by Atlas Kane
She looked at him and smiled. “We will raid Tanrial, of course. And we will do so as soon as is possible. Better make us more bombs, pretty boy. We will need them.”
Then she’d gone about her business, spicing the night’s steaks. Cade laughed. The casual way in which she discussed formal warfare was chilling and gave him more insight into her character than almost anything could. What would that woman be capable of if she had a squad of soldiers at her back? Or a platoon? I’m just glad she’s on my side, Cade mused, admiring Satemi’s ass as she leaned, her hip thrusting out to one side.
Though she would never admit it, the woman would be a great mother. The kind that could command a room of children with a single firm tone, one that could also protect them from a rabid bear.
So dinner was cooked and served, and by now, Satemi had them eating on simple but effective wooden plates. They were made from an inner layer of bark, and each was large enough for them to place a steak on. The juices still spilled readily enough, but it was better than gripping them in the hand all the time. Cade was on his fifth when Minda noticed the greed of his hunger as she always did.
“You and Bellows will need to hunt for your own food from now on,” she teased, her eyes dancing with suppressed laughter. “And are you sure you didn’t choose the metabolism of a pig?”
“No, it’s all wolf in here. That’s why I’m always so damn horny,” Cade replied with a wink, allowing his eyes to drift down to the woman’s well-muscled thighs.
Satemi spoke and interrupted their banter. At first, Cade thought something might be amiss by the steel in her voice. Minda looked as well, turning to the woman expectantly. “I require the exclusive attention and full focus of the man this evening. I hope you don’t mind, Minda, but although our time with the Lycani nectar was diverting, I am used to laying with one person at a time.”
The grin that stole across Cade’s face made both women laugh. He felt like a school boy who’d just found out his prom date brought her own condom.
Minda shrugged, giggling playfully. “I can let it go for this night. You deserve it too, Satemi, for how you saved the demoness. But I won’t hold back for long. I can do things that this one knows nothing about.”
“Do I have any say in this?” Cade complained, though he lacked any sense of conviction.
The women shared a look, then shook their heads. “Far less than you’ll ever know, Cade,” Satemi finished. Again, the three chuckled. The mood was light and cheerful, and when Bellows flopped down beside the fire with enough force to knock a plume of sparks into the air, they all laughed.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” a soft voice came from the shelter, and everyone turned to see Ketzal emerging, a fur wrapped around her shoulders. The woman looked weak still, her face drawn and still sleepy. But she was a sight stronger than she had been.
Cade stood up and crossed to her in a flash, helping her find a seat on one of the log benches Satemi had assembled. “Not at all. How are you feeling?”
The tenderness in his voice was apparent, and after Ketzal told him she was quite alright, Satemi teased that indeed, she might not have Cade’s full attention longer than a single night. Even Ketzal smiled at this joke, but then cleared her throat, her brow knitting together in concern. “Is there food left for me?” she asked.
“Of course! Here, there’s another steak just for you and enough fruit to make old Bellows there die of happiness,” Minda said, handing the woman a plate and a piece of meat.
Taking a huge bite, Ketzal moaned. Juice spilled down the side of her mouth, falling on her chest, and Cade was made aware again of her incredible figure.
Minda was the lithe tigress, capable of feats of acrobatics and endurance during sex.
Satemi… well, he’d find out soon what the powerfully built woman was capable of, but Cade had an idea that it would be intense and memorable to say the least.
But Ketzal had a soft and yielding body. Her belly and hips were curved like a figurine carved of marble, and her breasts were larger than the melons they’d gathered that morning.
Her purple skin was a marvel in and of itself. What would her nipples look like? And do the god damned curtains match the carpet? Cade mused greedily. His dick perked up at the thought, and he shook his head, trying to focus on finishing his meal.
Ketzal laughed to herself, and he cursed himself for letting his thoughts stray so easily. And though her gaze remained furtive, a smile graced her features.
Please, do not guard yourself from my mind, Cade. And do not think I haven’t had such thoughts of you.
Cade’s heart beat in his chest, and he rubbed his face with his hands. Life had grown so strange. A struggle, perhaps, but also filled with blessings.
After a few minutes, Ketzal spoke up once more. “His name’s Bellows? The huge boar?”
“It is. Quite the catch, and without him, I think the three of us would be dead. You didn’t bring the runts of the litter to fight us, did you?” Satemi said, and although her tone was friendly, Ketzal bowed her head in shame.
“I’m so sorry. I recall very little. Vormer told me I was to go on a mission, so I agreed willingly. When he told me I was to seek out Cade and any other survivors, kill you all, and take your soul weapons, the mask most importantly, I refused. I’ve only ever refused Vormer’s wishes once since coming to Antinium. He showed me a great deal of pain and promised he’d take my mind for his own if I didn’t listen. When I said no, he used his most potent ability. He possessed me as he’s done with all the guards in the city.”
“The golden eyes? Those shimmering orbs above your eyes, right? That was him controlling you?” Minda asked, leaning forward with curiosity.
Ketzal nodded, wiping her mouth with the back of her arm. “I’ve seen one of the guards unmasked before, but after he activated his skill, I remember nothing at all. Only faintly do I recall that thing that happened at the end of the battle. I took in the abyss creatures, something I shouldn’t be able to do. And then I saw you,” she finished, looking to Satemi. “Vormer fought to remain in control, but I let go, let your will press against his directly.”
A tear fell down her round cheek, and she added, “Thank you, Satemi. I owe you everything. And all of you as well.”
“I knew it couldn’t be voluntary,” Cade said in a whisper almost to himself. Then, in a stronger voice, he added, “That prick is not going to enjoy what we do to him in response. His city and his skin are golden, but we’ll give him a black eye he can’t easily ignore.”
The others mumbled their agreements, and they continued their dinner, a plate of fruit passing between them after.
“I’ve started a batch of jungle wine already. Shouldn’t be more than a few days until we can sample it at least,” Satemi said, handing the fruit to Ketzal.
The demoness smiled. “That sounds great. This is more of a welcome that I deserve.”
“No more of that, you hear? You are one of us now, and you will hold no more shame for what has been done to you,” Minda replied. The woman’s outburst was unexpected. All of her usual barbed humor was gone, and in its place a fierce protectiveness he did not know she possessed. Like so many parts of Minda’s personality, Cade found it endearing.
Cade broached another subject that he knew would both please and frighten Ketzal. Yet he saw little point in putting it off. “There is something else as well. We discovered a Town Interface in the mountain behind the grove of trees. If we can charge it, then a barrier, like the one surrounding Tanrial can be erected.”
“That is great news,” Ketzal said, her eyes looking up hopefully.
“It is, but like I said, it must be charged. In order to do that, we need Mana Shards. Do you know what those are?” Cade asked, watching the demoness’ reactions closely.
Ketzal’s eyes fell and her brow creased in worry. “I do. There is a stockpile in Tanrial, and of course, there is a machine to repower them. Only Vormer has access to the shards.”
“Well,
we mean to allow you to rest, and all of us must gain as many levels as possible. In time though, we will return and take the city back from Vormer. At the very least, we might sneak in and steal the Mana Shards.”
Ketzal nodded, less upset than he had feared. She is stronger than she looks right now, he thought. It was a hard thing to stand back up after being crushed for so long.
“I, for one, look forward to the day,” Satemi said, her eyes gleaming threateningly.
Minda agreed, but then looked over to their newest member once more. Noticing the fatigue in Ketzal’s slumped posture, she crossed over to Cade.
Minda stooped down, her eyes sparking golden in the firelight. “I am going to set up a second tent this night. Ketzal needs someone to look after her and make sure she rests. You and Satemi will have the shelter to yourself. Have fun, and Cade… don’t disappoint the woman. She deserves all of your gratitude.” Then, biting her lips and purring softly, she pinched his cheek and left to set up the tent.
After a few minutes, the fire crackling softly as a noticeable tension began to build, Satemi staring at Cade with unguarded lust, Minda came for Ketzal. The demoness nodded to what Minda had told her in a whisper, but then glanced over to Cade.
Ketzal walked to stand in front of Cade, and he noticed even more of the fear that had so veiled her was gone. The short time she’d been here, safe and in the company of those who cared for her, had brought out more of the woman’s true self.
“Cade. Thank you so much for believing in me. Even when I was broken, back in Tanrial, you saw my heart. And then during the battle. I know it was you who made sure Satemi didn’t kill me. She is a fearless warrior and would have done so easily had you allowed her.”
Opening his mouth to reply, Ketzal leaned down and kissed his.
Her lips were full and softer than sin. His words were lost as her smell, a bloom of cinders and clove filled his lungs. He could have gone on like that for an eternity, his face pressed into hers, but she broke the kiss.
She ran a finger down his chin and nodded in goodbye.
Cade watched Minda and Ketzal duck into their shared tent. And suddenly, he was alone with Satemi.
When he looked over to see what she might be thinking, the answer was obvious. Pure mischief danced in her eyes, and she was smiling, observing his every move. It startled him to find that he was nervous. How many times had he already seen her nude? I shouted at her to rip her pants off during our drug-induced sex party! Cade recalled. Yet despite all of that, this would be his first time with Satemi, and the way her smoldering glare remained unflinching, he knew it would be amazing.
She stood, still staring at him, and first removed her armor a piece at a time. Then her shirt fell into the growing pile on the ground beside her. Cade marveled at her heavy breasts, swaying with each of her movements. Satemi’s dark nipples pursed in the cooling air. Then she pulled down her pants. Standing naked and proud as a primeval woman, Satemi grinned.
Openly, Cade took in the curve and angles of her body. Etched in soft and elegant muscle, the woman was an image of Athena herself. She looked every bit a Greek goddess capable of waging war or making love to a dozen suitors in a day. Her skin glowed brass and copper in the flickering firelight, and the mound of her sex was covered in a thatch of black locks. Her bush, Cade mused, isn’t a tangle of gnarled hair. It was instead a rippling down of delicate curls. It was glossy and looked soft to the touch.
Ever so subtle, she held up a hand, gesturing to him silently to accompany her. So Cade stood and disrobed. Not so gracefully, not as fraught with tension, but soon he was naked too. He smiled, his body feeling light and powerful as the night air carved over his bulging muscles and abs. Not a hint of shame touched his heart as he flexed his cock, making his erection rise and expand to show her the extent of his arousal.
They met halfway, the heat of the fire almost burning their skin as they kissed. For a long moment, that’s all they did, pressing their bodies together feverishly, and the two kissed.
Then she pulled back, and he remembered that her eyes were filled with chips of green emerald. Her angular face was striking, her lips parted with the heat of her lust. She reached back and pulled free the sticks she’d placed in her hair, and the dark tresses fell over her shoulders in a cascade.
“You’re so beautiful,” Cade said, his voice growing hoarse with emotion.
“As are you, Cade. Let us go now before I die of hunger.”
She turned and entered the shelter, her sleek body disappearing momentarily. Cade wanted to follow, but walked to Bellows first, smacking the boar on his flank. “Bellows! Stand guard! Make sure nothing comes near Camp Casmeer this night, okay? If you do, I’ll let you eat more food than you’ve ever had tomorrow.”
It was Cade’s final words that roused the beast. He couldn’t talk, but understanding their commands seemed part of the pet and master bond. The huge boar snuffled his nose a few times then bounded out toward the hill where the battle had been waged.
The slight anxiety Cade felt, the constant worry they might be in danger, subsided. He entered the shelter and found Satemi reclining amid the furs. She was touching herself coyly, waiting for him to join.
He lay beside her, and they kissed once more, placing their hands on each other’s bodies.
Her skin was warm and taut, like a springboard of vitality. Her sex felt hot against his fingers, and he found her slit wet and inviting. Cade explored her at length, each feature unique and cherished. Satemi’s hand found his cock and stroked it gently, seeming to revel in every inch of him.
They played like this for a time, the tension building as their arousal increased. Then she lay back and spread her legs for him, and with a single moan told him she was ready for all of him.
Cade climbed to his knees, running his hands along the length of her legs. He stroked her inner thighs, soft and smooth. She moaned softly as he leaned down and kissed her. He kissed the soft petals of her rose, tracing the length of her thighs with his fingertips.
A flock of goosebumps rose on her skin, and he heard her gasp. Cade took her jewel inside his mouth, tiny and precious beyond all else.
Satemi’s moan deepened, her hips beginning to move as he implored her with the tip of his tongue, subtle and patient movements. Each moment hung heavy and potent. Her scent hung around him, and he felt himself pulse with desire.
Cade waited until he felt his lover grow impatient with waiting. He laughed into her, and her belly shook as she giggled with him. Then her hands were reaching down, grasping him by the hair none too gently.
“Now, Cade. I want you now,” was all she said in little more than a whisper.
He rose to mount her.
Suddenly, a terrible roar erupted from the forest beyond, shattering the stillness of the night. Cade froze even though the sound was far away and they were in no immediate danger. With a pang of fear, he listened to the reverberations of the wild cry. He would never forget the raging and tormented call of the Kotani Ma, the master of the jungle itself.
But when he looked down to Satemi, he saw her eyes still yielding, still waiting for him. There would be more danger in this world, enough to last ten lifetimes. The great ape monster would need to be dealt with, and Cade knew that Vormer would retaliate after the loss of his prized demoness and ranks of fallen abyss creatures.
Those all could wait though, for tonight, he’d promised himself to Satemi.
So with great satisfaction, and all the patience the occasion called for, Cade slid inside the woman he’d grown so fond of. And as their bodies began to move together in that first and oldest dance, Cade allowed himself to enjoy every second of his new and amazing life.
30
Epilogue: New Blood
“But can you see it, Vinda? I can smell it too. The stench is everywhere, but that is confusing,” Gemma coaxed. “You must look beyond the surface and see its ether signature.”
Vinda squinted, staring at the trail of broken shale. Then
she shook her head and rolled her eyes in frustration. Why must the young be so fraught with impatience? Gemma wanted to say, but she sighed instead. Patience was the only way to win over the stubborn.
“Let us go on and see if we can find fresher spoor ahead. When I look with my inner eyes, I can see faint threads of blue ether drifting up. The worm passed by less than an hour ago, right?”
When the young girl didn’t answer, Gemma pressed her. “How long does it take for ether spoor to dissipate fully?”
Vinda sighed, placing her hands on her hips. But the girl looked Gemma in the face and answered. “Ninety minutes, which is why we must track the worms quickly or else the trail will be lost.”
“Exactly. Now be quiet and follow my lead.”
Gemma began pacing down the center of the worm trail. This was a big one, a creature maybe forty feet in length and as wide as a man is tall. It would feed their clan for weeks, and give them material to trade with and build new structures.
The plains were a desolate place. Wind storms blew so hard occasionally that even the dragons could not fly. Once when Gemma was only a child, one of the great beasts was surprised by the arrival of a terrible storm, and her people found its crumbled body nearby. Never had she seen so much crystalized ether before in her life. Enough to light their lamps for two years and sell to the nomad tribes as well. Such a bounty was almost unheard of though. Only a timeless hero or an act of the gods could kill a dragon.
The worm trail ended abruptly, and a wide sinkhole marked where it had gone to earth once more.
Gemma reminded her sister, for the hundredth time, that in order to predict the next rising, one had to read the angle it had buried itself. They could be difficult to track, and only a few skilled hunters remained, Gemma among them, but it was possible to learn.
“See the scrapes along the rocks there? It twisted itself just a little before going under. To the right or to the left? You tell me,” she challenged, eyeing Vinda to see if she would take the test seriously.