Liamterra 6 Liamterra by Jo B purplefox@usfamily.net Rating: NC-17 Spoilers: none Keywords: M/Sk SLASH WIP Disclaimer: The X-Files characters are the property Chris Carter, 1013 productions and Fox Broadcasting. No money is being made from their use. Summary: AU. Mulder is abducted and carried through a gateway to another dimension, where magic is real and mythical creatures exist. Skinner follows, and the two men must make a new life for themselves while they search for a way back home. Authors Notes: This is a sequel to my story North Woods. Special thanks to my beta-readers Helen and Lyrical Soul for the excellent job of catching all of my mistakes. Feedback is always welcome. Any constructive suggestions are appreciated. WARNING! This story contains explicit Sex/Romance between two men. Turn back now, if the subject matter offends you. Okay to Archive: MTA, DitB, Slashing Mulder, all others please ask first. Web site: http://www.slashingmulder.com/JoB/ Chapter 6 Frye by Jo B Kallen Seaport town of Sharlain The public room of the Inn was packed with travelers from all parts of the realm. The room smelled of sweat, smoke, perfumes, and spices. Mulder stood in the doorway to the lobby, studying all the different races. It made him think of the bar room scene from the first Star Wars movie, except all of the voices were speaking in English. The goblin innkeeper hurried over, recognizing Prince Kedar. He bowed respectfully, then started babbling excitedly, "Prince Kedar, welcome to my humble Inn. How may I help you?" "My friends and I would like three of your best rooms, and information on any ship sailing for Frye. We're looking to acquire passage," Kedar said loftily. "I will have my best rooms made available for you at once, my Prince..." he hesitated, looking uncertainly at the humans, the centaur, and the troll. "...and for your friends. I'll put out inquiries for any ship sailing for Frye." "See that my room, and that of my two human companions have hot baths prepared. We'd like to bathe before we dine," Kedar ordered. "I'll see to it, my Prince. Please have a complimentary drink in the pub while I see to your rooms. It will be at most a half hour." The Prince looked into the noisy pub and frowned. He wasn't used to rubbing elbows with those of lower station than himself. Noticing Kedar's discomfort, Mulder patted the prince on the back and quipped, "Consider this part of your mission to learn more about the other races, Kedar." The Innkeeper was shocked by the human's improper familiarity with a Royal Prince of Kallen. He looked more closely at the human, taking in his deep, brown leather britches that hugged long, lightly muscled thighs and calves, and sweet firm buttocks partially covered by a tight fitting tunic, that clearly showed the outline of nipple ring beneath. His eyes traveled up the long elegant neck, stopping briefly on the delectable full mouth, then up to shimmering multi-hued eyes. Finally resting his attention on the expensive fox-shaped diamond earring. He realized that this exquisite creature was someone of importance. Maybe even a prince himself. He'd never seen a *human* of such unparalleled beauty. The Innkeeper reluctantly pulled his eyes away, and focused his attention back on his Prince. "Don't worry, Prince Kedar. I have a quiet table for you and your companions." Jahr was carrying his Lords' and Prince Kedar's bags. "Innkeeper, can you show me where my Lords and Prince Kedar will be staying? I'd like to get their belongings squared away." "In a moment, Troll! Can't you see that I'm attending to the Royal Prince of Kallen?" the Innkeeper snapped. "Hey! Don't use that tone of voice when addressing our squire! His name is Jahr! Use it and be civil toward him!" Skinner growled. Mulder placed his hand on Walter's arm to calm him. His lover had been quick to anger as their two-week journey from Anlon dragged on. He knew it was mostly due to snide remarks made by Eachann. In addition, the lack of privacy the small tent offered when they made love had been wearing on both their nerves. The goblin swallowed nervously. He felt enormous power emanating from the large human. "I apologize...ah..." "Mage Skinner," Kedar informed the innkeeper. "He and his mate, Lord Fox, are two nobles from my human father's world. You will treat them with the same respect you show me." The last thing the Innkeeper wanted was to show disrespect to a human mage. They were among the realms most powerful wizards. "Of course, my Prince. Squire Jahr, I will show you to the rooms as soon as I get the Lords seated in the pub." Mulder glanced around as he followed the goblin across the crowded room to a small table in an alcove. From the table, they had a clear view of the pub. Mulder noted several rough-looking humans huddled together at the end of the bar. They were watching them closely. He reached under the table and grabbed Walter's hand. Mulder didn't know why he felt more threatened by their fellow humans than any of the other races. They gave him the creeps for some reason. Mulder also noticed that Eachann was being openly glared at by some of the patrons. A servant came over to their table and placed a goblet in front of each of them. Then he filled the goblets with a smooth- tasting, honey colored ale. Mulder began to relax as he sipped his drink while still holding Walter's hand under the table. Now, more for closeness than for security. It just felt so good. Security was to be found in the razor-sharp sword hanging at his side. Skinner had a somewhat difficult time drinking with his left hand while holding Mulder's hand with his right. He too, was reluctant to let go. It felt so warm and comforting within his. He hoped that the mattress on the bed would be firm. He planned to get quite a bit of use out of it tonight. He squeezed Mulder's hand at the thought. Skinner watched as the humans from the bar made their way toward his table. A scruffy, auburn-haired man spoke, "My Lords, excuse the intrusion. My friends and I couldn't help but notice that thou art bald." The man's eyes flicked over Skinner and came to rest on Mulder. Skinner glared at the bearded man who was gazing lustfully at his lover. "And your point would be?" he barked. The man flushed, dragging his eyes from Mulder's face back to Skinner. "Of course thou hast heard of the prophecy?" Prince Kedar slammed his goblet down. "Enough! My guests do not need to be bothered with your abhorrent religious beliefs!" he snarled. "And who art thou to tell us we cannot speak with our fellow humans, Goblin?" another of the bearded humans growled. "He is Prince Kedar of the Royal House of Kallen, next in line to the throne," a goblin militia captain said, coming up behind the humans with his sword drawn. Several other goblins in military uniforms surrounded them. "We didn't mean any disrespect. We will be on our way," the human said, nervously backing away. "Wait! I'm interesting in hearing about this prophecy," Mulder said, standing. All eyes focused on him. It was Kedar who spoke first. "Fox, this human-conceived prophecy has divided the realm for centuries..." "More reason for me to hear about it," Mulder replied Kedar looked into his eyes. "Very well, Fox." He turned back the scruffy humans. "Do any of you humans know the words of the prophecy by heart?" All four shook their heads no. "Captain, find someone who knows this prophecy or has a copy of its words for Lord Fox." "At once, my Prince," the captain said. He bowed and left the pub through the side door. No one paid any attention to the petite hooded figure who stood in the shadows quietly watching. The figure touched its protruding belly then limped off, exiting the pub through the same door as the captain. *** Frye Krycek, Scully, and the Gunmen spent two weeks relaxing at the Renny's fishing village. Dasta, Anny's sister from a neighboring fishing village promised that when her husband Quth returned home, he would take them to Orla Glen to ask the Queen's help in finding their friends. Krycek sat cross-legged on a boulder looking out at the simmering waters. He was filled with a sense of inner peace that he hadn't felt in years. For once, he didn't have to watch his back. He was still cautious of the different creatures in this realm, but they proved less dangerous than the humans back in his universe. Krycek enjoyed the company of the Renny people. They made him feel welcomed. Anny had taken him under her wing very much like a mother cat would adopt a stray kitten. He smiled at that thought. "Alex, Quth has arrived home," Anny said, making her way across the cliff to the boulder where he sat. "Is he willing to take us to Orla Glen?" "Dasta hasn't asked him yet. But Quth will do anything to please her, except shave his beard," Anny said, placing a hand on his shoulder and smiling softly. "I will miss you, Alex. You and your friends have made the last two weeks interesting." "Anny, we owe you and your husband a lot. Thank you for your hospitality." Krycek took her tiny hand in his and kissed it. Anny smiled. "C'mon, Alex, let's go see Quth." *** Zaltana The capital city Mei It was late morning in the Zaltana's capital city Mei. King Kiros rested against the muscled chest of one of his attendants, while two others bathed him. The water in the large bathtub was just shy of being too hot. Fragrant steam rose off its surface into the cooler air. They washed Kiros' hair as well as his body with perfumed soap. He smiled softly as an attendant soaped his penis and stroked him toward orgasm. It was a typical morning event. Cleansing his body and releasing his desire. Soon, he hoped to replace his three loyal attendants with Fox. Kiros would have them teach Fox how to bath him properly and take care of his needs. He had one need that Fox alone would take care of -- his virginity. His attendants were forbidden to touch him there. He looked forward to surrendering his body to Fox on their wedding night. To having their children in the years to come. The King stood and climbed up the two steps out of the bathtub. He stood with his arms extended and his feet spread as his attendants dried his body. They smoothed fragrant oils into his still steaming flesh. Kiros watched them in the dozens of mirrors surrounding the bathing room. His lovely alabaster skin glowed in the bright morning light coming in from the overhead skylights. The sunlight glittered and sparkled off the gold, silver, and gemstones from his many piercings. His long, silky black hair hung to his waist, waiting to be braided and decorated with precious gems. An attendant helped him into a long silken robe, and Kiros walked across the marble floor to the dressing table and sat, waiting patiently as his hair was dried, then braided. He was then dressed in the softest of doeskin leather and chain mail for his afternoon hunt. In the mountains just north of Mei, a minotaur was raping and killing his people. Usually minotaurs stayed in the mountains far to the north of Xaru. This one seemed to be deranged, and horny with lust. A minotaur's sex organ were too big for goblins or any of the realm's other sentient races to survive being raped by. King Kiros shuddered involuntarily at the thought. He was taking twenty of his soldiers to hunt it down and kill it. Kiros walked through his bedchamber, then down the hall to his reflection chamber. The room was filled with books, talismans, and other magical objects. He ignored all these and walked to his reflection pool as he had done every morning for weeks. He waved his hand over its surface until an image appeared. The image as seen through the eyes of his Fairy Cy'Wnila was projected upon the pool's still waters. He watched the scene unfold, as he had watched similar scenes throughout the many weeks since his Magnus brought his heart's desire to this land. He sighed as he glimpsed his Fox's beautifully toned, lithesome body, and the perfect sex that hung between his muscled thighs. Kiros' body ached to feel that impressive organ buried deep inside him. His cock swelled and he felt dampness between his buttocks as his second sex released its arousal. His Fox was arguing with his larger human lover. "Walter, you go first. I can wait. HEY!" Fox cried out, suddenly finding himself swept up into his lover's muscular arms none too gently, and deposited into the steaming bathtub. The wooden tub was too small for both men to share, leaving the second man to wash in the dirty water left over from the first. The tub had been filled by hand with buckets of heated water carried in by the inn's servants. Skinner smirked at him, picking up a pitcher and filling it with water. "Tilt your head back, Fox. I'm going to wash your hair." "It's not fair that you should be expected to bathe in my dirty bath water, Walter," Mulder said, tilting his head back as his lover poured water over his hair. "I rather your hair was washed in clean water, Fox. Besides, you're hardly that dirty, and we'll have the servants bring in some more hot water for my bath. It shouldn't be that bad." Kiros watched the love that passed between the two humans. The look Fox directed at Mage Skinner was the look he longed to be directed at him. "You're too good for me, Walter," Mulder murmured, closing his eyes as Skinner started to massage the scented soap into his hair. Skinner snorted. "Stop selling yourself short! Fox, no one in this realm or our world is too good for you, especially not me." "Look who's selling himself short? Stud muffin, you never noticed how men and women would watch your ass as you strolled down the halls at the Hoover building?" "Stud muffin?" Skinner snorted. "Fox, you're weird! Don't ever change...and don't call me stud muffin again." He leaned down and nipped at Mulder's lips. "Lean back, babe, and keep your eyes closed. I'm going to rinse the soap out of your hair." Kiros' eyes narrowed in anger! He felt impotent! He had not been able to make off with Fox. It wouldn't be long now! As soon as they were out of Kallen he would take what was his once and for all! *** Frye Scully sat beside the fire staring at the male Renny with the full red beard and bright blue eyes. This was the first bearded Renny she had seen. All the Rennies from the fishing village were cleanly-shaven. "Mr. Quth, we are looking for two friends of ours, and were told that Queen Charmaine might be able to help us find them," Scully said. "Just Quth is fine, my dear," he said. As he took in the human's unusual dress, it caused a light to go off inside his head. "These humans you're looking for, one of them wouldn't happen to be a big, bald-headed man who goes by the name of Walter Skinner, and the other a sable-haired lad, name of Fox Mulder?" "You've met them?" Krycek and Scully asked simultaneously. They then glared at each other. "Yes, months ago. They are two humans that I surely will never forget," Quth said, poking the fire with a stick. "Were they all right? Where are they now? Where did you meet them?" Quth looked back and forth between the humans as they started shouting questions at him all at once. "Quiet! I will tell you everything I know!" Quth waited until the humans settled down. He then glanced over at his sister-in-law Anny and winked. "Would you be a dear and bring me an ale?" After Anny came back with his drink, Quth took a sip and looked around at the anxious faces on the humans. Then, he set his drink down and tapped out his pipe, filling it with tobacco from a pouch hanging at his waist. When he thought the humans were suitably annoyed, he started talking. "I'm a prospector. I prospect the mountains around Kallen for silver and gold. That is where I found your friends. It was at the end of winter, high in the Great Kallen Mountain range. The ground was snow-covered and I was making my way back to my cave when I saw a sight I've never seen before in the mountains. Two human males were coming down the steep slope, one being carried piggy back by the other man. Neither man was dressed for the cold weather. The man being carried was barefoot. They both appeared exhausted. I befriended them and provided shelter for them in my cave. Then I made a pair of boots out of some hides for the younger one to wear." "They were both healthy?" Scully questioned. "They were in perfect health from what I could tell. I found them to be quite unusual for humans. Plus, I've never seen two people more in love," Quth added. "I enjoyed their brief company." "What happened to them?" Krycek asked anxiously, leaning forward. "King Pyralis captured them." At the look of fear that appeared on their faces, Quth went quickly on, "Don't worry, Pyralis is a decent and honorable King. He would never harm your friends without reason. The last I heard they were going to travel to Frye to see Queen Charmaine." "How long ago did you hear this?" Scully asked. "About a month ago. I have a friend in Anlon who's kept me informed about some of the events in the capital. I haven't heard much of anything since I left for home three weeks ago." "What do you think?" Scully asked, looking over at Krycek and the Gunmen. "I think we should leave at once for Orla Glen. If we can make it there before them, we wait," Krycek said. "If we miss them, we find out what direction they are heading and follow them." Scully nodded in agreement. *** Zaltana Night was falling by the time King Kiros and his warriors cornered the minotaur. The beast was nearly nine feet tall and menacing. It carried a primitive club in one hand, while its blood red eyes scanned the Goblin warriors until they locked on King Kiros. It bellowed, and charged the King, its erect cock pointing out from its massive body. The King's warriors shot dozens of arrows at the charging beast to no avail. The arrows only bounced off its tough hide as it closed in on their King. Kiros drew his sword and slammed his heals into his horse's flanks, forcing it forward. He met the minotaur head on, swinging his sword at the creature's bull neck. The blade glanced off, merely nicking the creature's tough hide. The minotaur clubbed the King's horse killing it, and tossing Kiros onto the hard ground. The King scrambled away from the minotaur's reaching hand as his warriors attacked it with their swords. "Puny goblins! You cannot harm me!" the minotaur growled. King Kiros watched as his warriors died defending him. Minotaurs, like harpies, were immune to magic, and could only be killed by a strong warrior. Kiros suddenly saw the minotaur's weakness and pulled his long stiletto from its sheath at his side. He signaled his remaining warriors away. They hesitated, looking at him uncertainly as they stayed out of reach of the minotaur's club. "Obey your King and retreat!" Kiros commanded. They reluctantly backed their horses away from the enraged minotaur, whose flesh was nicked and bleeding from hundreds of blows of their swords. Kiros stepped forward. "You desire me, Minotaur?" The creature sneered looking at his lovely prey. "You are pretty, little one. I wish to mate with you." "I will willingly spread my legs for you, Great Minotaur. But, first... I request a kiss," Kiros said, stepping closer to the deranged beast. He kept his fear in check as the creature's cock bobbed in front of his face. It was as big and thick as his arm. "A kiss?" The minotaur looked puzzled, his damaged brain trying to process what the pretty goblin was asking. "Yes, a sweet kiss on the lips. Bend down, minotaur, let me kiss you," Kiros purred, looking up at him, standing only as high as the creature's chest. The minotaur caught on to what the goblin wanted and bent excitedly to kiss him. It shrieked, and staggered away from the goblin, clawing at the object in it's eye. It sank to its knees. The minotaur was in so much pain that it didn't see the King approach from his blind side until the sword was driven through its other eye, killing it. The King stood back, his clothes and flesh covered in foul- smelling blood. He looked sadly around at his dead warriors and their horses. He turned to his General, who was among the few survivors. "General Helios, send a soldier to Mei for a wagon to transport our dead. Also, have him bring back a taxidermist. I want this creature's head removed and mounted for my throne room." "At once, my King." *** Kallen Skinner paced anxiously back and forth, his hard cock swaying between his muscular thighs. He impatiently glanced toward the small bed where his naked lover sat reading, all but ignoring him and his desires. They had just been preparing for bed when the goblin captain brought the parchment inscribed with the prophecy. Now, his lover sat with his back against the wall, studying it for what seemed like ages. Mulder didn't take his eyes off the document as he scooted down lower on the mattress getting more comfortable. The bed linens were silky and inviting under his bare flesh. He glanced up at Walter, and sighed at his lover's apparent agitation with him. He'd been studying the document for less than five minutes. "Listen to this, Walter." Skinner sighed and looked at him longingly. He had other plans for this evening, but his lover had insisted on looking at that blasted document first! "What does it say, Fox?" he asked, walking over and sitting on the narrow bed. His hip touched his lover's warm flesh, re-igniting the fire in his groin. "It says, 'Out of the starlight, the savior shall step. Brave and strong and tall. His bald scalp..." Mulder paused and looked knowingly at his lover, then continued, "shining with the light of a thousand stars as he does battle against the evil infecting the lands. At his side, a mighty warrior prince blessed by the gods in face and wisdom. His beauty will melt men's hearts and make the fair ladies swoon." Skinner snorted with laughter, "Oh God! 'Make fair ladies swoon!' What a bunch of crap!" "Shut up, Walter." Mulder glared at him, then picked up where he left off. "Along his quest, the savior shall be joined by three wise men, a lady of fire, and a cunning green-eyed thief. Together, they will free the people of the realm from the cruel tyranny and fear enslaving them. Opening a brave new world, with peace and contentment for all." Mulder placed the document on the night table. "I think those men thought you might be this savior," he said. "Fox, that is ridiculous! There must be thousands of bald men in this realm!" "Maybe so, Walter, but the only humans we've seen so far were unusually hairy." "Fox, you can't seriously think..." Mulder leaned over and kissed him, stopping further protests. He pulled away and rubbed Walter's scalp. "I'm sure this prophecy has nothing to do with us, unless your head starts glowing. Of course, then we'll have to get separate rooms. I couldn't possibly sleep with your head shining with the light of a thousand stars," he chuckled. Skinner shoved him back on the down-filled mattress and covered Mulder's body with his. "Brat, I'm going to fuck you through the mattress now." "Well, it's about time you stopped wasting our valuable fucktime with your endless yammering," Mulder teased, wrapping his long legs around Skinner's waist and rocking their groins together. Skinner fingers wound through Mulder's long hair as he leaned down and kissed him roughly. His other hand stroked up and down his lover's warm side and hip. He moved lower, with Mulder's legs still wrapped possessively around his hips. He spat on his hand, reached underneath and quickly lubed his cock, positioning it against the incredibly small opening. Mulder moaned as his ass cheeks were spread wide by his lover's large plum-sized cockhead. His body was flushed with hot desire as he pushed his hips up, relaxing his sphincter as his lover entered his tight passage -- stretching him with the hard pulsating warmth of his cock. Mulder whimpered, spreading himself wider, wanting more of his lover. Skinner kept pushing in, filling him, making him feel incredible. "God, Walter, you must have been a meat packer in another life," he quipped, his long legs wrapping tighter around Skinner's hips. His heels digging into the small of Skinner's back. Skinner reached back and grabbed his lover's ankles, pulling his legs from around his waist, and pushing them back against Fox's chest, spreading them open beneath him. "Hold them," he ordered. He then started plowing harder into his lover's tight heat, watching the opening gripping his cock as it slid in and out. The sight made him even harder. He longed to possess this man. He knew he'd never let Fox go, and would die to keep him. Skinner wanted nothing more at this moment than to give his lover pleasure, to make him feel the love he had for him deep in his heart. He felt the energy of his mage powers surge through his body and into his penis. Mulder's arms were wrapped around his knees, holding his legs against his chest as Walter continued to thrust into him. The whole bed shook. The slapping of flesh against flesh echoed throughout the room. Mulder moaned, feeling the deep thrusts of Skinner's cock opening him. He could have sworn that his lover never entered him this deeply before. It felt like Walter's cock was drilling all the way up into his bowels. It was almost painful. However, the sensation against his prostate was mind- blowing. It felt as if it was being jolted by a low level electrical charge. The feeling of being filled more than ever before made up for any discomfort. His mind couldn't quite fathom why Walter felt larger. His own cock and balls were swollen and aching for release. Mulder didn't dare remove his hands from his knees to attend to it. He did not want to interrupt the delicious sensations Walter was giving him. His eyes locked with Walter's intense stare as his lover forced his legs further apart, then bent between them and took his nipple, ring and all, into his mouth. Walter sucked on it with all of his strength. Mulder arched off the bed as pleasure and pain gripped him, slamming his ass back on the immense penis impaling him. He screamed and came, his come hitting his lover's head as Walter lapped at his nipple. Skinner groaned as his lover's body squeezed his cock in an iron- like grip. He came within seconds --a pleasure-filled roar tearing from his throat. His fingers dug into Fox's thighs as he pumped his seed deep into his body. It felt like he came forever as each hot spurt shot out of him. He finally collapsed on top of Mulder, burying his face into the crook of younger man's throat. He took a deep breath of his lover's musky scent, then his mouth clamped down over the pulse point in Mulder's throat, and he started sucking, marking him. Mulder moaned, his legs splayed wide with his lover's cock still buried to the hilt inside of him. "God, Walter, what have you done to me?" His whole body was tingling with the most pleasurable sensations. He felt detached from the world around him. All that his mind was able to focus on was Walter. The weight of Walter's hard body pressing him down on the soft mattress. Walter's mouth sucking his throat. The liquid heat filling in his belly and the throbbing organ sheathed deep in his rectum. "Hm... what, babe?" Skinner purred. He felt incredible. Mulder closed his eyes, trying to wrap his mind around what just happened between them. "You've never fucked me like that before. It feels like you pumped a gallon of come into me." He groaned as his stomach started to cramp. Skinner saw the discomfort on his lover's face and pulled out of him. He placed his hand over Mulder's belly. "Shit. Sorry, babe." "Let me up!" Mulder gasped, scrambling off the bed, making it over to the chamber pot just in time. His thighs were covered in milky semen. Mulder stood shakily, leaning tiredly against the wall, while Skinner poured some water from a pitcher into the washbasin and wet a washcloth and set about cleaning him. Skinner then emptied the washbasin into the chamber pot, which he carried and set outside the door for the servant. Mulder walked stiffly to the bed. He knew he'd have bruises on his ass and thighs tomorrow. It was a good thing they didn't have to travel by horseback for a while. He smiled. Damn, he felt incredible! Skinner's arms wrapped around him from behind. "How are you feeling?" "Fantastic. Now would you tell me what you did?" Mulder asked, his hands caressing over Walter's where they were wrapped around his waist. Skinner frowned worriedly, chewing on his bottom lip. "God, Fox, I could have hurt you." Mulder turned around in his arms. He kissed Skinner's lips tenderly. "Walter, you would never hurt me. Don't worry about it. That was the most incredible fuck I've ever experienced." "Fox, I didn't think about what I was doing. I wanted to give you pleasure. I could have hurt you." "Walter, I want you to think back to what you did, and record it in your spell book if you have to, because I expect you to do it again soon." Mulder caressed the side of Walter's face. "Come to bed, lover." Skinner smiled, relieved, kissing and hugging him. "I love you." *** Frye They started out for Orla Glen early in the morning. The sun was still below the horizon, providing only the faintest light. Quth was riding a pony, while the five humans walked. They had another pony that was carrying their supplies. Krycek missed his prosthetic arm. It provided him with balance as he walked. Now his whole being felt off kilter. He should never have thrown the limb over the side of the ship. "Cool man, look!" Langly shouted. Everyone turned in time to see a unicorn gallop across the mist- covered field. "Wow!" Frohike said. Quth looked and shrugged his shoulder. "Unicorns are temperamental animals. They're worthless for anything except the magical potions that can be made from their horns, and the fine leather from their hides." "You slaughter them for their horns?" Scully asked, appalled. "And their hides. The meat is tough but can be made palatable if marinated for several days," Quth said. Krycek looked longingly at the unicorn as it disappeared into a grove of trees. What he wouldn't give to try to ride such a beast. "Has anyone ever attempted to tame one of them?" Quth shook his head. "No. Unicorns can be extremely violent. Many of my people have died from being trampled or gorged to death by their horns." "Pity, it is a beautiful animal," Krycek sighed. *** Kallen A rapping on their door woke Mulder. The sunlight was just creeping in through the window, dimly lighting the room. He reluctantly unwound himself from Walter's warm body, unaware that his slumbering lover had spent most of the night holding him and watching him as he slept. He covered his mouth with his hand to muffle a groan as their activities from last night made themselves known in the lower regions of his body. The rapping had stopped as he approached the door. He hastily pulled on his breeches and unsheathed his sword from its scabbard, holding it ready as he opened the door. No one was in the hallway except for a basket placed in front of the door. The chamber pot Walter left outside the door was gone, and a clean one had been left in its place. He looked more closely at the basket as something moved among the linens, then the sound of a baby crying issued from its depths. Mulder quickly sheathed his sword and set it inside the door and picked up the basket. He looked up and down the hallway before carrying the bundle back into the room. Walter had stirred and was looking at him blearily. "Fox, what's that?" Mulder set the basket on the bed and folded back the blankets. He examined the crying baby carefully before lifting her out of the basket and cuddling her against his chest. "A baby. She appears to be a newborn and human." He showed Skinner the baby's bellybutton where the umbilical cord had been freshly clipped. "Where did she come from?" Skinner asked, coming totally awake in seconds. "Someone left her outside our door," Mulder said. The baby stopped crying as he rocked her. "We have to find her mother," Skinner said, climbing out of bed and looking around. His bladder was killing him. "There's a clean pot outside the door," Mulder said, reading his expression. "Thanks." Skinner grabbed the chamber pot and carried it back into the room. He wasted no time in relieving his bladder, then his bowels. Then he poured some clean water into the washbasin and washed his hands and splashed a little on his face. "It shouldn't be too hard to find her mother, I wouldn't think. How many human females could there be in this town?" Mulder said, watching as his lover got dressed. "I'll take her, Fox. Why don't you take care of business, then get dressed." Skinner cradled the baby in his arms, looking down at the tiny face. She had wisps of red hair, her eyes were closed so he couldn't see their color. "She's a cute little thing, isn't she?" Mulder looked at Walter as his lover swayed with the baby in his arms. "What if we can't find her mother?" "Fox, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Skinner said softly, entranced by the tiny life in his arms. Jahr stepped into the room and stared at the infant in Skinner's arms. "Lord Skinner, where did the baby come from?" "She was left outside our door. Jahr, I want you to check around town. We need to know if there are or were any pregnant human females in the area," Skinner said. "Yes, Lord Skinner." The baby started crying again. "What do you think is wrong with her?" Mulder asked. "She's hungry," Prince Kedar said, strolling through the open doorway. Skinner looked panicked. "What do we feed a newborn?" Kedar looked down at the crying infant, touching her cheek with the back of his finger. "Goat's milk. We just need to boil it to kill any bacteria. I'll send for a baby bottle and some cloth diapers." "You have baby bottles in your society?" Mulder asked, amazed. Prince Kedar smiled. "Fox, you're lucky she was abandoned in Kallen. Goblins are a lot more advanced in caring for our children than humans or elves. Renny's are pretty good, but the males still leave the rearing of the children to their females and have little thought for making their lives easier. Goblins nurse their babies for the first three months, then we switch to bottle feeding them goat's milk." Skinner was rocking the shrieking infant, trying to get her to quiet. "Let's discuss how much better goblin society is later, Kedar! Just get the milk!" The goblin prince left, chuckling. An hour later Kedar returned with a bottle of milk and other supplies in a basket. The goblin captain from last night followed him into the room. Mulder took the bottle and noted it had a nipple made from the intestine of some animal. He handed the bottle to his lover, who was still pacing back and forth with the crying baby. Walter had refused his attempts to take the baby earlier, even to give him a break. Mulder was amused by the protective stance Walter had taken toward the infant. He held his breath as Walter offered the nipple to crying baby. After several failed attempts to get the baby to suck the nipple, Walter looked over at him, frustrated. Mulder stepped forward and caressed the baby's lower lip with his pinky, while crooning sweetly to her. She opened her mouth and Walter slipped the nipple in. Once she had a taste of the milk she started suckling contentedly. "Hey, it worked," Skinner murmured. "You make a good team," the Prince said. "Captain Bybin has his troops searching the town for her mother. It doesn't look promising, Walter. No one has seen a human female in this town in over a year." "What happens if we can't find her?" Skinner asked. "You can keep the baby yourself or place her in an orphanage. When she's older she will have to work as an indentured servant until she pays off the cost of raising her," Kedar said. Mulder eyes narrowed. "That's not much of a life," he said. "It's a better life than she'll have in any of the other kingdoms," Kedar replied. "If we cannot find her mother, then Fox and I will be keeping her," Skinner said firmly. "Walter..." Mulder started to protest, but the look in his lover's eyes stopped him cold. "Okay, we'll keep her temporarily, but only if you let me hold her for a while." Skinner smiled, placing the infant and bottle tenderly in his lover's arms. "Just don't drop her, she's very fragile." "I'm not about to drop her." Mulder cradled her in his arms watching her suckle. "She looks sort of like Scully," he said. "All short redheads look like Scully," Skinner quipped. He looked in the basket at the diapers, then picked up a wooden rattle, looking at Kedar. The Prince smiled. "What can I say? I'm a softy where babies are concerned -- most goblins are. I'm glad you and Fox will be keeping her. The orphanages in Kallen are clean, and the children are well cared for, but they lack the love that only a parent can give." There was a knock on the door, and they all turned to look. The innkeeper was standing in the doorway. "Prince Kedar, I found a ship sailing for Frye in two days. It is the goblin warship Akilina. The ship's Captain is having two cabins prepared for you and your human friends. The others in your party will be put up in the crew quarters." "Thank you, Innkeeper. You will be compensated for your efforts," the prince said. The innkeeper bowed and left. "It looks like we only have two days to find the baby's mother," Kedar said, walking over to Mulder, and looking down at the small life. "I'll purchase a couple of goats for our journey and some extra bottles," he said. Turning on his heel, he strolled out of the room. The militia captain followed behind him. "It appears Captain Bybin is smitten with Kedar," Mulder observed. "Let me have the baby back, Fox," Skinner said. Mulder smirked and stuck out his tongue, then strolled over to the window, cradling the baby. "Very mature, Fox." Mulder ignored him and looked down at the baby. "We should give her a name. How about Katherine?" "We're not naming our kid after your partner." "Our kid?" "Yeah. Our kid. If we can't find the baby's mother, then we'll adopt her." Mulder frowned. He didn't want the responsibility of a child. Not considering how dangerous their jobs were, it wouldn't be fair to the child. "Walter, do you think either of us are ready for the responsibility of raising a child? We both have enemies..." "Fox, we can't just leave her here to be raised in a goblin orphanage." "This is her world, Walter. If we find a way back home, would it be fair to take her with us?" "Fox, from the sound of it, human females aren't exactly treated as equals in this world. We'd be doing her a favor." Mulder sighed. "I'm still not sure about this. Even taking a newborn on a journey to Frye could be dangerous to her health." "No more so than leaving her alone here," Skinner argued. "Walter, I don't know if I'm ready for the responsibility of being a father," Mulder grumbled. "Let's just see how it goes first. Then, if you still don't want to adopt her when we get back to our world...I'll find her a nice home," Skinner said. "Fox, I'm not leaving her here." Mulder ran out of arguments and passed the infant back to Walter. He had to admit he was getting a kick out of how enthralled Walter was by her. "We should go down to breakfast." "Yeah, I suppose. I want to put a diaper on her first, and make sure she's warm." Mulder shook his head as he pulled a cloth diaper out of the basket. "Walter, you do know that you're going to have to hand launder all of her poopie diapers, don't you?" "We, Fox. This is a joint responsibility." "Great," Mulder mutter under his breath. He wasn't sure how he was going to deal with a baby in their relationship. He was still hoping that they'd find the baby's mother. "What was that, Fox?" "Great! Give her to me and I'll put a diaper on her." Skinner reluctantly surrendered the baby again. "Walter get a clean washcloth. We need to keep her navel area clean until it heals." Mulder smiled down at the newborn. He counted her toes and fingers. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad. How much work can something so small be? "Hey, Walter, have you ever seen fingernails so tiny?" Skinner carried the washcloth back to the bed and tenderly bathed the baby. He stood back and watched as his lover managed to diaper her, then wrapped her in a thick blanket from the basket. "Let's go down to breakfast," Mulder said, scooping the baby off the bed and laying her in the wicker basket. Skinner took the basket from him. "Okay, Fox." He leaned forward and gave his lover a quick kiss. "Thanks for agreeing to take care of her with me." "You're welcome, Walter." Mulder proceeded his lover out the door, hoping that the anxiety he was feeling would dissipate over time. A baby! What were they thinking? *** Frye The group stopped for lunch next to a crystal clear brook. They wouldn't have to hunt for food for quite a while. The Rennys had sent them off with almost two weeks' worth of cheeses, breads, dried meats and fish, dried vegetables, and fruits. Krycek's mind kept drifting to Mulder. He wondered how the man he had desired for years was dealing with being in this strange universe. Knowing Mulder, he was probably having the time of his life. Krycek frowned. He didn't like the thought that Mulder was having it with Skinner by his side. Damn! He should have killed Skinner when he had the chance! "Tell us about this realm, Quth." Krycek asked suddenly. Anything to get his mind off Fox Mulder. Besides, the Renny at the fishing village knew next to nothing about the neighboring kingdoms, except gossip involving the Goblin and Elfin nobility. They only told horror stories involving the human kingdoms. Krycek wasn't sure how much was true, since none of the Renny had traveled farther than their own village. Quth, on the other hand, had traveled outside of Frye. Quth pulled out his pipe and made himself comfortable. "There are nine kingdoms in the realm. The northern most kingdoms, Zaltaria and Kallen, belong to the Goblins. Zaltaria is the biggest and wealthiest kingdom in the realm. Its ruler is King Kiros. His brother, King Pyralis, rules Kallen, the second wealthiest kingdom in the realm. Kiros and Pyralis have been at war for decades. It started when Pyralis..." Scully interrupted, "Anny told us about King Pyralis and his human mate Jonathan, and the war between his kingdom and his brother's kingdom." Quth's face dropped. "Oh...okay, let's forget about the goblin kingdoms, and move on to Frye, which is ruled by the realm's most powerful sorceress, Queen Charmaine. Only Grand Mage Zendl is more powerful than my Queen. Queen Charmaine is beautiful, honest, and selfless. She places the Renny people above her own needs...what an incredible woman!" Quth sighed. Krycek grinned. He could see that Quth was smitten with the Renny Queen. "Where does Frye rank in order of wealth?" "We're fifth. Feronia and Bellancian are wealthier than we are. There is another kingdom, Kali, that is rumored to be richer than even Zaltaria, but no one knows for sure." "Why not?" "Kali does not exist on this plain. Its ruler, Adrian, is a necromancer, and steals the souls of our dead to populate his kingdom. No one goes to Kali willingly. It is the land of the damned." Quth shuddered. Scully shook her head, thinking the notion of a kingdom of the dead was absurd. "Okay, Quth, let's skip Kali, since you really don't know if its real or not. Just tell us about the rest of the realm." Quth frowned at her. He thought, typical condescending human. At least the other four seem okay. He took a toke on his pipe before going on. "The elves have two kingdoms. Feronia, which is west of here, and Maia, to the south. Maia is the poorest kingdom. Its Queen, Relane, is young and frivolous, and not much of a sorceress. Queen Zoe of Feronia, on the other hand, is old and wise. She's a powerful sorceress. Queen Zoe is good friends with my Queen, and the Goblin Kings. She also gets along with Grand Mage Zendl of Liamterra, which is a miracle in itself!" he barked with laughter, slapping his knee. He quieted when none of the humans joined in. "What about the human kingdoms?" Frohike asked. "Well, there are three human kingdoms in the southernmost regions of the realm. They are Hagan, Balendin, and Bellancian. Hagan is ruled by King Talon. His kingdom is located in a mountainous desert territory. It is isolated from most of the realm by the mountain range to its north that separates it from Feronia. King Talon is a ruthless ruler. It's said that he hates females, and prefers to have males warm his bed, willingly or unwillingly. It is rumored that there is a secret passage through the mountain range that only King Talon and his mages know about. The rumor also says that the passage leads both to Feronia and down into Kali. King Talon is a pretty decent mage, unlike King Baldwin of Balendin, who is only a mage of the first level. King Xavier of Bellancian is said to be a better mage than King Talon, but their talents have never been tested. I would love to search the mountains around Hagan for gold and silver, but it is too dangerous. At least in Kallen, all I have to worry about are magnus, harpies, wyverns, trolls, and hell hounds. No offense, but humans are much more dangerous than those creatures." "What about goblins? Are you in any danger from them?" "Goblins are a conceited and self-righteous race, but they seldom kill without provocation. I have a contract with King Pyralis to search Kallen's mountains for precious minerals, as long as I turn over thirty percent of what I find to his treasurers. He's a admirable and just ruler. I only hope that his son Prince Kedar will learn to be as honorable as his father. Prince Kedar is head-strong, and has a tendency to look down on those of lower rank or of different races than himself. I did hear that the Prince looks up to and respects Fox Mulder and Walter Skinner. It is no small feat that your friends have won the friendship of one such as he." Quth leaned forward and whispered in a conspiratorial tone, "Prince Kedar is incredibly beautiful. It is said that goblins in Kallen and Zaltaria would love for him to chose them as a mate." Byers stood and stretched. Sitting on the hard ground for nearly an hour was hard on his back. The Renny looked up disappointedly at him, and Byers smiled. "Quth, I'm interested in hearing more about your realm, but I need to stretch a bit. Maybe we can continue this discussion when we make camp this evening." "Very well, let's continue our journey then," Quth said, tapping out his pipe. The group gathered their belongings, put out the fire, then continued on their way. *** Zaltana It took several baths before King Kiros started to feel clean again. He'd stayed and supervised the removal of his dead warriors from the battle field, then saw that they received a hero's funeral. The flames from the funeral pyres still blackened the noonday skies around Mei. His hair stank of smoke and blood by the time he retired to his chambers. His attendants remove his ruined garments, and took care of bathing and massaging the aches and pains from his body. Kiros realized how close to dying he had come today. He couldn't wait any longer. He needed to capture Fox and bring him to Zaltana. The Dendroids owed him a favor. He would order them to abduct Fox and take him to a Zaltanarian warship waiting off the shores of Frye. *** Kallen Mulder frowned looking at the goat. He did not want to do this. "C'mon, Fox! Sit on the stool and let Jahr teach you how to milk her," Skinner said. He was standing outside the pen holding the infant protectively in his arms. Eachann was standing next to him watching. "I'm going to get you for this, Walter," Mulder grumbled, sitting on the stool. Jahr kneeled next to the stool. His uncle and aunt were farmers and raised goats and sold their milk to the goblins. What they didn't sell was made into cheese. "Okay, Lord Fox, you get a good grip on the teat and you pump it..." The goat let out a distressed bleep. "No, no! Let me show you," Jahr said, taking the teat from Mulder's hand. He then skillfully pumping it, making milk squirt out into a tin bucket. "Now try it again." "This is too weird," Mulder sighed, and grabbed the teat again, copying what Jahr had just done with a little more luck this time. A small amount of milk squirted out. It took him several more tries before he got the hang of it. The goat looked back at him distrustfully. "Weird? In what way, Fox?" Skinner asked. Mulder looked up at him and rolled his eyes in frustration. "Milking a goat to feed *our* baby. It's weird, Walter. Even you have to admit it." "Okay, it's weird." Skinner gave him a loopy grin as he cuddled the infant. Mulder was no longer interested in exploring this strange universe. The sooner they could get back to their own world with the baby, the sooner they could purchase formula and disposable diapers. He couldn't imagine Scully's face when she found out that he and Walter had a baby. He felt guilty thinking about her and everything she'd lost because of him. Her sister, Melissa. Emily. She was even barren because of him. Maybe he could convince Walter to give Scully the baby. He knew how much his partner wanted a child. He looked over at Walter just as Prince Kedar walked up to him, followed by the militia captain and half a dozen of his men. "We found the baby's mother," Kedar said. Skinner's face fell. "Where is she?" "She's dead. She must have decided that you and Fox would be suitable parents for her child, then she found a quiet place and killed herself. It's quite tragic. I'm sorry," the Prince said. Mulder stood and walked over to his lover, wrapping his arms around Walter's waist. "We'd like to see that she is given a proper burial," he said sadly. "I'll have it arranged, Fox," Kedar said. "Kedar, is there any clue as to who she was?" Skinner asked. "No. She didn't have any identification on her." "I'd like to examine the body," Mulder said. "Of course, Fox. Captain Bybin, show Lord Fox the body," Kedar ordered. The Prince, Skinner, and Eachann watched as Mulder followed the Captain across the stable grounds and into town. "May I hold her?" Kedar asked. Skinner nodded his head and placed the baby in Kedar's arms. "Fox is having a hard time adjusting to having a baby in our lives. I'm not sure if it was fair for me to insist that we take care of her," he confided. "Walter, if you hadn't been the first to insist on caring for the infant, then Fox would have. He would never have allowed anything to happen to her." Skinner sighed. "I hope you are right. I really don't want her to cause a problem in our relationship." "I don't think you have to worry. Fox loves you and will come to love this child." Kedar stared down at the little face and smiled, then looked over at the goat. "Jahr, how is the milking going?" The troll looked up from the goat and grinned. "I'm just finishing, Prince Kedar. What we don't use for the baby, I'll make into cheese." Jahr carried the pail of milk back to the inn to have it heated by the cooking staff. Skinner, Kedar, and Eachann headed back to the inn to wait for Mulder. It was an hour before he came back with Captain Bybin. They made their way across the pub to the table in the alcove, which had been reserved for the Prince's exclusive use. Skinner had just gotten back to the table a few minutes before Mulder arrived. He had gone back to their room to change the baby. "Fox, are you okay?" Skinner asked. "She couldn't have been more than sixteen. She was nothing more than a child herself," he said sadly, taking a seat next to Skinner. "There were old scars criss-crossing her back...someone used a whip on her at some point." The server stopped at their table and placed a goblet of wine in front of Mulder. Mulder's hand shook as he picked it up. Skinner reached out and placed his hand over Mulder's. "Fox, would you like to go back to our room and talk?" "No, I'm fine, Walter. I'm just upset, thinking about what that poor girl went through." Mulder glanced at the baby sleeping in the wicker basket at Skinner's feet. "Walter, we should name our daughter." "Do you have any suggestions?" Skinner asked softly. "Yeah. Storm." Skinner smiled. "Storm...I like it." *** End of Chapter 6 - Frye Coming soon - Chapter 7 - Storm