A Hunting We Will Go!, Chapter 5
#13 of Junk
My stories are copyrighted, so NO take!
A Hunting We Will Go!, Chapter 5
By William W. Kelso
"Well, this certainly complicates things." Sir DeLancy said.
"No kidding." Jenkins moped. Up to this point they could have given up on their plans to slay the Dragon; the mean one, but now they had no choice! "Oh, ick." He repeated gloomily.
"Yes, afraid so." The Dragon (the nice one) said, "If you want to help out poor Gertrude and donkey boy here you have no choice I'm afraid. It would take years to get another supply from Chin, and the longer they stay like that the lesser the chance of being able to change them back once the spell sets into place."
"My name is Jenkins, not donkey-boy." Jenkins muttered, but not too loudly. He didn't want to be told to 'shut up' again, he'd already set a new record as it was.
"Oh my," The Dragon said, "I'm afraid I was distracted by this most interesting conversation, and have forgotten my duties as your host. Please wait here while I fetch some refreshments! Won't be a tic!"
They watched as the Dragon disappeared down the only other entrance to the chamber with a flick of his tail. With a sigh Sir DeLancy plopped down in a fairly comfortable old chair, Megan joining him in another. Jenkins chose to remain standing, sitting with a tail was a whole new experience he was not yet accustomed to. Gertrude, being four legged, didn't have much choice in the matter, and started poking around for something to nibble on. And being a donkey wasn't too choosy, settling for the edge of a well worn old carpet.
"Well," Sir Delancy said, "our host isn't exactly what I was, er, expecting."
Jenkins nodded in complete agreement; he thought their 'host' was downright weird, even for a Dragon.
"Would you have preferred a huge fire breathing armor plated killing machine intent on biting your head off, then making you into kebabs for a snack?" Megan asked.
"Well, yes, actually." Sir DeLancy replied, "It would have been less...complicated that way, and would have certainly been a more, um, traditional Dragon. I mean, they're not supposed to be, well, nice."
"Admit it, Sebastian is NOT a beast." Megan said.
"Well, I wouldn't go so far as that." Sir DeLancy said, then seeing the look in Megan's eyes, quickly added, "But he is, er, quite civilized." For a beast.
"Should we tell him about Bodkins?" Jenkins asked.
"What about him?" Sir DeLancy said.
"That's he's cursed too!" Jenkins said.
"Oh, right!" Sir DeLancy replied, "I've gotten so used to having a talking horse around I forgot he used to be human too! Maybe the bea..., er, Sebastian, can help him too."
"Good idea," Megan said, "After all, Gertrude changed him too, so Sebastian will be familiar with the potion she used, since he probably taught her how to make it. And Gertrude; stop eating that rug, you'll make yourself sick!"
With a disgruntled bray Gertrude spit out the now wet and soggy edge of the rug. It tasted horrible anyway. She would have preferred some nice clover.
Hearing the sound of claws scratching on the stone floor of the cave and a strange rattling noise, they all looked up as the Dragon entered the chamber.
"Ah, here we are!" The Dragon said, pushing a tea cozy in front of him on a little cart. The large ornate silver teapot was simmering over a small burner, and with surprising grace he handed out fragile looking tea cups and saucers, and then filled them with brown steaming liquid. Next he offered a tray of small pieces of toast liberally smeared with red colored jam or marmalade. "Hope you like strawberry marmalade." The Dragon hissed, "Afraid it's all I have right now; and no cream, it's gone off, and the ants got the sugar again; can't get rid of the little buggers. Afraid I don't get to entertain guest very often."
After polite 'thank you's' and 'my pleasure's' all around, they settled back to enjoy the little treat. Soon eyebrows were being raised in appreciation, the tea was quite good and the marmalade was exceptional. Sir DeLancy held up one of the tea cups, and asked,
"I've never seen pottery made this well before! Wherever did you get it?"
Obviously pleased by the question, Sebastian replied, "It's called porcelain, and is from the land of the Chin. One of their junks sank not to far from here several years ago, and I salvaged part of the cargo. How it got so far from its home port I have no idea. It was quite a surprise, I was fishing, and there it was!"
"But how did you bring up the cargo?" Jenkins asked.
"Ah; you forget, I'm an aquatic Dragon." Sebastian said smugly.
Before the inevitable question, Sir DeLancy quickly said, "It means he can swim really well, and hold his breath for a long time, Jenkins."
"Oh, yeah, right." Jenkins said. "I can see where that would be useful."
"Brian," Megan said, "What about, you know?"
"Oh yes," Sir DeLancy said, "We actually have another, er, poor unfortunate cursed member in our party."
"Don't tell me," the Dragon said, "Gertrude?"
"Yes," Megan said, "I'm afraid she's been quite, um, naughty lately."
Gertrude just snorted.
"Another Donkey?" The Dragon asked, "You must have a whole herd!"
"Um, no," Megan said, "It's a horse this time, a palfrey."
"Named Bodkins." Jenkins helpfully added.
"A rather annoying palfrey." Sir DeLancy said.
"Hmm," the Dragon mused, "How long has he been a horse?"
"Oh gosh," Megan said, her forehead wrinkling as she thought, "I'd say about what, two years, give or take a month or two? That sound about right, Gertrude?"
Gertrude nodded her head in agreement, close enough.
"Oh dear," the Dragon said, "I'm afraid he's stuck then. Once about a year has passed it becomes irreversible. I may have, um, failed to mention that little detail during our classes. Spells are like cement; once they set you can't do anything with them."
Gertrude hung her head and gave a sad bray, and Megan frowned. Jenkins just looked more confused than normal; and he wasn't about to ask what cement was.
Both Sir DeLancy and Jenkins were a bit shocked. They had hoped to eventually return the horse to his human form as soon as they found a way, but this did not bode well. And neither wanted to be the one to inform their equine companion that he would remain four legged for the rest of his life.
"Well," Jenkins said, "that certainly sucks big green donkey dicks."
"Jenkins!" Megan said, blushing.
At the mention of big donkey dicks; green or otherwise, Gertrude's ears shot up straight in interest. She had to admit she definitely had a fixation.
"Jenkins, mind your language," Sir DeLancy said, "There are ladies present!"
"Sorry." Jenkins said; not sounding very much at all.
"If it's any consolation," Sebastian said, "He'll live out his full human life span. You can change a form, but not the allotted life span of the affected individual; in fact a spell can sometimes increase one's life span. Some more sadistic magic users like to throw in a longer life span when they transform someone. Heard about a poor fellow that ended up as a giant slug with a five hundred year life span, all because his wife thought he was cheating on her. She paid a witch for the potion, and once she'd realized her mistake it was too late; I heard she keeps him in the basement and only lets him out on damp nights. Bodkins will quite likely end up setting the record for the longest living horse in history. That is, unless there are more transformed horses running around?"
"Ewww," Jenkins said; and Sir DeLancy looked appalled, "It wasn't Gertrude was it, I mean, what turned that poor bloke into a slimy nasty, was it?"
Everyone looked at Gertrude, who emphatically shook her head. Goats, ducks, a big fat pig, and a few assorted rodents, but NO more horses! And as far as she was concerned they all deserved it! Present company excepted. And she had SOME standards and principles, and NOT turning people into mollusks was one of them. I mean; a slug, the very idea, gross!
"Well," Sir DeLancy sighed, "I guess I'll have to tell him, since he IS my horse after all."
Bet the mares and jennets won't be too disappointed, Jenkins thought. But he kept his mouth shut.
"So, Sebastian," Sir DeLancy asked, "What can you tell us about the other Dragon, the mean one."
"What do you want to know?" Sebastian replied.
"Oh, the usual." Sir DeLancy said, "You know. Size, armament, abilities, etc."
"Don't forget weaknesses." Jenkins said, "That's the most important bit."
"Ur, yes, quite" Sir DeLancy agreed, "anything we might could use to our advantage."
"Hmm," Sebastian mused, "Well, it's a Green Dragon; which is one of the more common type of Dragons, and they tend to give the rest of us a bad reputation. They have no finesse, if they want something they just take it. If they have to lay waste to the local castle and countryside along the way, oh well. And this one likes to lay waste just for the heck of it."
"Yup, uh-huh, an'how." Megan said; Gertrude nodding. "Definitely an anti-social type."
"Has anyone else tried to slay the Dragon? The mean one, I mean." Sir DeLancy hastily added when Megan glared at him.
"Oh, most certainly," Sebastian replied, "but they never had a chance. It is quite a, er, magnificent example of the breed."
"Oh, ick." Jenkins muttered, but everyone ignored him except Gertrude who rubbed her head against his leg, hoping for a nice ear scratching, which she got.
"OK, so we know its Green, and mean." Sir DeLancy said, "Could I get a better idea as to how big it is, main armaments, etc.? Any weaknesses? Slow, poor vision, deep sleeper, allergies...?"
"Well," Sebastian said, "As you can see I'm larger and longer then I look, from the tip of my tail to the tip of my snout I'm about fifteen feet long, over a third is tail. That's about the norm for Norwegian Blue Dragon's. A Green Dragon is about three times that size; and has a larger heavier and bulkier main body, whereas Blue's tend to be more lithe and sinuous. They have a shorter neck with a much larger head, which is armored with heavy bone plates and horns. Whereas my scales are smaller and more delicate they tend to have large overlapping scales and belly bands as well as more bony plates on their backs chest, and sides. My back spines are more delicate and sharp; and poisonous by the way, so no touchee. A Green's are more like heavy spikes, and they have several horns on the end of their tail which they use like a flail. They're very fast, and have eyes as sharp as an eagle. My wings as useful both in; and out, of the water, which is why they look more like fins. A Green Dragon's wings are the usual bat type, and the wingspan is about the same as the body is long as they need lots of lift. Oh, and they breath fire. It's sticky too, and you can't get it off if it gets on you, and no way to put it out. I think that about covers it. Oh, did I mention it has twelve inch claws, six inch fangs, and horns on its nose?"
"Oh, ick!" Jenkins said, much louder this time, and for once Sir DeLancy was in complete agreement.
"That would mean it's, er, about..." Sir DeLancy started to say.
"Forty five feet long." Sebastian finished for him.
"Oh, Ick!" Sir DeLancy and Jenkins said at the same time.
"Milord," Jenkins said, "You have GOT to be kidding!"
"Jenkins," Sir DeLancy replied, "we haven't got any choice; do you want to be half donkey the rest of your life, and leave poor Gertrude here on all fours? And you know what will happen if the two of you get 'intimate' again. Besides, it's what we came here for, remember?"
"Of course not, milord!" Jenkins said, "But you heard Sebastian, this thing is huge! Why couldn't it be a nice little one, just a ten footer or something? I mean, I don't want to be known as 'donkey-boy' for the rest of life, but it beats getting burnt to a crisp and/or eaten! As for that being what we came for, if you'll remember I was never too keen on the subject! Leave big hungry monsters alone, that's my philosophy."
"Well, we still have no choice." Sir DeLancy said, "It is my duty as a knight to slay the beast and save the peasants from its ravages, and to get the ingredient for the potion to change you and Gertrude back into proper people! I mean; no offense, but you look ridiculous!"
"Spoken like a true knight." Sebastian hissed drily, not meaning it as a compliment.
"Well, it's what I do!" Sir DeLancy said, "But only to mean Dragons, I give the nice ones a pass."
"Gee, thanks." Sebastian hissed. "But has it ever occurred to you that other knights have tried, and ended up as kabobs? You see, we Dragons have this thing about staying alive, we like it."
Sir DeLancy's shoulders visibly slumped, and he said, "Of course I've thought about that! But what else can I do? I mean, I can't leave my friends like this, and you yourself said the only source of the ingredient you need is in the beast's lair!"
"Well," Jenkins said, "We could always dig a deep pit, and lure the Dragon into it."
"With sharpened stakes in the bottom." Megan said.
"Don't you two start!" Sir DeLancy said in a 'don't try me' tone of voice, Gertrude looking from one to the other and snorting in disapproval as well.
"Wouldn't work anyway," Sebastian said, "Green's are way too smart for that. It would probably just pick you up and chuck YOU in the pit."
"Hold on," Jenkins said, "I thought Dragons were big stupid creatures, all brawn and no brains." Then seeing the look on Sebastian's snout, added, "Present company excepted, of course."
"Why is it," Sebastian said, "That humans seem to think just because we're big, have scales, and don't wear clothes, that we're just big, stupid, animals? I mean, I can talk, can't I? What makes you think the other Dragon's can't talk either? And I'll have you know I have a degree in Literature from the Oslo College of the Arts! And a minor in The Sociology of Feudal States."
"Really? I didn't know they had a college in Norway!" Sir DeLancy said, surprised.
"Well, we're not ALL barbarians over there." Sebastian said, "I know the Vikings give us a bad name, but they're just on holiday to have a bit of fun and unwind from midterms and exams, you know. But I must admit they do get, um, a bit carried away on occasion though."
"Really? Do you think?" Megan said, "They burn down towns!"
"Better here than back home." Sebastian hissed smugly.
"Milord," Jenkins asked, "What's a college?"
With a sigh; remember, he's just curious, Sir DeLancy said, "It's a kind of special school for smart people, and, er, Dragons."
"Did you go to school, Milord?" Jenkins asked.
"Yes, of course." Sir DeLancy said, "How do you think I learned how to read and write."
"What school did you go to, Milord?" Jenkins asked, impressed.
"Why, elementary my dear Jenkins, elementary." Sir DeLancy replied. "And stop picking your nose."
"Well, you must admit," Megan said as she massaged Sir DeLancy's shoulders, "that the legends don't say much about Dragon's being able to talk."
"Or that they go to College." Sir DeLancy added.
"Well, I'll admit," Sebastian said, "that most of my brethren aren't much for small talk, and few engage in academic pursuits. Besides, it's hard to have a conversation with someone who's trying to whack your head off with a sword, isn't it? I mean, whenever a human shows up at a Dragons' liar it's not to pass the time of day, is it? Oh no, it's 'Have at thee, foul beast!' and then running about waving deadly weapons! You can't talk with a maniac like that, so we just have to stomp them to get them to stop. It's really quite annoying, so you can't blame us if we seem a bit anti-social. Besides, we never get invited to parties or anything, and it hurts our feelings. I, for one, love to dance! And I don't mind helping with the refreshments at all! But noooo; WE never get invited anywhere!"
Why do I find that not hard to believe; Sir DeLancy thought, a vision of Sebastian prancing around like a ballerina in his head.
"Milord, what's an 'academic pursuit?" Jenkins asked, "I mean, is like when you're pursuing an academic, whatever that is?"
"Jenkins, shut up." Sir DeLancy said, much to everyone's relief, but Jenkins.
Jenkins; deciding to mope, grabbed Gertrude by the ear (gently), and said, "I think Gertrude's hungry; I'm taking her outside for some grazing." Sniveling a little, he also thought; I know when I'm not wanted!
No I'm not! Gertrude thought, I want to stay and hear all of this, it's fascinating! But she followed Jenkins docilely enough when he gave a gentle yank on her ear. The clops of their hooves faded quickly as they left the cave.
"No offense," Sebastian said, "But that was getting a bit irritating. I mean, talk about some really, er, dense questions."
"He means well," Sir DeLancy said in defense of his squire, "and he's just curious. A lot of peasants are smarter then they look, but they just don't get out much and most can't read or write."
"And a lot of knights and nobles are dumber then they look." Megan quipped.
After a few seconds hesitation, Sir DeLancy had to agree with her. That was one drawback to the feudal system; even he had to admit. One dumbass could really screw it up for everybody if they were put in charge just because daddy had been a noble.
__________
Jenkins took a breath of fresh air, giving a snort of relief as he and Gertrude exited the cave. While Sebastian was certainly a nice enough bloke; his cave had smelled like a cross between a fish market and a reptile, and Jenkins now much more sensitive nose had been less than happy about it. P; as in, U!
"Come on, my love." He told Gertrude; let's see what Bodkins and the rest of the herd are up to. He always knows where the best grazing is."
Gertrude gave a snort of agreement; she could use a good hour or two of grazing on some juicy grass or sweet clover. She gave Jenkins a sniff, and maybe....? But no, they had to avoid that particular pleasure from now on. She gave a sad sigh; but oh how she wanted him! Damn potion!
Sure enough Bodkins had found a nice little meadow not far from the lair (the nice Dragon's), and he, Suzy, and Brunhilda were happily grazing. A nice clear stream happily babbling along one side just made it even better. As he saw Jenkins and Gertrude the large horse trotted over to them, and said,
"Hello! We were getting worried; figured maybe the Dragon had snapped you up for a snack!"
"Hello Bodkins," Jenkins said, "it actually went off quite nicely, and we had a nice little talk with the beastie." Not that I understood half of it; he thought to himself. What the hell is a junk, anyway?
"Well, that's a relief, I'm rather fond of you lot." Bodkins snorted, "Glad to hear everything turned out for the best."
"On, I wouldn't say that exactly." Jenkins replied, "While Sebastian is a nice enough fellow, the other Dragon appears to be a right bastard. Big and mean; and with all the other usual undesirable Dragon traits."
"Good heavens," Bodkins said, "Don't tell me Sir DeLancy still intends to..."
"Pick a fight with it?" Jenkins finished for him, "Oh, definitely. But he has good reasons."
"Good reasons or not," Bodkins, "getting your head bitten off seems a bit daft no matter what your reasons are!"
Jenkins could only morosely nod in agreement, and Gertrude gave a sad bray.
__________
Sir DeLancy finished a last cup of tea, and said, "I'm kind of confused about something, Sebastian. I mean, how did this other Dragon kick you out of your lair? Don't you have your own defenses, I mean, you ARE a Dragon."
Sebastian set down a teacup, and sighed. "Yes, I most certainly AM a Dragon; it's just that I'm a bit out of my element. On dry land I'm more vulnerable to my larger and more heavily armored brethren, but in the water I'm in full control. I can swim and breathe underwater, they can't."
"Then what are you doing so far from the sea, or even a lake?" Sir DeLancy asked curiously.
"It's the damp, you see." Sebastian said, "I've developed a liking for the academic pursuits more than seeking out gold and other treasure, and I'm afraid water is Hell on books and other written material. I can survive perfectly well out of the water; though I do like frequent baths, and can pursue my interests. I do return to the ocean from time to time though as I long for it. I find most of my gold and treasure that way anyhow, salvaging it from wrecks and drowned cities. I was having quite a good time in my old lair until that butthead came along and ran me off, taking my treasure in the process of course."
"I'm sorry about that," Sir DeLancy said, "your losing your home and everything. Do you think you can help us get it back in any way? I mean, surely you'd have a better chance against the other Dragon? At least you have scales, fangs, and claws."
Sebastian gave a sad sounding hiss, and said, "Not really, I'm afraid. While my scales are nigh invulnerable to edged weapons; they aren't much protection against another Dragons claws or fangs, and its fire would fry me. Not to mention it's twice my size, and I couldn't even use my spines; which I can fling like bolts, as they'd just bounce off its armor."
"How about fire?" Sir DeLancy said, "You could breath fire in its face, blind it temporarily. If you could do that I could move in with my sword and find a vulnerable spot."
"Er; sorry, no, can't do that I'm afraid." Sebastian said.
"Why NOT?" Sir DeLancy asked.
"Because I don't breathe fire!" Sebastian replied, "I mean, think about it, I'm a WATER Dragon, and fire and water do NOT go well together!"
"Then what DO you do?" Sir DeLancy said testily, "Make faces at your enemies and hope they laugh to death?!"
"Would you like me to SHOW you?" Sebastian said with a hissing snarl, tail whipping, spines growing erect.
"Just TRY it!" Sir DeLancy replied, getting his sword ready.
"BRIAN! SEBASTIAN!" Megan said in deathly quiet voice, "YOU TWO KNOCK OFF THE MACHO SHIT, RIGHT NOW! THIS ISN'T HELPING _ANY_THING!"
"Sssorry." Sebastian hissed contritely; his spines slowly returning to their normal position, and Megan stared daggers at Brian when he didn't say anything.
"Oh, very well, I'm sorry too." Sir DeLancy said, putting away his sword.
"I spit." Sebastian said quietly.
"Er, didn't quite catch that." Sir DeLancy said, looking back up as he finished stowing away his still badly bent sword.
"I said I SPIT!" Sebastian roared, and turning he made a loud hocking/gurgling noise, and hissing, spit a big green blob of goo onto a stalagmite.
"Ewww!" Sir DeLancy and Megan both said at the sight of the steaming glob of snot like mucus.
"Watch." Sebastian said smugly.
Before their eyes the stalagmite slowly sagged and dissolved until nothing but a steaming puddle of slime remained, bubbling and giving off foul smelling fumes.
"Ewwwwwwww!" Sir DeLancy and Megan both said. "What IS that!?" Sir DeLancy asked.
"Its stomach acid," Sebastian replied, "a Blue Dragon's stomach acid is the most powerful in the known world. It can dissolve anything, including steel."
"Remind not be anywhere near you when you have a cold." Sir DeLancy said, impressed. "But why can't you use it on the Green Dragon, I mean, spit that stuff on him and he'd be done for!"
"Sorry, it would only work if I got lucky and hit its eyes; and even then it would only be temporary as they have clear protective lenses that can grow back." Sebastian said, "Otherwise it would have more than enough time to scrape off the acid if I got it anywhere else, before it could do much damage. A Green Dragon's scales are harder then steel. The acid would dissolve them, but it would take a long time."
"Bloody Hell." Sir DeLancy muttered. Even with Sebastian's help it seemed like their quest was doomed before it even started!
"Males!" Megan said, and when they both turned their heads to look at her, she added, "Why don't you just try and talk to it? I mean; who knows, it might be reasonable if we ask it for the ingredient nicely, instead of running in and attacking it!"
__________
Jenkins was glad to be out of the cave for more than just one reason, the scent of Gertrude's low level estrus had been driving him crazy, and in the closed in atmosphere of the cave it had been more concentrated and he'd been more affected, and that thing hangingbetween his legs had started to stir more than once as he desperately tried to keep his mind off of what he wanted so badly. Being on the outside helped a lot, but the need was still there. Damn it, his animal side wanted to mate, and so did his human! Wanted more of that special pleasure he had only recently discovered. But he knew if he and Gertrude mated again they'd both end up on all fours as nothing but natural donkeys! He did NOT want that to happen, being half of one was bad enough! With a snort he took off his monks robe and hung it over a handy branch. There, that was a little better. Having hide made wearing clothes less then comfortable. He kept his 'loincloth' on for now though, at least it helped hide and support the weight between his legs; overall a rather pleasurable weight.
Sitting in the shade he watched Gertrude and the other animals graze. But even out of range of her scent he still wanted her, and as he looked at her he felt the familiar stirring, slow but steady. And masturbation wasn't an option, he'd tried, but it just didn't work!! As he felt his penis start to slide from its sheath he got up, desperate, and waved for Bodkins to come over.
As the large horse ambled over to join him in the shade, Jenkins said, "Bodkins old friend, I've got a problem."
"You most certainly do." Bodkins said, "It's kind of obvious."
Jenkins looked down and moaned as he saw the flared head of his inhuman cock peeking from around the loincloth which it was pushing out of the way as it swelled and slowly lengthened. Looking at Bodkins, he said,
"What am I going to do!?! I'm getting rampant and I can't stop it, and I don't know if I'll be able to resist my more, er, equine needs. God, I want her so badly! You have no idea what it's like!"
"Well, excuse me," Bodkins said, "but I most certainly do! I AM a stallion; if you'll recall, and her scent has the same effect on me, maybe even more so. The fact you were keeping her, um, well serviced was the only thing that kept me from trying to service her myself. I'm afraid when it's that time of year the animal part of me pretty much takes over completely."
"I thought you had more control than that." Jenkins said, "I mean, you mate with the others out of season."
Bodkins gave an exasperated sounding snort, and said, "Having a female equine; of ANY kind, around in estrus is like having a beautiful naked woman walk up to you, bend over, and say 'Do me, big boy!'. Do you know how HARD it would be to refuse that offer? And I'm sure your own perceptions of what's beautiful and desirable have changed somewhat. Would you still be interested in her if you were human?"
Jenkins groaned as he looked down at his now fully rampant equine erection, and replied, "Yes, 'Snort!', No, I mean, I know what you mean! Help me, Bodkins, you know what will happen if we mate again!! Gods, I don't want to end up on all fours!"
"It's not so bad." Bodkins said quietly.
"No, I mean yes, I mean...oh, fiddlesticks!" Jenkins said, "But with us our minds will become an animals as well, at least you still have a human mind!"
"Hmph!" Bodkins snorted, "Not as human as you'd think, but I know what you mean. At least I can still think and talk like a human, even though I pretty much see things from a horse's point of view. Well, the only alternative I can think of is for you to mate with Suzy or Brunhilda, and I can take care of Gertrude's needs, if she'll let me."
"I-I can't have sex with an animal!" Jenkins said, then realized how stupid that sounded the second he said it.
"I've got news for you," Bodkins said, "You HAVE had sex with an animal; that's what Gertrude is now, and if you haven't looked lately you're at least half animal yourself, and you've got the parts that count."
"B-But," Jenkins stuttered, "w-what will Sir DeLancy and Megan think, if I...I..."
"I think they'd understand;" Bodkins said, "but then again, they don't have to know, do they? I mean, I won't tell them, and Suzie or Brunhilda certainly can't."
With a moan Jenkins reached down and gripped the hot shaft of his huge erection; to help support it as the weight had been making it sag uncomfortably, but just touching it felt so good, the throbbing length was incredibly sensitive. "Y-You'd do that for me?" He said to Bodkins.
"Of course, we're mates, aren't we?" the large horse said, "And it will take care of both of our problems, hopefully until this nonsense is over with."
Or until we're eaten by a pissed off Dragon; Jenkins thought, but didn't say it out loud. "I...," Jenkins said, "thank you, you're a good friend."
"My pleasure, which one do you fancy the most?" Bodkins asked, snapping Jenkins wandering mind back to the 'matter' at hand.
"Huh-wha...?" Jenkins said, startled. "Oh, ohhh! I guess; I mean, I've never really thought about it. I guess, maybe, Suzie?"
Bodkins gave a snort of amusement, and said, "Spoken like a true donkey! They do prefer the longer eared females."
"How do I, you know, um...?" Jenkins mumbled.
"Speak up!" Bodkins said, his ears twitching, "You're mumbling again!"
"How do I, you know, service her?!" Jenkins said, much more loudly, and then clapped his hands over his blunt muzzle in horror, hoping no one had heard.
"How do you think??" Bodkins said amusedly, "But I know what you mean. She'll know what you need; believe me, and she'll know what to do. That jenny is one horny lady."
Jenkins felt his cheeks turn red, and then looked over at the grazing animals. She does have a wonderful butt; he thought, and then turned redder. Bodkins, who had been watching his friend, gave another amused snort, and said,
"Wait her, I'll go tell her you're, um, interested."
"What, you can...??" Jenkins started to say, but the horse had already turned around and was trotting towards the grazing mule. He watched as Bodkins reached Suzie, then he seemed to nibble on her mane a bit, shook his head and snorted, and she turned her head and looked in Jenkins direction, her ears standing up straight. Then she stared coming in his direction!
Oh Ick! Jenkins thought, his cock throbbing in anticipation. Oh, bloody ick! I can't believe I'm going to do this; he thought, with a mixture of anticipation, embarrassment, and extreme lust.
__________
"Talk to it?" Sir DeLancy said, "Are you daft?"
"Well, why not?!" Megan said, "After all, you talked to Sebastian, didn't you, and he's a Dragon!"
"Well, he's a gentleman!" Sir DeLancy replied.
"Thank you." Sebastian hissed, "But he's right Megan dear, I doubt if the Green Dragon would be open to negotiations. It won't even talk to me, and I doubt a human could get close enough before being toasted and/or stomped on. I'm afraid it's kind of a built-in reaction, we tend to stomp any humans we see before asking any questions."
"Bloody Hell." Sir DeLancy muttered.
"Pretty much." Sebastian said.
"Well, shit!" Megan said.
__________
Jenkins stood uncertainly as Suzie walked up to him, and as the larger mule nuzzled his face he stepped back a little. She nuzzled him again, and lipped at his own rather impressive hairy ears, and he decided he liked that. Gertrude had done it too; so it would appear the ears were an erogenous zone for some equines, and as she kept nibbling on his he understood why, it felt lovely. Reaching up he stroked her neck and the top of her wide muzzle; scratching her own ears, and she nickered in approval. She's got lovely ears; he thought, her scent filling his sensitive nostrils. Oh Gods, I can't do this! Then she lowered her head, and before he realized her intentions her large slobbering tongue licked over his arching cock. He gasped and gave a long guttural moan as it slid up and down his shaft, and any inhibitions he might have had about 'sex with a mule' vanished as he grunted in pleasure from the sensations that lovely caressing tongue was giving him, his cock getting even harder as pre drooled from the tip. He felt something more primal and feral well up inside, and didn't resist as it took control and he went into rut.
But not here; Jenkins thought, not where the others could see. So he led Suzie deeper into woods until they reached a small clearing. Taking off his loincloth he gave a snort of pleasure as his heavy ballsac stretched as it hung lower, and it felt wonderful. He approached the willing jenny; rampant and ready, but there was a problem. Her rear was too high off the ground for him to mount her, but then to his surprise she took care of that problem by folding her legs under her and lowering herself to the ground. Perfect!
Bodkins approached Gertrude carefully, not wanting to spook her. But she knew his interest of course, there was no way he could hide the scent of his arousal, or his long thick penis as it extended from its sheath to bob under him, pre dripping from the head in stick strands. She was equine enough to be interested; after all Bodkins was an impressive stallion, but she flicked her ears and looked around. Where was Jenkins? He was her mate.
Bodkins, having a pretty good idea of what was going on inside Gertrude's head, gave a soft snort, and said, "You know you can't, not with him. But if you like, I'd be glad to take care of your...needs. I know we didn't get along before, but we can help one another; and Jenkins, by letting nature take its course. You're a very desirable female, you know."
Gertrude flicked her ears; pleased by the compliment, and decided that she just couldn't hold out any longer, so with a bob of her head she accepted Bodkins advances. He WAS a real hunk; after all. He'd fucked her as a man, why not as a horse? After all, it was perfectly 'natural', considering her current 'condition'. As he snuffled at her rear she raised her tail, and braced herself. This, she thought, is going to be interesting! She'd never been bred by a stallion before, as woman or donkey!
Jenkins felt a little faint at the sight of the slick black rubbery lips of Suzie's sex; a wave of lust washing over him, more intense then he could remember. God, she's beautiful; he thought, knowing he was seeing things from an equine's perspectives. And his cock was throbbing, so hard it was almost painful. With a long drawn out guttural groan he took his shaft in his hands and guided it into Suzie's welcoming sex, the jenny giving a squeal of pleasure as his flared head pushed between her nether lips, and into her eager vagina. The stallion had introduced her to out-of-season sex; and she'd decided she liked it, a lot! And having a different partner for a change was nice too! Her vaginal lips weren't as wet or slick as they would have been if she'd been in season, but the strange two legged donkeys cock was slick with pre and her saliva and slid in fairly easily, though he had to work at it as she was tight. She grunted in pleasure every time he lunged in a little deeper.
Jenkins shuddered and groaned in pleasure as he pushed deeper and deeper into the hot slick grip of Suzie's pussy, watching in amazement as inch after inch of his cock disappeared into her depths until his thighs were pressing against her rump as he finally hilted, his whole body shuddering in ecstasy. Taking a deep breath; he paused, then pulled out about a foot, then lunged back into her, then again, and again, as he started servicing her. He threw his head back, tongue lolling out as he grunted and chuffed in ecstasy. Oh God, oh GOD!! And from her sounds Suzie was enjoying their mating as much as he was.
Gertrude gave a bray of surprised pleasure as Bodkins reared up and mounted her with a neigh of pleasure, his weight settling on her back as his cock slid into her wet and ready sex. He lunged until he hilted, then lowered his head and nibbled erotically at her ears and mane as he began servicing her with powerful thrusts. She no longer cared that it wasn't Jenkins, only that he was giving her what she needed so very desperately!! Oh, it was glorious! For the first time she was mating as a true animal; at least physically, and it was so different, but so pleasurable too!! As he started humping her with fast steady thrusts she squealed in ecstasy. It felt so good, so right!
Poor Brunhilda just watched; feeling left out, but she had a feeling the stallion would make it up to her soon enough.
__________
Sir DeLancy; desperate to find something to break the uneasy silence, picked up a teacup and held it up to a light. The fine porcelain was so thin it was translucent, and he said,
"You know, you could get a pretty penny for these on the open market. I've never seen anything so fine, even on a noble's table."
"Truly?" Sebastian said, "I've never really thought about it, I just salvaged a set because I like them."
"Are there more?" Sir DeLancy asked, sitting up straighter, an idea forming in the back of his mind.
"Oh yes," Sebastian said, "A whole wreck full. And not just cups and saucers, there are all sorts of other pottery. Vases, plates, bottles, and lots more."
"I," Sir DeLancy said, "may have an idea which might be to our mutual benefit!"
"Pray, do go on." Sebastian said, hissing in interest as Sir DeLancy did exactly that.
Megan's eyes moved back and forth between the two males as they talked, a big grin soon forming on her face.
__________
Jenkins gripped Suzie in front of her hind legs as he lunged into her, snorting and grunting in pleasure; and he had to dig his hooves into the ground for support, the coupling more animal then anything human. He was rapidly approaching his release, and though he would have liked to hold back he had reached the point of no return, and with a deep bray he sped up his thrusts, her tight slick wet sex clutching at; and caressing his cock, before sucking it back in as he thrust forward again; his thighs slamming into her rump with loud meaty smacks, her rubbery folds as soft as velvet against his aching maleness as he snorted and strained, almost delirious from the intense pleasure of sexual stimulation intended for a much larger body. As he reached orgasm he gave a loud squeal of ecstasy, froth flying from his lips as his cock pulsed and pumped his seed into her, and Suzie gave an equally delighted bray of pleasure as she reached her own release, triggered by the hot cum filling her well serviced sex. Jenkins was so lost in a sea of sexual euphoria of a kind no man had ever experienced before he didn't notice as his rear swelled and filled out, his torso thickening, or see the brown and black hair mixing with his already primarily grey and white hide.
Gertrude gave another loud bray of pleasure as she felt the huge cock inside her suddenly swell and pulse, hot spurts of equine cum blasting in to her as Bodkins groaned in ecstasy. But at the same time she realized something was wrong, her mind was starting to feel cottony and...dimmer, and with a squeal she tried to pull herself out from under him, but his front legs were in front of her and his weight kept her pinned. He paused, then started to lunge into her again with a snort of pleasure, and even as she squealed with pleasure of her own, she thought; Bodkins, stop!! Something's happening! We need to stop!! But she couldn't talk, and was helpless as the stallion kept fucking her so very wonderfully. Before long she gave herself over to the intense stimulation as her mind faded into blissful ecstasy, most of her human awareness and memories sinking into peaceful oblivion on waves of sexual pleasure.
Jenkins took Suzie again and again, each time seemingly easier and even more enjoyable. As his body swelled and his muzzle pushed out he leaned forward and rested on her broad back as he kept lunging into her quivering sex, its folds encasing his aching hardness as he pumped his cum into her again and again. But finally he was spent, and with a final groan of pleasure he pulled himself back up and dismounted from her, and as his cock slid from her tight pussy it was followed by a copious flow of his and her sexual juices and cum. Standing up he stretched, rubbing his back as it popped nicely, and then looked down.
"NO, NO, NOOOO! HAAAWWWW!" Jenkins screamed in horror, startling Suzie who lurched to her hooves with a bray. "N-No!! Ohhh, this wasn't supposed to happen!!" Jenkins wailed as he looked at his now even more equine body. His body from the waist down was now entirely equine, with a broad powerful rump, long tail with a tuft of hair on the tip, powerful equine legs ending in heavy hooves, completely covered in brown and black hide. And his chest had swelled as well, his arms now powerfully muscled, and he looked in confusion at his strange four digited hands, one thumb and three fingers, each thicker than before, the first joints thick hard nails. And his cock and balls, they were even BIGGER now!! He was still erect, and his penis had gained at least ten inches or more in length, and he stared at the huge shaft in horror. Then realizing he was looking down a much more developed muzzle he ran his strange hands over his 'face', and gave a moan of despair as he felt his large rubbery nose and lips, wide flat 'forehead', brow ridges, and tufted mane. His head was also entirely that of an equine now, a MULE!! He was MORE mule then man now! "HAAA-AW-AW-AW-AWWWWW!!"
Suzie didn't understand what the problem was as she looked at the Jack stallion; she thought it was a great improvement! He was a handsome fellow, and she hoped he wasn't through, that had been most enjoyable. What a stud!
With a final grunt of pleasure Bodkins dismounted from Gertrude. Oh man, he'd needed that! Smelling her estrus had just about driven him crazy! And what a female, despite their size difference she'd taken every inch of him, and her slick tight sex had been wonderful the way it had sucked and clenched as he serviced her! As he backed up and slid from her she gave a squeal of pleasure, then moved away and started to graze, her tail swishing happily. She felt fine, her needs had been taken care of by the stallion, and she was hungry now. Something stirred in the depths of her mind; trying to come to the surface, but she ignored the irritating tickle. She was hungry!
"Well, that was very nice." Bodkins said, "I'm sorry about all our differences before now, and I'd like to mate with you again later, if you want to." When she just ignored him he finally gave a snort, and started grazing too. Females! He'd never understand them in a million years, human OR equine!
Jenkins held his large inhuman head in his hands, and realized just how much larger he was now. Before he'd been, well, more human sized. Now he was closer to being a horse; or mule, in size. If he'd wanted to mount Suzie again he could have done so easily now, without her having to lay down for him. He flicked his large ears nervously, what would the others think about THIS?? A donkey was bad enough, but a MULE??? An incredibly well endowed one! And there was no way he could wear his robe now, or the loincloth! He'd have to go NAKED! With THAT hanging between his legs! He'd scare every female half to death! He gave a bray of anguish, this was HORRIBLE!!
__________
Unseen by the amorous equines a large shape moved between the scattered clouds far overhead. Cold reptilian eyes narrowed as they spied the small herd in the meadow far below, and a forked tongue licked over fangs, drooling in hunger. Time for dinner!
With a snap of its wings the large Green Dragon went into a classic stoop; having already chosen its prey, and it seldom missed. It fell faster and faster, eyes fixed on its unsuspecting target.
Bodkins was worn out, exhausted by the lovely mating; and was almost asleep as he grazed, and Gertrude and Brunhilda were also dozing in the warm sun. The Dragon was a skilled hunter, and approached from an angle that would cast no shadow until it was far too late, and with a last second roar it landed, seizing its chosen prey in its hooked talons before it could react. Its prey was large, and it would have to kill it before taking flight again as it would be hard to fly holding a struggling animal that size.
Gertrude had no warning; and gave a scream of equine terror as a huge form slammed into her and sent her rolling in the grass, before pinning her under its weight, the scent of reptile flooding her senses. Then she screamed again as sharp claws dug into her body and she smelled her own blood.
Brunhilda didn't even bother to look; she heard the roar and bolted immediately. Bodkins started to follow her as his flight instinct kicked in, but at the last second he turned his head and saw the huge Dragon looming over Gertrude, who was kicking frantically and screaming. A huge clawed hand lunged down and the donkey screamed again, and with a loud bugle Bodkins charged, enraged his mate was being attacked, not even realizing what he was doing.
The Dragon reared up; shocked as the large palfrey attacked it, sharp hooves flashing as the horse reared up giving a warcry. As a hoof; backed by close to two thousand pounds of horseflesh, slammed into its snout the Dragon gave a hiss of pain and backed away from the now still donkey, unsure as how to respond to the unexpected assault. As the stallion continued his attack it kept backing away, hissing angrily.
Jenkins and Suzie froze; ears rigid, as they heard the sounds from the meadow. Then; grabbing his spear, he headed for the source of those sounds at a fast gallop, his hooves slamming into the soft dirt. Suzie; nervous, stayed behind, she was no fighter. As he reached the edge of the meadow and saw the situation, Jenkins screamed "Gertrude!", and charged into the fray. Approaching the Dragon from the rear he danced about waiting for an opening as a long spiked tail whipped back and forth, but suddenly the great beast crouched, lifting its rear as it prepared to engage the warhorse, and with a loud bray Jenkins ran under the tail; and stabbed with all his strength, which given his new form was considerable, and the spear penetrated a weak spot in the Dragon's tough bands.
The Dragon, having recovered from the unexpected attack; crouched down, and began to consider how to best overcome the valiant stallion. It was really pretty much a foregone conclusion; there was no way the horse could prevail against such a foe, and the Dragon knew that even if the horse didn't. The Dragon was so intent on the warhorse that it failed to notice the new arrival; that was until a very sharp spear was suddenly jammed into its rear.
"URRRAAAGGGHHHHH!" The Dragon screeched, reeling upright and reaching around behind itself as it started running around the clearing bellowing, "OWWW, WHAT THE HELL!?! MY BUTT!! OW, OW, OWWW!! TAKE IT OUT!! YIPE! OW, OW, OW! RAARRRRR!!!"
Jenkins; knocked flying by a blow from the now enraged Dragons tail, could only lie and watch as the great beast ran shrieking in circles grabbing behind itself at the spear sticking out of its rear. Bodkins; coming to his senses, took one look and took off for parts unknown. Gertrude just lay still, a leg feebly twitching every now and then.
Finally the Dragon was able to get a grip on the spear by bending over and reaching between its hind legs, and with a roar of pain yanked it from its butt. Then; flaming drool dripping from its fangs, it turned to look for the source of the rather rude assault. Seeing the large (what was it exactly?) animal lying on the ground, it lowered its snout, and holding the spear up; said,
"Doess thisss belong to you? SSssssss?"
Jenkins stared up at the huge armored head hovering over his; drool dripping fangs just a few inches away; laid his ears back, said "Umahamalama-haaaw!" and passed out cold.
The Dragon snorted; reared up, and looked around. Except for itself and the two animals the meadow was now empty, no sign of the annoying warhorse. It considered its choice between the donkey and the odd mule creature; then with a snort it hopped forward, and gripping Jenkins limp form in powerful hind claws it took flight, slowly flapping its wings to gain attitude as it headed for its lair.
__________
Sebastian looked up as the sound of clattering hooves came from the entrance of the cave, and said,
"Sounds like your odd squire and Gertrude are coming back, and it sounds like they're in a hurry."
But when a loud terrified whinny came, Sir DeLancy and Megan jumped up and ran out of the chamber, followed closely by Sebastian.
Sir DeLancy gripped Bodkins hackamore, trying to calm the horse who was rearing and rolling his eyes, utterly panicked. But his firm hand, and the sound of his and Megan's soothing voices, soon brought the palfrey around to his senses.
"Whoa, whooaaa!" Sir DeLancy said; as he quieted the horse, "Good boy, easy there Bodkins! What's all the excitement about?"
"D-Dragon!" Bodkins snorted, eyes still rolling.
"Oh, don't worry about him," Sir DeLancy said, "He's harmless."
At which Sebastian gave an annoyed sounding hiss. Harmless, my ass; he thought! "Hissss!"
"No, different Dragon, big, green!! Fangs!" Bodkins snorted, still dancing nervously. "Tried to help...Gertrude, Jenkins!! Big, fangs! Blood!!"
"Oh NO!" Megan blurted; as Sir DeLancy headed in the direction of the meadow, holding his bent sword, Sebastian close behind.
"Is she...?" Megan said, holding her hands over her mouth.
"No, thank God," Sir DeLancy said as he gently stroked Gertrude's neck, "Just stunned, and she has some nasty scratches, but she'll be fine. Any sign of Jenkins?"
"No, but he was here, I found this." The Blue Dragon said, holding the blood stained spear. "It looks like he put up a fight; and the Dragon took him. I'm afraid I underestimated him; that was incredibly brave, and it looks like it wasn't all one sided."
"Bloody Hell!" Sir DeLancy said; then asked, "Where is its lair?!"
"Won't do any good," Sebastian said, "If he isn't already dead, he soon will be."
"Which means I have to leave NOW! And like you said, don't underestimate him!" Sir DeLancy said, "Now, WHERE IS THE LAIR!?"
With a sigh, Sebastian said, "See that small range of mountains? The lair is near the top of the tallest one. But it will take you days to get there, and unless I show you the way you'll never find it. So calm down, we have to plan this carefully. And I'm sorry about your friend; he seemed like a good chap."
"Oh, DAMN IT!" Sir DeLancy said, throwing down his useless sword, "Jenkins, why did you have to be so damn heroic! I'M supposed to do the fighting!"
The End
************************************************************************