“Stop struggling.” The masculine voice behind Deijin whispered, however the black and gold jackal ignored the other as he growled and squirmed from within his captor’s hold.

Because he still hadn't fully recovered from his bout of pneumonia the dune warrior found himself fighting with himself more than his captor as the seconds ticked by; his chest burned at the same time his muscles strained against the unrelenting arms which surrounded him, yet he had to get back to Salim. He needed to make sure that his healer was removed from the tortuous punishment being inflicted upon him When the unknown individual holding him wrapped claws around his lower half Deijin found himself unable to even pretend to struggle any longer. That the other was taller than him and so fit his head on top of the black and gold jackal’s head was something that annoyed the slightly shorter male to no end. He growled as best he could, but the hand wrapped around his muzzle prevented the noise from being any louder than that of a cub’s angry grumble. 

“Hey, did you hear something?” Another voice called out just as someone opened the door to the room where Salim was currently being whipped. 

Thankfully Deijin and his capture were inside of one of the nearby cells and so when two half naked dragon warriors crept out of the room to begin looking around they couldn’t see any the dune warrior and whoever it was that was behind him. Deijin silenced his grumbles when the pair began walking past them, their tongues snaking out to flick at the air all the while. When two massive wings collided over his body Deijin knew instantly that he was being held by a dragon, as the twin appendages possessed the same leathery consistency as the large expanses which twitched along the backs of the two males that had just passed by them. Seconds ticked by with only the sounds of the other dragon’s footsteps passing echoing throughout the hallway, inside of his mind Deijin swore that could hear his own fearful heart beating rather loudly within his ears, but that couldn't have been right. 

Questions of what exactly was happening here mixed with the knowledge that not too far away the dark blue healer who had spent an unknown number of days taking care of him was being sexually and physically abused by said dragons stalking about the cold stone hallway. To say that such a thing pissed Deijin off would have been an understatement, as his fangs found themselves being set on edge as he thought about the abuse that his companion was suffering through. The irony of the fact that he had abused Nirru and several others in the Defence Force in almost the exact same way was something that quickly wandered across the edge of the black and gold jackal’s mind before he violently shoved aside that fact. 

That was then and so had nothing to do with the current situation he was dealing with, or at least that’s what Deijin tried to convince himself. 

“Guess it was nothing.” One of the two dragons said loud enough for Deijin’s long ears to hear, despite the leathery shell surrounding him.

“We better make sure, the last thing we need is for you-know-who to bust up our little party again.” The other dragon snorted right before the sounds of crying screams could be heard echoing throughout the dungeon.

“Damn, I can’t believe that little night eater still can sing like that.” The first dragon said with a chuckle. “You would think that he would be used to our little fun times with him after so many years.” 

“That’s what makes him so much fun to use, unlike the other slaves we bring down here.” The second dragon snickered. 

The sounds of claws tapping across stone resounded throughout the darkened hallway for several seconds before they were silenced by a large wooden door being slammed closed. The dragon that was still grasping onto Deijin waited a few seconds before unfolding his wings from around the now no longer squirming black and gold jackal, however instead of releasing the dune warrior the other simply hefted Deijin up and then quickly carried him out from the unlocked cell they had slipped into. Moving on hurried feet the stranger made his way up the stairs and then out of the dungeons before Deijin could think to complain. Once he was upstairs the dragon gently set the other down onto his naked feet and then swiftly closed the door leading down into the dank basement beneath the castle.

“That was very foolish of you.” The dragon said while turning around to face the incensed dune warrior. “Do you have any idea what they would have done to you, had they caught you peeking in on their illicit playtime down there?” The taller male grumbled while lasering his eyes onto the smaller male glaring up at him.

Deijin took a moment to survey the larger figure before opening his muzzle to speak, his instincts silently warning him that whomever this was should not be so easily dismissed, as there was something very odd about them. 

Looking the dragon over from head to toe Deijin narrowed his eyes as he too stock of the bright white fur covering his captor’s body, the way that the long strands were laid down upon the other’s body told the black and gold jackal that whomever this was could afford to have himself groomed daily. Trailing his eyes across the regal looking robes covering the other's lithe body, Deijin guessed that this male was someone of a high status, as the fluffy looking garments had been threaded with gold inlays, the likes of which made the dark blue coloring stand out all the more. Upon casting his eyes down the dune warrior noticed the leather sandals which covered the other’s large feet, of which possessed well manicured claws. A snort escaped Deijin's throat. Shifting his amber eyes back up past the other face, Deijin found himself slightly taken aback when he saw the small silver crown encrusted with sapphires and emeralds which covered the displeased reptile’s head. 

“You’re someone important.” Deijin finally said as warriness mixed with his bubbling frustration.

“Hmph, that’s one way to describe my position here within this castle.” The nameless dragon snorted. 

When the other crossed his arms in front of his chest Deijin took stock over the fact that this individual was not exactly as weak as he thought he was, as he could see that the muscles within the dragon's arm accentuated themselves ever so slightly with every twitch of his body, however it was clear that he was no warrior. A growl tore through the black and gold jackal’s throat as he realized that he was much weaker than he thought he was if someone such as this could contain his mounting fury. That thought only served to build the thunderous anger which was deep inside of Deijin’s chest, however, before it could fully erupt the dune warrior found himself coughing up a storm. 

“It seems that you’re still sick,” the white dragon sighed with a shake of his head.

“How…” Deijin hacked for several seconds before grunting and then licking his suddenly dry lips. “How did you know that?”

“Because I’m the one who found you on the side of the road frozen half to death those three weeks ago.” The regal winged male admitted with a sigh.

“You found me?” Deijin couldn’t hide the sense of disbelief which filled his mind at such a thought.

“Yes,” the white dragon hissed. “and you should be a little nicer, Deijin, because I had half a mind to leave you in the snow.” 

The dune warrior’s eyes widened for a split second before he suddenly narrowed them. “How do you know my name?” The black and gold jackal was sure that he hadn’t told Salim his name, as he hadn’t thought to do so, and so the other couldn’t have told anyone else what he didn’t know.

“I found your scroll.” The noble dragon answered honestly, if a bit curtly.

The knowledge that the other knew about the mission he had been on, or rather was still on despite its current intermission, was something that made the dune warrior lower his ears slightly. Amber eyes looked deep within the green orbs which stared back at him with a look that threaded the line between contempt and pity. Deijin growled at that, “Are you going to try and get in my way?” His fluffy tail lashed behind him like a whip from the thought of the other doing as such. 

“Why would I?” The white dragon snorted. “Even if you tried to do so, you can’t help Prince Willow in your current state, nor could you attempt to try and even get to where he is right now thanks to you still being ill.” 

“You’d be surprised what I can accomplish, even in this weakened state of mine.” There was no use hiding the fact that he wasn’t at his best from the other, as his previous coughing fit showcased this, however, that didn’t mean that Deijin was entirely helpless or without options for how to proceed with the task he was here within the north to see to. 

“Oh really?” The regal dragon asked while sliding a predatory smile across his handsome features. “And exactly how do you plan to get to the prince?” 

“I…” Deijin began to say but then realized something rather important. 

“Do you even know what he looks like?” The white dragon asked while curling his long tail behind himself playfully.

“I can’t say that I do.” Deijin grumbled while turning his head to the side in annoyance. 

It hadn’t been in his plan to come to this kingdom in the shape that he did, however, even if he arrived in full health the black and gold jackal realized that he really didn’t have a lot to go on at the moment. He personally blamed that on the fact that he had been running on the simple momentum of the moment after he and Jeda had spoken with each other following his near death, but still that was no real excuse. Grunting and shaking his head the dune warrior really did not enjoy how much he was finding himself out of his element while on this mission. In the past it had been simple enough to follow orders, but now he didn’t exactly have the guidance for which he had always used to walk along the path for which was his life. To say that this unnerved him would be an admission of helplessness, and Deijin would never admit to such a state of being. 

“But I’ll figure things out as I go along.” Deijin grunted as he turned to look back at the white dragon standing in front of him.

“That is not a wise decision, given the current state of affairs within the kingdom at the moment.” the other sighed almost tiredly.

“What do you mean?” The dune warrior asked with a flick of an ear.

“There are many,” The regal male in front of him lifted his head and then shifted his eyes back and forth for a few seconds as if he were trying to mentally search for something that only he knew of. “Complications happening here at the moment. The likes of which are bringing about tensions amongst the people, the knights, the nobility, and the crown.” The nameless dragon finished after lowering his head to fix his green gaze onto Deijin. 

“Again, what does that mean?” The black and gold jackal hated it when people played word games with him, as it was always a manner for which they could hide important information behind a veil of vagery for which he could never easily rip through, at least not without punching someone in the face.

“You obviously know about Prince Willow’s being held here within this castle,” The white dragon spoke with a strange calmness that sparked curiosity to rise up within Deijin’s mind, but the dune warrior ignored the feeling in favor of giving the other male an exasperated look.

“Of course I do.” Deijin snorted.

“What you may not know is that the prince came here originally in order to try and warn the king of the dangers which will soon sweep the land.” The noble continued while ignoring the smaller male’s mask of annoyance. 

“Will you stop beating around the bush and just tell me what you mean?!” Deijin growled while raising his voice from the quiet even tone he had been using up until now.

“Beyond the most northern set of mountains a creature from beyond the realms is trying to break through the divide between realms in order to destroy this country.” The white dragon finished with a deadpan expression on his face.

“Ok, so why doesn’t the king go and have someone do something about it?” Deijin asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Y-you...believe me?!” To say that the regal dragon was startled by this was something that was a complete understatement.

“Why wouldn’t I?” Deijin smirked. “You don’t seem like someone who would or even could lie.” 

“I…” The white dragon bowed his head as he heard the dune warrior speak these words. “I’m glad to hear you say that, as very few in the kingdom have taken my words to heart.” The noble whispered with a small sob.

“Why not?” Deijin was actually curious about this, as shown by how his long pointed ears perked forward.

“Because it’s hard to prove my claims to those who cannot see that which exists beyond the physical realm,” The white dragon admitted with a growl as he clenched his polished claws into his hands. “And even for those who can sense what may possibly be happening they find themselves somewhat out of sorts at the moment, as they do not wish to risk their positions of power on claims that they are not completely sure of.” 

“Cowards.” Deijin hissed. “To let things go to shit just because they don’t want to do something is pathetic.” 

“You say that, but why do you believe me, a stranger who you just met?” The white dragon lifted his head to pierce the black and gold jackal with a look that seemed almost desperate for reassurance, and yet was cautious at the same time.

“Because you don’t seem smart enough to make up something so stupid,” Deijin smirked while leaning forward ever so slightly.

“I see why Jeda sent you here alone.” The white dragon said after reaching up to pinch the bridge of his nose. 

“Jeda didn’t send me anywhere,” Deijin growled while baring his fangs. “I came here because I…” The dune warrior paused in what he was about to say. It took several seconds for him to continue his statement, during which several emotions swept across his face like a storm. “I have something to prove to myself.” 

“And that is?” The other male inquired while blinking his eyes owlishly.

“None of your damned business.” Deijin spat back.

“Of course.” The white dragon snorted before chuckling ever so slightly. Deijin felt his hackles rise but quickly calmed down before he could do anything stupid. “With that said though, since you do seem to believe my claims, can I ask for your assistance in helping to possibly save this country?” 

“No.” Deijin returned, making the noble blink in shock. “I’m only here to try and get the prince back to his kingdom, whatever happens to this place has nothing to do with me.” 

“You say that even knowing that this creature plans to cause ruin to this territory?” The white dragon cocked his head to the side as if peering at the black and gold jackal from an entirely new angle.

“I don’t care anything about this place, and not just because I’m not from his land.” Had this been the dunes Deijin would have been chomping at the bit in order to march forward to battle this unknown monster, however, as it stood he really felt nothing for the people here, especially given what he had seen them doing to Salim.

Salim.

The thought of the other suffering at the hands of the guards here was something that didn’t sit well, but the idea of him possibly being killed by the entity being spoked of made Deijin’s stomach twist rather violently. He had to find some way of getting the other out of this place, alongside this Prince Willow, but how?! In his current state of being he wouldn’t be strong enough to take on an armed force if they tried to stop him from forcibly dragging two other males out of the palace, and sneaking out was something that Deijin didn’t think he could do as he didn’t exactly know the layout of the castle, nor where the prince was at the moment. A snarl ripped through his lips as irritation at the thought of his own uselessness toyed with his mind. 

“You seem to have a reason to care about this land after all, it seems.” The white dragon’s words caused Deijin to shake himself free from the mental daze that he had fallen into. Deijin opened his muzzle to bark out a response but a swift raise of a hand stopped him from doing as such. “How about we make a deal, Deijin?”

“I didn’t give you permission to use my name, stranger.” The black and gold jackal replied in an obviously admonishing tone.

“Considering that I helped to save you from sharing in Salim’s fate, one would think that you would be more amicable to my doing as such.” The regal male smirked.

“That I have spoken to you in even tones at all has been my show of thanks for earlier.” The dune warrior huffed.

“Hahaha!” The black and gold jackal found himself slightly taken aback by the sudden onslaught of laughter which took over the white dragon standing in front of him.

“And what exactly is so amusing?” Deijin asked while giving the other male a slightly worrying look. The last thing he needed to deal with right now is a madman. 

“I think I’m starting to figure you out.” The white dragon answered after calming himself down.

“Heh, how so?” The black and gold jackal inquired while whipping his long tail behind his back once again.

“You remind me of someone that I knew of growing up, someone who is very dear to me right now.” The green eyed dragon answered. “With that said,” He continued despite Deijin's slightly confused look. “If you help me, then I’ll help you. What do you say?” 

“And what do I need your help with?” Deijin inquired with raised hackles as suddenly he regretted trusting the other male.

“Saving Salim from his fate as a slave and victim of continious rape by the soldiers here.” The white dragon began while lifting his right hand up and then raising up one of his soft white furred fingers. “Aiding the prince in his return to his kingdom.” The dragon brought up another finger. “Gaining yourself the respect and honor of several kingdoms for helping them to defeat a monster that may well destroy this continent.” He said while bringing up a third finger. “And getting out that pompous, self-assured stick that you’ve had dug up your ass ever since you became the hero of your land.” The noble finished.

Deijin growled up at the taller male but found no words to fight back against the things that were just said to him, not even the last part which was vehemently untrue since he never allowed anything up his ass! Save that one time.

“Why don’t you think about it, Deijin?” The white dragon whispered at the same time he began to move his left hand in a manner which made the other’s palm begin to glow with a soft gold light. “After all, you have the time to do so, seeing as you’re still ill.” Before the black and gold jackal could make a retort the world around him shifted and then became blinded by a bright white light.

When next Deijin blinked he found himself back inside of a familiar looking room. 

The dune warrior instantly found himself on guard, crouching himself low to the ground as he looked around wildly in confusion, as he had never before experienced such a thing happening. When no one appeared out of the shadows to attack him the black and gold jackal grunted and then lifted himself up to stand back at his full five and a half feet of height. Making his way back over to his still rumpled looking bedding Deijin found himself hacking several times as a cold shiver tore through his chest from down at his feet. 

Cursed cold. I'll be glad to finally be free of it once this mission has been completed.’ The black and gold jackal hissed as a stray breeze seemed to waft from the crack within the door leading out of the room. 

Going over to make sure the wooden barrier was shut Deijin shifted his gaze to the left to see that the fire in the fireplace had burned itself out. Because he didn’t know where the logs were kept Deijin couldn’t reheat the room, it also didn’t help that since he had never made a fire for himself using normal tools he wasn’t even sure what he would need to do to make a fire. So the black and gold jackal simply returned himself under the covers and then bundled himself up as tightly as he could. 

‘I hate this.’ Thought the dune warrior somewhat sullenly as sleep refused to caress his mind some ten minutes after fruitlessly rolling about. 

So far everything outside of meeting Salim had been one annoyance after another, with the height of his current situation being that the longer he mulled over the white dragon’s words the more he realized that the other’s proposition sounded like the only intelligent thing he could grasp for himself at the given moment. While Deijin was sure that he could talk Salim into leaving this horrid place he wasn't so sure about this Prince Willow. The mysterious royal might take some issue with him, considering that he hadn’t gotten his scroll back from the white dragon - a fact for which Deijin mentally kicked himself over now that he thought about how the other must still have it in his possession - which meant that the prince might not trust him when he met up with the other. It also didn’t help that he didn’t know anything about the other, and so Deijin had as to what kind of personality the prince had. 

Sure, the mysterious dragon might have been a kidnap victim, per say, but who knew if the other was just some kind of brat that was doing all of this just because he was bored or something? The stories Deijin had heard amongst some of the other warriors of their own meetings with people within the monarchy had been rather laughable at the time, who could believe that an adult could actually behave so childishly, after all, the leaders of the jackal people were always men forged in the flames or warfare and battle. However, now that he was in a position where he would have to actually deal with someone not of his own race or kingdom the prospect of what to come actually concerned Deijin. 

‘I don’t even want to think about what would happen if I tried to actually force him to leave this place against his will.’ Just the mere idea was something that brought a scowl to the black and gold jackal's face. 

If he weren’t killed outright for possibly harming a royal figure by the dragons of this kingdom, then he would be branded as a kidnapper of prince by those who would see his actions as useful to their own gains. Deijin may not have liked politics, but he was smart enough to know that his actions would have rippling consequences if he didn't play his hand perfectly, and the last thing he wanted was to possibly fail at either his mission or be forever exiled from his kingdom for his actions; never seeing home again made a shudder race up throughout the dune warrior’s backside. While he might have tricked himself into believing that he was okay with not seeing the warm sands of the dunelands after being forced into the Defence Force he now knew that he longed to return to that wonderful place for which he had grown up. The memory of the ever swimming within the flowing river which granted fertility and trade to his people was a recollection that put a gentle smile on the black and gold jackal’s face.

‘I wonder if Salim can swim?’ That was something Deijin wasn’t sure about, along with several other things regarding the dark blue furred healer, however he silently promised that he would find such a thing out as soon as he saw the other again. ‘I wonder if I should ask him about…’ Deijin killed that idea before it could fully bear fruit. 

Deijin knew that Salim would never want to talk about what had happened to him down inside of the dungeon. ‘That probably explains the sudden fit of panic which overcame him when I tried to…’ Again Deijin stamped down the thought which was entering into his head, however this time it refused to be so easily trampled.

Rape was something that was a part of his life, in so much that he had always took others in order to show his power over them. In his own kingdom it was seen as a measure of control over those of the slave caste, as it made them aware of their place amongst all of those for whom they were meant to serve. Deijin himself had never cared about their struggles or looks of fear and shame that colored the lesser jackals faces before now, it had always been known that their place was beneath a warrior, and so the black and gold, being the most powerful warriors of them all, had taken his pleasure from their bodies over and over again as much as he wanted. It wasn’t normal for him to use the same slave twice in a row, as they were often shuffled about in order to keep the kingdom running as fluently as it did, but more than a few knew of his and his rough dallancies, and so they always looked to him with fearful respect, as they all knew that at any time he desired he could grad and then use one or more of them.

Whether it was making them sniff and lick over the dark fur of his body while massaging him, or plundering their backsides for what seemed like hours on end while holding them down with his calloused hands, Deijin had never been shy about taking a lesser male as his bitch. It had been a lot of fun, of that there was no denying, so much so that some of the other knights within the army had gotten in on the fun after Deijin had his fill. The sight of a slave struggling as he cried out in blissful despair was one that always served to harden the stalk of flesh in between the dune warrior’s legs, as it did so even now. There was just something so beautiful about watching a lesser man struggle and scream as he was shown how weak and worthless he was to those higher up in the society that he was. It always served to remind everyone who truly held power within the kingdom - the kings of his country always kept a harem of slaves to attend to their every need after all, and so it was seen as a just thing to keep slaves locked within their place by way of hard stalks of flesh being seared deep into their backsides by their betters.

That was why Deijin had not seen an issue with using the members of the Defence Force for his pleasure, they were all weaker than him and they all knew it. That’s why they kept their eyes downcasted whenever he passed and their tails tucked in between their legs if he decided to glare at them. That was the way of things. That was the right of holding the reigns of might. 

And look where such thoughts had gotten him. What it had nearly done to him. What it was doing to Salim.

When the sound of the door to the room opening met his ears Deijin took several deep breaths before wiggling himself up from beneath the wool quilts. 

The sight of Salim walking into the room instantly brought a smile to the black and gold jackal’s face, however his joy quickly turned sour when he noticed the shaky steps the other male took as he walked over to the fireplace to check on it. The signs of abuse were very clear to see as the marks of whips having been drawn across the other’s fur stood out as there were dark lines of blood scattered all across Salim’s fur from where someone had struck the other too hard. The sight of the dark blue male’s worn backside was easy for the black and gold jackal to spot as the stained fur told him everything he needed to know about what had happened to the other once he was no longer able to view his humiliation. 

The scent of semen perfumed the air as Salim walked over to a nearby wall and pressed down onto the one of the stones. Deijin didn't have to guess as to how thoroughly the others had been in savaging his healer, as when Salim knelt down to a panel that opened to reveal several logs of wood the material covering his loins quickly became stained with the emissions the dragons had left within the other, so much so that the white cloth dripped down onto the ground below.

When Salim began to cry after placing a hand up onto his face Deijin quietly pulled himself out from his bed and padded over to the other. Before Salim’s long ears could catch the sound of a heavy body moving forward he lithe male was taken up into a strong embrace. The healer immediately began to fight against the black and gold jackal. Deijin didn’t do anything as he allowed the other to fight and kick and bite at his arms, he simply stood there and let the other get out all of the pain that was inside of his mind and heart. Once the dark blue male calmed down the dune warrior leaned forward to lick the other across the side of his face, his long tongue wiped away the salty tears as Deijin did his best to offer what comfort to the smaller male that he could. Salim breathed out a gasp as he turned to look at the more muscular male behind him.

Amber and indigo eyes looked deep into the opposing male’s soul as they stood within the cold room together without moving.

“I’m sorry.” Deijin whispered after the silence became almost oppressive. 

Salim's eyes widened when realization struck him. “Y-You saw…” Salim began to say but when the black and gold jackal nodded at him all he could do was slump within his hold like a broken doll.

Instead of saying anything else to try and comfort the other male Deijin gently carried the other to his bed and then laid him down. Once Salim was settled into place the dune warrior leaned down over the dark blue furred healer and then began to lick the wounds which had been placed over his naked flesh. Salim gasped upon the feeling of the larger male’s war tongue caressing him, however he didn’t fight against Deijin as he cleaned the bloody injuries which were presented to him. From his neck down to his groin Deijin worked his tongue all across Salim’s body to try and comfort the night eater, it was only when his nose bumped into the lithe male’s cloth covered crotch that he stopped. Salim shivered and wiggled about in obvious mental and emotional discomfort, however Deijin silently rolled his tongue out across the other’s covered sex. The texture of another male’s seed was not one that Deijin had ever before tasted however he endured in favor of cleaning Salim from the signs of rape that had been placed upon him. 

Gently prodding the other to roll over Deijin watched as Salmi hesitated for a moment. Upon seeing the look of conviction within the other’s eyes the dark blue furred healer quietly turned himself around in order to present his backside to the dune warrior. Deijin didn’t speak as he slowly brushed the other’s long tail up from out of his way. Once his goal was in sight the black and gold jackal used his claws to tear apart the stained material set in front of his eyes. Salim gasped upon suddenly feeling the cold air on his aching bottom, but seconds later he found himself moaning and hissing in pleasurable bliss as Deijin dipped his nose down and then began to lick at his cum soaked backside. 

Lick after gentle lick, Deijin soothed the raw flesh which had been slightly torn by the harsh treatment the dragon knights had bestowed upon Salim, all the while letting the healer get out the anguish which had long since festered inside of his soul.

Neither man knew how much time it took for the black and gold jackal to fully clean the night eater from the evidence of his humiliation, the only thing either knew was that once Salim’s rump and tender hole was fully cleaned off by the dark blue male turned around to look the other in the eye with a smile that was both tearful as it was genuinely thankful for what had been done for him. 

Deijin said nothing as he watched his healer get up from the bed. 

He instead silently watched the other as he went over to the still opened compartment within the wall to take out one of the logs within. Setting it over into the fireplace Salim chanted a few words and then both he and Deijin watched as the piece of wood instantly caught fire. It took a few seconds for the room to grow warm again but once it was Salim turned around to look back at the dune warrior with a shaky smile that attempted to hide so much. Upon finding the black and gold jackal standing in front of him the smaller male gasped as he was picked up bridal style and then carried back to the bed. 

Salim didn’t know what to think as Deijin laid him down once more and then slipped up beside him. What he did know was that he had never smiled as wide as he did once the dune warrior curled up next to him and then pulled the covers up over both of their heads.