Herald of Shalia 4

by Tamryn Tamer

  “Where the fuck have you been?” Slade snarled as he rapidly approached, pushing Commander Grey aside. The silver-haired ninja looked ready to start a fight despite his black formal attire. “Do you know what the fuck has been going on or have you been too fucking busy burying your head in some monster’s cunt?”

  “Slade,” Commander Grey shook his head warningly. “Herald Frost…”

  “You keep our fucking mouth shut old man before I shut it for you,” Slade growled under his breath while glancing around the room. “You were at home holding your wrinkled old dick when those fuckers raided the embassy. Because you weren’t there, one of those pieces of shit struck Hestia. Is that how you protect your fucking people? You let soldiers drag them around and smack them?”

  “We’ve already talked about this you fucking golem brained idiot,” Commander Grey said, trying to take control of the conversation. “And Hestia’s safe for now but if the herald starts a war...”

  “He should start a fucking war,” Slade snarled. “He should carve them up into little pieces and…”

  “Slade. Commander Grey,” Brynn interrupted the two arguing men. “We’re not here to start a war. We’re here to discuss the release of the prisoners and ensure that nobody gets injured.”

  “I agreed to let Brynn try to handle it,” Frost said, glancing at the slender bard. “But that’s assuming none of my friends have been injured.”

  “Hestia’s been injured,” Slade said, hatred burning in his eyes as he stepped toward Frost. “They struck her in the face with a steel gauntlet.”

  “And she’ll be fine,” Commander Grey said, shaking his head. “Herald Law has his royal guards with him. There are about two thousand of them throughout the city and almost every one of them is over level fifty. Look around the balcony of this room. Count how many are watching you. Now, think of how many are outside, how many are in the halls, or how many are sitting outside of a cell hoping for a reason to kill some demihumans. Do not do anything stupid.”

  “We have no intention of doing anything stupid,” Brynn said as she scanned the room. “Where is the herald?”

  “Just look for the largest cluster of ass kissing nobles,” Commander Grey sighed while nodding toward a large group congregating near a doorway.

  “William!” Lady Grey said in a threatening tone.

  “What are you going to do?” Slade asked, not even attempting to hide his malice.

  Frost looked around the room, scanning all of the guards on the second floor as well as those stationed near the exits. All of them in attendance were over level sixty which wasn’t surprising given the herald’s presence. It was only natural for him to surround himself with high-level guards.

  Throughout the room the nobles continued to shoot him furious glances while muttering various profanities under their breaths. He also heard insulting comments referring to Brynn’s elf handmaidens quietly following behind them. The three women were being remarkably well-behaved.

  “That was mean,” Renna said sullenly. “I thought I looked nice.”

  “You do look nice,” Fayeth said reassuringly.

  “Hmph,” Ena glanced at Frost. “Humans just can’t help but be hateful.”

  “I agree,” Frost chuckled as he remembered how much better the elves’ hearing was than his. The three women tried to act like they were fine but the way they huddled closer together told a different story. “And I think you all look fantastic. Just try to…”

  “Herald Frost,” Princess Fiora approached with her mother at her side. The petite noble almost looked like a porcelain doll with her long golden curls, pale skin, and elegant golden gown. Between her hair, her gown, and her jewelry, the amount of gold on the woman was distracting. “I wasn’t aware you would be attending the welcoming celebration.”

  “We’re so pleased that you would make your way here to welcome Herald Law,” her mother added, nodding politely as she spoke. The tall graceful woman was dressed in a demure gown similar to Brynn’s. Her sleeves were long, her skirt was long, and the only skin Frost could see were her hands, neck, and face. She turned to Brynn and smiled. “What a lovely gown. I asked Fiora to wear something more modest but she refused.”

  “I am a Princess of Zira,” Fiora said while glancing at her mother. “Not a priestess of Ziralia. Father always supported the way I dressed Mother.”

  “Hmph,” Grand Counselor Leaucault sneered at her daughter. “And you wonder why Herald Law always favored Brynn over you.”

  “Why would a princess need to be favored by a herald?” Fiora asked, smirking at her mother. “Not to mention that pretty soon I’ll be wed to a man that kills heralds.”

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself,” her mother said, turning to Frost. “Did King Asmund agree to the terms of the meeting?”

  “King Asmund agreed to the terms,” Frost confirmed. “He’ll arrive in my territory in six days and intends to stay for a couple days.”

  “Wonderful,” the Grand Counselor said cheerfully. “Let’s just hope Fiora’s acceptable to him.”

  “Or that he’s acceptable to me,” Fiora said, eyes narrowing on Frost. “You haven’t really told me much about him.”

  “It doesn’t matter if he’s acceptable to you,” Fiora’s mother said coldly. “If he finds you acceptable, you will marry him.”

  “Auntie,” Brynn said in an almost child-like tone. “We’re here to celebrate Herald Law’s arrival. Let’s not turn this wonderful night into something dismal.”

  “Auntie?” Fiora muttered the word as if she had eaten something foul.

  “You’re absolutely right,” Fiora’s mother said, taking a deep breath as she forced a smile. “This is a night to celebrate. Herald Law will be so happy to see you here. You always were one of his favorites. Did you happen to bring your flute?”

  “Of course,” Brynn said, opening a small handbag to show the instrument. “I know how much Magnus loves to hear me play.”

  “Herald Law my dear,” the Grand Counselor corrected. “We are in a public setting after all.”

  “You’re absolutely right Auntie,” Brynn said, smiling widely as she offered her arm to the woman. “I would be honored if you made the introduction Auntie. I can’t think of anybody better.”

  “I would love to,” she replied, taking Brynn’s arm. The Grand Counselor looked back at Frost and the elves. “But really Brynn. Did you have to bring all of these lowborn animals? It feels so wrong to introduce them to Herald Law.”

  “My mother owned several pets and Herald Law never complained,” Brynn said with a smile. “I’m sure he won’t mind.”

  “I forgot how funny you could be at these parties,” Fiora’s mother stifled a laugh.

  “Pets?” Renna said under her breath, gritting her teeth as she glared at Brynn. “Did she just…”

  “It’s politics Renna,” Fayeth said while placing her hand on the emerald-haired elf’s shoulder. “She has to say things like that to fit in.”

  “You can teach her a lesson later,” Frost whispered, winking at Renna. “After we’re sure everything is safe.”

  Slade and Commander Grey stayed back as Fiora and her mother guided them toward a large group of nobles. Several nobles noticed Fiora’s mother and quickly moved aside, creating a small pathway. Other nobles noticed the pathway forming and quickly followed suit as they made their way toward the center of the cluster.

  A man wearing an elegant black robe with a golden imperial trellis pattern sewn into it stood at the center of the crowd. The robe was unique in style, almost wrap-like in appearance at the top while the bottom was a more skirt-like. The loose-fitting sleeves only reached his elbows but he wore long black fabric gloves that appeared to go all the way up his arms.

  He was older than Frost by probably twenty years, although it was likely more based on how long he’d been in the world. His clean-shaven face was chiseled and handsome and his hair reminiscent of some golden-maned prince. That wasn’t the only gold on him. All of hi
s jewelry, of which there was a surprising amount, was gold. The man had earrings, rings, bracelets, and even a necklace. All of which were decorated in precious gemstones.

  Frost couldn’t help but scan the man, revealing him to be level sixty-seven and all of his clothing to be extremely high quality. The durability and stats on everything he wore were equal, if not better, than Lishri’s best creations. In addition to the base quality, everything appeared to be heavily enchanted with spells he’d never even heard of. The man was a walking treasury.

  “Hasn’t anybody told you it’s impolite to scan?” the man smirked as they approached. “Although I can’t really blame you. It must be rather exciting to meet a real herald.”

  Several of the nobles snickered, Brynn along with them as she smiled at Herald Law, bowing deeply as she stood in front of him.

  “May I present Princess…” Fiora’s mother quieted herself as Herald Law moved toward Brynn and placed a finger under her chin, guiding her back up with his touch before taking her hand in his.

  “Princess Brynn Hilde Leaucault needs no introduction,” Herald Law said while leaning down to kiss her hand. “I could never forget my beautiful little songbird.”

  “My herald,” Brynn said, blushing as he kissed her hand. “I am honored to be in your presence.”

  “Songbird?” Frost said, forcing a chuckle as he glanced at Brynn.

  “Herald Frost,” Brynn said, giggling like a child while covering her mouth. “That’s something that my herald calls me. I don’t expect you to understand since we don’t have that sort of relationship.”

  “That sort of…” Frost bit his tongue, not wanting to cause any trouble.

  “Yes,” Brynn said, gripping Herald Law’s hand with both of hers as she looked at him. “Herald Law is my herald.”

  “Did you not know that I was special to her?” Herald Law asked, grinning at Frost. “My little songbird has always been one of my most loyal and precious followers. If only she had come to me during that horrible mess involving her family to clear things up, she would have never needed to debase herself by marrying the herald of a cursed goddess.”

  “My herald,” Brynn said, shaking her head as she tightened her grip on his hand. “You expected me to stand before you as an accused criminal? You would have never looked at me the same and I would have broken my heart. I had to resolve the conflict and prove my innocence so I could stand before you again.”

  “My little songbird,” Herald Law smiled lovingly at her. “You should know better than that. I would have known the accusations to be lies the moment I saw you and I would have brought the full force of the law down on Prince Erik. Instead, you ended up the wife of…well…people are eating and drinking so it would be uncouth to say it.”

  “If I recall the princess rather enjoyed marrying him,” a middle-aged noblewoman said with a snide look on her face. “Almost half their village witnessed the consummation.”

  “I suggest you watch your tongue Lady Katherine,” Herald Law snapped, his eyes filled with rage as he scowled at the women. “Let me be clear that I will not tolerate this kind of behavior toward Princess Brynn Hilde. She has suffered enough without you lot attempting to tear her down.”

  “Thank you, my herald,” Brynn said, holding her head high. “I know that some nobles look down on me, but it would have hurt me deeply to find out you did as well.”

  “I would never look down on you,” Herald Law’s said reassuringly. The blonde man turned his azure eyes toward Frost. “I have heard of the horrific things you’ve been through and only wish I could have prevented them. What type of barbarian forces a woman to perform in front of others her first time?”

  “Technically I was the one performing,” Frost said smugly while grabbing a glass of wine from a passing waiter. “And it was a rather strong performance.”

  “You’re a disgusting man,” Herald Law said. “If it were up to me, everyone who witnessed the copulation would be disposed of.”

  “Herald Law,” Brynn stroked the herald’s hand, averting her gaze as if to feign embarrassment. “I understand that you may feel that way. But remember, they’re elves. Would you look down on the farmer for taking his wife in a hen house? They’re just animals. No different than a bird or a mouse.”

  “Just animals? I’ll show her just…” Renna muttered, her emerald eyes fixed on Brynn as Ena grabbed her arms. Fayeth quickly moved to cover her mouth before she could say anything else.

  “Does the green haired beast have something to say?” Herald Law asked, glaring threateningly at Renna.

  “Herald Law,” Brynn laughed flirtatiously while tugging on his arm. “How I miss having a man stand up for my honor. But please, you must forgive my handmaidens. They are still in training and you know how temperamental demihumans can be.”

  “No,” Ena whispered at Renna while holding her back. “Leave it.”

  “Personally, I like their temperaments,” Frost said, growing irritated with Brynn’s ridiculous display. He grabbed Fayeth’s arm and pulled her close and began sliding his hand up her back, slowly wrapping his arm around her until he was cupping her breast. Several nobles looked away in disgust while others muttered the normal snide comments. “Among other things.”

  “Yes,” Herald Law said while glancing around at the nobles. “I’ve met a few men like you over the years. Although normally they’re sneaking out to the barn to be with the animals, not inviting them into his bed.”

  Several nobles laughed as Herald Law smirked at him.

  “My husband is certainly without shame,” Brynn said, joining the laughter. “But I must say that I appreciate the elves entertaining him so that I don’t have to. He is a rather good husband though. I’m rather happy to have acquired him.”

  “Acquiring him?” Herald Law glanced down at Brynn, suddenly intrigued. “Strange choice of words.”

  “Oh,” Brynn chuckled. “Herald Frost owes a life debt to me for saving him against the Eight Slayers of Blackwater. He became my husband as payment for that debt.”

  “I was under the impression that he defeated them on his own,” Herald Law said, smirking at Frost. “Are you saying he couldn’t handle a handful of level fifties heroes?”

  “Don’t be mean,” Brynn said, flirtatiously tugging Herald Law’s arm. “He was a newly summoned herald. It’s only natural that he struggled. He’s no Magnus Law, the undefeated Herald of Ziralia.”

  “Would it even be fair to compare them?” a noble joked.

  “Ahem,” Fiora’s mother cleared her throat while glaring at the men. “Herald Frost is still the herald of a neighboring country and the brother-in-law to Darius Asmund. Please refrain from antagonizing him.”

  “We’re just having a little fun,” Herald Law said while flashing an approving smile to the nobles. “But you are correct of course. Everybody, please show the herald the proper respect. Thank you for reminding us, Valencia.”

  “Valencia?” Frost said, eyeing the sophisticated woman. He found himself suddenly realizing why King Leaucault chose her as a wife as he admired her subtle curves and authoritative demeanor. Even in her demure gown her body was stunning. “That just rolls off the tongue doesn’t it.”

  “I am not one of your chattel Herald Frost,” she said haughtily, her face turning slightly pink as Princess Fiora muttered several threats and profanities under her breath. “I will not be treated as such.”

  “Of course not,” Frost said, winking at the golden-haired princess standing beside her mother. He playfully squeezed Fayeth’s large breast causing the elf to quietly squeak. “I have my hands full anyway.”

  “Herald Frost,” Fayeth giggled. The blonde-elf gestured at Ena and Renna and the two elves quickly rushed over and attached themselves to Frost. “You say you have your hands full but last time we all passed out before you were remotely satisfied.”

  “We’re the ones with our hands full,” Ena said while glaring at the uncomfortable nobles. “You just go too long and hard.”r />
  “Long and hard,” Renna laughed, grabbing the wine from his hand and guzzling it down. The green-eyed elf pressed her petite chest against him. “More like massive and adamantine.”

  “Disgusting.”

  “Grotesque.”

  “Have they no decency?”

  “Don’t mind them,” Brynn sighed while smiling flirtatiously at the herald. “It’s as I said. Animals. And personally, better than them me.”

  “I find it hard to believe that you lay with this man,” Herald Law said somewhat irritated. Frost could detect a hint of jealousy in his eyes as the elves sang his praises. “Despite him laying with elves. Really?”

  “I do what I am obligated to do my herald,” Brynn answered, avoiding the question. “I am very fortunate in that the many demihumans of the village take up a vast majority of his time and our village. And we have three bathhouses to thankfully maintain some semblance of proper hygiene.”

  “Three bathhouses?” a noble laughed. “Why so many?”

  “I may have to live with demihumans but I don’t have to smell like them,” Brynn said, while glancing back at the elves who were glaring back at her menacingly. Brynn stroked Herald Law’s hand as she leaned into him. “I would hate for you to think me unclean.”

  “I’ve heard rumors that she lays with them as well,” a noble mumbled loud enough for Herald Law to hear.

  “I’ve heard those rumors as well,” Herald Law said while looking down at Brynn, his azure eyes filled with suspicion. He opened his pendant and pulled out a small gem-encrusted ring and placed it in Brynn’s hand where it began to emit a soft white glow. “Let’s put them to rest, shall we? Are you sleeping with the demihumans?”

  “I haven’t slept with one demihuman,” Brynn said haughtily as the ring started glowing green. “You know how nobles are my herald. I’m used to them telling stories about me.”

  “I can see you are telling the truth,” Herald Law said, glaring at the nobles surrounding him as he removed the ring from her hand, placing it back in his pendant. “Who here has been spreading these malicious rumors about Princess Brynn Hilde laying with demihumans?”