Page 41 of Hexes & Heartstrings (Shifters of Bastion Keep #2)
"You're getting caught up in your reflexes," Sergiy admonished, continuing to strike at his opponent. "I know you want to parry, you want to block a charge with your axe, but if you do that…"
Leaping forward, Sergiy pivoted on his drake-form's front paws in order to lash out with one of his wings, making contact.
"Ah, shitballs," the big wererhino said. He patted at his arm and chest where Sergiy's ephemeral wing had clipped through him, then snapped his finger ruefully. "You got me, my lord!"
"You have a habit of planting your left foot, so I just had to attack from the same angle until you made a mistake. Still, you did better than most, you're quick on your feet."
Hefting his axe, the man put his free hand on his waist and did a nimble jig.
"These hips aren't just for show, m'lord!" he said jauntily as he bounced on his feet, and Sergiy found himself respecting not just the man's agility, but also the strength of the compression shorts for being able to contain that large of a moving package without splitting a seam.
After giving himself a few breaths to recover—Troy was the last in a long series of matches—Sergiy turned to the group of guardians.
There were a couple of Steel Fangs, and one of his own Dawnbringers, but most were part of Lady Yi's Red Mist pack, Troy included.
As he settled his drake self down on the ground of the training yard, he gave out a last few pointers on the habits that he'd noticed during the sparring matches, both good and bad.
"Good work overall," he finished. "I know adapting to a new foe can be tough, but not every opponent you face will be simple to overpower.
In the Umbral, a corporeal, bipedal, human-sized opponent is a luxury.
Most will have more limbs, will be larger or armored, will have vital organs in different areas… "
Sergiy spread his wings, showcasing them.
"…or have unique powers, like having a pair of immaterial appendages that can't be blocked, and will kill any living thing it touches."
He heard someone scoff and mutter something about it being ridiculous, but was promptly growled into silence by a nearby guardian.
"I admit that it isn't common," Sergiy said, locking eyes with the former mercenary.
"I've only encountered one such shadow with that kind of power, a manifestation of Rot, and I had a good pack at my back.
But they do exist, especially in the deeper layers that we'll be traveling to.
If it's easier for you to conceptualize, I'm sure you've come across mages who wield lightning and fire, yes?
Would you try to block a flamethrower with a sword? "
The man flushed as he stood at attention. "No, I suppose not, Lord Sergiy."
Sergiy nodded. "We've only got a bit of time left to train everyone on fighting shadowlings, but for now, enjoy an early start to your weekend," he said, then raised his voice as they began departing.
"Those of you taking college courses, make sure you're caught up on your school work before the mission, maybe give yourself a bit of a lead. "
A couple of the guardians muttered half-hearted acknowledgements, and then Sergiy turned around, almost prancing as he went to where Russ and Bruin were watching him from a bench.
Well, Bruin was on the bench, wearing a shirt for a change and using his recently gifted scarf, but Russell was sitting in his wolf form beside it, close enough that Bruin could rest a hand on the back of his head.
"A perfect sweep," Bruin said delightedly when he neared. "Though that last one nearly got you, it looked like."
"Troy's good," Sergiy agreed, shifting into his human form and immediately feeling the chill from sweat.
"Not as skilled in the martial side of things as some of his pack, but he knows how to read his opponent and adjust his tactics.
The next meeting I have with Lady Yi, I'll recommend him for one of the squad leaders.
Now, my mate, I see that you've finally given in to the weather and worn almost proper attire. "
Bruin fingered his shorts. "Nah, I still have another month before I swap to pants, I think. But I suppose the October weather is finally getting to me."
Russ lifted his muzzle and poked his nose against Bruin's leg.
"No lying."
Bruin sighed theatrically, and Sergiy reached out, patting his mate on his head.
"It's obvious that either Rosemary or Lux made you wear the scarf and jacket. Come on, you two. I'm starving, and could use some lunch before our meeting with Roland."
Readily obliging him, Bruin took Sergiy's hand, leaning into him as the three of them headed to the Great Hall.
After a simple lunch of beef goulash with plenty of bread for sopping up the remains from the bowl—that, plus four chocolate truffles that Bruin "secretly" pulled out of his witch's bag and snuck onto the table in front of him—Sergiy went to take a quick post-training shower.
With two randy mates who apparently had nothing better to do than insist that they do Sergiy's washing for him, however, his ten minute shower ended up taking almost an hour.
"We'll only be a little late!" Bruin told him afterwards, once again shirtless and barefoot as he led the way to the Sage's Quarter.
"I do not like to keep people waiting," he said, still flushed from fucking his two mates; it took effort to banish the reminder that a scant minute ago, his beloved orc was grunting loudly with his ankles in the air.
Forcefully changing his thoughts, he hastened to tuck his shirt into his kilt as he strode down the hall. "It is disrespectful of their time."
Russ patted him consolingly on his shoulder, but Bruin simply said, "Don't worry, they won't blame you at all."
It proved to be an accurate statement when the three of them entered the cluttered study and Sergiy offered up his apologies to Roland and the witches.
"Bruin," Lux Manus said, giving the abashed Green witch an unamused look as he took a seat. "You do your mate a disservice, delaying him, especially as his promised."
"Aye, lad!" Roland spared him a frown from where he was setting out different papers and some familiar artifacts on a table.
"You've been doing a remarkable job since you've arrived, it's true, but if you let it happen again, maybe a day spent helping Russ scrub down the ritual chamber will remind you of good manners. "
Sergiy assumed the threat would be enough to subdue his mate, but instead he saw Bruin look back at the entrance where Russ had found himself a spot just inside the door to sit down in case his dad needed him.
"I'll do better, honest. But why don't you let me know when Russell is next scheduled to clean that room anyways?
I should learn how, so that I can help him when he needs it. "
"Oh? Aye, then, if that's what you want. It'll be after this mission, though. Speaking of which, Lord Sergiy?"
After considering the room's mismatched chairs and wobbly stools, Sergiy decided to remain standing. He gave his High Priest a nod.
"Twelve days until we begin the hunt. What do you have for me?"
"Everything, my lord!" Roland said, looking as proud as Sergiy had seen in years.
They then had to wait for Russ to hurry over and hug his dad before retaking his wolf form and sitting at Sergiy's feet, after which Roland and the witches elaborated on their plans.
The protective stone talismans were ready, with one for each guardian or willworker, and enough time to craft at least a couple of spares in case there were any last minute personnel changes.
Sergiy was familiar with their primary enchantment that would diminish food and water requirements, as well as their protections against lesser illusions and traps, but there was a new magic.
"A ripcord?" he asked, looking at Rosemary, who nodded.
"Yes, my lord. I joined the talismans to Bastion's sanctum.
It works just like shifting across the veil, except that the person will be swiftly carried out of the Umbral and back to the keep.
So when your mission's over, instead of traversing the deep shadows, you can return safely and instantly. "
He murmured his appreciation. "I see!It'll be a good trick for anyone that gets severely injured along the way, and also means I won't have to establish a camp and divert forces to keep the wounded safe for however long the mission takes.
Do you think we can organize a triage area where they'll appear? "
"Yes," she said slowly, turning to frown pointedly at Bruin for some reason.
"It sounds like a brilliant addition." Sergiy bowed his head to her, then turned back to Roland. "I've said it before, and I'll say it again, High Priest, you did wonders with your last recruitment. Now how are we finding our quarry? You've hinted at something better than a tracking lantern."
"Didn't want to get your hopes up until we were sure," he said.
"But we're about as certain as we can be without burning through the shadow we'd gathered.
The witches got themselves a massive ritual they'll be performing, which will basically fold the Umbral so we'll only have to search a small portion of it.
The only hinky thing is that it will require a witch to join the hunting party. "
"We were thinking of myself, my good Lord Usenko," Arthur said, his face blotching as he gave a tremulous smile. "It's not my choice cup of tea, but I've done things just as dangerous in my youth. And surely I'll be safe enough with my lord and ladies and fifty talented guardians, eh?"
After the basics were explained to him, Sergiy breathed out a relieved sigh, reaching over to pat Bruin's hand. "So you'll be staying behind to provide healing for anyone that activates a ripcord, I'm guessing? I'll be honest, my mate, I'm glad to hear that you won't be in danger."
Bruin cleared his throat. "I'll definitely be available for healing. Yup, that's the plan."