“Do you mean it, only you and me on a vacation?!” Velia said.
“Work trip, but yes my dear. I would love to spend some quality time with you. I look forward to seeing the city and getting to spend my evenings with you. While I feel we got to connect before we got married, which the rush of it is still not normal for me, we never got to relax and endlessly chat. That will change with this trip as will certain other things.” I said.
“Like how you will go from staring at my butt to playing with it, oh yes dear husband this will be a wonderful time for us to... connect as you put it. I would dare say I am going to ride you till I break you.” Velia said in a dominant way. She patted my cheek and walked seductively swaying her hips as she went. “Hurry up, I am already packed and ready to go.”
I froze and stood there admiring the view until she turned out of the dig out and was no longer in sight. I jogged to her and tossed her over my shoulder. This got some laughs from people as we passed by to the landing area. I was called a brute and told to ensure her skirt stayed modest. Which I did, no use in letting the entire village see my wife indecent.
The landing pad area was a hive of activity. Nate, Donnie, and the eight other men of the Frontier Knights were ready to go. I set Velia down gently and introduced her to Deb who waited on my trunk. They got along immediately, and the little sassy monox was eating out of her palm in no time.
“Earl Gryff, I have received reports from the capital griffins that arrived this morning. King Aves has been informed of our plans to create the magic academy for both humans and griffins. Even if he did not hear of such a grand and worthy endeavor, he would not support the Emperor in your confinement. Your wives were lucky to get out when they were. King Horus saved them from a friendly imprisonment. They were going to be used to get you to stop warring against the Horde. More truths will come later, but for now, know us griffins hear what the Emperor is saying behind closed doors. We also are getting recent reports of malnourished griffins across specific sections of the Empire. Almost if that shaman is telling the Emperor to not feed us. It is not promising toward our future or humanity's future. It really seems like the shaman who he talks with is distorting his mind. Griffin King Aves has mentioned wanting to put a different King in charge. One less willing to please our former enemies. We suggest, and not lightly that you align yourself more closely with King Horus, be it a squire from one of his sons or a wife from one of his daughters. ” Lord Nova said.
I rolled my eyes so hard that Velia asked what the problem was. Drama I told her, lots of drama, and politics.
“Lord Nova, I, of course, will take all your recommendations with seriousness. I admit I am probably one wife too many at this point.” I said. Velia punched me at that statement hard in the arm. I rubbed my arm where she slugged me. “Not complaining, but I got other things to focus on than empire politics and adding wives. I want to focus on the here and now of Fernlan and turning it into a town with Dais. I do know that there are bigger things at play, and some of the changes I am trying to make will ripple across the Empire. It will be my honor to meet the King, and hopefully, end up with four squires to run errands for me. With that being said, if you do need my help with the Emperor's removal let me know.” I said with a nod.
“Excellent, we are ready to fly west to Malvia now, I will personally be leading the flight. Five of us will be going, so sort yourselves however you want to. I can carry the most weight as I am awesome and the best .” Lord Nova said with confidence while striking a pose.
“Alright men and my lady. This is going to be a five hour flight to the west of here to Malvia. Take the time to ensure your bladder is not full then load up. If you forgot anything we can buy new stuff in the city. I already need some items anyway. These five griffins will be the ones flying us today, one of them will need to take three of you the rest two. Donnie, Velia, and I will ride on Lord Nova. Be on the lookout as we cross above the lands close to Fernlan, anything of note that can be used to our advantage should be notated. Get in the saddles, then these fine handlers will hook up our bagged equipment and then away we go.”
Lord Nova lowered himself and I helped Velia up the saddle ladder. I smacked her ass hard as she was on the last step. Her tight butt was at the perfect angle for it. Donnie and I chuckled while she grumbled. We situated ourselves comfortably into the saddle seats and were ready to go. Lord Nova loaded up our supplies under his body and we took off. I noticed at that point that Deb had stayed behind. I saw her playing with the other monox on the ground.
As we flew west I looked around. I saw the river off to my left, it was easy to find by tracing our creek to it. Within a minute we flew over the battle spot of yesterday where we massacred the trolls. I tried to find the troll settlement but had no such luck. Maybe they lived with the orcs further up north in that city. My best way to find out was to have reconnaissance done by the griffins in an ever widening search pattern around Fernlan.
Fifteen minutes into the flight Cern appeared on our left. Lord Nova took us by the repaired battlements of the outer wall. The siege that happened here during the war did large damage to the city that had been hastily fixed. I got to see the empty roost, a group of women at the peak of the structure waved to us. The city had a portal in its fields, an exact replica to the one in Lakeland. I saw workers in the farms planting fresh crops, a few guards on the battlements, and the general population moving about. I gave the ugly city that had seen better days another long look. I hoped Hanz could do a better job than the former Baron Liffa. I am sure I would hear all about it from the immigrating griffin riders when I got back.
A few minutes and we soared beyond Cern. The mix of pines and open fields transitioned into rocky terrain. Here I saw some sort of grazing animal I did not recognize. It had horns, walked on four legs, and was smaller than a sheep. It moved in herds that numbered in the thousands.
We saw a few lakes but no big waterways, which probably led to the low grass and limited human settlements. There were a few villages that had been burned to the ground and only one that was like Fernlan, barely hanging on. It was an interesting time to get to see so many new areas of Vin.
The one steady constant sight was the Horde. A few caravans that numbered in the tens of thousands pushed south from the distant north. Small outposts and settlements dotted the landscape with the easy to identify tent living. I saw many ogres roaming and even one crushing a squad of orcs. The battle brought out my inner thirst for blood. Velia saw my facial reaction to the fight and distracted my by talking of what supplies we needed.
We discussed my lack of regular clothing and how it was an issue. I did mention I now had two pairs of pants but only one shirt that was not armor. She replied how she and Pipi now had enough clothing to be proper ladies. That included summer, and winter outfits. We never went over exactly what they bought so we took the flight time to discuss it. Poor Donnie had to sit there and endure our endless banter.
The ladies had picked up bedding like blankets and pillows. They had acquired proper cutlery fitting to my station, which I found out was really expensive silverware and crystal glasses. I told her I was fond of the dirty, poorly washed, wooden mugs and bowls. This got a laugh from her. I was told how Pipi had bought all the supplies she would need to become a candle maker. Velia mentioned how she thought it might be fun to try to make some herself. The ladies also bought lots of supplies for schooling the villager's children. That had always been a want of hers for the last few years. She mentioned a lot of the items purchased were long term storage foods. Jerky meats, jarred fruits, and other foods that preserved well.
After that conversation, we relaxed and enjoyed the ride. Endless amounts of fields and forests of trees passed underneath us. It brought home the reality of how vast Vin was. It would take a really long time to walk what we were flying. We had to be nearing the end of the trip when Lord Nova informed us we were leaving the realm ruled by
King Horus and entering the realm of King Devon. He told me everything he could about King Devon.
The man was the son of the current Emperor Salvoni. Both father and son were originally from the far north, some rumored even on the equator. When the Horde invaded the world of Vin they were smart and immediately fled to the southern stronghold of Deltan. They took their wealth and liquidated it early before the people of Vin truly realized how dire things were or would become. With their vast resources, they then rose in power in the current capital for the Empire. It took a few deaths of Kings and Emperors. Some died to fight the Horde, others died in what is assumed assignations. The father son combo was strategically placed to eventually assume both thrones. The griffins considered both men to be weak and cowardly rulers when it came to fighting the Horde. They were however not to be underestimated on the political battlefield of rumors and backstabs. Lord Nova mentioned that of all the realms King Devon had the most recent reports of malnourished griffin. He was interested to see how the roost in Malvia was doing.
Malvia was ruled by a Count Winter, he was a Trade Master who had made the Emperor and his son some good deals early in the war. He was made the ruler of Malvia when its former Count died in battle. The only other thing I got to find out about Malvia was how close in proximity it was to the Maltan volcano. The city which was barely larger than a town rested on the eastern side of the massive mountain. Maltan spewed lava predominately to the south, it poured into an old lake that had long since evaporated. The lava pooled and dried there, slowly building up the once deep basin. Lord Nova informed me my human eyes should be able to start to make out the city on the side of the mountain any minute now.
He was almost perfect in being able to tell how far I could see. The mountain was tall with an ember trail leaking out the south side. The lava was slow moving and the color was in stark contrast to the black solidified rocks. There were no trees on the mountain as it climbed into the air. It was a black cone of bleakness with its ever present danger from the contrasting bright colorful magma. Nestled into the mountains eastern face was the city.
Malvia's walls were a mix of lava black rock and gray stone. Portions of the black randomly shined from the sun's reflection. They were smooth and tall, even taller than the walls at Lakeland. Whatever earth mages had done the work here had built a majestic outer barrier. The backside of the city was protected by the mountain itself. A river that originated from a set of mountains further north flowed outside the cities walls. Once again I saw perfectly blue water turn to muddy brown from use.
We diverted from approaching the city to get a look at where we would be adventuring. Close to the slow-flowing lava our flight of five banked over a large section of trees. I studied a partially overgrown trail that lead this way from the city. Before the lava rock started you could see an old camping spot used by adventurers to hunt the lava golems. If I had to guess it would take an hour and a half to walk this far from the city. I checked around the trail for signs of Horde but saw none. I gave a further look and found an orc settlement far south down the river. It was not overly large but it could pose a problem if we did not have a lookout. I continued to study the area around the camp from the air. You could see where previous adventures had lured their prey into large pits beside the dried lava rocks. All the traps were dug into the soft earth outside where the lava rock ended. It made sense as it probably was the only place to dig easily.
Lord Nova told us we were moving in closer to get a good look at the golems themselves. I immediately felt the uncomfortable heat from the magma. The orange and deep red molten lava crept ever so slowly being pulled downward by Vin's gravity. The dried black rock continued for a good mile before the actual magma was prevalent. Along the snaking trail of the molten rock were caves.
Inside and around the caves loitered a creature that stood ten feet tall on two legs with two arms. The creatures were a shaded gray, the thick shell-like skin making them less humanoid and more monsters. They had ruby eyes, which if I had to guess were actual gems. The mannerisms of the creatures were lethargic and simple. A few looked up at us but most meandered around. One roared at us and I saw square large teeth meant for pressure biting. Across the landscape, there were thousands, if not tens of thousands of them. They were prolific in their numbers which made sense because they were so hard to kill and then you had the peace accord limitations.
I had no idea what they sustained themselves off of, how they breed, or what their weaknesses were. I did know the best way to kill them was by bludgeon in a trap or drowning via trap. Since there was no close water source the common way in the past had been the pit trap and then roll a giant rock on them. With my strength though I figured I could bludgeon them with the right club. I would need a good distraction and I happened to have brought ten of those with me.
I had seen enough for now and started to form a plan. We took a slow flight over the trail towards Malvia, it was nice to get a good view of our proposed path. I saw a few game trails but no traps or recent signs of the Horde.
We felt the tingle of the barrier as we flew over the farm and livestock fields used to sustain the city. There were two tiers of housing here, the poor in the outer ring. The wealthy in a second ring protected behind another tall wall. The main difference of Malvia from Lakeland was the entire place was clean. That and the Count's manor was not alone on its own, it was in a line of fancy homes, the largest and most extravagant of the group. We made it to the roost and landed.
Lord Nova immediately got upset. There was arguing between him and the resident griffins. They were trying to justify their rationed food intake to Lord Nova, who incidentally bellowed at them to be silent. The hierarchy of the griffin nobility was coming into play and it was my first time experiencing it. The result went from debate to a lecture. Lord Nova told the Malvia pride leader and her pride under no circumstances were they to do anything besides fly direct to Fernlan and eat full meals. When the pack of fifteen griffins launched themselves out of the city and flew east, Lord Nova turned to me.
“How much of that did you follow Gryff ,” Nova asked.
“It was hard to follow, you talk so fast among yourselves that I struggle to keep up. The basics were they had not eaten in a while and something about orders from the King. The details were beyond me sorry.” I told Nova.
“Well, this seals the Emperor's fate as a puppet of the Horde. There were two stories, one from a low pride member who was sent to King Dorian's capital for trade. That story was that the griffins there overhead that Dorian got a direct letter from the Emperor to quit feeding all griffins inside his realm. That the Horde had promised additional expanded barrier cities for humanity to reclaim if the griffins were removed from current human cities. The other story was the Malvia pride leader Scarlet telling me that it had to of been misheard and that Malvia was trying to help, they merely were short on food as was everyone else. That is where I lost my temper, pulled rank, and sent them to Fernlan. I really wished she had challenged my authority. It would have been a good fight, but I would have won due to my superior size and fighting skills.
“Tread carefully here Gryff, this city is no friend of yours. It is clear now that there are two factions inside the human race. Those that are pro griffin, and are willing to sacrifice to see them prosper. Then there are those who see us as a massive food sink that is a liability. With no war to help protect them from, we are an unnecessary burden. Which is sad and disgusting. Not to mention disgraceful to those who fought and died for them. Yet that is what Salvoni and Dorian are, weaklings who let others die so they can live. As soon as those fifteen arrive in Fernlan I expect word to head down to King Aves and the griffins to take action. Things will get bloody in the game for Emperor and we griffins will pick Horus as the next likely choice. Assuming he is not murdered in the process. I hate politics, right Gryff ?” Lord Nova said as he pawed a divot in the dirt in frustration.
Well, a civi
l war within humanity's remaining cities would be disastrous, but equally impossible due to the accords. It was going to be assignations more than likely. It was not like King Horus could take an army and invade Deltan and seize the throne for himself. It would probably be the griffins who could, they were the only ones who could move in large numbers. Maybe that was a mistake by the Horde to allow them free movement, or maybe this is what they wanted. A war between human leadership and the griffins. Actually based on everything I had heard that seemed the exact thing they wanted. Destabilize the relationship between the two species in the hopes that the better fighting griffins died off. Well, that could not come to fruition. I was not sure what I could do but I was angry.
Velia smiled at me after our feet touched the ground. I wanted to let her smile fade some of my burning fury but I was having a struggle controlling my rage. I inhaled a few quick breathes and walked to the roost entrance. An attendant and a guard waited for me.
“Name and reason for visit to Malvia.” The attendant said. The man was wearing a simple brown robe and had a tired demeanor as if he didn't care what I had to say. The guard beside him looked angry.
“Earl Gryff of Fernlan, and we are here to make purchases. Then tomorrow wish to travel to the south side of Maltan to see the sights, maybe do a little hiking.” I said to the two men with a large fake smile.
This set the guard off. He became agitated and was gripping his weapon's hilt so tight his hand was red.
“That is a laugh as if the Count will let some foreign noble hunt his lands in violation of the King's laws. I am to guide you to him anyway. The captain should be here at any moment with your escort detail. We were on strict orders to ensure the griffins did not leave the roost. We want to make sure that blame falls onto you.” The guard said with disdain.
I sighed. I was at a crossroads. If I walked into the Count's manor, we would probably have to surrender our arms. Then we would be ripe to be taken prisoner and would struggle to resist any such attempt. Right now I had me, the nine remaining Frontier Knights, Donnie, and five griffins. I realized I needed to get Velia a pike or something at some point if I was going to take her places.
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