“My lord are you in there we must not be late for the council meeting,” Ergan said into the steam filled room. Cominus sent his friend a silent thank you for his timing.
“Yes Eithal we mustn’t be late,” Cominus said wishing his friend would save him. Tarisha knew the elf lord had an important day however they had come so far only to be left wanting. Rubbing her dew saturated lips over his engorged head telling the man she wanted more. Sending nerve's rippling along his spine, Cominus sent her a pleading look with promises that they would finish this. Though he knew he was lying to the elf she did not need to know. Shaking her head, she would not allow the man out of her grasp.
“My lord is there some one in there with you.”
“His lordship is indisposed at the moment he will join you at the palace when he is finished here,” Tarisha said through the mist. Those hazel eyes narrowed with hunger as her velvet folds engulfed his harden shaft. As her muscles contracted around his member as her body arched. Gritting his teeth as Tarisha paced quickened, her breast slapping the water. Her nails dug into his shoulders as her womb stirred with heat of her coming climax. “Well if I am going to be here for while might as well enjoy it,” he said to himself.
Taken her golden breast into his mouth his tongue toyed with her rock hard nipple. Sending tremors through her body, causing her folds to tighten around his rod. His hands moved from the sides of the porcine tub to her golden cheeks. Lifting her as he sought out the deeper more sensitive areas of her womanhood, as his rod drove her to the heights of her climax. Cominus placed a spell upon her to allow his seed to die the moment it touched her folds. As their embrace came to an end with Tarisha breathing heavy on his chest. Cominus could not linger any longer then he had done.
As he stood waiting for the dizziness to over take him once again. To his amazement it never came, he looked down at the elven woman as he exited the now warm water. He hoped that Ergan would keep this between them, for he did not want this to ruin their mission here in the city. Embracing the cold air of the room there lay on his bed, fresh cloths for his journey to the place he wondered. If Ergan had bought them for him or was this Tarisha doing.
As Cominus approached the palace, Ergan paced the grounds waiting for his arrival. Stopping when he spotted Cominus walking up the cobblestone lane. Ergan watched his friends approached for any signs of weakness from the ordeal from last night. When Cominus had rejoined Ergan, he could see the look but Ergan said not a word. As the two approached the gate, Durchin was nowhere to be seen. Worry laced Ergan’s face worry that Draco’s magic, had not healed the woman as he had promised the man.
As they passed through the doors of the palace they were greeted by the same servant girl they had meet the other day. As she lead the two of them down the corridors to the council chambers. Ergan hoped that they were not to late for the meeting that was called that day. As the double doors swung open the elves arguments came to a whisper, then stopped all together as the elven lords viewed the two interlopers. Lord Shurin narrowed his eyes at the interruption, he had hoped that the day would not be marred by their presence.
“The meeting is underway you can not walk in here when delegations are taking place,” Shurin said slamming his fist on the armrest of his chair.
“I think I can Lord Shurin you seem to forget that the Queen. Has given me the power to see that her city is not run into the ground by this council’s greed,” Cominus said meeting the gaze of the angry elf. All but three seem oblivious of the reason why they were there. Cominus took notice of this and made sure that when they were way from the palace, to take note of the four’s moments throughout the city.
“My Lord what is the meaning of this, why was the council not made aware of the Queens order,” said an old winkled elf.
“Yes Shurin please inform this council why you did not inform these fine lords, and ladies of the scroll that the Queen had sent with us,” Cominus said moving up to the raised dais. Shurin could say nothing if he did it would only incriminate him further.
“We are waiting my lord,” came an elven woman wearing far too much jewelry. Sweat begun to appear on his brow how was he to get himself out of this.
“Forgive me my lords and ladies I was going to announce our visitors to you all today. We had agreed upon a time this day for their introduction but they seem impatient,” Shurin said culling must of the members. A smug smile formed on his ageless face as he looked at Cominus.
“Please let us not bicker amongst one another,” Cominus said taking the podium on the raised dais. “The Queen is displeased with this council as is his lordship Draco. You tax land that does not belong to us, raise taxes so high in the city that no one can afford to stay here in this fine city that our allies. The dwarfs’ that lent their magic to raise the stone to build this city in less time then there are faces of the moon. An illness runs freely in her city and you have denied those less fortunate to pay your outrageous tax. On the medicine that would cure them of this disease.” Cominus raising his voice as his memory of the night’s events began to clear. He knew he had put these elves on the defensive, which is what he wanted. When the image of Durchin’s wife stayed in the forefront of his mind.
“The Queen is most displeased by this I know that if she was here. Her dragon would lay waste to this room for your greed in this time of darkness. It was Draco’s gold that has paid for this city that he so graciously given us. If it were not for him and his riders on that day, we all would be nothing more then salves under the thumb of the Drow. Can any one here dispute that no you cannot? You sit here in your fancy clothes and eat fine food when the people go without. You spend the coffers of the throne like a child, no longer will her ladyship sit blindly to this.” Cominus had to stop he knew his anger was getting the better of him. Taking a deep breath, he wondered why his brother had sent him here in the first place. He knew that his own anger with Ishtar’s people would only hamper this standing here.
“I can only assume that you are not aware that Draco has told the other races. That calls this land home even if it is only temporary, that this city and its goods are not to be traded with any other. How long can this city live when no one wishes to buy our goods when they fear that the very same disease that had plagued them now seems to threaten them once again? Draco will not allow for this disease to turn into a plague that will threaten the men he needs to fight this war. He has given me this message to you. “If you do not heal the sick in a week's time then I will see that the land is purge of this sickness and be damn the council,” quoted Cominus eyeing the nervous council members.
“He is threatening war on us I will not stand here and be insulted by this,” shouted Shurin, as did the other three. Cominus looked to Ergan that had moved to the side of the room where he could view the elves in a better angle. Ergan notice the looks that were shared between the four.
“What this council is doing is nothing short of declaring war on his lordship,” Cominus said staring down Shurin. Genuine fear laced the council members could they face the man. That had saved them from the Drow's evil hands and their pet Shadow golem. “You seem to forget Lord Shurin the armies are not under the control of the council. The only person that can take our race to war is the Queen herself. Queen Ishtar is in full agreement with Lord Draco. If you wish to face the fury of his lordship and his dragon then you do so alone. For the Queen will not stand by this council any longer if it does not change it ways,” Cominus said slamming his golden fist on the railing of the podium. Nervous whispers filled the chamber as Cominus anger bored into the elven lord. “What would her ladyship have us do,” asked the same elven woman decked in jewelry. Shurin and the other three shoot the woman wicked glances.
“We can not bend to these demands,” Shurin voiced angry.
“Is your own coffers so low that you have us ignore the ruling of the Queen,” said the winkled aged elf.
“Yes the Queen is bind she spends her time in the arms of that abomination of a rider,” Shurin
said his anger seething out. Cominus nails dug into the wood of the railing to keep his anger from spewing from his mouth. “That is treason that you are talking about I will have none of it,” said the old elf lifting himself off his cottonwood chair.
“I have a plan that will restore us to our former glory and the end of this riders rule here in this land,” pleaded Shurin to the exiting council member.
“How can you do that, do you have an army to fight this rider and his dragons no you do not. Can any one here match the magic of that man again no. In addition, if you do manage to kill the man what of his dragon. She will hunt us down until all of us are nothing more then a footnote in history,” said the aged elf walking out of the chamber. Cominus could hardly believe that this was going so well. Could he soon be gone from this city back with Darjin, and Aryl, and Redbird. He hoped that the elven lord was foolish enough to continue. It was not to be as guards sounded the arrival of the Queen their shouts rang down the hall. As the nine members left Shurin to his punishment. The three looked back at the man thinking their plan was now nothing more then wishful thinking.
Cominus and Ergan never left the room they feared that the elf would run. From the punishment that the Queen was bound to levy on his shoulders. As her soft sole boots echoed off the corridor halls Cominus had to hold the elf down, with his magic to keep the frighten elf from bolting from the chamber. As the doors opened, their heads swung to view Ishtar standing in the doorway. Her honey golden hair hung freely at the waist, those emerald green eyes narrowed as she looked at Lord Shurin. As she looked at the two elves that where strangers to her, Draco had told her that he had sent Cominus and Ergan to the city. Why did these two stand in the council chambers she could not say. However she did sense something strange about the two elves.
Walking up to Cominus those emerald eyes looking at the man as if there was something strange about him. The longer she stared at the strange elf the magic that had covered his body began to shifted. Bring her hand up to the elves throat, as her hand pierced the magic that surrounded Cominus body. A spark leaped from the scale as her fingers wrapped around the scale. Ignoring the pain with a swift yank on the leather, leaving his skin dismissing the spell that disguised him as a high elf.
“Lord Cominus what are you doing here disguised as an elf and where’s Ergan,” asked a shocked Ishtar. As the image faded Shurin could not believe his eyes. He had been deceived by this unclean creature. Seeing how their ploy was over taking the scale that Draco had given them from around his neck. The image simmered for a second, and then was no more returning him back into the wood elf that he truly was. How good it felt to see his tan skin, his jet-black shoulder length hair.
“Draco thought it best that we come here as one of your race. Thinking that it we could gather the information he sought better as a high elf,” Cominus said rubbing his neck. He nearly wiggled with joy to hear his voice no longer was it the singsong voice of an elf.
“And what did you find during your stay here,” Ishtar said looking past Cominus to Shurin.
“It would seem that Lord Shurin and I can only assume three other’s are plotting against you and my brother.”
“Oh do you know of this for certain,” Ishtar said cocking an eyebrow.
“We only have Lord Shurin’s words, I can not condemn the others on suspicion alone,” Cominus said turning back to the elven lord.
“You will pay for this outrage human I will see to that,” spat Shurin.
“Oh I think not Shurin you have admitted your guilt, the plan to overthrow Ishtar and your plan to kill Draco,” Cominus said smugly.
“You dare to plot the murder of my husband the man that risked his own life to save yours. Your crimes against the crown can not stand any longer. If you give me the names of your conspirators, I will not have you killed but give you life in prison,” Ishtar said her magic laced her words making the elven lord shrink in his seat.
“I go to my death knowing that you will fall,” Shurin said whispering a spell well below the hearing of Ishtar. As the last syllable rolled from his tongue, the elven lord’s head shoot backwards. His body going into convulsions as the spell consumed his life force. Ishtar was too late to counteract the spell as the limp body of the elven lord. Slumped to the floor Ishtar handed back the scale to Cominus.
“Put that back on we have far more work ahead of us then I believed,” Ishtar said heading out into the corridor. Blowing out a sigh, he had hoped that his time here was over. At least they had found out one of the conspirators. It could only be a matter of time before they found the others.
“Have a contingent of men sent to Shurin estate and secure any funds. That he has hidden way and have them distribute to the masses. His shame has dishonored his house and that of his family.” With a salute, two guards dashed out to convey the Queen’s order. “Have men sent to find the council members and have them return to the palace so I can question each and every one of them.” Cominus could feel the anger rolling off her in droves. Cominus was glad that he was not on the receiving end of her anger. As the guards dispersed, Cominus came to her side.
“My lady I must tell you, Draco came here last night to heal one of your guard’s wife’s,” her head shoot towards his so fast Cominus thought her neck would snap.
“Why would he need to heal one of my people,” Cominus knew he must tread lightly. It would seem that the council did not bother to tell the Queen of the disease that was plaguing the people. How Draco knew of it while Ishtar did not Cominus could not fathom.
“There has been a disease plaguing the people my lady, though the city has been lucky so far. For none have succumb to the illness, that would not be the case if Draco did not come last night. The elven woman was on the edge of deaths door when Draco came to her side. Durchin had told us that the council has overtaxed the medicine. So the unfortunate has no means to save their loved ones,” Cominus saw the fires burning in those emerald eyes. Backing away from the volatile Queen Cominus watched as Ishtar. Clinching her fist to keep her anger from her delicate face.
“Can you take me to this man’s home so that I may apologue to the man and his wife,” Ishtar said threw clinched teeth.
“Yes my lady,” leading the Queen out of the palace. As they descended the steps Balo lifted his head as he felt his riders anger flash through their shared link. His rose-colored eyes watch as his rider headed west deeper into the city. Returning to his sunbathing Balo knew that if she were in trouble she would call for him.
As they neared the western gate Cominus had to relay on Ergan, for directions for his memory was still to fussy to be of any use. The stare air of the alleyway did nothing to ease the sweat that had begun to form on Cominus brow. The pale façade of Durchin's home looked far better in the dead of night. The white wash wall looked like had been slapped on the stone. The green shutters looked so out of place in this part of the city. Lifting the brass knocker on the dogwood door was the sounds reverberated through the home. Cominus wondered if his brother had been early enough to save the woman. If not then he did not know if the man would take his own life.
“Yes…,” Durchin said staring wide eyed at Ishtar. Never in his wildness dreams did he think that the Queen herself would come to his home. “Forgive me my lady please do come in,” bowing as he waved his arm.
“Thank you Durchin I have heard of your wife from Anlike here and came to see how she fares this day,” Ishtar said stepping into his sitting room.
“She is well she has awoken about an hour ago my Queen that is way I was not at my post this morning,” Durchin said adverting his gaze to the floor. Her soft touch on his shoulder brought his eyes to meet hers.
“I would do the same if I was in your place. I am only sorry that such actions where necessary for Draco to perform such a spell in the first place.”
“Yes if it was not for Lord Anlike’s bravery last night. I saw the pain on his face that would brake any man it was he that kept my wife’s soul in this world,” kne
lling before Cominus. “If there is any thing I can do for you my lord my life is yours.”
“No it is not, I did what need to be done nothing more. What is important is that your wife is safe and able to live a happy life,” Cominus hands grasping the man by the shoulders. “Now is your wife up to having some visitors,” Ishtar said smiling warmly at the man. Cominus had to double check to make sure his eyes were not deceiving him.
“To see the Queen will sure to bring joy to her heart, and the man that helped save her from the cold grasp of death.” Leading them up the steps as they drew closer to the room. It no longer had the feeling of hopelessness that had surrounded the room. No longer did Cominus feel all the life leaving his body as he did last night. As they entered the room Lilty sat propped up on pillows looking out the window into the morning. Relief flooded his mind when Cominus looked upon the woman. Her complexion held a healthy golden color.
Cominus waited in the doorway while Ishtar sat on the edge of the bed whispering to the woman. Yet her eyes where not on the Queen but on him. He wished that he could fully remember what had happen in that room last night. As the conversation between the two elven women drew to a close. As Ishtar passed, telling him Lilty wished to speak with him alone. As the door closed, Lilty looked at the man, who she had seen into his soul. She knew he was no elf yet she had seen the goodness that lies in his heart.
“Please come closer rider,” shock filled his eyes. “Yes I know of what you are and why you pretend to be this Anlike. Fear not I would never deluge your identity, to do so would dishonor myself and my house. I would just wish to see the face of my hero his true face.” Nodding lifting the necklace from its resting place as the magic began to dispel from his body. Cominus wondered if the woman would truly keep her word.
The Terra Drago Chronicles: The Sacrifice (Rein of Fire Book 1) Page 26