by Erik Weir
The Champion leaned toward Lily again, “So, what’s the dark side of this place? Do they eat people?”
Lily barked out a laugh that startled a few citizens. She quickly recovered and spoke out the side of her mouth.
“Nothing dark, they are genuinely nice people.”
“There’s got be something. I can’t believe such a place exists and everyone is not trying to get in here. I mean, I don’t think I want to leave.”
“You don’t see it yet?”
Victor raised an eyebrow as he looked to the small clusters of people. It didn’t hit him at first, but he began to see what she was talking about. A few women in the small groups looked just like the three leading them. It was so uncanny; they appeared like sisters or even twins.
“Clones,” Victor whispered.
Lily gave a slight nod, “They haven’t been able to create offspring in a very long time. They are highly advanced and turned to cloning, but feel the genetic defects of many races would hinder their purity. They allow visitors and do not deny interactions, but their bodies are incapable of having children.”
“They can’t continue like that. Cloning degrades with every generation. They’re dying,” Victor said with an astonished edge.
“Until they decide to change their genetics to allow mixing with other races, they will die,” Lily stated.
The hall grew wider until they passed through another archway and into an immense chamber. A high throne stood at the other end with massive stained-glass windows surrounding it. A man in full armor sat, back straight and his head uncovered. A short beard covered his chin as piercing brown eyes gazed down, a smile forming. Above his head floated a halo of golden light. The armor was grey and gold with intricate runes and symbols etched into every inch of it. A pale golden aura surrounded the man as he leaned forward, his smile growing wider. Around him on the dais were more people in armor. Below them and to the sides, many women gathered, speaking, giggling, and looking in Victor and Lily’s direction.
Portia stopped and turned around while Felice and Hannah moved to the sides.
“Welcome to the Grand Throne Room. Awakened God Umus is ready to see you,” Portia said before bowing and moving off to the side.
Umus clapped his hands together and let out a hearty laugh, “Welcome! Welcome to Valis!”
“Um, Hi,” Victor said, stunned by the sheer positive blast of energy from the god.
Umus kept his wide grin, “I can feel your energy from here and I am pleased to finally meet Vala’s chosen. Your adventures have been talked about greatly among the pantheon and now I can see why. Vala has firmly touched your already beautiful heart. I am in awe of your presence.”
Victor scratched the back of his head as he smiled, “Um…thank you.”
“There is much to discuss, but that is why we are all here. We should begin our conversation, but how about in more comfortable surroundings,” Umus said as he stood up and clapped his hands.
Energy whirled up around them. Victor mentally prepared to call on a sword when the energy swirled and solidified into thick tables, comfortable chairs, and many tables filled with wine and mountains of food. The edges of the throne room remained the same, but now it looked like a vast dining room. Bodies moved to empty seats while many began helping themselves to the many tables of food.
Victor relaxed until the chairs before him slide around and moved behind him. Before he fully turned his head, the chair slammed into his legs, forcing him to sit and slide up to the edge of a large metal table with angelic designs and runes covering it. The same thing happened to Lily, but she wasn’t fazed in the least as she reached the edge.
Umus took hold of his chair, spun it and sat in it, arms folded across the back of it now toward the front. The warm smile stayed as he scooted closer, eyes beaming. Several men and woman placed large plates of food and wine before the god and Vala’s chosen. Without ceremony, many began to talk, eat, and drink wine.
Umus held up a large goblet, “Eat, eat, enjoy. We can talk while you fill your bellies.”
Not ready to turn down a free meal, Victor grabbed a fork and began chowing down. A large wine glass was filled nearly to the brim and the Blade found himself grabbing and drinking it with reckless abandonment. The moment it touched his tongue, he was blown away on how good it tasted. He guzzled it down, never having tasted anything so delicious in his entire life.
Lily continued to smile, watching Victor eat like he was a starving animal on the side of the road. Umus let out another hearty laugh as he guzzled his wine and picked up a thick meaty bone, tearing away succulent meat with his teeth. The surreal moment touched Victor’s mind that he was indeed sitting and eating with a god, but it quickly fell away as Umus seemed to be enjoying himself immensely, like sitting down and eating with a favorite uncle who can’t control himself.
“It is really an honor to meet you,” Umus grinned. “Nasty business what happened to Vala, nasty business. We here in Valis had no part in it and tried to be a voice of reason when the pantheon turned on her. It brings me great joy to know she picked a new Blade and is returning to the realms.”
“The work isn’t finished yet,” Victor said through bites of food.
Umus nodded. “No, it is not.”
Lily spoke up, “I was here before and I don’t wish to take away from the moment, but I wasn’t given an audience with you.”
Umus’ smile faded a touch, “Please forgive me. I knew of your visit, but Vala’s connection to you was tenuous to say the least. We weren’t sure what to expect or how long before Vala was strong enough to climb from death’s embrace. But now, Vala’s Blade and Shield are in my very throne room!”
Lily lifted up her glass, “So our combined presence has changed everything?”
Umus lifted his cup, toasted with Lily and they both drank down the dark red liquid. When they finished their sip, Umus put the goblet down, a trickle of wine in his beard.
“Indeed. Vala grows closer to breaking death’s bonds and that means we can start rebuilding the realms the way they were meant to be. As you may have noticed, our citizens dwindle with each passing decade even through their extended life spans. Our city contains about eight thousand of our people when it held millions before. Another two thousand live on small islands across the ocean. I won’t mince words, we are on the verge of seeing our shining light wink out, but now, everything has changed.”
Umus picked up his cup and held it out to Victor, “Because you are here.”
Victor looked up with a strip of meat hanging from the side of his mouth, “Me?”
Umus let out a deep hearty laugh, “Of course you, you magnificent bastard! You and your Shield…”
“Lily,” the succubus interrupted.
“You and Lily are our guests of honor, the humble beginning to an alliance that will stretch across the realms!”
Victor glanced to Lily before slurping up the piece of meat and looking back to Umus. “I…think I’m a little lost. We came here because we think your realm may be in trouble and to find more pieces of Vala.”
Umus leaned against the edge of the table, goblet in hand but not drinking. “I know all about Vala’s clever way to resurrect herself. It’s pure genius and I’m mad I didn’t think of it first. Well, I take it back, I’m not mad, but impressed. She was the first to die among the pantheon and she was able to cheat death in so many words.”
Umus took a long sip from his goblet before continuing, “As for our realm, I’m not too concerned. We managed to fend off hordes of invaders, beasts, and monsters for eons. Even at our diminished capacity, we could defend against the combined might of the other five realms and remain victorious. No, the time has come to revitalize the realms and Valis is ready to lead the charge.”
The god sat back with a confident smile, “With Vala returning, the forces of darkness will not stand a chance against our light.”
Victor and Lily nodded, but said nothing. The Blade sometimes felt like he walked int
o the middle of soap opera and today was no different. The histories and stories were endless and everyone seemed to have their version of truth. A touch of uneasiness caressed the Champion’s heart as he took another sip of wine.
“Some of my people have whispered about you…seeing you in their dreams…Victor...is it Victor?”
The Blade nodded, “Victor Hobbs.”
Umus returned a bright smile. “Victor Hobbs, a strong name for Vala’s champion.”
The god turned his gaze to the side before returning it to Victor, “Tell me Victor, did you notice Vala’s touch when you arrived?”
The Champion chewed for a moment before shaking his head.
“It would seem we still have the ability to hide otherwise you would have noticed you already met a few of Vala’s acolytes.”
Victor and Lily turned their gaze to another table, Portia, Felice, and Hannah raising their glasses to them. Felice and Hannah giggled while Portia’s gaze was like a hunter’s eye on the Blade. An instant later, their bodies glowed in Victor’s vision as Vala’s touch warmed the insides of his heart and whispered in his mind.
“They are beautiful,” Umus continued, “Prized leaders here in Valis. Their strength knows no limits and neither does their capacity to love. I wish you well when they, among many, give themselves to you.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Victor said in a low voice, unsure what the god was driving at.
“Then don’t say anything, show it! Stand up and let me get a gander.”
Victor froze, unsure what he meant.
Umus nodded his head, “Come on boy, stand up and let me see your sword!”
“My sword,” Victor said as if saying out loud would make it any clearer.
Umus laughed, “The perfectly designed weapon between your legs! Come on and give us a peek.”
Victor looked to Lily and the succubus gave him a wide, mischievous grin.
“Go ahead. You have nothing to be ashamed of.”
The Blade felt a pang of discomfort until the wine eased away the tension. With a shrug, he stood up, undid his pants and let them slide down to his thighs. Umus sat with an observant eye, mouth turning to a grim line before widening into a hearty, infectious laugh.
“Look at that beautiful piece! I must say, Vala chose well. You can damage a lot of hearts with that sword. I salute you!”
Victor’s face burned bright red before he redid his pants, sat down and took a long guzzle of his wine.
“I hope you plan to stay awhile because there is a lot of work to do!”
Victor and Lily gave the god a blank gaze.
“Where are my manners, we are talking about a negotiation between Valis and Vala’s chosen. When Vala died, our population began to decline. The purity of Valis is built on only the chosen of a certain goddess. Vala often sent her chosen to Valis to rest and recuperate safely within our city walls. In exchange, her Blades would fill many bellies with their seed and on the cycle went. We didn’t know that her death would doom our realm to extinction. Now that she is returning and she has chosen a new Blade, we can pick up where we left off.”
“You…want me…to have sex with your people?”
“Handsome, smart, and carrying a heart slayer. You are truly beyond words,” Umus laughed.
“Beyond words,” Victor whispered he looked around, taking in the many pairs of hungry eyes.
“For taking on this epic task, you will have the support of Valis and its people. We will assist in matters that require a show of diplomacy and protection. Our laws will not allow us to attack or invade, but I doubt that was a question.”
Umus looked away as he was thinking and talking, “The population here is seventy percent female so you will have roughly 5,600 women who will require your attention. Don’t look like that; we don’t expect you to do that in a day. I suggest you take your time, finding Vala’s pieces among the many who wish to share a bed…or any other place you wish to make a connection. You may have to make multiple visits and I know your time is precious, but we can work out the details.
“Tonight, on the other hand is cause for celebration. The streets will fill with wine, food, and heavenly bodies. The only thing I must stress is the need for you to impart your seed directly. No showering them in your love, am I right!”
Victor simply stared, mind reeling.
Lily put her hand on his shoulder while smiling to Umus, “He is in shock of you and your people’s generosity. As his Shield, I’m sure he is up to the task.”
“Excellent! I’ll coordinate with my people and we will create a celebration none have seen in several lifetimes! Victor, my prized commanders, Portia, Felice, and Hannah will accompany you as we prepare, but don’t wait for the celebration to begin. Enjoy what our city has to offer and rest up.”
Umus stood up and walked to several people coming toward him. He directed with his hands and boisterous words what he wanted and how it was going to be done. Victor on the other hand simply sat, numb as possibilities ran through his mind. Lily pulled her seat closer, wrapped her arms around his neck and licked his ear.
“I…I don’t know if I can do this,” Victor whispered.
“With Vala returning, we do have to build alliances. Besides, I’ve seen you in action,” Lily grinned.
“Yes, with small intimate groups…not thousands! I’ll die.”
“Stop being dramatic,” Lily said while trying not to laugh.
Umus clapped his hands and everyone in the throne room turned their eyes to their god.
“Victor has agreed to reforge the alliance between Valis and Vala! Tonight, we will celebrate the holy union with a celebration not seen across all six realms! Let the word reach every citizen! Tonight, we dine in paradise!”
The entire room roared with clapping and cheers! Victor looked down as Lily clapped along. A shadow in his heart laughed as Vala’s Champion wondered if this was truly his end.
***
The room was white, a soft glow filling every inch of the chamber. A breeze flowed through the wide archway window as the sun began its slow descent beyond the horizon. Victor sat on the edge of the bed, elbows on knees and a crease in his brow. A shadow swirled around his heart as he sighed in the white room.
I don’t understand why any of this would bother you? You have been jumping into bed with every hot woman you come across. I doubt James Bond ever had any concerns, considering if he was real, he would be riddled with STD’s.
“You’re not helping,” Victor whispered.
The point is, treat this like a long, sexy vacation. Vala wouldn’t have sent you here if you weren’t up to it.
“With the added pressure of trying to save an entire realm’s worth of people. You see why it’s a little unnerving.”
You’re overthinking it. Treat every moment like a special point in time with Ms. Right Now.
“There are a lot of Ms. Right Now’s.”
And you have an insatiable appetite. Eat, drink, and laugh as you sex up the Valis Realm.
“Why are you being so…positive?”
I know I’m just a shadow living in your heart, but even I can feel your concern. It’s a little odd for me since you are pretty positive all the time.
Victor smirked. “Sounds like I’m rubbing off on you.”
I think you should focus on rubbing other people. But I cannot lie and say your spirit hasn’t brought a sliver of peace to me, something I never thought I would ever find. You have been fighting for a while now and you should get a break.
“Thank you, Chill,” Victor said simply.
Don’t mention it. Really, don’t mention it. I have a rep to keep.
Victor kept his gaze down but the small smirk melted into a smile. A knock at the door caused his head to snap up. A second later, the door slid to the side and Portia stepped in with a kind smile. Victor stood up, eyes a little wide as the platinum blonde woman stepped into the room, hands at her sides. The robe she wore was different as in it had different designs
of gold and silver, but the fabric was white and still just as see-through as the other outfit she wore.
“I hope I didn’t come at a bad time,” the angelic beauty smiled.
“No, not at all. Sorry, I haven’t looked in the closet for an outfit to the celebration,” Victor said with wide eyes.
Portia gave him a shy smirk before she stepped closer. “You won’t find anything in the closet. That is part of the reason I’m here is to help dress you.”
Victor looked down at his armored trench coat, tight shirt, black leather pants and boots. He knew he should wear something other than his travelling clothes, but he couldn’t get his mind together before Portia arrived.
“I guess I’m just wearing this then,” Victor smiled.
Portia stepped closer, several inches of space between them. Delicate hands rose up, but one had a thin silver band. Victor looked down with a raised eyebrow and the angelic beauty continued to smile.
“It’s a gift, something to help you blend in,” Portia said as she took hold of his coat and pulled open the inside of it, near the chest.
Victor watched as she placed the silver band to the inside of his armored trench coat. The edges began to wrinkle before the silver band melted into the coat and disappeared from sight. Victor waited as Portia took one step back.
“It’s a device that can change your clothes with a thought. You never have to worry about not having your clothes or if they are ripped to shreds. The band will change and repair your clothes, as long as you are not in combat.”
“Can I create any outfit I want?”
Portia nodded, “Yes, you can create any kind of normal outfit. You won’t be able to create any armor or weapons except for what you already have. It’s an aesthetic device. Picture the outfit you wish to wear and the device will change what you’re wearing to it.”
Victor pictured a V-neck flowing shirt. Instantly, the armored trench coat folded into itself and melted into his shirt. The top shirt shifted and morphed until it became the V-neck shirt he pictured, the end of the V below his chest and touching his stomach.