
 Magick and Mystery
Chapter One – A Thief Caught
© Cederwyn Whitefurr
January, 2006.
All Rights Reserved.


 Blaze wandered the markets, his fine emerald green robes swishing against his ankles, as he glanced up at the sun then winced and pulled his deep hood further down his muzzle.  His sensitive eyes, so dark as almost to be black, watered with the quick glance at the sun, before he blinked away the moisture that gathered in the corner of his widely spaced eyes.  From the top of his hood, slender tubular ears poked through and they flicked too and fro as they warded off the biting flies that irritated him.  A fine fur covered his long muzzle, sparkling like gold, yet it was the distinctive white blaze that ran from between his eyes and ended just before his flared nostrils, that most people noticed.  It was this white blaze, which had earned him his name.  Through a hole in his finely tailored robe, his long, silvery tail swished from side to side as he walked quietly, his hooves clicking against the cobblestones.  Many people only needed a quick glance at his large frame, then the wide flared nostrils, the ridges and valleys on his velvety nose and the distinctive chin, gave away his ancestry.


 Here and there, merchants bartered with customers, and other peasants and noble’s servants sought to make deals for themselves, or their master or mistress.  


 “How much for this locket?” Blaze asked, a gold coloured paw tipped with black claws, gestured to the ornate silver pendant the merchant had on display.


 “Seven florins, good sir!” responded the merchant, his eyes sparkling mischievously, as he sought to make a sale.


 “Seven?” Blaze snorted, his nostrils widening as he raised an eyebrow slowly.  “You are no jester merchant. I will give you three, and no more.”


 “Milord,” Exclaimed the merchant.  “You would but take the bread from my children’s mouth with an offer of three florins!  Such a fine piece as this would fetch – “


 Waving his paw negligently, Blaze began to turn away, but he stopped as the merchant grasped his robed sleeve.  Blaze slowly turned his head and stared at the merchant, who snatched his hand back as if burned.


 “I will give you four – take it, or leave it.” Blaze spoke calmly, yet the steel beneath his sibilant voice was all too clear.


 With a sigh, the Merchant bowed his head in acquiescence and surrendered the silver locket to Blaze.  Satisfied, Blaze reached into his belt pouch and placed four freshly minted gold florins on the merchants table.  They disappeared in the blink of an eye, and the merchant smiled and thanked him profusely – reaching out and grasping Blaze’s hand.  Blazes’ nose wrinkled in loathing, but the merchant did not notice. 






 As Blaze walked away, he unconsciously rubbed his palm against his robes, and paused at another stall.  Here, he looked over the merchants wares, thoughtfully scratching the left side of his muzzle, as he was want to do when deep in thought.


 “Oh, excuse me good sir – “ Whispered a young human woman, as she jostled Blaze – the crush of passing people and anthro’s alike bottled into a choke-point here.


 Blaze nodded once, then resumed examining the merchant’s wares – yet his ears flicked backwards and he tensed, his robes trembling as he moved his weight.  He waited until the woman melted back into the crowd, before he turned and spoke a single word.  Powerful magicks seized this would be thief and stopped her in her tracks.  Blaze sighed through his nostrils, then as the crowd began to pull away and someone began yelling for the guardsmen, Blaze walked up to her and delicately reached into her double-robe and retrieved his money pouch.


 “I believe,” Blaze spoke calmly, yet his voice tinged with annoyance.  “That this does not belong to you milady.”


 Frozen in place, she could do nothing as Blaze sighed and shook his head – then reached up and folded back his hood.  His golden fur dazzled all who looked upon his equine face and the white blaze shone brilliantly, as if trying to outdo his gleaming muzzle fur.  He watched impassively, as tears began welling in her green eyes, then he sighed and waved a paw and with that – released her from his magicks that had bound her.


 “Make way, make way for the constabulary!” Come gruff voices, as the town guard pushed through the milling crowd.


 “Milord, please – I beg of you, please do not turn me over to them, you do not know what they will do to me!” whimpered the woman, as tears brimmed in her eyes.


 Blaze cocked a furred eyebrow slightly, then his eyes narrowed and he stared at her.


 “You should have thought of that – before you decided to lighten me of my purse, and others as well, hmmm?”


 “I never stole – “ She replied, then Blaze’s eyebrows raised, and at his command, her outer robes were parted and the crowd saw the cleverly concealed secret pockets.


 As the guardsmen arrived, Blaze grasped the woman and pulled her robe closed, then turned to stare at the crowd.


 “Alright,” Sighed the young constable, as he rested his hand on the truncheon at his waist.  “What's going on here?”


 “I – “ stammered the woman, as she flicked a glance at Blaze.








 “This young lady was merely – giving me my pouch that must have fallen from my belt.  I guess I forgot to fasten it properly.” Blaze replied, as he pulled his hood up to shield his eyes and then waved his paw.  “Just a misunderstanding officer, we’re sorry for bothering you.”


 Staring suspiciously at the nervous young lady, then at Blaze, the constable thought about arresting them both as a matter of principle, then Blaze whispered something under his breath, and the constable’s expression changed to one of a friendlier outlook.


 “Well then, carry on – sorry to have disturbed you milord, lady!” Smiled the constable, as he touched his fingers to his helm.


 As the woman made to move away, Blaze’s paw shot out and grabbed her tightly around the upper arm.  She froze, feeling those furred fingers squeeze gently, but realised if he wanted to, he could inflict a great deal of pain upon her.


 “Not so fast, thief.” Blaze hissed at her.  “You owe me an explanation and I will hear it – but not here.  Will you come quietly – or would you prefer I call the guardsmen back?”


 “No – please milord – I’ll do anything, please don’t turn me over to them!” She begged.


 Blaze nodded and then began leading her through the market.  To all accounts and purposes, it looked like a pair of friends – the male leading the female, but the truth was far different.  He led her back to his opulent mansion, where at his whispered words, the iron gates swung open and he led her up the crushed quartz walkway and into the house.  Here, he was met by an anthropomorphic young white rat female.  Her whiskers twitched as she smiled, then bowed deeply to Blaze.


 “Welcome home milord.” She spoke quietly, as she deeply curtseyed.


 “Thank you Cassandra,” Blaze replied, as the rodent helped him from his robes.  “I would like my – guest – to be bathed and something more suitable found for her attire, if it pleases you.”


 “At once master,” Cassandra nodded eagerly, and then reached out for the woman’s hand.


 With a gasp of revulsion, the woman shrunk back away from the female rat, whose widely spaced black eyes blinked, and then Cassandra sighed and smiled – her long incisors gleaming.


 “It’s alright,” Cassandra chuckled.  “I’m not going to bite you.  Nor do I carry the black plague, or any other diseases.  Now, stop being foolish and follow me please.”








 Bewildered, the young would-be thief acquiesced and followed Cassandra.  Blaze watched them go, then shook his head and snorted, before he headed down the corridor and into his private study, closing the heavy oak door behind him.


 Cassandra filled a large bath full of warm water, and then found a wash cloth and a rough cake of home made soap.  Placing these beside the bath, she sniffed, and then wrinkled her pale pink nose as the scent from the woman’s clothes washed over her.


 “He – keeps you as a slave?” Gasped the woman, as she slowly unclasped the crude leather belt around her middle, then paused and flushed with embarrassment.


 “A slave?  Oh no, master Blaze is not like that – I am his willing servant and steward.  He – is a kindly master.  Once, I was like you – starving, and stealing what I could from the merchant’s stalls, just so I could survive, selling my…”  Cassandra bit her tongue and looked down.


 “You – sold yourself for – “ Gasped the woman, then she flinched as Cassandra’s paws reached up and slipped the rough weave gown off her.


 Her ample breasts were firm and unblemished, and self-consciously, the woman covered them with her hands as she blushed.  Cassandra chuckled quietly, and then petted the nervous young human woman delicately on the shoulder.


 “I think,” Cassandra told her, as she smiled again and gave the woman a quick look over.  “That unless you want to live the life you know now, you have a choice.  Either beg master Blaze for forgiveness, and ask to serve him willingly, of your own free will, or – “


 Slipping out of her dirty skirt, the woman shuddered and nodded.  “Or – I can take the risk of living on the streets…I see your point.”


 Cassandra’s nose wrinkled and her whiskers flicked, as she tied to block out the scent from the woman’s dirty clothes.  “Good – now, have your bath, and I’ll see to it you have some decent clothes – these…I will dispose of.  Master Blaze has a very sensitive sense of smell and I’d rather not upset him.”


 Slipping off her undergarments, the young lady eased herself into the steaming tub and she moaned softly in pleasure.  Indeed, it had been many months, since she had the luxury of a bath such as this.  Relaxing her tense muscles, she submerged herself deeper, until only her head remained above water.  She did not hear the soft footsteps of Cassandra return a short while later, and then she uttered a squeal and jumped – splashing water over the edge of the bath and onto the stone floor, where it ran down channels cut into the stone and disappeared into a small hole.


 “Oh,” Cassandra giggled, and then placed a rough weave towel down on the small stool beside the tub.  “I didn’t mean to startle you.”








 “Sorry, I guess I’m just…a little jumpy – that’s all.  I mean, just a few hours ago, I was stealing purses and wondering where I would sleep tonight, now, I’m enjoying this luxurious bath and – “ Sighed the rogue, as she blushed, then offered a wet, dripping hand.  “I’m Jess.”


 Cassandra took the proffered hand in her own pale furred one, and then squeezed it lightly.


 “A pleasure to meet you Jess, I’m Cassandra, as you know – and your potential benefactor – is Master Blaze.  He’s a – “  Cassandra grinned, showing her sharp teeth.


 “He’s a horse – “ Jess nodded.


 “Well,” Cassandra chuckled, and then rolled her eyes.  “That’s…not quite right.  He’s descended from the great sire of Arkalas and the Dam Silverthorne, both of whom were Knights in the War of the Black Thunder, centuries ago, where my – our – kind won our freedom from slavery and oppression.  Now, it’s taken hundreds of years but we are now fairly treated by all we meet.  Of course, some people still cling to the old beliefs, that we are abominations and – “


 “I don’t think you are,” Jess sighed, as she lightly caressed Cassandra’s paw and smiled shyly at her.  “I mean, Blaze could have – “


 “You will address him as Master Blaze, please!” Cassandra hissed then blinked as Jess nodded and squeezed her paw again.


 “Sorry, I meant no disrespect – but why – I mean, why would he offer me this – life, when he could have turned me over to the constabulary?”  Jess asked, as she continued to lightly hold Cassandra’s paw.


 Cassandra squeaked, then snatched her paw back, ashamed at the feelings she felt stirring within her.  Surely, Cassandra did not – no! She couldn’t possibly think that Cassandra might – could she?


 Blinking her eyes, Jess blushed herself, then sighed and reached for the soap and began rubbing it over her milk-white skin.  Cassandra helped and washed Jess’ back, thoughts of what remained unsaid between herself and Jess troubling her.  Cassandra admitted to herself, that it had not been the first time she had – entertained – thoughts of laying with another female, but most had been repulsed by her appearance.  Could Jess’ be merely seeking to find a way to get Cassandra’s trust? Cassandra did not know, but she did know she would not tell Master Blaze, as he would want to have a clear mind when he questioned this strange, young lady.


*












 Blaze sat in his thickly cushioned chair, which creaked under his weight, and then he threaded his long, sensual tail though the back of the chair then let it drop to the carpeted floor.  With shivering paws, Blaze whispered the words of protection over his large workbench.  Emerald green runes undulated and wavered around the edge of the workbench, and they flared brightly as Blaze intoned the words that would remove the magicks that protected his workspace.  As they faded into the ironwood surface, Blaze carefully cleared aside the alembics and pestles, scraps of velum and burners, to clear a space for a dusty old tome he reverently picked up out of a heavy padded iron bound chest.  


 Holding it carefully, he blew on it and the dust swirled and transformed into a lecherous demonical imp, that danced and cavorted upon the workbench.  As it twisted and gyrated, this imp turned and grasped its ridiculously large member and began stroking itself, leering at Blaze, who rolled his eyes and with a wave of his paw, banished the imp to the abyss.  Placing a paw on the ornately carved leather cover, Blaze shivered with repressed emotions.  For years, had he sought this particular tome – and he had paid a heavy price for it, but to him, it had been worth a hundred times the king’s ransom he had paid.


 With quivering paws, he opened the book, hearing the crackling leather of the books spine, before he picked up a light feather duster and carefully brushed it over the beautiful illustrations and filigreed words in the book.  Turning his head to the side, he sneezed twice, before he settled himself comfortably and began studying this ancient tome of magickal lore.  He could feel the power locked within this dusty book, and just needed time, quiet and contemplative thought, to learn the key to unlock its mysteries.  Just as he turned the page and began reading, his senses tingled and he closed the book quietly, before he turned to the closed and magically warded door to his study.


*


 Cassandra dressed Jess in a flowing sky blue robe, with matching cloth slippers, and bound her hair back in a ponytail.  Now, they both stopped outside Blaze’s study, and Cassandra nodded and waited.  As the door creaked open and Blaze stepped forth, it swung quietly closed behind him, and Blaze looked at the nervous female rat, then at the clean and freshly bathed human beside her.  He brushed past them both, and then Cassandra sighed with relief and lightly tapped Jess’ hand and gestured for her to follow.  Obediently, Jess followed Cassandra, who in turn, followed Blaze into the main audience chamber, where Blaze poured himself a strong alcoholic drink into a deep bowl, then offered one to Cassandra, who politely shook her head.


 “Would you care for a drink - Jess?” Blaze asked, as he cocked a golden eyebrow, and then nickered softly.


 “How do you – “ Jess gasped, as her mouth fell open and she stared at Cassandra.










 “No,” Blaze whispered, as he stroked the edge of the bowl with a claw tip thoughtfully.  “Cassandra, my beloved servant, did not tell me.  You will find – there is not much that can be hidden from me, young one.  I know you have lived on the streets for ten years, I know your name, your age, and even – “


 Jess gasped and slumped unbidden into a chair, and Cassandra’s soft gasp of fear went unheard.


 “You – “  Jess murmured, her eyes widening.  “How do you – I mean…nobody knows – “ 


 Blaze nickered again, then smiled and sipped his strong drink and sighed appreciatively.  “Yes, Jess – or should I call you Jessica – your true birth name.  I know much about you, including your – shall I say – predilections for partners?”


 Jessica frowned, then blushed deeply and hung her head, then buried it in her shaking hands.  “I admit it – I admit all of it, I’ve been known to offer myself, to anyone – or anything…for some coin, to buy myself some stale crusts too eat and – “


 “You have no need to explain yourself here Jessica – “ Blaze whispered, as he lightly rested a golden furred paw on her shoulder and squeezed tenderly.  “Now, I will ask you only once, so I need your honest answer.  I will know, if you try to deceive me Jessica, so please, do not insult my intelligence, and your own.  I offer you a choice – return to the life you know now, or – “


 “Or?” Jessica sniffled, and then lifted her tear streaked eyes up to stare at Blaze.


 “Or – you can be forgiven for your crimes you have done, and start a new life – as my…apprentice.”  Blaze told her, as he quirked an eyebrow.  “It is your choice. If you decide to leave, I will give you some coin to last you a while, out of kindness – but should you steal from me, or my servant – I will not be so kind.  If you choose to become my apprentice, you will live here, under my law, and obey me explicitly. I will give you shelter, food, a safe and comfortable quarters, and only ask that you address me politely, and obey me.”


 As Blaze sipped his strong drink again, he waited patiently for Jess’ answer.  Cassandra looked at Jess, then at Blaze, and her thoughts were well screened from Blaze, as she inwardly frowned.  Never had he taken so readily to anyone and her mind questioned wether Blaze was thinking straight on this matter.  Cassandra felt no ill will towards this would-be thief, but a part of her felt uneasy and nervous – and she remembered the initial meeting.  Jess had been caught defenceless, and her natural instinct when she met Cassandra had not been entire unexpected.  Yet, later, Jess seemed to be more…accepting of Cassandra, and her gentle caressing of Cassandra’s paw hinted that Jess may, if Cassandra asked, be willing to do things, that Cassandra had long ago thought would never happen.  Cassandra made up her mind, then and there, that she would speak privately with Blaze later, and knowing him as she did, he would politely listen to her fears and opinion, before answering her questions.






 “I – “ Jess stammered, looking at Blaze, then dropping her eyes.


 “If you wish, you may sleep here tonight and ponder your decision.  I will not keep you under lock and key, and you are free to leave if that is your wish.  Be warned though, that my house is guarded by powerful protective magicks, and I will know, if you decide to try and – shall I say – liberate, some of my possessions.  I pray this will not be the case. Now, I will wish you a good day, and I will leave you in Cassandra’s capable paws.  She will show you to your quarters, and fetch you lunch if you are so disposed.”


 “Thank…you.” Jess whispered quietly.


 Blaze gave a courteous bow, then turned and walked back into his study, closing the door behind him.


 “Well!” Cassandra murmured her eyes wide.  “That was…unexpected.  He’s never taken to someone so quickly.  I genuinely think he likes you.”


 “Why? I’m…no one special – “ Jess sighed, then glanced at Cassandra.


 Cassandra chuckled delicately, then took Jess by the hand and led her to the kitchen where they prepared a light lunch.  Cassandra settled for some goat cheese and a bowl of cool water and a small loaf of crusty bread.  Jess tucked into a cold lamb roast with fresh vegetables, several cups of lightly fermented honey mead and assorted cheeses and sweet cakes and rolls.  Cassandra ate delicately, cutting her food into small pieces and chewing them well, whilst Jess are voraciously, like a condemned person at their last meal.  Finally, an hour later, Jess pushed away her plate and groaned with pleasure.


 “Cassandra – have you, I mean – can I ask you…” Jess blushed, and then coughed lightly into her hand.


 Cassandra raised an eyebrow inquisitively, as she nervously wrapped her long, muscular tail around her waist and began petting it.  “Have I – what?”


 Jess blushed even harder, and then her words rushed out in a breathless gasp.


 “Have you and – you know – ever…”


 Cassandra frowned, then blinked as she realised what Jess meant.  “No – I mean, that’s not to say, I have not fantasized – about what he’d be…you know!”


 Jess and Cassandra both laughed quietly, and Jess reached across and tenderly picked up Cassandra’s paw, then turned it over.  Cassandra watched with interest, and stifled the shiver that threatened to run up her spine.


 “As…” Jess began, then bit her tongue and lightly traced over the pale paw pads on Cassandra’s paw.  “He…said – he knows I’ve…been with – “




 Cassandra nodded then shyly, she reached over with her other paw and laid it on Jess hand, feeling the human trembling.  Squeezing Jess’ hand tenderly, Cassie smiled as innocently as she could, knowing her sharp incisors often unnerved those not used to seeing them.


 “You did – what you did, not for pleasure, or love – but for money to keep yourself alive.  I don’t hold that against you Jess, and neither will Master Blaze.  Yet, do you mind – if I ask you something?”


 Jess giggled nervously, then nodded slowly, as she reached over and picked up a wedge of goats milk cheese and bit down on it.


 “Have you – I mean…you’ve obviously experienced – encounters with others, and that’s none of my business to ask and bring up painful memories, but did you – you know – have you ever laid…with one like me?”  Cassandra asked, as she squeezed Jess’s hand gently.


 “Truthfully – “ Jess sighed, then shivered and closed her eyes.  “I’ve met – a few of your kind before.  I’ve…bedded mares, humans, numerous canines – on some occasions – the…non-human-like type…”


 Jess’s voice caught in her throat, and Cassandra squeezed her hand lightly, and then pet it tenderly.


 “I’m…sorry for asking you – please accept my apologies.”  Cassandra whispered.


 Jess sniffled, then dried her eyes with her palms and smiled nervously.  “Its – alright Cassandra, you did not know, and honestly – I’m…very seriously thinking of accepting…his…offer.”


 Cassandra nodded once, then picked up the bowl of warm honey mead and sipped it, her eyes closing in pleasure as she felt the sweet alcoholic liquid running over her long tongue and down her throat.


 “Master Blaze – whilst never – you know, showing an interest – of that nature towards me, has been a kind, gentle and generous master to me for many years.  I do not think I could have asked for a nicer creature to serve.”  Cassandra sighed, then pet Jess’ hand again.  “I think however – you…have his attention, if you know what I mean.”


 Jess stared then laughed shyly.  “He wouldn’t – I mean, me and – him? He’s a – “


 “A stallion, yes – believe me, he’s quite some stallion I might add, as I’ve washed his back on the odd occasion, when he’s requested it.” Cassandra blushed herself, her whiskers trembling, as she bit back the laughter that bubbled up in her throat.  “I mean – he, I’m sure, would be extremely gentle if he took one of us as his partner.”








 Jess squirmed, as she pondered what it’d be like, lying in a soft bed, feeling those powerful furred legs wrapped around her and him taking her into his arms and making slowly, sensuous love with her.  As if reading her mind, Cassandra nodded and pet Jess’ hand gently.  “Trust me – you’re not alone in wondering what it’d be like – me? I would…could not…go through with it, as…well – it would not be at all pleasant. Anyway, come with me – and I’ll show you to your chambers, and get you settled shall I?”


 In his study, Blaze gazed intently into the crystal ball that lay on its triangular stand, and he saw and heard through its magick, what had transpired between these two young females.  His eyebrow quirked up, then a shiver rippled through him, as he thought over Jess’ comments about him bedding her.  It had been many, many years since he had taken a female into his bed.  When he had felt the need, his paws had always served him capably well – and he closed his eyes and leant back in his chair, feeling the faint stirring of desire forming in his mind.  He promised himself one thing, if Jess accepted, he would hold back on his feelings for her, until she was certain – then he swore silently, he’d do all he could to make her happy – and if that meant bedding her, then so be it.


 With a soft wicker of pleasure, Blaze moaned and shivered again, then leant back over his workbench and licked a claw tip, before he pinched the flame of the beeswax candle between two fingers – and plunged his study into almost perfect darkness, the faint glow of the workbench runes gleaming brighter and brighter as he closed his eyes – then began to dream.


To Be Continued.