by Eden Redd
The morning light caressed the lands as a lone horse with two riders trotted along a lonely road. Edric held the reins as Sekka sat behind him, leaning her body against his, one arm around his waist and her other hand on his crotch. The gentle but firm touch of the succubus kept him hard for hours. Sekka’s eyes were half closed, snuggling to him and her wings folded to her back. In the distance, the faint outline of Elora stood against the morning sky.
“You don’t have to hold onto me,” Edric smiled.
“I need to hold onto something,” the succubus said with a sleepy tone. “Besides, you said take a firm hold of you and I did.”
“It’s pointless to argue the point,” the summoner chuckled.
“It is,” Sekka yawned.
Edric kept his gaze on the kingdom to the horizon. Mind drifting, even the touch of the horny succubus was not enough to chase away the doubt in his heart. The closer they were to Elora, the more Edric felt the pang of regret for taking on such a monumental task of ruling a kingdom. The willingness was there but the actual experience was something else. Playing games made everything easier, less complicated. Now he was ruling in one that had become much more than he had anticipated, and it weighed on him. The creators made it so simple to start a kingdom but to rule one where awakened lives were at stake was much more complicated than he could have ever imagined.
Sekka lifted her head, resting her chin on Edric’s shoulder and sighed. “I can feel your doubt and concerns.”
Edric turned his head slightly, one eye on the demon. “You can?”
Sekka nodded. “My kind have unlimited empathic abilities. It’s what makes us such proven lovers. Your heart beats with tension and your mind is a storm of conflicting thoughts and emotions. You’re worried for your people and lovers.”
Edric reluctantly nodded. “You could feel all of that? I’m not sure if I should be impressed or put off.”
“I have felt what you are feeling before. My mistress has the same concerns and I helped alleviate some of her stress. We have some time before we reach your home. I could help take some of the burden off your spirit,” Sekka smiled as she gave his hard cock a squeeze.
Edric tilted his head forward with a smile, “I bet you could, but no thank you, for now.”
Sekka kept her smile. “You’re thinking of your lovers. You miss them.”
“I do.”
“I know Claudia has a deep love for you. I felt it when I was in your chambers, bestowing Lyndra’s gifts.”
Edric kept his gaze forward, wanting to change the subject. “I hope you staying in Elora will be okay? I know Lyndra wasn’t exactly happy with the arrangement.”
Sekka snuggled to the summoner’s back once again, “It is necessary for our alliance. I understand what is needed and I’m happy to assist.”
Edric let one hand go from the reins and placed it over Sekka’s hand on his stomach. “I want you to know that we will do everything we can to ensure Elora and your mistress’s dungeon remains safe.”
Sekka held him tighter, “I know, Lord Temple. I have seen your heart since that fateful night I snuck into your room. I will follow your example just as I’m sure the kingdom will.”
“Please, call me Edric.”
Sekka closed her eyes and grinned. “I will, Lord Edric.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Yes, it was. I felt it in your heart…and your cock.”
The summoner couldn’t resist as he laughed out loud. Sekka gave him a gentle squeeze as they rode on to the kingdom in the distance.
***
The western gate was open as Edric and Sekka rode in. Guards, citizens and the ladies of Elora welcomed the lord with smiles. Eyes shifted to the succubus behind him and Edric waved it away, knowing he would inform them later of everything that happened.
When Edric dismounted, it was Claudia who stepped closer. A shyness took hold as red touched her cheeks. Edric raised an eyebrow before she flung out her arms and wrapped them around his neck. Lips pressed to his, approved murmurs filled the gathered crowd. Faye smiled as Rayna rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. When their lips parted, it was Edric staring into Claudia’s silver-gray eyes with a questioning brow.
“I didn’t expect…” The summoner began.
“I didn’t think I could…” Claudia said in a low voice.
“We missed you too,” Rayna said with an annoyed edge.
Edric smiled as the lancer slid her arms away and stood at his side. “I missed everyone. Let’s get back to the keep. We have a lot to talk about.”
The trip back to Gray Haven Keep was quick. When the four reached the council chamber, Edric informed them of everything that had transpired. He kept out the more detailed parts of the negotiations but it was Rayna who called him out on it.
“You’re a slut,” the bard laughed.
Edric ignored the jab, “Lyndra is going to have a tunnel connect to our tunnels under the city. We can’t tell the populace until the enemy arrives so there is no chance it will be leaked. When the enemy comes, we must quietly move citizens to the city tunnels and to the connecting tunnel to Lyndra’s dungeon. She will keep them safe until it’s all over.”
“What happens if we don’t win,” Claudia asked.
“Lyndra will make sure our citizens stay hidden and safely let them out should Elora fall.”
The summoner could see the look of doubt in his fellow rulers. “It’s not a perfect plan but it will help protect the people if they penetrate the walls. I wish we were all present to finalize the details, but I had to decide on all our behalves before leaving. I hope we are all ok with this, as best as we can be.”
The three ladies eyed the summoner, small smiles forming.
“We knew you would slut your way into an agreement,” Rayna laughed.
“We had an idea she would push something. We trust your decision,” Claudia said next.
Faye gave a quick head nod before moving to the next topic.
“The farms have been cleared out and the people outside of the walls have been brought in. Dumadin informed me the mine entrances have been collapsed,” Faye said.
“The scorpion crossbows and catapults are all ready and able along the city walls,” Claudia chimed in. “My lancers are ready.”
“I have scouts a few miles from Elora,” Rayna said as her eyes took on a darker hue, “But there are reports that a massive troll army has already left the Middle Kingdoms and are on their way here. To tell you the truth, newcomers into the city have talked about large forces forming in distant locations. I can’t verify the information but it’s a safe bet the trolls are putting their plans into action.”
Edric nodded. “Elora?”
Elora faded into view in her white robe. Bowing to the lord and ladies, she smiled, waiting for instructions.
Edric gave the image a loving gaze before issuing commands, “What’s the city’s status report?”
Elora
Population: 18,111/30,000
Farms (8): 0% capacity
Runic Stone Mines (5): 0% capacity
Vineyards (8): 0% capacity
Guards: 2,100
Lancers: 100
Conflict Level: 2%
“With the closing of the farms, vineyards and mines, all activity has been halted until further notice. The conflict level is at its lowest due to the threat of invasion. Many of Elora’s citizens are remaining optimistic,” Elora said.
“What about the nalik’s and the dragon eggs?” Edric asked with a heavy heart.
“Some left before the morning but many have remained.”
Rayna nodded. “I checked with Vanya an hour ago. They must stay because many of the secret locations they know of are filled to capacity. There are some locations they can travel to but they are much too far away and they won’t take the chance now that armies are on the move.”
“How many eggs are still in the city?”
Rayna eyed Edric before looking down, “Vanya informed me th
ere are over sixty eggs in Elora. The Nalik’s are ready to fight if the walls are breached.”
Faye spoke up, “There are a few dozen players who offered to help fight should the city be invaded but I heard next to nothing from allies I once knew. Rayna’s information is correct in that all of Lukken is preparing for war. Many players have returned to the east to defend the human kingdoms once again. We won’t have any extra support.”
“We will have to do the best we can with what we have,” Edric smirked.
Faye smiled. “I believe we can win this.”
Claudia nodded in agreement.
“It’s going to be one hell of a party,” Rayna sighed.
Edric looked to each of his fellow rulers, warmth crawling up his neck. As dire as the situation seemed, his need to fight blasted away his former anxiety. The end was vastly approaching but seeing his fellow rulers, he knew they had a chance.
“Faye, Claudia, Rayna…I knew building a kingdom would have its challenges but I never expected us to pull together as well as we have now. There are awakened NPC’s in our kingdom and precious dragon eggs that the enemy will stop at nothing to steal or destroy. The four of us have the advantage to fight and come back but many in our kingdom do not have that luxury. I want you all to know, we can win this if we work together just like we are now.”
Edric looked to Faye, “The people love you as do all of us here. You never have to do this alone.”
The wood elf’s cheeks glowed pink as a small smile formed.
Edric turned his gaze to Claudia, “Your strength will not only inspire your lancers, but us as well. All of Elora will follow you into battle.”
Claudia’s eyes watered before she blinked it away, her lip holding back a tremble.
Edric looked to Rayna and she lifted a hand up to stop him.
“I don’t need the sappy speech. I’m sure we all feel the same and we will kick their asses back to the south where they belong,” Rayna grinned.
The summoner nodded before speaking again. “The trolls can show up at any time. Let’s get back to the city and make sure everything is in order.”
The four rulers of Elora stood up and with conviction in their hearts, marched out of the council chamber. The rest of the day slid into confirming duties and speaking to groups of people. Edric summoned Leeta, allowing the ogre to help finalize preparations. Faye and Claudia each spoke to the lancers and students as citizens offered to fight in the battle to come. Rayna returned to the Discord district, speaking with her spymasters and some players who offered to fight. Thalia and Dumadin helped each other with organizing supplies, weapons and armor. Lunatina worked feverishly, brewing vast cauldrons of liquids to make potions. The jester was maniac with wide eyes as she moved from cauldron to cauldron.
Edric walked along a street right below the city wall, stone stairs about forty feet from him. Eyes up, he admired the guards working to arm and ready munitions for the weapons that would defend the city. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, two figures appeared from another street.
Juna and Jinn walked toward the summoner. Juna’s eyes lit up upon seeing Edric but Jinn’s brow furled. When they stood before them, it was Juna who stepped forward and hugged the summoner.
“I trust your journey was a positive one,” Juna beamed.
Edric nodded. “It was beneficial for what it was. I’m glad to be back here though.”
Edric’s eyes turned to Jinn as he stood, large arms folding across his chest, “Everything okay?”
“You tell us,” Jinn sneered. “It looks like you’re preparing for war and now no one can leave the city.”
“The trolls are on the move. We thought it would be safer if we closed the gates and keep everyone safe.”
Juna shot Jinn a look. The large assassin tilted his head forward and closed his eyes.
“Is there anything we can do to help,” the assassin said with a tired huff.
Edric kept his eyes neutral, “Not right now but I do have to say, I’m glad you’re here to reunite with your daughter. I wish it was under better circumstances.”
“Me too,” Jinn said in a deep tone.
Juna ignored the assassin and looked to Edric, “We will help when the time comes.”
Edric’s gaze lingered on the beautiful half-troll, his heart hardening in his chest. “Maybe you don’t have to do that. It’s not right that you both stay here. We made our choices and now we must face what’s to come. You both don’t belong in this fight.”
Jinn raised his brow while Juna stared at the summoner.
“We want to be here,” Juna said in a soft voice.
Edric bowed his head, “Your mother is on the western coast. Maybe you and your dad should go to her.”
“Now he’s making sense,” Jinn smirked.
Juna eyed the summoner, unsure what she was hearing. “You will need every able body in the fight.”
Edric’s heart shivered. “We have enough people here to give the trolls a good fight. I…I wouldn’t feel right if something happened to you. You should go with your father. Come back when you’re ready and we can have that drink together.”
Juna was silent. Edric looked to Jinn and gave him a head nod before turning to the stairs and began his ascent. Jinn moved to Juna’s side, a large hand on her shoulder. The half-troll looked up at the summoner as he walked along the battlements, not looking back.
“I’m glad he sees the right of it,” Jinn said. “We can come back, after we see your mother.”
The half-troll lowered her gaze, a sickening flutter touching her digital stomach and a heart beating with tainted sorrow.
***
The evening air brought a chill. Edric walked along the empty street, darkness under his eyes and weariness to his spirit. The entire city worked feverishly, boarding up locations and securing families. Guards walked along the city walls, senses alert. The city seemed to dim as the sun set to the west. Edric focused on the calming stars shining from the heavens and let out a deep sigh.
Mind filled with jagged thoughts, the player cursed himself for being so frank with Juna. The sick feeling in his heart swished back and forth. Inner voices tried to comfort the summoner, telling him that what he did was right. It was one thing to love and enjoy the company of other players but to have feelings for a denizen of the game was another matter entirely. Thoughts turning to Elora, the pain stabbed at him and he didn’t want to travel that road again. Despite Juna’s power, if she perished, the player could never forgive himself.
Edric looked up to the western sky, hoping the half-troll and assassin were already gone. The summoner found Juna beautiful and magical but he didn’t know her deeply yet. They meant to spend time together but Edric found he was glad they hadn’t had the chance. It was better for all involved to not open that door, again.
The summoner walked on when a click of boots echoed down the street. Edric looked down from the sky to see a short woman in black leather and purple-streaked hair walking toward him. Lute strapped to her back, Rayna gave the summoner a welcoming smirk. When they reached each other, the bard looked up into Edric’s dark expression.
“How go the preparations,” Edric asked, absentmindedly.
Rayna’s smirk turned into a dark smile. “They’re fine but there are some preparations we must see too.”
Edric stared at the bard in black leather, her meaning washing over his senses.
The bard reached for his hand and curled her fingers into his. Silently, the two walked toward the keep, a song of passion playing in their hearts.
Ten
Gray Haven Keep was silent as a tomb. Edric walked along, the bard holding his hand and leading down the dimly lit corridor. Torches flickered in the small drafts and hardly a soul was seen as the bard and summoner continued their path.
Rayna never looked back as they entered the private areas of the keep. Here the occasional servant would normally be seen to change linens and replenish food and drinks but tonight, no one moved thr
ough the halls except for the lord and lady of Elora. Edric looked to the bard, knowing eyes drinking in her swaying hips. She had warned and threatened the time would come and he knew it had finally arrived. They had spent time together briefly but it seemed she could wait no longer. Edric smiled to himself as he felt the same. With the threat of war, a private moment between them might be just what they needed to clear their minds, so the player thought.
Rayna let go of Edric’s hand as they approached a thick banded wooden door. Edric recognized it as the Rumpus Room he had created for them all but barely used. Thinking back to humble beginnings, he thought the name fit but later chastised himself for being a little silly with it. The player remembered how fun it was to create the kingdom but now, he couldn’t deny the light touch of a noose at his neck. The player wondered if creating the kingdom at the border of troll territory was a mistake. Had this entire adventure become his greatest tactical error?
Rayna pulled the door open, stepping inside. Edric followed. The chamber opened into warm colored silks, comfortable couches, seats and several large beds. A hearth burned, giving the room gentle warmth. It was enough to ease the tension from the summoner’s shoulders as he stepped in further.
Rayna closed the door, playfulness in her eyes as Edric stepped in and turned around. The bard’s heart beat stronger as she could see the darkness in the summoner’s spirit. Stepping away from the door, she moved to a nearby table filled with wines and liquors. Picking up a bottle of red, she poured into two glasses. Picking a glass up in each hand, she sauntered over to the standing summoner and handed him a glass.
The pair held up their glass and tapped them together before taking a deep sip. Edric let the flavor roll over his tongue before swallowing. Eloran wine was popular for the sole reason that the vineyards grew over soil containing runic stones. They somehow gave it a magical kick very few have been able to imitate.
Rayna turned from the summoner and stepped to a small table by the fireplace. Taking a seat, she beckoned with a finger. Edric walked over, taking the only other seat. Sitting opposite of the bard, he wondered what they were going to talk about. The player thought she was going to throw him down and have her way with him but from the bard’s fading smile, it appeared she had other plans.