Chapter 9: Our hero underestimates his foe, a new threat rises.

“Right, now I want you to repeat that back to me so I’m sure you understand it,” their instructor demanded, pointing at the man who’d been foolish enough to choose a seat where examples could be made.

The bald beefy soldier grew nervous, glancing around as he became the center of attention. He plucked at his new accessory around his neck with unease, a slim but sturdy leather choker with a thin strip of bright pink silk along its center and a small hooked clasp. Currently a linen pouch hung from the clasp, secure from accidental release but easily removed if desired. It was impossible to miss even from a distance and his fellow human students wore similar chokers, if not all the same color.

“Um, er ... Pink means the orcs has chosen you. So you gotta do as they say, but don’t gotta listen to them other ladies except for ... them’s orders that ain’t about sexual ... entercurse?” he glanced at Jilly and Gilly, the women who’d seemed to have adopted him in particular. They leered at him possessively, proud that he was the center of attention. His face grew red, he probably wasn’t going to get much rest tonight again. The curvaceous sexfiends clung together whispering feverishly into each other’s floppy pink ears as they pinned him with their gaze. If the chokers didn’t work they would have to fabricate several dozen rape whistles for the men.

“Exactly right! It’s ‘intercourse’, but I see you’ve got the idea,” Bill praised. “And what did we learn ‘No’ means when an orc tells you it’s time to remove the pouch?”

“Err ... Sayin’ no means what we was really sayin’ were ‘Yes, but ‘arder’, sir,” he repeated back dutifully. While his world had been turned upside down, his military training had prepared him well to obey odd customs and protocol without much thought. This was not any different than learning who to salute and who he could tell to bugger off. He plucked at his pouch, mind and body at war with having his thoughts cleared of the sexual haze his life had been for some time. He wasn’t sure if it had been days, weeks, or even months. He did not find the pipeweed within to have a pleasant smell in any case.

“Bravo! You get a gold circle, I’m proud of you,” Bill cheered, flipping a gold coin into the man’s surprised but appreciative hands. He had come to the conclusion that money was completely meaningless to a man with no intention of paying for anything. The conscripted members of his burgeoning rebellion might find some use for it amongst themselves so he used his stolen currency for positive reinforcement.

“Moving on I’m going to go over the other colors again. Everyone needs to learn this so I want you attention as well, ladies,” Bill instructed, waving his hand at the assembled orcs and some of the new arrivals. He continued his lecture, pointing out the chokers and explaining their meaning to those that did not know. Asylum had become very cosmopolitan in a short amount of time.

A few women were in attendance sporting eagle legs below the knees, complete with wicked talons. Huge wings replaced forearms and hands, they used their talons for grasping and manipulating anything they couldn’t hold between their wings. The women had arrived when they spied the new conditions in the quarry town on their flights.

The harpies’ expressions did not fill him with confidence of their intelligence as they perched on their chosen man’s shoulders. He wasn’t sure if they even remembered his name. They seemed to regard him as a novel oddity to watch but not really listen to as their heads twisted to the sides with wide eyed birdbrained lack of comprehension. They seemed to have no interest in bothering any of the other men, so it likely wasn’t going to be an issue. Their husbands’ chokers were lined with their own feathers, glued to keep them secure.

Bill had found them useful in any case. While they seemed unable or unwilling to follow complex instructions, getting them to invite the mamono they spotted to join their sisters in safety at the liberated quarry town was easy. They made excellent scouts and messengers, enjoying what they believed was a game their new friends wanted to play. The towers and quarry cliffside steps made for superbly secure nesting grounds to raise their young. He would find it difficult to convince them to leave even supposing he wanted to. Their husbands were quickly losing any fear of heights they might have had and becoming experts at mountaineering, mostly to reach the tavern when their wives were away. Despite their slight frames and light weight they were able to lift a full grown man into the air for short flights, though they rarely did it unless they were capturing him for the first time.

The other women were a diverse and exotic mix of species Bill had been thrilled to meet. A few centaurs, beast type women of all sorts, and humanoids like ogres, oni, and trolls. The calm good-natured troll had been a boon, her incredible affinity for horticulture easily solved the need for the not-quite-tobacco plant which allowed the community to function. Scipio was ecstatic to learn it was easily a match for his own elven brand.

The other mamono raised their defensive and industrial capabilities by leaps and bounds.

The oni were nearly as strong as Sarah, the red one in particular carried a club that rivaled her hammer. If they could only convince her to stop drinking she might even be useful. Tabitha still remained heavyweight champion, she’d lifted with effortless ease both weapons at once when Larry had urged her to show off during the drinking contest the arrival of the oni party had triggered.

Surprisingly, Tabitha got along famously with them. Apparently they were immigrants from her mother’s homeland. They weren’t even certain how they’d ended up here, finding themselves in this strange new land after waking from a particularly raucous party. They weren’t much concerned, and for that Bill felt a kinship with the laid-back women. Tabitha and Larry spent most evenings with them now.

Luckily the blue ones were intelligent and considerate enough to abstain from drinking at all times. Unfortunately, when they did indulge they were far more of a problem than the red one. The lightweights would attempt to keep up with red’s obvious mastery to Bill’s dismay. It was like dealing with a weekly bachelorette party of particularly repressed office women who were desperately ready to lose their inhibitions. It took Sarah and Tabitha’s intervention to drag them off for a sobering dip in the ice cold water of the nearby river that was their water supply. Since the first few incidents they were forced to party outside the walls.

The pack of ogres had been a problem from the start. Their belligerent natures, greater than average strength, and confidence in their numbers made them believe they were above listening to any instructions or rules. Bill had nipped that in the bud with a series of vicious beatings handed out by his management team. It had been particularly enjoyable watching Sarah charge their formation as they’d attempted to take command. She’d scattered them like bowling pins, clearly High Orcs being designed for just such a maneuver. They towed the line now, sullenly following orders and ready to defend the community that offered the easy comfort and good eating they’d come to enjoy. They’d damn near broken into tears when Bill threatened to have them thrown out.

Once the quadruped friendly ramps to the walls were finished the centaurs would make approaching within arrow range a losing proposition. Their prickly personalities made dealing with them a bit difficult, but Bill and Scipio had won them over with polite diplomacy and easy humor. Bill had expected them to heap derision on Larry’s stupid gun, but they’d responded with guarded interest. Something to think about if times grew desperate. They treated Helena with veneration, something she found intensely uncomfortable. Bill was certain if any woman approached Felix with lustful designs she’d catch a storm of arrows before coming within twenty yards.

Bill decided to continue his instruction of the Rules of Engagement with the special case that Helena represented.

“Now I’d like you to turn your attention to Felix here. Notice the fetching and arresting outfit he’s modeling. Give us a twirl, Felix. See that there will be no mistaking him for someone else,” Bill said with cool professionalism, pointing out the details. His next words were filled with dire warning.

“No excuses will be accepted, and punishment for poaching will be absolutely legendary in the suffering you will experience before death,” Bill explained, deadly serious as Felix modeled his new outfit, mortified. He not only had a red lined choker, there was a stripe of red down both sleeves of his coat and pant legs. A large red X was displayed on his back, and two bracelets on his wrists.

“I cannot express in words how absolutely suicidal it would be for you to bring any harm to Helena by molesting this man. As far as you’re concerned he’s untouchable. Trying your luck with me would be trivial by comparison, and you’d be regretting that until your dying day.”

“If you can’t take me seriously, please give your attention to my lovely teaching assistant and designated executioner to your left,” Bill said, waving his hand towards Rekka. As one the group turned to look, most with extremely uncomfortable expressions. Except the harpies, they remained staring at Bill for a moment before they caught on, and treated her as no more curious than him.

“He ain’t said the half of it. Don’t fuckin’ try it. I ain’t gonna be quick. You’re gonna have all the time in the world to regret it,” Rekka said with uncharacteristic calm as she leaned casually against the wall. The hellfire in her eyes flaring threateningly spoke volumes. Despite her small stature the lessons she’d doled out with appalling violence had earned the respect of any troublemakers in their midst.

Not to say that they’d spent the last few weeks cracking skulls, most of the mamono got along famously, thrilled to join a community. Bill would have preferred to take it easy and rest for what he had planned next, but running his stolen town was nearly a full time job. He was pushing hard to get everything running smoothly without his direct intervention.

“Okay, I hope we’ve stressed how seriously we take all this. I really don’t like threatening everyone, I want this community to be a place of safety and joy. I know you men didn’t get a say in this but I think you’ll find your time here will not be one of misery. Thanks for taking one for the team, you’re big damn heroes. Maybe we’ll build some kind of monument for you when this is all over.”

Bill didn’t feel too bad for the men, most of them would have been quite happy to kill him and all his friends not long ago. They were having a pretty good time in any case. Maybe once this really was over he could hold a class on consent. Probably not, he’d be too busy relaxing at some beach with Rekka if he could help it.

Looking over the crowd he noticed one of the werewolves that he’d sent on close perimeter patrol was waving nervously to get his attention, likely another emergency had been delivered to their doorstep by a new flavor of mamono.

“Okay, one last thing. If a man has a yellow stripe, he’s out of the dating pool. His job is considered too essential to be dragged off at inconvenient times. Now, this doesn’t mean you fellas can’t fall in love when you find your soulmate, I’m damn certain it would end in tragedy if I even tried to stop it. Just know that you’re going to be dragged kicking and screaming back to your job as necessary. Feel blessed, you men have all the free will violence can enforce. I recommend you keep your jobs essential if you want that to remain so,” Bill finished, waving at the barkeep, labor foremen, cooks, and quartermaster.

“Right, if y’all could teach any newcomers or slow learners the way we do things here I’ll be highly appreciative. That’s all, off you go, find something useful to do or stay out of the way of someone that is,” He waved them off, reuniting with Rekka. Felix made his red faced way out of the room to find Helena, the crowd parting before him as if he carried the plague. Helena had nearly passed out from embarrassment the first time he’d held this workshop and no longer attended.

Rekka threw an arm around his waist while he lay his over her shoulder and they made their way over to the scout. Bill recognized Millie, the shy sweet one of the werewolf trio that had joined them.

She’d arrived not long ago with her packmates, one of the few groups that had come with their own husbands. Bill had nearly pulled a muscle grinning at the men, who had turned to run once recognizing him. Luckily Felix intervened and explained the situation to his old squad. Bill had traded glares with Ranius for a few moments before giving him a nasty grin and showing off his unscarred forearm. Despite the rocky start the werewolves had become indispensable as scouts, their husbands having taught them a bit of military tactics and discipline.

Felix’s old squadmates had heard of the quarry town’s new name and owners from a passing harpy. Though they had found their time camping in the woods with their new wives enjoyable, the thought of soft beds and a roof over their heads had lured them out of the wilderness. The werewolves had been easier to convince than first thought. Though they’d been domineering at first, the women soon began to see their husbands as the ones in charge. The men had no idea how this had happened and now felt intensely protective of their wives. They’d thrown in with Bill’s madness without a second thought.

Bill had asked about Tullius, wondering if Annika was going to make an appearance and bracing himself for the possibility. The men reported they had attempted to invite them along, but Tullius had refused. He did say he’d take it up with Annika once she returned from hunting, as it was ultimately her decision. The sergeant had been lazing about in a silk hammock wearing a sheer silk robe and clearly enjoying his new life as a kept husband with no responsibilities.

“Hey Millie. Another emergency?” Bill asked.

“Sir, yes, sir!” Millie replied. She awkwardly saluted, blushing as she stared over Bill’s shoulder.

Bill waited for her to continue until he remembered what she was waiting for, giving her an equally awkward salute in return. Under “Sloppy Fucking Civillian” in a very odd dictionary would be a picture of BIll giving the photographer the finger. He’d be hung for insubordination and malingering the moment he exited the bus to boot camp.

“Report, scout,” Bill ordered, humoring her.

“Yes! Um, there’s a new arrival ... she’s demanding to see who’s in charge before she enters.”

“Well, nuts to her. She can get fucked. We’re not turning people away, but I’m not about to go beg for her to join us,” Bill snorted, looking at Rekka who smirked with amusement.

“Um, Captain Dulius thought you would say that, but we think Rekka should come talk to her before things get ... messy. She’s a hellhound,” Millie explained meekly.

Bill and Rekka began jogging towards the gate immediately.

“So, should we go talk to her together? I’m real goddamn interested in meeting another of your people, you know,” Bill asked Rekka.

“Yeah! I wanna show you off! Just be careful, she ain’t gonna be too friendly,” Rekka replied.

“Really? Why not? You’re fucking awesome, why would she be any different?” Bill asked, receiving a cheerful smile.

“Well, us hellhounds is ... independent, y’know? You an me are only doin’ all this cause you got all mopey bout living in my cave. If she wants in here she probably gots a family, that’s why mama brought us to ... where we lived,” Rekka explained, regretting her last statement and looking away.

Bill watched her, worried. He was going to sit her down soon when he found a quiet moment and dig into her past. Seemed like every time it occurred to him the timing was off for a serious conversation of that type. His thoughts focused on other matters as he processed the rest of what she’d said.

“Wait, she’s got baby hellhounds? Oh damn! Let’s go!” Bill cried, sprinting ahead. He had to see this!

Rekka shook her head, smiling and jogging a bit faster to follow her husband. She wasn’t sure exactly how she thought about seeing another hellhound. She’d thought she would be thrilled, but now she was worried the newcomer would only dredge up old sorrows. Shrugging off her worries, she could at least look forward to meeting the pups. She was as excited as her husband by the prospect.

Bill burst through the gate, skidding to a stop as he spotted the newcomer waiting in the open field, well out of arrow range. She was standing with her hands on her hips glaring at the walls, ignoring his arrival. It was a shock to his system to see another ebony skinned woman with hellfire in her eyes, Rekka had been the unique center of his world for so long.

She was leaner than Rekka, the curve of her hips and breasts not as pronounced. She could have been a tight bodied yoga instructor. Her hair was styled shorter, pulled into a loose ponytail. Bill had picked up the fact that Rekka might be a bit smaller than her sisters, but now he could see she was positively petite. The woman was about his height, if not taller.

Bill jogged over to her, disappointed that there weren’t any adorable hellpups in sight. He waved to her as he closed, but she still ignored him, her eyes locking onto Rekka. Bill turned to look and saw Rekka was approaching with arrogant confidence, taking her time as though to say the new arrival was not worth rushing. She waved Bill ahead when he slowed with a questioning look on his face. Grinning at her, he kept going, never concerned with what anyone thought about him. If his rushing ahead to make friends wouldn’t affect Rekka’s reputation he was fine with ruining his own.

“Hey! Welcome to Asylum, my name’s Bill. Pleasure to meet you... ?” Bill greeted her, offering his hand and waiting to hear her name.

The hellhound finally looked at him, surprised he had spoken to her or even approached so fearlessly. She snorted derisively, dismissing him and waiting for Rekka to arrive. Bill was honestly amused at this response. He shook his hand in the air, chuckling.

“Oh, no, pleasure is all mine I assure you. Yes, it is fine weather we’re having. I gotta say your resting bitch face is a thing of wonder,” Bill chatted away in an overly friendly tone.

Her head slowly swiveled to lock onto him with all the threat of a tank turret, hellfire flaring.

“Run away little man, before I swallow you whole,” the woman rumbled out, taking a menacing step forward.

“She speaks! I thought you might be a mute there for a second. No swallowing, please. You’d probably get sick and Rekka would be jealous,” Bill said amiably, not backing away as she pushed into his personal space.

The woman seemed taken aback, looking at him with a kind of pity now. The older hellhound turned to Rekka as she strolled up.

“Did you break him? He’s acting strange. You can’t be too rough with them, they’re delicate,” she chided.

“Hah! No, he was like that since I caught him,” Rekka explained. “He ain’t afraid of us, so you’ll have to put up with it.”

“Really? Maybe you’ve been too gentle then. He should be afraid. We’re hellhounds.”

“Nah, I got you guys figured out. You’re just used to everyone losing their shit cause you’re such badasses. Under that hard murderous shell is a soft gooey ball of loving protection. With a spikey core of murder, I’ll admit. I’m willing to bet you’ve never hurt anyone that didn’t threaten you in some way, am I right?” Bill broke in.

The woman’s eyes went wide as she stared at him, then turned to Rekka who just smirked and shrugged. Seemed like he’d struck a nerve with that one.

The look could also mean he was way off the mark and this woman had left a trail of bodies along her path to the town. He’d have to ask Rekka some very careful questions later.

With that he disengaged from the woman and moved beside Rekka, laying his arm across her shoulders and sharing a loving smile with her. The newcomer seemed a little saddened seeing this, twisting to look at the tree line for a moment before facing back.

“I don’t get it. How’d you train him to do that? I have to nearly tackle mine for hugs,” she asked.

“I didn’t have’ta, he was always like this. You can talk to him, y’know. It’s rude, and it’s startin’ to piss me off,” Rekka said, ending with a growl. Bill was touched, though unsurprised. He would have done much the same if the situation was reversed, and likely with far less tact.

The new hellhound didn’t seem to know how to respond to that. On the one hand they should probably be rolling in the dirt fighting right now. On the other, she was only defending her husband, which was natural and commendable. She decided to let it slide, this conversation had been more pleasant than usual for her. Normally it began with the fighting, and ended with begging apologies for disturbing her.

“Yep, I’m not just a pretty face, I can say words good too,” Bill said with a cheeky grin.

“You’re weird. I’m Kendra. Rekka, right? Obviously you’re in charge. What’s the story with that pile of rocks, enough girls in there to hold out when they send those fuckers to take it back?” Kendra asked.

“I’m only in charge’a Bill. He’s dealin’ with all the boring stuff, ask him about it,” Rekka replied with a shrug. Kendra looked at Bill then, not enthusiastic about trying to communicate with him. Bill decided to just pretend she’d asked him.

“Yeah, I’m riding herd on this clusterfuck. It was easier to capture than run the place. I need to find some sucker to put in charge so I can go back to being a lazy piece of shit,” Bill said with feeling.

Scipio had been uncharacteristically impolite, walking away laughing when Bill brought up the possibility of him taking charge. None of his other friends, as trustworthy as they were, had the necessary character for managing the town. Despite having the leadership experience Sarah’s skillset was more leant to the sacking of towns. Bill was only managing through friendly charm and very violent friends backing up any orders he made.

“To answer your question the place is pretty secure. They’d need one hell of an army to kick us out now, I’d say. Got a platoon of orcs backed up by a high orc. Some heavy hitters from out of town; a jinko and a few flavors of oni. Pack of ogres who are finally playing nice. Should have centaurs on the walls soon. Plenty of ladies with different animal parts, and a flock of harpies,” he rattled off.

“I’ve got scouts out, harpies and werewolves. We should have very early warning if a vengeful army heads our way. I can’t promise they’ll be safer than sticking to yourselves in the wilderness, but your family will be as well protected as I can possibly make them here. They’ll certainly be more comfortable. If they do send an army they’re going to regret it. I’ve got plans for those fuckers,” Bill promised.

Kendra stared hard at him for a few seconds, considering. Finally she turned away, beckoning at the tree line. Bill’s eyes widened with wonder as small figures bounded towards them at speed. A large man carrying a small child in his arms walked towards them at a safer pace.

“Look! Rekka! Look! Kids! Holy shit, they’re fucking adorable!” Bill cried, taking a knee as they closed, grinning madly.

Rekka looked between her excited husband and the beautiful pups, her breathing picking up. Her biological clock went off, triggering the sticks of dynamite attached to it. She walked up to Bill, placing a shaking paw on his shoulder, hardly able to stop herself from pushing him over and taking him right there.

The hellpups slid to a stop to stare warily at Bill, who’d spread his arms in the hopes they’d run in for a hug. There were three of them, their ages seemed to be around five to ten, though Bill had never been good at judging the age of children. They were miniature copies of the women, their paw-hands and feet oversized to grow into. They wore linen tunics and their hair was as wild as Rekka’s had been. Bill was completely charmed, if the girls set fire to the town he’d forgive them without a thought. They looked to their mother to see what they should do with the oddly fearless man.

“You sure you want to play with them? They don’t know their own strength yet, can’t promise you won’t get hurt,” Kendra said with humor, looking to Rekka to make sure she would allow it. Rekka smiled happily and nodded.

“They’re the cutest kids I’ve ever seen. Goddamn, Rekka. I can’t wait. Heyas! Call me Uncle Bill, wanna wrestle?” Bill grinned deliriously at the hellpups.

They grinned back enthusiastically, their tails whipping at the air, ready to terrorize this foolish man. Without words they split up to take him from different angles, bearing their fangs and leaping onto him intending to knock him to the ground and commence with the struggle snuggles. Bill was delighted. The girls were amazed he’d taken their assault without budging. Roaring like a bear he stood up with the hellpups clinging to him tenaciously, giggling and shrieking at the new experience of not being able to overpower him as he stomped around for a bit.

“Nice try you little scamps! Prepare yourself for hugs, RAAHH!” he laughed, gathering them into his arms while they shrieked happily, trying to squirm out of his grip and push his arms away. Relenting, he let them down, laughing as they kicked ineffectually at his shins. They were letting out childish snarls and yips of frustration before breaking into giggles. The adorable killing machines smiled up at him impishly before darting over to their mother.

“He’s strong, mama! He didn’t fall over or nothin,” the oldest stated, pretending to pout.

“Guess he’s tougher than he looks. Don’t worry, once you’ve grown a bit you’ll be able to juggle a man his size,” Kendra explained, patting the girl on her head with a smile for Bill. She’d been surprised herself, clearly the two had not been together long enough to impart such strength to him, not without any children of their own. She’d have to ask Rekka about it when they had a moment. She didn’t worry too much. Even without her willing to rip his throat out, BIll was clearly no threat to her pups.

“I’m going to come down on any army they send like the fist of an angry God, no ones harming these kids,” Bill promised, gathering Rekka in his arms as he watched the giggling girls chasing each other, barking and laughing. Once he dug those dwarves out of their hole he was going to surprise the hell out of Larry with this sudden change of heart.

“You ain’t gettin’ any sleep tonight, sugar,” Rekka promised.

“I don’t doubt it,” Bill agreed.

He nodded at Kendra’s husband who’d walked up carrying another child. Bill felt like dragging Rekka to bed right then. The toddler was precious beyond words, looking at him with huge red eyes with little bursts of hellfire flaring out but not catching.

“Welcome, I’m Bill, this is Rekka. Glad to have you,” Bill greeted the man, who seemed to have a long suffering look on his face before he turned to his children, brightening into a fond smile as they ran up and hugged his legs. Bill wiggled his fingers at the child, finding out hellhounds grew fangs very early. She barely broke the skin, and he was too happy to care if she’d taken a finger.

“Julius, well met,” he replied, sounding tired as he stroked her ears.

“Let’s get you set up. We’ll kick someone out of one of the private houses, you’re bringing the first kids and get bumped up in priority. The others are working on it though, that’s for sure,” Bill said, gesturing for them to follow.

He wasn’t too worried about outraged tenants, the quarry workers that weren’t building the centaur ramps were busily making new homes. Clearing ground, carving out blocks of stone and moving them where they were needed was a speedy process with mamono assistance.

Julius looked at Bill with wide eyes after he spoke, glancing between Rekka and Kendra to see which one would call him out for trying to lead the way. He felt deeply hurt when they both simply followed him without issue. He was sure Kendra would jump all over him for doing anything near as bold.

Bill felt bad for Kendra, clearly the man was afraid of her. He’d have to knock some marriage counseling into Julius in solidarity of being with such uniquely affectionate women. Julius hadn’t seemed to realize that his wife loved him as much as she did her children. Clearly they’d been together for years, both of them were probably depressed if this had been going on so long.

As they approached the gates a small mamono waited for them meekly, loyally doing the job assigned her. She was a kobold, and not the kind Bill had known from his DnD days. Instead of being an excitable little reptile she was basically a cocker spaniel that began transforming to human and stopped halfway. Her face, shoulders and torso framed by doglike limbs and features. Adored by all, the helpful little mamono gave off the aura of a sweet tempered family pet. She was nearly the smallest mamono in the community, slight of build and shorter even than Rekka.