The Jackal's Song

Chapter 16: Cleric of Aubade

He was enjoying a lurid dream when a clearing throat pulled him out of his imagined scenario involving a handful of beasts he'd been friendly with over the years. Abruptly recognizing the dream for what it was, he assumed control and sent the dream characters away—all that remained was the tall, robed jackal who leaped down from atop a vine-covered wall.

“I had no idea you were that imaginative!" Hake teased as Senu conjured a simple robe to cover his nudity.

“I can't help what I dream about," Senu said defensively.

“Hah, well, I'm not going to judge. Sorry for invading your privacy. I just wanted to see how you're doing. Mother's been away, but she said she'll be back in Feyspring tomorrow. I expect she'll want to know everything you've been up to, and I wanted to see if you had anything new I should bring up."

Senu shrugged. “Well, I got into the bard's college."

Hake smiled. “Oh, congratulations!" He hesitated. “You don't seem that excited."

“It doesn't mean much unless I can figure out how to pay for it."

“Oh."

“Right."

“How much?"

“The full year's tuition and fees come to four thousand gold pieces in standard currency."

“That's... a lot."

“Yeah."

“I could ask Mother..."

Senu laughed. “Don't bother. She wouldn't give me a single copper, let alone two talents. Not for this, anyway."

Hake shrugged. “Most likely true. But I can still try."

“If you want. I'm not going to hold my breath."

There was a moment of quiet, and Hake leaned against the wall. “So, what scheme have you come up with to raise the money on your own?"

“I'm putting a group together to try another Delve."

Hake's expression darkened, then stalked towards his brother. “Are you joking?"

Senu stepped back but held his ground. “Hake, look, I have no choice! I can't find anyone who'll give me a loan. There's no way I'll make that much doing normal work. This is my only shot."

Hake was right up in his face. “You almost died last time, you moron. What makes you think this is going to be any different?"

“Because this time, we're taking our time and planning things out. Plus, I'll have a full crew and more experience."

“You're an idiot."

“Maybe. But this is happening. So either help or get out of my way."

Hake snarled but finally backed down. “Fine. Whatever. Just don't get yourself killed." He rubbed the top of his muzzle. “How many do you have?"

“Three."

“Who?"

“Me, the wolf who was with me last time, and a kobold we just met. He's the one with the lead."

Hake groaned. “A kobold? Really?"

“He's kind of charming when you get used to him."

“Why is it you always attract the strangest beasts?"

“Come on, Hake, don't be like that. Do you know anyone else who might be able to help?"

“Thankfully, no. I'm not sure I'd tell you if I did. I can't condone this. You do realize what will happen if I tell our parents?"

Senu made a dismissive gesture with his paw. “It's not their decision. Hake, if you aren't going to help, then go away."

The older jackal gave his brother a wide-eyed expression. Snorting, he opened his mouth to retort, then stopped himself. Instead, he just shook his head and disappeared, leaving Senu to wander an empty dreamscape while he considered the challenges that awaited him in the morning

***

Tracker had nuzzled up to him during the night, and Senu woke to find something thick pressing against his upper back. Only when he reached back to move it did he realize what it was. At the touch, Tracker reacted by shoving himself even harder against the jackal, and Senu let out a soft sigh. Even Eirik hadn't been this eager. Though, again, he was surprised to find that he found the kobold somewhat endearing. Foul-mouthed as he was, he had an earnest energy about him that Senu found comforting.

With effort, he managed to extricate himself from the kobold's embrace without waking him. He pulled a curtain around the bed to give Tracker a bit of protection from the light as he set about his morning routine. He'd just finished cleaning and drying himself in the shared bathroom and was getting dressed when there was a knock at the door.

“Just a minute!" Senu called, as he finished tying his trousers, then threw a tunic over his torso. He glanced towards the curtained bed, where Tracker was peeking out. He gestured with a finger to his muzzle. Tracker seemed confused but retreated so that he wouldn't be obvious. 

That done, Senu opened the door to find Vennick Alaric standing in his hallway. The normally immaculate wolf looked like he hadn't slept in days, and his fashionable clothing was stained and rumpled.

“Master Alaric... what is it?"

“May I come in?"

“I... I suppose." Senu stepped back, letting the wolf enter. 

“What's wrong?" Senu asked, keeping his voice low.

Alaric looked around the room, eyes flitting nervously from corner to corner like he was afraid of being watched.

“I need to ask you some questions. About... Jackals. There's an artifact, something dangerous. Please, I need your help."

“Hold on," Senu said, trying to get the wolf to speak more slowly so he could understand. “I can tell you anything that isn't secret, but my people are careful about such things for a reason. What's so urgent?"

Alaric stared at him, and his ears drooped. “There's a group... a cabal, really... and they've been after something very important. I've been trying to fend them off, but last night they came very close, and now they have... taken something."

Senu felt a tension in his chest. “Is this about the manuscripts you and Andrus were talking about at the Stag last month?"

Alaric's body language immediately changed, and he took a step back. “How do you know about that?"

The jackal raised his paws to appear nonthreatening. “I just overheard a few words. I only remember because it made me curious."

Alaric didn't seem to believe him, but he did relax his posture. “I suppose there's no harm in letting you know. The merchant's council recently purchased a dangerous artifact from a group of delvers. They'd found it in one of their little adventures and weren't sure what to do with it. Even with magic, they weren't able to translate it. I could sense the power of it, so I encouraged the council to make an offer. The delvers accepted."

“So that's what Eirik and the others were doing here originally. I thought it was odd how quickly they were able to get here after the whole Fort business started."

“Indeed. The manuscript is ancient. Older than the Beast World. I've spent the past several months working with an... expert to translate it. But a few hours ago, while we were working, a group attacked us and took the manuscript. One of them was a jackal. A female."

Senu frowned. “That's strange. I didn't know any other jackals were in Shimmer Bay. We try not to travel unnecessarily. You're sure?"

“I... she was as tall as you and had the gold eye markings. I suppose it could have been a magical disguise, but I would most likely have sensed that. My chambers are well warded."

“She must be some kind of renegade then. No jackal I've known would attack someone like that."

Alaric sat heavily into one of Senu's chairs, his shoulders slumping. “I don't care who she is or what she wants. The artifact is incredibly dangerous. It contains magic that could obliterate entire cities if used incorrectly."

“That... doesn't sound like some random attack. Did they take anything else?"

“No."

“All right, so what do you want from me? My brother is a judge, a kind of paladin for our people. I could send word to him. Ask him to speak to you. Travel is usually slow from our home to here, but if the need were urgent, he could use magic."

He shook his head, his voice growing more intense. “No. I want to know where your city is."

Senu hesitated. “Sir, I can't tell you that."

The wolf looked up, eyes full of intensity. “I wasn't asking. Tell me."

Senu stepped back. “Look, I understand you're upset, but I'm not about to betray my people. I promise you no one from Feyspring was involved in whatever is going on."

Alaric let out a long breath. “You're right. I'm sorry. I've not been sleeping much. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."

“Can you give me a description of this jackal you saw? Any details besides her height and the markings?"

“She was wearing a robe, so I couldn't see much. She had a commanding presence and a deep voice. She moved like a cat. Strange for someone so large."

“All right. I've told you what I can do. My brother would help, I'm sure of it. Can I send word to him?"

Alaric nodded. “That would be very kind."

“I'll write the message now. Do you have any messenger scrolls I could use? I know they're expensive but in this case..."

“Yes. Of course. Write the message, and I'll be back shortly."

“Thank you."

A few minutes later, the letter was sealed and placed into the small tube provided by the Count. With a touch and a murmured incantation, the ink began to glow. A moment later, the scroll was consumed in a flash of light.

“That's done," Senu said. “My brother will undoubtedly contact you soon."

“Thank you. I... I am sorry to have disturbed you like this. You're the only jackal in the city."

“It's all right. I understand."

***

“You know a lot of strange beasts," Tracker said when they settled down for breakfast at the same cafe he and Eirik had spent time in.

“Life of a bard," he said while buttering a piece of toast. “We tend to attract drama."

Tracker snorted. “Drama is an understatement. That wolf sounded like a lunatic."

“He might be. I'm not sure yet."

“What does that mean?"

Senu shrugged. “I've seen him doing strange things around town, and I know more about this artifact than I let on. I did some research. It's a draconic spell scroll."

The kobold's expression darkened. “Dragon magic?"

“Yeah. This dragon I know, Andrus, was translating it for him."

“Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?"

“I have an inkling."

“So why aren't you freaking out?"

“Mostly because I'm not sure what I can do about it. I've been surrounded by powerful magic all my life. Maybe not this dangerous, but potent."

Tracker frowned but didn't press the issue. “I hope this doesn't change anything about the Dungeon."

“No. I still need the money."

“Good." They talked for a few more minutes while they ate, before Tracker finally asked, “So do you want to split up? You go to Northbank for supplies, I can poke around Southbank for possible allies?"

“Sure. Meet here at lunch?"

“Sounds good. Let's do that. Oh, and...." He handed over a small purse. “If you find someone selling healing potions, buy as many as that will get you."

“Got it."

“All right. See you."

They split up, Senu heading west towards the Northbank markets. He wasn't sure where he was going. Most of the stalls and shops were open, and a plethora of merchants were eagerly hawking their wares. With the money Tracker had given him, he was able to get some basic supplies. Nothing outlandish, but enough to ensure they had plenty of food, water, and survival supplies for their Delve. He visited the bethel again to purchase a few healing potions as well. It wasn't much, but it ensured that everyone in their party would have at least one.

Tentatively, he spoke again to Luciano. Without Tracker there, he thought he might be able to convince the raccoon to share some lead they might use in finding a fourth member. A cleric would be especially useful, of course, but healers were always in high demand, whether for delving crews or more mundane work within their communities.

The white-furred raccoon sighed when the question was asked. “I try to discourage my charges from delving. I've lost too many friends to the Dungeon. But, if you insist on going, I would prefer you have someone with you who can help keep you safe. I will make some inquiries. Check back this evening."

“Thank you."

After that, all that was left to do was to meet back up with Tracker.

They shared a lunch of fruit, cheese, and bread while comparing notes.

“Hm, so that weird priest might be helpful after all."

“I mean, he probably would have been helpful yesterday if you weren't hitting on all his clerics."

Tracker grinned. “Nothin' wrong with trying to make friends."

“I doubt any of them have ever seen a kobold before. You come on pretty strong."

“I just don't like wasting time. Speaking of..." He took an enormous bite out of a loaf of bread and swallowed most of it without chewing. “So, the only people I could find wanted a lot more money upfront than I'm willing to give. There was this nice little brothel in the Golden Mill district, but I don't think any of those ladies are going to be helpful."

Senu rolled his eyes. “I hope you didn't waste too much money there."

“Why pay for what I get for free? I just like window shopping."

“Of course."

“So when is old ghost-face going to say if he found anyone?"

“I'll check back late tonight."

“Well, let's hope that works out. Wanna go work off some frustration? You still owe me a proper good time."

“I see you're not the type to forget about debts."

“You act like you haven't been looking forward to it." He took another big bite.

Senu chuckled. “I'll admit, at this point, I just want to know if you can justify all this big talk."

“I'm hung, I'm in fantastic shape, and I'm good at figuring people out. You'll have fun, I promise."

Senu popped a grape into his mouth. “In that case, how could I refuse?"

Tracker did indeed have good reason to be confident about his skill in bed. Eirik had been intense, but largely focused on his own pleasure. That was something Senu had been happy to indulge, but, by contrast, Tracker was indulgently generous. Almost everything he did seemed intended to bring them both to a higher peak, and he succeeded more often than not. There were times when he thought the foul-mouthed little kobold was reading his mind.

They spent almost two hours together, and by the end, Senu was completely exhausted. Tracker seemed fine and immediately got up to clean himself as soon as he realized the jackal was spent.

“Fucking hell, been a while since I had someone that could keep up with me for that long."

“Heh," Senu was still breathing heavily. “I don't know, I feel like I might need a nap."

Tracker snorted. “Go ahead if you want. I could go a few more rounds, but I figure I should prepare a little more. I found this bison lady who might sell me a wagon for cheap. Nothing fancy, but it'll be useful if we find something big to bring back."

“Makes sense," he said, struggling to keep up with how quickly the kobold talked when he was in a good mood.

“You mind if I sleep here again tonight? I have a room at some hole by the docks, but... well, I might want to fuck some more. You had a good time, right?"

“Yeah..." he said breathily. “Sure, you can stay again if you want."

Tracker shot him a crooked grin. “Maybe I'll show you my special technique."

“You were holding back?"

“Just a little. Don't worry, you'll like it."

With that, the kobold quickly dressed himself, gave the jackal a soft kiss on the cheek, and was then out the door.

Senu took a few minutes to relax. His whole body was tingling and sore. He'd never had sex that was that demanding, and without even realizing it, he drifted off to sleep within a few minutes.

When he woke, it was late afternoon. He stretched and yawned, then took a quick bath in the shared tub down the hall. When he returned to his room, got dressed, then headed out to the slums. He hadn't been to Aria's for a few days and he thought the fox might have some advice for him on the dig, if not some leads on a possible fourth member of the crew.

“I don't know anyone looking for that kind of work right now, but I can keep an ear to the ground for you," they said. “Been missing you here the last few nights. You gonna be back any time soon?"

“I hope so," he said. “Did I tell you I got into the bard's college?"

Their ears perked. “Really? No, you didn't."

“Well, I did. But the tuition is... well, it's a lot. I assume you don't have any way for me to make two talents in the next thirty days?"

They looked him over. “That is a lot." They let out a slow breath. “If you're keeping things legal, the only way you're getting that kind of money is to make fast friends with some rich merchant or noble, or you're going to have to get very lucky on the Delve. Either way, the odds are going to be against you."

“Yeah."

“Listen, I do have some money set aside. Not enough for this, but... if you end up close but short, let me know. We could call it a loan."

“You'd do that for me?" he was genuinely touched.

“Hey, you're a good kid, and you've been nothing but helpful to me. So sure, I can spare some gold I'm not using. At least for a while."

“Thank you. If it comes to that, I will take you up on the offer. But I'm hoping I can do this myself."

“All right. Let me know if I can help in other ways. In the meantime, there's always work here, and I can find a few odd jobs for you to do as well."

“I appreciate it. I'll be back when I can, but this lead will probably have me gone for at least a week."

They folded their arms. “You're lucky I like you, kid. For most people who told me they were taking off like that, I'd tell 'em not to bother coming back."

He wagged his tail. “Does that mean I'm your favorite?"

Aria sighed. “Yes, fine. You are my favorite. But if you die out there, you're fired."

“I'll be sure not to die then."

They chuckled. “Good luck, Senu."

“Thanks."

***

“This is Bahadur," Father Luciano said, gesturing to the wolf beside him.

Senu stared. The wolf's golden fur was practically glowing in the light of twilight, and his presence was commanding. Bahadur exuded a kind of effortless confidence that immediately put Senu on edge.

The wolf winked. He winked. “I hear you're in need of a cleric."

“Uh, yeah. Are you... experienced?"

“Very," Bahadur said in a deep, smooth voice. “I've been on several delves, and I know my way around a battlefield."

“Do you know healing magic?"

“Some. I am a battle cleric, but I am a capable healer."

“And you're willing to join our crew?"

The wolf nodded. Tracker hadn't yet returned from his afternoon excursion, but Terrance had made his way up from Saltspray to discuss their plans. “It'll be nice not to have to handle the front line by myself," the older wolf commented. “I assume you're fine with the standard share of any loot we find? We've designated Senu to be our quartermaster."

“I am."

“Seems like we're lucky to have you then. How do you two know each other?" Terrance asked, gesturing between Luciano and Bahadur.

The raccoon smiled. “We're... rivals of a sort. Philosophically speaking, of course. Bahadur is a wolf of many passions. Our debates have been... lively."

Senu looked between them, eyes widening slightly. Was he imagining the subtext?

“To be clear, I'm not looking for a long-term thing," Bahadur said, “But Luciano said you were about to do something dumb, and I tend to like beasts who aren't afraid of taking big risks. Must be th gambler in me."

Luciano laughed. “That's almost certainly true, considering I offered to settle that little matter of what you owe me from our last game of cards."

“Yes, well, that certainly sweetened the deal." The golden wolf grinned, tail wagging behind him. “Looks like a capable group. Lookin' forward to getting to know you. Where's your fourth, by the way? I was told he was a character."

“Oh, um, he's meeting up with me later tonight. If you want to come back to my place you can meet him."

“Oh, already?" Bahadur said with a smirk. “You move fast."

“N-no, not like that." Of course, both Eirik and Tracker had been in his bed within a day of first meeting them. Perhaps Bahadur was right about that. 

“Relax, I'm teasing. But if you're up for some late-night drinks, I would like to meet this kobold. I've never seen one in person. Jackals either, for that matter. Have to admit, you're taller than I expected you'd be."

“I get that a lot."

Terrance rolled his big shoulders. “Well, I don't have much left to do in town. It was nice to meet you Bahadur, but I better head home. I'm already on thin ice with my wife since I told her I was going on this little errand."

“See you tomorrow," Senu said, giving Terrance a quick hug that caught the older wolf off guard.

“Right, no problem," he said, shaking his head as they separated.

Luciano excused himself a moment later as well, and now Senu was left standing alone in front of the bethel with Bahadur. The muscular cleric's upper body was completely bare save for a sizable necklace adorned with the holy symbol of Aubade, a depiction of the sun. His lower half was clad in a colorful battle skirt of Alarian design, decorated with the red gold fur of some beast and adorned with golden symbols. 

He was nearly as tall as Senu, and seemed to command the attention of everyone around them. Even Senu struggled to look away. 

For his part, the wolf didn't seem bothered. He stood still, regarding the jackal with his own intense gaze, an easy smile curling his lip.

Bahadur finally broke the quiet between them. “I was thinking about a walk down by the river. Would you care to join me?" 

Senu forced himself to stop staring. “Yes. Yes, that sounds like a good idea." 

It took them about ten minutes to reach the boardwalk. Bahadur did most of the talking, but it was the kind of conversation that didn't reveal much at all: vague comments about the weather and architecture and so on. The walk was crowded today, with people who had similar ideas. The last few weeks had been hot, even by the standards of a Vinyotian summer, and the cool breeze coming in from the ocean was a nice respite.

“So, tell me about yourself. When you say you're a cleric of battle, what does that mean? I know some beasts say those who worship Aubade worship violence."

Bahadur laughed. “Some of his followers indeed take things to extremes, but my order isn't like that. For us, worshipping Aubade is more about finding passion and glory in the glowing heat of battle. Shining like the sun for all to see. Inspiring others to fight harder. Demonstrating the artistry of one's own body at the peak of performance. It's a rewarding form of worship." 

“Is that why you're doing this? You want to find glory and passion by going on delves?"

“Sometimes. Luciano wasn't joking when he said I lost a bet to him though. He told me we'd settle up if your group makes it back from this little expedition of yours intact, and I intend to make sure that happens."

“That's... honorable of you."

The golden wolf shrugged. “It's a favor for a friend, and I get to worship my god in my second favorite way. Besides, I owe Luciano a lot of money."

“Second favorite? What's the first?"

The wolf smirked. “Aubade is a god of passion. I'll let you figure it out."

“Oh," Senu said, his mind briefly flashing back to his experience with Tracker earlier.

“Anyway, let's talk about you. Luciano tells me you're a musician?"

“I'm trying to be, anyway."

The wolf tilted his head. “What's holding you back?"

Senu shrugged. “Lack of opportunities, I guess. And my stage fright can be difficult to overcome. I've gotten used to a smaller audience in a tavern, but an actual performance hall still terrifies me."

“You're fine playing for a small group, then?"

“Usually. I have no problem performing in front of friends, and I used to have a regular gig at the Royal Stag, but... well, that fell through."

“I see."

“Why do you ask? Are you a musician too?"

“I enjoy singing, but I have no great talent for it. Aubade is a god of art too, you know. He encourages us to find ways to express ourselves."

“Can I hear you sing? I have my lyre. I could play for you."

The wolf raised an eyebrow. “I'd be delighted. Right here?"

“Sure. Just don't tell me if we start to draw a crowd. I'll be fine if I don't see them."

He grinned. “As you wish. Let me know when you're ready."

Senu took a few moments to tune the instrument, but he soon gave the cleric a nod, and Bahadur's rich baritone began to pour out across the river and the surrounding area. The sun was setting, casting a golden hue over everything, and the wolf's voice melded perfectly with the serene atmosphere. It sounded festive and upbeat, but the melody was easy to follow. Soon, Senu was plucking at his lyre, finding subtle harmonies, and adding small musical phrases to enhance the song. Bahadur seemed to adapt, adjusting his rhythm and the occasional flourish to complement Senu's playing.

Within minutes, it felt as if they were in a perpetual loop, building upon each other's strengths until they seemed to be in perfect sync. It was, by far, the best performance Senu could remember giving, and by the end, he felt like he was floating.

There was more applause than he expected, and as he turned, he was shocked to see several dozen onlookers. “Th-thank you," he managed, his heart still racing from the thrill of the song.

Bahadur placed a reassuring paw on Senu's shoulder as he stepped up next to him. Despite being shorter than Senu, the golden wolf had a presence that felt larger than life. “You're too modest, Senu. That was impressive."

“It was your song."

“Nonsense. We made it together. By the end, it felt like we were one voice. Do you know how rare that is? I've been with lovers for months without ever feeling such a strong connection. I believe it's Aubade's way of saying he approves of this meeting."

“Really?" Senu felt a little overwhelmed, and the golden wolf seemed to sense it, leading him away from the crowd and continuing their walk down the boardwalk.

“I know I come on quite strong. It's a product of worshiping the Sun Bull. You're all right?"

“Yeah. Yes. Definitely."

“Good. If I had any doubts about this relationship, you've assuaged them. Why don't we head back into town? I still want to meet this kobold of yours."