“Go.” He whispered to the sword and it faded away. Saida chuckled.
“You have magic of your own, I see.” Dracon drank the water then handed the glass back to Saida. She stood once again from the bed and watched him.
“What?” He asked.
“Are you hungry?” She asked again, “Or shall I join you? Do you desire me again?” She asked reaching down and grabbing the blanket that covered him.
“No!” Dracon said snatching the blanket away from her before she could lift it, “What has come over you, Saida? You wish to test my loyalty to my Queen? Your mistress? She could kill you with a snap of her fingers, is that what you want?” Saida’s face turned to a scowl then she straightened up.
“Venalina promised you would never turn me away.” Saida said, “We are your wives, she said. You promised to love us, she said. Is she a liar then? Did I not please you?” She finished, angry and embarrassed that he did not want her. Dracon looked away and thought about what she said. He did promise Venalina to never turn the daughters of Castien away. He did, in not so many words, promise to love them. But to be his wives?
“She is not a liar, Saida, I am not feeling well, is all. I don’t remember last night. Sometimes what Venalina does, she does while making me sleep. It irritates me, but it is no reflection on you.” He said. She softened but was visibly disappointed.
“You don’t remember?” She asked, “I think I would have rather you turned me away.” Dracon held out his hand to her and she smiled then took it, sitting on the bed’s edge once again, almost bouncing on it.
“I want you to understand it will take time for me to get used to this arrangement you have with Venalina, but please don’t feel it is because of you. I know you understand what I’m talking about, she did the same thing to me when we traveled, to the dead city. She does it still. Never once has she allowed me to make my own decisions when it came to you and your sisters. What is it she wishes of us, Saida?” He asked. Saida stroked his cheek.
“I am here to serve you, my king, to love and protect you.” She said. It made him smile. She sounded like Venalina when she uttered those words. Venalina said the same thing to him constantly.
“You are to protect me?” He asked. Her hand went to his, she traced her finger along is jaw to his chin. It made him tense to stop from shivering. He smiled.
“Yes,” she whispered, “I am learning great Vordalyn magic, all for you.” She leaned in close to Dracon, nose to nose. The door burst opened and Venalina marched in, followed by Saida’s sisters. She stopped a few feet inside the door with an angry scowl. Dracon could feel she was furious. She had a rolled-up parchment in her hand. Alyndra whipped her hand and the door slammed shut behind them as if Venalina did it herself in her fury. All three women behind Venalina reflected the same stern scowl as if they too were angry. Each an extension of their mistresses’ anger.
“How dare she defy you!” She growled angrily, “You are the king and your word is absolute!” Dracon sat up and pushed Saida to get off the bed, which she did quickly, standing a few feet away from him. Her eyes were wide in fear.
“Venalina, we were just talking.” He said instinctively defending himself for almost kissing Saida. Venalina looked at Dracon, still snarling, then at Saida, then once again at Dracon.
“Your sister!” She hissed at him, her eyes went wide, even more incensed with his ignorance, “Has defied your decree to send all your forces to you!” Venalina unrolled the parchment and held it out for him to look at, “She says it will have to wait until the wedding, where the two of you can discuss it further,” She looked at the scroll and read, “As for the Princes, you can have all you can muster from them, but Urixis must keep its standing army!” Venalina crumpled the parchment up in her hand and threw it at Dracon. It landed on the bed, hardly making it to his legs. Saida rushed over to the bed, grabbing the parchment and handing it to Dracon. She then just as quickly returned to where she was standing, hands folded in front of her with her head down. Dracon started to uncrumple the parchment then just let it drop back to the bed.
“I think you are taking this the wrong way, Venalina, we don’t know how she has Ganlin running, and by the looks of it she’s been doing a great job. There is no war, no real reason to upheave every man from service, just for my vanity. I do not wish to begin stomping on all my sister has done in my absence, simply to make a show at our wedding. Let’s give her some latitude-”
“It doesn’t matter!” Venalina yelled interrupting him, “She refused your order!” She looked at Saida, “Go get dressed!” She growled, “The rest of you wait for me in the courtyard.” She said in a softer tone. She stared at Dracon for a moment as the women left them alone. Dracon swung his legs over the side of the bed sitting on its edge. He felt spent, like he hadn’t slept in days. “It will pass.” Venalina said.
“What?” Dracon asked putting a hand to his head, rubbing his forehead.
“You’re fatigued, it happens. It will pass.” Venalina walked over to him slowly. She crouched beside him, putting her hands on his knees.
“Yes, Venalina, I am fatigued, but why, Venalina? What are you and your sisters doing to me while I sleep?” He asked looking at her with a scowl, “You promised me you would stop toying with me while I slept.”
“You made promises too, my love, yet you still refuse to accept them.” She glanced at the door.
“I don’t understand, Venalina? Why? You told them they are to be my wives alongside you? Furthermore, what is it you have against my sister?” Dracon asked distraught.
“You must not allow her to think you are weak, my love.” Her voice changed to a sweet seductive melody, avoiding his question. Her voice made him feel better, invigorated, lustful. He grabbed the sides of her head and pulled her close to kiss her. Venalina put her fingers on his mouth stopping him, “You need rest.” She said still using her seductive voice. “I will come to you after you have rested, and we will share ourselves.” She smiled then kissed him, “Sleep.” She said, making Dracon fall back in his bed unconscious.
Chapter Eleven
On the shores of Cold lake, in the once small fishing village of Ulk, construction had been at work. Increasing the size of the village to a town that was fast approaching a city. The bustling new hub of trade. The once small dock had grown to a size that could accommodate boats from all the visiting villagers from around the massive lake. Every village travelled there by boat to trade with the merchants from Qinkas, or to join caravans that would ultimately travel to Qinkas, protected by the soldiers of Tasar Wynkian. Goods were brought in from all over the regions surrounding the massive lake that took days to cross. On the newly constructed wharf, covered with men, loading and unloading boats, Tasar Wynkian, former Factor of the southern quarter, walked with Strom Sivrusk, unofficial leader of the village of Ulk, a new thriving commerce center. They walked through the crowds, hard at work, making their way to the end of the wharf.
“We don’t have a boat big enough to accommodate the number of men you’re asking for, Sir Wynkian, it would take months to build.” Strom said to Tasar, “If you could delay your time frame, we could get it done, of course.”
“No,” Tasar replied casually, “What is the biggest ship you have?” He asked as the two men reached the railing at the very end of the wharf.
“I would not dare to call any of them a ship, sir,” Strom chuckled, “Ten men, with nets and gear, possibly-” Tasar raised his hand to stop him.
“No nets, only soldiers, Strom.” He said.
“Fifteen then.” Strom answered immediately, “It won’t cost much coin to charter.”
“See to it. I want it ready by next light.” Tasar said.
“That’s not much time, there are provisions to contend with…” Strom started.
“I’ll take care of all that, just have the boat ready for me. Agreed?” Tasar asked and straightened up. He stuck out his hand and Strom shook it firmly.
“There was a time when next
light meant enough time, but now, it has become only a matter of hours.” Strom chuckled then left Tasar at the end of the wharf and went about the business of procuring the boat. Tasar looked out over the lake and watched the boats in the water, some fishing locally, others returning home with goods and money, still others arriving loaded with goods heading to Qinkas to make their fortune. The waters around Ulk were as busy as an ant’s hill. Two of Tasar’s men arrived just behind him.
“My lord.” One soldier, Leonid, addressed him. Tasar turned around slowly taking in the smells around him.
“Good day, Leonid. How is our guest?” Tasar asked.
“Same, whining… a lot.” Leonid said with a chuckle.
“Well, if you and the men wouldn’t make sport of beating the man, I think that might steadily decrease.” Tasar said smiling. He stepped toward the two men and the three began walking side by side back through the throng of activity on the wharf.
“Is that your wish, my lord.” Leonid asked. Tasar immediately shook his head no.
“Kill him at your leisure, it is you who said we need him for this trip.” Tasar said glancing at Leonid as they walked, “You are sure he won’t be missed?”
“My lord, this priest is a coward, even his own comrades are disgusted with him for how he acted in the face of death in those caves.” Leonid spit on the deck in disgust, “Battlemage, indeed.” He said sarcastically.
“Why do we need him, then?” Tasar asked, “It’s clear you despise him, and I am no friend to the Priests of O’on, or that upstart Dracon, so, kill him?”
“He could read the writings on the wall, he was the one who deciphered the riddle of the gem and how to deactivate it.” Leonid explained.
“Yes, but it was that kina that did the work, was It not?” Tasar replied quickly.
“Yes, my lord, but I still believe, once inside the dead city, he will be an asset.” Leonid said.
“That is, if you and the men don’t beat him to death first.” Tasar said then shoved Leonid lightheartedly. Leonid chuckled.
“Yes, my lord.” Tasar stopped when they reached the end of the wharf just before solid ground. There was a wagon with several men trying to lift a barrel into the back, unsuccessfully. “Give them a hand.” Tasar ordered. Leonid and his comrade immediately obliged.
“Alright gents, set it down, set it down,” Leonid ordered the men who were all too happy to comply. They stretched and groaned, grabbing their lower backs in pain. Leonid and the other soldier tested the barrel then looked at the men around them and laughed, “Right,” Leonid said, “On three.” He and the other soldier took an edge of the barrel, “One, two,” Then both men lifted the barrel easily into the back of the wagon. Two of the men they helped hopped up into the back of the wagon. The other man, an older man, pulled out a purse full of coins and began to take some out.
“Many thanks, sire.” The man said to Leonid, who refused the coin. “You’re a good sort, the lot of you.” He said bowing his head repeatedly to Leonid, Tasar and the other soldier.
“We are here to help and serve our countrymen.” Tasar said, joining the men at the street. “We leave tomorrow morning, get supplies for fifteen men.” He said to Leonid, putting his hand on his shoulder, whispering to him.
“You are sure?” Leonid asked.
“If it is as you say, I have to see it.” Tasar said, “Get everything ready. You are sure you remember the way.” Leonid nodded yes. Tasar left the men at the wharf and went his own way, ending up at the newly built tavern surrounded by a newly built market. The tavern, of course, was the first building erected when the soldiers arrived in Ulk, paid for by the generous Lord Durlan Olana, who left his so to oversee his business in Qinkas, while he personally saw to business in the new venture, Ulk. The local’s enjoyed the spirits of Qinkas, Durlan immediately saw that he made more money selling drink than any other commodity. The men around the lake loved the quality, paying handsomely for it. Tasar entered the busy Tavern to a sea of men crowding the area just inside the door, the line to the bar. Tasar shoved his way through the men to an area where there were tables and headed over to an empty booth. Durlan’s own private booth. Tasar sat down and watched the crowded tavern for a while. He saw Durlan talking to several men and could tell they were conducting some sort of business. Tasar was sure it had something to do with women, or the use of women. Another reason Durlan ventured to Ulk. In Qinkas, since Queen Jenzenya won her right to rule, the women began to resist being treated as property. It was only a matter of time before the daughters of Qinkas would no longer travel with the caravans for the pleasure of the men, as was tradition when they reached the age of womanhood. Training, to better serve their fathers by pleasuring the men they were doing business with, or at parties they held. Times were changing in Qinkas, but out in the wilds of Sumia, it would no doubt be a while before the new ways of the city were even heard of.
Durlan spotted Tasar sitting in his private booth and gave him a nod. He grabbed a passing waitress by the arm, whispering in her ear, drawing her attention to Tasar. She smiled and nodded while still looking at Tasar, then went to the bar. Durlan continued his discussion with the men. The waitress came to the booth and set down a mug for Tasar, then said, “When you’re ready, my lord, I will be at your disposal.” She smiled. Tasar returned her smile and nodded, then slid the mug in front of him. Tasar sat drinking and watching the crowds of men from all over the wilds of Sumia. Men from villages, not only near Cold lake, but from villages so far from Qinkas, they couldn’t even be considered Ffrei. It wasn’t long before Durlan joined Tasar at his booth, sitting across from him.
“What brings you in? Another matter of great importance subtly covering the fact that you wish to irritate me?” Durlan asked. Tasar shook his head at Durlan and a look of disgust came over him. “I tell you again Tasar, I did not touch your precious Alyndra,” He leaned forward on the table, “No one did, that Venalina forbade it! What do you care anymore?”
“And she gave her to that boy, Dracon!” Tasar said almost spitting, he was so disgusted, “I can only imagine what has become of her. Sold to him by Castien. Probably a common whore to his troops.”
“Sold?” Durlan laughed, “Sold, you say this time?” He sat back in his seat, “Last time it was bartered, and the time before that, stolen.” Durlan chuckled, “Every time you talk about it, it gets more sinister, do you even hear yourself, Tasar? Castien got a better offer, it isn’t the first time, get over it.”
“She was to be my wife!” Tasar yelled and slammed his fist against the table top making his drink topple over, “The life I would have given to her.” He growled. “But Castien gave her away to curry favor with that bastard boy king.”
“He seemed like every bit a man to me, when he beat your champion half to death? Besides, Tasar, your bargain was for her virtue, not her hand in marriage. If you thought Castien would have ever considered that bargain, then you’re a fool.” Durlan chuckled again, “There is peace in Sumia, Tasar. Money is flowing like never before, why do you dwell on the past? Things you cannot change? Stake your claim to the riches that are pouring into Qinkas and be happy.” Durlan said, trying to change Tasar’s foul mood, “Have another drink, you’re doing well, yes?” He asked, “Your security business is flourishing with the money from the caravans.” That made Tasar smile. “Why don’t you take another young girl for your wife? Take two if you want. There are plenty of families around the lake, that would give you their daughters as a token of thanks, Tasar. You are the mighty Factor of Qinkas, here to protect them all. I’ve seen several beauties passing through town. Let me introduce you to a few?”
“I’m no longer a Factor, Durlan.” Tasar scowled.
“Yes, that is true, but you must have plenty of wealth left over, and your newly acquired gains must make you a lord by now?” Durlan asked.
“I cannot become a lord until they vote on it. Until then, I am a former soldier and that is all. They treat me like a mercenary. Castien worst of
all.” Tasar growled, “Soon, they’ll thank me for saving them from that Kina and her zombie, Dracon.”
“Haven’t you heard, Tasar? She’s a great Vordalyn queen now, friend to the Ffrei, peace at last with the Kina. The Queen has made fast friends with her. With King Dracon as well, Tasar. It would be in your best interest to remember that.” Durlan pointed out.
“I want to see this Ganlin for myself before I submit to these changes, what makes them so mighty, other than the Kina’s kiss upon their king?” Tasar growled, “I will end her! Then him!”
“This is futile, Tasar, I have things to do, I would love to relive your hate with you but frankly, you bore me.” Durlan said then started to get up.
“Wait.” Tasar said, grabbing his arm to stop him from standing. Durlan sat back down, “I need your help.”
“For what?” He asked. Tasar sighed.
“I need money.” Durlan laughed, “Listen, I can pay you back and then some, my money is tied up with moving my troops completely out of Qinkas. I need help on another venture that cannot wait.” Tasar leaned across the table and spoke so only Durlan could hear him.
“Maybe you should wait until your done resettling your men, that sounds like it will take a lot of your attention, Tasar? How can you afford to go off on some new venture?” Durlan asked, “Money aside, your time is too costly, you are needed here, in Ulk.” Durlan looked around the tavern then back to Tasar, “Did you hear dwarves have entered the town to trade?” He asked in a hushed voice.
“Yes, I’ve heard.” Tasar sat back in his chair.
“You know what this means don’t you? We can trade with them here, without having Castien tax us, like with the dwarves of Gulgran? They say elves are on their way as well!” Durlan exclaimed in an excited whisper. Tasar sneered at the mention of elves.
“Tell me true, Durlan, you are not happy with how things have changed around us?” Tasar asked, “How this Dracon has changed our society to his own liking?” Durlan considered Tasar’s question. “If we can shake free of his influence, we can take back our city. Have a king again, know the rule and delights we once relished.”
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