by Erik Weir
The halfling stood up on her chair, her body nearly bouncing as she reached into her side pouch and pulled out a fist full of gold coins. “I’m in,” she said excitedly as she threw them on the pile.
The orc looked to the halfling and sighed. “I’m out.”
The dwarf chuckled as he reached into his side pouch and pulled out a stack of platinum coins and put them on the pile in the middle of the table. “Aye, I’m in and I raise.”
The man eyed the dwarf and halfling, “I see we are upping more then what’s on the table. Shall we make it interesting?”
“It’s your game, Lord Devas,” the dwarf said gruffly.
Devas looked to the halfling and dwarf before turning his eyes to the elf. “I want to know who’s in and who’s not.”
Dawn continued to look at her cards for a long moment before lifting her gaze to the lord at the table. “This hand may be too rich for me.”
Lord Devas gave a confident smile as he leaned back in his chair. “I’m sure an arrangement can be made. It’s your first time in my private games and I wouldn’t want to scare you off.”
Dawn looked to the halfling and then to the dwarf before centering her gaze on Lord Devas. “I only have the minimum to play.”
Lord Devas’s gaze drank in the elf with glasses, his eyes taking in her smooth lines and pale skin. When his gaze dropped to her ample chest, the lord didn’t hide what appealed to him. Dawn’s expression didn’t change, cards curved in her hands and body still as an ice pond in the dead of winter.
Lord Devas gave a smirk. “You have been so quiet while we play. I’m starting to think you’re not having a good time. I host these games so I can be in touch with the people who I notice in my lands. Your people don’t often come through this territory.”
Dawn looked down to her cards as she spoke, “I don’t mingle with my people. They tend to be a bit stiff with social interactions.”
Lord Devas raised an eyebrow, “Interesting, what makes you so different from the rest of your people?”
Dawn let a small grin slip, “I worship one who we cannot speak her name.”
The players around the sturdy table looked to the elf with curious eyes. The orc let out a hearty chuckle as the halfling stayed standing on her chair, stopping her bouncing up and down. The dwarf shook his head while Lord Devas’s eyes narrowed.
“I’ve heard the whispers but I didn’t think I would have an actual worshipper in my company. You truly believe she is returning? The game has become very interesting indeed.”
The halfling looked to the other players, “Who are you talking about?”
The orc sat back, cards face down and hands on his stomach. “We cannot say her name. If the Mage Authority finds out we are talking about ‘her’, they will interrogate all of us and not in a pleasant way.”
Lord Devas nodded. “I have some friends in the Authority that would turn a blind eye. This is a safe place and I’m intrigued. Please, talk freely so we may all learn.”
The dwarf took another guzzle before putting his mug on the table and looking to the halfling, “They are talking about Vala, Goddess of Lust and Love. It has been decreed none shall follow her ways and those who do will be put to death.”
The halfling stared at the dwarf before crossing her small arms. “Vala. I’ve heard of her but I still don’t understand why her worship is outlawed. I mean, she is an ancient goddess no one worships anymore.”
“For a goddess no one worships, people are still fucking and loving each other like she never left,” the orc chuckled again.
Lord Devas closed his eyes as he spoke, “It’s more than that. Vala was a goddess with such power; she could cause other gods to fall in love with her. So many were caught in her glory before jealousy clouded their reason and the Rage War began. As I remember from what I have read, the pantheon across the six realms turned on Vala. They burned down every temple and slayed every priest, priestess, and acolyte. When her worshippers were killed and her power diminished, they attacked her holy mountain and cut her into pieces, or so the legends would say.”
Dawn nodded, “They did all those things, and more but if you have heard the whispers then you know her light is returning.”
Lord Devas open his eyes, and shook his head slightly, “The pantheon will crush it like they did so long ago. It’s a child’s foolish dream to wish her return. You place your life in danger by saying you follow her ways.”
Dawn gave a disarming smile, “But this is a safe place, is it not?”
Lord Devas gave a head nod and a small smile. “It is a safe place, a haven to the outside storms of kingdoms, realms, monsters, and shadows.”
“Are we going to play or talk about dead goddesses all night,” the dwarf said with a gruff edge.
Lord Devas looked to the elf before reaching into his regal robe and pulling out a metal key. The lord threw it on the table and sat back, cards in hand.
“I raise. The key is a master key for this very Keep. True, it is on the edge of my territory and may need some work and a few more guards but I’m looking for someone strong enough to have it and help guard my lands. Winner of this hand will become a baron…or baroness under my flag. I will add a hefty sum of gold so the winner doesn’t have to struggle with the upkeep.”
The halfling’s mouth curved into a wide smile before pushing all of her winnings to the center pot. The dwarf eyed the key before picking up his side pouch and emptying all of its contents onto the pile, platinum coins bouncing. The orc folded his thick arms and sat back, enjoying the show. Dawn simply sat, eyes on her cards.
“Like I said, I only brought the minimum.”
Lord Devas gave a wide grin, “How about you spend the rest of the evening with the winner? I’m sure if you are following Vala’s ways, you must have picked up on some of her teachings. History is filled with stories of the greatness of Vala’s worshippers, how the intimate acts were studied, and applied so one could touch the very goddess herself if one was devout enough.”
All eyes turned to the elf.
Dawn continued to study her cards before looking up, her gaze connecting with Devas’s gaze. “I’m in.”
Lord Devas gave a head nod, and tapped at the table. “Show your cards.”
The halfling put her cards down, and crossed her small arms, “Three towers.”
The dwarf gave a gruff laugh, and placed his cards down. “Four towers.”
The halfling’s smile faded as she slumped down into her chair. The orc gave her a pat on her tiny back.
Lord Devas looked to Dawn, “Show your hand.”
The elf smiled, “You first, my lord.”
Lord Devas chuckled before putting his cards down, “Five Kings.”
The table was silent as Dawn put her cards face down, “I have nothing. I surrender my hand.”
The orc, halfling and dwarf groaned.
“I thought this was going to be a little more exciting,” the orc laughed as he shook his head.
“My husband is going to kill me,” the halfling said with heavy eyes.
The dwarf slid off his chair and stood up, “Fun game, same time in two weeks?”
Lord Devas nodded, his gaze still on the elf. “Yes, same time. Maybe next time you’ll be lucky enough to win a piece of my territory.”
“There isn’t going to be a next time for me,” the halfing began to sob.
The orc helped her from her chair, “There there, I’ll talk with my tribe. We could use some more trading and halfling ale is a favorite among my people.”
The orc and halfling walked to the main door. A guard opened it as the two left. The dwarf gave Lord Devas a slight bow before following the orc and halfling out the door. The dwarf glanced to Dawn who sat silently, no emotion in her almond shaped eyes before he made his exit.
“No need to seem so glum,” Lord Devas smiled. “The rest of the night is waxing poetically about philosophy.”
Dawn stared down at the table, eyes drinking in the pile of tre
asure. “I’m fine.”
Devas tilted his gaze to the pile of treasure and closed his eyes, “Thinking of taking it and running?”
Dawn looked up, her smooth face a blank mask as she spoke, “That would be rude.”
“Indeed, it would be,” Devas said, opening his eyes and sitting in a chair next to the blonde elf. “Tell me your story, I’m very interested.”
Dawn looked to the lord and small smile appeared, “What is there to tell?”
Devas shook his head slightly, “I highly doubt you don’t have a story to tell. If you are concerned if I will behave rudely then put those worries away. This is a safe place and I have heard all manner of tales from this realm and others.”
“A safe place…,” Dawn said in a low whisper.
Devas sat, drinking in the elf’s beauty as she seemed to gather the words to speak. The lord didn’t wait long.
“I have spent my life stealing and whoring myself out to take care of my family. An elf is exotic, and many have paid the price to spend an evening with me. If it was just me, I would have travelled across the realms, seeking adventure but…when you take care of another, it can consume you. It can be all you think about, their safety and wellbeing.”
Lord Devas nodded. “We all have someone to take care of. It is the way of all societies and families.”
Dawn looked to the lord and nodded. “One night, I dreamed of Vala. She touched me when I lay in a stranger’s bed, swimming in despair. I saw her smile, and I knew I could overcome. I knew with my faith, I could overcome anything, healing my fractured family and maybe my own soul.”
“Vala…brought you focus,” Devas said as his eyes centered on Dawn’s cleavage.
The elf nodded. “She did. I knew if I could heal my family, I could right all the wrong I caused to save my family. All it took was…someone to care…so my pain wouldn’t be so loud.”
Lord Devas looked up, making eye contact with the elf, “We all wish to be safe and warm against the cruelty of the universe.”
Dawn watched as the lord reached over to the winning pile, and picked up the master key to the castle. Lantern light wavered, casting long shadows as Devas slid the key over to the edge of the table where Dawn sat. The elf looked to the key, and then to the lord, a kind smile on his lips.
“I have need of a priestess for my lands. I can think of no better person for the role then you. You’re pain and faith brought you focus and determination. You would be ahead of any other barons under my influence…and I would want to experience Vala’s faith first hand. Centuries ago, Vala’s priestesses would be in every kingdom, giving advice to lords and ladies to ensure the people of the kingdoms were happy. I believe those ways have been lost for too long.”
Devas leaned in closer, drinking in Dawn’s scent. “You are a treasure in these times. Let me treat you like the treasure you are.”
Dawn looked to the lord, eyes holding indifference, but her mouth curved into a grateful smile. “You would give me…a place at your side?”
Lord Devas nodded. “I would. I see potential to bring a new peace to Eddor. The Mage Authority has become fearful old men and women. They don’t believe in religion, but true lords and ladies know its place among the people. You and I could bring Vala’s faith back…if you swear loyalty to me.”
The elf’s smile grew wider, “You are most generous, Lord Devas.”
Devas gave a mischievous grin, “Let us seal our arrangement with a kiss…before we continue with Vala’s teachings.”
Dawn’s eyes closed half way, a dreamy fog filling her gaze. Leaning forward, the elf showed her plump cleavage. Lord Devas gave his own wicked smile as he leaned in. Lips touched, and heat bloomed. Energy danced along the lord’s lips as an intoxicating bliss filled his lips, and then traveled into his head and body. The moment taking him, the lord reached up and grabbed a handful of Dawn’s breasts, squeezing hard and pulling her close to him. Dawn didn’t resist as she leaned into the lord, his tongue slipping into her mouth. The moment played on until Lord Devas pulled back, head swimming.
“I...I tasted it…Vala’s power,” the lord said with sleepy eyes.
Dawn’s smile faded as she stood up. Picking up a backpack from by her feet, she pressed it to the edge the table and began shoveling treasure into the open pack. Devas looked to her, amused. The elf continued as if he wasn’t there, gold and gems falling into the almost bottomless pack.
“I will have to ask for that treasure back. You may be part of my family now, but…” Devas trailed off as his body felt heavy.
Dawn continued until nearly all of the winnings were in the pack. Picking up stray coins, she dropped them in the backpack. Devas gripped the edge of the table, eyelids growing heavier.
“What…what have you done,” Devas said in a weak voice.
Dawn slung the pack over her shoulder and looked to the lord as he struggled to stay upright in his chair. “When you follow Vala, she imparts gifts to the faithful. She came to me in a dream last night, kissing me and I fell into the best sleep of my life. I knew she gave me something special, and I had to test it out. I’m happy it works.”
Devas’s hands shook before his muscles relaxed. The lord fell from the chair and onto his side. Breathing slowly, he looked up to the elf as she stared down in indifference.
“You...you cannot…take...from me…,” Devas struggled to say.
“I just did. Sleep well Lord Devas. Maybe when Vala returns, you will be at peace enough to have another game.”
Dawn glanced to her cards facing down. Nimble fingers swiped them off the table and showed them to the sleepy lord. “I know your reputation Lord Devas. You like to pick women you desire, and when you beat them at the game, you offer your kindness so you can bed them. If they don’t comply, their bodies end weighed down in the lake. As you can see, I had the winning hand. Take comfort that I don’t drown you in the lake. This is your chance to change your ways. Consider this part of Vala’s forgiveness.”
Dawn threw the cards at the lord as his eyes closed. Snoring rose up as the elf moved to the door and opened it. The guard outside looked to the elf, and then past her to Devas snoring on the floor.
“Poor Lord Devas was exhausted,” Dawn smiled.
The guard’s hand touched the pommel of his sword. “I cannot let you leave, Lord Devas’s orders.”
Dawn smiled wider. “I know,” the elf said before her pointed hand flashed up and into the guard’s throat.
The guard stumbled back, windpipe collapsing as he struggled to breath. The elf struck out with her palm, connecting with the guard’s chin and causing his body to hit the opposite wall before crumbling to the floor. Dawn moved to the downed guard, kneeling and fishing in his belt pouch. Pulling out a fist full of gold coins, she placed them in the backpack over her shoulder.
Dawn stood up, turned and made her way down the hallway. It didn’t take her long to slip by the small amount of guards patrolling the crumbling castle. Dawn mentally laughed that Lord Devas would offer her a castle in such disrepair, not that he would really have followed through. The elf paid a lot of coin to gain as much insight as she could on the Lord. He was a predator, preying on the ignorant and desperate. If she had simply won the game, he wouldn’t have let her out alive.
Moving to a side door, the elf stepped out into the blackness of night. Running across the small side courtyard, she reached another door as a guard leaned against a wall, his snores filling the night. Dawn readied herself as she moved silently as a ghost and opened the door. The guard didn’t move as his snoring droned on.
Dawn stepped through and closed the door behind her. Sprinting across the small field to the tree line, a large creature shuffled in the dark. The elf reached the tree line and jumped. Legs opened as she landed on a saddle, the horse huffing. Reaching over and untying his reins, the horse galloped away in the dark forest.
Dawn let her mind wander as the trees bled away to a dirt road. Turning, she followed the road to a cluster of lights
in the distance. The night air was fresh as she breathed in deeply. The elf enjoyed being back in Eddor. Vala’s realm had almost everything but the needed break was welcomed.
Before long, Dawn’s horse trotted into the town of Runon. Leg swinging over the saddle, the elf dismounted and gave the horse a whack on the rump. The horse huffed again and trotted off. Dawn knew after tonight she would go back to Vala’s realm, but there was something she had to do before she found a place to lay down and sleep the night away.
The elf walked past the closed storefronts of the town. It was late and no one was out in the pleasant night. Dawn stopped in front of a large shop and glanced around to see that the street had remained empty. Stepping to the front door, lock picking tools slipped from wrists and into thin hands. Dawn knelt down, little metal rods inserting into the lock and moving about. When a click filled the space between the door and elf, Dawn turned the knob and stepped in, closing the door behind her.
The shop was dark. Books and jars of ingredients filled the walls. Without a sound, Dawn cross the shop and stood before the counter. Faint memories played in her mind’s eye and a small ache touched her heart. Hand pulling the pack from her shoulder, she opened the top and pulled out a thick sack of coins. Hefting the sack in her hand, she looked to the counter and placed it on it. A small smile appeared as Dawn gazed down on the sack, her heart lifting a little in her chest.
Turning around, the elf made her way to the front door when something outside moved. Dawn froze, eyes looking past the windows to the street outside. A chill seeped into her spine as she held her breath, waiting. A creak of a floorboard caused the elf to turn around. A dark figure stood in the shadows. An arcane word rippled through the air before light bloomed and shot out. Dawn took a step back as the light struck her chest, sending her against the front door. Sliding down to the ground, her vision grew hazy as the robed figure stepped closer, arcane words filling the air. A word of power was uttered and light flashed once again, striking the elf and her world passing on into darkness.