Panter's Pride:
Hunted
by T. S. Hubbard
Disclaimer It's still mine. Note: Panter's Pride must be read first, as this is book 2.
Thanks to Thorie for volunteering to proofread yet another story.
Email address: thubbar2@insight.rr.com.- comments welcome.
Chapter Two
Hate filled eyes watched the controlled chaos below from the relative safety of her perch in a large tree about fifty feet away. Lying flat against its limb allowed her coat to blend almost unseen against it. Her claws sank into the soft bark as she recalled the past few candle marks. Soon after being handed over to those women she had regained her senses. Acting as if she was still unconscious had allowed her to listen in on them, gaining her some new information. She had learned that the dark one went by the name Panter. By the tones in their voices she had gathered they actually respected her. She snorted in disgust. As if she was not someone who had betrayed her own people. Still it annoyed her to learn one such as this had a high station in this place. She smiled slyly. And a new mate too. This added dimension would make her quest much more interesting.
Her body tensed as the object of her thoughts appeared, her arm wrapped around the shoulders of a small blond. The midday sun glinted off the bands around their brows. They stopped just past the doorway talking together in low tones. She intently studied her enemy's mate. Short hair and light eyes set into a face with a small nose and fine features combined with a toned body showed she was no dainty woman afraid of activity. It presented a pleasing picture. She could almost understand why she had been chosen as a suitable mate even if she was ungifted. The jingle of tack had the watcher and the women looking to the side as a large party of riders appeared. The woman Panter stepped up grasping the cheek strap of the lead horse. A fast discussion ensued coming to a conclusion after motions of agreements came from them all. A handful of rolled scrolls passed from the blond to Panter. She in turn passed them to their leader. Who handed each one a copy. Tucking the items in their saddlebags, they each inclined their heads respectfully and gestured to their separate groups. Eager to begin their mission, they kicked their horses into a trot.
Considering eyes followed their progress out the gate then returned to the remaining pair below. Her eyes narrowed as a kiss was exchanged before her target accepted the reins of her own horse. Settling into the saddle Panter moved toward the gate her team falling into formation behind her. The watcher decided to stay to watch awhile longer. She wanted to see what would happen next. This was going to be even more fun then it was tracking her down. After all a cat loves to play with its victims first. A glint in her eye promised trouble ahead.
* * *
Panter's group rode hard to return to the city as quickly as it could. She had made arrangements for the injured man to be transferred to the infirmary at Hawk's Peak while she was still at the new village, as soon as humanly possible. He had not yet returned to consciousness. Hopefully by the time they returned he would be awake and could answer some questions. Impatience made her grit her teeth. The information that man had was needed desperately. If he was still not conscious she would have to talk to the healers about trying to revive him. She knew it might be unwise but little choice remained. Catching sight of Alesia from the corner of her eye, she turned her head as her friends horse moved up to her side. She smiled slightly at the inquiring look on her face knowing the questions that she had yet to ask. She had filled her friend in as the orders to be sent to the surrounding villages had been drawn up. They needed to warn as many people as possible of the raids being conducted in the region.
"This looks bad doesn't it?" Alesia broke the silence with the question everyone else wanted to ask.
Panter hesitated trying to find an easy way to say what she thought.
Unfortunately she couldn't. She shook her head as she faced forward again. " Yea, its bad" her eyes narrowed in determination. "A lot of people are going to get hurt. Many more will end up dead if we don't do something about it."
"But were going to" Alesia knew that the kind of people her friends where as leaders would never stand by and watch if they could do anything about preventing it.
"Yes, we are. Especially since it seems its caused by someone who objects to Tera being regent"
"But Tera is nothing if not fair" Alesia protested.
Panter smiled at Alesia warmly. " She is, but you and I both know that greed is not interested in fair or unfair. Its only concern is in whatever's
necessary to get what it wants."
"I know" Alesia gripped her reins harder. Why, when things finally were working almost smoothly between all the factions in and around Hawk's Peak after the past year, were things on the verge of another struggle. She just wished her friends could be happy and not in the middle of yet another fight.
Nothing else passed between them for the rest of the ride. Just as the sun started setting they rode past the guards at the main gate. No one tried to stop them this time. It seemed the guard from earlier had been hastily replaced after the others had failed to recognize the Regent and her Arms Master. The excuse that they had been new was not received as a valid one. It was taken as fact that it wouldn't happen again. Even if Tera had been amused by it, Panter hadn't been.
As they finally neared the manor Panter glimpsed a gathering of people waiting. She had sent a notice ahead requesting that everyone be prepared for a meeting when she returned. Pulling her horse to a halt, Panter dismounted handing the reins off to a waiting stable boy. The rest of her company dismounted as she met the eyes of her captains. Panter nodded at their silent inquiry. She watched as their features set in determination.
"Come, we have much to do in little time"
Panter led the way into the meeting room. She smiled slightly as she saw everything was indeed ready. Well lit with rolled parchments waiting at her place at the table, the other chairs had been occupied with anyone who might be necessary at a time like this. Some time ago she, Tera, Akil and Narna had pulled together a plan of action if anything close to this would occur. It was pleasing to see that it worked. Panter stopped by the table. Resting her hands on its surface she studied it as she took a moment to gather her thoughts. Silence enfolded the room like a shroud. Looking up Panter studied her team.
"I'm afraid the news I have is not pleasant," she stated.
No one spoke as they waited.
"Raids are terrorizing and destroying outlying providences in our region"
Even though they had been expecting this news, finally hearing it confirmed still shocked them. Voices rose as people tried to all speak at once. Seeing Panter flinch in pain at the noise Akil stepped in.
" That's enough, we'll never get anything done with all this noise"
Slowly it tapered off as everyone regained their seats and waited to see what would unfold. Alesia sank in to seat at her left. Panter settled into her own seat with an internal sigh of relief, her ears were still ringing slightly from all the noise. If she had to chose one downfall in her gift that would be it. Enhanced hearing was great at times but right now it really sucked. When a chilled goblet was place by her right hand she glanced up, thanking the servant with a smile. The servant flushed at the attention and bowing slightly continued down the table serving the rest of the attending staff.
Pulling a piece of parchment from the stack that had been left Panter sat back in her chair absently twirling a reed pen through the fingers of her left hand. A habit she had unknowingly picked up from her mate. She looked toward the healer in charge of the infirmary. " Has our unexpected guest awoken yet?"
The healer nodded her graying head. " Yes, he has. I truly wasn't expecting him too with the seriousness of the injury but he did manage to talk to your captain before slipping back into sleep"
Panter was pleasantly surprised. " He did, that is good news. While we speak, how are the supply levels for the healers? Do we have all we might require?"
" We are fairly stocked, I have sent several of our apprentices to gather as many medicinal herbs as possible. They will be dried and stored. Bandages should be no problem; several large bolts of linen have been donated with more to come. I also have sent word to surrounding cities to send as many skilled healers to us as possible yet still maintaining their own healing facilities. I was unsure how many healers would be sent with the troops so I erred to the side of abundance. I hope that was appropriate?" Her plain features became almost beautiful as she smiled at the Arms Master.
Panter quirked a small grin. " Yes, you have done a commendable job in such short time. Please take our thanks back with you to your helpers. You may leave now, as I am sure there is still much to do"
Rising to her feet, the healer bowed slightly. " You are correct, many tasks are yet undone" At Panters nod she padded to the double doors that swung open at her approach. Her stocky form disappeared from their view as the doors closed.
Panter leaned forward in her seat. She fixed a steady gaze at both her captains. " Now if you could tell me what information we have, some type of plan could be in the making"
Narna stood moving to a large parchment that had been affixed to the wall.
It showed Hawks peak and all land around it till it ran into the large body of water to the north. The one Panter had crossed just over a span of seasons ago. " Using the information given to us, we noted each incident on the map. So far no real pattern is emerging. One village will be destroyed then another will be attacked, subdued and possibly used as a base for food and supplies. It seems so random that trying to foretell where the next one will happen is almost impossible, you might do as well closing your eyes and randomly pointing."
Narna smiled slightly as a few chuckles arose from the group. " It seems that it's a rather large force. At some of the larger villages they swept in from all sides. Most likely preventing anyone from telling about the raid. In fact we were very fortunate, our informant played dead. He used his fellow soldiers as cover and luckily was missed. His village was one of the ones destroyed. Nothing was left. Neither human nor animal. So far a total of five territories have been assaulted, two being totally destroyed."
She stopped speaking as murmurs of shock started arising.
Panter studied the map, something nagging at her. She had seen something like this before. She shook her head frustrated when it wouldn't come to mind. She rose and headed toward Narna, who stepped back at her approach clearing the way to the map. There was Hawks Peak placed below the mountain range it derived its name from. To the east was Lanoris one that had been destroyed and home to their informant. It lay about two days hard travel from the ocean she had crossed. How that man had survived with that wound only the gods knew. It was more than fifteen days travel to Hawks Peak from there at a steady pace. Panter paused her brow furrowing as she unconsciously reached up to touch her tattoo. Maybe he did have a little help. Shrugging she directed her attention aback to the map. She would figure that out later.
Tylan lay close by about half days ride from Lanoris but it had just been subdued not destroyed. Farther to the northwest Hallen mines had been taken over and a small-unknown village had been destroyed. Even farther west was Doslan a coastline city based on fishery and trade. It had been beaten down and more likely used as a base of operation. It would offer plenty of food and with the coast at your back it would be harder for anyone thinking of retaliation.
" It looks to me as if we might be dealing with two separate groups. But more then likely they are working together. It's as if they're trying to hem us in" Panter mused aloud.
Akil cursed aloud as he took a closer look. A faint impression of a pattern was there. How in all the gods had they missed it? He glanced at Panter impressed by her insight. He was no slouch to military plans after all he had served for many years but someone with little back ground seeing it was almost astounding. "How did you figure that out?" he exclaimed.
Panter smiled grimly " It's almost the same tactic I would use, of course if it was me no one would have had the chance we have now. Defense of any kind would be a moot point"
No one could speak. Before the quiet could grow too long Panter returned to her seat. " Anyway we have that chance, so how are the preparations going?" she turned to Cenon. He had represented the common people last year before Tera had reclaimed the Regency. " Why don't we start with you Cenon, what do the weapon stores look like?" He would know to the letter since he helped make most of them.
The large blond stroked his bearded chin as he consulted his notes. " All the personal guards are fully equipped as are all our regular troops. We have had conscripts start to filter in slowly; your captains have put in requests for additional armor and weaponry for your female fighters."
Canon paused. " I was told that most of them are archers, is that correct?"
Panter nodded. " Yes most of them are, some have a little skill in swordplay but the training they have is more useful as scouts and archers. They way they can disappear into the trees is amazing. They can also use their bows from horseback. Mounted they seem to be very deadly with their weapons. I have seen them in action, they almost always hit what they aim for."
Narna eyebrows rose in wonder. None of their soldiers could use a bow from horse back. There was too much of a risk of shooting your own horse if any sudden movements happened. Everyone knew being on horseback was anything but smooth. " Do they use crossbows?" she asked.
" No, they prefer using smaller compound bows. An arrow could go through a small tree at close range with one of those." Panter explained.
Canon marked his paper. " Then I would think armor made of toughened layered leather would be more appropriate for them. I'll get some of my workers on that, we'll make sure to have extra bows and plenty of arrows. How many can their quivers hold? " He inquired.
" About thirty I believe"
They all turned to the doorway at the sound of the voice. Tera stood in the doorway still dusty from her ride. Several of her warriors stood right behind her. They moved to take up posts by the door. Everyone including Panter rose to their feet and bowed slightly to their Regent. Tera started toward her mate. " Please sit everyone" Reaching Panter, Tera beckoned her to lean down. She claimed her lips in a soft kiss then stepped back. " Honey, don't bow to me, you are my co-regent and Arms Master. Besides I can't say I like seeing that." Tera requested softly.
Panter opened heavy eyes, licking the taste of her mate from her lips. " Very well amare if that is what you want" Her breath caught at the smile Tera gave her. She watched as Tera sank into the chair on her right. She had just said without a word that this meeting was Panters domain not hers. Panter retook her seat.
Clearing her throat, Panter directed her attention back to the matter at hand. " Thirty, I think it was Cenon"
Cenon noted the information. " How many will need outfitted?"
Tera interrupted before Panter could say anything. " About two hundred of my warriors wish to go. All are fully equipped but any extra arrows or bows will be more then welcome."
Cenon looked a bit shocked then recovered. " That will be no problem at all. I'll still need a final reckoning about how many other soldiers need arms, but for now I think things are well in hand."
" Stay for a while, we may be able to come up with a close estimate for you" Panter suggested. Cenon agreed and remained seated." Hopefully, my captains have some answers for us?"
.
Akil took the list offered him by Narna. "Some of this is dependent on how many troops are left here."
" Whatever is necessary to make sure Tera is safe" Panter retorted.
Tera sat up straight in her chair. " If you think I'm staying here while you're out there, you best think again." Her tone of voice showed she meant what she just said.
Panter narrowed her eyes. " I want you safe, out there you wouldn't be!"
Everyone shifted in his or her seats a little uncomfortable about witnessing this argument. It would be hard to guess who would win, they were both very strong willed women.
"How do you think that, you know I can fight. Besides, you've been teaching me what you know since we got married. There's not much defense anyone can use against that style of fighting. You told me yourself I was a natural at it." Tera paused for breath then continued before Panter could form a response. "If something happened to you and I knew about it, you damn well know I would come find you, no matter what!" Tera stopped her tirade as she saw understanding finally dawn on Panters face.
Panter was loath to let Tera go but knew she was right. With their connection it would be easier if they were together than to feel something and not understand what was causing it. " All right, but we need to talk some more about it later Amare" she said quietly.
Tera inclined her head but said nothing. For Panter to relent meant she truly did understand their dilemma but she didn't have to like it.
Everyone watching sighed with relief hoping no expression showed on their faces when Panter gestured for Akil to continue.
"Well since it seems our Regent will be accompanying us, that makes it a little easier," Akil said drolly catching the faint glint in Panters eyes. "We will leave two hundred regular guard here plus the normal watch. That will be about three hundred bodies strong to protect Hawk Peak and its people. With all the gates barred, it should be very secure."
He paused to write on his paper these changes to the plan, and then continued.
" All the accipiter ala wish to go with you" He glanced to his Arms Master. The regents shared a look that ended with Tera nodding in
agreement. " We've had a few additions to our ranks this past season so there are a hundred and twenty of us now. We will most likely split into two companies of sixty." He smiled at Panters upraised eyebrow.
" I wasn't aware that many had joined"
" Well, there were more that wanted to but we had to cut it off somewhere" he laughed. " In fact you know that group that likes to train with you?"
Panter nodded almost afraid to hear him finish the statement." The practice ring does seem rather full at times"
" Well, since they couldn't join us they took it upon themselves to form a different branch of the guard." He drew it out just to see the impatience on Panters face.
" A different branch, how many wanted to join?"
"About another hundred or so" He loved the look of shock on her face. "We now have the Chosen's Elite"
Panter rubbed her forehead. " There's nothing I can do about it is there?" She tried to ignore Tera's snort of laughter. But she had a harder time trying to pretend Tera's hand didn't just slid onto her thigh. Trickles of warmth ran down her spine as it caressed her leg. In self-defense she had to grasp Tera's hand and entwine their fingers to regain a little of her control back.
" Sorry, no" Akil said " Anyway we have another hundred regular guard we'll be taking, plus fifty conscripts that have come in. We have other conscripts we will be picking up along the way, but I don't have a sure number to give you."
Panter drummed the fingers on her left hand on the table." Really, that's not bad, more then I thought anyway. I wasn't expecting that many of the village to go. That gives us about five hundred and seventy right?"
" Close to six companies, yes"
"Alright, I want as many on horseback as possible. We will need to move quickly to try to head this off before it gets worse than it is."
" The village will have an extra fifty or so left after we take ours out," Alesia said. " We do know of a herd that roams close to here that we may be able to take advantage of"
Panter smiled at her friend. "Good, that will help"
" With most of guard staying behind we'll be able to take their horses. So we'll need at least a hundred more horses for everyone to be able to ride." Narna stated.
" That's a workable number," Akil confirmed. " We'll see how many we can get from that herd Alesia told us about"
" I'll show you were I've seen them recently" Alesia volunteered.
" That's settled then. Does that help you out Cenon?" Panter questioned.
" It's better, I'll get with the captains to see who needs what but it does help a lot." He replied happily. It was one more thing soon to be off his list.
" You can leave if you wish" Panter offered. Cenon thanked her and hurried off to confer with his workers.
Panter rose to her feet letting go of Tera's hand. "Until we have more information from our scouts I believe we have done as much as we can to get ready. Akil and Narna, I want you to get everyone in the practice ring as much as possible without overdoing it. I want our people ready but rested when we leave, understand?"
Her captains stood and placing their hand over their chest saluted Panter then left to carry out her wishes. Everyone else followed their lead and left to attend to their own duties.
Tera's laughter rang out in the empty room at Panter's expression." You know they do that because they respect you love" she got out between giggles.
Panter groaned. "I know, but I don't think I'll ever get used to it" She took her mates hand and led her off for a quick dinner. She had plans after that.
* * *
Panter's eyes hooded as she watched her mate undress. Her fair skin beckoned to her and she was unable to stop herself from taking a taste.
She growled softly as the scent and flavor of her mate flooded her senses.
A gasp accompanied Tera's movement as she pressed back into her turning her head to the side to bare her neck even more. Panter lightly nipped her as she ran her hand down Tera's chest, stopping to cup her right breast. With her left hand she pulled her love's butt closer to her own pelvis. Rolling a nipple between her fingers, Panter pressed against Tera rhythmically. Panter's breath got harsher as her need for her mate rose.
Tera moaned before she pulled away, evading Panter's grasping hands.
" Wait love, lets get you out of these clothes"
Panter impatiently undressed almost tearing her clothing in the process. She could smell Tera's arousal as clear as her own and it made her frantic to get naked. Finally the last item dropped to the floor. She stood for a second relishing the look on Tera's face as she looked at her body. Impatience finally got the better of her and she stalked closer to Tera, growling sub vocally in her chest. Tera moved back until she suddenly hit the bed with the back of her thighs causing her to fall backwards onto it.
Tera cried out as Panter pounced on top of her careful to keep her full weight off. Tera wrapped her arms around her lover caressing the flexing back muscles she couldn't see causing Panter to groan in pleasure at her touch. Tera breath caught in her throat as Panter moved down her body enveloping a nipple in her mouth. Heat streamed like fire from her nipple to her groin causing her to cry out at the sensations. Panter switched to the other breast pulling the nipple between her teeth roughly before suckling. Tera raked her nails down Panters back at the pleasure. Panter growled in response to the fleeting pain. She slid her hand down Tera's stomach, moaning when her fingers finally touched crisp dampness. Tera arched at the feeling of Panter's fingers silently begging for a fuller touch, she struggled for breath as Panters finger slid halfway into her. She thrust her hips upward driving Panters finger in deeper. " Please" she gasped "more". Tera moaned as two more fingers joined the first, filling her. Panter continued to suck at her breast while thrusting into her. Tera couldn't stop herself from moving her hips driving Panter even deeper into her. Slowly the feeling grew to be too much until she climaxed with a scream.
With the feeling still running rampant throughout her body, Tera pulled Panters head from her breast and kissed her roughly. She could feel the heat coming off Panters body as she growled. Tera's tongue traced Panters mouth gently running over her prominent canines. She wrapped her tongue around one and gently sucked causing Panter to stop breathing for a moment till she pulled away from Tera. Panter's eyes glowed as she stared at her mate. Tera watched as they morphed. Pushing Panter onto her back Tera bit her on the curve of her shoulder. Not enough to draw blood but enough to mark her. Panter cried out at the sensations that caused. Tera moved down her body, stopping at her breasts to briefly tease before heading farther down at Panter's pleas. Lifting her head, Tera met Panters hungry gaze. Panter reached out burying her hands into the scattered pillows before Tera lowered her head again. Panters' scent surrounded her making her mouth water for the taste of it. She slowly dragged her tongue over the thick liquid moaning as the flavor exploded in her mouth. She delved into her savoring the taste. Enveloping her clit with her lips she gently sank two fingers into Panter. Tera sucked as she eased her fingers in and out of Panters depths. Slowly Panters thigh muscles tightened, a sure sign she was close. Tera added a digit increasing her speed as she flicked her tongue repeatedly over Panters clit. She could feel her mate tightening around her fingers. Suddenly Panter stiffened and shook, a cry strangling in her throat. Tera felt her pulsing around her fingers and suddenly sucked on her clit hard, sending Panter into another climax.
Ragged breathing filled the silence that followed. Tera slowly pulled out of Panter, causing her to gasp. After pressing a kiss to her stomach, Tera crawled up to lay in Panters arms with her head on her chest. " I love you Panter," she whispered softly. Arms hugged her closer. " I love you Tera" Panter replied in a low growling tone. Nothing was said for a while.
" I still worry about you being involved in the fighting even with me there," Panter said worriedly. " If anything happened to you I…." A hand covered her lips before she could finish.
" I know, I feel the same way, but I think it's safer for us to be together than apart."
" I guess all we can do is be careful then" Panter knew that Tera wouldn't stay behind and truthfully Panter did feel a little better to have her in arms reach instead of worrying half the time. They would just have to deal with things as they came and hope for the best.
Tera murmured in agreement as she sank into sleep wrapped in Panter's embrace. Panter pressed a kiss to Tera's temple and followed her example.
Continued...