by Eden Redd
“It is you I must thank. I wish there was more I could do, but I must now cover my tracks or the plan may fail. When you reach the portal, activate it and wait. I will send the allies through to aid in your quest.”
Jayson stood up and noticed the quest update symbol in his vision before it faded away. The knight reached down and curled up the map. With practiced ease, he slipped the map into a side pouch and added it to his inventory.
Myn eyed the handsome knight before she too rose to her feet, “I have one last thing to show you before you leave.”
The dragon moved with grace toward the main doors. Jayson followed, his mind drinking in every bit of information for the quest. Moving through the ancient keep, Jayson couldn’t help but notice paintings and tapestries of a silver dragon. It seemed the halls were filled with this specific dragon as they moved to the stair well and down the steps. When they reached the bottom floor, Myn moved with dignified purpose as the humble knight followed. Several more paintings hung on the walls of the same dragon.
“His name is Mylfor the Gray. I spent a large portion of my wealth to obtain this castle from him. He was a bit stubborn but eventually relented when his greed began to show. That is another reason why you’re here. The old dragon didn’t know what treasures he had under his nose.”
Myn led the knight to a set of large double doors. Opening them, she waltzed out into the late afternoon light. A vast garden spread out for what seemed like miles. An assortment of strange and beautiful flowers bloomed in various colored patches. Jayson could not help but marvel at the brilliance of the garden. It was when he looked further down the patches of flowers that he saw an odd stone structure.
Vines crisscrossed across the ancient stone. Flowers bloomed along the vines. The structure was triangular with a round empty circle in the middle. Myn made her way down stone steps to the pebble path. Jayson could see that the structure was the same as the one on the map the dragon had given to him. Stepping down behind the white-haired beauty, he followed until they stood before the structure, petals falling one by one and filling the air with color.
“The old dragon thought it was a sculpture. He didn’t spend a lot of time on this magical knowledge, preferring to fill his home with vain artworks and this beautiful garden. He left me the paintings as a gift. Tomorrow, Lucius will burn them to ash.”
A sliver of dread rolled along Jayson’s spine, “You have done so much at the expense of your own wealth. You have put yourself at risk for me and my friends. I don’t know what to say or do that can repay you.”
The lady looked to the knight and gave him a whimsical smirk, “Jayson, we are fighting for peace. You have already paid by taking on this quest. What you find will help turn the tide and prevent evil from destroying everything dragon and human kind has built. I would sacrifice everything to bring back peace.”
Myn moved in closer, reaching down and taking Jayson’s hand into hers, “You have made me realize it is all worth it, my dashing knight. Your strength and perseverance has prevailed and I will not abandon you at the most crucial time. My heart could never allow it.”
The knight and dragon looked to one another, a small breeze caressing their faces as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Unspoken words passed between them until they leaned in and kissed each other under the falling pink petals.
The lady broke away first, her eyes casting a downward stare, “Go my knight. I will wait patiently until you activate the portal gate to the west.”
Jayson gave her hands a firm squeeze before letting go. Turning, he walked toward the main doors while fishing out a recall stone. When he reached the top of the steps, he turned back to see Myn as she smiled in the garden. Running a thumb over the stone, the stone flashed and the world around him was engulfed in light.
A long moment passed before the light faded and Jayson stood in his keep. Heart heavy, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the dragon he made love to was awake. The way her eyes showed so much emotion and how she seemed to actually care for him. It was almost too much to think about. Pushing it away, he reaffirmed his resolve and turned to head toward the master bedroom.
The light from the windows grew darker as afternoon slipped into evening. The knight walked down the hall until he spotted a few concubines at his bedroom doorway. Stepping closer, he could hear their giggles and beyond that, the sounds of seductive moans. Dalya was first to perk up her ears and turn around to see her lord stepping closer. Turning, she rushed to his side.
“Sonja and Lance wished to wait in your bedroom,” The kitra smiled.
Jayson smiled and nodded. Walking over, the concubines parted. Jayson stepped beyond the threshold and into the master bedroom. Lance lay on the giant bed, Sonja riding him with joyful moans. The white knight turned his head and gave a slight wave. Sonja turned her head and smiled, moans still spilling from her lips. Jayson strolled over, his eyes moving from his friends to Oksuna as she lay on her side, watching the show.
“Join us,” Sonja said in a breathy whisper.
Jayson crawled into bed while tapping his armor away but keeping his clothes on, “I’m a bit sore, maybe in a little while.”
Sonja pouted but didn’t slow down.
Lance kept his hands on Sonja’s hips as he spoke, “Sounds like you had a fun time.”
Jayson lay next to Oksuna, his back to her. The troll moved in closer, draping her arm and leg over him and snuggling into his neck.
“She showed her appreciation and shared part of her plan to aid us in the west.”
Jayson informed his fellow knights of the portals, the activation gem and the map. They listened as they continued their intimate embrace. The comfort between them was euphoric as Jayson watched. The ease and wanting only showed how much they cared for each other. Jayson knew with them, they could take on any threat and win.
Oksuna kissed the back of her lord’s neck. Jayson reached up and caressed her arm. Sonja’s mouth formed a perfect O and then she let out a deep, soul bleeding moan. Lance grunted and they both slowed down, milking the bliss cascading over their senses. After a few more bounces and thrusts, the blue haired knight rolled off and lay between Jayson and Lance. The white knight turned on his side and caressed Sonja’s trembling form. Jayson reached over and did the same as the four of them basked in the sensual glow.
“Let’s enjoy tonight together. Tomorrow we can start back on the quest,” Jayson smiled, his mind falling back to the beautiful troll pressed against his back.
***
A knight stumbled along the nearly deserted street, a dark elf under each arm. Laughter filled the evening as the sun faded from view and purple sky filled the heavens. The dark elves giggled and laughed with the drunken knight, the three of them trying to keep their balance.
“I have a buddy down the street we could visit……He likes to share his harem…” The knight blurted out as the cobbled stones seemed to move under him.
One of the dark elves pulled out a small pouch, “Does he like fairy dust because we were going to use this on you,” A dark elf giggled.
“You are such bad girls. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” The knight said red faced.
“Instead of thinking of what you’d do without us, think of the things you could do to us,” the other elf smiled evilly.
The knight gave the dark elf a wicked smirk, “Maybe we should just go home. I can think of a few things we can do to make the night memorable.”
“Oh master, please do bad things,” the dark elf giggled while pressing her chest to his arm.
“Show us your wicked ways,” the other one giggled.
The knight couldn’t stop smiling as the two elves pushed their bodies against him, their skimpy tops nearly falling away. Something clattered against the cobbled street not too far from them. The knight lifted his head from the giggling dark elves as the sky grew dark. Eyes adjusting, the knight could only make out a moving cloud against the dark sky.
Eyes widening, the knight grabbe
d the two dark elves, brought them close and turned his back. The rain of arrows came down hard. The elves yelped as the knight held them close, his back riddled with arrows. Hit points draining to less than ten percent, he started to pump his legs as the two dark elves put their hands to his chest and shoulders, helping him stand up.
Another volley of arrows came raining down. One elf turned and blasted the air with a stream of fire. The other cried out as several arrows hit her leg. She faltered and the knight grabbed her.
“I’ll hold them off!” The dark elf said as she began incantations.
The knight turned to see another volley fill the sky. Monsters and players looked out of their keeps or along the streets to see a large cloud of arrows rain down. Despite many taking action, some were struck while others took cover. The knight drew his word and slashed at the air. A shock wave burst forth, shattering part of the cloud but not all of it.
Arrows rained down once again against shuttered windows and those walking along the streets. The dark elf barely finished her incantation but it was too late as arrows slammed into her, her spell going wild. The knight shielded his concubine until arrows stabbed into his form once again. Falling, he watched in horror as his concubine mouthed a scream but no words came out. Darkness filled his vision. The last thing he saw was another volley filling the purple night sky.
Six
Jayson lay in his bed, mind drifting too far off lands. Sonja snuggled in closer while Oksuna pressed her body against his back. The heat from the two of them caused the player to stir from his partial sleep. Opening his eyes, he watched as Sonja snuggled to his chest, her hand on his waist next to Oksuna’s arm. Lance lay on his back, eyes closed and fingers laced over his stomach.
The short rest was needed because Jayson felt renewed energy as he lay. The soreness had ebbed and now a primal heat started to flow. The knight looked down at Sonja’s naked body and his hand drifted to her firm bottom. Hand squeezing, it caused the blue haired knight to snuggle closer. Movement from his waist caused the knight to look down, seeing Oksuna’s delicate hand caressing the growing bulge, straining against the fabric of his leggings.
Street light filtered in through the window as night blanketed the land. They still had the whole night before they would resume their quest. No time like the present to spend it with the people he loved. With a gentle exhale, the knight moved his hand along Sonja’s strong lines. Lance stirred and turned his head, a small smile appearing.
A loud boom filled the world beyond the window. Heads lifted and turned when something flashed. Jayson pushed Sonja away, turned and stood straight up. Hand touching his chest, armor and weapons appeared and he leapt into the air. The flash struck the window and glass shattered. Debris shot toward the bed but Jayson landed on the floor taking the brunt, his body between the sharp glass and Oksuna’s prone body.
Lance and Sonja were to their feet on the bed, armor and weapons appearing. The blue knight drew her sword over her shoulder. Lance stood with his hand on his rapier and a large white sword strapped to his back. Jayson eyed his hit points as they dropped a few points. The damage was small but something else was going on. Outside there was a clatter of weapons and marching boots. Jayson turned to see Oksuna at his side, her sword in her hand.
Dalya and Gorganna burst through the doorway. The kitra was armed with a metal staff, the ends blazing with fire. Gorganna surveyed the room, the snakes for hair twisted in all directions, making sure the room was safe.
“My lord,” Dalya shouted.
Jayson moved through the room while he spoke, “I think we are under attack. Dalya, make sure the concubines stay inside.”
“We should be by your side if the town is under attack,” Dalya said firmly.
“Stay here. We don’t know what we’re up against. I’d rather keep you all safe if a fight can be avoided.” Jayson looked to Sonja and Lance, “Let’s check it out.”
The knights nodded and jumped from the bed. The three knights made their way down the hall to the main doors. Stepping outside, they quickly ran back in as flaming arrows fell from the sky. Some clattered against stone while others whistled through windows and set furniture on fire. Jayson watched from the edge of the door as knights and guards rushed down the street to the song of battle.
“They’re running south. It must be trolls, how did they get so close,” Lance said and he drew his rapier.
Jayson thought of his harem. If it really was a troll attack, it was calculated. The player knew that keeps could be destroyed and would take time to rebuild. It wasn’t a coincidence that they have almost reached the western coast and now they are under attack. If any of his concubines were killed, it would take ten days for them to resurrect. Thoughts flowed to Oksuna and actual fear gripped his heart. If she died, she would never be the same when she returned.
“We have to stay here,” Jayson directed.
Sonja and Lance looked to their friend, uncertainty filling their eyes.
Jayson glanced to them and continued, “If this is a troll attack, they are going to move through here. We need to set up the fortifications and defend this place. We can’t risk losing anyone or it will lower our chances to complete the quest.”
Sonja’s lip curved downward, “Our keeps and concubines are further in. They may be in trouble.”
“We should call them here to help fight back,” Lance added.
Jayson shook his head, “No. We need to treat your keeps as fall back positions.”
The knight looked past his fellow knights as his concubines emerged from their rooms and crowded around behind the three of them. They all carried a look of concern but Jayson’s eyes fell on Oksuna. The seven-foot troll stepped closer with blade in hand and determination in here dark eyes.
“They are coming for Oksuna. We have to get her to safe…” the knight stepped back as several flaming arrows struck the open door.
The march of boots and ringing of steel grew with each passing second. Sticking his head out, Jayson could see large dark bodies as they moved down the street with purpose. Knights and guards attempted to hold them at bay but were cut down one by one. Several keeps burned and smoke billowed into the sky. Sparks and ash rained down with arrows, killing or maiming anyone in the street.
“Damn it,” Jayson cursed as he stepped back and closed the heavy door. Taking the thick wooden bar, he laid it across to bolt the door.
Jayson turned to his fellow knights and harem, “It’s a death trap out there. Shutter and bar the windows and doors. Grab your weapons and group up in the side rooms. We are defending ourselves here and now.”
“We can call our concubines to help,” Sonja said as concubines started to move.
Jayson moved to Sonja and put his hands on her shoulders, “There isn’t enough room for all of us to fight. My girls know the keep like the back of their hands. If they start to fall, bring your concubines as reinforcements.”
Jayson turned to Lance, “You may have to use Shatter Light tonight.”
Lance glanced over his shoulder to the pommel of the blade strapped to his back, “We will use everything to defend the keep but I’m not sure we can win this.”
Jayson felt the pressure as all the recent events weighed heavy on his soul, “They want Oksuna. If they take her, then our quest will fail.” The knight wanted to tell them that she is alive. That she is a living digital being but it fell away to the growing chaos outside the walls.
Sonja’s eyes widened. She stared as Jayson’s mood grew dark, a tendril of worry bleeding into the corners of his eyes. She had seen the look before; when he worried deeply about those he cared about. She felt it when he worried about her. She felt it when he worried about Lance. The blue knight turned to see Oksuna standing, her eyes filled with determination. Sonja felt the connection between her lover and the digital pink haired troll.
The blue knight closed her eyes, “Then we fight.”
Lance put an arm around Sonja and looked to Jayson, “We will bring in our
concubines should the battle turn. Is there someplace we can hide Oksuna?”
Jayson shook his head, “I never thought we would be attacked here. There is the basement but if the enemy breaks in, it will be at a dead end. We have to try and fight our way to your keep if things go south.”
Oksuna stepped forward, shaking her head and glaring at Jayson. The knight knew the defiant look too well. She wasn’t going anywhere and was ready to fight at his side. The knight tried to fight back his protective urges but he knew it would be a lost cause. He taught her how to use a sword and now she was ready to prove herself.
Jayson stepped to the beautiful troll and looked up into her dark eyes, “You stay by my side the whole time. Never leave unless I fall. Go with Lance and Sonja and we can meet later, I promise.”
Oksuna remained mute, maintaining her glare when Dalya came rushing back into the main hall.
“The windows and doors are barred on the first floor. Everyone is in position,” The kitra said and nodded.
“Let’s not give these bastards an inch,” Jayson said and drew both short swords from over his shoulders.
***
Floating embers filled the sky as the force moved as one. Guards and knights cried out as they were hacked to pieces before falling and shattering into greenish light. Muscled bodies kept their ranks as they moved down the wide street. On a hill outside of town, archers kept watch on their forces before releasing another volley of flaming arrows.
A scarred troll led the force, taking down anyone foolish enough to rush them. If several came at once, he more often than not would cut them down before his forces grinded up the rest. Once they passed a dwelling, torches were thrown in to prevent any counter attack. A stream of billowing flames followed the large force as they moved, forming a serpent of fire behind them. Dark eyes looked up on occasion to a volley of arrows raining down in front of them and side streets. Many pulled back but the occasional fool would rush in to their death.