The Taming of Pelage

PANTHERA and LEO

The Taming of Pelage (part 1)

by Bevie James

Panthera found herself once again standing along the shores of the big lake. The last time she had been here she had held Pelage in her arms. But she had released the accused traitor; her friend and one time lover. That act had resulted in being labeled an accomplice, and she had gone to trial. It had been Panteskus’ quick thinking and misdirection which spared her. Only now, to remain free, she had to return to Lower Earth and find Pelage again; and bring her back.

But would Pelage return to Khat? Panthera had her doubts. Panteskus had bought this reprieve by saying Pelage’s departure to Lower Earth had been a misunderstanding. Panthera had to confess she no more believed it than did Simthara, the judge from the People of the Apes who had brought the accusations against both Pelage and herself. Even Ursa Drake, the Adjudicator, doubted. But Panteskus had been efficient in raising doubt. Now, to prove her innocence, all Pelage had to do was return with Panthera to Khat. Only – what if Pelage wasn’t innocent? If she refused to return then she would as much be admitting her guilt. And if Panthera didn’t bring her back she would certainly be found guilty as Pelage’s accomplice. What had Panteskus really bought with his antics?

Time, she thought. And another chance.

Only where was she to begin searching? She had found Pelage before because Pelage had not known she had been the one sent. Having shared love with Pelage in the past, Panthera had developed an attunement with her, making it possible to make spectral connections over even long distances. But their previous encounter had tipped Pelage off to Panthera’s presence. She would be blocking Panthera’s attempts to reach her now.

She looked out over the waters of Gitchigoomie. The logical place to begin was here, where she had last seen Pelage. But the trail was as cold as the frigid waters which lapped the shore. She knelt beside Leo, her massive lion companion.

“Oh, Leo. Where are we to find her?”

“Perhaps I can be of assistance,” said a man’s voice.

Panthera and Leo both got to their feet, Leo’s growl rumbling in his throat. Panthera instinctively connected with his thoughts and bade him wait.

Before them stood an exceptionally tall man in tight grey clothing. Behind him stood a young woman dressed in some sort of military uniform. Between them a fox sat and licked its chest. How had they managed to arrive without Leo knowing?

Twice the Fun

Twice the Fun (part 3)
by Bevie James

Starring
Sonsi Inamore Sybarti Inamore

and

Feathered Guy Anthropist

Sonsi was irritated, but concerned. The man seemed entirely immune to Sybari’s attentions, and that just wasn’t right.

“Can we help you?” she demanded, offering no pretense of manners.

“In a way,” said the man.

“What way? And what is your name?”

“You may call me Wilburt, if you like.”

“Wilbur?” exclaimed Sybarti. “What the hell kind of name is that?”

The man gave Sybarti a non-plussed gaze. “It is a German name, meaning ‘trustworthy’. It is derived from ‘Gilbert’. No doubt shortened to ‘Gil’, then ‘Will’, then ‘Wilburt’.”

Sonsi crossed her arms. “Thank you for the grammar lesson.”

“Indeed. I can expand the lesson if you like.”

“No thanks. So, Wilburt, are you ready to tell us what this is about?”

“Actually, my name is not Wilburt. My real identification is more of a nuisance.”

“And just what is your real identification?”

The man reached into his bag. Sonsi readied herself. Sybarti stepped away, connecting with her in preparation for the hypnotic spell. However, the man produced no weapon. Instead, he handed Sonsi an identification card. She took it hesitantly, reading it before handing it to Sybarti.

“Feathered Guy Anthropist?” she asked.

“Yes.”

Sybarti offered the card back. “If I were you, I’d kill my parents.”

“You may keep the card if you wish.”

“Why would we wish that?” asked Sybarti.

“In case you should wish to contact me in the future.”

“You say that like you expect we will,” said Sonsi.

“The possibility exists.”

“How do we contact you?” asked Sybarti. “All this card indicates is your name.”

“The contact information is in the name. Unless you have other questions, I believe I can let you continue on your way.”

“Let us continue?” said Sonsi. “You say that like the decision is entirely yours.”

“Perhaps not entirely,” said Wilburt. “However, it is unlikely you would leave until I had concluded my business.”

“Which is?” Sonsi asked.

“Actually, my business is concluded. Thank you, for your pleasant cooperation. I trust our next encounter will be equally gratifying.”

Sybarti laughed. “That’s it? You just wanted to give us your card so we can get in touch with you later? Look, Willy. I’ll play now, if that is what you wish. Later, I may not be so generous.”

“Your generosity is noted for future reference. Good evening. And thank you again for making my task so easy.”

The man ran down the road. He opened his wings, lifted into the air, and disappeared into the night.

Sonsi and Sybarti stared. Then Sybarti made to toss his card away.

“Don’t!” said Sonsi.

“Why? You don’t want to contact him, do you?”

“No. Not now. But something tells me we’re going to want to later. Let’s get to the cabin.”

They got back into the car and sped away. Sybarti took the bag from the glove box and opened it.

“No!”

Sonsi looked sidelong at her sister. “What is it?”

“Stop the car!”

Once again the sound of screeching tires echoed into the night. Sonsi turned full in her seat. Sybarti was shaking with rage.

“What is it?” Sonsi asked. Sybarti opened the bag and turned it so Sonsi could see inside. It was empty. The diamond necklace was gone. Sonsi’s eyes went wide. “How did he do it? He never left our sight.”

MMM - August 3rd 2009

Good morning, all. Beacon Girl again with the Monday Morning Messages.

Took an unscheduled week off. Sorry about that.

We currently have several active stories:

Ana: Maiden Elf Warrior by Stacy/Freddie (2 episodes)

Twice the Fun by Bevie (2 episodes)

Bear and Man by Wolverine (1 episode)

On Trial For Treason by Bevie (7 episodes)

Currently, none of the stories have new episodes officially scheduled, but Twice the Fun has been publishing on Tuesdays, Ana: Maiden Elf Warrior and Bear and Man have been publishing on Thursdays, and On Trial For Treason has been publishing on Saturdays.

It is also possible On Trial For Treason will run with a new title as there was kind of a resolution to the trial in last Saturday's post. It looks like Panthera will be returning to Lower Earth to resume her hunt for Pelage.

Stacy has commented on her post that there is more to come, and Bear and Man left off with a definite cliff hanger.

It is a shame we have not heard from some of our other Heroes in a while, but from reading their blogs it is clear the Authors are all quite busy. For anyone who may be new to the Legion here are some other Heroes you may wish to look up. Click on their labels along the right sidebar.

Una Gatto Dea - not heard from since 5-14-09

Sorrow - not heard from since 5-7-09

Fairy Hedgehog - not heard from since 5-4-09

Boetha: The Electric Zombie - not heard from since 5-2-09

Mad Smart Pirate - not heard from since 4-30-09

These are excellent Heroes and their stories are wonderful. Do take the time to read their episodes.

Hope you have a great week.

On Trial For Treason

PANTHERA and LEO

On Trial For Treason (part 7)

by Bevie James

Once again Panthera was obliged to continue her story. She told how Pelage had caught her, but instead of dealing her any kind of death blow, Pelage spoke of the wealth of grain in Lower Earth and how it could be of benefit to True Earth. But Panthera had refused her offer to be a partner. After that, Leo arrived and was able to dissipate the wall of water under Pelage’s control. Pelage melded into Onca and Panthera into Leo. Then the chase was on.

It did not last long, however. In just a few furlongs Panthera had caught Pelage and held her in her arms.

“And then what happened?” asked Ursa Drake.

Panthera blushed. “She begged me not to send her back. Reminding me of how – things had been. Then she said she had deliberately not struck at the lighthouse.”

“And so you let her go?”

Panthera didn’t know whether to be proud or ashamed, but in true cat form she held Ursa Drake’s stare.

“Yes.”

There was a moment’s silence before Simthara spoke, breaking the thoughtful quiet.

“I think that proves it well enough. Don’t you think?”

“Yes, I do,” said Panteskus.

“Then you agree with me?” said Simthara, sounding more than a little surprised.

Panteskus looked apologetic. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you had come to sense. I see that is not so.”

“Adjudicator! Must I be insulted like this?”

“Do you have a preference?” asked Panteskus. “I can insult you any way you wish.”

“Enough!” said Ursa Drake. “Panteskus, that is hardly the attitude I should expect from a judicial member.”

Panteskus bowed his head. “Forgive me, Adjudicator.”

“It is not me who you have offended.”

“Very good. Forgive me, Simthara.”

Simthara only nodded. She didn’t believe Panteskus’ sincerity any more than Panthera did.

“So what are you claiming this proves?” asked Ursa Drake.

“That Pelage is not a traitor, and therefore neither is Panthera,” said Panteskus.

“How does it prove that?” said Simthara. “What I see is a traitor gone to Lower Earth for the purpose of personal gain, and another traitor who let her go when she had the chance to bring her back to stand trial.”

“You see what you are wont to see, as ever,” said Panteskus. “However, did not Panthera say Pelage spoke of the benefit of the grain to the people of Khat? She did not talk about personal reward.”

“She said us,” said Simthar.

“Yes, us. As in everybody who lives in Khat. Not Pelage and Panthera alone.”

“That is not what Panthera meant, and you know it!”

“Panthera did not make the statement. She is only relating things as she understood them with her conscious mind. But now, in reflection, I believe it is clear Pelage’s intent was simply to bring help to the People of Khat. It is true we are suffering a food shortage.”

“Which Pelage seeks to take advantage of by making profit on our suffering,” said Simthara.

“There is no evidence of that,’ said Panteskus. “In fact, the evidence suggests otherwise.”

Panteskus’ argument seemed to have caught Simthara off guard. But the Ape Woman was not stymied.

“Even so. To steal grain from Lower Earth is not lawful.”

“You mean it has not been sanctioned,” said Panteskus. “Technically, it has not been outlawed.”

“You are making a mockery of this trial!” Simthara stormed.

Ursa Drake raised her hands in a motion of silence.

“I think Panteskus has raised some valid points. However, it will take Pelage to answer the truth of his claims. Until we know, we cannot determine your fate, Panthera. Therefore, this is my decision: You will return to Lower Earth and find Pelage again. She must return to answer the questions raised.”

“And if she refuses?” asked Simthara.

Ursa put her hands back onto the table. “Then we will know.”