The Battle Goddess’ fortress was no place for a child or anyone else with a moral compass, Anna amended.
A distant rattle of chains reached Anna, and she glanced sideways at Shadowlight. His deer-like ears were already swiveled in the direction the sound came. The noise of metal dragging on stone grew louder. Anna’s eyes sought to see past the darkness shrouding the huge archway at the top of the stairs, but the distance was too far and the meager light of a few torches insufficient to penetrate far beyond the threshold.
With nothing else to do, she watched and waited. She was sure she’d be forgiven the small sound of surprise that escaped her when the darkness parted and a Titan wearing a long burgundy skirt and a black metal breastplate walked underneath the archway. The giantess stopped on the landing and stood gazing down at them.
Golden chains that glowed softly with power dragged at her wrists and ankles. The gargantuan woman seemed unconcerned about the chains or how they disappeared into the darkness behind her. Anna might not be up on her fantasyland mythology, but she knew enough to know the Avatars had forged those chains to hold this demigoddess trapped within her temple. But having something described and seeing it for the first time was something else altogether.
In looking upon it, Anna couldn’t help but think it wasn’t enough. This demigoddess needed to be neutralized once and for all. Unfortunately, unless Anna wanted to get neutralized herself, she’d have to appear to be cooperative.
Shadowlight’s tail tightened around her waist. She patted it but wasn’t sure if she was reassuring him or herself.
The demigoddess hiked up her long skirt and crouched down on the top landing.
“Come, my beautiful ones.” The Battle Goddess called to them in a booming voice and gestured them closer.
Eh? Beautiful ones? No one had mentioned the demigoddess was unbalanced.
Shadowlight’s tail tightened further. Suddenly she was lifted off the ground and was stumbling to find her footing as the kid dragged her up the stairs with him. She recovered her balance in a couple more steps and was following willingly, but if anything, Shadowlight’s grip just grew tighter. She didn’t blame the kid.
Seeing this Titan up close was a ‘howl in terror’ kind of event.
The kid stopped a dozen steps from the top of the landing. Anna halted next to the youngster and looked up at the creature that was determined to rule both magic and mortal realms.
Long skirt, bare feet, delicate features, pale creamy complexion, long glossy hair — she wasn’t what Anna’s imagination would have conjured up for a being known as the Battle Goddess.
Well, she supposed her actual title was the Lady of Battles. The demigoddess did hold herself in a graceful, ladylike manner and there was no rule that said evil couldn’t be housed in an elegant vessel, as it indeed was in this case.
“I am both surprised and pleased how far along your powers have advanced, young one,” she said, addressing Shadowlight. “By what name should I call you?”
He narrowed his eyes and then winced in pain as he fought the compulsion.
Anna came to her feet and squared off against the demigoddess. “His mother named him Shadowlight.”
The goddess turned her dark-eyed gaze upon Anna. “A suitable name for a child, I suppose. I shall think upon an adult name for him, something that will suit the fierce warrior he will become under my training.”
“I won’t help you!” Shadowlight snarled and lunged forward only to crash into the stairs as his body wouldn’t obey his mind’s commands.
Anna’s talons lengthened. She crouched next to the young gargoyle while glaring up at the Battle Goddess, but her thoughts were directed at him. “Don’t fight unless you can win. Save your strength for later. Now is not the time to fight!”
The Lady of Battles leaned down to study them more closely. “The young one will learn in time that fighting is pointless. Bravery is nearly as useless here. You cannot fight me and win. Human are you as foolishly brave as the gargoyle?”
Anna craned her neck to look up at the demigoddess. “Bravery has its place. For example, I would give my life to save this child — though I would say it has more to do with friendship and loyalty than bravery. But if you make no move to harm the child, then I will obey your orders while I am here in this realm.”
“Ah. Delightful. You speak the truth. And I shall honor you with the same. I promise no harm will come to the child by my hand as long as you both serve me.”
Anna nodded but needed to make something clear. A showing of strength might be the only thing this demigoddess respected. “I’ll do as I’m instructed. Serve you and your kingdom as required. However, if one of your people does something to him I cannot tolerate, I will do what I must to safeguard him. I might not yet know how to kill with magic, but I will learn and end any who mean Shadowlight harm.”
“Excellent,” the Battle Goddess said, sounding far too pleased with Anna’s response. “It is well that you and he will protect each other. When you are both older, and your gargoyle natures are mature, you will rely on each other for survival.”
Anna didn’t respond but kept her head bowed.
“Tomorrow we shall begin your training,” the Battle Goddess continued in a pleased tone. “Tonight, you shall eat and rest. If you behave yourselves, you will be given better quarters.”
Anna would’ve settled for a sleeping bag.
“Your training won’t be so very different than what you’ve been working toward for much of your young life. Gryton told me you are from a warrior bloodline. Your brothers, father, and great-grandfather are all warriors and you have inherited that spirit.” The Battle Goddess shrugged. “Here you will be leading my armies instead of taking orders from lesser men playing at war. When you and the gargoyle are ready, you will lead my armies. Together, we will rule all three realms.”
Yeah. That was an evil overlord speech if ever she’d heard one. If Anna hadn’t figured out how to escape in a few days’ time, she and the kid were likely to become a permanent part of the Battle Goddess’ army.
The Lady of Battles reached out and ruffled Shadowlight’s mane almost affectionately. Anna locked her jaw, so she didn’t say anything to piss off the demigoddess. Eventually, the gargantuan deity straightened and stepped back.
“If you both perform well in training with your mentors, you will be given your own slaves and servants as a reward.” The Battle Goddess looked beyond them to where Gryton stood. “Tomorrow their training will begin. Make sure they are well fed tonight and that they get a proper rest.”
“Yes, my Lady,” Gryton said.
“And make sure to spread the word that none of the troops are to play with them.” The Battle Goddess laughed, the sound chilling. “Any who disobey will be executed, by my hand.”
“Of course, my goddess.”
“And Gryton, make sure they are bathed before they are brought to me again.”
“As you command, so shall it be,” Gryton said without skipping a beat.
“Go now, but have them returned here just after sunset and I will begin their journey of transformation.”
Journey of transformation? Yeah, that sounded ominous whichever way you spun it. Anna was more than happy when Gryton started back down the stairs and ordered Shadowlight to follow.
Chapter Nine
While Commander Gryton issued orders to servants to see that the Battle Goddess’ wishes were carried out regarding food and baths for the prisoners, Anna was still mildly astonished to be led to a different part of the fortress. She’d honestly thought they’d end up back in the dungeons until she and the kid had proven themselves. But that wasn’t the case.
This part of the city fortress was lavishly furnished with carpets and wall hangings. Polished black statues and gleaming suits of armor also decorated the stone passageways. After walking for twenty minutes, the present tunnel they traveled ended in a strange cul-de-sac with four doors spaced along the walls. There were guards here as well, but
Anna’s attention was focused on the first bit of natural light she’d seen in over a day. It seeped in from a dome several stories above her head.
She was standing in the base of a tower, and by a quick count, there were fourteen floors above this one. Walkways with beautifully carved stone railings guarded each of the stories. From what she could see, each level had four doors like this one.
“This tower serves as the living quarters for the Battle Goddess’ captains and top-ranking soldiers,” Gryton said and gestured towards a door directly ahead of them. “You and the gargoyle child will live here.”
As they started forward again, the guards standing at either side of the massive wooden door opened it and bowed as Gryton led her and the kid inside. Their sudden arrival sent the servants into deep bows as well.
It wasn’t lost on Anna that the servants looked distressingly human, unlike most of the captains and soldiers.
“Shadowlight,” Anna projected along their mental link, “those servants look human. Are they?”
“Yes,” he agreed. “There are many humans in the Magic Realm. Though nowhere near as many as live back on your Earth. Some, like these servants, have been conquered. Others are allies of neighboring kingdoms, but all of them descend from humans that were brought here long ago.”
Yep. Slaves. That’s what she thought.
After assessing that the servants were no threat, she took in the room and held back a low whistle. This room would put a five-star hotel to shame. Well, maybe if everything wasn’t in a shade of black or burgundy, that is. But it was still a damn sight better than the dungeons. There were also five other rooms leading off this main chamber.
“Feel free to look around,” Gryton said. “This is where you and the cub will stay for as long as you behave. If you do something foolish, know that your cell in the dungeons will be made available for your use.”
Was that a joke? Shit, Tin Man had a teeny, shriveled bit of humor buried somewhere deep inside him. Who knew? It still doesn’t make me like him any better, though.
“Yeah, thanks,” she said. “We’ll behave, won’t we Shadowlight?”
For now, she added silently.
Shadowlight was already stalking towards the nearest of the five rooms that branched off this one. His ears were forward, his tail stiff and unmoving. He was hunting for danger. Anna joined him in scouting out the rooms for unseen perils.
The two smallest side chambers were for servants. The middle room was a bathroom. It was one of foreign design but still a bathroom, with levers that produced hot and cold water. There was also some kind of stone bench thing she was sure was a toilet complete with running water. Hallelujah, fantasyland had indoor plumbing.
She left Shadowlight playing with the levers that filled the big pool that served as a bathtub and wandered out to investigate the last two rooms. She checked out the one on the right first. It was the size of a master bedroom, decorated in the usual black and burgundy.
Was the Battle Goddess allergic to other colors, or something?
Anna wandered into the last room and found this one was designed to be a mirror image of the room on the right. Except for one oddity. There was an extra door along the west wall.
Curious and still hunting for possible dangers, she wandered over and tried the handle. It opened easily, and Anna was staring into yet another bedroom.
What the hell? Was this place design with a rabbit’s warren in mind?
Her eyes narrowed a moment later when she noticed this room had a much more lived-in feel. There were books and scrolls and even a few weapons and articles of clothing laying around.
She turned to Gryton with an eyebrow arched in question.
“The Battle Goddess made it clear that if anything happened to you or the gargoyle, she would take her rage out on my hide.” Gryton gestured at the lived-in bedroom. “I like my own hide, so this door leads to my chambers. I’ll be close enough should there be a problem that requires my attention.”
Oh fuck.
“You sleep?” She asked just to have something to say.
“Only for short times, but yes. Don’t worry, I will know if either you or Shadowlight plan to murder me in my sleep.”
“I’ll try to restrain myself.” Even though murdering Gryton would be a considerable temptation.
“This arrangement also has the benefit of keeping you and the cub safe in case one of the soldiers happens to drink away their reason and decide to come for a visit. Gargoyle blood is potent with magic, and there are many in the Battle Goddess’ army with a thirst for it. And yet others might come seeking something else since you are a beautiful female, human though you are. Males will be interested even with the Lady of Battles’ warning.”
Gryton took a step closer, entering Anna’s bubble of personal space. This close, she noticed a ring of amber circled his irises. Humor and perhaps a touch of heat glimmered in his dark gaze.
If he came any nearer, he was going to regret it, armor or no.
The commander sidestepped her like he was merely moving past and said, “However, even the drunkest of soldiers isn’t so foolish as to enter my lair uninvited.”
“Congrats on instilling a thimbleful of respect into them,” Anna said in a bored voice.
Gryton halted and stared down his regal nose at her. He was taller than an average human male, but still not so tall she’d let his physical presence cow her. She held her ground.
A thump and a door crashing open somewhere in the room beyond was the only warning they got before Shadowlight came bounding into the room. He jerked to a stop and growled unhappily before continuing to prowl forward. Wedging himself between them, Shadowlight sat on his haunches and leaned against Anna while his tail wrapped around her ankles, then he proceeded to glower up at Gryton with a low, continuous growl.
Subtle, gargoyles weren’t.
Gryton’s expression shifted into open humor as he began to laugh. “Do not fear, cub. I have no interest in forcing a female. If I should want one, there are many to choose from.”
Shadowlight’s huff sounded unconvinced, and he continued to stare at Gryton as if deciding which part to eat first.
Shrugging, Gryton drew back and turned to leave. “With your loyal dog acting as guard perhaps you won’t need my protection after all.”
Anna returned Gryton’s smile with a chilly one of her own. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ve lots of experience fending off assholes with grabby hands and the occasional officer who thought a female soldier should perform some duties on her back. Funny, they never tried a second time.”
Shadowlight’s grumblings increased in volume, and his tail snapped against the floor every two seconds while he glowered at Gryton.
Tin Man laughed, finding Shadowlight’s antics entertaining. Then he reached out to muss the young gargoyle’s mane. Shadowlight was so taken by surprise Gryton had already withdrawn his hand before the kid thought to bite.
“The servants will bring you your food soon,” Gryton said, leading them back out into the main room. “If you wish, bath first, but afterward rest. I will return to collect you at dusk.”
He turned and strode out into the hall. Anna heard as he paused long enough to issue orders to the guards and then he was briskly walking away.
“Tin Man’s gone. I call dibs on the bathroom. I still smell like the stables.”
Shadowlight wrinkled his nose. “You do. Did you roll in a puddle of horse pee?”
“No, but I might as well have.” Anna sniffed at herself. Yeah, it was way past time for a shower or bath if that’s all fantasyland possessed. “I’m going to go soak for a freaking long time.”
“I saw clean clothes in the bathing chamber laid out for you.”
While Anna knew it was a psychological trick to soften her up to their ways, she wouldn’t turn down hot water, clean clothes or food.
“Stay out of trouble,” she ordered.
Shadowlight nodded, his mane flying up and down with over-exaggerat
ed motion.
“I’m serious. No exploring outside these rooms.”
Shadowlight’s entire being drooped, his rump hit the floor, and his front end slowly slid down to join it. With a long-suffering sigh, he dropped his head onto his forearms to rest while he waited for her to finish.
Chapter Ten
Her long soak was more like ten minutes. She didn’t like the idea of servants, or worse, Gryton, just wandering in at any old time. Plus, she was uneasy leaving the kid to his own devices for more than a few minutes in this place.
She exited the bathroom still squeezing water out of her braids with a soft towel. Her new clothing consisted of baggy pants made of some light flowing material, a long tunic with three-quarter length sleeves, and a wide sash that circled around her waist like a belt.
If there was any particular way to tie the sash, she didn’t give a crap. They could call the fashion police on her. The garments were all the same monochrome. A pale sky blue. There was a bit of embroidery stitched over the tunic’s breast in a black and burgundy thread.
Anna didn’t know what it represented, but she could guess: here stands a slave to the Battle Goddess.
She fingered the stitching and her lips compressed. For now, she would wear what she was given and do what she was told, but all the while she would be seeking a way to escape.
Which her enemies likely expected, but that didn’t mean she would give up.
Upon exiting the bathroom, she found Shadowlight nodding where she’d left him. He wasn’t deeply asleep since his ears followed the sound of her footfalls, but he didn’t bother to stir himself from his spot either.
“Go on, kid. It’s your turn and you don’t smell very fresh yourself. I’ll keep watch and let you know when the food arrives.”
At the mention of food, his eyes snapped open and he stood, sniffing to catch any scent.
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