Bill and the Major had been running for almost an hour following the scent of the male. Suddenly there was a break in the forest they had been running through. Before them lay the sprawling castle of one of his uncles.
 
Growling Bill stopped as they saw that the castle had been fortified with heavy artillery. Cursing Bill also saw the heavy shields on the exterior. Snapping out a communicator the Major called command control.
 
“I need heavy batteries at Castle Krong we have a traitor within its walls.” The Major was saying.
 
“We can’t authorize that without the permission of the king. There is no king or king elect so…” A male voice replied from command.
 
Snatching the communicator from the Major Bill growled, “This is the king elect. I want that traitor taken into custody now! Submit him to the mind bender! Now, send out the big guns or I might just have all you under the mind bender!” There was a number of voices yelling and two minutes later a ship appeared and settling near them, as an older male stepped out looking around.
 
“Amb….” The male started when he spotted Bill.
 
“No!” Shouted Bill effectively quieting the man. “I go by my human name, at least ’til I ascend the throne! Though it is good to see you General Roth.”
 
“As it is your king ship.” The older male said as he bowed.
 
“I am not the king yet,” here Bill sighed, “that will be soon enough. First it appears that there are many that do not wish for me to take the throne. It seems that we still have a den of traitors left after I had both of my Uncles incarcerated.”

The General gained a twisted smile as he asked, “How would you like me to do this.”
 
Bill was also smiling as he said, “One warning then destroy the shielding. Another, and then if they don’t surrender?” Here Bill’s face twisted in anger a moment. “Then blow the hell out of the place!”
 
The General’s smile got bigger as he ordered the huge battery into place. Nodding the General thought, they might have heavy artillery, it was nothing compared to the royal batteries!
 
Opening a channel the General said, “By the order of the king elect, lower your shields! Surrender to the royal guard or we’ll destroy your position!”
 
For a moment the General thought there wasn’t going to be a response, then static came from the com. “We do not recognize the bastard brother of the dead king! We defend the rights of the king’s uncles to take the throne!”
 
A smile slowly crept onto the General’s face, nodding the General watched at the cannon opened up. Even as he watched the General could see the holes starting to form in the shielding. A few more powerful blasts and the castle’s outer walls and shields were shredded.
 
Turning the General informed Bill, “Walls and shielding down sire.”
 
Bill nodded and grabbed the com. “I suggest you come out now! This is the only warning you get then we will level this pathetic castle that you think you are safe in!”
 
There was a great amount of shouting over the com then several hundred males were marching out the front. Even as they marched past, Bill was still hunting for the one they had been after. They were about half way through the line of males when one whirled drawing a gun. Faster than anyone thought possible Bill crossed the fifteen feet between them. Growling, his tail swishing left and right rapidly, Bill had the tabby male in the air by the throat. Hissing at the male, Bill threw him to the ground and started to rip him to pieces.
 
Snapping his head up Bill’s claws dripping the blood of the dead male he growled, “Any others? I am not the weak mindless fool my Uncles lead you to believe! Well! Are there any others that wish to die? Ah! Cowards!” Whirling Bill growled at Twitty and Glenna who were looking at him with heated looks. “As I said I do not need guards, mates yes but not guards!”
 
“You might not be that so assured later sire!” Twitty growled back at him her ears back and her tail flicking.
 
“No matter what you say your brother the king ordered us to watch you. I cannot disobey an order from the king!” Glenna growled also, her teeth and fangs showing her own tail flicking rapidly.
 
Sighing loudly Bill threw up his arms, it would be impossible to argue with them it was after all their duty. Both Twitty and Glenna looked at each other and smiled broadly, they knew they had him. He might be the next king but even he couldn’t refuse them their duty.
 
Turning back to the line of prisoners Bill kept looking for the leader of the group that had fired on the ship. Finally the last male marched past causing Bill’s eyes to narrow then he and the Major took off for the castle.
 
Quickly picking up the scent of the male again Bill and the Major set off. They were again very closely followed by Twitty and Glenna. Another hour saw them rapidly approaching another castle. Looking back at Twitty he growled stopping just out of range of the weapons. “This is getting ridiculous!” Opening up a com channel Bill growled, “General Roth have you returned yet?”
 
A moment of silence then the General was answering, “No sire, though was about to.”
 
“I need you by Castle Krang, the traitor has run to my other Uncle’s castle!” Bill almost shouted.
 
“Be there in a moment!” General Roth answered.
 
Two minutes later the ship was dropping beside them. “Same way sire?”
 
“Perhaps,” Bill said as he stared at the castle. Opening up a channel Bill stated, “I have already taken Castle Krong! I have no use for traitors that hide enemies of the crown. Turn the traitor over NOW or I will not hesitate to level this place. You have one specton no more. No discussion, no deals! Well?! You have Three quarters of a specton!”
 
There was a moment of silence then a line of Xendrans were marching out. Bill nodded to the Major then the General as he took off for the back of the castle. Far ahead of them they saw a figure running at break neck speed from the castle. Smiling Bill increased his speed as did the Major and Bill’s mates.
 
Bill was surprised that the male was keeping a good distance from them even with the increase of speed they had made. Pushing himself and the others harder Bill was starting to eat away at the distance. Roaring Bill could smell the fear of the escaping traitor. Still how was he as far ahead as he was?
 
Finally twelve spectons later they were within sight of the traitor. Still, Bill was surprised that the lone male had kept them at bay as long as he had. Pushing harder Bill felt his legs start to ache from the prolonged chase. Suddenly they all broke into another clearing in front of a third castle! Bill poured on the speed though a moment later the shields caught him unaware as he slammed into them.
 
Picking his self up Bill started to curse this was no common male. Thinking a moment he pulled out his com. “Central!” He roared. “I want status on the prisoners!” 
 
There was a few moments of silence then a voice came from the com. “Sir! Both of the prisoners are gone!”
 
“I want all guards held, all duty personnel will submit to truth scan! I’ll be there soon!” Shutting off the com Bill roared his disapproval of the situation. “Roth!” Bill shouted into the com. “Transport to central we need to be there as soon as possible. I am afraid I am going to end up executing half the staff at the rate things are going!”
 
“Yes Sire. I’ll be there in a moment,” came Roth’s voice.
 
It was a mere two spectons later that they were landing beside the ship they had come in on. “You made sure that they are all loyal?” Bill asked the General.
 
“I made sure sire. They are loyal to me and you.” Roth replied.
 
“Good I need to have the troops on my side if I am to set this world right!” Bill growled.
 
Entering central there were more than just a few people lined up against the wall waiting. Suddenly there was a shouting as one of the guards was making a break for it.  Bill was in the guard’s path in a moment as he clotheslined the male to the floor.
 
“I’m sorry sire he…” The female tech started.
 
The guard laughed as he looked up at Bill. “You? Now I know I made the right choice you haven’t the guts to…” 
 
The man stopped talking as Bill savagely put his hand through the male’s chest and ripped out his still beating heart! Leaning close Bill smiled, “Wrong asshole you’re dead!”
 
The guard smiled, “I may be but so will you; they can’t be beat!” Without ceremony the guard fell over dead. 
 
Standing up Bill looked at all the central staff with a low growl Bill stated, “I hold the same fate for any others that wish to betray the crown! I’d rather get this over with and just have you confess, no one can resist the truth scan. Not when it is set at full intensity!” Bill waited but no one was forth coming. “Fine you lie at all on any question you are gone. The lie will determine if you die!”
 
Two more guards came forward and knelt at Bill’s feet. “We were told that you would lead us to a life of ease. That you were going to ban the hunt. Your Uncles told all who would listen. They were holding our families in castle Krang that you liberated. We both regret our decisions and await your decision of death for us. Knowing our mates and children are safe let us accept the punishment that you will deliver.”
 
Bill nodded as the two guards confessed to him, not only to save their honor but the lives of those not involved. Leaning close Bill whispered to both of them, “I might spare your lives, providing you take the oath and point out other traitors that have yet to come forward.”
 
Both male’s eyes were wide as they both readily agreed. Bill had the troops with the General lead them away. In central’s command room, Bill had both of them point out another five guards, three servants and four techs.
 
“I want all twelve of them submitted to full intensity truth scan!” Bill hissed.
 
The General smiled then stated, “You do realize that might kill them. If they don’t die then they will be mind wiped sire.” 
 
“As if I care! This needs to be done to clear the traitors out of command. This is the first area we need clear!” Here Bill smiled at the General, “besides I have a few toys that I think you might find of great help!” Bill stated, to which the General was nodding with a look of interest.
 
It was soon after that Bill and the General were waiting for the first of the traitors. The first three were led into the interrogation room rather calm, at least ’til they saw Bill and the General. Suddenly the troops were having to fight to keep the prisoners under control.
 
One male actually broke lose heading toward Bill in a murderous rage. Suddenly the male found himself a few feet off the floor and having trouble breathing with Bill’s hand wrapped around his throat. Throwing the struggling male to the floor Bill hissed, “You aren’t getting out of it that easily! Strap him in!” Bill hissed even more his ears back.
 
Still struggling the male was finally strapped in as the machine was turned on. “You will get nothing from me you false leader! After they are done with you, you’ll have wished you’d died in that attack!”
 
Nodding Bill watched as the male grimaced as the power started to climb. “Oh I’ll get plenty from you. You’d be surprised what you can survive and not die. Especially when it is the mind bender, in case you don’t know it uses images of past pain and memories. At first it is nothing but as the power increases it ceases to be just a nuisance as the memory of the pain becomes real.”
 
Suddenly the male screamed as the power levels hit 60%, panic apparent on his face.
 
“Now if you wish to have a mind after this, tell me of my Uncles plans!” Bill said to the now panic stricken male.
 
“NO! Keep away!” Turning and looking at Bill the male laughed. “I told you nothing!” Bill nodded as the power was increased to 70% causing renewed screams from the prisoner. “There is more, unless you want to be a useless vegetable, talk!”
 
Panting the male hissed at Bill who nodded again as the power went to 80%. This time the male screamed for a full specton before Bill asked, “As I said there is more but not to your mind. You are dangerously close to cerebral shutdown and wipe. Talk, tell me of their plans!”
 
When the male only smiled between pants Bill nodded again as the power went to 90%. This time the male let out a blood curdling scream as he bit his lip and clenched his hands so hard they started to bleed.
 
Bill looked over at the white as a sheet female tech, “Neuro pathways opening sir. We are now recording everything. I estimate we should have it all within two spectons.”
 
“You bastard!” The male in the chair shouted. “You could have done this without the pain!”
 
“No,” Bill growled, “you are a traitor and no matter what you die today. As a traitor that was involved in trying to kill me, you deserve far more pain than you are receiving!” Bill looked over at the tech who finally signaled they had it all.
 
Reaching over Bill hissed at the male, “Go to hell you piece of filth!” Then turned the power all the way up causing the man to scream continuously ’til his head flopped to the side with his tongue hanging out.
 
“Sir I am reading stoppage of almost all cerebral activity, should I disconnect?” The female tech asked.
 
“No, when there is none then you can.” With that Bill walked out growling at the others that were shaking in hallway waiting. “All of you face the same fate talk early and your death will be quick. Delay and I guarantee it will be extremely painful!”
 
Smiling as he moved past, he heard all of them start to babble as soon as he was around the corner. 
 
“Masterly done sire, your father would have been proud.” The General said as soon as he caught up to Bill.
 
“I told you Roth, I am not the King yet. I still have to be crowned, for that I have to clear house. Wouldn’t do to have to be dodging the whole time I am crowned. No, I want most of this to be done before I ascend the throne.”
 
“I realize that sir. The thing is the realm will tear its self apart if there isn’t a king for too long. As you well know without leadership the whole kingdom will go to war.” The General advised Bill.
 
“I know, I know like I said we have to move quickly and clear as much as possible. Would you prefer that I was killed and one or both of my Uncles took the throne?” Bill asked of the General.
 
Shaken a bit the General could only imagine the perpetual war that would ensue. If either or both of them had the power of the crown they would destroy the world and the kingdom long before it fell. Sighing General Roth nodded, “So suggestions?”
 
Bill stopped a moment, it had been quite a long time since anyone had valued his opinion. “I want you to gather every soldier that is loyal to the crown. If we have enough I mean to take that castle we left that the traitor escaped to. I want all that we captured put to the truth scan. If we can trust them let them go if not, execute them.”
 
The general was nodding as he opened a com and started to issue orders. A few minutes later the general had an answer for Bill. Walking up Bill was in discussion with a newly appointed Major. “I have an answer for you about the troops, sir.” General Roth told Bill.
 
“Ah! Good General. I was discussing tactics with the Major here. I have to admit he is a superb hunter-tracker. Damn near as good as I am.” Pulling the General aside Bill advised him, “I was thinking of promoting him to Lieutenant Colonel, though I thought you might want to put some input into this.”
 
“From what I saw he would make a fine Lieutenant Colonel. We are at a low of Lieutenant Colonels and Colonels, if anything I feel it would be a great help. Besides if he really is almost as good as you I could definitely use him.” The General said a broad grin on his face.
 
“The thing is I still have need of him in central command also. Hmm split duty, I do believe he’d like that. A chance to get out and hunt? Hell I’d jump at that! Alright I am glad we are in agreement.” Bill told the General with a wide smile. Walking back to the Major, Bill asked, “I take it you’d like to have split duty?”
 
“If you mean I’d get a chance to hunt more, then hell yes! Though I’d need to find far better officers for command while I am out.” The Major said.
 
“That shouldn’t be too hard Lieutenant Colonel,” the General said as he removed the gold oak leaves and replaced them with silver oak leaves.
 
The Lieutenant Colonel’s mouth dropped open, “I… but… sir?” Was all that the young officer could get out.
 
Bill walked up to the male shaking his paw. “I need officers that I can trust, after today I know that of you. Your hunting skills will be wasted if you stay in command all the time. So I take it you like the idea?” 
 
“Yes sir!” The young officer said as he snapped off a salute to Bill. “I’ll do all I can to help you sir! Though sir I don’t really feel I deserve the advance in rank. Really sir…”
 
“Look,” Bill growled low slightly irritated. “To do what I need done you need to be at a higher rank. I could make you higher if that is what you’re after!”
 
“No sir!” The young officer said snapping off another salute. “I won’t complain anymore.”
 
“Good then I want you go through all the records of everyone in command. I want all the traitors out of there. If anything looks out of place to you let me and the General know. If you don’t have complete trust in the officer, I do not want them in command. Not even duty officer, have I made myself clear?”
 
The Lieutenant Colonel smiled, “Good finally we’ll get real officers there and not a bunch of half assed idiots!”
 
Bill and the General both had to smile. It appeared that this young officer was going to work out far better than they had hoped! “Good, another thing that you’ll notice about the rank? People will have a tendency to listen to you far more than they did before. Alright I expect a report in a day or two and all the suggestions you want to be there in command.” Bill advised the young officer.
 
“Thank you sir, I’ll do everything I can to make command an actual help to the realm.” With that the Lieutenant Colonel turned and made hie way back to central.
 
“Damn I hope I haven’t signed his death sentence.” Bill told the General.
 
“No, I feel great things from that officer,” the general said. Turning to Bill he stated, “as I do from you sir!”