Cerberus Rex, Nameless

Disguise & Freedom, 9

Tree Keeper sat at the back of a cell. The cool stone and dank interior reminded him a little of the forest. He brushed off a brief tendril of homesickness and looked into the cell across from him. None of the other residents seemed to like it there, but Tree Keeper thought it much like a cave he'd spent several months in... minus the stench of feces and urine and sweat and dirt and... there were many unpleasant smells.

A pair of guards passed Tree Keeper. He tilted his head at them, his reflective eyes flashing as he blinked. He saw in dim light better than most creatures, and so could make out the gold buttons on their lake-blue uniforms and the curl of the older one's mustache. Tree Keeper thought to ask them what he did wrong, but it occurred to him that he didn't need to have done anything specific. It seemed his association with the bunny-girl and human-man were enough to make him guilty. That guard had started chaining him up even before Tree Keeper mentioned killing bandits, which he instinctively knew was frowned upon in most civilizations whether they were murderers or not.

A couple of prisoners shouted at the guards. They made threats, said words Tree Keeper interpreted as insults, and then the sound of heavy footfalls quieted them. Tree Keeper straightened at the swift change in behavior. Many found the back corner of their cell. Most faced away from the hall. Taking a cue from them, Tree Keeper bowed his head so to not challenge or agitate the alpha headed their way. Only someone feared, respected, and powerful could make a bunch of hardened wolves tuck their tails. The approach paused, and Tree Keeper twitched under the sound of jangling keys. He peeked up, and for a moment, he thought he saw the White Stag's spirit looking down at him. His next blink erased the image, and he discovered a tall, broad-shouldered man frowning down at him. Light slid across the strands of his wheat blonde hair, his eye as blue as a crystal clear horizon set on his strong face. An eyepatch covered his right eye, while a fur-collared cape emphasized the man's sturdy physique. His masculinity mimicked the stag's. No wonder Tree Keeper had been confused.

"You're fired, Sergeant," the man said to one of the two men with him, voice low and husky.

Tree Keeper glanced at the one standing stiff under the intimidating figure's shadow. It was the one who had arrested him.

"Yes, Captain. Forgive me." He bowed low and then led himself back the way they'd come.

Captain Fairwind stepped into the cell and looked down at Tree Keeper. "The ex-sergeant apologizes for your rude handling, Master Stag. Release him." The soldier handling the keys for Captain Fairwind strode forward. Then, crouching, he unlocked the chains holding Tree Keeper. Tree Keeper turned his wrists and then massaged the pain from them. Unlike the other prisoners, he'd remained in the cuffs the sergeant first put him in. Tree Keeper hadn't complained or questioned him about it, but it was a relief to be free.

"Thank you," he said.

Captain Fairwind nodded. "Come with me."

Tree Keeper rose and, glancing at the guard who did not look at him, followed Captain Fairwind. He wondered at those they passed. The officers and people looked wary of him now. Before, they simply regarded him as another vagabond. What changed? They stepped into the hot sunlight. Tree Keeper blinked to adjust his eyes while keeping up with the captain, who marched across the prison courtyard and out its gate. Tree Keeper stayed on his heels. He knew better than to run away from the only person who seemed inclined to aid him. They passed several buildings and people heading from one place to another. The crowded area made Tree Keeper draw in on himself. It relieved him when they left it behind and stepped into the immediate open area near a plaza, though that looked busy too. A fountain sprayed in the center of a cobblestone walkway. Lighter stones circled it, and Tree Keeper imagined some design he couldn't see from his current perspective covered the area.