by Logan Jacobs
The girls and I shared a king-sized bed again, and we all snuggled happily together. I was almost asleep when I heard a knock on the door, but Elissa jumped up to answer it. It was the innkeeper, Nelly, with a tray of delicacies.
“I’ve been practicing some of my baking, O Great One,” she informed me with an apologetic smile. “Sorry to barge in on you so late at night, but I saw you had just come in, and I tried to hurry--”
“Don’t worry about it.” I cut her off before she could stammer out any more excuses since I wasn’t upset with her at all. In fact, my mouth watered at the thought of a sweet treat, so she had perfect timing. “I could go for a late-night snack.”
“Thank you, Great One.” Nelly curtsied low, and her cheeks flushed a deep maroon color. “I will leave you to your slumber, then. Again, my apologies for interrupting.”
It was then that I realized I was naked, and Elissa had thrown the blankets back when she’d gotten up, so I was completely exposed.
I laughed out loud as Nelly closed the door behind her, and then I swung my legs over the side of the bed.
“Sorry, ladies,” I murmured. “I know you were about to go to sleep, too.”
“You’re cute.” Mahini smirked. “I’m having some of the sweets.”
“They’re all mine,” I argued as I hurried to the tray Nelly had placed on the small table.
“Nuh-uh!” Elissa jumped in front of me, and she snatched the tray up with some ninja-like skills. “We all get an equal portion.”
“Fine.” I pursed my lips in a mock-pout. “Dole them out, then, my love. And remind me not to get between you and chocolate in the future.”
“Deal.” Elissa flashed me a broad grin before she handed me one of the sweet morsels. Then she took the tray to the other two girls and gave them each a piece as well.
“Mmm,” Eva moaned with delight as she placed the delicacy between her luscious lips. “Absolutely delicious.”
“Careful,” Mahini warned with a chuckle. “You’ll get us all excited.”
“Come on,” I groaned at the same time. “Don’t tease me like that.”
We all laughed, and then we devoured another round of the sweet chocolate treats. I wondered if I could mimic the process Nelly had used to make them briefly, and then I returned my attention to getting some rest before the next day of traveling. I snuggled in between the three women once again, and I sighed happily as I fell into a deep slumber.
Being the God of Time was fucking awesome.
The next morning, Jax and I went by the blacksmith’s forge before we headed back out on the road, and the two of us walked side by side down the main street of Carleone. The burly blacksmith glanced around at the town with a keen eye, but he let out an appreciative whistle when he saw Malakai’s forge.
“Greetings, Bash,” Mak said with a friendly smile. “How’s life been treatin’ the God of Time?”
“I’m surprised you remember me,” I chuckled.
“You’re not easy to forget.” The dark-skinned blacksmith crossed his arms as his gaze landed on Jaxtom. “Neither are you, Jax.”
“It’s been a bit,” Jax growled, and then the two blacksmiths clasped forearms. “How are ya, Mak?”
“Could be worse.” Mak shrugged. “What brings ya to Carleone?”
“Passin’ through,” Jax grunted, and I resisted the urge to chuckle.
The two blacksmiths were like peas in a pod, and while they came from different backgrounds, they had a similar gruffness.
“We brought some more copper to mint into coins,” I interjected. “Do you think you could send them back to Bastianville when you’re done with them?”
“I know the drill.” Mak nodded.
I let the two blacksmiths catch up for a little bit longer, but the exchange of grunts and growls were highly entertaining. It was like they were speaking a different language, and it was difficult to keep up with. I made a solid effort, though, and I was proud of myself for my ability to maintain a straight face the whole time they spoke.
Then Jax and I bade Mak farewell, and we returned to the rest of our entourage. Everyone waited for us in the street outside the inn, and the wagon was already hitched to a couple of horses.
“We just have to drop off the ore at the blacksmith’s forge on our way out of town,” I explained to the group as I mounted Goliath. “Then our next destination will be Castle Bullard.”
“Will we have time to say hello to my grandmother?” Riondale asked in a cautious tone. “If not, it’s fine…”
“Sure, Ri-guy,” I chirped. “I wouldn’t want you to miss out on any opportunity to see your family.”
Riondale and his three cousins, Thanor, Bryn, and Ean, had left their elderly grandmother behind when they’d left Bullard to follow me full-time, and I knew the men were all worried about the older woman who’d raised them.
I clicked my tongue to my warhorse, and we headed down the street of Carleone toward the gate on the opposite side of town. I pulled him to a halt outside the blacksmith’s shop, and Jeron helped Corvis and Kylor unload the crates full of copper ore. We waved goodbye to the people of Carleone who had gathered at the edge of town to watch us depart, and then we passed through the gates.
The road was wide and easy to travel, and this time I took a more direct route to the Duke of Bullard’s castle than I had during my previous trip to see Eva’s father. I would avoid the city of Port Kilwick and Lake Balerno, so our time on the road would be cut nearly in half. It would only take us a few days to reach the castle by taking this route, and with the wagon we would be traveling slower anyway, so I appreciated the smoother path.
We’d have to camp out over the next few nights, but we were well-prepared to do so. I had enough tents for everyone, and enough food to get us to Vallenwood if necessary, so I felt ready for anything.
We traveled for the rest of the day without encountering any other travelers, and I soon heard bored sighs among my entourage. I could fix that, though, since I was the most entertaining person in the world, at least in their eyes.
“How are you enjoying the trip so far?” I pulled Goliath’s reins until he fell back beside the dark-skinned general store owner, and I flashed Caelia a friendly smile.
“Just fine, thank you, Great One,” Caelia murmured, and she refused to meet my gaze. Her fingers fidgeted with her reins, and her shoulders slumped.
“Who’s watching your store while you’re gone?” I pressed in an effort to get her to open up.
“I just closed it up.” Caelia shrugged, but then she lifted her light-brown eyes to mine. “Elrin promised to keep an eye on it, though.”
“I’m sure everyone in town will make sure it is just fine until you’re back.” I grinned. “The people of Bastianville seem to be really fond of you, Caelia, and so are my women it seems.”
“Of me?” Caelia snorted. “You’re one to talk.”
I felt like I’d made a breakthrough in that moment, and I grinned from ear to ear.
“I’m glad you’re with me, Caelia,” I said in a soft voice, and heat rushed to her cheeks.
“Yes, sir.” Caelia’s light-brown eyes fell to her horse’s mane, and I got the hint that she was done talking for the moment.
“We will talk more soon,” I informed her, and when her gaze flicked up to my face, I flashed her a flirtatious wink.
Caelia’s cheeks burned brightly, and she sputtered for a moment, but I merely nudged my heels against Goliath’s flanks to ride away without another word.
The next person I decided to ride beside was the young girl, Celeste. She wore a stern look on her face as she stared ahead at the road with unseeing eyes, like she was watching a movie play in her head. I cleared my throat to get her attention, and she inhaled sharply as she was pulled from her thoughts.
“My apologies, Great One.” Her violet eyes filled with fear for a moment, but I gave her a warm smile, and her expression relaxed. “I didn’t see you approach.”
“You seem
ed deep in thought,” I observed in a kind voice. “Is everything okay?”
“You said Bullard was the next stop,” she replied in a solemn tone. “I haven’t been there since the death of my parents.”
“I’m right here by your side,” I informed her. “Plus, you seem like a strong kid. Everything is going to be just fine.”
“Thank you, Great One.” Celeste took a deep breath, and she flashed me a grateful smile. “I feel a lot better now.”
“Please, call me Bash,” I insisted.
“Yes, Sir Bash,” Celeste chuckled. “I heard you’re a knight, after all.”
“I am,” I laughed. “Good call.”
We talked about the landscape and various wildlife we spotted for a few moments before I guided Goliath over to speak to someone else, and I was really enjoying taking the time to get to know the people in my entourage.
Adelina sat on the tail of the wagon, and the older woman kicked her legs with an air of whimsy as the cart bounced down the road. I trailed behind the wagon on Goliath’s back for a while, and then I cleared my throat to get her attention.
“What do you think of Bastianville so far?” I asked in a curious tone. “You’re new to the area, so I’d like to hear your thoughts on my little town.”
“It’s a fine place to settle down,” Adelina answered with a friendly smile. Her red and gray hair was woven into a braid that hung over her shoulder, and she stroked it absently while she thought. “The tournament was fun. I think holding more events like that would draw more travelers to town.”
“That’s a good point.” I nodded. “I knew it would boost morale as well as find me the best people in town for my entourage. Maybe that’s something I can arrange for Carleone as well…”
“I’m still a little shocked I’m here with you.” The older woman smirked. “The oil hill reminded me of fishing in small mountain rivers as a young girl, though. I would hop up the boulders in search of the best spots, and the rocks were always a bit slippery from the water.”
“Sounds like you were the perfect person for the job, then,” I chuckled. “It was very entertaining to watch you smash the competition.”
“I enjoyed that as well.” Adelina grinned. “But don’t worry, I won’t let the victory go to my head. I can play a servant woman with the best of them.”
“Good.” I nodded. “There may be a time when I call upon your nimble feet since I know what you’re capable of now.”
“I will serve you in whichever way you think is best.” Adelina tossed her braid over her shoulder. “Being a part of your chosen followers brings honor to my entire family. I will not disappoint them, or you, Great One.”
“I have utter faith in you,” I assured her.
We rode until the sun began to set behind us, and then I called for a halt. My crew swiftly moved about setting up our campsite, and Riondale led the charge by directing people to various tasks.
I made a new save point, but then I set about starting the fire with some of the tinder Jeron had quickly gathered, and I used my flame spell to ignite the kindling. A few moments later, flames burned in the circle of stones we’d arranged, and I warmed my hands over the blaze.
By the time that was done, all the tents had been erected, the horses were unsaddled and fed, and the first watch shift began at the wagon. Bron brought some of the rations from the back of the cart, and soon we had a stew simmering over the flames.
A short while later, we were all seated around the campfire with full stomachs, and I gazed around at the happy faces of my crew with a pleased smile.
“What are you thinking about?” Mahini asked with an eyebrow raised as she took my empty dish from my hands. “You’ve got a weird smile…”
“Just thinking about how lucky I am to be in this world,” I explained. “Things are a lot different where I came from, and it makes me very happy to be here with you, Elissa, and Eva by my sides.”
“You honor us with your presence,” Mahini murmured as a rosy hue sprang to her cheeks. “I would be lost without you…”
“Hush.” I brushed her obsidian locks away from her face with a gentle touch. “There’s no reason to think about that anymore. I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere.”
“That brings me great comfort.” The stoic warrior woman collected herself with a deep breath, and then the corners of her lips twitched into a smile. “And pleasure.”
“There’s more where that came from,” I growled playfully.
Mahini’s ice-blue eyes danced with laughter, but her lips remained tightly sealed, so I pressed mine against them in a brief, but firm, kiss. The desert goddess gasped, and a few eyes flicked in our direction, but I merely chuckled and leaned back. She shook her head, and then she pushed herself up from her seat. Her hips swayed as she crossed the campsite to the washing station, and I stared openly at her backside as she departed.
She was so much fun to tease, and it looked like she enjoyed teasing me in return, too.
“Tell us a story, Great One,” Jeron requested from the other side of the fire. “Something from your recent adventures.”
“Hmm…” It was hard to decide what stories I hadn’t already told the people of Bastianville. “Well, since you are trusted members of my entourage, I suppose I can tell you about how I managed to empty the Duke of Arginold’s treasury. But this story must stay between us for now.”
“Oooh, yes, please!” Elissa giggled. “This is such a good story!”
“Go on, then,” Jax growled.
“Come on, tell us,” Adelina urged.
“What did I miss?” Mahini asked as she rejoined the circle.
“Sir Bash was about to tell us about the duke’s treasure,” Celeste offered with an eager grin.
“Was he?” Mahini gifted us all with one of her melodic laughs, and my heart thudded heavily in my chest.
Fuck, she was beautiful when she laughed.
“I was.” I grinned. “Get comfy. You’re in for a bumpy ride.”
“Where are we going?” Eva asked as she tilted her head to the side, but then realization dawned on her, and she held up her hand. “Never mind. Please, continue.”
I flashed her a wink, and then I scratched my chin as I thought about where to begin. I decided to start with the beginning as the girls would remember it, since I didn’t want to say anything that exposed too much about my abilities. I had to remember exactly what happened on the final run through and disregard anything that happened during previous attempts.
When I was ready, I clapped my hands together to get everyone’s full attention, and then I began my gripping tale. I recounted how I predicted every step, arranged for every detail, and then the girls added in their own details about the tasks they performed. As I listened to my women describe my powers of prophecy and strategy, I realized just how awed they were with me, and it raised my body temperature several degrees.
“You really dressed up as a servant and a guard?” was the first question I received when my story was completed, and Adelina shook her head in disbelief. “But you’re a god…”
“He’s not one to act all godly all the time,” Jax pointed out with a shrug. “I like Bash just the way he is.”
“I think at the palace things will be a little different,” Bellona said.
“What makes you say that?” I frowned.
“Why, with all the nobles around, you’ll need to act more lordly,” the seamstress said. “We will be your servants and guards, not your companions.”
“That doesn’t sound very nice.” I shook my head. “No, I think I’m gonna stay just the way I am. If the nobles don’t like it, then fuck ‘em.”
“You’ll be viewed as an outsider,” Eva observed. “Few would trust you enough to open up beyond common civilities.”
“Well, that could be a problem,” I sighed. “There’s no telling how many others are allying themselves against me, either. Arginold wasn’t going to act alone.”
“Your enemies could be lurk
ing in plain sight,” Riondale mused. “We will have to operate as a well-oiled machine while we are within the walls of the palace. No signs of weakness must be visible from the outside.”
“I don’t have weaknesses,” I reminded him. “I’m the God of Time.”
“You care about your followers,” Corvis interjected in a somber tone. “That could be used against you. You might be a god… but we aren’t.”
“I will always keep you safe,” I assured the horseman, and I meant it.
Even if I had to go through a million lifetimes worth of attempts, I wasn’t going to let anything happen to any of my followers.
“I think we’re all here because we trust you.” Adelina smirked. “You’ve yet to steer us wrong.”
“And it’s not about to happen any time soon.” I grinned.
“So, do you promise to act more noble-like once we reach the palace?” Riondale questioned with an arched eyebrow.
“I will do my best,” I chuckled. “Do you promise to relax a little and enjoy yourself?”
“If that is your command.” Riondale nodded, but a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
“Jeron and Celeste,” Elissa called out as she approached the campfire from the direction of the wagon. “It’s your turn to watch the wagon.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the teen girl murmured as she leapt to her feet. Her gaze flicked to me, and she inclined her head politely before she darted away from the fire.
“I’m going, I’m going.” Jeron rose to his feet a little slower, and he dusted off his pants and flashed me a grin before he followed behind Celeste.
“I will bank the fire,” Corvis offered. “And keep an eye on the two of them. They’re new to all this, after all.”
“Who ya callin’ new?” Jax growled. “Ye just came to Bastianville yerself.”
“I merely meant that I’m more accustomed to being on the road than others.” Corvis shrugged, and his expression remained neutral. “I didn’t mean to offend.”
“Offend?” Jax tossed back his head and let out a loud belly laugh. “Me? No… Sorry, kid.”
“We should probably all get some sleep now,” I instructed before the banter could grow any more heated. “We leave at first light.”