Roll of Fate (7): Innocent Blood
Roll of Fate 7: Innocent Blood Copyright Denver Demchuk 2007
Darkness: ...The halls of the castle filled with cries of pain and terror by those captured in the last caravan raid. I smiled, watching my servants take their pleasures from them, men and women alike, even the odd child that had been found upon capture. I paused from time to time, taking part in their acts, reveling as I watched women writhe in pleasure before me only to scream out in agony as I sent my magicks throughout their bodies, causing more pain than they would have ever known in their entire lives. Deeper, deeper into the castle I walked, soon loosing interest in what the other nightmarish creatures were doing as I took in the older stone that made up the corridors. Long past remembering what the light and warmth of day was, these halls were guarded by Drow, the strongest and fasted of the dark elves that had sworn their blood and souls to me. Each one bowed respectfully to me, whispering their oaths to the cool air as I passed them.
Arriving at a large stone door, the guards to either side of it knelt, averting their gaze as I opened it and stepped through, one of them trembling slightly before I lost sight of him...That one would need to be disciplined. From shaped stone to the rough natural hewn rock of the cavern I entered, the only part that seemed out of place was the raised ramp of granite I strode down. Rough to make sure that one could keep their footing; it also assured that any others who were sent upon it bare foot would look for softer, easier footing, which would lead them to the caverns floor. The ground below me was a mess of loose and fetid soil, the scent of decay heavy here, stifling to those that still valued breath for survival. Pausing at an outcropping overlooking the stone hollow, my eyes swept from one side of the thousand meter cavern to the other, looking for any sign of movement.
"GHIANNHA! I SUMMON YOU FROM THE DARKNESS! COME AND ANSWER THE CALL OF YOUR MASTER!" I shouted, voice echoing like thunder in the cave, taking a long time to die. Silence fell, but only for a moment.
The ground erupted, loose soil and rotted corpses spraying everywhere, avoiding any contact with me as the Wurm rose out of the ground, all eyes turning in my direction. Thirteen heads, blunt and serpentine, regarded me coldly, each one crowned with a wicked set of spines that rang along their necks. Each head could easily bite four men and swallow them whole at the same time, the hisses and shrieks falling dead as if the energy used to make them was hollow. The body vanished into the soil out of sight, to coil around the world along with her sister if she could be believed. One of the heads snaked its way closer until it hovered just below the platform of stone I stood upon. The scales on the forehead parted, revealing a writhing mass of puss that burst without warning, a coldly beautiful woman rising from it, long black hair clinging to her gore covered form for a brief moment. Her eyes opened and all traces of blood and infected flesh from the boil she had been enclosed in were wiped away, leaving her white skin clean and glowing with an unnatural light.
"You have called me and I have come," she whispered, other voices echoing her words as the heads of her real body writhed faster, each one glaring at me in turn. "What is it that you wish of me?"
"Has the Chosen One been reborn?" I asked coolly, ignoring her apparent beauty without difficulty.
"He has," she replied in a soothing voice, the head she rode moving a little closer, her hand reaching out to try caressing my face. I spoke a word and she howled in pain, sinking back into the head as the others roared in agony. All eyes turned to me, staring at me with hatred and lust, each one speaking the thoughts of the whole.
"I let you lay with me one night and paid the consequences for it," I said coldly, meeting their gazes without hesitation. "Try that again and I shall be the one to destroy you, not the Light."
"Your death approaches faster than you know," she hissed in reply, the heads moving closer and baring their sword like teeth at me. "For all you have, He shall destroy you in the end."
"So have others said before this, and yet I have destroyed them in return," I told her, turning and making my way back up the ramp. "Prepare yourself. I'll send the used captives down to you shortly..."
There was a sinking sucking sound as she carefully buried herself in the fetid cavern soil, the heads laying in wait just below the surface for those who were to come.
Emerging from the door, the guards once again knelt, whispering praise to me as I paused for a moment to think about what she had said. He was back, born again and marked as the Chosen One. After so long...He was back. I chuckled darkly, an emotion filling my chest that was so much like joy that it was hard not to smile. Continuing on my way, I moved deeper into the lower levels of my castle, past the point where the guards would venture, past the place where the earth knew anything of the world above and the warmth came from the ground instead of the blue fires that illuminated the passages I walked through. Finally reaching a set of heavy oak doors that swung open on my approach, my smile returned, with a fond quality to it as I entered the circular chamber, the doors closing behind me. Resting upon a slab of stone was my secret, my reason for existence. Crafted from granite and inscribed with runes rested the still figure of a woman, naked and perfect in every aspect except the life that she was missing. With magick and memories, I had made her body long ago...All that was needed now, was her soul. Kneeling at her head, I rested my forehead against the cool stone, closing my eyes as I let the peace of the room wash over me.
"Here again?" remarked a soft voice behind me, that of the darkest hour of velvety night.
"Again...Always Seleen," I whispered in reply, not bothering to look up as I felt her enter the room slowly.
"You spend much of your time here, M'Lord," she remarked, walking around the stone figure before finally standing behind me, resting a hand upon my shoulder. "What if... this doesn't work?" I was up and had her dangling in the air, my hand gripping her throat tightly. The Nightmare's ember eyes widened with surprise and pain as she hung there, clawing at my hand in a vain attempt to try and get free.
"It will work! Regardless of what any of the Gods or Goddess's do, or the Chosen One!" I snarled, an inhuman sound escaping my throat as I glared at her with fury. "If it does not, I will destroy this world and all others I have been to until there is nothing left! Is that clear?!" Letter her go without warning; I turned away, breathing hard from the outburst of emotion as she gasped for breath. Closing my eyes, I warred with my own emotions until gaining some control of my own. Leaning against the stone, I heard her rise and carefully take the hand that had throttled her, leaning her forehead against my palm in a submissive gesture.
"I meant no insult to you, My Lord," she whispered softly, letting me feel her burning tears of fear and sorrow. "I was just thinking about the possibility..."
"As I have done for countless Ages," I told her, lightly caressing her as my eyes roamed the stone figure one last time before settling upon Seleen.
Like the rest of her kin, she was as black as pitch with the same flaming hair that neither burned nor provided any great amount of light unless she wished it. Standing a good six and a half feet tall, she was small and slender for her people, with a generous bosom that fit her personality and athletic form in some ways. Silver silks adorned her form, one band holding back her breasts while another wove around her waist. I had won her as a servant after battling the Nightmare's King, something which had taken both of us three days to recover from at the time, in order to gain the secrets her kith and kin held, ones that might help unlock the secret of restoring life and soul to a soul-less body. Necromancy could create a parody of life, but not completely restore it and give free will. Seleen had been more than use full, teaching me more magicks and finding a place in what was left of my heart and in my bed.
The room around us shimmered and faded as my own chambers coalesced to replace the darkness. She nuzzled me gently from where she knelt, sensing my mood and more than willing to encourage it, her hands carefully rubbing my crotch. My clothing faded at my will, allowing her to caress my flesh, her lips kissing my member, quickly encouraging it to complete hardness. Seleen suckled upon my shaft with deep moans as I stood before her, growling with pleasure to her. She fondled my balls gently, sucking harder upon my flesh until I had to pull her head off of me to keep from climaxing just yet. Roughly bringing her to her feet, I shoved her towards the bed, watching as she fell upon it, her back to me. She looked back at me lustfully, starting to rise up, only to stop as I placed my hands upon her hips and drove myself hard into her burning sex, making her cry out with pain and pleasure, her body arching back against mine. I claimed her, thrusting my member hard and slow into her body as I felt my own changing, bones and muscles writhing and grinding against each other. Seleen twisted and writhed before me, her eyes widening with surprise as my shaft grew within her, stretching her to the limit and beyond until-
Denver: -I woke with a start, crying out in horror and disgust at what I had seen in the dream, if it could be called that. Darkness broken only by moon light filled the room, one small sliver of it falling across my bed. I tried to sit up, only to find that my arms and legs felt like lead.
"Denver?" said a soft voice to my right, the brief flair of a match being lit painful to my eyes before the gentle light of a candle came into being. Lesanna rose from the chair placed beside my bed, moving to sit upon the soft mattress instead, reaching out to touch my forehead lightly.
"Where am I?" I asked, voice cracking as my dry throat made itself known.
"In one of the royal guest chambers," she replied, pouring a small chalice of water and lifting my head up to help me drink it. The cool water felt wonderful, sending shivers down my spine as I gratefully swallowed it. Laying my head back down, Lesanna set the chalice on the bedside table and regarded me carefully, a smile coming to her lips. "You caused quite a fuss in the temple," she commented, her eyes flashing with anger and amusement, the memories of what I had done coming back to me with her words.
"No less than they deserved," I told her, sighing and closing my eyes again. "Feels as if I can hardly move..."
"Not surprising. You've been with a fever for the last week as your wounds were healing," the Naga Princess said, caressing my cheek. "It's going to take a bit to get your muscles used to moving again, and it won't be painless..."
"Why am I not surprised," I said bitterly, looking around the room as much as I was able to. "Where are the others?"
"Iridell has been helping with the Ryodan Temple council and King Quel'thalsed to choose a new High Priestess," She said, giving a wry smile. "Arosha well...she's been in and out of here more often than not, same with the wine I'm afraid. All three of us have been worried sick about you."
"Well, at least you can stop worrying for the moment. It's not like I'm going to die on you three any time soon," I told her with a grin. She chuckled and lay down beside me, resting her head against my shoulder as she held me close, one hand running over my chest. I sighed, taking in her scent and closing my eyes feeling exhausted like never before...
***
Quel'thalsed: Ryodan seemed like a sea of stars beneath the already sparkling dome of night, the shadows of figures moving along the few lit streets letting me know that there were still some who found joy and relief when evening fell. Taking one last look, I turned and sat at my desk, reading over the letter that my sister had sent with Denver and Iridell.
Dear Brother,
It has been a while since my last letter to you, and for that I apologize, but our time together has been frequent throughout the years with all the different celebrations our Kingdoms hold. Unfortunately, this is not an invitation to another such gathering. I write this as requested by my Lord and Mate, King Sevran, to tell you that the Chosen One has been marked at last. War is near at hand, Brother, and though we both have seen and heard enough of the bloodshed our parents brought to our people, this promises to surpass even that.
The young human who has been chosen, Denver, doesn't fully realize his potential, and has more than a few doubts about himself. Honorable, he does what his heart feels is right, before his mind can think about it. He needs help to realize that sometimes action and emotion must work together, and to be more open to those around him. Do not force him to do anything against his will, for it may cause more harm than good. That is all I can say in regards to him.
My Mate also bids that I inform you of a War Council that will be taking place once all of our allies have been contacted. He wishes that you be present in order to give guidance and help asses what measures must be taken when the time to fight finally arrives. Another letter shall be sent with a herald to inform you of the date and location of the Council.
Many blessings to you, Quel'thalsed, and all of my love.
Yours truly,
Queen Ysanna
"Something bothering you, My Love?" Assedo inquired, placing her hands on my shoulders and rubbing carefully.
"Wouldn't anyone be worried about an approaching war?" I replied, leaning back and sighing as I rubbed my eyes.
"Yes. Then again, what choice do we have?" Sliding into my lap, she rested her head against my neck, caressing me as I embraced her tightly, taking in her scent.
"I'll be announcing Denver's presence to the city once he's regained his strength. If they find out that the Chosen One has come from me, it should stem some of the panic. At least, that's what I hope," I told her, glancing at the letter. "I'll need to assemble the captains to prepare for the War Council your brother is setting up as soon as possible."
"I know...but such things can wait for tomorrow," she told me, kissing my lips and rising, pulling me out of the chair and towards the door. "Let me ease your cares for tonight."
"Mmmm...In what way would you do that, My Queen?"
"Love me..."
"As you wish." Lifting her in my arms, I carried her through the doors into the bedroom and slowly, passionately made her cry out with pleasure...
***
Denver: Recovery was less than enjoyable for me, aside from the occasional joke or remark made by the others. The majority of it was spent in the company of other ladies and serving women of Ryodan castle, their questions and flights of fancy about my choice for wives and others that might win their way into my bed more than discomforting. I was grateful when Lesanna, Iridell, or Arosha came in to shoo them out of the room. First few days I spent simply trying to regain enough strength to sit up, but eventually, Lesanna started working on my limbs. A salve that she used made it barely tolerable, as more often than not I felt as if she was trying to rip my limbs off at the joints. More than once, she and Arosha got into a heated argument about stopping and waiting for a little longer.
"Can't you see that you're hurting him?!" she shouted, trying to hold me down as I winced and shouted with pain.
"If I don't work his muscles like this he'll never be able to move again!" Lesanna hissed, her hood spreading in annoyance and frustration.
"Arosha...please...she's right," I gasped, panting for breath as she allowed my arm to relax again. Arosha whined and looked as if she would back away but I caught her wrist before she could. "Don't leave. I need you here..." She nodded, returning my grip gently as Lesanna rubbed more salve onto my other arm, getting ready to move it...
***
...Two weeks passed before I was able to stand up and move around on my own, and almost one more before I started to feel back to normal. The baths of the castle revealed another change that had taken place within me. The scars on my body had mended while I was asleep, but with each pass of the cloth that Iridell, Arosha, or Lesanna made over my form as I sat between them, my skin seemed to slough off, like a serpents, the scars falling off of me, leaving the skin whole...
..."I can't believe some of these cloths," I said, shaking my head as I held up a coat of bright multi-colored feathers and tossed it to Arosha to put into one of the few standing wardrobes.
"What? I think it would look quite good on you," She remarked, eyeing it then looking up at me with a smile.
"Yeah, if I wanted to imitate a peacock or bird of paradise," I said with disgust, finding another set of cloths that was even more ridiculous with rings of metal attached to the back, making it appear that the person had some kind of halo or something. "Are all of these from those maids that you three have been torturing me with for the last few weeks?"
"Some of them," Lesanna replied, taking one of the few decent outfits I had found and placing it in the dresser nearest the bed. "I had a few cloths made for you when I wasn't working out your muscles. I thought it would be better than having you wander around the castle in rags or your bare skin...Though I know a few of the ladies wouldn't have minded that." I gave her a dark look that made her laugh as she set one of the few remaining piles in the lower part of the wardrobe. The rest that lay upon the bed I just tossed on the floor towards Arosha.
"I think that a few would have something to say about him doing that, Lesanna," Commented a voice from the door. We turned and found Iridell standing there with her arms crossed beneath her breasts, a tired smile on her lips as she regarded us. Stepping around the bed, I embraced her tightly as she walked into the room, feeling her muscles relax under my hands as I held her.
"How've you been? I've hardly seen you around since I regained consciousness."
"Tired and strained," she said with a smile as I let go of her. She moved over to the bed and sat down on the edge of it, rubbing her eyes carefully as she hung her head. "The Temple Council's taking its sweet time trying to choose a new High Priest or Priestess. Elayna's influence has turned the Council into a squabbling group of children. King Quel'thalsed has ordered that a new Council be chosen. The current priests and priestess's have been asked to meditate upon the matter and come up with a list of candidates."
"So what's your role?" I asked curiously, raising an eyebrow at this as I sat across from her in one of the few chairs in the room.
"Simply put, I've been asked to talk with each and use my gifts to see which of them would be best suited for the new Council," Iridell informed us, shaking her head to clear her violet hair out of her eyes as looked up at us. "Speaking of the king...He made the decision for the Council as to who the new High Priestess will be."
"Based on what?" Lesanna inquired.
"Something that I've seen around her, I can't tell you more than that," Iridell said with a hollow finality.
"That explains why we've received an invitation to join His Majesty's table this evening," Lesanna remarked.
"To show off the newest pious bitch in the kingdom," Arosha growled, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wardrobe.
"She's not like Elayna, Arosha," Iridell said after a moment. "Her personality and way of looking at things is far different. She used to be nothing more than a street urchin. That's helped to shape her..."
"Either way, we should work out something for Denver to wear tonight," the Naga princess said, sorting through the last pile of clothing and pulling out a few choices...
...After looking at the somewhat idiotic fashions that existed for royalty and the lords of this kingdom, I was thankful that Lesanna had the presence of mind to stick with something more conservative. White long sleeved shirt, black breeches with silver embroidery along the sides. New boots had been provided, made of stiff leather with re-enforced sides and toes. Over the shirt I had been provided with a floor length sleeveless overcoat, the shoulders held worked silver with amber gems set into them. The back of it was embroidered with two moons, one full, the other new, edged with blue silk thread. Water cascaded around it, falling from my shoulders and standing out against the midnight blue material in silver and aquamarine.
"Very nice indeed," Lesanna said, surveying me and nodding at her choice of designs.
"Just one more thing to make it complete," Iridell added, nodding to Arosha. I turned to look at the wolfess to find that she now held my sword out to me, the belt wrapped around the scabbard. Fixing it around my waist, I looked to the mirror and saw the final result.
"Now you look like a noble," Arosha said with pride. I simply smiled, unsure of what to say...
...I had some time before the feast, so I decided to wander around the castle for a bit, taking in the architecture and tapestries that lined the halls. Most seemed to deal with Ryodans history; scenes of battle, peace times, and the ascension of one ruler after the next. Statues of men and women, human and others lined a few of the corridors, most carved with an elegance that hinted of life, unlike so many others from my own world. The sound of metal ringing upon metal reached my ears as I walked through a covered bridge leading to one of the outer wings of the castle, drawing me to the rail. A training courtyard lay below me with fifty or more people standing around three separate training rings. Not only males, but females were bearing weapons and fighting just as hard as their counterparts. A thought came to mind and I left the rail to see if I could find some way down. Taking a spiral staircase, I walked through a large common room similar to an Inn and out a door on the opposite side, emerging in the courtyard. I kept silent as I joined the observers at one of the training rings and watched the display of swordsmanship there.
"Hey! What're you doing there?" demanded a deep gruff voice to my left. Turning, I found myself looking at a grizzly bear in plate and chain mail armor, one hand holding a polished club of wood. From the woven lengths of brightly colored cord on his right shoulder, I guessed that he was a captain of the castle guards if not more. He moved closer, looking me over, grunted and gave a slight bow of respect but nothing more. "Sorry for my harsh tone, M'Lord, but this is a training ground for the guards. No place for one such as yourself."
"I merely wished to observe and possibly join in a few sparring rounds," I said, giving a bow in return and smiling.
"Begging your pardon, but what I teach these men and women is a far cry from the fancy foot work that those of your noble birth practice," he told me with a wide grin.
"I'd rather learn to fight for real world threats rather than palace displays," I remarked, nodding slightly in understanding. He laughed loudly, shaking his head before giving me an apprising look.
"Very well then. Scott, take this young dandy for a few rounds of swordplay. We'll see just how well he does," the Grizzly said, turning to look into the crowd that had gathered around us. A young man, perhaps no older than twenty, stepped away from the crowd and moved into the ring, his hair a flaming crimson in color that was offset by his incredibly bright blue eyes. Removing my sword belt and overcoat, I placed them against the side of the small stone wall encircling the sparring area and drew my sword before stepping inside. Raising my weapon in a matching salute to Scott, I lowered it and waited.
Flash!
It was nearly all I could do to keep him from touching me with his sword, his attacks well practiced and fluid, moving from one to the next without any waste of motion or energy. I felt my foot touch the wall and there was a short bark from outside the training circle, my opponent stopping at the sound of it and backing off. I tried to catch my breath as I moved back to my starting place, thinking that perhaps I had made an error to request this sparring match.
'Relax,' said a whisper in my mind. 'Relax and let your feelings guide you...' Closing my eyes, I raised my sword in a salute then grasped the hilt with both hands, lifting it above my head. There was a murmur from around the ring, and a few chuckled but they soon fell silent. Relax...relax...NOW!
I met Scotts attack with one of my own, our blades chiming clear in the air, the sound musical as we moved in the ring. Blade met blade, our strikes exchanged for sounds as we danced with death at the edge of the circle, my eyes staring straight into his without the need to watch his weapon. Neither of us gave ground, and we pushed each other to the limit until we both stepped back at the same time. An unspoken agreement reached between us. Looking around, I realized that the expressions of nearly everyone in the courtyard were of surprise and shock at what had just happened. The dropping of a pin could have been heard in the silence that surrounded us. Even the Grizzly's expression had changed.
"Enough Scott. Let Raize have a go at him," he intoned after a moment, nodding. The young man smiled and bowed low to me before leaving the ring. A woman with dark curly hair stepped in to take his place, a wide smile on her lips. Though shorter than I was, her sword was broad and looked to have a wicked edge, the end of it curving back and then down to form a single spine on the opposite edge. In truth, I was surprised that she could even wield it. We saluted and once more, I let myself relax...
-Her attack was far faster than Scott's had been, her actions relying mostly on momentum and using each motion of her sword to change where and how she stood. I matched her, backing off only when I had no choice, some part of my mind realizing that her attacks held a pattern to them. She spun, both hands on the hilt of her sword as she brought it around and I acted without thinking, jumping high over her head and twisting in the air. Her sword passed beneath me twice and I slapped the blade with my own, jarring it free from her grasp, tapping her stomach with the flat of my weapon before laying the blade alongside her neck. Again silence fell, but only for a moment as murmurs started up amongst the onlookers. Raize glared at me, but whether it was hatred or something else, I couldn't tell...
...I went through four other matches, each time finding that I was just barely able to keep away from my opponent's strikes, only to improve after the next exchange and those after. The Grizzly called a stop to the training as the midday sun started to sink lower in the sky, barking out short commands about when practice would be held next and to be ready for a real work out. I couldn't tell if he was surprised or a little miffed at what I had just done. Drenched with sweat as it was, I strapped my belt on, sheathing my weapon as I picked up my overcoat from where it lay.
"Here," said someone, a hand holding out a towel to me as I prepared to leave. Looking up, I found that Scott had remained behind, a tired smile on his face. "Not used to the heat of Ryodan yet, M'Lord?"
"First time here," I replied, taking the towel and wiping away as much sweat as I could reach. "Also not used to fighting with a sword for such a prolonged period."
"You'll get used to it. Though, if I may be so bold, you fight incredibly well for someone not used to swords. Almost as if you had a gift for it..." I paused at his words, keeping my eyes on the ground before meeting his gaze. He blanched noticeably as if just realizing that my eyes were completely white.
"Fighting with a weapon to kill is never a gift. Only a mockery of one. To fight with a weapon to protect something or someone you love...that makes it worth learning to fight," I told him.
"Yes, M'Lord," he said quickly, bowing again. "My apologies if I have offended you..."
"No offence...Just... a belief, Scott. You fought well today. My thanks to you for the chance to spar with one of Ryodans' Guards." He bowed again and I left, heading for the bathing chambers and to gather my own thoughts...
***
Iridell: We arrived at the fest just before the last of the nobles entered the room, the same chamber that we had been brought to upon coming to Ryodan. Another table and four other chairs had been added, leaving a vacant space between the nobles on King Quel'thalsed's own chair and the nobles seated near the end on that side. Queen Assedo and King Quel'thalsed rose as we entered with Denver, bowing to us respectfully to the surprise of many in the room. After a moment however, the rest of the nobles gathered followed suite, a gesture that we returned before taking our places. Dinner conversation was polite and mostly about the Temple's plans for the new Council still being chosen. The other nobles spoke with Denver, trying to find out as much about him as possible, without trying to appear that they were prying. Each desired to gain an advantage over other families for power, but not openly. With Denver dressed as one of them and an outsider, the chance to gain a strong possible ally outside of the Kingdom was just too much for them to resist. As the feast ended, Quel'thalsed nodded to one of the servants by the door, the figure bowing deeply before leaving on some errand.
"Now that you have regained your strength, young Denver," King Quel'thalsed said, rising from his seat, turning to look at my mate. "It is time to deal with a matter that the Temple and I have been rather reluctant to make a decision on." He kept silent as the doors at the far end of the dinning hall opened, admitting three paladins who flanked the ragged looking figure of a woman. From the dirt and matted hair, there was little to suggest who this person was, but the green eyes glared at Denver with hatred and fear. "Elayna...You have been summoned here on charges of assaulting a newcomer to Ryodan and Treason to the Temple and Kingdom. Normally the Council and I would determine your fate. However, the Temple Council has been disbanded until new representatives can be found. Therefore, the one you wronged shall determine your future..."
Denver: I looked up sharply at Quel'thalsed as he finished speaking. Her fate was in my hands? A part of me screamed for vengeance and to have her killed right then and there...but what would that do for me?
Rising from my chair, I moved around to stand before the table and Elayna, her eyes widening noticeably with fear.
"Elayna...Give me a reason to kill you?" I said softly, taking a step towards her. Multiple sounds of surprise came from the rest of the nobles gathered, Elayna's fear turning to pure terror at my words as she dropped to her knees, bowing low in submission.
"I-I cannot, Chosen One," she said in a quivering voice, her eyes averted. Reaching down, I cupped her chin, lifting her head up and forcing her to stand before me, being gentle but firm at the same time.
"Give me a reason to kill you," I repeated, meeting her emerald gaze with my pure white eyes. She shuddered but didn't look away, tears seeping from the edges of her eyes. There was silence and I nodded slowly. "If you cannot think of any reason that I should kill you, I will not have you slain. I may forgive your actions, Lady Elayna...but I will not forget them. As punishment for your actions against me that drew my blood, you will swear an oath of fealty to me alone. To follow my commands without question or hesitation. To answer all questions I ask you truthfully and to the best of your knowledge. To never again betray me or those with me on pain of death. Will you swear this oath?" She shivered again, closing her eyes briefly before kneeling again, her arms spread wide in obeisance.
"On this oath, I do swear. Fealty to you, to answer all that you inquire of me truthfully, to follow all your commands without hesitation or questions, and to never betray you or yours on pain of my death," she said, taking my right hand and kissing one of the stones on the back of it. "So do I swear." Murmurs started up around the room again, only to be quickly hushed as I stepped back.
"Very well," I said with a nod, looking to her guards then back to the King. "Have Lady Elayna taken to guest chambers, bathed and properly dressed. She is not to leave the castle without my permission, or speak with anyone from the temple unless it is by your leave, King Quel'thalsed, or that of the High Priestess. Is that acceptable?"
"It is," the stag replied, giving a curt nod to the guards who bowed and left with the former High Priestess...
***
...The next day dawned as bright as the last, with just as much promise...if everything I had planned after the feast worked out. I had spent part of the night talking with Elayna and my mates, an idea forming in my mind as I felt the urge to start traveling again. Palace life was great, but too ordered and political for my tastes. I had had enough of it and there were still so many things that I had to learn about this world. One of which was who or what the Darkness I was to face was. One author from my world had said that no being is truly evil if you can understand what they want and why they act as they do. In a sense...I hoped that was true.
I finished packing the few things I needed in my satchel and pack when I heard the door to the room opening, Arosha and Elayna entering quickly before closing the doors again. "Well?"
"I managed to get some provisions from the kitchen and Master Healer," Arosha said, holding up a couple of small sacks.
"It took a little persuasion, but they will not talk to anyone about our requests," Elayna said softly, her eyes averted again. Iridell added the sacks to her pack as Lesanna tossed the former High Priestess a pack and cloak. All four of them had dressed for traveling, though Elayna had stuck with the more feminine attire. Divided riding skirts of blue, with white bodice and small shawl, her hair was braided and held back with a couple of clasps.
"This isn't going to be a joy ride, Elayna," I remarked pulling out another pair of breeches and white shirt, tossing both of them at her. "Hang onto these just in case you need them." She let out a scandalized gasp, drawing my gaze to her, before shivering and placing the clothing in her bag.
"Let's get going."
"Going where, Chosen One?" intoned a deep voice from the doorway as the oak panels swung open. King Quel'thalsed stood there with five of his royal guards, each one holding a bared weapon.
"To try and find others who will join in the fight against the darkness," I said, walking closer to him, keeping my hands away from my sword hilt.
"I can't allow that. Not with a war council to be held within a month's time," he told me, shaking his head. "The other races of this land will be aware of what's going on soon enough."
"Perhaps, but if we can gather as many allies-"
"There are few that would aid you due to the prophecies and their influence," the stag said, cutting me off and placing a hand on my shoulder. I stared at him for a moment before looking at the guards, shaking my head.
"I have no time for this."
FLASH!
King Quel'thalsed crumpled to the ground as if all the bones in his body had vanished at once, the guards flying through the air and slamming into the walls. Lesanna rushed over to one of them and then to the king.
"Unconscious," she said with a sigh of relief, looking up at me after a moment. "How did you-"
"Move now, talk later," I said, cutting her off and grabbing Elayna's shoulder, pulling her out of the room after me. We made our way quickly, a few patrols of guards passing by us as if we didn't exist, while others rushed forward, ordering us to halt. They came within four feet of us, only to vanish, a grin forming on my lips as I felt them reappear in a distant part of the castle.
Rounding a corner, we came face to face with another troop, the only difference being the female leading them. Dressed in simple robes, she never the less held an air of authority and quiet power around her, much like Elayna did the first time I had met her. The Templar guards flanking her drew their weapons, advancing towards us and quickening their pace to stay before the feline woman. Raising a hand, I felt power answer my call and the templar fell to the floor, as unconscious as the others I'd had to deal with. The woman looked at them mild shock, then turned her gaze to me, calm cool assurance concealing her emotions.
"High Priestess?" I said softly, lowering my hand and stepping closer.
"I am High Priestess Gwen Theolen," she said, inclining her head slightly. "And you are the Chosen One..." I made no reply, simply waiting to see if she would do or say anything else. "Why do you wish to leave us so quickly?"
"If there is a chance for others to join our alliance, I am willing to take it," I replied, meeting her gaze without hesitation. "Will you try and stop me from doing so?" She considered the question for a moment before shaking her head. "Then forgive me..." I caressed her cheek and she sank to the floor, out cold along with the rest of the guards...
...Arriving at the courtyard, we were almost at the stables when someone shouted to our right, drawing our gaze to fifty guards fully armed and armored walking towards us, two of which had removed their helms.
"What the hell are you doing here?" I demanded, glaring at Scott and Raize as they came closer.
"We've come to escort the Chosen One and his companions," he replied, giving a stiff bow before straightening with a smile.
"What of your oaths to Ryodan?" I said, looking at the doorways and half expecting another troop of guards to appear.
"He shall break the kingdoms and alliances with his arrival," Raize said, earning a black look from me. Sounds of armor and weapons reached my ears and I felt others drawing close.
"Fuck it. Everyone gather close to me and close your eyes!" I shouted, drawing my sword and raising it high. The guards entered the courtyard as I started speaking the first words that came to mind, light flaring from the blade of my sword and striking the ground in great arcs around me, Scott's guards, and my companions. There were shouts of panic and surprise and the courtyard was enveloped in a blinding radiance...
In the space the guards had surrounded in the castle courtyard, the only evidence that something had been where the Chosen One and those with him had been was a glassy depression in the cobblestones. The King said nothing, to his advisors or the High Priestess when he arrived in the training area, his eyes simply taking in the result of the young human's actions. He remained still for a long moment...then smiled, turning away to make his own preparations for what was to come.
***
....Rain...cool...soothing...the tears of the world...of the dead. Strange how something so refreshing could be so sad...
I opened my eyes as someone shook me, gasping and drawing a shuddering breath as I looked around. We were in a field that had a familiar look to it, the fifty guards slowly getting to their feet as they looked around in amazement. Lesanna was trying to wake Elayna, as Iridell and Arosha helped me to stand. I felt as though I had spent a whole day moving massive logs of wood around the training yard of the castle.
"You ok?" Iridell asked, placing the back of her hand against my cheek, then two fingers on my neck feeling for my pulse. I nodded wearily still panting for breath as I tried to gather my thoughts.
"Where...are we?"
"Orthank, just outside the trade town I brought you to when I first found you in the field," Arosha replied, also taking a look around then up at the sky. "How did you....?"
"I don't know. The words...it just happened," I said, finally feeling my heart starting to settle down, my breaths slower and more even than before. "Each time I push myself...the first seems to drain me a little until I get the hang of it..."
"We should rest here tonight then. Head out on the morrow," Lesanna remarked, guiding a shaken Elayna over to us, the guards gathering around us.
"We need to speak with a few people first. Indel being one of them," I said, looking around at all of the others that had joined us at the last moment. "If you would follow me, then I ask for your oaths. To serve me faithfully and obey without question, to death and afterwards until the war is over. It is not something to be taken lightly, but I must be able to trust all of you without question. Please..." I bowed deeply to them, remaining that way for a moment before straightening.
For the second time, oaths were sworn, the heart and soul of the guards within their words as they knelt, each of them offering their weapons to me. "I accept your oaths," I whispered, bowing again to them. Feeling a little more of my strength return, I nodded as I looked them over I turned and we started down the hill towards Orthank.
The town was more active than the first time I had arrived in it, possibly thanks to the late hour of the day. What shops there were bustled with people, buying and selling wares, supplies and such. Taverns and Inns seemed to have a constant flow of people coming and going, all who seemed dressed for traveling long distances. There was something in the air that hinted at something more about to take place. Keeping my hood up as we entered the town, I paused a moment, whispering to Arosha and Elayna to find lodging for the soldiers. Continuing on with Lesanna and Iridell, I headed down the street, past the Wayward Vixen, to the building draped in glittering silk.
Opening the door, I ushered my mates inside and walked in after them, closing the door slowly.
"Who are we here to see?" Lesanna inquired, raising an eyebrow as she looked around at the silk wrapped bundles.
"Probably me," bubbled/chattered a voice above us and towards the door. Indel swung herself down from the ceiling her four arms crossing as her mandibles twisted into something like a smile. Lesanna hissed and backed away, her hood opening in surprise as I smiled. "My, my, my...you certainly seem to have grown in a sense, Denver..."
"So it seems," I replied, bowing respectfully to her.
"No need to do that," she bubbled, shaking her head slowly. "What can I do for you?"
"I require your help," I said, pulling back my hood slowly. Her mandibles shifted again as two of her largest eyes tilted just enough to let me know that she was looking me over.
"I thought King Quel'thalsed was being hasty to call for a celebration, but know I know why," Indel said at last. "Ever since you came here the first time, I saw that there was something within you." I sighed and leaned against one of the displays, lowering my gaze from hers. "If you know what I am now...then you are aware of what's coming...Indel...I need you to take me to your people. I have to speak with them." She turned to look at Lesanna and Iridell, eyeing them for a moment before looking back at me.
"What you ask of me is no small thing," she said at last. "My people don't give their trust easily, and the Queen...the price she might ask for trust could be too high for you to pay..."
"I will pay it," I told her, meeting her gaze unflinchingly. "I have no choice except to stand alone otherwise when the time comes."
"In the end, you will be alone in the greatest sense, Denver," she told me, reaching out to touch my shoulder lightly...
***
Lesanna: ...Daybreak found us away from Orthank, mounted on whatever steeds we could find and buy from the stables. Indel chose to ride one of the land Wurms we'd managed to get, weaving her own special saddle to hold herself and the few belongings she chose to bring with her. She guided us as well as she could, always towards the East, towards the distant mountains on the horizon....
...For a week we kept up the quick pace, stopping an hour before nightfall to set up camp and leaving just before sunrise. The intermittent plains were replaced by forests and mountain valleys, the latter growing sparser as we moved up to the higher passes.
"Where are we going?" I asked as we paused for a moment to eat.
"The way to my people's land is secret," Indel told me, stretching her eight limbs slowly and adjusting the silks she wore. "The only way an outsider may reach it is by water, through the Shrouded Inlet. So we are heading for Midoran port."
"Do you think there'll be a ship there willing to bear us to your land?" Denver asked, joining us as the others prepared to ride again.
"The Chirithan will be more than willing to do so," she replied.
"The Children of the Sea?" Elayna whispered.
"What's wrong?"
"They twist the prophecies for their own gain," the human woman said with a derisive snort.
"With part of the prophecies coming true already, why not have more than one version of the same thing also be proven as true," Denver told her, his face betraying no emotion. "We need to keep moving..."
***
Midoran port was everything the name suggested and more, a city in its own right, the lights of ship lanterns danced in the bay as figures moved in the torch light of the streets. Taverns roared with laughter and sang loud songs that hoped to cut through the ruckus and entice more customers to enter. Indel led us through the streets as if she knew exactly where to go, taking us right up to an Inn called the Storm-songs Rest, the common room not as full as most of the other places we had passed by.
"We should rest here tonight," she chattered, paying a stable hand a few coins and leaning close to whisper in his ear. The rat man glanced at us and ran inside quickly, emerging against with four other simply dressed youths, not all of the same race.
Denver: Taking my pack and saddlebags before my mount was led into the stable, I followed the others inside, Indel touching my shoulder and relieving me of my burden.
"Go find a table, I'll take care of the rooms and such," she said softly. Looking around, I nodded, my mates joining me as our companions waited with Indel to be shown to their sleeping quarters. A bar maid came to serve us drinks and the talk of the common room steadily increased. Accepting my mug of water, I sipped at it, leaning back and wincing slightly as sore muscles made them selves known.
"Looks like there'll be something more to do tonight than sleep," Lesanna remarked, grinning at Arosha and Iridell.
"Better be," Arosha said with a mock growl, returning the expression.
"Down girls, you'll get your chances at him soon enough," she said with a wink, reaching out and starting to rub my neck, brining a sigh from my lips as I closed my eyes. I was just starting to enjoy the sensation, when I noticed that the conversation in the room had died down and too quickly to be normal.
Looking up, I found that a raised portion of floor at the far end of the room now acted as the stage for a single person that stood upon it. Face wrapped and dressed in the garments I would have associated with a desert people, only the eyes were visible aside from the hands. Pulling out a flute from the small sack of cured leather at his side, he pulled down a bit of the cloth covering his face and started playing.
Soft and mellow at first, the tune built slowly, steadily to flow over the crowd. From the desert the sound of the ocean had come to us, the gentle notes of water growing , hinting at an approaching storm. I lost myself to the tune, nodding in time to the changes in the music...looking up in surprise as the music stopped as suddenly as it started. A second figure had appeared by the first, this one dressed far differently than her companion. The woman wore baggy breeches and a wide sash belt with the hilt of a dagger sticking out of it. One ear showing the glint of many golden hoops, flaming hair held back by a twisted band of cloth. Her chest was covered with a leather vest, the front held together with cords. She nodded to the desert man and turned towards the crowd.
"From the setting sun he'll come,
Riding the waves of Fate,
Blown by the winds of Time,
To the Sacred place.
Echoes of past will guide his steps,
The eyes of the sea shall watch him,
As the hearts and souls call to him,
To take his rightful place.
Of the element he is,
So will he return,
Bringing the winds of change,
To the Calm Sea at last.
The places Beyond shall be revealed,
Leading to the battle of twins,
Born to two different worlds," she said, her voice carrying through the room. Some turned away, muttering, while others simply looked at her, their faces blank of any emotion. "This was the promise and prophecy given to us by the Sea Father and Mother a thousand years ago. The time is coming again as the Wind Riders have foreseen, and we await his arrival. Tomorrow, we celebrate the Island Star's rebirth, and sail for Antheas for the meeting of clans. May the blessings of the sea be with all of you this evening. Farewell..." I stared at her for a long moment before turning my attention to the desert man, our eyes meeting briefly though mine were partially hidden by the hood of the cloak I wore. Replacing the veil over the lower part of his face, the man nodded slightly and left as well, following after the seafarer.
"She's part of the pattern," Iridell murmured softly, her expression a mix of thoughtfulness and surprise. "As is the man she's with."
"What will be, will be," Lesanna remarked, licking her lips and sighing. I remained quiet, my own thoughts on what the woman had said and the music played by the cloth shrouded man. A meal was brought to us by serving maids along with mead, and thoughts slowly faded to the back of my mind...
...Our rooms turned out to be large chambers that had been carved into the stone of the harbor, right beneath the Inn. The scent of food stores, herbs, and other things kept carefully hidden and dry lingered in the air, but no less pleasant than it would have been. Indel had apparently taken into consideration the fact that I had three mates to share a room with, for the serving woman guided us to one of the larger chambers, outfitted for visiting lords or ladies.
True to their comments earlier, as soon as she was gone, Iridell, Lesanna, and Arosha gently started working on my sore muscles, a favor that I great fully returned, taking my time to pleasure each of them as I did so. Finding a place on the bed to lie feeling them around me, I sighed, allowing my eyes to close as sleep claimed me...
***
Lesanna: ...The room was still fairly dark when I woke, having felt something stir near me in the night. A single candle was lit on one of the small tables against the far wall, giving off gentle light that allowed my eyes to adjust quickly. Someone was sitting against the wall head back as if relaxing, the warmth of his body glowing in the shadows cast by the candle.
"Denver?" I said softly, sitting up and rubbing just below my eyes.
"Go back to sleep, Lesanna," he said, his head turning to look in my direction, his silver eyes shinning in the dark. Rising, I made my way over to him, being careful to stay as silent as possible. Kneeling before him, I reached out to gently touch his shoulder.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing...everything. I'm...I just don't know if what I'm doing is right," he said at last, closing his eyes a moment then staring at the ceiling. "In the end, it might just be a fool's errand. Something that will end up in the slaughter of thousands that would have been better off without my presence."
"Many would die regardless of whether or not you had come to this world. Your presence in this world means that there is hope for survival and a future for all people," I told him, smiling as I chuckled. "You have been given so much, yet your doubt about yourself is just as great. At least you are trying to accomplish something rather than waiting for things to happen. That is all anyone can ask of you at the moment, and more than most in your place would do." Moving to sit in his lap, I held him close, kissing his lips gently for a moment, resting my cheek against his forehead. He relaxed into me, holding me tightly in return as his hands wandered over my back, breath warm against my scales. "Make love to me," I whispered, pulling back just a little and kissing him again as I shuddered, his warmth awakening a desire within me.
"Is that a command, Princess Lesanna?" He inquired with a smile, his fingers lightly tracing around the base of my tail, making me shiver again.
"As your mate and a Princess of the Naga you better believe it," I hissed, grinning as I ground my moist slit against his member. Gods I could already feel the heat from his loins as he started kissing his way down to my breasts, hands still roaming over my back. Reaching down between us, I hissed as his lips found my left nipple, the feel of him toying with it making me shudder again as my hand grasped his member, slowly starting to stroke him. Denver groaned and shifted his position beneath me slightly, his actions continuing to make me quiver in anticipation...
Denver: Using my tongue to flick her nipple one last time, I switched sides, gasping as I felt the Naga's hand tighten around my member for a moment, relaxing again as she continued stroking me to complete hardness. Her scent, the taste of her, the feel of her body against my own, Lesanna was everything I wanted at the moment and more. The desire to be within her almost overpowering as I suckled on her nipple like a child. Carefully rolling to the side and laying her on the floor, I pressed my throbbing shaft against her burning sex, kissing her passionately as I held onto her. She writhed beneath me, her hand still holding onto my member and guiding the head to her pussy lips, her legs wrapping around my waist as she tried to force me to enter her. Grinning, I held back, kissing Lesanna's neck and making her hiss in frustration then gasp in surprise as I thrust into her in one slow powerful motion. Taking her hands gently, I pulled them above her head, holding her against the thick soft rug as I ground myself against her, reveling in the pleasure and feel of her scales against my bare flesh, her heartbeat loud to my ears as were her breaths, the serpentine tail quivering between my legs as she fought to keep as still as possible. Pulling back a little, I started moving slowly with small thrusts in and out of her tight sex, bending my head down to kiss her throat gently. She started murmuring something that I couldn't understand, but the mask of pleasure and bliss on her face made it more than apparent what she was trying to say. I crooned to her, pulling back a little farther and thrusting hard into her sex, making her cry out, her legs tightening around me as she clenched her fists. Her eyes stared into my own, pleading for me to keep going, her breast rising and falling quickly as her breathing quickened. Letting go of her hands, I braced myself above her, giving her what she desired...
Lesanna: ...I cried out again as Denver moved faster, so hard within me, so hot, so strong. Gods! I clawed at the carpet, grabbing fistfuls of it as I tried to hold back from the pleasure I could feel rising within me. Each thrust my love took into me made me quiver, my loins aching to feel his seed as a knot built itself in the pit of my stomach. Each time he pulled out sent lightning racing through my veins, all my muscles twitching with anticipation as I tried to use my legs to pull him back into me. Denver's right hand cupped my left breast and started squeezing gently, molding it carefully as his fingers played with my nipple, already stiff with arousal.
Arching back, I hissed loudly, my body wracked with pleasure as I climaxed hard, flames rushing through my veins as I twisted beneath him, the knot in my stomach releasing as my sex quivered, trying to coax him to release into me. Denver smiled, leaning closer to kiss me with fierce passion. I wrapped my arms around his neck, holding tightly to him as he continued to move within me, setting me on the path to another orgasm...
Denver:...I felt her shudder beneath me as her sex clamped like a vice around my shaft, drawing a loud groan from me. I continued thrusting within her, the tense anticipation within my gut growing with each passing moment that I made love to her. Breaking off the kiss, I arched back, barely keeping from climaxing myself as I held myself above her. Lesanna took that chance to act, pulling at one of my arms as she rolled to pin me against the floor. I barely had time to register what had happened before she started riding my member hard and fast, her grin lost to my sight as I gasped, closing my eyes and resting my hands on her hips to keep her steady. My balls were already heavy with seed for the Naga princess and it was all I could do to just hold back from filling her that moment. Lesanna burned with a fierce desire and passion of her own, wanting everything that I had to give her. My heart thundered in my chest as I writhed on the floor beneath her, pleading for her to slow down just a little-
-we cried out in unison as both of our bodies climaxed at the same time. I curled forward, gasping, wide eyes as I felt all of my muscles tense at once then start twitching uncontrollably as I emptied my seed into her, her body quivering again as her sex milked me for everything I had and more. She clutched at me and I pulled her into a tight embrace, our hearts pounding like mad on the demands our bodies had made of them. Our breaths hoarse and loud as we clung to each other, basking in the afterglow and each other. Both of us spent for the moment, knowing that many more hours were left in the night to share...
***
...Indel was as good as her word I found. By the time we were ready to leave the Weaver was ready with her belongings and the rest of the sworn guards. The man and woman from the stage last night were with her, speaking in low tones. Turning as we emerged from the basement, her mandibles twisted in a smile and she bobbed her head slightly.
"The arrangements have been made. I introduce to you Ship Mistress Alviara and Wind Singer Jyrral. They have agreed to take us to the Coast of Mists and to the city of my people," she bubble/chittered. I bowed to them respectfully, Alviara smiling as I did so, her companion's face remaining impassive.
"How much will it cost us?" I asked, straightening and meeting their eyes.
"Nothing. Weaver Indel has already told us of your need to head for her homelands," Alviara replied shaking her head.
"How much has she told you?" I asked, frowning slightly and turning my gaze on the female spider.
"Enough. You must understand that I also have need to travel near the Coast of Mists. The gathering of Antheas calls for all ships to be present," she told us, her expression serious.
"How long will it take to sail there?" Iridell inquired, scratching her serpentine neck a moment.
"With a Wind Singer, less than a week. The celebration will take only a few days after that and then we'll have enough provisions to continue on. We leave within the hour. Be sure that everyone who is coming along is prepared. There will be no turning back if something is left behind." Inclining her head, she walked around us and headed out the door of the Inn.
"Very...interesting," Lesanna murmured, tilting her head a little.
"Don't like the attitude that she's showing. Despite all her politeness," Arosha remarked, crossing her arms and staring after the woman. I chuckled and asked Elayna to gather the guards and have them ready to leave quickly as she entered the common room.
***
Dream-song was a massive ship fitted with sails to match it's size and bulk, but moved surprisingly fast for all of it. I remained near the bow, watching as land faded and listening to the sounds of water, wind, and chanting that went along with the flute Jyrral played. To me, part of the sound was lost with everything else that moved around me, but the chanting helped to give it volume and depth of feeling. Since leaving port, the wind hadn't died down, blowing steadily behind the sails and pushing us forward as they filled. The guards had been volunteered to help fill in around the ship with certain duties, the others remaining below deck, except for Lesanna and Iridell. I also roamed the deck from time to time, also helping out, but more often than not staring out at the ocean.
The crew made no comments that I could hear in regards to my appearance, however, I would catch wary glances in my direction and noticed that fingers would start moving in an unusual manner, like some form of sign language was being used. Ignoring it, I made my way below decks to the cabin I had been given as land finally faded from view.
Sleep came slowly for me, and with it dreams...
...Stone faces loomed out of the mist, towering high above me where I stood on the shore. Music floated around me matching the waves for rhythm and the distant sound of thunder. Ahead of me was a cave, the shadows beckoning to me, to come forward and accept what was about to happen. I walked forward...