by Pdmac
Mollified, Raquel said, “She is beautiful.”
“Yes, she is,” Karl agreed. “Still doesn’t change a thing.”
Annabeth flashed him a relaxed smile. “If you do have sex with her, you’ll have to share the details with us.”
Laughing, Karl shook his head. “If that’s what you want.”
An hour later, Karl and Manas walked south along the top of the far outer wall. Forest encroached most of the terrain until the wall curved to the east and the land opened up in a broad vista of open fields and far mountains.
Pausing to absorb the grandeur of the view, Karl remarked, “What’s going on between Lady Gwen and the Administrator?”
“What do you mean? Manas asked.
“There didn’t seem to be any love lost between them.”
“Oh,” he chuckled. “There isn’t. Regnan was the Administrator long before Gwen showed up, appointed by the old king. When Gwen’s sister married the son, part of the agreement was that Gwen would rule this part of the kingdom when the son ascended the throne. That was less than two years ago. Before then, there was no designated ruler and Regnan ruled here by himself, assuming all the trappings of royalty, even living in what are now Gwen’s quarters. When she showed up and told him to move, he wasn’t happy.”
“Why doesn’t she just get rid of him?”
Manas smiled at him. “You and I think like military men. We see a weakness or a problem and we get rid of it. It’s not as easy as one would think. Coirthan, though agreeing to let his sister-in-law rule the northern domain, wasn’t about to give his queen that much power in the kingdom. So he declared that any appointments concerning administrators in each of his subordinate domains had to have his approval.”
Karl nodded in understanding. “So how is it that the queen was killed?”
Manas paused long before answering, choosing to gaze out over the verdant land before finally saying, “When the trouble started with Cyril and the last batch of messengers were brutally killed, Coirthan decided to send Briet with an escort as a final arbiter to end the discord between them.” He turned to face Karl. “There are some who believe he did so knowing full well Cyril would kill her.”
“Why would he do that?” Karl asked, raising an eyebrow.
Manas shook his head and shrugged. “Who knows? Some say he was tired of her. Others say his affection had wandered to another. She was a strong-willed woman, beautiful like her sister, mind you, but strong-willed. Whatever the reason, it was a calculated one. Perhaps he did it to openly declare war on his brother. Who knows? The reasons why, while satisfying our curiosity, do little to help us now.”
“Wisely spoken.”
Manas studied him a moment. “We have walked this wall for the past hour and I have answered your questions, yet I still do not have an answer as to how you intend to fight.”
“I was wondering,” he replied, scanning the land before and behind him. “Is there a way to get out into the forest here without being discovered, a sort of secret entrance to get in and out of the city?”
Manas’ stare narrowed to a hard focus. “What have you heard?”
“I haven’t heard anything,” he stated.
Manas studied him for a long awkward moment before looking rapidly around then leaning in and lowering his voice. “There is, but it is known to only three individuals. Not even Regnan knows about it.”
“Why so secret?”
“Because its knowledge and use would not only compromise the domain, it would imperil Lady Gwen herself.”
“So why tell me now, if it’s so secret?”
Manas inhaled a deep breath. “Because the kingdom is in peril and we are all that remain to prevent Cyril from destroying it. I need someone I can trust to help save us. I have an idea of why you want to use it. Striking at the enemy’s rear could do great damage and throw them off balance. To do so, you must strike hard and fast, with devastating results. You and your team have weapons at your disposal that add to your abilities to inflict damage and destroy.”
“I assume it is a tunnel?” Karl said.
Manas again paused before answering. “Before I say one way or another, know this, under no circumstances should you or anyone on your team let Regnan or anyone else know of its existence. Warn them. I hold you responsible for their silence.”
“It will be as you wish.”
Manas inhaled a slow deep breath. “Yes, it is a tunnel. It begins in the castle, goes under the main gate and ends about a kilometer beyond in the forest.”
Karl welcomed the good news then commented, “You said there were three people who knew about this.”
“Yes. Lady Gwen, myself, and the sorceress who maintains the spell of hidden portal on the two entrances. You will meet her when we are finished here.”
“I think we’re finished here,” Karl said with a grin.
Manas held up a hand in warning. “Remember the secrecy of the tunnel.”
Karl nodded his understanding. “So why not the Administrator?”
Manas folded his arms. “I do not trust him. You saw how easy it was for an assassin to gain entrance into the castle. Now imagine what knowledge of a hidden tunnel would do. Do I have your word that you and your team will remain silent?”
“You have my word,” he said then gave voice to his thoughts. “There are fifteen of us, well fourteen as Carole is still in-op, but how do fifteen warriors of various sizes with all sorts of weapons get out of the castle without being seen or someone noticing that we’re all gone at the same time?”
“A good question, one I’m sure the sorceress will help us with. Come. Let’s meet with her so you can test the tunnel before we need it.”
The afternoon sun stretched long shadows by the time they walked back down the wall stairs by the gate and across the farm fields to the outer wall of the city. Manas led the way from there, weaving a path of many turns, which Karl swore led them to cross a path they had just travelled.
Finally, after the last torturous weaving, they came to a nondescript home wedged into part of an ancient wall on the east side of the city. Karl studied the door and shuttered windows on either side of the door and then the surroundings in what looked to be what was once a fortification wall and was now a back alley.
Seeing his puzzlement, Manas said, “This was once the outer wall of the early version of Westhaven. It was called Wes-to-hoven back then. The city fell when an earthquake destroyed it. What lies on the other side of the wall is a jumbled mess of buildings and wreckage.”
“She lives there?”
“Yes,” Manas smiled, “away from inquisitive eyes and curiosity.” He turned the door handle and pushed the door open. It swung soundlessly, revealing a short tunnel that led to the other side of the wall and the tumbled debris of an ancient city.
Karl followed Manas as they once again weaved their way amidst the moss covered stones. Trees grew in the midst of home foundations and what were once living rooms and bedrooms. Karl noted that the city had been built on the side of the hill, facing east toward the mountains.
As they descended on a snaking path, Karl realized that they were following a trail, though not well worn. He was brought to a halt when Manas stopped in front of a set of Corinthian pillars that had been broken in half, the bottom halves still standing and the top halves stretched out in an orderly fashion pointing towards the path.
Manas walked in between the two top halves and paused by the right pillar, pressing his palm against the cold stone.
A moment later, a voice crooned, “Welcome friend. It has been a while. Please come in. Bring your friend with you.”
Manas turned to Karl. “Follow me.” He stepped in between the two upright pillars and vanished.
Startled, Karl froze and stared at the empty space between the pillars and the collapsed rubble surrounding the pillars. He was even more shocked when a hand and arm emerged in the air between the pillars and waved him forward by Manas’ voice saying, “C’mon.”
&
nbsp; Striding into the space between the pillars, his amazement grew as he suddenly found himself standing on the pathway leading to a beautiful two story home of white granite. Manas stood close by, his grin almost a smirk.
“She’s waiting for us inside.”
As they walked the path down to the home, Karl took in the surroundings. There was no wreckage here, no sign of an earthquake. Instead, there was a beautiful home surrounded by gardens and fountains.
“How...” he began.
“Remember what I said before about the hidden portal spell?” Manas said.
“This is beautiful,” Karl marveled.
“Wait until you see her,” Manas confided.
The front door opened and the necromancer stood in the doorway. “Welcome Manas. I see you have finally brought him.”
Karl was suddenly tongue-tied, for the woman was a stunning beauty with long raven hair that fell to her small flat stomach. She reminded him of Gwen in that she had that same porcelain skin, flawless like a doll. She wore a long flowing dress of black silk that seemed to billow and flow though he could discern no wind. The movement of the dress caressed, folded, and danced, revealing a voluptuous body of firm breasts almost as large as Annabeth’s. His gaze followed the movement of the dress, down to her stomach and then the valley between her legs, and he felt his heart quickening and his mind suddenly consumed with things more than adoration.
Then just as quickly, his lust faded and he felt like himself once again.
She smiled mischievously at him, her coal black eyes penetrating into his soul. “Welcome Karl the Viking. Knowing you would soon be here, I looked forward to our first meeting.”
“This is Kamdyn the Hallowed,” Manas said by way of introduction as they stood before her.
She was tall, though not as tall as Manas. “Come in. I’ve been expecting you.” She stood to the side and waved them in, following behind them as the door closed by itself.
They stood in a foyer that led to a wide set of stairs that split on the second floor and wrapped around and ascended once again. Karl frowned thinking that the stairs seemed too large for what he had seen was the size of the house, especially as the stairs went up at least three levels and the house he saw was only two levels.
Kamdyn led the way through the foyer and into a large reception room. A thick Turkish rug covered the floor. Floor to ceiling windows covered the opposite wall, providing a clear view to the distant mountains now fading in the approaching night. To the right was a wide hearth adorned with a carved granite mantel. Though the days and nights were warm, a fire rippled in the fireplace.
A couch and two chairs facing the couch were positioned close to the windows. In between the couch and chairs was a low table with trays of food and wine.
“Please sit,” Kamdyn said. Her voice was soft, though sensual.
For some reason, Karl felt exposed as though she had read his initial desire. Why it abruptly disappeared surprised him.
As Karl and Manas sat on the chairs, Kamdyn positioned herself on the couch, tucking her long legs beneath her. Reaching for a morsel of cheese, she smiled seductively at Karl. “Please help yourselves. I’m sure you must be hungry from your hike along the wall this afternoon.”
Manas filled the wine glasses, handing one to Kamdyn and one to Karl. “You know why we are here.”
“Yes, I do,” she answered, “and I agree that it is necessary.”
“I wanted to make sure before I revealed the doors to him,” he explained.
“He knows the rules and consequences?”
Her dark eyes settled on Karl and once again he felt an overwhelming arousal, so much so that he found it difficult to concentrate on anything else, no matter how hard he tried or reminded himself why they were there.
“I see you are a man of strong passions,” she said with a sly smile.
Then just as before, his cravings vanished and he felt himself again. Confused, he mumbled, “I… I suppose.” Reaching for the wine glass, he took a deep draught, surprised by the sweetness.
Kamdyn turned to Manas. “You do not have much time. Cyril’s armies are on the march. Even now they approach Durness. Coirthan will last perhaps two or three days then Cyril will turn his attention here.”
“If he doesn’t send out scouts before then,” Karl said.
“Wisely spoken,” Kamdyn smiled. “I see you are more than a simple warrior.”
Karl stared into her eyes and this time the desire to possess her body raged inside him and he struggled to control himself. In an act of his inner battle, he broke eye contact and the consuming desire abruptly vanished. An epiphany awoke his realization that she was responsible for his raging lust. When he shot an angry and suspicious look at her, he found her smiling impishly at him.
“I see you have discovered my little secret.”
Manas looked at her then at Karl and burst out laughing. “You are so bad, Kamdyn.” He turned to Karl with bemused sympathy. “Don’t feel bad. She did that to me the first time too. In fact, she tries that just about every time I come here.”
“I’ll give him credit though,” she said, grinning at Manas. “He figured out what was happening a lot sooner than you did.” She leaned forward as though confiding and said, “It took him almost an hour before it finally dawned on him what I was doing.”
“Can we get back to the reason why we’re here?” Manas grumbled though smiling.
“The tunnel,” Kamdyn said.
“Yes.”
She focused her gaze on Karl with an intensity that made him uncomfortable. “What are your intentions after the battle?”
“My intentions?” he frowned, wondering what that had to do with the defense of the city.
“Yes. I sense an attraction between you and Gwen. Do you intend to stay and rule with her?”
“No,” he asserted.
“Why not?” she said, her tone direct.
“Because I have a bridge to cross.”
Her gaze narrowed. “And what bridge would that be?”
“The bridge at Hulgard.”
Her gaze grew suddenly cold and she stood, folding her arms then turned her attention to Manas. “He is no different from the other one who passed through here. You would jeopardize the city for him?”
“He is not the same as the other one,” Manas countered. “You’ll notice that Karl the Viking is sitting here, unlike the other one who left as soon as he could. Even Gwen couldn’t dissuade him from leaving.”
Unconvinced, she twisted her head to stare at Karl. “Why are you here?”
“I am here to repay a debt,” he answered. “Lady Gwen healed one of my friends.”
“You have healers with you,” she challenged. “Could they not heal your friend?”
“She was dead, or near dead.”
Kamdyn silently stared at him then said, “I know all about your friend and the venomous bites she endured from the spiders. Tell me, had she not been wounded or near death, would you have agreed to stay?”
“Who knows?” he shrugged in reply. “Is it not enough that I am here, now?”
“No, it is not enough,” she replied, crossing the floor to peer out into the gathering darkness. “This fight is not yours. You are free at any time to leave, or change sides if that suited you.”
“You’re right,” he agreed, beginning to get irritated. “This fight is not mine. But, do you think me so dishonorable that I would betray a trust or go back on my word? You meet me for the first time and use your powers to play with my emotions like it was a game. If you’re so concerned with defending this city, why aren’t you out front leading?”
Turning around, she locked her eyes on him and he returned her stare. He felt the stirrings of arousal again and through sheer will squashed them.
A smile curled the corners of her lips. “I see you have greater strength than I realized.” Walking back to the couch, she sat down, again tucking her legs beneath her then turned to Manas. “Do you trust him?”
“So be it,” she acknowledged.
“You still haven’t told me why you’re not out front mobilizing the city,” Karl snipped.
She smiled kindly at him. “I’m a sorceress. If the battle should go against us, I will be fighting for my life from both sides. If the battle is for us, I am still held at arms’ length, always suspected and never trusted. But do not mistake my visible absence for apathy. You will see me if and when you need me.”
It was then that Karl saw her stats bar and wondered why he hadn’t noticed it before. Had he been so preoccupied with her beauty that he was totally oblivious? It then dawned on him that he never saw a stats bar unless he thought about it. Otherwise, the bar vanished, unless there was a change to the stats as a result of some action, like after a battle.
Kamdyn the Hallowed: Sorceress, Level 20
Strength: 50 points
Speech: 50 points
Magic: 50 points
Health: 50 points
Mana: 50 points
Combat: 50 points
Leadership: 25 points
Karl was surprised to see the strength and combat points, wondering aloud, “You are a strong sorceress. I’m sure the city could use you in its defense.”
Her smile vanished. “I have already answered your question, Viking.” She twisted her head to give Manas a stern stare. “You may use the portals as you wish. I hold you responsible for their continued safety.”
Night had fallen as Manas and Karl emerged from between the two pillars. Manas led the way and the two were silent for a while until they approached the door in the wall. Karl spoke as Manas opened the door.