finished his evening ritual. He went to don a shirt, but after seeing the man in bed decided against it this night and went about washing and drying his face before heading to bed. His cock sprang to life at the heady scent emanating from the man he was sharing his bed with, but decided against waking him. There would be time yet to have some fun.

Despite being quiet as he crawled into bed, the rustling was enough to wake Gaden from his light sleep. Opening his eyes, he saw the object of his desires. A broad back faced him as the big man lay on his side, black hair glinting in the moon light from the window. A large, heavy arm resting above it was slowly rising and falling in rhythm with his breathing. Gaden was getting aroused as he studied the man in detail and decided to take a chance. Slowly, carefully, he moved his way closer to his bedmate and put a hand on his back. He felt the heat radiating from him and his arousal fueled his bravery. Slowly, he started running his hand lightly up and down Brunaulf's back, savouring the feeling of the brawny man's silky hair running through his fingers.

"What are you doing?" a rich baritone voice questioned with what Gaden thought was a hint of edge in his voice. Gaden froze, cursing himself. He knew it was a mistake to think this kind of man would be interested in him. He withdrew his hand quickly and quietly and laid in place, motionless. With no answer coming, the big man turned around to face the young mage, his own cock firmly at attention.

"I didn't say to stop," he smiled, "Just wondering what you're doing. Or plan to do."

Gaden was pleasantly surprised. Without wasting another moment, he moved toward the big man and pushed his shoulder down so his back was against the mattress. Climbing on top of the burly man and with a hand on each side of his head, Gaden lowered himself to kiss the man who showed him such compassion when he was gravely injured. It was a short one first, but Brunaulf wanted more and he was going to get it. He wrapped his strong arms in a bear hug around his smaller frame and turned him over, pinning him on the bed under his weight, and kissed him hard. He explored the young man's mouth, delighting in everything. The texture of his beard when their lips met, his pleasant musk, the way his taut, hard muscles rippled when he moved. He was enjoying it all. His large calloused hands massaging every inch of the body below him that he could reach as he broke the kiss and slowly, methodically moved his body down, nuzzling the chest and belly fur along the way, relishing every inch. The big bear moved his way down to the prize he sought and enveloped the hard cock in his mouth and started sucking.

A sharp inhale followed by "OH FUCK!" was all Gaden could say. He never experienced anything like this in Tenby. In fact he never experienced anything like this at all. This was the first time he had ever lay with a man. He had an idea of what it might be like, but those ideas were shadows compared to the sensations he was feeling as this strong, hairy giant skillfully sucked on his cock while a roughened hand played with his balls. Gaden was starting to leak badly. Brunaulf could taste it in his mouth as his pace quickened. He had wanted this since he saw the young man at the gate, and now was his chance. He used his free hand to put one of Gaden's legs over his broad shoulder, giving him access to his hole. He started pressing a finger around it, teasing as he fondled his balls and continued to suck.

The stimulation was too much for the inexperienced Gaden and with a yell exploded inside Brunaulf's mouth. The big man relished every drop, trying to coax every bit out from his young companion. Gaden was seeing stars. He had "taken care of himself" as he put it many times, but never did it arouse such a feeling of satisfying emptiness as he felt now. He basked in the glow of the sensation as Brunaulf gently put his leg down and moved next to him, caressing his body as he enjoyed an absolutely relaxed state. Brunaulf, still hard and leaking, started gently stroking his own member with one hand while he put his arm behind Gaden’s neck, draping his muscular limb over his front, caressing the man's chest hair. Without warning, Gaden started snoring loudly. The big man chuckled to himself. It was probably for the best, just to make sure he didn’t change someone against their will. Gingerly, he moved himself from Gaden, and brought himself to climax careful not to let any of his seed touch the man who shared his bed. A quick cleanup was all that was required and as he laid in bed, staring at the sleeping mage, he hoped that someday he would be able to share everything with him.