As to other women in the City, just like Kendra, some measure of discretion was involved, and her voyeurism/exhibitionism was to be confined to Adam’s home. If Fionna wanted to fuck ladies from the City in the Living Room or Study, fine. The entire family, except the children, would be happy to watch or jump right in.
The kids were a different story, and Fionna had to learn human rules of conduct as applied to her new home. Niona downloaded her knowledge of human culture to her sister, and that ended all problems after that.
For all intents and purposes, Fionna was accepted as a wife, with a little more liberal allowance for contact with City women, though Adam did ask her to take care with women who were married. Life began to return to normal, but unlike her earlier protestation of needing to leave right away, Fionna stayed. She told her sister the last task she was working on was being completed by another of their kind and she was no longer needed. Niona knew that to be an outright prevarication but suspected there was never any “task” to perform; it was a way for Fionna to get out of the City if the place was a bust.
She stayed because she was beginning to feel attraction to Adam, once looked down on as a mere human and not worthy of attention from her species. His attraction to her, and hers to him, were at times overwhelming. None of the women minded; each had seen it before in Adam, and Fionna was remarkable, exactly the kind of woman Adam fell in lust, if not love with, easily.
***
Time had passed without Alana having much to say to Adam, or Hecate to Adam either, for that matter; it was not a happy situation for anyone. No matter who he had congress with, it was still Alana he came home each night and to her bed. Still, she was angry and had little to say to him. Sex was perfunctory if even sought, and Adam knew that he alone was the root cause of her anger. It was time to sit down with Alana and Hecate and make peace with each and both.
One night in bed, Adam asked, “May I have breakfast with you and Hecate tomorrow morning alone?”
“If I must. I am available as I am sure Hecate will be too.”
“There is no ‘must’ involved. I know you are angry with me, and so is our young Immortal. I had hoped we might reconcile if I gave you space, but things seem to be worse each passing day. I do not wish our relationship to get worse. I would rather you yell at me, hit me, or do whatever makes you feel better than to endure your silence each day. We are estranged, and I wish it to be otherwise.”
“Then stop seeing the witch who almost killed you, and we shall return to normal.”
“You wish me to desert and ignore my wife in order to patch up things between us? Is this your solution?”
“It is.”
“Has she been rude to you or been untoward in any way since the incident?”
“No. But does that matter? You may choose her or choose me. You can no longer have us both. If it is she you desire, go to her and leave me be.”
Adam shouted out, “Hecate! Hecate, appear.”
Hecate appeared, but was terrified by her Master’s tone. It wasn’t anger, but resolute will, and not the good kind.
“Is this your desire too? Expel Niona to make you happy. Is this your will also?”
“It seemed like a good idea when Alana and I spoke. Now it doesn’t seem so good anymore.”
“Then the solution is simple. I shall have none of you for now.” He turned to Hecate. “I love you as a daughter and have been proud to call myself Guardian to you, my Ward. But until this is finally over, and your task is complete, stay away from me. All of you. I have serious business to attend and this is but silly emotional nonsense; a temper tantrum. I will inform Niona now, and then we are done. Stay to your business, and I will to mine.”
Adam left and went to the old home formerly occupied by Helena and Norman. When all was in readiness, he went to Niona’s quarters to explain what was to be the final resolution of this mess. There were only weeks, a couple of months remaining anyway. Paulo would be dead soon, and he Adam, not much longer after that.
“I am sorry, but I cannot have this distraction and childish behavior, though I blame none of this foolishness on you. What happened, happened, and it was but queer circumstances. You are wholly blameless, but I cannot be torn between my desire to heal the wounds between you, Alana, and Hecate before I fight Paulo. Such malhumor can only benefit Paulo, and that must never be allowed. He must die, then me, so this world may live.”
Niona said, “There is no need. It is I who must leave. Our marriage and my happiness were but illusions I had of exhilaration and elation that can never be for me or my species. Our destinies lie elsewhere, and it is time I return to them. Please return my Sari, and I shall be gone with the rising sun.”
“I refuse your request and you will remain with me here, at my side. I am your Master, and you will obey me. I demand you to stay for the good of the City and our future. You will accede to my demand. Period.”
“You have no such power over me, and I shall leave when I wish.” She spoke boldly, but did not feel bold inside.
“You shall leave when God demands it, Niona, and not before.”
“Adam?”
“Yes, my love?”
“I do not wish to leave. But I also wish to not be a distraction.”
“I love you, Niona, you saved my life, and you are not now, nor ever will be, a distraction. The good kind, yes; the bad kind, never.”
He paused.
“I have new quarters now,” said Adam. “I would enjoy your company to thank you in whatever way pleases you for saving my life. I cannot ever express enough that your leaving me would break my heart.”
Niona smiled, satisfied that her offer to leave was truly rejected out of love, “Where is this ‘man cave’ of yours?”
“Right this way.”
And Adam said, aloud, “Hecate, if you breathe a single word about this to anyone, I shall find new work for you elsewhere. Conjugal visits with my wives and the women of the City will be the first privileges to go.”
***
Adam rose early and went to the cells.
“You may exercise today, and I shall accompany you. Try to flee and you will die before you make ten paces. Am I clear?”
“You are, Human. Very much so. I feel as though have caused disarray in your life, somehow, though unintended. There is yet hope for me now, I sense. I shall be prepared for the martials fields after breakfast. Be sure to bring your dog Tar so nothing goes awry.”
“I shall convey your words to him.” Adam turned to walk away.
“And Human?”
“Yes?”
“Does it sting? Is the harm great?”
Adam smiled. “The only thing that prevents me from flaying you alive when we meet and watching you die over a period of months is the offense it would cause to my Gens comrades, whom I respect over all others. You are not Gens; you are a monster consumed by your own pitiable existence and greed for power. We shall fight in the old style of the Wildmen. They are more permissive than the Code of the Modern Gens Warrior. I shall have to ask for a ruling on which rules of engagement prevail.”
“None,” said Paulo. “You are not Gens and this contest will never take place.”
“Get a lawyer then, Paulo. And I will kill that insect too. Bon appetite.”
***
There was a spark of truth to what Paulo said. Adam was born human and the Prophecy had always been interpreted a meaning each should fight is his natural form. Paulo would ask the assembled Gens to rule Adam barred from fighting as a Gens, but instead as a human. If so, Paulo might just get out of this alive.
Paulo called for a guard. “Please ask Akira of the Gens Germania and his Clan leader to come visit me here right away, please. I have something I wish to discuss of an urgent nature.”
The guard had no desire to do Paulo’s bidding, but he sent word anyway.
Two men appeared at Paulo’s cell.
Akira said, “What have you to discuss that is of an urgent nature? What trickery do y
ou now propose?”
Chapter 11
The exercises for the day on the martial field were winding down, and Hecate was about the leave for the day. She had been studying new tactics that were advanced for most Gens in the military but had been paying close attention to one young Gens soldier, a young man named Orsin. She had spoken to him before and he had once escorted her home, discussing tactics before the match between Enzo and her Master. He was very nice and polite, unlike most of the other Gens men, and she knew he understood and admired how she worked Adam to near exhaustion day after day, and more importantly, why.
Hard work, tactics and commitment were how Gens soldiers rose to the highest rank and achieved what Tar had achieved. He wished to emulate that success, and be as Tar was, at a rank where service to the Chosen of Chosen was possible. He had met Adam once and had seen the historic match with Enzo. That day Orsin also learned the value of respect for the old ways of the Gens. That Adam had chosen to fight under the rules of the Wildmen was impressive. Most did not survive even meeting a Wildman.
After the match, the Wildmen, one by one and by Clan affiliation, pledged their loyalty and their lives to the Chosen One, then bound their clans to his service. This had never been done before in the long history of the Gens; Orsin’s respect for Adam was always present, but now he was now considering calling him Master and pledging his loyalty and service to him too. Many had already done so; many more were almost ready to do the same. Some, mostly Collective recruits, would hang back and wait to see the outcome of the final combat, but since Paulo had initially escaped into hiding, it was clear that even he had no doubt of the outcome. He had dishonorably abandoned his family, now taken in by the Manti.
Adam St. James was formidable and his honor without tarnish. It took time, but eventually they understood what Adam had done in the Musso affair. Once seen in the light of Adam’s culture, his reputation was restored and was entirely unblemished. After all, he respected the Gens customs and traditions though he often did not understand them. If he had concerns, he never voiced them. To Adam and the Gens, this respect meant everything. He did things ordinary Gens would never contemplate. Adam was kind and forgiving in victory when the Gens would never have shown any mercy. Most of the vanquished came to Adam’s side; their loyalty unto death never thereafter in question.
But today Orsin had something else on his mind, and he needed to speak to Hecate.
“Lady Hecate, it is I, Orsin. I don’t know if you remember me. We’ve spoken a few times and once you did me the honor of allowing me to walk you home. May I walk with you now?”
Hecate was about to turn invisible and return home in the regular way, but she liked Orsin and watched him from the stands often. He had caught her eye; in transformed state as a human he was a beautiful man to behold. He bore scars from earlier contests and, when cut or injured in practice, never flinched. He was patient, obedient and intelligent. He was respectful to his superiors and to the ladies in town, in the human fashion. More than one human or transformed Gens young woman knew the name Orsin.
“Orsin, yes I do remember you quite well. I have often seen you here on the fields and I must say your progress has been exemplary. Your manners are excellent and even my Master has politely inquired of you and your lineage. That, in and of itself, is an honor. What may I do for you today?”
“I have a dilemma, and I’m afraid it is one of my own making. I have said some things, things I should not have spoken; bragging. As you know I stay normally in human state, and I’m afraid I have let my mouth say things I wish to be true, but, sadly, are not.”
Hecate was interested in a young man who could speak so honestly.
“How may I help?”
“It concerns a dance. A dance to be held this Saturday night among the young men and women of the City. Among the transformed Gens, especially the women, human things such as walking and talking, holding hands, kissing and … dances are much enjoyed. They have made quite an affair out of these occasions and it is an accomplishment to couple for a dance and considered a boldness of great importance.”
“And you wish to go.”
“I do.”
“And do you have a ‘date’ for this event. I believe that is what it us called.”
“Not as yet.”
“I am shocked. Among the young women you are quite popular though you are considered very shy. Is my assistance required in broaching the subject with a special young lady?”
“Yes and no.”
“Which is it? Certainly, it cannot be both.”
“And yet most certainly it is.”
“I see. Actually, to be truthful, I do not see. Can you explain?”
“This is the part where my mouth, my bragging, has gotten the better of me.”
“How so? I am now very intrigued.”
“I have been ridiculed by my fellow soldiers for being too cowardly to approach a young woman to ask her out for the dance. I responded by telling them they would be shocked when they learned who would be coming with me as my date. Someone important, someone unattainable.”
“Please tell me who this woman is. I must meet her.”
Orsin blushed and looked down at the ground. “Lady Hecate, forgive my boldness, but the young woman is you. It is you I have bragged will be my date. I’m afraid I will be disgraced forever for bragging so boldly, but I was not thinking. My arrogance in contemplating appearing at a dance with the Immortal. What was I thinking?”
“And do you wish to date Hecate the Immortal? To go to this dance with her? To walk and talk with her, to hold hands and perhaps even to kiss? Or is this just face saving?”
“I assure you it is not saving face. I have longed to walk with you, to be near you, to know you as a friend. Even dared to think so boldly that you might consider becoming my girlfriend one day.”
“Yes, the human custom, so odd yet I like it so very much. It is, they say, very romantic.”
Hecate paused, “Well, are you just going to stand there while your chums are watching and laughing?””
“My Lady?”
“Well are you just going to stand there wondering, or will you be bold and take the chance that the Lady Hecate the Immortal might consider going to this ritual with you. Are you afraid?”
“Yes, my Lady, I am. Afraid that you will say no.”
“Then you must be courageous if you are to win the affections of any Lady. Be bold as you are on the martial field. Have confidence that any woman, even an Immortal, would be honored to attend any event, hand in hand, with Orsin. And I believe you will be as brave and courageous in this ritual as you are in battle.”
Orsin straightened up, found his courage and asked, “Lady Hecate the Immortal, would you accompany me, Orsin of the Village, to the dance at the Great Hall this Saturday. I will have to learn how to dance, and I know none of the customs, but I will apply myself diligently to learning to please you, if you say yes.”
Hecate drew near to Orsin, conspiratorially, and said, “Then we shall need to learn together. In secret. My answer is yes, and I too know nothing of dancing or the customs of dating. But we shall begin today. Are your friends still watching us?”
“Yes, Lady, they are.”
“Then put your arms around me as if I were in physical form. I shall materialize for an instant, and you shall kiss me. Then we shall hold hands and you shall walk me home every day after martial practice. When we get to my residence the women of the household will teach us everything we will need to know.”
Hecate materialized, and they kissed. Then, hand in hand, Orsin walked Hecate home and was invited in to meet the household. Adam appeared instantly and asked about Hecate’s guest.
“Master, Orsin has asked me on a date to the dance this Saturday at the Great Hall. Do you approve of my choice of escort?”
‘Are you Orsin of the Gens Germania, of the Village?”
“I am sir.”
“Then I approve. I have had my eye on you, young man. Next
week you will have a new assignment.”
“Sir?”
“You will be attached to my personal guard and begin work in Ops with Francoise Lemieux. Report to him Monday. I will arrange the transfer.”
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you, sir, you do me great honor.”
“I do no more than honor what you have achieved through diligence and hard work. Choosing to date my ward does not hurt either.”
He paused.
“I know your father and have met your family. They are good people, loyal, brave, and honorable. The honor is all mine.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Now both of you go immediately to see Vera and Hannah. Tell them I have sent you and ask what you need to learn. You have four days, and many young Gens have been practicing for months. And you my sweet must be dressed by Vera who knows everything about fashion. You will come here before the dance for dinner and we will take pictures. It is a ritual I know, but one I wish to remember forever.”
He turned to leave.
“And Orsin, my ward is to be home by midnight.” He paused. No, by one in the morning. And don’t let her talk you into any foolishness. She is headstrong that way and will have no fear of getting you into much trouble.”
“I shall heed your warnings, sir.”
Hecate said, “As if. We will get in loads of trouble from which I shall extricate you, Orsin of the Village. What’s the fun of having rules if you cannot break them.”
Orsin said, “I wish that you not implode my head. I am rather singularly attached.”
“Then we shall find other rules to break and have a glorious time. You’ll see; I’m fun.”
“Good luck with this one Orsin. You have your hands full now.”
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