“You will cooperate, to a degree. You will sit here with me each night and listen as I try to convince you of what it is he wants you to do. I am very persuasive, but with you aware, I will find it more difficult to sway you,” the demon explained, smiling. “You will not tell anyone what is happening, either. Including your daughter. But I will not tell Ulvian of your resistance, and I will slow my attempts to sway your daughter. I cannot stop, as I told you, but I will weaken them as much as I reasonably can.”
“That isn’t much of an offer,” Diane replied after a moment, suppressing a frown. “You get what you need, and I don’t get much at all.”
“You don’t get branded and instantly turned into his slave. If you play along, you can even lull the Archon into a false sense of security,” Wenris countered. “Which might give you a chance of escape. It’s your choice, though. I can simply go back to him and tell him, if you’d prefer.”
“No! No… I…” Diane gritted her teeth, and then sighed. “Fine. I accept your bargain.”
“Good!” Wenris smiled broadly, and Diane internally fumed. As the succubus prepared to speak, Diane looked at the tea, also her favorite, and decided to pour herself a cup. Taking a sip, she found the tea relaxed some of her nerves, making the situation ever so slightly more tolerable. If only she was actually back home, having tea with Torkal.
Wenris hid a smile as Diane sipped the tea. The woman thought she was in her own dreams, but she was quite wrong. This entire mental landscape was inside Wenris’ mind and power, with the shapes given form by her visitors. Jaine didn’t have Diane’s resistance, so the young woman was playing along in her dreams in a different part of Wenris’ mind. The method was normally used to train Enforcers and indoctrinate them to Kelvanis, but it was quite sufficient for the two elves, or should have been.
It would be, in fact. Diane was drinking the tea, which was made up of Wenris’ power. That meant that the elf was allowing threads of Wenris’ power through her mental barriers. Given enough time, that would allow the succubus to break right through the barrier if she so wished.
But in the meantime, Wenris wondered how far she could get without taking advantage of that little secret, and she smiled broadly as she asked, “So, how exactly is slavery different than the serfs that you have in Yisara, Diane?”
Chapter 35
Calath smiled as Sir Reva Lucien fell to a knee and saluted, speaking respectfully. “Your Majesty. You desired my presence?”
“You may rise, Sir Lucien,” the queen replied, smiling at him. As Reva stood and stood as if at attention, she studied the handsome young dusk elf, and wistfully wished that Phynis had fallen for him. Handsome, loyal, and skilled, Reva was very near the perfect young man, better than her own husband had been.
Ignoring the familiar stab of pain the memory of her husband brought, Calath considered Reva for a long moment, then asked, “Sir Lucien, how did you and Phynis get along when you met?”
The young man blinked in surprise, but responded after a moment’s thought. “We seemed to get along fairly well, Your Majesty. She had heard of my trip to Morak and seemed interested. I would have asked for another dance, but her card was full at that point.”
“Mm… I see. I have a task for you, Sir Lucien. I do not require you to carry it out, as it is dangerous,” Calath warned the young man, her hopes sinking ever so slightly. Still, even if Phynis hadn’t been on as good of terms with him as she’d hoped, he had a better chance than any of the others she’d considered.
“What might this task be, Your Majesty?” Reva asked, his brow furrowing slightly for a moment.
“Word may have reached you about Kelvanis managing to coerce Yisara into a peace treaty. This will not allow them to fully abandon their border with Yisara, but it will ease the pressure and allow them to shift more of their army to face Sifaren come spring. Such an event could be utterly disastrous for us,” Calath told him frankly, scowling as she continued. “With such threats facing us, we can ill afford the loss of information that the dungeon possesses. Phynis has remained with Sistina in the dungeon, and I need to send someone to her. I wish to send you in the early spring with as powerful of a force as I can muster to the dungeon. There you would attempt to contact Phynis and Sistina and try to make amends. We need to gain what information we can from the dungeon’s library, and preferably to convince Phynis to evacuate. The task would be dangerous, which is why I am not requiring you to carry it out.”
“That is a difficult task, Your Majesty. How early in the spring are you suggesting? I must assume that Kelvanis will have heavily reinforced the border by that point,” Reva asked, the young man growing more concerned.
“It would be somewhat left up to you, but I was seriously considering before the snows have truly melted. I would suggest doing so this fall, but I cannot gather the necessary forces in such a short timeframe,” the queen told him, pleased that Reva hadn’t jumped on the opportunity without thinking or rejected it outright.
“I am willing to at least try, Your Majesty. I cannot guarantee anything until I’ve had a chance to look at reports and how the troops are arranged, but I’d be honored to be of service,” Reva finally decided, giving a deep bow as he spoke.
Smiling, Calath nodded in return. “Excellent! I look forward to your performance, Sir Lucien. Captain Laila will give you the details that we have thus far.”
Taking the dismissal, Reva saluted again, bowing his head, and excused himself.
Chapter 36
Getting together with the various Jewels was an interesting experience for Phynis. At first, she’d thought that they would all be similar in personality, but the truth had quickly rendered her somewhat ashamed. Just because they’d all been changed to look about the same didn’t mean that they were the same inside. But even so, each day of dating them was quite illuminating. Besides, she’d decided to give them an honest chance, and she was going to do so.
"So why did you join Medaea's church?" Phynis asked curiously, nibbling on her strawberry a little more.
"Hmm… that's a complicated question," Amethyst replied, examining one of the green-skinned grapes critically before popping it into her mouth. Chewing, she smiled and shrugged, looking down for a moment before she answered, her voice soft. “Though as I think about it, it might be simpler than I thought.”
“How do you mean?” Phynis prompted the dawn elf gently. She’d found that while Amethyst might be determined as a mule when she set her mind to something, the priestess was also on the shy side. She needed someone to prod her from time to time.
“Well, I was a city girl. Born to a family of dressmakers and tailors, but I didn’t have a knack for the family business. While I wasn’t being pressured to marry into another family, there was a sense of disappointment in me,” Amethyst explained, her voice soft as she gave Phynis a gentle smile. “I suppose that at first the temple of Medaea was simply a refuge for me. But as I prayed and listened to Her priestesses, my feelings started changing. The sun has always been dearer to dawn elves, and she was the pure, beautiful dawn, an unwavering light for me. So, in the end I decided that was where I wanted to be. I joined the faith and visited my family on occasion, at least until I was sent to the temple. It made my life feel more meaningful.”
“I see. I don’t think I ever felt something quite like that, though the pressure for a marriage is something I can relate to,” Phynis murmured, shrugging. Focusing on the other woman again, she hesitated before asking, “So if that’s the case, why is it that you were so willing to accept what happened to you, and Sistina by extension?”
“Everyone else is overthinking our situation. Even Diamond,” the priestess murmured, shaking her head. “I prayed to Medaea for guidance. She didn’t dissuade me from choosing to continue with my attraction to Sistina, nor has my connection to her fully severed. Therefore, she must be willing to allow it to progress.”
“I… I suppose that’s a fair point,” Phynis replied, slightly taken aback by Amethy
st’s statement. “But what about me?”
“You’re Sistina’s most precious person,” Amethyst replied simply, as if that explained everything.
“Which means what?” Phynis asked, her eyebrows knitting slightly.
Smiling, the priestess leaned forward and kissed Phynis on the cheek before she could react. Falling back, Amethyst grinned as she told Phynis confidently, “It means that you’re just as important as she is to me.”
That made Phynis blush, unnerved by the priestess’ confidence.
Sapphire was much different than Amethyst. Where Phynis could tell that Amethyst had been a member of the merchant class, Sapphire’s manners and poise betrayed a life raised as a noble. The priestess had prepared a proper tea, complete with small sandwiches and pastries. Where she’d gotten them was a mystery, but even stranger was the small gazebo that had appeared next to the pond, allowing them to eat in pleasant surroundings.
“I’m not going to mention who my family was. They struck me from the house rolls the better part of a century ago,” Sapphire spoke in a soft voice, pouring another cup of tea for each of them. “I never had any feelings for those they wished me to marry, and my interests were considered embarrassing. I loved painting and pottery, which were not considered the proper interests for a young lady of our house. It took some time for me to come to terms with what I had to do, and I joined Medaea’s faith for refuge. To say my family was displeased is putting it mildly.”
“That’s not fair to you! Why would they do something like that?” Phynis asked, mouth slightly agape with shock. She knew some other nations had situations like that crop up, but she’d never heard of it happening in Yisara before.
“My family was quite traditional as a whole, and my parents were strict,” Sapphire replied calmly, smiling as she added, “Besides, in leaving them I found a new family. The priestesses were rarely judgmental about my interests, and I learned much. In the years since, I’ve learned the art of sculpture, and I carved a number of statues for the faith. It has been a glorious part of my life, even if it closed on a much less pleasant note. Now I’ve been presented with a new canvas, and I’m curious to see what can be made of it.”
“How do you mean? I would’ve thought you would be less accepting of what happened,” Phynis asked, sipping her tea, then adding, “If nothing else, I would think that Sistina’s nature would make you hesitant.”
“Ah, but that’s the difference. Look around, tell me what you see?” Sapphire asked, smiling, and enthusiasm filling her voice as she gestured around them.
Phynis blinked, then looked as she’d been asked. The scene was calm and tranquil, and she answered after a moment. “A gently flowing pond and spring, curving around the hill on which Sistina’s tree rests. A forest filled with flowers and life. It’s beautiful and tranquil.”
“Yes. Yes, it is. But why is it calming?” Sapphire asked, smiling broadly as she looked up at the crystals providing light, not waiting for an answer. “It’s calming because that’s what Sistina made it to be. The gazebo is perfectly placed to see her tree and the sunlight refracting from the mountain peak above us, while hiding the tomb behind her due to artfully placed trees. Every path and garden is carefully arranged to allow the illusion of privacy even when others are nearby, while still allowing mana to flow easily through the cavern. Sistina is an artist and perfectionist. She created a painting just because she could, but in life rather than on canvas. Why would I not find that beautiful, and worthy of notice?”
Phynis took a moment to drink in the sight, to truly understand what Sapphire was saying. And as she did, she slowly nodded and smiled. “I think I see what you mean. It is beautiful, isn’t it? I never saw it before… thank you, Sapphire.”
“You are most welcome.” Sapphire smiled gently in return, looking happy as she offered a hand. “Sometimes you just need someone with a different perspective to shine light where it’s needed.”
Phynis blushed slightly and took her hand, answering softly. “I suppose so.”
“So, you were the one trying to keep everything organized in the temple? Isn’t that a hard job?” Phynis asked curiously.
“It was, but well worth it. Diamond was the one who was our spiritual leader, and as much as I love her, she isn’t much good at keeping track of paperwork.” Ruby laughed softly as she spoke. “Someone has to keep track of the supplies and make sure we had enough food for winter, enough blankets, clothing, and everything else the temple required. And while you might not think it would happen, there are personality clashes among even priestesses of the same faith when you get that many of us together for such long periods. It often took some effort to sort that out.”
“I see. Does that make what happened to you difficult? Since you were in charge for so long, but now you aren’t?” Phynis murmured, meandering along the path around the gardens that were producing most of their food. A dozen priestesses were helping Lily, and Phynis smiled to see how cheerful they were. “And they seem to be doing well now.”
“Mm… it was certainly difficult at first. What that bastard did to us was horrible, but it did do a little to ease the transition. We were dealing with it for long enough that I got over most of my frustrations, too,” Ruby explained, shrugging as she looked at the field, adding, “As for them, having a common enemy has done wonders for their cooperation. Who knows how long it’ll last, though.”
“Oh? Is there anyone in particular I should worry about?” Phynis inquired, pausing to look at the tomato plants. The ripe tomatoes were tempting, but she’d rather not ruin her dinner.
“Not in specific. Though you’re going out with Opal tomorrow, if I remember right?” Ruby mused. At Phynis’ nod, she smiled and replied, a touch hesitantly. “Opal could be interesting for you. She was the daughter of a courtesan, and joined the church to avoid her mother’s profession. She’s avoided talking to us about things, but I think you might like the warning.”
“Oh! Thank you, Ruby. I’ll try to keep that in mind.” Phynis blushed slightly, then shook her head. “So, what do you do for fun?”
“Honestly? Sleep. It’s a luxury I didn’t have before,” Ruby replied with a grin, prompting Phynis to laugh in amusement.
The silence was growing awkward. Phynis had expected Opal to open the conversation, only to find the other woman was looking rather nervous herself. They’d meandered around the pond once before returning to the gazebo, and now Phynis was debating what to do.
Finally she spoke, though, admitting her own issue up front. “Ruby told me your mother was a courtesan. I think it made me somewhat nervous to talk to you.”
Opal almost jumped, blinking before she relaxed slightly, her voice betraying relief. “She did? Oh. That explains why you’ve looked nervous.”
“I looked nervous?” Phynis asked, surprised. She didn’t think she normally betrayed her anxiety.
“Yeah. Just a little bit. Enough that I was having trouble thinking of what to say,” Opal replied softly, shrugging. “I didn’t realize it was me that was causing it. No, I did realize, I just didn’t think it was that part.”
“Sorry. I didn’t realize I was making you nervous,” Phynis confessed, shaking her head. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
“I’m not sure. I find myself really having a hard time talking to you,” Opal admitted, looking away.
“Why?” Phynis asked curiously, some of her trepidation dying down.
“Because this isn’t fair to you. You and Sistina have a relationship. A real relationship. I feel a bit like those men that would pine away at my mother, or get jealous that she had other lovers,” Opal explained softly. “I joined the faith to get away from it. For solace and to overcome my own desires. But now… I have cravings. Jared made me—no, no… he didn’t make me enjoy it. I enjoyed it without them. I should be honest. He focused them on himself, but it’s something I fought for most of my life. Now I ache for Sistina. I dream about her. And it isn’t fair to you.”
Phyn
is was at loss for words. Of all the things she’d expected, Opal’s words were nearly the last. The worry seemed real to her, real enough that some of Phynis’ reluctance began to melt away. How must it be like, feeling something like that, and believing it was wrong?
It took a minute of thinking while staring at the pond, with Opal fidgeting next to her, but Phynis finally managed to come to a decision. Turning to face the priestess, Phynis spoke gently. “Opal, look at me.”
The other woman turned slowly, almost reluctantly, her gaze rising almost hesitantly to meet Phynis’, and she stuttered. “Y-yes?”
“Having feelings for someone isn’t wrong. The only thing that’s wrong about it is if you force them on someone. So in some ways, Amethyst is more at fault than you,” Phynis told her gently. “I don’t blame you, Opal. And that you’re willing to admit what you just did means a lot to me. So if you would, answer a question for me. What are you willing to do?”
“I… umm, thank you for not being upset.” Opal swallowed, her gaze frequently wanting to shift away, and she took a deep breath, then answered, her voice even quieter. “If… if you asked me to, I would ask Sistina to, um, fix what was done. I don’t want to hurt you or her.”
“I’m glad you won’t have to, Opal,” Phynis told her gently, reaching out to stroke Opal’s cheek gently. “Thank you for your honesty. It’s greatly appreciated.”
For a long moment, Opal didn’t say anything. Then she burst into tears and hugged Phynis, burying her face into the startled woman’s shoulder as she broke down.
Spells of Old (Ancient Dreams Book 2) Page 25