Prelude to War: Silver Foxes, #3

By M.R. Anglin

Karalaina Dúcume always had whatever she wanted—a perfect figure, a perfect fiancée, a perfect future.  The one thing she doesn't have is her freedom.  But when she throws it all away to marry the man of her dreams, she winds up losing everything she loves.  Now, she has a chance to find the children she lost years ago.  But can she do it with the Expermian government hot on her tail?

 

Hairo Permaine V is the only one left who knows how to Train a Silver Fox, a skill the Expermian government would kill for.  But when he discovers his mentor has committed the ultimate betrayal, he absconds with his family's secrets and vanishes into Outsider territory.  But soon he finds he is being pursued by a Person so relentless, he will do anything to recapture Hairo's freedom.  

 

These two stories intertwine to reveal the secrets of the past as well as the truth of what happened during the Great Jelu Tragedy.  And it all revolves around one very special girl.

 

Prelude to War is Book #3 in the anthro (sometimes called furry) series called Silver Foxes and is intended for audiences 13+.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.R. Anglin
• Release date: Oct 28, 2013
• ISBN: 9781393882138

Book preview

Part 1: Karalaina’s Story

Prologue:

Dresses and Armor

A MODEL SASHAYED DOWN the runway in step with the fast paced music. The blue dress she wore swung and swished as she walked, nearly showing off the base of her tail. The front hung so that it exposed her cleavage.

King Maximilian massaged his temples. He and his fiancée, Celeste, sat on two chairs facing a stage that had been set up in the Grand Ballroom. Among the crystal chandeliers, polished marble floor, and bronze overlaid walls—not to mention the mirrors along one side of the ballroom—model after model flitted up and down the runway. Surrounding Celeste and him were servants, dress designers, and their assistants taking notes. In the corner was the DJ, controlling the music. Max stifled a groan. And he thought shopping in a store was torture. This was the twentieth dress he had seen today.

I like that one. Celeste clapped her hands. The music halted, and the model in the blue dress marched to the end of the catwalk and struck a pose. This model, like all the others, was a vixen with a petite frame, in order to look as similar to Celeste as possible. But unlike Celeste, who had gray fur, this vixen had red. Max hadn’t realized how hard it was to find gray furred model vixens. Celeste was unique.

Celeste turned to him, her green eyes shining. It’s perfect for our wedding reception, don’t you think?

Max raised an eyebrow. If she thought he was going to let her wear a dress that revealing anywhere, she was as dumb as...well, that model. Max shook his head with a snicker. It was wrong, though funny, to assume all models were dumb. The one now at the end of the runway was in medical school, if he had heard correctly.

Maxie, are you paying attention? Celeste put her hands on her hips with a motion that made her raven hair flip. Maybe I should do this myself. You obviously don’t want to take this seriously.

I’m listening, Celeste. Max rubbed the bridge of his nose. That one’s out. I don’t like it.

Bring out the next one. Celeste plopped back in her chair. I think this would go much faster if you weren’t helping, Maxie. All you do is stress me out.

And what about you stressing me out with all this nonsense over a dress? Max was smart enough not to ask the question out loud.

You can do something else, you know. Celeste crossed her arms as the music started up again. I know you want to.

Max smirked. What she said was true; he would rather be doing something else. But if he let her plan everything, she was liable to show up to the reception naked. Why, oh why, wouldn’t she hire a wedding planner? What was the point of doing it all herself?

The next model sashayed down the runway wearing a black dress that fell to her ankles. Her neck—and consequently, her bust—were covered. The sleeves tapered to a point just shy of her fingertips.

Max held up his hand. The music stopped again. That one’s nice, Celeste.

Ew. Celeste jerked back in her chair. That’s hideous.

I like it. Max fingered his whiskers. Let’s have another look at it later. Continue.

The music started up again.

Wait a minute. Celeste waved her hands. The music stopped.

Changed your mind, Celeste?

Celeste put her hands on her hips. How come everything I like that you don’t is trash, and everything you like that I don’t ‘gets another look’?

Because I’m the one you’re going to be seen with, gorgeous. Max raised his hand. The DJ reached over to start the music.

Celeste grinned at the DJ. I hear one note out of that stereo, and you’re losing a tail.

The DJ jerked his hand away.

What do you mean you’re going to have to be seen with me? Celeste turned her glare to Max. I’m the one that’s going to have to wear that awful thing.

Uh, oh. Her tail was bristling, and her nose was twitching. She was mad. Max stifled a sigh and reminded himself not to tell her to calm down. That would only excite her more. Instead, a simple, logical approach should squash the argument before it started.

Celeste, love, I am trying to portray you in a certain image. That’s what queens have to do. You understand that, right? Now let’s continue, and—

What if I don’t want to portray your stupid image?

Max willed himself not to roll his eyes. He should have known logic wouldn’t work on her. Celeste, don’t engage me in a power struggle. You’ll only lose.

Power struggle! Her voice rose. A power struggle? Because I want to be treated fair?

Max glanced at all the people in the room—the models, designers, assistants, the DJ—all of them were watching and listening. Celeste, keep your voice down.

I will not! Celeste jumped to her feet. This isn’t fair, Max, and you know it. I am sick of this. You’re not treating me right.

Max sat still until silence descended in the room. He laced his fingers together and rested his chin on them. I have not raised my voice at you, Celeste. Do not raise your voice at me.

Celeste’s fur settled. Her ears lowered a bit.

Have a seat. Max motioned to the chair, and she sank into it. Now. He leaned in close to her. I don’t want to treat you like a child, Celeste, but if you’re going to disrespect me like that—

I wasn’t trying to—

Max narrowed his eyes at her. She clapped her mouth shut. Once he was sure she wasn’t going to speak, he continued, I intend to run this marriage as I ran my business and as I run this country—my word is final. And if you don’t like that, you can give me that ring back and be on your merry way. He held out his hand.

Celeste swung around, holding her left hand against her chest. She shook her head.

Fine. Max set his hands on his knees. Then be quiet, and stop making a fool of yourself.

Celeste nodded.

Let’s move on. Max waved his hand. You can trash that last dress. Anything that causes this much trouble can’t be worth it.

Celeste winced. She didn’t say anything as the music picked up again and another model flitted down the runway. Max glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Her eyes were glued to the floor. Inwardly, he groaned. He hadn’t meant to squash her, only keep her in line. He had the hardest time figuring out how to handle her. She was like a flower—too aggressive in pulling out weeds, and he risked damaging her roots, but not enough water and care and she wilted. Maybe it wasn’t worth it.

Celeste. Max took her hand. You can’t decide on a dress if you don’t look at them.

Maxie, I’m so sorry. Celeste played with her fingers. I didn’t mean to... She broke off in a sniffle.

Don’t cry, baby. Max patted her hand. I don’t expect you to agree with me all the time, but I do expect you to treat me with respect. You are going to be my wife, so if you don’t have respect for me no one else will. Understand?

Celeste nodded.

Max kissed her cheek. Why don’t you come around again? He beckoned to the model. I don’t think Celeste saw that last one.

The model swung around and sashayed toward them. Her light purple dress flitted as she moved. The neckline showed off a little cleavage, but not enough that Max felt the need to cover her up. The hem skimmed the model’s knees.

I rather like that one. Max turned to Celeste. What do you think?

He didn’t have to ask. Her eyes shone like emeralds under jewelry display lights. That is the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen in my life.

Isn’t that what you told me about your wedding dress? Max watched as she hopped to her feet.

That doesn’t count. Celeste waved him off as she climbed onto the catwalk. I’m only going to wear that one once, and you’ve never seen me in it. She scrutinized the model from all angles. It’s perfect, Maxie.

Go try it on, and let’s see how it looks on you.

Before he could finish the sentence, she was out of the door with the model and the dress designer. Max rubbed his forehead. Hopefully, that dress would mark the end of this fashion battle.

Your Majesty?

A smile jumped to Max face when he recognized Tess’ voice. Tess, good to see you. He turned to face her.

The brown weasel unclipped a piece of paper from her clipboard. I’ve got results. The preliminary tests of the GFG Corporation’s electric armor prototype have been complete, and as head of Research and Development, I am particularly proud of the outcome.

Max snatched the report out of her hands.

Are you sure you should be handling this? Tess tapped the clipboard against her hip. You’re the king now. You’re not supposed to be backing any one private company.

Who says I can’t? I’ve read the laws. As long as I’m not funneling public money into it, I can do what I want. Max scanned the report. These are excellent results, Tess. It looks like we’re ready for a field test.

Tess grinned. Just say the word, sir.

Maxie, what do you think? Celeste emerged from the dressing room, wearing the purple dress. She twirled in front of him. Isn’t it fabulous?

Celeste, you look gorgeous! Tess’ voice went up a few notes. Sometimes, she could be so girly.

Tess, I didn’t see you there! Celeste threw her arms around Tess. I’m glad you came. I missed you.

Me too, Celeste. Tess clasped Celeste’s hands. I’m so excited about the wedding! And wait until you see what I’ve planned for your bachelorette party!

Celeste squealed. I can’t wait! I—

Max cleared his throat. I believe Tess is on company time.

Oh, Maxie. Celeste gave a little pout. Do you have to be such a killjoy?

Max handed the paper to Tess. Run the tests, Tess, and give me the report as soon as you’re done.

Yes, sir. Tess bowed.

And about the bachelorette party...

Don’t worry about that. It’s nothing you’d approve of. Tess winked before walking out of the ballroom.

What? Max’s tail bristled. Tess—

Max, relax. Celeste held him back. She’s kidding.

Max eyed the door. Somehow he didn’t think she was, but there was nothing he could do about that now.

You haven’t told me what you think of the dress. Celeste twirled again.

Let me see... Max scrutinized her from every angle. The front needs to come up a little more, and take it in around the waist. He pulled the fabric tighter. Like that. The length is perfect. I think we agree on this dress. Finally.

Celeste clapped, hopping up and down as she did.

Max bit his lips together. He was going to have to get her to stop doing that. But that was a battle for another day. Go take off that dress now, Celeste. Meet me in the office when you’re done.

Okay. Celeste flitted toward the back.

Max waved his hands. Tear down this stage. We’re done with it. He turned on his heel and left the ballroom. Who knew planning a wedding was so exhausting?

Chapter 1:

The Runaway

KARALAINA SINCLAIRE slowed to a halt, panting for breath. Sweat soaked through her salmon colored fur and made her wavy, golden hair stick to her back. She pulled it away from her neck, eyeing the way the blonde strands turned to a shade of red at the ends. The wind blew through her fur and chilled her. She shivered—but whether it was because of the cold or the fear, she couldn’t tell.

She leaned against the store window, eyes scanning the street for the soldiers chasing her. People of different species—birds, cats, lizards, raccoons—every type of creature she could think of walked along the sidewalks. It would be the perfect place to blend in if only she could hide her hair and ears.

As an Expermian fox, her wide ears and her bi-colored hair were a dead giveaway. But where could she go to hide them? The soldiers couldn’t be that far behind her. One might be coming around the corner now. She gasped at the thought and jerked her head around. First she scanned up one side of the street, then the other. No sign of them yet.

Karalaina gulped down a draft of air and pushed herself onto her feet. She had to keep moving if she was ever going to escape them. It didn’t matter if she fell exhausted at the end. She had to get away.

A mannequin in the store window caught her attention. It was wearing pants made of thick, blue material, and a coat so fluffy, Karalaina warmed looking at it. Quite the contrast from the outfit she wore, a long, light blue dress with two high splits—one on either side—and skin-tight pants underneath. Around her waist was fastened a piece of cloth called a toaga, held in place by a matching pair of gold ortoagae, or decorative pins. In Expermia, this outfit would have allowed her to stay cool during the hot, desert days. But here, in the Drymairadian winter, the chill blew right through it.

Karalaina glanced over her shoulder to take one last look around. She froze. Across the street, turning the corner, was a fox—an Expermian fox. He was dressed in a black military uniform with navy blue pants. His wide ears peeked out from under his black hat. Even from here, Karalaina made out black hair that faded to red at the ends. Karalaina hissed in a breath. They’d found her.

Karalaina flung open the door and darted into the store. She ducked behind the mannequin and peeked out of the window.

The soldier scanned the street and then walked on. Karalaina sighed. He hadn’t spotted her.

Um, excuse me? The sales girl, a bat, tapped Karalaina’s shoulder.

Karalaina swung around. What? What do you want?

Are you okay?

Karalaina glanced around the store. All the customers and sales people were looking at her. I’m fine, thank you. She gave the sales girl a smile—the same smile that got her whatever she wanted as a child. You’re very kind.

Oh. The sales girl blinked. Welcome to Tails ‘n’ Bales. My name is Rocket. If you need anything, let me know.

Rocket? I’ll definitely remember that one. I’m going to need a dressing room soon. Karalaina held her hands behind her back. Is that alright?

Sure. Rocket waved as she walked away. Let me know when.

Karalaina waited until Rocket was helping another customer and then glanced out of the store window. The soldier was on the other side of the street, but now he was on the radio. Her disguise would have to be convincing, though not conspicuous. She glanced at the customers in the store as she made her way around the racks. All of them wore skirts with tights underneath or pants. And they all carried long, heavy jackets in their hands. They also wore thick socks, boots, and long-sleeved knitted shirts...oh, wait! There was a term for that...what was it...sweaters! That’s right.

Karalaina wandered around the racks. She picked up a pair of those thick, blue pants she saw in the window—jeans, the label claimed—a long-sleeved shirt, a sweater, sunglasses, and a scarf. Then she searched the room for Rocket. She spotted her near the back.

Ready? Rocket let her into one of the fitting rooms. If something doesn’t fit or doesn’t look right, give me a jingle. I’ll get you another one.

Thank you. Karalaina closed the door. Once Rocket was gone, she changed into the clothes she had picked up. They fit perfectly, as usual. Karalaina sighed. She never did get the same shopping experience as other women did...trying on different outfits until they found the one. The clothes she picked out always fit her. Always. It was a bit of a drag.

But now wasn’t the time to think about that. She wrapped the scarf around her head, making sure her reddish-brown tips were hidden. That done, she removed all the tags from her clothes and took them to the cashier.

Another sales girl, this one a ferret, stood behind the register.

I’m wearing these out. Karalaina put the tags on the counter. She glanced out the window. The lone soldier had been joined by two others. It was only a matter of time until they began searching the stores.

I’m sorry, ma’am. The ferret pushed the tags toward Karalaina. That isn’t allowed.

Can you please make an exception for me? Karalaina smiled again—the same smile that got her what she wanted. I’m in a rush. She glanced outside again. One of the soldiers headed into a store, and another crossed the street and went into the shop next door. The third stood on the corner, scanning the sidewalk.

Make an exception for you? The ferret crossed her arms. I don’t think so. Please go in the dressing room and remove those clothes.

Karalaina stifled a growl and took a good look at her. She knew that type. Probably teased in high school by the popular girl, she hated the sight of anyone prettier than her which, in Karalaina’s opinion, was pretty much everyone.

But she didn’t have time to sweet-talk her into compliance. Can I speak to the manager? She glanced out of the window. No sign of the soldier yet.

"I am the manager. The ferret pointed to her name tag which read, Nellie-Jean, Manager."

Great. Time to lay it on thick.

Listen. Karalaina glanced over her shoulder, mainly for effect. Can you please let this pass? My husband drinks and is so violent when he gets home. I got away from him, but he’s after me. I need these clothes to hide myself. She stifled a sob. He said he’d kill me if I ever ran.

Nellie-Jean’s mouth dropped open. Really?

He is part of a special government force, and he and his friends are chasing me. Look, see. Karalaina pointed out the window at the Expermian soldier. Please, help me.

Okay. Nellie-Jean picked up the tags. I’ll make an exception for you.

Thank you so much. Karalaina sniffled. Okay. So it was a lie, but she couldn’t tell the truth. Nellie-Jean would never believe it.

$567.48. Nellie-Jean gazed at the register. I wish I could give it to you—

No. Karalaina smiled. I want to make my own way from now on, but may I get a bag for my old things?

Nellie-Jean gave her a bag, and Karalaina stuffed her clothes in it.

Thank you, Nellie-Jean, for everything. Karalaina gave her one last smile and headed out the door.

She halted when she saw a soldier walk toward her. She froze, shaking. Calm down, Karie. Don’t give him anything to be suspicious about. Act like an Outsider. She took a deep breath, pushed the sunglasses onto her face, and headed to the door.

The soldier opened it as she approached. He pushed past her without holding the door for her.

Karalaina smirked. Expermians were so arrogant. All she had to do was look like an Outsider, and they wouldn’t spare her a second glance. A disguise was a great idea. Why hadn’t she thought of this before?

She kept an eye on the soldier across the street while she hailed a cab. The first three blew past her, but the fourth slowed to a stop at the curb. She slipped in right under the soldier’s nose.

Where to? The cabby, a frog, reached over to start the meter.

Karalaina blinked. She knew where she wanted to go, but didn’t know the name. She had been about to ask someone for directions when she spotted the soldier that morning. I’m not sure. It’s on the other side of town. A big, sort of triangle building—lots of windows.

I know the place. Seat belt.

Karalaina buckled herself in as the hover-cab hoisted itself in the air. As the cab rushed past the city buildings, she smiled. She had made it. She had gotten all the way from Expermia to New Jelu by herself with no resources but her wits.

And now she was on her way to find her family.

She hoped.

Chapter 2:

Flashback to College Days

KARALAINA DÚCUME STEPPED off the bus and onto the dust covered sidewalk. She turned in a circle, gazing at the tan colored buildings that would be her home for the next three years. Shrubs and trees had been planted around the university campus. Cars and trucks were parked in the lot, and a greenhouse brimming with flowers and plants stood next to one of the buildings.

So this is what an Outsider university looks like. Karalaina gripped the envelope in her hands. This is better than I dreamed.

Joy. Her friend, Marovaine, stepped over the unloaded luggage and stood beside her. She had brown hair that faded to a shade of indigo at the ends. How can you be so excited about this? She shuddered. I can’t believe the Grand Council approved a program like this.

Cultural awareness is important if Expermia is going to change the world, Maro. Karalaina ran her eyes over the campus, taking in everything. I think we, as a people, have been sheltered for far too long. Now is the chance for us to experience what Outsiders are really like instead of being told about them.

Be sure you pay attention. Marovaine put a hand on Karalaina’s shoulder. Your fascination with Outsiders is disturbing. Lost of people are worried about you back home.

I’m fine, Maro. Karalaina shoved her hand off.

Ladies and gentlemen, gather. Mrs. Capsum, their chaperone, beckoned to all the students. She was a light brown vixen with dark brown hair that faded to purple at the ends.

Karalaina studied her classmates as they gathered around Mrs. Capsum. What a boring looking group—all foxes with wide ears and hair that changed colors at the ends. It was monotonous. Not like Outsiders—that is, non-Expermians. Karalaina had seen pictures of them. They could be any species...birds, foxes, skunks...anything! What variety! She couldn’t wait to see them. Only...where was everyone? For a college campus, it was empty.

Miss Dúcume, would you like to join us? Mrs. Capsum pressed her lips together.

Sorry, ma’am. Karalaina joined the other nine classmates, the only ones brave enough to join the program and leave the safety of Expermia’s borders.

Listen up, everyone. Mrs. Capsum stood on the bus steps so everyone could see her. "Welcome to the Cultural Experience Program. The Expermian government has allowed you, the chosen few, to visit Daes, an Outsider country. Such a thing has been unheard of in our country’s history. Your job will be to study alongside of an Outsider, chosen specifically to complement your field of research.

Now, while the government has screened your partners, they are still Outsiders. If you feel the least bit threatened, come tell me, and we will return you to the safety of Expermia’s borders.

Karalaina rolled her eyes. She sounds like Outsiders have nothing better to do than think of ways to hurt us.

Perhaps they don’t. Marovaine crossed her arms.

I’m sure they’re like us, Maro. I mean— Karalaina broke off in a gasp.

What is it? Marovaine turned to where Karalaina was looking. She froze.

A group of Outsiders approached—two roadrunners, a cactus wren, four desert jack rabbits, and two ocelots.

Karalaina stared at them, her mouth twisting to a smile. Outsiders! Real Outsiders. And they were as strange and wonderful as the pictures had shown her.

Marovaine leaned over to Karalaina. Like us, huh?

Miss Dúcume and Miss Néran, pay attention! Mrs. Capsum clapped her hands. These are the Outsiders you will be paired with for the duration of your stay. Let me reiterate, if I see any problems, whatsoever, I will pull you out of the program and ship you home. Now please open your packets.

I can’t believe I wanted to join this program. Marovaine shuddered as she opened her envelope. To think we’ll have to spend two years studying with an Outsider! It seemed harmless on paper, but now that we’re here and they’re there...

I can’t wait. A shiver went up Karalaina’s tail. She was so excited that she could barely keep hold of her envelope. She ripped it open and yanked out the piece of paper inside. What? She scanned the picture and profile. Her partner was a brown fox. Not fair! She threw her head back. Of all the species here, I get paired with another fox.

Marovaine snatched the paper from her hands. Eric Sinclaire? He doesn’t look Expermian.

He’s a desert fox. Karalaina leaned on the side of the bus. How boring. I wanted to get the whole ‘Outsider’ experience. She took the paper from Marovaine and took another look at the picture. He had brown eyes hidden behind glasses, small ears, and his hair didn’t change colors at the ends. Different, but still a fox.

She glanced at her classmates. Some of them had gotten back on the bus. Being in such close proximity to Outsiders was too much for them. Others hung back, trying to summon enough courage to greet their partners. Two brave souls shook hands with their partners and chatted with them. Lucky.

If only I were as fortunate as you. Marovaine frowned at the paper she drew from her packet. I’ve got a roadrunner named Columbus. Hey, wanna trade with me? I think Eric would be easier for me to adjust to, him being a fox and all.

"A