Lips pursed, Alburet considered the information. The door opened and Renful brought in the tea cart. Alburet waited while tea was served in almost paper thin porcelain. He nearly chuckled out loud to see Renful’s obvious discomfort as he served Stacia. Once the tea was served Renful left them to their discussion.
“I’m not sure how to take this, Vladimir. As I do value your opinions, what would you council me to do?”
Vladimir chuckled, “Ah, flattery. Even I am not immune to its charms. If you do not show after being informed it would have negative effects on your standing in the city. If you go and can help even a little with Ioaniss's questions, I am sure that you will be compensated accordingly.”
Sipping his tea, Alburet nodded, “I see. Hmm, how long would one have to do this without appearing either overly eager or tardy?”
Vladimir laughed softly, “Ah, you want to play the game then. I would think two to six days would be an appropriate time frame. The longer it takes though, the more perturbed Ioaniss is likely to become.”
Alburet considered the suggestion. “It will take me at a few days to get Stacia an outfit that will not be sneered at, much like Renful is doing. So, I would be inclined towards the later side of that time frame.”
“I could send a letter with you to the tailor you have used in the past. She would be able to rush a gown at my expense for your soon to be wife. It would take her probably two days.”
A single brow rose on Alburet's face, “I see. So me showing up will net you something as well?”
A single nod was his answer, “Of course it will. If you can give Ioaniss more information it will make my gift that much more prominent, increasing my status with the King. Would you like my assistance?”
Alburet glanced at Stacia, who appeared out of her depth but was doing her best to sip her tea calmly. “Yes, Vladimir. I will gladly accept your assistance. If Margret can get a gown ready in time, I will go tomorrow night. Otherwise it will be four days, as I am to wed in three.”
Vladimir used his bell pull, waiting as Renful entered the room. “Renful, get a message to the tailor Margret Wilson at Silken Needles. She is to get a gown fit for court ready by tomorrow night on my account. The lady will be there for the fitting inside the hour.”
Renful bowed deeply, “It will be done as you command.”
Vladimir turned back to Alburet, “If I might ask, have you looked at your map of late?”
Willing his map to his hand, Alburet opened it, “Not much actually. Why?”
“Make the map as small as you can, for this continent,” Vladimir said, watching him intently.
Alburet willed the map to zoom out to show the continent. He looked over the map in surprise, wondering how it had gotten as full as it had. “What? Why is my map so full of stuff?” He zoomed in slightly to get better definition.
Vladimir stood, coming around the desk to glance at the map. “Hmm, it seems you have gotten map information from another person. The reason Traveler's Maps are so sought after is that they can copy other’s maps, and they can share as little or as much as their owner wishes when giving another person information.”
Alburet tried to think of who he had gotten map information from, then recalled Grimgar touching maps. “The person who did this also had a Traveler's Map, so why do I have all of his info?”
“He must have been okay with you having it,” Vladimir said his, eyes roving the map looking for something.
Alburet caused the map to vanish, “Well, that is good to know. Thank you, Vladimir.”
Vladimir stood back, his lips pursed slightly as he went back around his desk. “I wonder if you and I might trade map data?”
Chuckling, Alburet shook his head, “I think you want something from me and are trying hard not to give the game away. Does a Traveler's Map show everywhere you’ve been even from before you had the map?”
Sighing, Vladimir nodded, “I see you are quick on the uptake. Yes, I was hoping to find the location of where you found the items you did.”
“I’ll make a deal with you then, Vladimir,” Alburet said as he stood, taking Stacia's hand. “Once I’ve finished speaking with Ioaniss, and if he doesn't object I will trade map information with you. It will cost you a favor to be called in at a later date, though.”
Eyes narrowed, Vladimir searched Alburet's face before he nodded, “You are learning fast, Alburet. I agree to your terms.”
Quest: After Speaking with Ioaniss Jones, the Royal Archivist, trade map data with Vladimir Dracon.
Rewards: A favor from Vladimir Dracon at a later date of your choosing.
Alburet gave a small half bow as Stacia curtsied, “It has been a pleasure to speak with you again, sir. I do hope we can continue our relationship in the same pleasant vein we currently have.”
Vladimir pulled the bell pull again with a nod of his head, “I as well, Alburet. I will arrange a carriage at the inn tomorrow night to take you to the castle.”
Nodding, Alburet turned as Renful opened the door, “We shall be taking our leave then, Sir Dracon.” Alburet led Stacia out of the room, escorted by Renful.
“Do please come again, sir. Perhaps next time with the lady in more suitable attire,” Renful said, his tone neutral.
Alburet shook his head as his eyes became frosty, “We will do what we can, Renful. Have a good day. I suggest you do not insult the lady again in my presence.”
The carriage Renful had waiting for them took them to Silken Needles. Upon reaching the shop Alburet tossed the driver a silver before helping Stacia out of the carriage. They were greeted by Margret as they entered the shop.
“Welcome to my shop again, Miss Crowley. I have been informed what needs to be done and we don't have a lot of time. If you will come this way, please.” Margret hurriedly led Stacia into the back.
Alburet chuckled, waving her goodbye as he took a seat in the shop. Mrs. Wilson's son came out with a mug of tea for him. “Cor mister, you look much better than last time.”
Chuckling, Alburet took the tea, “Thank you. Have you been helping your mother?”
“Naw, I have all thumbs she says. I want to be a guard when I get older, they get uniforms and paid. Is it true, you a two-souled?”
“Yes, I am indeed.”
“I hear you never have to worry about the final death. Is that true?” The kid watched him with big eyes as he asked the question.
Sipping his tea, Alburet nodded. “Yes, but we also are sometimes taken from this world when the portal between them closes. I think I would risk a final death to not have to worry about that.”
The kid shook his head, “I was right the first time. You’re a loony.” The kid darted into the back of the shop again.
Softly chuckling, Alburet sipped his tea, glad to see kids were roughly the same everywhere. He waited for close to an hour before Stacia reappeared with a package in her hands. Alburet stood, taking her arm, “All done?”
“Aye, master. I even have the first set of clothes that we ordered yesterday.” Stacia took his offered arm as well as letting him take the package from her. “Are we goin' back to the inn first, master?”
“That was the plan. We can wait to see if Fluff messages us. I can also change out of these clothes, into my other set. While we wait, we can always find something entertaining to do I’m sure.”
Stacia gave him a mischievous grin, “Aye.”
When they got back to the inn, Alistern was behind the bar. The room was otherwise empty, except for Stewart who was at the bar as well. Alburet handed Stacia her package and patted her ass to send her on her way to the room. He gave polite nods to Stewart and Alistern as he approached the bar.
“That outfit is a bit highbrow, isn't it?” Stewart asked.
“Yeah, but I needed it today. I had to see Vladimir at the royal auction house. His helper Renful really looks down on anyone not suitably dressed.”
Alistern leaned on the bar with an interested expression, “What did Vladimir want with ya?”<
br />
“He was tasked by the Royal Archivist to arrange a meeting with me. I agreed and should be off to the castle tomorrow night with Stacia on my arm for the meeting.”
Both men seemed shocked. Stewart finally found his words again, “Why would Sir Ioaniss Jones wish to speak with you?”
Chuckling, Alburet winked, “I got the boots I am wearing from Vladimir. They were a trade for a book about the Forgotten Prison. An authentic first edition book.”
Both men again fell silent as they looked at him with wide eyes. “I take it he gave it off to the King, then?” Alistern asked.
“Yup, then Ioaniss got it and wants a meeting with me since I found the book. So, that is what’s going on with the fancy clothes. Anyway, I need to go change. I’ll be heading out to hunt in a bit. Have a good day, gentlemen.” Alburet grinned as he left them at the bar staring after him. He heard a muted conversation spring up behind him as he went up the stairs.
Stacia had her new outfit on, and was just getting her leathers laced up over the new clothes. He kissed her cheek as he quickly changed outfits as well before getting armored and armed.
“It strikes me that we still need to sell off loot from yesterday,” Alburet said, pulling Stacia into a hug. “We should go do that.”
Stacia relaxed into the hug, content to be held, “As master wishes.”
He held the embrace for a few minutes before releasing her. “Alright, let's get going or I might not make it out of the room.”
Stacia looked at him with heated eyes as she cocked her hip slightly. “Tha' is also something I would be up for, master.”
Alburet wavered for a second, considering, before shaking his head. “Not right now, Kitten. We’ll save the carnal delights for later. He slapped her ass hard and headed for the door. “If you’re really good today, I might even give you the hard spankings you love so much.”
Stacia hurried out the door, turning to salute him, “Kitten, reporting for hunting, master.”
Alburet laughed, taking her arm while a broad smile stole over his lips. “Funny Kitten. Yet another reason to love you. I see my humor is rubbing off on you.”
She squeezed his arm with a giggle, “Aye, master and like everythin' else about ya I want more.”
Together they entered the tap room, nodding to Stewart and Alistern. Stacia glanced back with a slightly puzzled look at her father, who was speaking softly to Stewart. As they exited the inn she spoke up, “Master, I think they were talkin' about ya.”
“Yes. I told them about our conversation with Vladimir and the upcoming meeting with Ioaniss. I don’t doubt they’re in a buzz. They very well might be reconsidering how they look at me.” He gave her arm a squeeze, “You still want this right, Kitten? Getting married I mean?”
Stacia smiled brilliantly at him, “Aye. It be the only thing I have been thinkin' about since ya asked me to.”
Alburet leaned over to give her a kiss as they walked towards the shops to sell their loot. “Well then, that makes both of us, my precious Kitten.”
Chapter Seven
They were just leaving Grimgar's shop, having finally finished selling off the last of the loot from the night before when Alburet noticed a small flashing icon off to his left. It was the guild emblem blinking gently. Willing it open he found the message that caused it to start blinking.
Fluffball:
I’m on now. Going to sell things off then head over to the portal guild to see about farming some orcs if anyone is up for it.
As he was about to reply another message appeared.
Stacia:
Master and I will be waiting for you at the portal guild.
Shaking his head, he took Stacia's arm and set off towards the portal guild. “My, you certainly are fast at replying, Kitten.”
“I was hoping she would use the Guildstone, master. I was waiting to reply,” Stacia commented as she put her stone away when there were no further messages. “Now we can be there and waiting for her.”
Half an hour later Fluffball came jogging up to the portal guild building to see the duo waiting outside for her. “Hey, Fluff. Did you have a good night?”
A broad smile lit her face as Fluffball came to a stop before them. “It was a good night, but this morning was even better. I got an email from Mindblown. I’ve been selected for the month-long immersion testing! It starts in two weeks. The best part is the test site is in my home town.”
“Nice,” Alburet replied. “You don't even have to worry about getting there. Shall we go out for some orc hunting? Karen will be on at some point and I’m sure she’ll join us.”
Fluff paused as he turned for the door, “Umm... I was curious... do you know... is Karen... interested in women?” Her bright red blush went all the way down her neck., and she groomed her ear.
Blinking, Alburet's head cocked slightly to one side as he gazed at Fluff. “Well, she did have fun with me and Stacia before. So I’m going to say probably yes. Any reason why?”
Fluff wouldn't met his eyes, as she continued to groom her ear, “Just curious. Umm, Stacia, could you ask your mother if she would be free to speak with me tonight after dinner?”
Stacia nodded, “Of course, Fluff.” She pulled out her Mindstone and sent a message. Putting it away a moment later she looked at Fluff, “All done. She agrees to meet ya at the inn any time after dinner tonight.”
Beaming, Fluff gave Stacia a quick hug, “Thank you.”
Alburet coughed gently, “Shall we?”
The trio entered the guild hall to take a portal to the Orc Grasslands. Alburet waved at Kim as they went by the desk. It was busy, but not nearly as bad as the day before. Kim waved back at them as they passed.
Once they got to the grasslands Alburet summoned his minions and made a copy of Stacia. “Okay gang, same as yesterday. You all ready to kill the orcs?”
Bob shrugged, “Sure, but I thought we were going gnoll hunting today.”
“Maybe with Karen, but she isn't here yet,” Alburet replied.
“I am ready to kill your enemies, master,” Tiny rumbled.
“We are ready to serve ya as ya see fit, master,” Stacias one and two purred in unison from either side of him.
Alburet swatted both on the rump, “Down, Kitten. We are hunting mobs, not trying to seduce me while Fluff is present.”
Pouting Stacia nodded, “As master wishes.”
Fluff watched the byplay with pink tinged cheeks, “Is she always that forward?”
“No,” Alburet replied as they began to move into the grasslands watching Fluff nod. “Sometimes she is much less restrained. I mean, this time she didn't grope me or try to strip me.”
“Can we?” Stacia piped up her eyes sparkling.
“Down, Kitten,” Alburet laughed. “Besides, she does it in play. She wouldn't do anything to make you really uncomfortable, as she considers you a friend.”
Stacia winked at Fluff when Fluff looked in her direction. “Unless ya want me to do things to ya, Fluff.”
Fluff went crimson and turned away grooming both ears at the same time for a few moments.
Alburet rolled his eyes but before he could say anything Tiny interrupted him, “First patrol coming this way.”
Alburet buffed Tiny with Demonic Vitality, Demonic Retribution and Demonic Haze before buffing himself with Demon Skin. “Go for it, Tiny,” Alburet said once he had all the buffs applied.
The next three hours went by easily, with Stacia dazing both orcs in each patrol leaving them only the Warg to worry about for initial combat. Things were a touch slower without Karen, but no issues came up.
Right near one in the afternoon the guild icon started flashing. Alburet and Fluff each tapped the icon to check the message. Stacia pouted, “Mine won't work while I am in this form, boo.”
Alburet gave her a quick hug, “Yeah, thought that might happen considering the group issue we found earlier. You can always shift for a moment to check then shift back before combat.”
Noddi
ng enthusiastically, she did just that. Alburet turned his attention to the message, missing the fact that one Stacia was now human while the other was in demon form.
Karen:
Where you all at? I want to kill things too.
Fluffball:
Killing orcs again, come on out.
Stacia:
We would love to have you.
Karen:
I bet you would. I’ll be there as fast as I can.
A little bit more than half an hour later, during the down time between pulls, Alburet was surprised when Karen suddenly wrapped her legs around his waist and planted her lips firmly on his. She became visible abruptly, he had started to react violently, but managed to check his reaction. He wrapped his arms around her and returned the kiss. After a minute, she unwrapped her legs and dropped to the ground, breaking the kiss.
Forming the Company (Alpha World Book 2) Page 8