by Marcus Sloss
We reached the village quicker than I expected and stopped in front of a large wooden gate. The whole village was surrounded by a wall, a precaution against the monsters from the nightmare forest, I reasoned.
“Hey Garret! Let us in.” Mika shouted, his tail swaying softly from side to side.
A wolfman looked down at us then scurried to the door mechanism, the gates moving as he turned the wheel. After the doors were wide enough for us to enter, the wolfman ran down the stairs to greet us as we entered.
“Welcome back!” the beastman called Garret said with a smile.
“You are quite early today. Forgive my hesitance. Who are your guests?”
His grey eyes were now on us, the elongated pupil making him appear a bit intimidating.
“That is none of your concern. You may close the gate now,” Mika responded sternly, seeming a bit out of character for him.
Garret didn’t press the issue, quickly following the order.
“Julyn, will you take the ladies to get something to eat? I will take Nolan to Ondra and meet you there after his wounds are cleaned.”
“Of course. Follow me.”
As Julyn turned to escort the girls toward the dining area, Lin wriggled from his mother’s arm, running to catch up to Mika who led me toward another building in the middle of the village. The place smelled of herbs and smoke, which only grew when the door to the hut opened wide, the aroma escaping.
“Ah, Mika. I thought I sensed someone outside my door. What brings you to my hut? Did you get injured venturing into the nightmare forest? I warned you it was a dangerous undertaking for such an unreliable prophecy.”
She went on a tangent about all the injuries she had to patch up over the past three months simply because of some obscure thing the elder said during a village meeting. Mika tried to stop her rant, but she ignored his interruptions, continuing until she finally noticed my presence.
“And who is this? Why didn’t you tell me we had a guest?”
Mika shrugged, not bothering to argue with the small statured, middle-aged beastwoman.
“This is Nolan. He is the one injured, not me.”
“Oh my, oh my. Please come in Nolan.”
She grabbed my forearm and pulled me into the small shack, shooing away Mika and Lin from the doorway.
“He needs his privacy. You two can wait out there.” She told them before shutting the wooden door.
The smell hit me harder once inside, making it harder to breathe. I told myself I’d adjust soon enough, but my body rejected this notion and I found myself attempting to hold my breath. The endless shelves were crowded with vials filled with unknown concoctions, a likely source of the smell.
“You won’t be able to hold your breath forever,” the older woman laughed, seeing right through me.
“Have a seat, Nolan, and show me your wound.” Her gray-silver ears twitched as she pointed to a wooden table in the center of the room.
I sat where she pointed, peeling off my shirt, the fabric stuck in the drying blood. I winced from the effort but completed the task.
I felt her cold hands prodding along the sides of the wound before she pulled at the strips Aquina had dressed them with earlier. Assessing the damage, she remained silent.
Finally, she spoke, “Not too bad. It seems they have stopped bleeding on their own... well, had. Some restarted when you pulled off the bandage. No matter, they should heal in no time. Might leave a bit of a scar, though. Lay down.”
She didn’t wait for my response, just said her piece and waited for me to follow her directions. I laid on my stomach, allowing her easier access to my back. She grabbed a bowl of water and began adding different things from her excessive collection.
“The main thing with a wound like this is staving off the infection. Shouldn’t be a problem if you keep it clean. I will wash it for you now and give you a salve. Be sure to apply it in the morning and evening and to redress the wound. Keep up with it until the wound is fully sealed. If you reopen the wound, start again.”
Her instructions were clear and concise, and when she finished, she paused, waiting to be sure I understood.
“Yes, ma’am,” I responded.
“Good. Now chew on this. It will help with the lightheadedness caused by the blood loss.”
She handed me some herbs, and I put them in my mouth, chewing slowly. She brought the bucket over to the table and dipped a clean white cloth into the water. Ringing out the excess onto my back, she wiped off the blood, cleaning the wound.
When satisfied, she grabbed a small container off her shelf and applied some of the green colored cream to my wound. Finally, she wrapped my torso in fresh bandages and handed me a clean grey tunic.
“All done. You may join the others outside.”
“Thank you.”
She nodded with a smile, accepting my gratitude. When I opened the door of the small hut, Mika and Lin awaited, Lin on Mika’s shoulders.
“That was quick. Must not have been too bad,” Mika said when he saw me exiting.
“Good as new,” I told him.
“Let’s get you some grub.”
He patted me on the shoulder then led me to the building where they were serving lunch. Aquina, Cera, and Illia were already seated with a mound of food in front of them. The food tasted especially good having had nothing but mystery chili for the past few days.
When we finished, Mika led us to a small hut, telling us we were welcome to stay there for as long as we needed. After I thanked him, we went inside to rest, not having been able to sleep but a couple of hours the previous night.
Four pallet beds outlined the small house, and we each quickly claimed one, settling in for a mid-morning nap.
CHAPTER 3
Silverwolf village
Seventy-eight days after arrival
I opened my eyes to white surroundings and the smell of smoke. Flashes of orange and red faded in and out of my vision, the familiar scene of the invasion resurfacing. I smacked my face, trying to wake-up from the nightmare, but it only resulted in a stingy sensation on my cheeks.
Everything felt so real, even though this time I remembered falling asleep. I was determined to wait out the nightmare, not wanting to venture into the town, not willing to witness Aquina and Cera’s deaths for a second time.
Regardless of my determination, my body was thrust into the nightmare, the scene playing out exactly as it had the first time. The only difference being that this time I felt like a bystander, somehow watching myself interact within the world without feeling the connection.
Wake up. I tried to get my consciousness to bend to my will, but nothing happened. I refused to use my mana gift within the dream, worried it would somehow be connected to the real world like the first time, resulting in real damage.
This time, when I found myself chained to the ground, my limbs unable to move, I stared up at the giant orc, my body tense despite knowing it wasn’t real. The foot came down on top of me, and I flinched, trying to protect my body, wondering how my death in the dream world would affect my physical body.
Everything went dark. My eyes shot open, my breathing heavy, sweat beading on my forehead. I found myself staring up at the small huts ceiling, a girl cradled in each arm. They must have moved after I fell asleep.
I sighed in relief, happy to see them both alive and well. They twitched restlessly in my arms, trapped in nightmares of their own.
Stroking their hair gently, I tried to coax them from their slumber. Finally, their eyes opened, relief taking over their features.
“Why is this happening?” Aquina questioned, rising from the pallet bed to assist in waking Illia.
“Urg-not again.” Illia grumbled sitting up abruptly.
Shouting filtered into the small space, the strained voices our cue that something was wrong. I quickly pulled on my shoes and exited the hut, the girls following quickly behind me as they rubbed their tired eyes.
Mika stood in the center of the village, not too far from our h
ut, yelling back and forth at another wolfman. We approached cautiously, their conversation becoming audible.
“We can’t just hand them over.”
“It’s what’s best for our clan.”
The conversation stopped when they noticed our presence.
“Something wrong?” I asked, not sure if they would give me an honest answer.
I already knew they were talking about us, but whether they chose to disclose that information would tell us if we could truly trust them.
“The Lezric showed up at our gate not long ago. They demanded that we return you all to them at the threat of an attack.”
Another wolf ran over to our little huddle and whispered something in Mika’s ear. He snarled in response—the news obviously unpleasant.
“I’m coming,” he told the wolfman and then turning to us he relayed the newly acquired information, “They are back.”
He headed in the direction of the gate, and we all followed, figuring we should be present since the conflict involved us. Mika climbed up the watch tower of the front gate, signaling that we could join him. We did, filing into the small space.
While those on the ground couldn’t see us unless we leaned out over the wall, we could see and hear the intruder from our vantage point.
“Now what do you want?” Mika yelled down at the Lezric envoy.
He wore a chest plate and helmet, holding a spear by his side.
“I can’t go back empty handed. We just want the opportunity to search your territory for the escaped prisoners. It is in your best interest as well. They are dangerous murderers who have destroyed villages. If they survived the nightmare forest, it is likely they ended up in your domain.”
“While we appreciate your concern, it is unnecessary. Do you really think it would be so easy for an unwanted visitor to pass our defenses?”
The Lezric’s face changed from one of understanding to one of disgust, clearly tired of trying to reason with the wolf clan. More Lezric soldiers came over the hill, joining the first to try and intimidate the wolf clan into letting them enter their territory.
“At least give us the dwarf. Otherwise, we will have no choice but to enter by force.”
One of the Lezric announced, turning the mood sour.
“Che- We will not be opening our gates to you—not now or ever. Go tell that to your leader.” Mika said the last word, heading down the ladder.
We followed his lead, leaving the small watch tower.
“Prepare for a fight,” I heard him mumble to his second in command before the wolfman ran off toward the center of the village.
“I’m sorry we have put you in this position,” I told him, genuinely feeling bad about involving his clan.
“We will leave,” I spoke more to Aquina, Cera, and Illia, wanting them to hear of my decision.
“No need,” Mika replied immediately. “This fight will happen whether you are here or not. You saw them. They are not even sure of your presence here but already plan to storm our defenses. I’ll just ask one thing. Is there any credibility behind his words?”
“No. We were imprisoned for petty reasons. They planned to sell us as slaves to make a profit. Illia’s been their captive for even longer. I understand it is a lot to ask for you to continue to let us stay here, so we will leave as soon as possible.”
“No, stay, rest. As I said before, they will come no matter the truth of the situation. Besides, you look like shit.”
I chuckled from his honesty. Upon further inspection, I noticed the dark circles that lingered under everyone’s eyes. They looked exhausted, and I’m sure I didn’t look any better.
“Haven’t been sleeping well--nightmares” I admitted.
Mika leaned in close to my face and I flinched by reflex, unsure of his intention. He sniffed the air before ruffling my hair a bit. Definitely not weird at all, I thought, waiting for him to say something.
“It seems you came in contact with the phantasm blooms.” He held out his hand, his fingers coated in a white powder.
“You won’t be getting a good night’s rest until your body is clear of the spores.” He wiped his hand in the pink grass, trying not to get anymore on his skin.
“I’ll show you where you can wash up and I’ll ask Ondra for something to neutralize any of the powder you ingested. I don’t think the Lezric will be back until tomorrow anyway. It will be dark soon and they wouldn’t want to give us that advantage.”
“Thank you. We will help out in any way we can.”
“Wait here.”
We nodded and he ran off, not telling us exactly what we were waiting for. Around ten minutes later, he came back holding sets of new clothes and something I could only assume was soap.
“The spores like to linger in fur,” he told us, handing over the items.
We followed him toward the back of the village, where the wall encompassed a small, forested area. A fresh stream ran throughout the trees, tall bushes separating the stream in two secluded parts.
“Typically, we separate the males and females on either side for bathing, but I’ve told the others to let you have your privacy, so I’ll leave that decision up to you. We will discuss more regarding the Lezric when you are ready.”
Mika explained where we could find him when we were finished cleaning the spores from our bodies and left us alone. I immediately moved toward the side he’d pointed out for males, stripping down as I walked.
“Damn spores,” I mumbled, noticing the white powder coming off my clothes as I shed them.
I saw Aquina and Cera conferring with one another, but at that point I was too far to hear what they were saying. I stripped the last of my clothing and stepped into the cool water, setting the mass of soap in my hand on the river’s edge. Lowering my body into the clear stream, I relaxed by the bank, feeling the mix of physical and mental exhaustion pulling at my eyelids.
Sinking in the water, I let the soft current embrace me, my eyes closed. I heard the familiar splash of someone entering the water, but I figured It would be the girls entering, so I remained as I was.
A soft hand moved up my chest, stopping on my chin and my eyes sprung open. Aquina caressed my face, her body leaning into mine under the water. Suddenly I didn’t feel so tired anymore.
Wrapping my arms around her, I spun her around until her back was against the bank, our bodies still fully emerged in the stream. I kissed her deeply, having missed the feel of her lips on mine. She moaned slightly when I slipped my tongue into her mouth, pulling her closer to me.
I slipped my hands up her naked body, cradling her breasts with my palms. Aquina wrapped her arms around my neck, and I pulled her close, nuzzling into her neck as I kissed it gently.
The necklace I had given her remained around her neck and I kissed the outline, ending at the crimson gem that sat just above her breastbone.
“I need you,” she whispered into my ear, pulling away slightly, her hands creeping downward until she found my manhood.
She stroked it gently, her message clear. Lifting her onto the bank slightly, I supported her lower body, my hands reveling in the sensation of her skin against mine. I moved toward her, my member hard and throbbing, ready to fulfill her desire.
When I entered her warmth, she moaned with pleasure, gripping the dirt on the side of the river as she felt every bit fill her up. Her voice stirred up my desire, my body thrusting without much thought, wanting to hear even more of the little sounds she released with every movement.
Wrapping her arms around my head, she pulled me close, my face pressing against her bosom. I welcomed the opportunity, caressing her nipple with my tongue, the softness of her breasts so alluring.
I slowed down my thrusting, wanting to hold out for longer.
“Don’t stop,” she pleaded breathlessly.
No need to say more. I felt my manhood grow bigger inside her, the words themselves pushing my desires over the edge. I buried my face in her chest, thrusting myself deeper inside her, the intensi
ty of her moans, her ecstasy, rising with every motion.
Finally, I heard it, that beautiful sigh of relief, of pleasure, before her body relaxed, almost collapsing into mine. One final thrust was all it took, and I joined her in an ecstasy filled embrace.
When I pulled out from her, the cool water immediately surrounded my manhood, stirring my desire to be back in her warmth. I brushed my lips against hers, and she kissed me back.
Giggling softly, she pulled away from my body, looking deeply into my eyes before she moved to exit the stream.
I wanted her to stay, but for some reason I could only watch her beautifully formed backside saunter away as she walked back toward the other side of the river. I let out a longing sigh as I sunk back in the water, washing the dirt from the riverbank from my arms.
As I resumed my meditative soak, I heard footsteps once more. Looking up, I expected to see Aquina making her way back toward me, but instead I saw Cera, her long legs in full view as she came to stand beside me.
“I hope you aren’t too tired for round two,” she told me, my erection awakening from the sight of her body fully exposed in front of me.
Wanting to get a better view, I swam backward a few strokes, admiring her shapely form.
“Never,” I told her, a grin pulling at my lips.
She accepted my invitation and waded it to the fresh stream water. I moved toward her, wanting to be closer to the shore. My hands caressed her soft skin, moving up her forearms, the water from the stream forming droplets on her tanned shoulder.
I kissed the spot, nibbling her skin softly. This made her laugh sweetly, her ears twitching from the light touches. Gripping my shoulders, she raked her nails across my back.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, and I assumed she felt the wound from our time in the nightmare forest.
“I’m fine,” I told her, pulling her toward me, my lips meeting hers.
She moaned with pleasure, and my wound was forgotten. I deepened the kiss, moving our bodies closer to the bank. I felt her hand grasp my length. The stroking sensation strengthened from the heightened sensitivity.
We were kissing still, my hand trailing down her body, gripping her bottom as I pulled her closer to me, my manhood rubbing against her pleasure center.