by S K Wee
After trying to get the gown off several different ways, Kappy finally pulled as hard as he could and heard the sound of fabric being torn. The sound actually increased his ardor. He didn’t know if he would even be able to remove the rest of her underthings before he exploded in ecstasy. She didn’t seem to be helping at all. In fact, she kept trying to cover everything he exposed. The longer it took, the more frustrated he became.
“Birgit, come on, I am so very ready for this and you seem to be fighting it. Please help me get those things off so we can get on with it. I can’t wait any longer.” Birgit finally began to help him remove the offending clothing. Though she still seemed to be holding back, Kappy was beyond caring as he mounted her and took his pleasure. He didn’t believe he could have stopped no matter what, and the slight resistance of her hymen was barely noticeable.
The act that he had been waiting many months for was over within about two minutes. As he rolled away from her, he watched as she quickly got up from the bed covering up immediately with the linens. He lay there trying to catch his breath, thinking about trying once more—the first was far from satisfying. Birgit returned to the bed completely covered in a nightgown.
“What are you doing? Let’s try that again. Come on, take that thing off.” Kappy was starting to get upset with the cool responses he was receiving from her.
“You had your way and got what you wanted. I need to heal now. You don’t even realize how much pain that shameful act has caused me. Leave me alone for a few days and then we will decide on a schedule for further acts.”
“Are you serious? I thought you wanted me just as much as I wanted you. I know you may not like the first time, but certainly, you will get better at it.”
“No, leave me now. You had what was necessary. Mother told me once was all that was required of me this night. She also said we must set a schedule. We will discuss that later. Is this to be my room or yours?”
“Ours.” Feeling defeated, Kappy grabbed a pillow and went out to the sitting room. “Take the bed, my Lady. If you have need of me, I’ll be sleeping on the sofa.” Kappy shut the door of his bedroom and on his dreams.
*****
After dancing with every female member of his extended family, Sylly wanted nothing more than sit and relax. He noticed Malini was sitting alone for the moment and took a seat next to her moving his chair as close to her’s as he dared.
“If I wasn’t so wiped out, I’d ask you to dance with me.” Leaning back in his chair, Sylly took a long drink from his wine glass.
“Hmm . . . was dancing truly what you had in mind? I noticed your envious looks as Kappy left with his bride.” Malini seemed in great spirits. Sylly wondered just how much wine she had already consumed, but he certainly wasn’t going to waste the opportunity she seemed to provide.
“Maybe some private dancing. I might have enough energy left for something like that. Are you interested?” Sylly put on his most charming smile. He knew he couldn’t compete with Kappy’s innate charm, but he was going to try his best.
“We’ll need more wine. Find a bottle, and I’ll meet you in your room.” Malini got up from her chair and went toward the barracks. Sylly was beginning to wonder if she was playing some sort of prank on him. He had never seen her act like this but was willing to risk humiliation for the possibility her offer was real.
Near the kitchen, he found a full bottle of wine and wasted no time hiding it inside his jacket and hurrying to his room. When he arrived, he couldn’t believe his eyes. She was already inside his room and was beginning to make herself quite comfortable. “That was quick. I hope the rest of the evening doesn’t go that fast.”
“Umm . . . I’ll try my best.” Sylly was still in shock; she had actually smiled at him. Who knew her smile was so lovely? He felt its warmth throughout his whole body.
“I have just one rule for you to follow. You are my superior outside this room—but inside? I’m the boss.” Malini chuckled at his confused look. It didn’t take too long before he realized what she was offering.
“Yes, master! Mistress. Boss. Whatever you wish!” Sylly had always been good at following instructions.
Chapter 16
Castle of King Ragnarr, City of Qeeta, Country of Mandalay
Coming across the bridge into the wide expanse of the castle courtyard, Darby already missed his island paradise. He couldn’t imagine having to live in this huge castle and having to run the whole country of Mandalay as his brother did.
Andy! News? What’s been going on here at the castle? Anything new and exciting that I should know about? Posted out the front door of the castle, the huge statue of a griffin taking flight stood. Within the statue was the soul of a sentient griffin called Andy, the guardian of the castle. Darby with his gift of communicating with some animals had been able to converse with the griffin.
Welcome, Darby! Always good to have someone to talk to. Nothing serious has happened. Young Ulrik is a handful and has been known to steal from the kitchens. The cook knows all about it though and does not mind. Amani has been ill but hasn’t told anyone yet. I think a healer should be called. Your brother, Ragnarr, suspects but doesn’t yet know how serious it could be. Willow’s family was here last week to meet the new arrival, Princess Emere. Vendan, King Ragnarr’s oldest son and heir to the throne of Mandalay, had married an elf named Willow. Vendan and Willow’s oldest was a son named Ulrik, and they recently welcomed the newest addition, a daughter, which they named Emere.
Where is my brother, the king? Darby tried to visit his brother about once a month. He would then check with Andy to make sure everyone within the castle was safe and sound.
They are all in the dining room for lunch. Ulrik is reciting the Thanksgiving prayer. Darby had missed lunch on the island and was happy to join his brother and family. Hopefully, fish wasn’t on the menu. Meals on the island almost always were designed around the morning’s catch.
They had already begun eating by the time he got there and he was happy to see roasted chicken laid out on the table. “This looks excellent.” Darby sat down and dug in without waiting for a formal invitation.
“What’s brings you here, Darby? Are there problems with your little island paradise?” Ragnarr always complained that Darby had gotten the better deal, but he would have been bored to tears on an island.
“No problems at all. Everything was going so smooth that I decided to come here to see if I could find some problems that needed solving. According to Andy, with the exception of Ulrik stealing extra treats in the kitchen, nothing else warrants my attention.” Darby then looked over at Amani. She looked quite pale if you knew to look for it. She had also lost a bit of weight, which wouldn’t be noticeable to anyone that saw her daily. Darby wasn’t going to bring this up in front of the whole family, though. He would wait for a private moment.
Shortly after lunch and following a quick introduction to the newest member of the Cassal clan, Emere, Darby was ushered into Ragnarr’s private study.
“How come you never seem to be doing kingly things when I show up? Don’t you ever hold court or solve a crisis? You never seem to have any work to do.”
“Well, when you do a really good job, and by that, I mean that you know how to delegate, you seldom need to hold court. I know Jeffro would agree, as he is the one who does most of the governing on the island so you don’t have to.”
“Touché! Quite right. I guess we’re two of a kind that way.” Darby poured himself a little whiskey and handed another to Ragnarr. “Smells like whiskey from Leon’s. He always did make the best.”
“Yes, he keeps me stocked up. He has also gotten the vodka recipe down. I’ll send a couple of bottles back with you.”
Darby sighed as he leaned back in his chair. “Ragnarr, there is one other bit of information that Andy gave me.” Darby waited until he received Ragnarr’s full attention before he continued, “Amani. She needs to see a healer, brother. If you want, I’ll get hold of Twig, or Wagner can get in touch
with the giant healer, Groot. Either way, you shouldn’t put this off. Andy seems to think it’s serious.” Darby knew how much Ragnarr loved his wife. He knew that Ragnarr would probably have several healers look over his wife by mid-afternoon.
“Thank you. I thought she was keeping something from me. I had hoped that it wasn’t something serious. I can contact Wagner if you want to get in touch with your son-in-law. I’m happy you came. I wish I could converse with Andy myself.” Ragnarr found his pendant so that he could send a message to Duke Wagner. Darby had a pendant that he could use to send a message to Frankie. She would let Twig know that he was needed in Qeeta immediately.
“We should hear soon. I’m sure that Twig will come right away. Don’t worry; they will fix her up.”
“I sure hope so, Darby. I don’t ever want to think about living without her.” Ragnarr set his pendant down but picked up a different one. “I’ve got a message from Ekky.” Darby waited while Ragnarr listened to the message he had received from his younger son, Ekavir. “Hmm . . . seems like Dianna has had more dreams and Conny wants to discuss them with me. I don’t know what I have to do with that elf desert.”
“We’ll soon find out.”
*****
When Dianna described to Conny her latest dream and what she had discovered, Conny knew exactly what she had described. Once again, Dianna had a vision of standing near the abandoned temple ruins, staff in one hand, but now she could envision what she held in her other hand. She had a dream which included an image of what would complete the entire vision and create the magic needed to lift the curse that had been wrought upon the once lush land. A spell necessary to stop further devastation from occurring throughout the country of Bhaelor and possibly even into the country of Mandalay. An elf gem—a golden diamond—named ‘The Tawny Abyss.’
It had been many years since Conny had even thought about the huge gem. When it had been recovered from a vault deep within the secret passageways of the castle, she had held the gem and had felt the magic that ran through it. Conny remembered bringing the jewel to the elf, Rhiver, in Waldeburg to look at. Rhiver was the one to tell them about the lore he had been told as a child of the Tawny Abyss. Since that day, Conny had never heard any more relating to the gem . . . until now. She was positive it was one and the same, though. If the world needed the curse of the desert lifted, they would need to secure both the gem and the Staff of Sar from the monastery.
Ekky had been happy to accompany them to the castle in Qeeta. He hadn’t seen his parents nor his brother and family for some months. They had come for a short visit right after Willow gave birth to little Emere, but that was the last time they had come for a visit.
When they arrived in the courtyard, the whole family was waiting for them. Amani’s pale coloring immediately caught Conny’s attention. She looked quite wan and Conny had little doubt she was ill. When she went to her with the intent of checking her health, Amani quickly stopped her with a shake of her head. Conny hugged the woman anyhow, but she would wait to find out what was going on with her.
Ekky looked even more concerned. “Mother, what is going on? I can tell that you haven’t been well.”
“Shush! Leave it alone, Ekky,” Amani whispered assuming that only Conny and Ekky could hear.
“Don’t worry, son. We have sent messages to both Twig and Groot to attend to your mother. She may not want the attention, but she will be checked out by both of them. They are the two best healers in the land.” Ragnarr greeted Ekky’s family with a smile and put his arm protectively around Amani’s shoulders.
“Ragnarr! I won’t have it.” Amani began to walk away but must have become dizzy and nearly fell to the ground. Ragnarr stooped to lift her up before she fell and he carried her over to one of the bench seats nearby.
Right behind them, Conny quickly reached for her mother-in-law—she would no longer be denied. Conny knew that she didn’t have the magical ability to heal anything serious, but she would try her best to figure out what was wrong with Amani.
Amana tried to twist away from her. “Please, dear. You needn’t bother. I’m sure it’s just a virus.” Conny continued her exploration. She found a strong sense of wrongness while checking near Amani’s stomach and upper intestines. She knew whatever was wrong with her Conny did not have the capability to heal on her own.
“It is her upper digestive system. I’m sure Twig will be able to help. Did you hear from him yet, Darby?” Conny assumed that Darby had already contacted Frankie. As Darby glanced down at his pendant, though, the fog bank rose near the bridge and Twig walked on through.
“What’s going on? Frankie said that Amani was ill.” Twig looked around and as soon as he noticed Conny and Amani, he hurried over to the bench. Conny repeated her prognosis even though she knew that Twig would have it figured out quicker than she did. He had barely gotten started when the fog rose up once again, allowing both Groot and Sophia entry.
Groot quickly made his way over to the bench, while everyone greeted Sophia. They decided to bring Amani up to her rooms for treatment. Twig assured everyone that he or Groot would be able to help Amani. The rest of them went to wait in the front parlor. Darby was anxious to hear why Conny and Dianna had come, but Conny told him he would have to wait for Ragnarr. Conny was very happy that Twig would be there as well. He might be able to decipher what sort of magic was involved in Dianna’s dream vision.
Once they were assured that Amani was on the road to recovery, Ragnarr, Twig, and Groot all sat down in the parlor. Everyone now moved their focus away from Amani and onto Dianna and her vision. Conny let Dianna describe her dreams and how she felt through them. Ragnarr had not been apprised of many of the visions, thus Dianna started near the beginning of the dreams and continued through to the final one she had experienced the previous night. Once she finished, everyone sat in silence for a while.
“It seems obvious . . .” Conny wanted to make the point, “Dianna has been chosen to end the curse upon the land. I would wish it be anyone else, as I do not want her in any danger, but this is not my choice. For whatever reason, she has been selected to be the instrument of the gods. She will need access to both the Staff of Sar and the Tawny Abyss to perform the duty that has been thrust upon her.”
“Conny, of course, we’ll keep her safe. She will not be alone.” Twig would want to watch all the magic that was required. Conny knew he alone would be able to stop or change any spell that could harm Dianna. He alone had the ability. She knew this because she had been the one to give him that ability, one she had possessed herself up until that time.
“Just how do you plan on getting permission to use the Staff of Sar?” Sophia had at one time lived at the monastery. She had been an ordained nun, a servant of Sar and the Zoran religion. She would know that the monks and nuns would guard their relic with their lives.
“Kappy should have some pull with them. We are trying to save the land. How could they deny that?” Dianna would know the least about the Zoran faith and how overzealous they could become. Conny’s oldest brother and his wife were some of the fanatical offshoots from the religious fervor of Bhaelor. People like them would consider it sacrilege to use a holy relic in such a way.
“We’ll need to steal it.” Conny considered this the only course of action. “We can send someone inside, maybe Twig. He can easily transport out once he gets the staff. There is no other way. They will never lend its use to us willingly, with or without Kappy’s orders. Sophia, you know as well as I do how unbendable they are.”
“Yes, I agree with Conny. If someone can steal it. That staff is part of a monstrous statue. How can we wedge it out of its hand?”
“I’ve felt the give, Sophia.” Dianna looked at them all, daring them to disbelieve her. “I can get the staff. When Twig and I were there last time, I felt the wood answer to me. I know it sounds absurd, but it is true. I will need to go with Twig, as before. He should be able to transport us both there at night. We’ll secure the staff and transport out of
there. Then we can warn Kappy that they’ll be screaming about its theft. It will certainly be returned soon enough.”
With their plans made, Conny was given charge of the casket that contained the gem and they left the castle. They decided the best place to go from there would be to the palace in Port Devdan. Twig and Dianna would be able to transport to the monastery from there.
Chapter 17
Palace of Amir Kurush, City of Port Devdan, Country of Bhaelor
With the excitement of his wedding far behind him, Kappy spent most of his spare time with his guard friends. They would hold mock battles and impromptu sparring sessions. Kappy worked them hard and himself even harder. His one desire was to be utterly exhausted by the time he dragged himself off to bed.
Since his extremely disappointing wedding night, Kappy had gone back to his old rooms and left his wife alone in the master suite he had once longed to share with her. Birgit had wounded both his pride and his manhood. He wasn’t sure if they were one and the same thing, but he did know that he wanted nothing more to do with her.
Though he was embarrassed to admit to anyone what the situation was, he knew Aunt Rose was aware of his sleeping arrangement, and he also knew rumors would have gone around the whole palace. Last month, after listening to some of the guards talk about a certain brothel down by the waterfront, Kappy talked Sylly and Quin into going down there with him to check it out. Sylly tried unsuccessfully to talk him out of going, but Kappy told him that he would go alone without any guards watching his back if need be. Sylly and Quin finally agreed to watch over him if he wore some sort of disguise.
After much indecision, Kappy decided to wear clothing suitable for a sea captain. He thought this would disguise who he was while still appearing prosperous. Both Sylly and Quin found the clothing for him and they dressed as common sailors. Off they went on their grand adventure to the brothel, the Crown Jewels. The building was easy to locate with a bright sign out front and it seemed to be quite a busy place. A huge dark-skinned man stopped them at the door. Kappy was surprised to feel the sign of a Whisper in his ear and smiled warmly up at the man. He was easily twice Kappy’s size and Kappy was not a small man. The bouncer looked them over and must not have seen any problem with them as he nodded at one of the skimpily clad waitresses to lead them inside.