The man, spurred on by his rage, lashed out with his weapon. The blade flew straight and true, finding its mark. Eris leapt back as the blade sliced through his tunic cleanly. He ignored the rent front and crouched low on his haunches. His sickle came from the side and loped unerringly around the enemy’s ankles. Eris yanked hard. The foe toppled. Eris placed his foot on the defeated man upon the ground and held his weapon against his throat.
The battle had been over so fast Kyra could find no response. She simply drew in her breath and waited. She longed to see the blood of this villain spray in the wind and color the earth. Her limbs began to tremble once again, overcome with anticipation, enthralled. She wished to see the ultimate might of her warrior. The ultimate defeat of the villain by Eris’s powerful blade would surely allow her floods freedom to erupt once again. She waited breathlessly, clenching her thighs tightly in expectation. Her muscles squeezed and contracted, causing her to bow over in painful need. She needed release. She needed to watch Eris slay this vermin. She longed for this final glance—her warrior the ultimate dominator.
Eris stepped back. Kyra screamed out in disappointment. The energy continued to flow through her body, restless, aimless. There was no outlet. Eris had dithered once again. She hissed in rage as she witnessed the fallen man rise. Eris showed mercy where he should not. That was a weakness, a failure she would not tolerate. She wanted to thrust him onto the bed and impale herself on his shaft. She hungered to drive home the truth. Eris would pant and plead beneath her, and she would not dither. She seethed silently as the men exchanged words. She fumed as the harlot approached Eris and blatantly rubbed her eager breasts against his bare chest. Finally she grabbed the closest object she could find, an intricately carved piece of pottery serving as the water pitcher, and smashed it against the wall. Her eyes shot sparks of malevolence, unleashed rage, and the promise of retribution at the trio lingering below. Eris glanced up just once before turning on his heels and stalking off with his company—the enemy.
* * * *
Eris had stiffened and held still just as his blade found its mark, nestled snuggly against the tender flesh of the fallen man’s vulnerable throat. Hesitation had not been due to anything the man had said, but rather the expression upon his face. He had appeared positively awestruck. The reason for the man’s reaction was abundantly clear as he stared, wide-eyed. He was transfixed by the marking upon his chest. The snake had caught and held his gaze.
Eris owed the man no explanations, no mercy. He was due this final act of vengeance upon an enemy who sought to smite his mate. Furthermore, he had allowed the man a fair and respectful footing, despite the fact that he deserved it not. He had permitted a fair one-on-one battle as was just and honorable. And he had won. However, for some reason he hesitated. Allowing the enemy a reprieve for the second time, he watched the man closely as he rose and inquired, “You find fascination with my beast?”
Immediately the man’s eyes widened and lowered in a show of respect. His voice clearly gave evidence of the admiration and surprise that mirrored his expression. “Erpo, the snake. You bear the mark of the great creature. I am humbled before your presence.”
Eris fumed. “I care not for your belated remorse. You have sought to raise my ire by attacking that which is mine. Your life shall be payment for your blatant lack of restraint.”
The man drew back. “I admit to callous error, made through unrestrained lust. But I beseech you, take into consideration the allure of your striking maiden. I am but a man. Show mercy.”
Eris lowered his weapon. “Thank the Gods, for today I feel a tingle of mercy. Attempt a similar feat again and I shall not be so forgiving. Now away with you and be sure never to cross my path again.”
The man held out his hand, a hand that was blatantly ignored. He spoke nonetheless. “I am Thyone, leader of the most elite band hailing from Sparta. I stand now in your debt.”
He bid the striking siren to his side, “And this is Aurora. She is my woman and is under my protection.” He caught the flash of defiance of the beautiful woman’s eyes and added with a chuckle, “At present.”
Eris sheathed his weapon. “Thyone of Sparta, I wish nothing of you or your companion, as enticing as she may appear, other than your immediate withdrawal from my presence. Test not my patience further.”
He turned to stride toward the building housing Kyra. The battle had not brought him the satisfaction of completion, and he was still consumed by a vengeful hunger. There was only one way to slake that thirst, to bury his stiff length in the hot, writhing softness of Kyra.
Thyone’s next words made him pause, however. “Your woman hails from the people of Pandora.”
Eris’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits. “You know her?”
The large man shook his head once. “I know her not personally but by simple evaluation. She has the unmistakable quality of the fanatical people, beauty beyond imagination and a spirit to match. The Pandora trait is not one easily mistaken. Bear in mind, they also have the allure to entice even eunuchs. Their bodies would stir with restless excitement despite the lack of a lance.”
Eris scowled. “Should you not know her directly, do not presume to know her at all. That being the case, you have no information of interest to offer me.” He took precisely two steps away when he was stopped yet again—by words.
“I know where you shall find your enemy next. You seek the demon sent from the bowels of the underworld, the spawn of Cronus.”
Eris stopped. He looked up at the window longingly, at Kyra, just once before turning firmly away. He had a duty to fulfill. Nothing could stand in his way. He was gladiator first and foremost.
* * * *
Eris ignored Aurora’s blatant flirting and constant touching as he sat across the narrow table from Thyone. The large man had spared only a moment to dismiss his men before inviting Eris to the refreshment of wine and further information on his quest. Eris shifted uncomfortably. The hardness between his thighs was slow to dissipate. The spark of sexual excitement strumming within him was torturously slow to diffuse. He inhaled sharply as Aurora once again leaned much too close, allowing her abundant assets, soft and plump, to brush enticingly against his bare arm. He moved away.
It was not common that he refused the attentions of a striking, lusty female. In fact, he could not recall ever doing so in the past. But for some reason she did not stir his blood as Kyra did, and his loins remained likewise unstimulated. This puzzled him. This woman had beauty beyond average and a body made for loving, yet as he sat beside her in the alehouse, he felt nothing. His entire mind seemed to focus solely on Kyra. All his body seemed to crave was her generous curves, her sweet, moist sheath. He focused on the man before him. “Speak.”
Thyone did not dither. He removed a map, a crude sketch of the surrounding area, and smoothed it carefully, reverently on the table. The crumpled parchment, with dog-eared corners and endless webs of creases, showed its overuse. While Eris still did not trust the man, he had to admit, by the appearance of the map, Thyone was diligent to his cause, a cause now shared.
Thyone stabbed his finger to several circled crude markings, “These are the places that have already come under attack.” He shook his head. “The people of these places did not fare well.” He returned his attention to the map. “The demon is sent to you, its final destination Argos. However, it moved deceptively around your city but, alas, not without pattern.”
He ran his finger over faint lines, marking a distinct path. Eris studied the path, a distinctive semicircle, traced by the stumpy finger and inhaled sharply. “It moves in an arch.”
Thyone leaned back and nodded in satisfaction. “Precisely.” He stared at Eris. Excitement and the light of battle flashed clearly within the dark depths of his black eyes. “We have been following in its tracks, marking and recording its path. Unfortunately we lag behind with regards to speed. Where our movement are severely curtailed and hampered by traitorous terrains, the demon moves freely, easily adap
ting to its environment. It moves fast.”
Eris nodded absently. He was more interested in the next point of attack. He pointed to the city that would be the next target. “It would strike here next. I must make haste if I am to meet my enemy.”
Thyone chuckled. He shook his head gravely. “You listen not. We have tried futilely to meet this creature at every predicted point of attack. Thus far, as hard and fast as we race, we are always still days too late. The demon moves much too fast.”
Eris leaned back, “There must be a way I can use this information.” He studied the map in frustration.
The large man grunted, “There is.” He traced a line over the next four targeted points and explained, “These would be its next destinations. Following its path, no matter our predetermined advantage, we are unable to reach these destinations in time. However, if we were to use this stratagem”—he ran his finger in a straight line—“we cut straight across the arch-shaped path and go directly to this point, the fourth on the list. We should be able to gain the upper hand. We would arrive with sufficient time to plot an ambush.”
Eris studied the map in irritation. “That would do the other three targets no good. If we ignore that path and choose the straight direct path, we cannot save them.”
Leaning back, Thyone shook his head sympathetically. “Follow its path as you see it and you will never meet with the demon. You have to make a choice. They are casualties of war, martyrs to a greater good, the saving of the world at large. Sacrifices must be made.”
“Speak not to me of the saving of the world.” Eris was unconvinced. “You seek the destruction of this beast for a more personal reason. Now, speak openly, or we leave this table with this matter unresolved. Bear in mind, this beast can be felled by none other than me.”
Eris knew he spoke prematurely. He had no bargaining position except that it was ultimately by his hand that the beast would be defeated, but he suspected a secret intent here. He intended to go nowhere blindly, and rushing ahead without full possession of all the facts would be just that—venturing blindly. He waited, impatience strumming through his body, as he allowed Thyone time to consider the ultimatum.
Finally Thyone sighed heavily. “After the fourth target, the next target would be my home, Sparta. The beast must be felled before it is upon our shores.”
Eris narrowed his eyes in speculation. “So much for sacrifices and martyrs. Tell me, Thyone, why not simply cut a path directly to Sparta instead? Fear you a battle on your shores but have no similar compunction toward other places that face the same fate.”
The large man slouched in his chair. He drank from his goblet before responding, “The decision to lay siege on the enemy on the fourth target place is not a selfish one. It is strategy. Going to the third target, we would arrive at the same time as the demon and have no time for preparation. Arriving at the fourth place would give us not only sufficient time, but a secure battlefield.” He paused, apparently seeking a reasonable explanation. “Sparta lies in a terrain that cannot be easily protected. My home is located along the banks of River Eurotas. We can barricade all quarters against the beast except from this.” He stared straight at Eris. “Our people turn their eyes, filled with fear and dread, firmly to the river day and night. The attack upon my home, our beloved Sparta, our people, will come from the river. While I hold no reservations in your ability to strike down this enemy, I am concerned about the river. Its very entrance could just as easily be used as an escape route. Are you adept enough to pursue it in water should it choose this path to retreat, snake?”
Eris grunted. “I would pursue it to the ends of the worlds.”
He sighed softly. There was no sense in denying facts. Water would not be a battlefield to his advantage. His mind remained reluctant, but his voice was firm. “I shall concede to this plan. However, I dislike the use of the constant ‘we’ with regards to this battle. This is my quest, and I shall see it to an end.”
Thyone nodded as though he had expected this. “I understand that only you will face the demon. However, take into account that my men and I have been dispatched to see this danger safely averted. We have been away from home, holding within our palms the trust of our people, for many months now. We have faithfully followed and tracked the enemy.”
Eris nodded. “And your information is an asset to me. Return to your home with word of impending victory of good over evil.”
Thyone was not so easily discouraged. “Our warriors are legendary for their mastery in battle. We are trained from birth in stealth, loyalty to teamwork, pain tolerance, and even the seemingly mundane art of dance. But we are the best fighting unit you will find, second only to the legendary gladiators blessed by the Gods themselves. Whether we travel beside you or behind, we travel nonetheless.”
Eris took in the stubborn lines upon the man’s face. He had to concede or else they would be here the entire duration of this night without swaying the outcome. “A wise man bid me trust no one. I prefer not to watch over my shoulder even in sleep.”
“Wise advice indeed.” Thyone nodded his agreement. “However, a wiser bit of advice would be to recognize that a battle against a common enemy can band together the most unexpected of men. As long as we share this common goal, your life will be guarded with mine, and hopefully mine likewise.” Eris was about to argue when Thyone added, “We shall keep company with you but shall not interfere in your battle. The legend is precise. The demon will be slain by your hand, only yours.”
Eris accepted the terms with a curt nod.
Aurora, who had been silent throughout the discussion, perked up enthusiastically. She ran her hand over Eris’s bare torso and whispered in a sultry voice, “I look forward to the travels. I perceive many pleasurable moments.”
Eris turned to her. “The women of your linage are uncommonly brazen, pursuing even in the face of blatant rejection.”
Aurora laughed huskily. “The women of Sparta hold more rights than anywhere else. We are not afraid to seek our pleasures and voice our needs.” She thrust her bosom proudly forward. “Also bear in mind that while my birthplace holds a reputation for some of the loveliest women, I am the best on offer. Why else would our heralded leader of the most noble of our armies turn his eyes toward me?”
Eris smiled at her lack of modesty. “Then perhaps you should likewise turn your eyes and other aspiring wares toward him.”
Eyes heavy with promise, she smiled coyly. “I can do that, stare steadfastly into his sinful, black as he drains my pussy, while you plunder me from behind, feeding my anus.”
Eris shook his head. “I regret my lance stirs not at the prospect.”
Aurora narrowed her eyes as she hissed, “Your woman guards your lance within possessive clutches.” She ran her hand her hand over his chest, dangerously close to the beast marked upon it. Without a glimmer of fear she suddenly laid her hand fully upon its head. She did not flinch or withdraw as the head came up, snapping and hissing. She whispered breathlessly, “But do tell me, does your woman satisfy this beast fully?”
Clenching his jaw against the painful truth, Eris calmly clutched her hand and removed it. The truth stung and traveled like poison through his body. His woman could not fully satisfy the beast. She was afraid of it. But he drew courage from hope. He would give Kyra time, plying her with relentless loving in the interim, until she surrendered to him fully. “Her attentions are not lacking. And she is not my woman. She is my mate.”
As Aurora drew away at both the vehemence in his voice and the final snap of the jaws of his beast uncertainly, Thyone chuckled. “Desist, Aurora. Pick from my men another to join our bedding this night if it pleases you. But refrain from placing yourself in a volatile position. Come between a beast and its mate and you will surely get more then you bargained for, and there will be no pleasure in it for you.”
He turned his attention back to Eris as Aurora pouted in disappointment. “Now as a show of trust”—he held out the well-used map in an outstretched hand�
��“I shall entrust this into your keeping, Eris.”
Accepting the offering, Eris stated, “We leave at first light for the fourth intended target.” He looked down at the map for the name of their intended destination and froze. The air left his lungs in a painful hiss. His eyes met sinful-black, knowing ones across the table. His voice left him in a harassed whisper. “The land of Pandora.”
Chapter 7:
SAGA Ept`a
Eris watched as Kyra once again glanced longingly over her shoulder. He had returned last night to find her chamber solidly sealed against any intruders, against him. Accepting her decision without much fuss except heavily laden sacs, he had spent the night on an itchy stack of hay, breathing in the stench of his horse. Of course he could not bed within the stable. His horse would have been restless the entire night. He had simply rested his body directly outside the stable. Sleep had not claimed him the rest of the night.
His thoughts had run a dizzying path between his anticipation of the battle ahead and the lingering battle he faced daily with Kyra. For all his earlier protestations about sending her merrily packing on her way, he was finding it increasingly difficult to make that break. For one thing, he had expected to tire of her wares. Instead he found himself salivating after her, sniffing at her heels, even more incessantly. The thought distressed him. She was not the type of person he had envisioned when dreaming of his mate. While her sexual cravings were healthy and welcome, he could never be at rest. Would she ever find contentment in just his lance? But one thing was glaringly obvious. He was not willing to share her body ever again.
Tangles and Temptation Page 15