by Dan Raxor
“I need to go to Trimi to get armor apparently. Hey Varin!” I said snapping by his ear. His eyes left the trailing fire horse that truly was amazing to focus on the dead bodies.
“Prince… I wasn’t serious. You can’t go burning hundreds of -”
I shook my head. “Arenia claimed their souls as a sacrifice. Have the king take it up with the goddess. Merely step in there…” I giggled, pointing at the church and he shook his head with fear. “Really though, I’d block that door. Arenia didn’t mind one big reaping of her faithful.”
“What- what - what did she tell you?” Legi asked.
“An army from another planet is coming to both your world and mine. I’m her… son in a way. Make sure others know to not get in my way. Now, I need to get to Trimi, and then bring ill tidings to humanity and buy every large horse I can,” I said, leaving my guards to head to Madames.
I had a lot to do and a short time to do it in.
CHAPTER 44
Lornia - Crimm
355th day of the 1st year of King Partel’s Reign
“What are we doing here, Master?” Libby said.
We sat facing a prison cell. Inside the sexual dungeon room was Toval of Nexia beside Audry of Crimm. They were both cast in ice. My ice. A spell Siofra had been focusing on with me and I was pretty proud I could cast it.
“I need to talk to them, but to you first,” I said, resting my staff against a wall so I could stick her in my lap. “We’ve been together for over three months now. Yeah, about that. You asked for time and space when I asked about your past.”
“I’m a grumpy old woman who talks very little,” Libby said, attempting to dodge the discussion with her joking banter.
I playfully pinched her leg. “You’re beautiful, young, witty, always a pleasure to be around, and you love to talk... when you feel secure.”
“I didn’t know my father,” she said sadly.
When she started to braid her hair I shifted to make it easier for her.
“That’s it?”
She kissed me. “I miss my momma. I do. I learned from a young age to be grateful for what you have.”
“Are you happy?” I asked.
“Of course. I’m the envy of Lornia,” she said, making me blush.
I huffed. “Did Rivinia talk with you?”
“Yeah, she wants a baby. Said you approved and had zero desire to take the baby for a reward,” Libby said.
“Reward?”
“Elves breed slowly unless mixed. An elven child can be traded to the elves for all sorts of valuable trinkets... You aren’t that kind of noble to take a baby from a mother to have more wealth. I knew you were different when you tried to convince those old folks in Riverten to come with us. Even let Harmony join a war party and…” she said, pausing to sigh.
“She will have a child in our family that will brighten everyone. You’ve never talked about being a mother yourself,” I said.
She switched from sitting in my lap to straddling me on the bench.
She hugged me, nestling me in her boobs. The gesture hit the perfect spot. Of all the women I’d ever been with, Libby was the one who knew emotions the best.
“I can wait,” she said. “I’ll be a good mom regardless of what chaos ensues in our lives.”
For a man with three other ladies in his life, this was the perfect thing to say.
“Quickie?” I asked and she beamed.
We went a few rooms over from my prisoners. I had to admit, bending her over a torture chair was oddly erotic. Ten minutes of her squeezing on my big cock with her little tight pussy had me ready. While I didn’t finish inside her, we enjoyed every moment of the soft loving.
The best part was when I shot out my load. She aimed my dick for the floor drain, that was priceless. The inner deviant in her loved seeing the jizz shoot out from my dick.
We shared a tender giggle at the silly moment. This was Lornia in a nutshell. One moment things are deep and drastic, and the next you're having a wee bit of fun.
After a quick cleanup, we returned to face my healer and the crazy lady I was told to trust.
I reached out with my gem to fiddle with their spell. Encasing them in ice was akin to projecting my Zen onto them. Magic was frustrating to unlock and simpler when learned. This spell was a bit of a pride point for me.
After a month of teaching I had figured it out, and was on my way to mastering it. I proudly progressed but knew there was still a long way to go.
I unlocked their magical prison and Audry raced to the bars of her shared cell, even with a broken leg. I knelt down to her level, seeing her eyes filled with devotion. A finger to my lip had her nodding.
The healer had been down here without me visiting. While I’d been busy it was also a power move.
“What do you desire, Toval?” I asked him.
He scooted to the edge of the wooden slat bed to try to get comfy against the wall. “Anything besides slavery.”
“I need a healer. I… struggle morally with your situation. If you’re let go, I’ll never see a healer again from your brother,” I said.
The healer said, “The King is my cousin, but yea. You won’t. So make my life the best you can while I try to flee and we can reach an understanding. It’ll never be how it was, but it is what it is.”
“So, why the dock’s bar?” I asked, gesturing for Libby to sit. I kinda felt like having her massage my shoulders while I talked. I was a Prince after all.
“I… like the atmosphere and I’m not a commitment type of man,” Toval said and I nodded.
“Look, if I build you a fortress bar called Toval’s Mates and let you run the place would you try to flee?” I asked.
“I don’t understand,” he said.
The sound of feet coming down the stairs surprised me. I was told to not be disturbed. When I saw the King, I understood that my guards hadn’t failed me.
“Toval, she unleashed the sky fire,” the King said and Toval grunted. “Do you understand?”
“I… I do. Toval’s Mates sounds fantastic,” Toval said, heading over to Audry. “I’m an Arenia believer. We… we were raised in her church and it is what kept us oddly close over the years. When the war is over I’ll try to escape again. You were warned.”
“I was warned,” I affirmed.
We watched Toval place a hand on Audry’s head. Green magic coursed from him to her in bright tendrils. A few specks darted off into nothing, while most of the magic went to her leg. If I had to guess, he was rusty with his magic.
Watching the bone return into her body and the skin knit together was some of the best sorcery I’d ever seen. Audry let out a moan of happiness when he finished. I paused to watch her run a hand over her smooth skin in joy.
My eyes flickered to notice his aura was significantly darkened.
“A few days and he’ll be able to heal again. You overtax him and he dies, don’t do that,” the King said. He walked to a key ring, plucking it off the wall, and opening the cell door. I wanted to protest but doubted it would help. “He won’t run now. Give him a nice room and a pleasure toy, please. I owe him that.”
“Thank you, cousin,” Toval said, exiting the room with a nod. “I mean it. After the war…”
“Got it,” I said, spinning to Libby. “See it done, and send Siofra down.”
Libby left with Toval and Audry was still silent.
“Did you spell her?” the King asked and I shook my head. “Tell me everything Arenia said please.”
Ten minutes later I finished retelling the tale to the best of my ability when the King sighed heavily.
“I’ll draft a proclamation immediately to have Loon Harbor’s name changed to Arenia Harbor. As for the coming war… I hope we can win this. Audry was expelled for her devotion to our cause. Now, she is your arcane mage. A skill tree that others struggle with,” the King said.
Siofra came down the stairs with a crate of items. “Juniper organized your items for taking to Pangea, Master. I m
ay have overheard something about arcane magic.” We nodded and she continued, “My father has a few small guides he lets out at the academy. It’s a tough set of spells to learn, let alone master.”
The King nodded. “Audry is a top tier arcanist mage. While her raw power doesn’t compare to a master mage her execution is superb. Most importantly, she was sent by our mutual friend to be at your side.”
“Arenia. I doubt she cares if you use her name,” I said in a stubborn tone. “Also, she used a male form in her church… it was confusing.”
He shrugged, as if he wasn’t bothered. I saw fear in his eyes though. The goddess he worshipped, frightened him. Understandable after her sacrifice without even batting an eye or giving a pout.
“This will be the last time we see each other. Alexander will need you, and you him as allies. Friends will be hard to find among the nobles. I understand you think this one is amazing.” The King thumbed Siofra. “She is a great mage and yet, not a champion of men on the field of battle. Bind Alexander to you or else I fear the south will fall. Speaking of which, if Crimm falls expect me to fly to you,” the King said with a sad sigh.
“I’ll heed your words. If nothing else a bribe to Alexander can be arranged. The power he will bring from that will help my cause,” I said and Siofra nodded in approval.
“Good. I… I’m concerned too. Arenia has given you a gift, and I’ve done all I can to aid you from behind the dukes’ backs. You’re on your own from here on out. I wish you the best, and expect the worst,” the King said in an ominous tone.
I frowned but said nothing as he left. When the echo of his boots faded I plopped onto the bench, feeling a tad overwhelmed. I certainly was ready to get my own place and build up my own home.
My attention went to Audry who stank and was desperate to talk. “Apparently, I need you.” She nodded. “You may talk.”
“I’m sworn to protect your life. Please bind me to you as a sacrificial guard,” Audry said and I furled my eyebrows.
“Why add sacrificial to your title?” I asked.
“Arenia said my role was to protect you with my life,” Audry said.
I massaged my temples. “Go to the bathhouse. We leave for Trimi in a few hours via eagle-fey.”
“God, that is -”
“Master, not god. Continue,” I told her.
“I’m a fairy. Eagle-fey flights mean I have to wear a stink bag.”
Siofra grumbled. “She has a point. Have her bathe later.”
“That settles it. We got everything we need anyway. Time to go to Trimi and you both get to see my other home. Should be tedious and boring,” I said.
When Siofra chuckled I eyed her questioningly. “Master, nothing is boring with you. I will tell Norlan to set sail with your army.”
I smiled in approval. It was time to leave Crimm. How long I spent on Earth would depend on if I met the ship in Zing Port or at Arenia Harbor.
CHAPTER 45
Lornia - Trimi
356th day of the 1st year of King Partel’s Reign
“Uncle!” Harmony said, fleeing from her mother’s side.
The little girl was dressed in a lovely blue and white gown that matched Lidia’s outfit. I was a bit surprised by this ‘Uncle greeting’, but Lidia was full of smiles, and that meant she’d put her adopted daughter up to a leg hug.
Rivinia came out for the eagle-fey stables hauling a box filled with small vials of samples from Crimm.
Flying under a fey in a harness was shit. Feathers poked me. I froze my dick off figuratively, and I was just glad our flight was shorter than what the women had to deal with.
“You’re glowing, Lidia!” I said, embracing her.
“I know and perfect timing too,” Lidia said, kissing my cheeks.
Pete waved and behind him was Susanna, Siofra, Libby, Sir Nathanael, Ming, and her guard Lars. I waved them all forward.
“Perfect timing for what?” I asked.
Oh, crap. I forgot Audry.
Lidia went to answer but I stuck a finger up, racing into the female stables.
Audry had to wear a scented bag with a hood to fly under an eagle. And… I may have forgotten about her. Super not my fault, okay, maybe a little.
“Master,” Audry said with concern.
I huffed. “I’m here. I’m here. My sister was just about to tell me -”
“I’m pregnant. Want help?” Lidia said as if I wouldn’t notice.
I huffed in shock. There may have been a light squeal of excitement for her. “Really? That’s great.”
She nodded and said, “Yup.”
I grumbled. “I got bad news,” I said, freeing Audry. “Out with you.”
“Bad news?” Sir Nathanael said from the gate to the stables. Lidia carried Harmony when we left.
“I need a moment,” I shouted. I hugged Lidia. “I’m proud of you.”
She eyed me speculatively. “You actually mean that.”
“Yeah, you’re almost thirty, and you’re happy,” I told her with a tightening squeeze. “Now, do you want to go home or stay here?”
“Depends on this bad news,” Lidia said and I rolled my eyes.
I raised my voice loud enough for Viscount Nathanael to hear, “There are going to be dual invasions. Here and on Pangea. We have three to five months to prepare, rough estimate.”
There was cursing in the background.
“What do you recommend?” Lidia asked.
“That you come see our parents and Hanna. Tell them the truth and think about what is safer. A gated Kansas City home, or a castle with mages,” I said with a shrug. “You’re a big girl. I’ve never treated you as anything other than an adult. I… I was warned the US Government was not going to welcome me as a savior even if I could help.”
Lidia broke our embrace to sling an arm around me. “I’ll think about it. Main thing for me is,” she pointed at Pete and Harmony, “those two,” and then her belly, “and this one. Staying seems safer and I can’t bring Pete to… Lornia is home now.”
“Well, if I wasn’t sold on helping Lornia, I am now. Maybe Dad will change his stance on guns,” I said and we shared a laugh, knowing he’d buy a hunting rifle at most.
Ming stepped forward to hug me. I halted her to pat her on the shoulder. “You ready to go home?” I asked and she nodded.
“Short trip?” Nathanael asked.
“Yes. Wanna come?” I asked.
Pela, who’d been hiding from the side of the barn, showed up carrying a bundle.
“We were trying to surprise ya with the dwarven crafted battle armor,” Pela said with a regal pose. I could tell she was trying to be fitting for her temporary station. Speaking of which, I could legally fix that. “Should I present these later?”
“Countess Pela, that would delight me,” I said.
She and Nathanael shared a gaze before handing off the bundle to a servant. I bet they’d been plotting to ask to visit my home for a while now. I honestly didn’t mind. Once the gateway increased it didn’t consume more magic.
I clapped my hands. “Come on. Gather around. Time to see the magic of a portal mage. I need to deliver some goods, return Ming, and buy some big stallions. If we get in trouble, sacrifice yourselves for me. K. Thanks.”
“Huh?” Just about everyone was confused by that statement.
“I have no idea what is going to be on the other side. Be ready for anything and grab onto someone,” I said. “Leaving in ten, nine, eight.”
The countdown reached zero and I willed the spell with a trickle of euphoric feelings to take us to the gateway.
The normally calm and joyful situation of arriving in the big hallway was anything but that.
“To arms!” Nathanael called out, unsheathing his sword.
Shouts of anger reverberated through my bones.
A trio of gray skinned humanoids with tusks and lanky limbs were caught resting around a game of dice…
They tried to rise to their feet but Nathanael and Susanna were on
them in an instant.
I heard Siofra shout over the sound of fighting, “My magic is gone.”
“Use your sword,” I said, casually walking past her to swing my staff like a bat.
The gem tip connected to the back of a monster's head.
Crack!
The being toppled with the legs completely giving out. There was some twitching before the dying creature shit itself. I groaned at the smell and the sight of brains oozing out of its skull.
I heard a grunting shriek from my left.
A body hit the floor beside me, clutching at a stab wound in its chest.
The gray tusked being gurgled blood for a few breaths before repeated stabbing ended its life.
“What the hell!?” Lidia shouted at me.
How is this my fault!? Wait. She used her mom's voice. Best to calm her.
I smiled and applied a gentle tone. “Calm, Lidia. Please, be calm. They’re dead, we’re not,” I said, batting a hand down.
Pete hugged her while holding Harmony. I raised an eyebrow at Siofra who still had her sword in its sheath.
Susanna came over, kissed my cheek, and winked at her. Blood dripped from her sword, splattering onto the floor.
Siofra wasn’t mad at Susanna; her face radiated disappointment in herself. Even I had a kill while she tried to cope with no magic.
Nathanael cleared his throat. “These… are classified as trolls-kin and this species is grogi. They’re a species known to appear underground randomly. The dwarven armies have slain these creatures for generations. They come in many variations, and this is one of the smarter ones, hence the bone dice.”
When he tried to hand me the dice I shook my head.
“The question is,” I said with an ominous pause. “How did they get here?”
There was no clear answer. I checked for a third door and found none. When I glared at the big opening for Earth, it appeared as it always had - cavernous.
Without holding a debate I prepared a freezing spell with my internal energy. The power coursed through my body as I stepped into the opening, hoping that I’d arrive in Montana.