Empress's Endgame (Book 5 and final of the Death Incanate Saga)

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “That is exactly why.” He took her hands in his. “Brooke and Ulon are too aggressive. Together they are a strong force, but it will draw attention. One mistake and they will fall. As a healer, your first priority is to stay at the back of conflicts. Yes, you are also a damn ass kicking warrior few could match anymore, but even Tohka knows you are the most important female in our whole family. We need you to be the best healer possible.”

  “He’s right. We all love you, but it makes sense. You are the most loved in our family. We would all keep you safe, me especially. If not for you and your kindness, I would not have Brooke back or have a man who makes me sing to the spirits every time I wrap my legs around him. Brooke and Cage Love are our best fighters. I might not be stronger than you, but I’m working on defensive magic to keep you most of all safe. You are pivotal to all of us, as you’ve always been since you came to the village by killing my stupid cousin. None were sad to see him die, but you… I dare not dwell you getting hurt.”

  Meeka’s eyes dropped as her silky bronzed cheeks reddened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was your cousin.”

  Tohka rested her chin on Meeka’s shoulder and wrapped her arms beneath those full breasts she enjoyed caressing. “I was not sad. Few knew he tried challenging me and my sister when we had our first moonflow, even against our traditions and laws. He didn’t win since my first mate challenged me before Brooke and the elders and won me. He also enjoyed collecting bits of flesh from outsiders who trespassed and were guilty of hunting our buffalo herds… I found this out when his one mate tried disposing of the flesh. Again, you killed a stupid man and saved us from stupid children.”

  “If he didn’t strike Cage down, none of this would have happened.”

  “But it did and I for one am beyond grateful. I get a man with a lance that he has used on me every night and two beautiful sister-mates with large breasts like me and can kiss and make love like nothing I’ve ever experienced. And most importantly, I feel for the first time I can become a mother because of this. But you will not feel pain alone. Cage Love, I wish to share what Meeka will experience.”

  “No, I do not want you to suffer, My Love.” Meeka shook her head as wind blew their long, unbound hair.

  “My decision. I am doing this. I won’t be as great a healer as you, but if what he said happens to me and I must save you, I will endure anything you will. And you won’t persuade me otherwise.” Tohka kissed her woman’s pouting lips as she spun around. “I will cut you if you try further.”

  “Thank you. If you are there with me I know I can do it.”

  “That’s the spirit.” Cage said as he wrapped his long black arms around the pair.

  When they separated Meeka wanted to change the subject and asked “How is Daku doing? He hasn’t been home for four days? And how are his mates? Have they named themselves yet?”

  “Poor guy.” He laughed slowly that it progressed into a deep belly laugh that had the two exotic women joining him without knowing why. Cage wiped a tear from the corner of his eye before tapping his temple. “He’s having a difficult time dealing with nearly four hundred babies and two of whom are testing his patience by constantly flaunting themselves and wanting him to mate with them.”

  “I do not understand.” Meeka voiced.

  “Let me put it this way. Three hundred and ninety three tricksters were all born here a week ago. They devoured several fully grown wyverns and slept the rest of that day. Since then Daku has isolated himself with each and every rambunctious griffin.”

  “We know all that.” Tohka said to get right to it.

  “Well it is taking every ounce of willpower not to dominate their wills and get them under control. White kings like himself can force them into submission with a certain kind of shriek, but they are all so young. They do not have their mothers, just a king. All they want to do is play games on each other…”

  “Doesn’t sound so bad.” Tohka said in blissful ignorance.

  “There is a good reason why I’ve not spoken of it, but the games Daku played when he was bored was harmless. Young griffins test themselves by fighting. Imaging all the times Daku and I fought and apply that to a bunch of griffins who’ve yet to grow one hair or feather. It is why Daku asked Nattan and me to create that aviary next to the smaller island where the livestock live. We had to make the walls higher than they can climb and smoother than glass so they can’t climb or fly out. Imagine these size changing newborns testing themselves against our tribe. They have no control.”

  “Why then doesn’t he do this ability he has?” The copper skinned nurturer asked.

  “Because it hurts them. They cannot resist the power of the white kings or queens. Even if they all matured and attacked as a group, they wouldn’t get far. It is also instinctive to follow his lead. Yes they all have their ancestors’ memories, but then again they are like every other newborn. They are physically weak and grow up by testing themselves against others. It will be another two or three weeks before Daku will even consider introducing some to the tribe.” He took a breath and looked over at the aviary island, half the size of the one beside it, but perfectly circular with walls over sixty feet tall all the way around, but built inside is many small nests and plenty of griffin approved playing equipment. Laying on the flat rim of the wall was the large black dragon Mox as he was quite well versed with easily excitable and dangerous griffin cubs. Besides, his scales were the best defense in their tender age. “They cannot grow much larger than his two females did when they hatched and snuggled to him, so they are contained. When they tire themselves out he tells them what has changed in the past two million years, since they’ve missed so much since their mother laid their egg.” He smirked and chuckled again. “The most incorrigible are his mates. They tease him constantly by walking past, making sure he sees their swollen flower ready to take him.”

  “Oh, so that is why you were laughing so hard?” Meeka wondered.

  “Sure was. He’s got it bad. His instinct to mate them is very strong, but again, they aren’t mature. He’s had to separate some because they were already mating as soon as their eyes fell on each other. Much of his time is occupied, but his girls make you two seem harmless.” Brown eyes met blue before each raised a lone, delicate eyebrow. “He won’t consider doing what he wants till they become their own person, not easy when you have millions of years of memories. I’m always in constant contact through our minds, helping out where I can. But there is nothing I can do to ease his burdens… even if he is happy to have his flock brought back from extinction and not be completely alone after a thousand years. But let me tell you, the moment he thinks they are ready to be seen as mature enough, those two beauties will be laying his eggs left and right. From the way they’ve spoken of their parents and ancestors, those two female griffins have an extremely fertile lineage, more than half their ancestor’s becoming pregnant in their very first coupling.”

  “Well after all this time alone, he deserves many cubs. And it is good to know he finally has his own kind. He so deserves all this. They were so adorable I want to hold them for once, but we should honor his wishes.” Tohka said.

  “He just told me to thank you for thinking of him and says his life has new meaning again. A burden like this is nothing to being alone. Last of a kind. He misses all of us dearly and will allow just the four of us to meet at the aviary before our meeting first thing in the morning.” Cage relayed the changed decision.

  “Tell him we’ll be there and ask if he needs anything.”

  The warlock shook his head a moment later. “He says not at the moment and asks you give the kids a hug from him.” The nurturer smiled adoringly.

  “And keep weapons close. Two of the cubs have gotten into the habit of pouncing on others from above.” Daku warned through their mind-link. “Mox is healing all the injuries, but if the cubs get riled, your protective magics will not protect them. Thankfully you’ve trained your females well.”

  “They both still want to c
ome and see how things are going. Tohka’s promising to sharpen her dagger, but hopes it won’t be needed. And don’t you forget to get some rest too. Tomorrow will be a big day for us.”

  “I promise. I’m working them extra hard so all the cubs are too tired to do anything other than sleep all night long.”

  “How are the meat levels? They still downing over a hundred pounds each a day?” Cage inquired mentally.

  “Their hunger is still great, but has begun settling. Half is required now and Rex Hessan on the other side of Ralia is using his colony to keep supplying us either Wyvern or Wyrm meat for as long as we require. The rather tough meat helps the cubs’ beaks stay sharp while strengthening their necks and jaw muscles.”

  “I’m going to kick back and get some rest too. Give a nudge if you need anything. I’m stretching myself thin again and can feel the strain. I can sense you are in the same predicament.”

  “I cannot deny that fact. This week has been hard, but thanks to you I have cubs playing before my eyes. The first hatching in four and a half thousand years. And now I have near four hundred. I can never thank you enough.”

  “You know what I want. Besides, I’ve got a few things to show you in the morning.”

  “Look forward to it.”

  With matters settled, Cage intentionally pulled his mind back and allowed most of it to relax. No longer did her constantly scan the island or work spells back home while talking to Daku mind to mind, grow food, add new spells to the island’s wards as they came to mind or make sure the aviary was safe all at the exact same time without sleeping at all this week since the hatching.

  Now to just enjoy the moment. He thought peacefully without transmitting. A great weight seemed to have been lifted. So much so he could again fully enjoy where he was.

  Two beyond beautiful women leaning against him as they flew gently over the peak of the lone mountain they called home. Down below, Hammit looked up to wave in their passing as he and his three middle age women stood ever vigilant in watching the ocean for outsiders. What broke up the boredom on the water that surrounded was watching no less than twenty vibrant dragon soldiers gliding upon the winds, sparkling beneath the sun like the highest quality gemstones cut so they shone however any light seemed to touch them. Each dragon soldier’s task was simple, guard the island where the last flock of griffins now live. A Viking style ship sailed from the livestock island and through narrowed eyes showed it to be the Spear, captained by Quitte and her family.

  A content smile plastered itself on the warlock’s face as his sharp gaze drifted to watch a pelican dive bomb and spear into the water to catch some fish. Trees now hung heavy with leaves rather than snow, though the springtime temperatures remained cool, but pleasant. Just enough to walk around naked during the day and drape something around one’s shoulders at night when outside. Aside from the cool breeze brushing against them, the scent of fresh air mixed with a light salty scent further made the experience uplifting. Butterflies were just starting to escape their protective wintery chrysalis and fill the air as they fluttered around from flower to flower. Judging from the humming Meeka and Tohka were doing, they enjoyed the slow flight just as much.

  He drug out the aerial travel as long as possible, but as all thing good, it always comes to an end. The gigantic oak stood as by far the largest and most defended home on the island, now towering over two hundred and fifty feet high, with two levels, ground and bedroom. The rooms led to a balcony over fifty feet from the ground, leaving the rest as naturally as an oak would of equal size. It no longer had a bulbous appearance. The remainder would one day in the far future be used either for more housing as he planned to have kids with the women he adored, or be his own miniature version of Twilight’s immense library. The canopy alone would have engulfed Megdline’s evergreen if not for its sheer size and height. It takes more than four minutes to even walk all the way around its base. Training equipment and debris from daily training of body and warlock fighting styles still lay on the bare southern side, shrouded beneath a support trunk that had to stretch into the woods and needed more arches to make a buttress. Two others still supported on the east and west sides as well. Beneath the eastern buttress grew all of Meeka’s precious healing herbs while the west flowed the river which rushed over the cliff to make a majestic waterfall that made the great paradise at the cliff’s foot.

  As they touched down at the foot, through the open door lounged Megdline bouncing Ananna on her knees and Frill at the dining table. Tohka bent down to pick one of the bright yellow flowers and lay it behind her right ear, something she found Cage liked to see her do several days ago and enjoyed his smile. They stepped in and Meeka lit up at the sight of her niece and tribal daughter to say “Good afternoon, Megdline. How is our girl today?”

  “Gassy.” The powerful sorceress cooed and kissed the strawberry blonde toddler, eliciting a shrill, girly giggle. “But very giggly too. We just came in a few minutes ago from the tribe. Brooke was too busy diving off the bridge to join the children swimming with turtles.”

  “Turtles? I didn’t know that.” Meeka said as she sat beside the yellow robed woman. “And hello there!” Ananna squealed as she saw her mother figure and arms shot out for her embrace. Meeka gladly accepted the fifteen month old child.

  “Came in to lay eggs last night at the beach. I was taking a stroll with Frill last night when we saw them.”

  “Quite a beautiful sight.” Frill yowled. “I love being surprised and it’s been years since we’ve seen something so pure.”

  Tohka shook her head. “It is still strange to understand you after so long.”

  Those elliptical golden eyes turned upon her. “If not for the dragons’ influence, your being a first class witch would still not be enough to understand another Familiar. Only high third class sorcerers and above could understand me. But I am glad you can understand me. No longer must my words be interpreted.”

  Tohka smiled and clasped her hands together. “I’m feeling great today and willing to cook anything. Tell me what you want.”

  Frill shouted “Pasta!”

  “Again?” The nurturer asked.

  “Yes, again.” His fluffy tail flicked on the smooth tabletop. “Your cooking is some of the best I’ve ever had. The way you make it makes me want more. It is too bad you say buffalo is better than venison or cow. I would enjoy tasting a dish where you’re true skills are put to the test.”

  “He’s right, Tohka.” Meeka added as she now bounced Ananna on a knee while those tiny hands had a sure grip. “Never in my life have I tasted food half as good a yours. And I spent time with our man who really knows how to cook. You surpass him.”

  “Oh?” Cage crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. “Trying to hurt my feelings?”

  “You’ve never tried her cooking.” The healer teased while shaking her long mane of golden curls like a curtain the way the baby liked, all without meeting his gaze. “She makes food more worthy than kings could hope for. She prepares food like no other I’ve had.”

  “A lot I simply make up.” Tohka admitted. “I like food and feeding my family, but I’m still learning how to blend all those spices. It is a lot of work and when you were in The Deep, it was the only way I could keep up morale. When Brooke and Meeka Sister started losing weight from not eating, I worked in the kitchen to make meals to keep their strength up. It was difficult for me, but they had a harder time… my cooking skills are all I can pride myself in…”

  “She’s not lying.” Megdline said as she stroked the large feline beside her. “In all my life I’ve known only three or four chefs as good as your wife.”

  “Mate.” Tohka corrected.

  “Ugh.” Megdline groaned. “Oh just realize it already, Child! You’ll never lay with another man now. You’re his wife in everyone’s eyes. You just had a different ceremony. Instead of making vows before your friends and family you fought and went straight to bed. You married Cage and therefore also married Brooke and Meeka too
. Not everyone likes being corrected. It’s just a word, wife.”

  “No, it’s subservient.” Cage challenged. “We are all equals…”

  “No, you belong to them.” His teacher pointed to the two buxom women. “You are their possession to do with as they please. This is beyond the definition of mate. You are spirit mated. And just as they are your wives, you are their husband. They belong to you. If not for Brooke and Meeka’s wishes, you would not have bedded Tohka or considered it long enough to be considered a passing thought.” Her stormy grey eyes were simply stating the truth as she saw it and didn’t hold a shred of malice. “You are a possession, Jackass.” Her new nickname since he graduated from Dimwit after locating the lost hatchery in Frozen Forest, last structure safely holding the last griffin eggs and bringing them back from extinction. “They own you and you them. Some villages frown of polygamy, but those of us with a longer life have seen and recognized that it isn’t realistic for everyone. Such an ideal world isn’t real. Women especially have a craving for just one man, but like the feel of another woman. Not all are as so evolved as tribal peoples. Most young girls are taught to share while boys instinctively compete. Don’t get me wrong, girls compete, but to find the best to have strong children. Some do it so strongly they forget we are the fair sex and must be together to make sure our children have the best possible upbringing. Having more than two parents satisfies this need. Tohka, you are timid compared to your other wives, but can keep this house clean and cook and satisfy compassion. Meeka, you sing, emphasize feminine allure and teach how to survive by healing and seeing to it your family is healthy at all times. Brooke is a bit temperamental, embodying a woman’s wrath and that of a dancer’s grace, teaching lessons. And as only a man can do, you Cage, show how to do and embody overwhelming confidence, but not to a fault. You show limits or shatter them to do something profound. You show and lead by example how to fulfill life and how to survive.

  “Even I prefer women closer to me than other men, except my husband. I can admire a fine pair of breasts, but after I found Zikon, it all changed. I could not at first really see having another woman to cuddle with, let alone a man. Women are more sociable creatures and rather than deny that fact, Utala especially embrace it.” She offered them all a conspiratorial look. “That doesn’t mean that from time to time I don’t surprise my husband with a treat when I find an especially fetching woman. He though doesn’t bring any, letting me do as I like because of my personality. Cage, just like how these are your wives you’d kill to keep out of danger, my husband is just as devoted. I own Zikon and he would do anything for me. And a his wife I’m his, completely. You have to get it in your heads that you are all married. You will most certainly kill, and have, just to stay together. That kind of devotion is beyond the term and definition of Mate.”