by Riker Kane
Remus turned his head slowly then got up. He walked toward the bars and held his hands out. “I don’t think I have the answers you’re looking for, outsider.”
“Why did you do it?”
Remus paused for a moment. The regret in his eyes was clear to Clayton. His mouth hung open with a moment of hesitation before finally answering. “You know why I did it. I wanted to be ruler of Azure.”
“Do you have a problem with Queen Izumi’s reign?”
“…No.”
“Then why would you want to usurp her?”
Remus shook his head softly. “I don’t know.”
There was a moment of silence between the two. Clayton almost felt sorry for the man. But he knew he had to keep pushing him.
“Tell me, Remus. Have you felt strange lately? Did you feel… different?” Remus stared at Clayton, eyes narrowing like he knew Clayton was up to something. “Please. Whatever you know, you have to tell me.”
“I… I don’t know why I did what I did. It was just a sudden feeling that came over me. Something compelling me to go through with it. I love and respect Queen Izumi. There was something inside of me though… I wanted what she had.”
“You were jealous?”
“Jealous… At the moment, it felt like I was. Not now though. Now I realize how foolish I was.”
“Have you done anything different lately? Have you encountered any foreign objects? Have you spoken to any strangers or heard voices in your head?”
“You are the only stranger in Azure, outsider. Are you suggesting your arrival coincides with my moment of lost sanity?”
“I don’t know… Maybe it does.”
“Not that it matters,” Remus sighed. “Izumi has granted me mercy but I will spend the rest of my days in confinement, lamenting my decision. There’s no point in contemplating the ifs now.”
Remus returned to the back of his cell and crouched down, his hand back on the marble floor. Clayton stared at him for a moment and wondered if there was anything else he could ask. But he had nothing.
“What the hell is going on?”
~ ~ ~
Clayton Brooks
Essence Level 57
Available Points 2
Hit Points 600
Stamina 100
Strength 21
Constitution 17
Agility 15
Dexterity 13
Wisdom 13
Clayton contemplated the two stat points he’d gained through combat in the sewers and throne room. He put them into wisdom, the fire he cast proving to be useful against the swarm of rats.
His essence numbers disappeared and he focused his eyes on the sword in his hands.
“There was a reaction. I know I saw it… I felt it…”
“But the sword is only active around the Maledict. The last time anything happened was right after I beat Thomas and sealed the biggest rift—”
A knock at the door made him turn his head up. It opened up and Queen Izumi stepped inside. She wore a long, slinky gown made out of dark blue silk. It hugged the curves of her body enough for Clayton to see just how slim she was underneath.
The queen stepped forward and bowed her head. “I apologize, Clayton. I did not mean to interrupt you.”
“You’re not interrupting. And you’ve got every right to come in here. It’s your manor.”
“How are you quarters treating you?”
He smiled at the sea life floating around him. “A comfortable bed and a bathroom are all I need. A rejuvenation pool in the next room is just a bonus. I don’t know if I could ever get used to living in a fish bowl but it’s nice.”
“You have nothing to fear from the creatures in the sea. It is only when their nature is disrupted by those on land do they react. The dome will protect Azure from all outside threats. The Great Kraken itself keeps the peace.”
“That’s one giant peacekeeper…”
Queen Izumi took another step forward, her fingers intertwined while Clayton turned his attention back to his sword.
“Did the traitor give you the answers you seek?”
Clayton shook his head. “I just have more questions.”
“I have many questions as well… I find it curious Remus’s attempt at seizing the throne coincides with your arrival.”
He slowly looked up at the queen, trying to hold back his surprise. She smiled softly and put her hand up. “I apologize. I didn’t mean to make an accusation. I’m merely pointing out the timing.”
“You’re right though. There’s a correlation between the two. I know there is. I just don’t know what it is.”
Queen Izumi moved right next to Clayton. Her scent was strange but not unpleasant. Something refreshing. Like breathing in the saltwater air only sweeter.
“The Zeal Blade…” She put her hand on top of his. He was so surprised, he nearly jerked back. “I have read the legends of Nalore. I have read about the blight of the Maledict. I have read about the heroic Ferrum who come to Xeylon to send it back into the darkness.”
“It’s hard to believe, ain’t it?”
“Perhaps. But I have seen you with my own eyes. You have risked your life. You are a Ferrum, Clayton. There is no doubt about that.”
She trailed her fingers up his hand and over his arm. He didn’t stop her though he was curious as her hand continued to move up his shoulder and around the back of his neck. She scratched his skin softly, making his eyelids flutter.
“I have heard the stories of what strengthens the weapon. A thirst for violence. A greed for power. A hunger for food itself. Even the willingness to do nothing at all.”
“I’ve never heard of that… Maybe I should have read up on the other Ferrum when I was in Nalore…”
“Tell me. What powers the Zeal Blade?”
“It is…” Clayton suddenly became sheepish at his response. “How do I tell a woman it gets stronger by sleeping with them without making it seem like I’m hitting on them?” He chuckled softly, knowing there was no right way to put it. “It’s powered by spending time… with women…”
“Lust.” The corner of her lip twitched into a smile he’d never seen from the normally reserved queen. “I imagine most people take you for a mad man when you say it.”
“You’d be right. Even when they see it for themselves, they don’t believe it.”
“The stories of the Ferrum and the Maledict are as old as time itself. Azure has stood since those times, long enough to learn of those stories.” She continued to dig her fingertips into the back of Clayton’s neck. Her touch was soft, making his eyelids flutter as the pleasure moved from his shoulders and down the rest of his torso. “I wish to aid you on your journey, Clayton.”
“I… I can see what you’re getting at. But there are no Maledict for you to assist me with.”
“Perhaps. Then you will allow me to indulge myself just this once. It is not often we have outsiders. I am the queen, after all.”
His face drifted toward hers. He looked down at her, yellow eyes narrowed and midnight blue lips moving closer to him. Izumi was beautiful by any means but the exotic appeal of her pale blue skin made her more desirable.
He pressed his lips to hers, swirling his tongue in her mouth. Her kiss was wet and loud, filling the silence of his quarters. He pulled away for a moment to look into her eyes then nodded.
“You are the queen…”
She moved away just enough to stand before him. Her arms reached for the straps of her slinky dress. She kept her eyes locked on him as she let the straps fall. The rest of the fabric followed, collecting in a pile around her ankles.
Clayton’s eyes worked their way up, from her slender legs up toward her entrance, covered by a small tuft of blue hair above it. Her waist seemed slimmer as the shape of her breasts were more considerable than even her thin dress displayed.
“Come… Let us partake in this rare union… An Azurean… And a Ferrum…” Izumi took his hand and led him toward the bed. He worked the straps of
his armor off, kicking his sandals away and climbing out of his loincloth until he was naked the same as her.
Izumi laid back on the bed. Clayton crawled between her legs and ran his hands along the insides of her thighs. There was a tinge of wetness on her body. Not like sweat but slick enough for him to slide his hand comfortably over her.
He eyed the center between her legs. The dark hair below her waist trailed just above a small slit. The pink was inviting, making Clayton’s mouth water to the point he couldn’t help himself.
“Come, Ferrum… Strengthen your weapon as the legends have told…”
Clayton moved forward and pressed his tongue against her. The taste was strong. Something sweet that made him crave more. He licked up her slit and swallowed the wetness dripping out of her. His tongue lashed out at the nub swelling just above her entrance. His hands moved underneath her, cupping the tensing muscles of her ass so he could dig his tongue even deeper into her.
The Azurean Queen trembled from his touch. Her hips bucked. Her gasps grew steadily louder. She was climbing, slowly running out of breath.
The sounds of her desire only made Clayton want even more of her. His tongue worked fervently as if dying of thirst and hunger.
“Clayton…” Izumi whispered his name between throaty moans as she lost herself. Clayton held her through her climax, enjoying the taste continuing to cascade out of her.
He set her back down on the mattress comfortably after she finished. She quaked softly in her position, breasts heaving as she filled her lungs with the breath she needed. Her eyes opened wide and a contented smile crossed her lips.
“Come… Complete our union…”
Clayton swallowed to wet his dry throat then crawled up the mattress on top of her. His mouth stopped briefly on her breasts, sucking on her nipples and enjoying the taste before eventually bringing his lips back to hers.
Her body was warm but wet. He pressed down on her and enjoyed the slick softness of her skin. Between his legs, Clayton’s length swelled with desire. It twitched in search of her entrance. His tip hit her folds and both of them gasped softly in unison.
Clayton clenched his jaw and looked into Izumi’s eyes as he plunged himself into her. The wet warmth of her body engulfed him. Her tightness seized him, swallowing him whole and making his whole body tremble.
“Show me your strength, Ferrum.”
He pressed both palms down on the mattress and rocked his hips. His strokes were hard and forceful though the queen begged for more. Every time he plunged into her, he pushed himself closer to the edge.
His shaft split her insides and throbbed with life. He could already sense his end, almost ashamed to give in so quickly but the feeling was overwhelming. His pace quickened. The bed shook in rhythm with his thrusts. The hard slapping of his hilt against her body grew louder.
Queen Izumi’s jaw dropped as the pleasure overwhelmed her. Her breasts heaved up and down. Her legs instinctively wrapped around him and her nails found the back of his neck. She dug into his skin and arched her back as if daring him to move deeper into her.
The pain from her nails only drove Clayton to push even harder. He gritted his teeth and grunted more and more. He kept his eyes open, staring into the beautiful queen’s yellow gaze in an attempt to push himself to the edge.
With a few more thrusts, he fell over. His length throbbed inside of the queen. Thick pulses of his seed pumped into Izumi. She tightened around him and groaned with him through his orgasm.
He came for as long as he could before his stamina was drained. One last kiss sealed their moment together and he rolled over onto his side.
Queen Izumi stepped up from the bed. Clayton admired her sweaty backside before she climbed back into her gown.
“The kingdom of Azure thanks you. I thank you, Clayton. Please enjoy my hospitality for as long as you like.”
Izumi left. The door clicked closed and Clayton let out a sigh of relief. As he watched the sea life float by him, he wondered if he could spend the rest of his days in Azure.
But even sleeping with the queen herself wasn’t enough to get his mind off what happened. He was already wondering if Jalise and Rena were still alive. The Zeal Blade was shattered. He had to find the answers, here in Azure or somewhere else. He would never be able to rest comfortably until then.
Chapter 22
Clayton was overwhelmed as he walked through the markets of Azure. Most of the items on sale were just trinkets the Azureans wore to accentuate their bodies since they wore few clothes. Everything else was a food shop that emitted all kinds of exotic smells and aromas.
He paused in front of a blacksmith. “Why are their blacksmiths? From what I’ve seen, the Azureans don’t engage in combat outside of the guard for the queen.”
“It is mostly symbolic,” Mirella explained. “Just because you cannot wield a sword or don a piece of armor does not mean there is not a certain art to it. Azureans like to display such pieces in their homes.”
“You think a blacksmith would be offended if I told him to make me a piece of armor?”
“As you were already told, your physiology would have to be studied. It would take some time to craft it and even then, I would think there is better armor to suit your fighting style.”
“That’s a shame.”
“What do you need new armor for?” Kailani smacked her lips as she took a hunk out of the roasted fish in her hands. “You’re doing just fine with what you got. That sword of yours seems to heal all of your wounds, anyway.”
“Not the big ones…”
“Come.” Mirella marched forward through the markets toward the Central Square. “I will show you something.”
Clayton enjoyed the peace of the markets despite the thoughts running through his head. The Azureans gave him curious eyes but never bothered him. If anything, they were smiling, his heroic deeds in the throne room quickly spreading through the dome.
Kailani noisily munched on her fish and waved to her admirers. “Basking in the adoration of an entire kingdom… I think I could get used to this.”
“Have you decided how much longer you’ll be staying?” Mirella asked.
“Not long,” Clayton said. “We have much more to accomplish. What I’m looking for isn’t in Azure.”
“Then let me show you one last thing before you go.”
They headed into the Central Square where everybody was relaxing. The kids ran through the grass and played with one another. The men and women ate their food without a care in the world.
Mirella walked toward one of the larger trees in the square and stood next to a small monument. Clayton narrowed his eyes as he got closer to it.
“Is that… An essence tablet…”
“Queen Izumi told me to show it to you,” Mirella said. “She said perhaps it would be of some use to you, a Ferrum.”
Clayton ran his hand over the small slab. The energy coursed through his body then small, translucent flames appeared before him with his stats. “I should make a recording of my essence here. In case anything happens.”
“I have seen that thing all of my life. I never imagined it was used for something.”
“First Hilamau. Now Azure. I wonder why there are essence tablets so far away from Nalore. There’s no need for a Ferrum to venture so far.”
“The history of Xeylon is longer than anyone knows. To decipher the intentions of the ancients would be impossible.”
Clayton pulled his hand away and smiled at the Azurean. “Thank you, Mirella. I appreciate you showing me this.”
“It was no effort of mine. You have already done much for this kingdom and the queen. I appreciate your presence, Clayton.”
Despite Mirella’s serious demeanor, Clayton knew it was only because of her position. Underneath her exterior, she was just a young woman as kind as any he’d ever encountered.
Mirella began to smile back at him when Clayton suddenly felt something on his hip.
“What is that?” He wasn’t
sure he was seeing it right. He instinctively drew the Zeal Blade from his sheath and saw the crimson aura glowing around it. “It’s reacting… You see this?”
“Whoa.” Kailani stopped mid-bite and raised an eyebrow. “I see it.”
“What does it mean?” Mirella asked.
“The blade only reacts when the Maledict are present.” Clayton shook his head but the aura continued to grow stronger. “It doesn’t make any sense—”
Crash.
A thundering boom like a bolt of lightning cracked the air. The Azureans in the Central Square all gasped in surprise. Clayton looked around then turned his head up.
The dome stretched up as far as the sky would on the surface. Underneath it, he could see something. A small black cloud formed, swirling and growing in size like a swelling storm. The black mist began to turn blue as it continued to fill the air.
The Azureans looked on in disbelief. Mirella widened her eyes. Kailani dropped her fish, her mouth open in disbelief. Clayton kept his hands tight around his hilt, the Zeal Blade continuing to glow with life.
“What is that?” Mirella said.
Clayton stared at the growing cloud, not wanting to acknowledge it. “It can’t be…” But as figures began to emerge from the mist, he knew there was no mistaking it. “Maledict.”
Several beasts leaped down from the cloud and stomped onto the grass in the Central Square. They had no exact shape or form. Like massive wolves made up of a black mist. Their eyes glowed a shining blue. They roared and bared their teeth, their terrifying cries echoing through the dome.
The Azureans screamed and ran as the beasts began to chase after them.
“We must save them!” Mirella drew her weapon and charged forward, stabbing one of the beasts with her trident.
Kailani followed her lead, pulling out her bone daggers and leaping into the air. She pounced on top of a creature with a stab and hopped over to another one.
Clayton focused his energy as more of the beasts continued to pour out of the mist. Fighting the Maledict was a feeling he hadn’t forgotten, though he wasn’t eager to get back into it so quickly.
His speed and strength had improved since the last encounter. It took less effort to cut through them, less effort to find his target, and less effort to dodge their vicious swipes. But these Maledict were different. They snarled and snatched at him with a ferociousness unlike their predecessors.