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[url=https://ko-fi.com/gabrieldrake]Buy me a Ko-Fi[/url]", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Gabriel Drake, one-time mercenary turned adventurer takes on his first guild contract. It turned out a bit more than he bargained for.

If you liked this story, maybe...  Buy me a Ko-Fi", "writing": "[center]Gabriel’s First Contract[/center][b][/b]\n\nThe afternoon sun filtered through the grimy windows of the Wayside Inn, casting long shadows across the well-worn wooden floor. Gabriel Drake sat in the corner, his deep-bronze tinted scales catching the light as he nursed a tankard of ale. The dragon's tail swayed nervously behind him—his first solo contract for the Adventurers' Guild, and he didn't even know who he was meeting.\n\nThe tavern buzzed with the familiar sounds of off-duty guardsmen sharing stories and complaints about their shifts. It was too early in the day for honest tradesmen or travelers and Gabriel had chosen it as one of the safer taverns despite being outside the city proper.\n\nGabriel's emerald eyes darted over each new arrival, wondering which might be his mysterious contact. The guild offer said only to meet someone with \"urgent business\" who would identify themselves with the phrase \"the wind brings strange scents.\" It wasn’t really much to go on.\n\nWhen the door creaked open again, Gabriel almost dismissed the small figure that entered. A young raccoon, whose head couldn’t have reached the dragon's chest if the two were standing side-by-side, slipped inside with practiced stealth. His mask-like markings were smudged with dirt and his clothes, albeit mostly clean, bore the telltale patches of someone making do with very little.\n\nThe raccoon's dark eyes swept the room before settling on Gabriel. He approached with a confidence that seemed at odds with his youthful appearance. The raccoon said the passphrase quietly, and upon Gabriel’s nod, slid into the seat across from the larger beastman.\n\nGabriel blinked in surprise. \"You're my contact? You can't be more than…\"\n\n\"Sixteen winters,\" the raccoon interrupted, but looked maybe even one or two shy of that. \"Name's Bernie. And before you start having second thoughts, I've got real gold to pay with.\" He produced a small leather pouch and set it on the table with a satisfying clink.\n\nGabriel leaned forward, lowering his voice. \"I'm listening.\"\n\nBernie's fingers drummed nervously on the table, his bravado cracking slightly. \"It's my brother, Pip. He's only ten. We, uh… we live in the Rough, been on our own since our parents died of that flux a few years back. I always keep an eye on him, but he vanished a couple days ago while I was on a job.\"\n\n\"Kids go missing in the Rough all the time,\" Gabriel said carefully. \"What makes you think…\"\n\n\"Because six others are gone too. All younger boys and all taken from the same ward.\" Bernie's voice hardened. \"Word on the street is slavers are working our quarter. They're getting bold, and the city watch won't do nothing about it. Not for Rough kids.\"\n\nGabriel studied the young raccoon, noting the calluses on his fingers and the way his hand rested near his jacket pocket. Likely ready to grab a concealed knife. Street smart, certainly. Probably ran with one of the lesser gangs, maybe even the Thieves' Guild itself.\n\n\"Twenty-five gold coins,\" Bernie said, pushing the pouch closer. \"Ten now, fifteen when we bring Pip back safe.\"\n\nIt was more than Gabriel had expected for his first job. Too much, really, for a simple missing person case. \"Where'd you get this kind of gold, Bernie?\"\n\nThe raccoon's jaw tightened. \"Does it matter? It's real, and it's yours if you help me. I've got... connections. People who owe me favors. This is everything I could call in.\" He hesitated, “My brother’s all I got of real value.”\n\nGabriel picked up the pouch, weighing it in his clawed hand. The gold was real, all right. And despite his suspicions about Bernie's affiliations, the desperation in the young raccoon's eyes was genuine.\n\n\"All right, I'll help you find your brother,\" Gabriel said, tucking the pouch into his belt. \"My name’s Gabriel, by the way.\" He could do worse for a first guild job.\n\nGabriel stood, his impressive height causing a few guardsmen to glance their way. \"Let's start with…\"\n\n\"Leaving so soon, gentlemen?\"\n\nThe gravelly voice belonged to a grizzled bulldog in a guard lieutenant's uniform. His scarred muzzle and knowing eyes marked him as a veteran of more than just city patrol duty. He moved with surprising speed for his bulk, positioning himself between them and the door. And he was imposing despite being a hair shorter than the ‘coon boy.\n\nBernie tensed, but Gabriel placed a steadying hand on the raccoon's shoulder.\n\n\"Just heading out for some business, Lieutenant...?\" he let the words trail of awaiting the guards name.\n\n\"Club,\" the badger said with a wry smile. \"That's what everyone calls me, anyway.\" He tapped the well-worn truncheon at his belt. \"Been carrying this so long, the name stuck.\"\n\n\"We're not looking for trouble,\" Bernie said quickly.\n\nClub chuckled. \"Easy, kit. I'm not here to hassle you. Couldn't help but overhear some of your conversation.\" He glanced around, then moved closer. \"Those missing younglings from the Rough, you said?\"\n\nGabriel nodded cautiously. The city watch typically avoided getting involved in Rough quarter problems.\n\n\"Thought so.\" Club scratched his chin thoughtfully. \"My boys at the Northgate reported something odd this morning. Three mercenaries—rough sort, the kind that make their living in the darker corners of the world—passed through just after dawn. They had six boys with them. Claimed they were new recruits heading out for training.\"\n\n“Pip!” Bernie's eyes widened. \"Was there a young raccoon?\"\n\n\"My men didn't get a close look, but they said the boys seemed... off. Too young for mercenary work, too quiet for willing recruits.\" Club's expression darkened. \"And one more thing—the mercs were nervous. Kept looking over their shoulders and wanted to get through the gate fast.” He seemed a bit abashed, “But they couldn’t detain them on that alone.”\n\n\"Which way did they go?\" Gabriel asked.\n\n\"West. Headed to the Thornwood. If they're slavers like you suspect, they might be heading for the old logging camps. Plenty of abandoned buildings out there, good place to hold people until you can move them to buyers.\"\n\nBernie was already moving toward the door, but Gabriel caught his arm. \"Wait. Lieutenant Club, why are you telling us this?\"\n\nThe old badger's eyes softened. \"Because I've got a soft spot for them Rough boys. Wouldn’t know it, but I grew up there myself.” He lowered his voice a bit, “And because the captain won't authorize a patrol into the Thornwood without more evidence. By the time I convince him, those boys'll be long gone.\" He fixed Gabriel with a steady gaze. \"But a guild adventurer, working a private contract? Well, that's different.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" Gabriel said sincerely as he and Bernie turned for the door.\n\nClub waved them off. \"Don't thank me yet. The Thornwoods can be dangerous, even in daylight. And if these are the slavers I think they are...\" He shook his head. \"Just be careful. And if you find those boys, you get them out first. Don't try to be heroes.\"\n\nThe evening sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon as Gabriel and Bernie passed through Veloria's outskirts: scant houses, wood mills, and woodsmen’s huts. No one gave them only a cursory glance—an adventurer and his client were common enough sights.\n\nBernie had been silent since leaving the inn, his usual bravado replaced by barely contained urgency. As they reached the edge of the Thornwood, where the rough fields gave way to wild forest, Gabriel finally spoke. \"We need a plan. Charging in blind won't help your brother.\"\n\nBernie nodded reluctantly. \"The old logging camps are about three, four hours trudge into the forest. I know of three of them, all abandoned. If I needed a place to hide out, or to hide some kidnapped kids...\"\n\n\"You'd use the one furthest from the road,\" Gabriel finished. \"Less chance of random travelers stumbling across you.\"\n\n\"North camp, then. It's the oldest and most isolated.\" Bernie paused at the forest edge. \"You know, most sellswords would've taken my gold and done a half-hearted search and then left me to finish the job on my own. Why are you different?\"\n\nGabriel considered the question as they entered the woods, the canopy immediately muting the dying sunlight. \"Because I remember what it's like to be young and alone. And because the guild isn't just about the gold—it's about helping people who can't help themselves.\"\n\nBernie made a sound that might have been a laugh. \"Noble words for a dragon. Don’t your kind usually just pillage villages or capture virgins?\"\n\n\"Maybe that's why I left home,\" Gabriel said quietly. \"To be something different.\" His tone and gruff demeanor seemed to silence the conversation. \n\nThey moved deeper into the Thornwood, following the rough road at first. But as midday turned to late afternoon, they turned off on an overgrown logging trail and traveled deeper into the forest. Gabriel's superior vision helped navigate the increasing gloom, while Bernie's smaller size let him move almost silently through the underbrush.\n\nAbout halfway through their journey into the Thornwood, Gabriel began to feel the pressing consequence of consuming too much watered-down ale at the inn. The dragon slowed his pace, motioning at Bernie who was focused intently on the path ahead.\n\n\"Need to make a quick stop,\" Gabriel said, gesturing vaguely toward the denser trees. \"I need to… water the trees,\" he said with a chuckle.\n\nBernie's ears perked up at the laughter, and he nodded quickly. \"Yeah, actually... me too.\"\n\nGabriel moved off the trail, seeking some privacy among the larger oaks. He was mildly surprised when Bernie followed rather than finding his own spot. The raccoon seemed nervous about being left alone, even briefly, in the darkening forest.\n\n\"Don't worry, I'm not abandoning you,\" Gabriel said with gentle amusement, understanding the young raccoon's concern.\n\n\"I'm not worried,\" Bernie said too quickly, his bravado returning. \"Just... really need to let out a splash of piss too.\"\n\nGabriel turned slightly away and began loosening his leather trousers. Despite his attempts at discretion, he caught Bernie's eyes widening as the dragon freed his scaled sheath. The size difference between their species was... notable.\n\nBernie quickly averted his gaze, fumbling with his own worn breeches, clearly flustered. His striped tail twitched nervously as he tried to position himself to maintain some dignity while still keeping Gabriel in sight.\n\n\"First time seeing a dragon's anatomy?\" Gabriel asked with another gentle chuckle, trying to ease the awkward tension. His stream was characteristically powerful against the vegetation—an unfortunate sapling’s leaves were left spinning and bending under the torrent.\n\nBernie's face flushed beneath his mask markings. \"I... the Rough doesn't exactly have many dragons,\" he mumbled, his own stream was modest by comparison. He kept his hand mostly concealing his own furry sheath. \"Don't know how you even walk with that thing.\"\n\n\"Practice,\" Gabriel said dryly, finishing up and giving several long slow shakes. He pretended not to notice Bernie stealing another glance. \"Ready to keep moving?\"\n\n“After you put that thing away.” Bernie hastily finished and fixed his own breeches, his usual cockiness somewhat shaken. \"Right. The camp's not far now.\"\n\nGabriel couldn’t help but give a few more unnecessary shakes and the raccoon’s eyes seemed to follow every sway of his heft dragon dick. “Those last dregs never seem to come out.” He unceremoniously tucked his dragonhood back into his trousers and they turned back.\n\n“Heh,” the younger coon huffed in agreement. “The last drops always end up staining your pants.”\n\nAs they returned to the trail, Gabriel noticed Bernie maintaining a slightly greater distance than before, occasionally shooting him unreadable glances. The dragon filed it away as another reminder of how young his client really was, despite his street-smart demeanor.\n\n\"Focus on your brother,\" Gabriel said quietly. \"That's what matters right now.\"\n\nBernie's expression hardened with renewed purpose. \"Right. Pip first. Everything else... doesn't matter.\"\n\nThey continued deeper into the Thornwood, the awkward moment fading as the danger ahead loomed larger. But Gabriel caught Bernie's tail still twitching occasionally, betraying that the young raccoon's thoughts weren't entirely on the mission.\n\nAfter another hour of travel, they were close to their intended destination. Then Bernie suddenly froze, holding up a hand. Gabriel stopped, listening. Voices carried faintly on the evening breeze.\n\n\"...should've been back by now...\"\n\n\"...boss don't like delays...\"\n\n\"...keep them quiet...\"\n\nGabriel and Bernie exchanged glances. They'd found their quarry.\n\nBernie's hand went to his knife, but Gabriel shook his head. They needed to scout first, understand what they were facing. Three mercenaries, Club said, had left the city in the morning, but there might be more.\n\nAs they crept closer, the old logging camp came into view through the trees. A small collection of weathered buildings surrounded a central clearing. Smoke rose from one chimney—perhaps the old foreman's cabin, as Gabriel judged the typical layout of such camps.\n\nTwo figures patrolled the clearing, both armed with swords and wearing mismatched armor. Gabriel could smell more furs inside the cabin, including the distinctive scent of fear that clung to the young.\n\n\"There,\" Bernie whispered, pointing to a boarded-up storage building. \"They must be keeping them in there. I can hear movement.\"\n\nGabriel studied the camp layout, his military training from before joining the guild kicking in. Two guards visible with at least one more inside with the prisoners. That would make three. But likely there were reinforcements in the main cabin.\n\n\"We wait for full dark,\" Gabriel decided. \"Then we make our move by moonlight\"\n\nBernie's tail twitched with impatience, but he nodded. His brother was close, but rushing now could doom them all.\n\nAs the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky, Gabriel and Bernie prepared to rescue the stolen children. The dragon's first guild contract was about to become far more dangerous than he'd anticipated, but looking at Bernie's determined face, he knew he'd made the right choice.\n\nThe night was young, and they had work to do.\n\nGabriel and Bernie retreated to a small clearing about a quarter-mile from the slaver camp, far enough to avoid detection but close enough to move quickly when the time came. The dragon gathered some dry branches while Bernie unpacked modest provisions from his worn pack.\n\n\"No fire,\" Gabriel said quietly, arranging the wood anyway. \"But having it ready might be useful later.\"\n\nBernie nodded, pulling out strips of dried meat and a cloth bundle of mixed berries and apple slices. \"Figured you'd be a meat-only type,\" he said, offering Gabriel the larger portion of jerky.\n\n\"Mostly, but I've learned to appreciate variety.\" Gabriel accepted the food, noting how Bernie had packed more fruit than meat for himself. \"Raccoon preference?\"\n\n\"Pip loves berries,\" Bernie said softly, staring at the fruit. \"Always save some for him when I can find them.\"\n\nThey ate in silence for a moment, the forest sounds growing louder as daylight faded. Finally, Gabriel spoke. \"You move well in the shadows. Naturally talented, or trained?\"\n\nBernie's shoulders tensed. \"Does it matter?\"\n\n\"It might, when we're in there.\" Gabriel gestured toward the camp. \"I need to know what skills you have.\"\n\nThe young raccoon sighed, his ringed tail curling around his feet. \"Fine. I'm with the Beggar's Union. Well, sort of.\" At Gabriel's raised eye ridge, he clarified, \"That's what the common folk call the thieves' guild. I'm just a lookout, really. Sometimes a messenger. They don't let kids do real jobs until they're sixteen.\"\n\n\"But they pay you?\"\n\n\"Copper coins for watching, silver if I spot something important.\" Bernie's voice turned bitter. \"Was saving up for a room at Mother Kelley's boarding house. She'd take us in for three gold a month, give us a real roof instead of whatever empty building we could find.\"\n\nGabriel studied the boy—for that's what he was, really, beneath the street-tough exterior—definitely not sixteen afterall. \"So you turned your saved coins into gold and hired guild help.\"\n\n\"The Union wouldn't help. Said Pip wasn't a member, so he wasn't their problem.\" Bernie's fists clenched. \"But I know people, hear things. Old Gareth at the ironworks owed me for warning him about a watch raid. Marie the fence threw in some coins because Pip used to make her laugh. Even got a donation from someone who just felt sorry for us.\"\n\n\"Twenty-five gold is still a lot from those sources.\"\n\nBernie met his gaze defiantly. \"I may have also lifted a few purses….” He stumbled when he saw Gabriel’s stern look. “Only from merchants who wouldn't miss it. I'm not proud, but I'm not sorry either. Not if it gets Pip back.\"\n\nGabriel considered this, then nodded slowly. \"Family makes us do things we wouldn't otherwise consider. I understand that.\"\n\n\"Do you?\" Bernie challenged. \"What would a dragon know about desperation?\"\n\n\"More than you'd think.\" Gabriel leaned back, his scales catching the dying light. \"I wasn't always an adventurer. Several years ago, I was a mercenary recruit with the Iron Scales company. Thought I was going to be a soldier, fighting for causes, protecting people.\"\n\nHe paused, the memory still bitter. \"Our first real mission, we were hired to defend a village from bandits. Except when we got there, our captain decided the village had more wealth than our contract was worth. And we became the bandits.\"\n\nBernie's eyes widened. \"What did you do?\"\n\n\"I tried to stop them. Got this for my trouble.\" Gabriel traced a scar along his forearm, barely visible beneath his scales. \"Captain said I was too soft, that a dragon should understand the value of taking what you can. I left that night. I eventually made my way to Veloria and joined the adventurer's guild instead.\"\n\n\"Is that why you took my job? Guilt?\"\n\nGabriel shook his head. \"Redemption, maybe. Or just trying to be the person I thought I was when I signed up with the Iron Scales.\" He looked at Bernie seriously. \n\n\"Your guild skills—lockpicking?\" The abrupt change of topic caught the coon off-guard.\n\n\"Um. Some. I'm better at climbing and squeezing through tight spaces.\" Bernie pulled out a set of basic picks. \"These were my dad's. He was a locksmith before the flux took him.\"\n\n\"An honest locksmith?\"\n\nBernie managed a small smile. \"Mostly. He always said locks were meant to keep honest people honest. The dishonest ones would find a way in regardless.\"\n\nThe forest was truly dark now, only Gabriel's superior vision allowing them to see clearly. In the distance, they could hear occasional shouts from the slaver camp.\n\n\"They're getting ready for something,\" Gabriel observed. \"Moving the boys tonight, probably.\"\n\n\"Then we need to go soon.\" Bernie's hands fidgeted with his lockpicks. \"Gabriel... what if we're too late? What if Pip is already—\"\n\n\"We'll find him,\" Gabriel said firmly with an even firmer hand on the teen’s back. He couldn’t help notice how his palm covered nearly all the younger man’s back. \"Club's information was only from this morning. They're still here, which means the boys are too.\"\n\nBernie nodded, trying to compose himself. \"Right. So what's the plan?\"\n\nGabriel sketched a rough map in the dirt hoping the coon could still make out the shapes in the twilight. \"Two guards patrolling. At least one inside with the prisoners. Unknown numbers in the main cabin. We need to get the boys out before raising any general alarm.\"\n\n\"I could scale the back of the prison building,\" Bernie suggested, pointing to the square that marked the storehouse. \"I spotted a ventilation gap near the roof. Too small for most, but I could fit.\"\n\n\"And then?\"\n\n\"Drop down inside, keep the boys quiet, pick the lock from the inside.\" Bernie's confidence was returning now that they had a plan. \"You handle the guards outside. And hopefully you can draw out the one from the storehouse.\"\n\n\"Quietly,\" Gabriel emphasized. \"A dragon fighting is not exactly subtle. Once they know we're here, everything gets harder.\"\n\nBernie pulled out his knife, testing its edge. \"I've never... I mean, in a real fight...\"\n\n\"Stay with the prisoners,\" Gabriel told him. \"Get them out, get them to safety. That's your only job. I'll handle whatever else comes.\"\n\nThe young raccoon looked like he wanted to protest, then nodded. \"Pip first. Always Pip first.\"\n\nAs they prepared to move out, Gabriel placed a hand on Bernie's shoulder. \"Your father would be proud. Using his skills to save your brother.\"\n\nBernie's eyes glistened in the darkness. \"Thanks. And Gabriel? After this is over... the guild, do they take anyone?\"\n\n\"If you're willing to work and learn? Yes.\" Gabriel smiled slightly. \"Though you’ll need to wait until you're properly sixteen. Guild contracts can be dangerous.\"\n\n\"More dangerous than the Rough?\"\n\nIt was a fair point. They gathered their things, checked their weapons, and moved silently toward the camp. The rescue was about to begin, and Gabriel found himself oddly protective of the young thief-turned-client at his side. Whatever happened next, he'd make sure both brothers made it home safely.\n\nAt the edge of the clearing, Gabriel felt Bernie tense beside him. Then the young raccoon turned suddenly, wrapping his arms briefly around the dragon's waist in a fierce hug before pulling back, embarrassed.\n\n\"For luck,\" Bernie mumbled.\n\nGabriel patted his shoulder once more. \"Remember, get them out. That's all.\"\n\nBernie nodded and melted into the shadows, circling toward the prison building. Gabriel pulled his quarterstaff from its holster across his back, the ironwood weapon felt heavy and reassuring in his grip. Most expected dragons to favor longswords or their own claws, but Gabriel had learned the value of reach and non-lethal options during his mercenary training.\n\nHe watched Bernie scale the storehouse building's wall with impressive agility, disappearing through the ventilation gap just as the nearest guard completed his circuit. Perfect timing.\n\nGabriel focused on the hyena guard approaching his position. The mercenary looked bored, his sword loose in its sheath, clearly not expecting trouble. Gabriel shifted deeper into the underbrush and let out a low grunt, followed by a snorting wheeze—a passable imitation of a wild boar in rut.\n\nThe hyena's ears perked up immediately. \"The hell was that?\" He moved toward the sound, hand on his sword hilt. \"Jasper, you hear that?\"\n\nThe bear guard on the far side of the clearing waved dismissively. \"Probably just a pig. Check it out if you're so worried.\"\n\nGabriel grunted again, adding the sound of breaking branches. The hyena moved closer, pushing through the undergrowth. \"Here, piggy pig—\"\n\nThe ironwood staff struck him across the temple with precision force. The hyena's eyes rolled back and he crumpled, unconscious before he hit the ground. Gabriel quickly dragged him deeper into the forest, using rope from his pack to bind and gag him.\n\nOne down.\n\nThe bear, Jasper apparently, was going to be more challenging. Nearly Gabriel's height and twice as broad, with proper chain mail instead of the hyena's leather armor. He seemed eary at his companions' sudden silence. \n\n“Whatcha find, Dingle?” he said as he began to draw his rusty sword.\n\nGabriel emerged from the forest edge, staff at the ready.\n\n\"Shit!\" Jasper had his sword out in an instant. \"INTRUDER! WE'VE GOT—\"\n\nGabriel rushed forward, using his staff's reach to strike at Jasper's sword hand before he could finish the alarm. The bear cursed and shifted his grip, showing actual training as he moved into a defensive stance.\n\n\"Fucking scum,\" Jasper snarled. \"You picked the wrong camp.\"\n\nThey circled each other in the clearing. Jasper made the first real move, a powerful overhead swing that would have split Gabriel in half. The dragon sidestepped and brought his staff around in a crushing blow to Jasper's ribs. The chain mail absorbed most of the impact, but the bear still grunted in pain.\n\nThe fight was brutal and loud. Jasper's sword thunked loudly against Gabriel's staff while the dragon's weapon found gaps in the bear's defense: a strike to the knee, a thrust to the solar plexus. They were evenly matched in strength, but Gabriel had reach and speed.\n\nFinally, Jasper overextended on a wild swing. Gabriel stepped inside his guard and brought the staff up in a devastating uppercut that lifted the bear off his feet. Jasper crashed down, groaning, and Gabriel finished him with a precise strike to the head.\n\n\"What the fuck is going on out there?\"\n\nTwo wolves emerged from the main cabin—lean, scarred fighters with matched short swords. They moved with the fluid grace of experienced killers, spreading out to flank Gabriel.\n\n\"Fucking dragon took out Jasper,\" the first wolf said. \"Boss ain't gonna like this.\"\n\n\"Boss ain't here,\" the second replied. \"Just us, Finn.\"\n\nThey attacked simultaneously, forcing Gabriel to spin his staff defensively. These two had fought together before, one going high while the other went low, never giving him a chance to focus on just one opponent.\n\nBut their teamwork had a flaw—they were too used to fighting slower opponents. Gabriel's draconic reflexes let him track both wolves at once. When they crossed paths to switch positions, he struck, sweeping the first wolf's legs while the butt of his staff caught the second in the throat.\n\nThe first wolf went down hard but rolled back to his feet. The second was gasping, clutching his throat. Gabriel pressed the advantage, his staff a blur of motion. The ironwood cracked against the first wolf's skull, dropping him instantly. The second, still struggling to breathe, couldn't defend against the follow-up strike that sent him to join his partner in unconsciousness.\n\nGabriel stood in the clearing, breathing hard, his staff battered but still solid. No more enemies emerged from the cabin. \n\nHe heard a gurgled scream and sprinted to the prison building yanking open the door.\n\nThe scene inside stopped him cold.\n\nBernie knelt beside a rat mercenary's body, a dagger buried in the man's chest. The young raccoon's hands were covered in blood, and tears streamed down his face. Behind him, seven boys—including a small raccoon who had to be Pip—huddled together in the corner.\n\n\"He was... he was going to hurt them,\" Bernie whispered, his voice broken. \"He had his belt off, and he was... I couldn't let him...\"\n\nGabriel quickly assessed the scene, understanding immediately what Bernie had interrupted. His voice was gentle but firm. \"You did what you had to do. You saved them.\"\n\n\"I killed him,\" Bernie said, the words barely audible. \"I've never... oh gods, I killed someone.\"\n\nGabriel knelt beside the young thief, careful not to look at the body. \"Bernie. Look at me.\" When the raccoon's tear-filled eyes met his, Gabriel continued, \"You protected innocents. That's what heroes do. Now we need to get everyone out of here. Can you do that?\"\n\nBernie wiped his eyes, smearing blood across his face. He looked back at the frightened boys, at his brother's terrified face, and something hardened in his expression. \"Yeah. Yeah, I can do that.\"\n\n\"Good. Because we're not done yet, and these boys need you strong.\"\n\nBernie stood on shaky legs, pulling his dagger free with a wet sound that made him gag. But he cleaned it on the dead man's shirt and sheathed it before turning to the prisoners.\n\n\"Pip?\" he called softly. \"It's me. I'm getting you out.\"\n\nThe smaller raccoon broke from the group and ran to his brother, and Gabriel had to look away from their desperate embrace. They still had to get seven traumatized children through a dark forest and back to safety.\n\nBut first, Gabriel needed to check the main cabin and make sure no more surprises awaited them. The night was far from over.\n\n“Get their chains off, I need to make sure there aren’t any more out there.” Gabriel quickly strode back out into the night.\n\nHe swept through the main cabin door quickly, quarterstaff at the ready despite its splintered condition. The interior was worse than he'd expected—filthy straw beds that reeked of unwashed bodies and fear, a dying fire in the hearth casting dancing shadows on stained walls. His eyes caught a small chest sitting on a rickety table near the window.\n\nOn instinct, he grabbed it. The weight suggested coins or valuables—likely the slavers' profits or operational funds. Either way, it wasn't staying here.\n\nHe emerged to find Bernie leading six boys into the clearing, his arm protectively around a smaller raccoon who could only be Pip. The children were a pitiful sight—dirty, frightened, some with visible bruises. A mix of species: two foxes, a young badger, a mouse, and three raccoons including Pip.\n\n\"I've knocked out the others,\" Gabriel said, trying to project calm authority. \"But there could be more coming. We need to get them back to the city tonight, if we can manage it.\"\n\nBernie nodded, his face still pale beneath the blood smears. \"Can they make it?\" he asked, gesturing to the boys.\n\n\"We're okay,\" one of the fox kits said bravely, though his voice shook. \"Just... just get us away from here.\"\n\nGabriel led the ragged group back to their planning clearing, the boys staying close together like a school of frightened fish. Once there, he quickly built up the small fire he'd prepared earlier. The light seemed to ease some of the children's fear.\n\n\"Here,\" Bernie said, pulling out the remaining rations. \"It's not much, but—\"\n\nThe boys fell on the food with desperate hunger. Gabriel watched Bernie carefully dividing the portions, making sure each child got something while taking nothing for himself.\n\n\"You must be Gabriel,\" a small voice said. The younger raccoon—Pip—had approached while his brother distributed food. \"Bernie told me about you. Said you were helping.\"\n\nGabriel crouched down to Pip's level. \"That's right. We're taking you home.\"\n\n\"Bernie always keeps his promises,\" Pip said with the absolute faith only a younger sibling could have. Then his eyes widened. \"Bernie! You're bleeding!\"\n\nGabriel's head snapped around. In the firelight, he could now see the dark stain spreading across Bernie's midsection. The young thief looked down at himself with surprise.\n\n\"Oh,\" Bernie said faintly. \"I guess he... when I stabbed him, he must have...\"\n\nGabriel moved quickly, catching Bernie as his legs wobbled. \"Sit. Now.\"\n\nWith shaking hands, Bernie lifted his torn shirt to reveal a shallow but lengthy cut across his abdomen. Not deep enough to reach anything vital, but bleeding steadily. The adrenaline of the rescue had kept him from feeling it until now.\n\n\"It's not bad,\" Bernie tried to say, but his voice was weak with shock. \"Just a scratch.\"\n\n\"Scratches don't bleed this much.\" Gabriel pulled supplies from his pack. He found a clean cloth and a healing salve that was part of every adventurer's basic kit. \"This is going to sting.\"\n\nPip hovered anxiously as Gabriel cleaned the wound. Bernie hissed through clenched teeth but didn't pull away. The other boys watched with wide eyes, seeing their rescuer revealed as wounded and mortal.\n\n\"You killed someone,\" the badger boy said quietly. \"For us.\"\n\nBernie's face crumpled slightly. \"I... yeah.\"\n\n\"Thank you,\" the boy continued, and the others murmured agreement. \"He was... he was going to do bad things.\"\n\nGabriel finished binding the wound with strips of cloth. It would hold until they could get proper healing in the city. \"Bernie's a hero,\" he said firmly. \"You all are, for surviving this.\"\n\n\"I don't feel like a hero,\" Bernie whispered, but Pip pressed against his side carefully, mindful of the bandages.\n\n\"You're my hero,\" the younger raccoon said simply.\n\nGabriel stood, assessing their situation. Seven traumatized boys, one wounded teenager in shock, and at least a four-hour walk. Although, through a dark forest by moonlight would likely make it longer.\n\n\"Right,\" he said, handing the chest to Pip. \"We're going to move slowly but steadily. Pip, can you carry this?” And continued when the boy nodded. “Stay with Bernie and help him walk. Older boys on the outside, younger in the middle. Everyone stays together.\"\n\n\"What if the bad men wake up?\" the mouse asked fearfully.\n\n\"Then I'll deal with them,\" Gabriel said, his tone leaving no doubt that he would. \"But they won't. Not for hours.\"\n\nHe helped Bernie to his feet, noting how the young raccoon leaned heavily on his brother. The shock was setting in properly now—not just from the wound, but from taking a life. Gabriel had seen it before in young soldiers.\n\n\"One step at a time,\" he told Bernie quietly. \"Just focus on walking. We'll deal with the rest later.\"\n\nBernie nodded, his earlier bravado completely gone. He was just a frightened kid who'd done something terrible to save other kids. Gabriel respected him all the more for it.\n\n\"Sir Gabriel?\" one of the fox boys asked. \"Are we really safe now?\"\n\nGabriel looked at the small group—dirty, scared, but alive and free. \n\nTime was their greatest enemy now. He said firmly. \"I’ll get you home safely. I promise.\"\n\nThey began the long trek back to Veloria, Gabriel leading with his damaged staff while Bernie brought up the rear, supported by Pip and another of the raccoon boys. The chest seemed much bigger in the boy’s arms, but Gabriel needed to keep his hands free.\n\nThe going was slow, but steady. Then they heard the baying of dogs behind them. The feral kind and not the two legged variety.\n\nThe slavers would want their “goods” back and their loot. And he had seven children to see safely home and one brave raccoon to keep from going into shock.\n\nThey were running out of time. Gabriel rushed them faster as they found the main road again.\n\nThe lights of Veloria had never looked so welcoming as when they finally appeared through the trees. But Gabriel heard the telltale sound of feral dogs tramping through the underbrush.\n\nAnd even worse, the sound of a gruff voice, “Get me those boys, men.” They’d been found.\n\n\"Run,\" Gabriel commanded, pushing the children forward. \"Bernie, get them to the gates. Now!\"\n\n\"But—\" Bernie started to protest, swaying on his feet.\n\n\"GO!\" Gabriel roared, spinning to face the pursuit. \"I'll buy you time.\"\n\nThe boys fled, Bernie half-carried between Pip and one of the older foxes. Gabriel planted himself in the path, his splintered quarterstaff held ready. \n\nShapes emerged from the pre-dawn gloom. Six, maybe seven men, with a pack of feral dogs snarling at their sides. But it was the massive figure at their head that made Gabriel's blood run cold.\n\nCaptain Redmane. The scarred red dragon who'd taught Gabriel everything about fighting—and shown him everything he never wanted to become.\n\n\"Well, well,\" Redmane's voice was like grinding stone. \"Gabriel Drake. Should've known when they said a dragon with a staff ruined our operation.\"\n\n\"Captain,\" Gabriel said, his mouth dry. \"Moved from banditry to slavery, I see.\"\n\n\"Profitable times call for profitable measures.\" Redmane stepped into better light, revealing the same cruel features Gabriel remembered, though new scars decorated his muzzle. \"You cost me good soldiers when you deserted. Now you've cost me good merchandise. That's twice you've crossed me, whelp.\"\n\n\"Those aren't merchandise. They're children.\"\n\n\"Same thing, in the right markets.\" Redmane drew his massive sword, the blade Gabriel had seen cut through armor like parchment. \"Tell you what—give me the boys and my gold, and I'll only break three of your limbs. Old times' sake. I’ll even let you pick which one I leave unmarred.\"\n\nGabriel shifted his stance. \"You taught me better than to take bad deals, Captain.\"\n\nRedmane's laugh was like a rockslide. \"I also taught you not to fight battles you can't win. Seven-to-one odds, boy. Plus the dogs.\"\n\n\"Then I'll make it cost you.\" Gabriel's grip tightened on his staff. \"Those children are under my protection.\"\n\n\"Noble to the end. I always hated that about you.\" Redmane gestured to his men. \"Take him. Try to leave him breathing—he'll fetch a good price in the fighting pits.\"\n\nThe slavers advanced, spreading out to encircle him. Gabriel's mind raced, calculating angles, remembering everything Redmane had taught him about group combat. Use the terrain. Make them get in each other's way. \n\nBuy time. Always buy time when outnumbered.\n\nThe first attacker, an eager wolf, rushed in. Gabriel's staff cracked across his jaw, but another slaver was already swinging a blade in his direction. Gabriel twisted, feeling steel part the scales on his shoulder. Hot blood flowed.\n\n\"You're slowing down,\" Redmane observed, not yet joining the fight himself. \"City living makes you soft.\"\n\nGabriel roared, using his tail to sweep one attacker while his staff blocked another's sword. But there were too many. A club struck his ribs. Another blade opened a gash on his thigh. The dogs nipped at his heels, forcing him to divide his attention.\n\n\"Should've stayed a merc, Gabriel,\" Redmane said, finally moving forward. \"At least then you'd have died rich.\"\n\nGabriel raised his staff to block Redmane's first swing. The ironwood, already splintered, shattered completely under the massive sword's impact. The force drove Gabriel to one knee.\n\n\"Pity,\" Redmane raised his sword for the killing blow. \"You had such potent—\"\n\n\"CITY WATCH! STAND DOWN!\"\n\nThe thundering of hooves filled the air. Club's voice boomed across the clearing as a dozen guardsmen on horseback burst from the tree line, weapons drawn and crossbows leveled.\n\nRedmane's sword hesitated in mid-swing. \"You've got to be kidding me.\"\n\n\"Drop your weapons!\" Club commanded from atop his mount. \"You're surrounded and outnumbered!\"\n\nOne of the slavers made the mistake of raising his own crossbow. Three guard bolts sprouted from his chest before he could bring the tip around. He toppled backward, dead as he hit the ground.\n\n\"I said DROP THEM!\" Club roared.\n\nWeapons clattered to the ground. Even Redmane, calculating odds with a mercenary's precision, let his sword fall.\n\n\"Drake,\" Club said, not taking his eyes off the slavers. \"You alive down there?\"\n\n\"More or less,\" Gabriel croaked, struggling to his feet. \"The children?\"\n\n\"Safe. Bernie got them to the gates just as we rode out. Lucky thing I convinced the captain to let me take a dawn patrol, eh?\" Club's tone was light, but his crossbow never wavered from Redmane's chest. \"Even luckier, that I am impatient.\"\n\nRedmane's eyes burned with fury as he looked at Gabriel. \"This isn't over, whelp.\"\n\n\"Actually, it is,\" Club said conversationally. \"Slavery, attempted murder, assault on a guild adventurer—you'll rot in prison for sure. Unless the families of those boys get to you first.\"\n\nAs the guardsmen dismounted to shackle the slavers, Gabriel found himself face-to-face with his former captain one last time.\n\n\"You always were too soft,\" Redmane spat. \"Heart of a merchant, not a warrior.\"\n\n\"Maybe,\" Gabriel said quietly. \"But I get to sleep in a warm bed tonight. Will you?\"\n\nRedmane's only answer was a snarl as the guards dragged him away.\n\nClub dismounted and approached Gabriel, eyeing his wounds critically. \"You look like hell.\"\n\n\"Feel worse,\" Gabriel admitted, the adrenaline fading and leaving only pain. \"Bernie?\"\n\n\"Being tended to. Boy's got grit—stayed conscious long enough to give a full report.\" Club smiled slightly. \"Six children saved, a slaving ring broken, and the ringleader captured. Not bad for your first guild contract.\"\n\n\"After the trial, probably a reward fund for you and young Bernie even.\" Club helped Gabriel toward a spare horse. \"Come on. Let's get you patched up. Heroes shouldn't bleed to death at dawn.\"\n\nAs they rode toward the city gates, Gabriel saw Bernie sitting against the wall, bandaged and wrapped in a guard's cloak. The raccoon raised a hand weakly, and Gabriel returned the gesture.\n\nBehind them, the sun rose fully, painting Veloria's walls gold. It was going to be a beautiful day.\n\nThen he realized Pip wasn’t at his side. And why had the captain mentioned six kids, when there were seven.\n\n[center]* * *[/center]\n\nThe warm water of the bathhouse was exactly what Gabriel's healing body needed. Steam rose from the private pool in the Westgate ward establishment, carrying with it the scent of healing herbs and lavender oil. It had been two weeks since the slaver incident, and while his scales had mostly mended, the deeper aches remained.\n\nGabriel sank lower into the water, letting it lap at his neck. The bathhouse was a favorite indulgence—close to his modest room above Merkle's Bakery, quiet, and accepting of all species. Today he'd even splurged on a private bath with an attendant, using one of Bernie's gold coins. He'd earned the luxury.\n\nHe hadn't seen the young raccoon since that dawn at the gates. The boy had been whisked away by healers while Gabriel was brusquely patched up while giving his report to the watch captain. He'd asked after Bernie a few times but was told the brothers had returned to the Rough to recover.\n\nGabriel smiled to himself, remembering Bernie's fierce determination, the way he'd held that bloodied dagger with shaking hands but hadn't let go until his brother was safe. The boy had more courage than many seasoned soldiers Gabriel had known.\n\n\"Excuse me,\" Gabriel called out, not opening his eyes. \"Could I get some more of those soothing oils? The kind with wintergreen?\"\n\n\"I hope you're not too beat up,\" a familiar voice said. \"You've got a lot of celebrating to do.\"\n\nGabriel's eyes snapped open. Bernie stood where the attendant should have been, looking cleaner and healthier than Gabriel had ever seen him. His clothes were still simple but new, and the hollow look had left his face. Most surprisingly, he was grinning.\n\n\"Bernie? How did you—\"\n\n\"Bribed the attendant to let me surprise you.\" The young raccoon pulled up a stool, seemingly unbothered by Gabriel's state of undress this time. \"Figured I owed you a proper thank you. And, well...\" His grin turned sheepish. \"A confession.\"\n\nGabriel sat up slightly, water sloshing. \"Are you alright? How's Pip?\"\n\n\"He's great. We both are. Got that room at Mother Kelley's, three meals a day, and Pip's even started lessons with the temple school.\" Bernie's tail swished happily. \"All thanks to you.\"\n\n\"I just did what any decent person would have done.\"\n\nBernie laughed. \"No, you did what a hero does. But that's not why I'm here.\" He produced a heavy purse from his vest. \"Remember that chest you grabbed?\"\n\nGabriel nodded slowly.\n\n\"Well, Pip's always been too curious for his own good. Kid knows every hidden path in the Rough, including a few that bypass the city gates entirely.\" Bernie's grin widened. \"He might have... detoured the chest before the watch logged it as evidence.\"\n\n\"Bernie...\"\n\n\"About seventy gold worth of mixed coins.\" Bernie hefted the purse. \"And your share of the take.\"\n\nGabriel stared at the offered gold, then at Bernie's expectant face. \"That's stolen money, Bernie.\"\n\n\"Stolen from slavers. Who stole kids.\" Bernie's expression turned serious. \"Those bastards were going to sell my brother, Gabriel. Sell all of them. Far as I'm concerned, this is justice.\"\n\n\"And I suppose you kept some for yourself?\"\n\n\"Enough to keep us housed and fed for a year.\" Bernie set the purse on the bath's edge. \"Plus, I still owe you fifteen gold from our original deal. I... I never actually had it. Used every coin I could scrape together for that first ten.\"\n\nGabriel looked at the young raccoon—really looked at him. Still thin, but no longer starving. Still clever, but using it to build a better life rather than just survive another day.\n\n\"Keep it, boy,\" Gabriel said finally. \"You two little heroes have earned it.\"\n\nBernie's eyes widened. \"But—\"\n\n\"Consider it an investment.\" Gabriel leaned back in the water. \"In keeping you and Pip off the streets and out of trouble.\"\n\nBernie was quiet for a long moment. Then he tucked the purse back into his vest and stood. \"You know, the Beggar's Union offered me full membership after word got out about the rescue. Said anyone who could knife a full-grown merc had proven himself.\"\n\n\"And?\"\n\n\"I turned them down.\" Bernie moved toward the door, then paused. \"But I've been thinking about what you said. About the adventurer's guild. Do they... do they really take anyone?\"\n\nGabriel smiled. \"I'll sponsor your application myself as soon as you turn 16. I know a hero when I see one.\"\n\nBernie's answering grin lit up his whole face. \"I'll hold you to that, dragon.\" He gave a jaunty salute. \"Enjoy your bath. You've earned that too.\"\n\nAs Bernie stood, the little stool scraped on the wooden planks. The sound seemed so final and he realized it might be quite some time until he saw the racoon again, if ever. \n\nWithout realizing it, he reached out and grasped the former thief’s wrist in his hand. “Join me?”\n\nGabriel didn’t know why he said it, but he didn’t want the racoon to go. He was already thinking of an excuse for why he said it.\n\nAnd to his surprise, Bernie smiled down at him. He watched silently as the raccoon slipped out of his vest and pulled his tunic over his head. His midsection was marred with a fresh scar from the slaver’s knife, but then again so was Gabriel.\n\nBernie unlaced his trousers and let them drop and the shy boy Gabriel remembered from the forest as they pissed side-by-side returned. The raccoon boy covered his sheath with his paw and eased himself into the water.\n\nGabriel, suddenly feeling a bit shy himself, muttered, “there isn’t a lot of room.…” \n\nBut the raccoon just pressed his smaller body against the larger dragon’s. “We’ll make it work.” His arms encircled the drake’s thick neck. And they kissed.\n\nGabriel felt Bernie’s warm, furred body melt against him. And the tell-tale press of the teen’s rapidly hardening cock against his own.\n\nTheir kiss became hungrier as they each gave into their need to be together. Gabriel’s massive arms encircled the boy and he pulled away to whisper, “why are you so irresistibly adorable?”\n\nHe felt the raccoon’s paw reach down and encircle his hardness. “The real question is… why are you so damn big?” \n\nGabriel could feel the smaller fur’s paw couldn’t make it around the girth of his dragon cock. He burst out in laughter, “And I thought you were a hero that wouldn’t back down from a challenge.”\n\nThe raccoon only smirked and ducked his head. Gabriel shivered at the sensation of the raccoon’s warm, wet fur tickling his scales as he slid his body downwards. The small paw angled his massive red spire of dragon meat out of the water and into Bernie’s open maw.\n\nGabriel always denied himself this sort of pleasure - never really being attracted to dragonesses and always putting brotherly comradery before sexual desire. The gentle, wet touch of the coon’s tongue against cock was exquisite. And he gasped and moaned when his head breached past the coons lips and into his mouth. \n\nGabriel covered his muzzle with his own clawed hand to stifle more groans. He didn’t want to alert the attendants. \n\nHe was so overwhelmed by the feelings of his first blowjob and he could feel the impending torrent of cum rising from within his belly before the teen could do much more than suckle his tip.\n\n“Oh, fuck,” he grunted between ragged breaths. “I’m…. cumming.”\n\nThe little raccoon just kept sucking as he exploded in the young fur’s mouth. The boy swallowed as much as he could, but easily half the dragon’s seed gushed out the sides of his eager maw. \n\nThe smaller raccoon continued nursing from his softening cock. He made the cutest little yips with his jaw stuffed full and Gabriel felt little jets of ‘coon cum hitting his shins.\n\n“Damn.” He let out a gentle chuckle. “At least I’m not the only one with a hair trigger.”\n\nThe exhausted raccoon splayed his body over the prone dragon again as they cuddled through their shared afterglow. Gabriel gripped the gently purring teen as if to never let him go.\n\n“Big brute.” Bernie smacked his cheek playfully. “Taking advantage of a poor wounded boy suffering from hero worship.”\n\n“Taking advantage…” he guffawed. “You were on my cock like a starving street rat before I could even blink.”\n\nNow it was the young raccoon’s turn to burst out laughing. “Serves you right for waving that slab of meat around moments after we first met. Dumb dragon.”\n\n“Little thief.” Gabriel groaned. “Stealing my heart when I wasn’t looking.”\n\nThe two laid together for a while longer until Bernie remembered he needed to get back to his little brother. And they parted after a lot more kissing.\n\n“I promise to come visit you again once Pip has started his schooling,” Bernie said while dressing.\n\n“Good. Got to work on your training, to turn you into a proper adventurer,“ Gabriel said. “It’ll require daily… training.\n\n“See you soon, old man.” \n\nOnly after Bernie left, did Gabriel spot the purse of coins still sitting in the stool near the bath. He sank back into the water, chuckling again to himself. \n\nSeventy gold stolen from under the watch's nose by a ten-year-old raccoon. The boy had a bright future ahead of him—hopefully on the right side of the law.\n\nGabriel's first guild contract had been messy, painful, and far more complicated than advertised. But sitting in the warm bath, knowing seven children were safe and two brothers had a chance at a better life, he couldn't bring himself to regret any of it.\n\nWell, except maybe the part where Redmane broke his favorite quarterstaff. He'd have to buy a new one. With Bernie's gold, he could afford a really nice one.\n\nGabriel smiled and called for the real attendant. He had some celebrating to do after all.\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "
Gabriel’s First Contract


The afternoon sun filtered through the grimy windows of the Wayside Inn, casting long shadows across the well-worn wooden floor. Gabriel Drake sat in the corner, his deep-bronze tinted scales catching the light as he nursed a tankard of ale. The dragon's tail swayed nervously behind him—his first solo contract for the Adventurers' Guild, and he didn't even know who he was meeting.

The tavern buzzed with the familiar sounds of off-duty guardsmen sharing stories and complaints about their shifts.  It was too early in the day for honest tradesmen or travelers and Gabriel had chosen it as one of the safer taverns despite being outside the city proper.

Gabriel's emerald eyes darted over each new arrival, wondering which might be his mysterious contact. The guild offer said only to meet someone with "urgent business" who would identify themselves with the phrase "the wind brings strange scents." It wasn’t really much to go on.

When the door creaked open again, Gabriel almost dismissed the small figure that entered. A young raccoon, whose head couldn’t have reached the dragon's chest if the two were standing side-by-side, slipped inside with practiced stealth. His mask-like markings were smudged with dirt and his clothes, albeit mostly clean, bore the telltale patches of someone making do with very little.

The raccoon's dark eyes swept the room before settling on Gabriel. He approached with a confidence that seemed at odds with his youthful appearance. The raccoon said the passphrase quietly, and upon Gabriel’s nod, slid into the seat across from the larger beastman.

Gabriel blinked in surprise. "You're my contact? You can't be more than…"

"Sixteen winters," the raccoon interrupted, but looked maybe even one or two shy of that. "Name's Bernie. And before you start having second thoughts, I've got real gold to pay with." He produced a small leather pouch and set it on the table with a satisfying clink.

Gabriel leaned forward, lowering his voice. "I'm listening."

Bernie's fingers drummed nervously on the table, his bravado cracking slightly. "It's my brother, Pip. He's only ten. We, uh… we live in the Rough, been on our own since our parents died of that flux a few years back. I always keep an eye on him, but he vanished a couple days ago while I was on a job."

"Kids go missing in the Rough all the time," Gabriel said carefully. "What makes you think…"

"Because six others are gone too. All younger boys and all taken from the same ward." Bernie's voice hardened. "Word on the street is slavers are working our quarter. They're getting bold, and the city watch won't do nothing about it. Not for Rough kids."

Gabriel studied the young raccoon, noting the calluses on his fingers and the way his hand rested near his jacket pocket. Likely ready to grab a concealed knife. Street smart, certainly. Probably ran with one of the lesser gangs, maybe even the Thieves' Guild itself.

"Twenty-five gold coins," Bernie said, pushing the pouch closer. "Ten now, fifteen when we bring Pip back safe."

It was more than Gabriel had expected for his first job. Too much, really, for a simple missing person case. "Where'd you get this kind of gold, Bernie?"

The raccoon's jaw tightened. "Does it matter? It's real, and it's yours if you help me. I've got... connections. People who owe me favors. This is everything I could call in." He hesitated, “My brother’s all I got of real value.”

Gabriel picked up the pouch, weighing it in his clawed hand. The gold was real, all right. And despite his suspicions about Bernie's affiliations, the desperation in the young raccoon's eyes was genuine.

"All right, I'll help you find your brother," Gabriel said, tucking the pouch into his belt. "My name’s Gabriel, by the way." He could do worse for a first guild job.

Gabriel stood, his impressive height causing a few guardsmen to glance their way. "Let's start with…"

"Leaving so soon, gentlemen?"

The gravelly voice belonged to a grizzled bulldog in a guard lieutenant's uniform. His scarred muzzle and knowing eyes marked him as a veteran of more than just city patrol duty. He moved with surprising speed for his bulk, positioning himself between them and the door. And he was imposing despite being a hair shorter than the ‘coon boy.

Bernie tensed, but Gabriel placed a steadying hand on the raccoon's shoulder.

"Just heading out for some business, Lieutenant...?" he let the words trail of awaiting the guards name.

"Club," the badger said with a wry smile. "That's what everyone calls me, anyway." He tapped the well-worn truncheon at his belt. "Been carrying this so long, the name stuck."

"We're not looking for trouble," Bernie said quickly.

Club chuckled. "Easy, kit. I'm not here to hassle you. Couldn't help but overhear some of your conversation." He glanced around, then moved closer. "Those missing younglings from the Rough, you said?"

Gabriel nodded cautiously. The city watch typically avoided getting involved in Rough quarter problems.

"Thought so." Club scratched his chin thoughtfully. "My boys at the Northgate reported something odd this morning. Three mercenaries—rough sort, the kind that make their living in the darker corners of the world—passed through just after dawn. They had six boys with them. Claimed they were new recruits heading out for training."

“Pip!” Bernie's eyes widened. "Was there a young raccoon?"

"My men didn't get a close look, but they said the boys seemed... off. Too young for mercenary work, too quiet for willing recruits." Club's expression darkened. "And one more thing—the mercs were nervous. Kept looking over their shoulders and wanted to get through the gate fast.” He seemed a bit abashed, “But they couldn’t detain them on that alone.”

"Which way did they go?" Gabriel asked.

"West. Headed to the Thornwood. If they're slavers like you suspect, they might be heading for the old logging camps. Plenty of abandoned buildings out there, good place to hold people until you can move them to buyers."

Bernie was already moving toward the door, but Gabriel caught his arm. "Wait. Lieutenant Club, why are you telling us this?"

The old badger's eyes softened. "Because I've got a soft spot for them Rough boys. Wouldn’t know it, but I grew up there myself.” He lowered his voice a bit, “And because the captain won't authorize a patrol into the Thornwood without more evidence. By the time I convince him, those boys'll be long gone." He fixed Gabriel with a steady gaze. "But a guild adventurer, working a private contract? Well, that's different."

"Thank you," Gabriel said sincerely as he and Bernie turned for the door.

Club waved them off. "Don't thank me yet. The Thornwoods can be dangerous, even in daylight. And if these are the slavers I think they are..." He shook his head. "Just be careful. And if you find those boys, you get them out first. Don't try to be heroes."

The evening sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon as Gabriel and Bernie passed through Veloria's outskirts: scant houses, wood mills, and woodsmen’s huts. No one gave them only a cursory glance—an adventurer and his client were common enough sights.

Bernie had been silent since leaving the inn, his usual bravado replaced by barely contained urgency. As they reached the edge of the Thornwood, where the rough fields gave way to wild forest, Gabriel finally spoke. "We need a plan. Charging in blind won't help your brother."

Bernie nodded reluctantly. "The old logging camps are about three, four hours trudge into the forest. I know of  three of them, all abandoned. If I needed a place to hide out, or to hide some kidnapped kids..."

"You'd use the one furthest from the road," Gabriel finished. "Less chance of random travelers stumbling across you."

"North camp, then. It's the oldest and most isolated." Bernie paused at the forest edge. "You know, most sellswords would've taken my gold and done a half-hearted search and then left me to finish the job on my own. Why are you different?"

Gabriel considered the question as they entered the woods, the canopy immediately muting the dying sunlight. "Because I remember what it's like to be young and alone. And because the guild isn't just about the gold—it's about helping people who can't help themselves."

Bernie made a sound that might have been a laugh. "Noble words for a dragon. Don’t your kind usually just pillage villages or capture virgins?"

"Maybe that's why I left home," Gabriel said quietly. "To be something different." His tone and gruff demeanor seemed to silence the conversation.

They moved deeper into the Thornwood, following the rough road at first. But as midday turned to late afternoon, they turned off on an overgrown logging trail and traveled deeper into the forest. Gabriel's superior vision helped navigate the increasing gloom, while Bernie's smaller size let him move almost silently through the underbrush.

About halfway through their journey into the Thornwood, Gabriel began to feel the pressing consequence of consuming too much watered-down ale at the inn. The dragon slowed his pace, motioning at Bernie who was focused intently on the path ahead.

"Need to make a quick stop," Gabriel said, gesturing vaguely toward the denser trees. "I need to… water the trees," he said with a chuckle.

Bernie's ears perked up at the laughter, and he nodded quickly. "Yeah, actually... me too."

Gabriel moved off the trail, seeking some privacy among the larger oaks. He was mildly surprised when Bernie followed rather than finding his own spot. The raccoon seemed nervous about being left alone, even briefly, in the darkening forest.

"Don't worry, I'm not abandoning you," Gabriel said with gentle amusement, understanding the young raccoon's concern.

"I'm not worried," Bernie said too quickly, his bravado returning. "Just... really need to let out a splash of piss too."

Gabriel turned slightly away and began loosening his leather trousers. Despite his attempts at discretion, he caught Bernie's eyes widening as the dragon freed his scaled sheath. The size difference between their species was... notable.

Bernie quickly averted his gaze, fumbling with his own worn breeches, clearly flustered. His striped tail twitched nervously as he tried to position himself to maintain some dignity while still keeping Gabriel in sight.

"First time seeing a dragon's anatomy?" Gabriel asked with another gentle chuckle, trying to ease the awkward tension. His stream was characteristically powerful against the vegetation—an unfortunate sapling’s leaves were left spinning and bending under the torrent.

Bernie's face flushed beneath his mask markings. "I... the Rough doesn't exactly have many dragons," he mumbled, his own stream was modest by comparison. He kept his hand mostly concealing his own furry sheath. "Don't know how you even walk with that thing."

"Practice," Gabriel said dryly, finishing up and giving several long slow shakes. He pretended not to notice Bernie stealing another glance. "Ready to keep moving?"

“After you put that thing away.” Bernie hastily finished and fixed his own breeches, his usual cockiness somewhat shaken. "Right. The camp's not far now."

Gabriel couldn’t help but give a few more unnecessary shakes and the raccoon’s eyes seemed to follow every sway of his heft dragon dick. “Those last dregs never seem to come out.” He unceremoniously tucked his dragonhood back into his trousers and they turned back.

“Heh,” the younger coon huffed in agreement. “The last drops always end up staining your pants.”

As they returned to the trail, Gabriel noticed Bernie maintaining a slightly greater distance than before, occasionally shooting him unreadable glances. The dragon filed it away as another reminder of how young his client really was, despite his street-smart demeanor.

"Focus on your brother," Gabriel said quietly. "That's what matters right now."

Bernie's expression hardened with renewed purpose. "Right. Pip first. Everything else... doesn't matter."

They continued deeper into the Thornwood, the awkward moment fading as the danger ahead loomed larger. But Gabriel caught Bernie's tail still twitching occasionally, betraying that the young raccoon's thoughts weren't entirely on the mission.

After another hour of travel, they were close to their intended destination. Then Bernie suddenly froze, holding up a hand. Gabriel stopped, listening. Voices carried faintly on the evening breeze.

"...should've been back by now..."

"...boss don't like delays..."

"...keep them quiet..."

Gabriel and Bernie exchanged glances. They'd found their quarry.

Bernie's hand went to his knife, but Gabriel shook his head. They needed to scout first, understand what they were facing. Three mercenaries, Club said, had left the city in the morning, but there might be more.

As they crept closer, the old logging camp came into view through the trees. A small collection of weathered buildings surrounded a central clearing. Smoke rose from one chimney—perhaps the old foreman's cabin, as Gabriel judged the typical layout of such camps.

Two figures patrolled the clearing, both armed with swords and wearing mismatched armor. Gabriel could smell more furs inside the cabin, including the distinctive scent of fear that clung to the young.

"There," Bernie whispered, pointing to a boarded-up storage building. "They must be keeping them in there. I can hear movement."

Gabriel studied the camp layout, his military training from before joining the guild kicking in. Two guards visible with at least one more inside with the prisoners. That would make three. But likely there were reinforcements in the main cabin.

"We wait for full dark," Gabriel decided. "Then we make our move by moonlight"

Bernie's tail twitched with impatience, but he nodded. His brother was close, but rushing now could doom them all.

As the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky, Gabriel and Bernie prepared to rescue the stolen children. The dragon's first guild contract was about to become far more dangerous than he'd anticipated, but looking at Bernie's determined face, he knew he'd made the right choice.

The night was young, and they had work to do.

Gabriel and Bernie retreated to a small clearing about a quarter-mile from the slaver camp, far enough to avoid detection but close enough to move quickly when the time came. The dragon gathered some dry branches while Bernie unpacked modest provisions from his worn pack.

"No fire," Gabriel said quietly, arranging the wood anyway. "But having it ready might be useful later."

Bernie nodded, pulling out strips of dried meat and a cloth bundle of mixed berries and apple slices. "Figured you'd be a meat-only type," he said, offering Gabriel the larger portion of jerky.

"Mostly, but I've learned to appreciate variety." Gabriel accepted the food, noting how Bernie had packed more fruit than meat for himself. "Raccoon preference?"

"Pip loves berries," Bernie said softly, staring at the fruit. "Always save some for him when I can find them."

They ate in silence for a moment, the forest sounds growing louder as daylight faded. Finally, Gabriel spoke. "You move well in the shadows. Naturally talented, or trained?"

Bernie's shoulders tensed. "Does it matter?"

"It might, when we're in there." Gabriel gestured toward the camp. "I need to know what skills you have."

The young raccoon sighed, his ringed tail curling around his feet. "Fine. I'm with the Beggar's Union. Well, sort of." At Gabriel's raised eye ridge, he clarified, "That's what the common folk call the thieves' guild. I'm just a lookout, really. Sometimes a messenger. They don't let kids do real jobs until they're sixteen."

"But they pay you?"

"Copper coins for watching, silver if I spot something important." Bernie's voice turned bitter. "Was saving up for a room at Mother Kelley's boarding house. She'd take us in for three gold a month, give us a real roof instead of whatever empty building we could find."

Gabriel studied the boy—for that's what he was, really, beneath the street-tough exterior—definitely not sixteen afterall. "So you turned your saved coins into gold and hired guild help."

"The Union wouldn't help. Said Pip wasn't a member, so he wasn't their problem." Bernie's fists clenched. "But I know people, hear things. Old Gareth at the ironworks owed me for warning him about a watch raid. Marie the fence threw in some coins because Pip used to make her laugh. Even got a donation from someone who just felt sorry for us."

"Twenty-five gold is still a lot from those sources."

Bernie met his gaze defiantly. "I may have also lifted a few purses….” He stumbled when he saw Gabriel’s stern look. “Only from merchants who wouldn't miss it. I'm not proud, but I'm not sorry either. Not if it gets Pip back."

Gabriel considered this, then nodded slowly. "Family makes us do things we wouldn't otherwise consider. I understand that."

"Do you?" Bernie challenged. "What would a dragon know about desperation?"

"More than you'd think." Gabriel leaned back, his scales catching the dying light. "I wasn't always an adventurer. Several years ago, I was a mercenary recruit with the Iron Scales company. Thought I was going to be a soldier, fighting for causes, protecting people."

He paused, the memory still bitter. "Our first real mission, we were hired to defend a village from bandits. Except when we got there, our captain decided the village had more wealth than our contract was worth. And we became the bandits."

Bernie's eyes widened. "What did you do?"

"I tried to stop them. Got this for my trouble." Gabriel traced a scar along his forearm, barely visible beneath his scales. "Captain said I was too soft, that a dragon should understand the value of taking what you can. I left that night. I eventually made my way to Veloria and joined the adventurer's guild instead."

"Is that why you took my job? Guilt?"

Gabriel shook his head. "Redemption, maybe. Or just trying to be the person I thought I was when I signed up with the Iron Scales." He looked at Bernie seriously.

"Your guild skills—lockpicking?" The abrupt change of topic caught the coon off-guard.

"Um. Some. I'm better at climbing and squeezing through tight spaces." Bernie pulled out a set of basic picks. "These were my dad's. He was a locksmith before the flux took him."

"An honest locksmith?"

Bernie managed a small smile. "Mostly. He always said locks were meant to keep honest people honest. The dishonest ones would find a way in regardless."

The forest was truly dark now, only Gabriel's superior vision allowing them to see clearly. In the distance, they could hear occasional shouts from the slaver camp.

"They're getting ready for something," Gabriel observed. "Moving the boys tonight, probably."

"Then we need to go soon." Bernie's hands fidgeted with his lockpicks. "Gabriel... what if we're too late? What if Pip is already—"

"We'll find him," Gabriel said firmly with an even firmer hand on the teen’s back. He couldn’t help notice how his palm covered nearly all the younger man’s back. "Club's information was only from this morning. They're still here, which means the boys are too."

Bernie nodded, trying to compose himself. "Right. So what's the plan?"

Gabriel sketched a rough map in the dirt hoping the coon could still make out the shapes in the twilight. "Two guards patrolling. At least one inside with the prisoners. Unknown numbers in the main cabin. We need to get the boys out before raising any general alarm."

"I could scale the back of the prison building," Bernie suggested, pointing to the square that marked the storehouse. "I spotted a ventilation gap near the roof. Too small for most, but I could fit."

"And then?"

"Drop down inside, keep the boys quiet, pick the lock from the inside." Bernie's confidence was returning now that they had a plan. "You handle the guards outside. And hopefully you can draw out the one from the storehouse."

"Quietly," Gabriel emphasized. "A dragon fighting is not exactly subtle. Once they know we're here, everything gets harder."

Bernie pulled out his knife, testing its edge. "I've never... I mean, in a real fight..."

"Stay with the prisoners," Gabriel told him. "Get them out, get them to safety. That's your only job. I'll handle whatever else comes."

The young raccoon looked like he wanted to protest, then nodded. "Pip first. Always Pip first."

As they prepared to move out, Gabriel placed a hand on Bernie's shoulder. "Your father would be proud. Using his skills to save your brother."

Bernie's eyes glistened in the darkness. "Thanks. And Gabriel? After this is over... the guild, do they take anyone?"

"If you're willing to work and learn? Yes." Gabriel smiled slightly. "Though you’ll need to wait until you're properly sixteen. Guild contracts can be dangerous."

"More dangerous than the Rough?"

It was a fair point. They gathered their things, checked their weapons, and moved silently toward the camp. The rescue was about to begin, and Gabriel found himself oddly protective of the young thief-turned-client at his side. Whatever happened next, he'd make sure both brothers made it home safely.

At the edge of the clearing, Gabriel felt Bernie tense beside him. Then the young raccoon turned suddenly, wrapping his arms briefly around the dragon's waist in a fierce hug before pulling back, embarrassed.

"For luck," Bernie mumbled.

Gabriel patted his shoulder once more. "Remember, get them out. That's all."

Bernie nodded and melted into the shadows, circling toward the prison building. Gabriel pulled his quarterstaff from its holster across his back, the ironwood weapon felt heavy and reassuring in his grip. Most expected dragons to favor longswords or their own claws, but Gabriel had learned the value of reach and non-lethal options during his mercenary training.

He watched Bernie scale the storehouse building's wall with impressive agility, disappearing through the ventilation gap just as the nearest guard completed his circuit. Perfect timing.

Gabriel focused on the hyena guard approaching his position. The mercenary looked bored, his sword loose in its sheath, clearly not expecting trouble. Gabriel shifted deeper into the underbrush and let out a low grunt, followed by a snorting wheeze—a passable imitation of a wild boar in rut.

The hyena's ears perked up immediately. "The hell was that?" He moved toward the sound, hand on his sword hilt. "Jasper, you hear that?"

The bear guard on the far side of the clearing waved dismissively. "Probably just a pig. Check it out if you're so worried."

Gabriel grunted again, adding the sound of breaking branches. The hyena moved closer, pushing through the undergrowth. "Here, piggy pig—"

The ironwood staff struck him across the temple with precision force. The hyena's eyes rolled back and he crumpled, unconscious before he hit the ground. Gabriel quickly dragged him deeper into the forest, using rope from his pack to bind and gag him.

One down.

The bear, Jasper apparently, was going to be more challenging. Nearly Gabriel's height and twice as broad, with proper chain mail instead of the hyena's leather armor. He seemed eary at his companions' sudden silence.

“Whatcha find, Dingle?” he said as he began to draw his rusty sword.

Gabriel emerged from the forest edge, staff at the ready.

"Shit!" Jasper had his sword out in an instant. "INTRUDER! WE'VE GOT—"

Gabriel rushed forward, using his staff's reach to strike at Jasper's sword hand before he could finish the alarm. The bear cursed and shifted his grip, showing actual training as he moved into a defensive stance.

"Fucking scum," Jasper snarled. "You picked the wrong camp."

They circled each other in the clearing. Jasper made the first real move, a powerful overhead swing that would have split Gabriel in half. The dragon sidestepped and brought his staff around in a crushing blow to Jasper's ribs. The chain mail absorbed most of the impact, but the bear still grunted in pain.

The fight was brutal and loud. Jasper's sword thunked loudly against Gabriel's staff while the dragon's weapon found gaps in the bear's defense: a strike to the knee, a thrust to the solar plexus. They were evenly matched in strength, but Gabriel had reach and speed.

Finally, Jasper overextended on a wild swing. Gabriel stepped inside his guard and brought the staff up in a devastating uppercut that lifted the bear off his feet. Jasper crashed down, groaning, and Gabriel finished him with a precise strike to the head.

"What the fuck is going on out there?"

Two wolves emerged from the main cabin—lean, scarred fighters with matched short swords. They moved with the fluid grace of experienced killers, spreading out to flank Gabriel.

"Fucking dragon took out Jasper," the first wolf said. "Boss ain't gonna like this."

"Boss ain't here," the second replied. "Just us, Finn."

They attacked simultaneously, forcing Gabriel to spin his staff defensively. These two had fought together before, one going high while the other went low, never giving him a chance to focus on just one opponent.

But their teamwork had a flaw—they were too used to fighting slower opponents. Gabriel's draconic reflexes let him track both wolves at once. When they crossed paths to switch positions, he struck, sweeping the first wolf's legs while the butt of his staff caught the second in the throat.

The first wolf went down hard but rolled back to his feet. The second was gasping, clutching his throat. Gabriel pressed the advantage, his staff a blur of motion. The ironwood cracked against the first wolf's skull, dropping him instantly. The second, still struggling to breathe, couldn't defend against the follow-up strike that sent him to join his partner in unconsciousness.

Gabriel stood in the clearing, breathing hard, his staff battered but still solid. No more enemies emerged from the cabin.

He heard a gurgled scream and sprinted to the prison building yanking open the door.

The scene inside stopped him cold.

Bernie knelt beside a rat mercenary's body, a dagger buried in the man's chest. The young raccoon's hands were covered in blood, and tears streamed down his face. Behind him, seven boys—including a small raccoon who had to be Pip—huddled together in the corner.

"He was... he was going to hurt them," Bernie whispered, his voice broken. "He had his belt off, and he was... I couldn't let him..."

Gabriel quickly assessed the scene, understanding immediately what Bernie had interrupted. His voice was gentle but firm. "You did what you had to do. You saved them."

"I killed him," Bernie said, the words barely audible. "I've never... oh gods, I killed someone."

Gabriel knelt beside the young thief, careful not to look at the body. "Bernie. Look at me." When the raccoon's tear-filled eyes met his, Gabriel continued, "You protected innocents. That's what heroes do. Now we need to get everyone out of here. Can you do that?"

Bernie wiped his eyes, smearing blood across his face. He looked back at the frightened boys, at his brother's terrified face, and something hardened in his expression. "Yeah. Yeah, I can do that."

"Good. Because we're not done yet, and these boys need you strong."

Bernie stood on shaky legs, pulling his dagger free with a wet sound that made him gag. But he cleaned it on the dead man's shirt and sheathed it before turning to the prisoners.

"Pip?" he called softly. "It's me. I'm getting you out."

The smaller raccoon broke from the group and ran to his brother, and Gabriel had to look away from their desperate embrace. They still had to get seven traumatized children through a dark forest and back to safety.

But first, Gabriel needed to check the main cabin and make sure no more surprises awaited them. The night was far from over.

“Get their chains off, I need to make sure there aren’t any more out there.” Gabriel quickly strode back out into the night.

He swept through the main cabin door quickly, quarterstaff at the ready despite its splintered condition. The interior was worse than he'd expected—filthy straw beds that reeked of unwashed bodies and fear, a dying fire in the hearth casting dancing shadows on stained walls. His eyes caught a small chest sitting on a rickety table near the window.

On instinct, he grabbed it. The weight suggested coins or valuables—likely the slavers' profits or operational funds. Either way, it wasn't staying here.

He emerged to find Bernie leading six boys into the clearing, his arm protectively around a smaller raccoon who could only be Pip. The children were a pitiful sight—dirty, frightened, some with visible bruises. A mix of species: two foxes, a young badger, a mouse, and three raccoons including Pip.

"I've knocked out the others," Gabriel said, trying to project calm authority. "But there could be more coming. We need to get them back to the city tonight, if we can manage it."

Bernie nodded, his face still pale beneath the blood smears. "Can they make it?" he asked, gesturing to the boys.

"We're okay," one of the fox kits said bravely, though his voice shook. "Just... just get us away from here."

Gabriel led the ragged group back to their planning clearing, the boys staying close together like a school of frightened fish. Once there, he quickly built up the small fire he'd prepared earlier. The light seemed to ease some of the children's fear.

"Here," Bernie said, pulling out the remaining rations. "It's not much, but—"

The boys fell on the food with desperate hunger. Gabriel watched Bernie carefully dividing the portions, making sure each child got something while taking nothing for himself.

"You must be Gabriel," a small voice said. The younger raccoon—Pip—had approached while his brother distributed food. "Bernie told me about you. Said you were helping."

Gabriel crouched down to Pip's level. "That's right. We're taking you home."

"Bernie always keeps his promises," Pip said with the absolute faith only a younger sibling could have. Then his eyes widened. "Bernie! You're bleeding!"

Gabriel's head snapped around. In the firelight, he could now see the dark stain spreading across Bernie's midsection. The young thief looked down at himself with surprise.

"Oh," Bernie said faintly. "I guess he... when I stabbed him, he must have..."

Gabriel moved quickly, catching Bernie as his legs wobbled. "Sit. Now."

With shaking hands, Bernie lifted his torn shirt to reveal a shallow but lengthy cut across his abdomen. Not deep enough to reach anything vital, but bleeding steadily. The adrenaline of the rescue had kept him from feeling it until now.

"It's not bad," Bernie tried to say, but his voice was weak with shock. "Just a scratch."

"Scratches don't bleed this much." Gabriel pulled supplies from his pack. He found a clean cloth and a healing salve that was part of every adventurer's basic kit. "This is going to sting."

Pip hovered anxiously as Gabriel cleaned the wound. Bernie hissed through clenched teeth but didn't pull away. The other boys watched with wide eyes, seeing their rescuer revealed as wounded and mortal.

"You killed someone," the badger boy said quietly. "For us."

Bernie's face crumpled slightly. "I... yeah."

"Thank you," the boy continued, and the others murmured agreement. "He was... he was going to do bad things."

Gabriel finished binding the wound with strips of cloth. It would hold until they could get proper healing in the city. "Bernie's a hero," he said firmly. "You all are, for surviving this."

"I don't feel like a hero," Bernie whispered, but Pip pressed against his side carefully, mindful of the bandages.

"You're my hero," the younger raccoon said simply.

Gabriel stood, assessing their situation. Seven traumatized boys, one wounded teenager in shock, and at least a four-hour walk. Although, through a dark forest by moonlight would likely make it longer.

"Right," he said, handing the chest to Pip. "We're going to move slowly but steadily. Pip, can you carry this?” And continued when the boy nodded. “Stay with Bernie and help him walk. Older boys on the outside, younger in the middle. Everyone stays together."

"What if the bad men wake up?" the mouse asked fearfully.

"Then I'll deal with them," Gabriel said, his tone leaving no doubt that he would. "But they won't. Not for hours."

He helped Bernie to his feet, noting how the young raccoon leaned heavily on his brother. The shock was setting in properly now—not just from the wound, but from taking a life. Gabriel had seen it before in young soldiers.

"One step at a time," he told Bernie quietly. "Just focus on walking. We'll deal with the rest later."

Bernie nodded, his earlier bravado completely gone. He was just a frightened kid who'd done something terrible to save other kids. Gabriel respected him all the more for it.

"Sir Gabriel?" one of the fox boys asked. "Are we really safe now?"

Gabriel looked at the small group—dirty, scared, but alive and free.

Time was their greatest enemy now. He said firmly. "I’ll get you home safely. I promise."

They began the long trek back to Veloria, Gabriel leading with his damaged staff while Bernie brought up the rear, supported by Pip and another of the raccoon boys. The chest seemed much bigger in the boy’s arms, but Gabriel needed to keep his hands free.

The going was slow, but steady. Then they heard the baying of dogs behind them. The feral kind and not the two legged variety.

The slavers would want their “goods” back and their loot. And he had seven children to see safely home and one brave raccoon to keep from going into shock.

They were running out of time. Gabriel rushed them faster as they found the main road again.

The lights of Veloria had never looked so welcoming as when they finally appeared through the trees. But Gabriel heard the telltale sound of feral dogs tramping through the underbrush.

And even worse, the sound of a gruff voice, “Get me those boys, men.” They’d been found.

"Run," Gabriel commanded, pushing the children forward. "Bernie, get them to the gates. Now!"

"But—" Bernie started to protest, swaying on his feet.

"GO!" Gabriel roared, spinning to face the pursuit. "I'll buy you time."

The boys fled, Bernie half-carried between Pip and one of the older foxes. Gabriel planted himself in the path, his splintered quarterstaff held ready.

Shapes emerged from the pre-dawn gloom. Six, maybe seven men, with a pack of feral dogs snarling at their sides. But it was the massive figure at their head that made Gabriel's blood run cold.

Captain Redmane. The scarred red dragon who'd taught Gabriel everything about fighting—and shown him everything he never wanted to become.

"Well, well," Redmane's voice was like grinding stone. "Gabriel Drake. Should've known when they said a dragon with a staff ruined our operation."

"Captain," Gabriel said, his mouth dry. "Moved from banditry to slavery, I see."

"Profitable times call for profitable measures." Redmane stepped into better light, revealing the same cruel features Gabriel remembered, though new scars decorated his muzzle. "You cost me good soldiers when you deserted. Now you've cost me good merchandise. That's twice you've crossed me, whelp."

"Those aren't merchandise. They're children."

"Same thing, in the right markets." Redmane drew his massive sword, the blade Gabriel had seen cut through armor like parchment. "Tell you what—give me the boys and my gold, and I'll only break three of your limbs. Old times' sake. I’ll even let you pick which one I leave unmarred."

Gabriel shifted his stance. "You taught me better than to take bad deals, Captain."

Redmane's laugh was like a rockslide. "I also taught you not to fight battles you can't win. Seven-to-one odds, boy. Plus the dogs."

"Then I'll make it cost you." Gabriel's grip tightened on his staff. "Those children are under my protection."

"Noble to the end. I always hated that about you." Redmane gestured to his men. "Take him. Try to leave him breathing—he'll fetch a good price in the fighting pits."

The slavers advanced, spreading out to encircle him. Gabriel's mind raced, calculating angles, remembering everything Redmane had taught him about group combat. Use the terrain. Make them get in each other's way.

Buy time. Always buy time when outnumbered.

The first attacker, an eager wolf, rushed in. Gabriel's staff cracked across his jaw, but another slaver was already swinging a blade in his direction. Gabriel twisted, feeling steel part the scales on his shoulder. Hot blood flowed.

"You're slowing down," Redmane observed, not yet joining the fight himself. "City living makes you soft."

Gabriel roared, using his tail to sweep one attacker while his staff blocked another's sword. But there were too many. A club struck his ribs. Another blade opened a gash on his thigh. The dogs nipped at his heels, forcing him to divide his attention.

"Should've stayed a merc, Gabriel," Redmane said, finally moving forward. "At least then you'd have died rich."

Gabriel raised his staff to block Redmane's first swing. The ironwood, already splintered, shattered completely under the massive sword's impact. The force drove Gabriel to one knee.

"Pity," Redmane raised his sword for the killing blow. "You had such potent—"

"CITY WATCH! STAND DOWN!"

The thundering of hooves filled the air. Club's voice boomed across the clearing as a dozen guardsmen on horseback burst from the tree line, weapons drawn and crossbows leveled.

Redmane's sword hesitated in mid-swing. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Drop your weapons!" Club commanded from atop his mount. "You're surrounded and outnumbered!"

One of the slavers made the mistake of raising his own crossbow. Three guard bolts sprouted from his chest before he could bring the tip around. He toppled backward, dead as he hit the ground.

"I said DROP THEM!" Club roared.

Weapons clattered to the ground. Even Redmane, calculating odds with a mercenary's precision, let his sword fall.

"Drake," Club said, not taking his eyes off the slavers. "You alive down there?"

"More or less," Gabriel croaked, struggling to his feet. "The children?"

"Safe. Bernie got them to the gates just as we rode out. Lucky thing I convinced the captain to let me take a dawn patrol, eh?" Club's tone was light, but his crossbow never wavered from Redmane's chest. "Even luckier, that I am impatient."

Redmane's eyes burned with fury as he looked at Gabriel. "This isn't over, whelp."

"Actually, it is," Club said conversationally. "Slavery, attempted murder, assault on a guild adventurer—you'll rot in prison for sure. Unless the families of those boys get to you first."

As the guardsmen dismounted to shackle the slavers, Gabriel found himself face-to-face with his former captain one last time.

"You always were too soft," Redmane spat. "Heart of a merchant, not a warrior."

"Maybe," Gabriel said quietly. "But I get to sleep in a warm bed tonight. Will you?"

Redmane's only answer was a snarl as the guards dragged him away.

Club dismounted and approached Gabriel, eyeing his wounds critically. "You look like hell."

"Feel worse," Gabriel admitted, the adrenaline fading and leaving only pain. "Bernie?"

"Being tended to. Boy's got grit—stayed conscious long enough to give a full report." Club smiled slightly. "Six children saved, a slaving ring broken, and the ringleader captured. Not bad for your first guild contract."

"After the trial, probably a reward fund for you and young Bernie even." Club helped Gabriel toward a spare horse. "Come on. Let's get you patched up. Heroes shouldn't bleed to death at dawn."

As they rode toward the city gates, Gabriel saw Bernie sitting against the wall, bandaged and wrapped in a guard's cloak. The raccoon raised a hand weakly, and Gabriel returned the gesture.

Behind them, the sun rose fully, painting Veloria's walls gold. It was going to be a beautiful day.

Then he realized Pip wasn’t at his side. And why had the captain mentioned six kids, when there were seven.

* * *


The warm water of the bathhouse was exactly what Gabriel's healing body needed. Steam rose from the private pool in the Westgate ward establishment, carrying with it the scent of healing herbs and lavender oil. It had been two weeks since the slaver incident, and while his scales had mostly mended, the deeper aches remained.

Gabriel sank lower into the water, letting it lap at his neck. The bathhouse was a favorite indulgence—close to his modest room above Merkle's Bakery, quiet, and accepting of all species. Today he'd even splurged on a private bath with an attendant, using one of Bernie's gold coins. He'd earned the luxury.

He hadn't seen the young raccoon since that dawn at the gates. The boy had been whisked away by healers while Gabriel was brusquely patched up while giving his report to the watch captain. He'd asked after Bernie a few times but was told the brothers had returned to the Rough to recover.

Gabriel smiled to himself, remembering Bernie's fierce determination, the way he'd held that bloodied dagger with shaking hands but hadn't let go until his brother was safe. The boy had more courage than many seasoned soldiers Gabriel had known.

"Excuse me," Gabriel called out, not opening his eyes. "Could I get some more of those soothing oils? The kind with wintergreen?"

"I hope you're not too beat up," a familiar voice said. "You've got a lot of celebrating to do."

Gabriel's eyes snapped open. Bernie stood where the attendant should have been, looking cleaner and healthier than Gabriel had ever seen him. His clothes were still simple but new, and the hollow look had left his face. Most surprisingly, he was grinning.

"Bernie? How did you—"

"Bribed the attendant to let me surprise you." The young raccoon pulled up a stool, seemingly unbothered by Gabriel's state of undress this time. "Figured I owed you a proper thank you. And, well..." His grin turned sheepish. "A confession."

Gabriel sat up slightly, water sloshing. "Are you alright? How's Pip?"

"He's great. We both are. Got that room at Mother Kelley's, three meals a day, and Pip's even started lessons with the temple school." Bernie's tail swished happily. "All thanks to you."

"I just did what any decent person would have done."

Bernie laughed. "No, you did what a hero does. But that's not why I'm here." He produced a heavy purse from his vest. "Remember that chest you grabbed?"

Gabriel nodded slowly.

"Well, Pip's always been too curious for his own good. Kid knows every hidden path in the Rough, including a few that bypass the city gates entirely." Bernie's grin widened. "He might have... detoured the chest before the watch logged it as evidence."

"Bernie..."

"About seventy gold worth of mixed coins." Bernie hefted the purse. "And your share of the take."

Gabriel stared at the offered gold, then at Bernie's expectant face. "That's stolen money, Bernie."

"Stolen from slavers. Who stole kids." Bernie's expression turned serious. "Those bastards were going to sell my brother, Gabriel. Sell all of them. Far as I'm concerned, this is justice."

"And I suppose you kept some for yourself?"

"Enough to keep us housed and fed for a year." Bernie set the purse on the bath's edge. "Plus, I still owe you fifteen gold from our original deal. I... I never actually had it. Used every coin I could scrape together for that first ten."

Gabriel looked at the young raccoon—really looked at him. Still thin, but no longer starving. Still clever, but using it to build a better life rather than just survive another day.

"Keep it, boy," Gabriel said finally. "You two little heroes have earned it."

Bernie's eyes widened. "But—"

"Consider it an investment." Gabriel leaned back in the water. "In keeping you and Pip off the streets and out of trouble."

Bernie was quiet for a long moment. Then he tucked the purse back into his vest and stood. "You know, the Beggar's Union offered me full membership after word got out about the rescue. Said anyone who could knife a full-grown merc had proven himself."

"And?"

"I turned them down." Bernie moved toward the door, then paused. "But I've been thinking about what you said. About the adventurer's guild. Do they... do they really take anyone?"

Gabriel smiled. "I'll sponsor your application myself as soon as you turn 16. I know a hero when I see one."

Bernie's answering grin lit up his whole face. "I'll hold you to that, dragon." He gave a jaunty salute. "Enjoy your bath. You've earned that too."

As Bernie stood, the little stool scraped on the wooden planks. The sound seemed so final and he realized it might be quite some time until he saw the racoon again, if ever.

Without realizing it, he reached out and grasped the former thief’s wrist in his hand. “Join me?”

Gabriel didn’t know why he said it, but he didn’t want the racoon to go. He was already thinking of an excuse for why he said it.

And to his surprise, Bernie smiled down at him. He watched silently as the raccoon slipped out of his vest and pulled his tunic over his head. His midsection was marred with a fresh scar from the slaver’s knife, but then again so was Gabriel.

Bernie unlaced his trousers and let them drop and the shy boy Gabriel remembered from the forest as they pissed side-by-side returned. The raccoon boy covered his sheath with his paw and eased himself into the water.

Gabriel, suddenly feeling a bit shy himself, muttered, “there isn’t a lot of room.…”

But the raccoon just pressed his smaller body against the larger dragon’s. “We’ll make it work.” His arms encircled the drake’s thick neck. And they kissed.

Gabriel felt Bernie’s warm, furred body melt against him. And the tell-tale press of the teen’s rapidly hardening cock against his own.

Their kiss became hungrier as they each gave into their need to be together. Gabriel’s massive arms encircled the boy and he pulled away to whisper, “why are you so irresistibly adorable?”

He felt the raccoon’s paw reach down and encircle his hardness. “The real question is… why are you so damn big?”

Gabriel could feel the smaller fur’s paw couldn’t make it around the girth of his dragon cock. He burst out in laughter, “And I thought you were a hero that wouldn’t back down from a challenge.”

The raccoon only smirked and ducked his head. Gabriel shivered at the sensation of the raccoon’s warm, wet fur tickling his scales as he slid his body downwards. The small paw angled his massive red spire of dragon meat out of the water and into Bernie’s open maw.

Gabriel always denied himself this sort of pleasure - never really being attracted to dragonesses and always putting brotherly comradery before sexual desire. The gentle, wet touch of the coon’s tongue against cock was exquisite. And he gasped and moaned when his head breached past the coons lips and into his mouth.

Gabriel covered his muzzle with his own clawed hand to stifle more groans. He didn’t want to alert the attendants.

He was so overwhelmed by the feelings of his first blowjob and he could feel the impending torrent of cum rising from within his belly before the teen could do much more than suckle his tip.

“Oh, fuck,” he grunted between ragged breaths. “I’m…. cumming.”

The little raccoon just kept sucking as he exploded in the young fur’s mouth. The boy swallowed as much as he could, but easily half the dragon’s seed gushed out the sides of his eager maw.

The smaller raccoon continued nursing from his softening cock. He made the cutest little yips with his jaw stuffed full and Gabriel felt little jets of ‘coon cum hitting his shins.

“Damn.” He let out a gentle chuckle. “At least I’m not the only one with a hair trigger.”

The exhausted raccoon splayed his body over the prone dragon again as they cuddled through their shared afterglow. Gabriel gripped the gently purring teen as if to never let him go.

“Big brute.” Bernie smacked his cheek playfully. “Taking advantage of a poor wounded boy suffering from hero worship.”

“Taking advantage…” he guffawed. “You were on my cock like a starving street rat before I could even blink.”

Now it was the young raccoon’s turn to burst out laughing. “Serves you right for waving that slab of meat around moments after we first met. Dumb dragon.”

“Little thief.” Gabriel groaned. “Stealing my heart when I wasn’t looking.”

The two laid together for a while longer until Bernie remembered he needed to get back to his little brother. And they parted after a lot more kissing.

“I promise to come visit you again once Pip has started his schooling,” Bernie said while dressing.

“Good. Got to work on your training, to turn you into a proper adventurer,“ Gabriel said. “It’ll require daily… training.

“See you soon, old man.”

Only after Bernie left, did Gabriel spot the purse of coins still sitting in the stool near the bath. He sank back into the water, chuckling again to himself.

Seventy gold stolen from under the watch's nose by a ten-year-old raccoon. The boy had a bright future ahead of him—hopefully on the right side of the law.

Gabriel's first guild contract had been messy, painful, and far more complicated than advertised. But sitting in the warm bath, knowing seven children were safe and two brothers had a chance at a better life, he couldn't bring himself to regret any of it.

Well, except maybe the part where Redmane broke his favorite quarterstaff. He'd have to buy a new one. With Bernie's gold, he could afford a really nice one.

Gabriel smiled and called for the real attendant. He had some celebrating to do after all.

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