by Tyler Wild
A sly grin curled on Sophia’s lips. “Good. I owed him money.”
Not surprising, I thought.
The raid on Fozka’s compound had gone smoothly, but I quickly realized we had bigger problems.
As we strode through the streets, heading toward the edge of town, I noticed a team of riders following us.
There was something eerie about them.
They had unusual speed.
We spurred the horses on, their heavy hooves clacking against the cobblestone streets. Wind blew my hair and buffeted against my ears. The horses we had stolen were fast and nimble.
Despite that, the shadowy posse gained on us.
I craned my head over my neck for a better look. The eerie posse was clad in black armor and surrounded by a thin fog. I knew they were from the underworld—demonic undead sent to hunt us down.
It had to be my sister’s work.
I clenched my jaw, cursing her under my breath. I knew how deadly the undead could be.
We twisted our way through the streets as the demons chased after us. I drew my sword as they neared. Before long, a dark rider was beside me. The ghoulish figure slashed his sword at me.
I deflected the blow, struggling to maintain my balance on the horse.
Our swords clashed with fury as we galloped down the lane.
I spurred my horse on, coaxing every last bit of speed from the athletic beast. With a swift strike of my blade, I'm knocked the demon from his horse.
He tumbled back and crashed against the cobblestone, his body trampled by his comrades.
The demons had no blood, and their souls were already damned. There was nothing in it for Asgoth, other than aiding in my survival. Despite being a demonic creature himself, he had no particular allegiance to demons, especially lesser demons like these. Still, a kill was a kill, and I think he derived some satisfaction from the mere act.
I glanced to my side. Cassandra was battling one of the undead knights. The withered sack of bones stabbed her horse in its hind leg.
The magnificent horse stumbled.
I veered aside and scooped Cassandra from her horse as the animal collapsed. I hoisted her onto my horse behind me. Facing the opposite direction, she battled the undead creatures as they continued to pursue us.
Cassandra knocked an arrow and began unleashing Elven fury at the demons.
Sophia led the way. I followed her into a narrow alley, and the demonic creatures pursued us in single file.
Clotheslines crisscrossed the passageway overhead. Garments dangled in the breeze.
I sliced a few cords as I raced down the alleyway, releasing several items of clothing.
They fluttered down and covered the lead demon's face. With his vision obstructed, the creature attempted to pull the garment free. It slowed him down.
We sprinted out of the alley, crossing the street, narrowly avoiding a horse-drawn carriage.
Hooves clattered and horses neighed as the coach driver pulled the reins, trying to avoid a collision. A few obscenities flew from his lips as we dashed into another alley. The coach stopped in the middle of the street, and the undead warriors plowed into it, piling up in the roadway.
We were able to put a significant distance between ourselves and the undead.
I followed Sophia as she twisted through the city.
We rounded a final corner and raced toward the exit. But the gates of the city were closed.
We stormed toward them, Sophia shouting for the guards to open the gates.
They weren’t inclined to do so.
They took a defensive posture, drawing their swords. Making a hasty exit from the city was usually a sign of trouble, and they weren’t about to let us pass without scrutiny.
Sophia tossed them a gold coin. It tumbled through the air, sparkling in the moonlight. “Open it!”
The guard gawked at the coin for a moment, then signaled to his comrades to pull open the gate.
“Keep the change,” Sophia commanded. “And seal the gate behind us!”
To my surprise, they did as she asked—not yet knowing I was responsible for Fozka’s death.
Once the gate had been opened wide enough, we dashed forward. I looked back over my shoulders and saw the posse of wraiths chasing after us. The gate closed, and we escaped into the hills.
“I thought you spent all of my money,” I said.
“Most of it.” Sophia smiled. “Not all.”
I frowned at her, but I couldn’t be too disappointed, after all, we did escape the city because of her tribute.
The hooves of our horses thundered against the ground as we continued across the grasslands. We didn’t slow down. I had no intention of letting the undead catch up to us. No matter where we went, I was sure that they would never be far behind.
But Cassandra had a few tricks up her sleeve that I had not anticipated.
26
Kron
As we left the city, the princess scattered some Elven dust behind us. According to her, it would confuse the demonic spirits, and temporarily cover our tracks.
I was all for anything that would help.
We continued traveling most of the night, then found a suitable place to camp near a small lake. Nestled in a group of trees, we settled in for the night in typical fashion.
I didn’t think it wise to spark a fire. It would be announcing our position. But I did miss the warmth. The air was brisk, whipping across the grasslands with nothing to stop it.
We didn’t exactly have much in the way of supplies. Not as much as I had hoped, anyway. Just the horses and what little food I was able to take from Fozka’s house.
“We make a pretty good team,” Sophia said with a sly grin.
“Team?” I muttered. “I did all the work.”
She scowled at me. “Please. I showed you where Fozka lived and led you to his horses.”
“That wouldn’t have been necessary if you hadn’t stolen from me in the first place,” I said. “And we’re still not even yet.”
A naughty glimmer flickered in her eyes. I think the excitement of our heist made her feel frisky. “Maybe we could take it out in trade?”
Cassandra’s face tensed, clearly jealous. She cleared her throat. “We are on a mission, remember?”
“We?” I asked. “I thought you were leaving.”
Cassandra scowled at me. “Yes, we! I promised my father that I would help you.” She glared at Sophia for a moment, then her eyes flicked back to mine. “I’m not leaving until I know you have what you need to complete your quest.”
“Quest?” Sophia asked. “That sounds interesting.”
“It’s more than interesting,” Cassandra said. “His quest affects the fate of us all.”
“Now I’m intrigued,” Sophia said with a hint of sarcasm.
Cassandra explained the situation.
“We could use another hand, if you’re up for it?” I said.
Cassandra gave me a sharp look. She clearly didn’t want to spend any more time with Sophia than necessary. The frisky feline hadn’t proven herself to be the most trustworthy individual.
“You want me to help you save your kingdom?” Sophia asked.
“It’s more than just his kingdom,” Cassandra said. “It’s the Lorewood, and all those who dwell in it. Who knows how many kingdoms will be threatened by the dragon.”
Cassandra was starting to come around to my point of view. I was a little surprised by it.
“What’s in it for me?” Sophia asked.
Neither of us had a good answer.
“Adventure,” I said with a grin.
Sophia looked at me with doubtful eyes. “I’ll sleep on it.”
We ate what little food I was able to gather from Fozka’s house, then Cassandra prepared her hammock. She wasn’t too keen on letting Sophia and I sleep in the hammock after Sophia’s offer to exchange her debt for her pleasures. “Get your own hammock!”
“You can’t expect both of us to sleep on the ground?” I grumbled.
/> “Maybe she’s got a hammock you can trade for,” Cassandra said, snidely.
I rolled my eyes and sighed.
“So, are you two like a thing?” Sophia asked.
“Absolutely not!” Cassandra replied, sharply.
“Good to know.” Sophia had a devious twinkle in her eyes.
I found a relatively smooth patch of grass and brushed away the twigs and rocks. I curled up on the ground and tried to make myself comfortable. After sleeping in a hammock, and the cushy bedding of the inn, the ground just didn’t cut it. It was hard and lumpy, and the occasional bug slithered through the grass.
I hate bugs! I have a natural aversion to anything with more than two legs.
Sophia found a spot close to me.
I don’t think Cassandra liked that idea either. She glanced at us with a disapproving eye. But after a few minutes of listening to us grumble and shift positions, she said, “Fine. I’ll share my hammock.”
Neither of us hesitated climbing into the hammock. It was so much more comfortable.
I lay in between Cassandra and Sophia, staring up at the stars. I couldn’t help but grin at being in bed with two hotties. Cassandra still gave me the cold shoulder, but Sophia curled up next to me, nuzzling my neck. I could have sworn she was purring.
Her hand stroked my chest and before long she nibbled at my ear. Her hot breath sparked my desire.
“Let’s have a little fun, shall we?” she whispered, barely audible.
By this point, I was stiff as a board.
Sophia’s hand traced its way down my stomach and across my rippled abs. Her fingers slipped under my waistband and found my root. Her soft hand gently caressed me. She eyed me with a naughty glint and pressed her full lips against mine.
It wouldn’t take too much movement to get the hammock rocking and give away our secret tryst.
27
Cassandra
I was so mad, and I didn’t know why? It shouldn’t have bothered me. But it did. It was more than just a bother—it made me feel… conflicted.
Confused?
With my back to them, I pretended to be asleep. But I could hear them fooling around. It didn’t take long before I heard her mouth sloshing and sucking. I could only imagine what she was doing to him. The hammock bounced in a rhythmic fashion. Kron’s subtle groans filled my ears. And the vibrations of his voice ran down my spine and tingled my very essence.
The two were trying to be quiet, but weren’t doing a very good job of it. The worst part of it all—it was making me wet!
My core pulsed with desire.
I was both excited and infuriated at the same time—and I couldn’t understand why. This man was a barbarian, and well beneath me in status!
Yet, I wanted him.
Craved him.
I imagined what his length would feel like inside of me. And I was mad at myself for having the thought.
I peered over my shoulder and stole a glimpse at the two lovers. Her plump lips stroked his veiny shaft. I had to stifle a gasp.
He was big.
Sophia’s wet tongue left a slick trail that glistened in the moonlight. Her head bobbed up and down as she devoured his length like a ravenous beast. I watched in awe as she stroked furiously, working his root like a seasoned professional. She took him all the way.
Her hands and lips worked in perfect rhythm. She sucked and slobbered and moaned. She put both hands to good use, and her lips and tongue left nothing neglected.
I began to worry I couldn’t compete.
The pleasure she gave him must have been unimaginable. I wondered what it felt like to be on the receiving end of such passion.
For an instant, I wondered if he was too big for my delicate flower. It would be pain. But so much pleasure. Sadly, the only way I would likely experience it would be in my imagination.
Jealousy and desire consumed me.
Fire burned within me, and my core throbbed. Sophia fervently worked his shaft, bringing their passion to a crescendo. Kron spurted wave after wave of white hot love into her mouth. Some of it drizzled from her full lips as she continued to milk every last drop.
When she was done, she looked up at him with a sly, satisfied grin. She knew she was good at this. She wiped her chin and slithered up his chest.
Her eyes caught mine for an instant, and I turned away quickly. I think she was even more satisfied knowing I had watched. She had won this round of the competition. A competition that I didn’t even know I was engaged in. Now, there was a secret part of me that wanted to prove myself a better lover. I tried to hide that secret part away and never think of it again.
But I couldn’t help but feel regret for not having been the one to pleasure him.
28
Kron
The little vixen had talent, there was no doubt about it. I had never experienced the delights of a cat-girl. It was beyond what I could have imagined. And she had only given me a sample.
Having drained me completely, my brain exploded with a rush of chemicals. A soothing wave of euphoria rushed over me. I felt like I was floating on a blissful pillow of clouds.
All of my cares and worries drifted away. It didn't take long before I was fast asleep, dead to the world in a post-sex coma.
At the first rays of dawn, I peeled my eyes open. My limbs were heavy, and it was a struggle to move. I was so comfortable I didn't want to get out of the hammock. But I knew our journey had to continue.
I was also dreading the tongue lashing I would probably get from Cassandra.
There was no way she had slept through the previous night’s debauchery. She had been a good sport about it, letting it continue uninterrupted.
My sleepy eyes glanced to her. She was still curled in a ball next to me. My hand swiped the other side of the hammock, feeling for Sophia—she was gone.
It surprised me. But it shouldn’t have. She was a thief. Why would I expect her to stick around?
I sat up quickly and glanced around, but Sophia was nowhere to be found. It seemed that she had slipped away before dawn without making a sound.
I had to admit, my first thought was one of disappointment.
I had thoroughly enjoyed last night and was hoping to revisit the experience, and then some. In my mind, we had unfinished business left to attend to. Last night's sample was merely an appetizer.
Sure, she was a thief. She had stolen from me. And she owed me a considerable amount. But there was something about her I found intriguing. And it wasn't just the blow job. At least, that's what I kept telling myself.
Was I just trying not to feel like a sucker?
Sophia had taken one of our horses, and there was nothing left to eat. It put us in a precarious position. I was reasonably confident that we could make it to the Dark Forest, and could probably scavenge food here and there. But it wasn't ideal. The distance we could travel on one horse, carrying the added weight of two people, would be considerably less.
I nudged Cassandra awake and prepared to tell her the bad news. She wiped the sleep from her eyes and gave me a curious look.
I couldn't quite read her. She didn't say a word about last night.
We climbed out of bed and she stowed the hammock in her bottomless bag.
"I see your friend has abandoned us," she said with derision.
I shrugged.
Cassandra’s face tensed as she realized something dire. “That bitch took my bow and arrow!
"At least she left us with one horse,” I said, trying to minimize the situation. “I would have figured her for the type to take everything."
Cassandra wasn’t amused in the slightest. "We should get started. We've got a long day ahead of us.”
Just as I was about to mount my horse, I felt the rumble of hooves vibrating the soles of my boots. I drew my sword, preparing for an attack.
My eyes scanned the horizon. To my surprise, Sophia crested the hill, galloping toward our campsite. She pulled the reins and dismounted her horse when she reached us.
She had a grin on her face.
Sophia must have seen my look of surprise. "Did you miss me?"
I stammered, fumbling for words.
“Bet you thought I left, didn't you?"
"No,” I lied.
Cassandra rolled her eyes.
Sophia handed the bow and quiver to Cassandra. “I would've asked for permission, but you two looked so peaceful sleeping this morning I didn't want to disturb you.”
Cassandra forced a smile. Her eyes had nothing but contempt for the sly vixen.
Sophia pulled two rabbits from a bag that she had shot with the bow. “It looks like you two are ready to leave. You want to grill these now or later?"
"Later,” Cassandra grumbled, too mad to eat.
"That settles that," Sophia said.
We mounted our horses, and I pulled Cassandra on behind me. We strode out of the small grove of trees, heading east across the grasslands.
We rode in silence for a long way. I could feel the tension from Cassandra. I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop, but she never said a word.
In my experience that meant the worst.
She either didn't care, or was mad as hell. I would have almost preferred mad as hell. At least I would know where she was at.
By midday, my stomach was growling. We stopped and cooked the rabbits over an open flame. We all needed to keep our strength up.
We made short work of the meal.
The ability to hunt varmints as we traveled across the grasslands would sustain us. Rabbits, prairie dogs, and the occasional fox. But beyond the grasslands is what gave me concern.
It was a 3 day journey to the rocky terrain of the Naldrova Valley. There was nothing but barren ground. Uneven and treacherous.
There were no animals in sight.
No water to be found.
The jagged landscape taunted us at every turn. If one of the horses turned an ankle, we’d be in trouble.
We camped for the night in a narrow canyon, taking shelter in a notch at the base of a cliff. I gathered what little scrub-brush I could find in order to start a fire. The desolate terrain didn't provide us with a meal for the evening, but at least the fire would keep us warm as the temperatures dropped during the night.