by John Evans
Vail walked over and grasped their interlocked hands in his. "Ready, one, two, three, go!"
Karina felt the initial surge from Octavia's arm and countered it with a surge of her own. Octavia's eyes widened in surprise and then narrowed in concentration as the two women's arms strained against one another.
They were still at it when Karlto, Cendri and Gedda came into the office. "What the hells?" asked Karlto, balanced on crutches when he caught sight of them.
"Excuse me, ladies, but we have business to discuss," said Melinar to the pair. When they did not stop, Vail walked over to them and gripped their hands in his again.
"It's a draw," he said, forcing them to stop. Both Karina and Octavia exhaled deeply and relaxed their grip. Vail released their hands as they pulled apart.
"I worked on a farm most of my life," said Karina, shaking her hand to get some feeling back into it. She then reached into her purse and pulled out a sauer. "This is yours."
Octavia smiled, wriggling her fingers. "The bet was that one of us would win. Why don't we pay these who said it was even money?"
"Sounds fair," laughed Karina. She stood up and walked over to Nyrandurril.
"Your winnings," said Karina, handing over the coin.
Nyrandurril curtsied as Octavia pulled out a coin and flipped it to Melinar, who snatched it out of the air and then bowed to Octavia. Dareen had already returned with the food and drink. When everyone had finished serving themselves, Karina stood.
"According to Melinar and Nyrandurril, Per was here three days ago looking for you," she said. "He left to go chase after the kidnappers of Queen Shara, since he witnessed the event and felt he would be blamed for it if he stayed."
Octavia jumped up. "We have to go after him, then."
"I feel the same way," said Karina, holding up a hand, "but I can't. We don't know where he has gone and we could lead any assassins right to him. Octavia, remember the shadow by the window?"
"You don't have to worry about him," replied Gedda. "I rapped him on the back of the head and he's sleeping it off in the alley. The drunks should have rolled him by now."
"There will be others," said Karina, who then took in a deep breath. "Right now, I need your help more."
"Our help?" questioned Cendri. "What can we do to help you?"
"Per's father, Gar, was sent a vision by the ogre god of fertility. In about a year, Per may be elevated to the ogre rank of neccar, a subchief or something like it. There is an ogre ritual that goes with the assumption of that rank. I, as his mother, am responsible for making sure the ritual is fulfilled. Completing the ritual is important because if it is not, then Per could die."
"I say, we'll do anything for Per," said Karlto from a lounge chair where he could rest his leg. "At least, we know he'll be alive in a year."
"Not necessarily. Only dead ogres fail. I imagine that Per is on his own quest and, if he succeeds he will attain the rank. If not..." Karina left her words hanging. "Please do not accept until after you have heard the requirements. I have to preside over the ritual, which is a great honor. The ritual lasts seven days during which time Per must make love to every female who has had sex with him or has influenced him greatly. On the seventh day, Gar or Tenan will recount all of Per's battles and slain enemies at a gathering. Everyone is welcomed at the gathering. After the recount is done, there's a party."
They all stared at Karina as if she had two heads. Karlto polished off his drink and opened his mouth to speak.
"Not one word!" hissed Octavia, sticking a finger at his face. "Not a word! Unless you want your other leg broken." She turned to Karina. "Karlto has a bad habit of making inappropriate remarks. Could we talk this over in private?"
"Yes, of course," said Karina and everyone but the four companions left the room.
Helga was the last one out of the office. She stopped at the door and then went back inside, closing the door behind her. Karina, Nyrandurril and Melinar all stared at each other at this turn of events.
"Well, this could take some time," said Dareen. "Since I'm not involved, I'd best be about my duties. Karina, good luck and let me know when and where the gathering is. I'll be there."
"I'd better go and pack," said Vail.
"What?" asked Melinar, a little startled at his statement.
"I said I'd better go pack," repeated Vail. ""Nyran told me you are going to Karina's farm. I'm coming along."
"No, you're not," said Melinar flatly.
"Yes, I am," retorted Vail.
"No, you're not!" said Melinar, her voice rising.
"Yes, I am," countered Vail hotly.
Everyone turned to look at the door as it clicked open and Helga came out, shutting the door again.
"I think this is something you and I need to discuss in private," hissed Melinar between clenched teeth as she grabbed Vail's arm and pulled his towards a back staircase.
"It's funny," laughed Nyrandurril as the two of them disappeared. "They care for each other, but do not know it yet."
"What happened in there?" Karina asked Helga.
"I thought they may need more information," replied Helga. "So I told them of Ahhspah's alternative choice for you, of Dorthea's, Melinar's, and Nyrandurril's decision to participate in the ritual."
"I guess all we can do now is wait," said Karina.
They had only waited a few minutes before Dareen returned to check on them. "You know, when I was passing by Melinar's room, I heard all sorts of noises. Bed creaking, moans, sighs. I don't think Vail will be going with you to the farm."
"Do you always listen at keyholes?" asked Nyrandurril, pointedly.
"Always," said Dareen with finality. "I have no morals. I thought you knew that."
It was only a couple of minutes after that the office opened and Gedda motioned for them to come in.
"I made love to your son," said Octavia after everyone had settle in. "I am willing to go through with the ritual. Cendri and Gedda also had sex with him, but were under the influence of a ghost."
"A ghost!" exclaimed Helga.
"Yes," replied Gedda. "We're not sure if the ritual applies to us or to the ghost. We are also willing to participate in the ritual, if necessary. What else do you need to know?"
"The only one who would know the answer about you and the ghost would be Gar," said Karina. "I have to meet with him in four days at my farm. I need to know about Per's battles and his slain enemies for his father to recount at the end of the ritual. Helga and I have to leave tomorrow morning at the latest to make it back to the farm in time."
"Well, chaps, I can't travel anywhere for awhile," said Karlto. "I say, will Per die if the ritual is not performed?"
"My understanding is that Per's soul is half-human and half-ogre," Karina told them. "If the ritual is incomplete or not done at all, then his ogre part of the soul will be torn from his body. Even if that does not kill him, Per will never be the same if he loses it."
"I'm going with Karina," said Cendri. "I owe it to Per."
"I'm coming along, too," said Gedda.
"Karlto?" asked Octavia.
"I can't and Pawl won't. You know how he is now that he is starting in on his magical research. Pawl and I will stay here and compose the lists of Per's sexual conquests and battles he has fought."
"I'll be going with you then, Karina, if you'll have me," said Octavia.
"I'd be honored. I may be able to match your strength, but I don't have your skills," said Karina.
"I say, let's see what information we can come up with right now," said Karlto.
For the rest of the day, Per's four companions disclosed their adventures with him, while Helga and Dareen took notes. Melinar joined everyone in the office about an hour after they had started. Her face was flushed, her hair mussed and her clothing was askew, but no one commented on it. Karina was thrilled and scared as she heard about what her son had been up to since he had been forced to leave home.
She learned of Per's other companions, Alana and Jag
ar, and the rescue of the Burgassi women, Morning Mist and Golden Sunlight. Octavia related saving Per from the four priestesses of Adelpha. Karina just shook her head as Gedda told her how Per was duped by Nesbra, the smuggler, and still came out on top. The two women that gave Karina the most concern was Iona and the ghost. It did not appear that Iona had slept with Per and the ghost presented a completely different set of problems. Karina had to trust that Gar would know the answers.
"That's about it," said Octavia, as they finished up. "We don't know what happened to Per after we were all separated."
Melinar coughed delicately. "He fell in with two fire giantesses named Electana and Diti. I never got the complete story from him, but I think we'll have to find those two. It's getting late. Why don't we all meet at the inn at sunrise to go to Karina's farm?"
"I'm sorry, love, but sunrise is such a ghastly time to be up and chipper," said Karlto, with a wave of his hand. "Forgive me if I don't make an appearance."
"Nothing we would miss anyway," said Nyrandurril in a stage whisper.
"Augh!" cried Karlto, thumping his chest with his fist. "Right through the heart!"
"What heart?" asked Cendri.
"I like this girl," said Octavia, touching Nyrandurril's arm.
"Here I lay disabled surrounded by enemies on all sides," lamented Karlto.
"My carriage will take you back to the inn before we pick on you some more," said Melinar. "Dareen, if you don't mind, will you go and see Karlto and Pawl tomorrow about helping them."
"I don't mind," she replied.
"Delighted," said Karlto, with a smile as he looked at the statuesque blonde.
Melinar's face grew deadly serious. "No, Karlto, don't try it. Don't even think it."
Karlto opened his mouth to speak, but was halted by the warning he saw in Melinar's eyes. "Yes, of course, best behavior," he said.
"Just a warning,' said Melinar.
"Otherwise, we would find your emasculated body floating in the river when we returned," added Nyrandurril.
"Would you do that?" Gedda asked Dareen.
"Without a flicker of remorse," answered Dareen, in a voice that froze everyone's blood and sent a shiver up their spine.
Karlto placed his hand on his heart, raised his right one to make a solemn oath, and then left with Octavia, Gedda and Cendri. Dareen bade everyone a good night and went about her duties. Karina and the last three women went back to the house and their respective bedrooms.
"We really didn't get a chance to talk today," said Karina to Helga as she closed the door to their room.
"I know what you are going to say," said Helga, downcast. "My affection for you is inappropriate. I'm just a servant. You're married. I need to find myself a, ugh, good man."
"Not in the least," argued Karina. "The master-servant bit is crap and you know it. What I wanted to say is that I care very much for you, but I also care for Tenan. My life has one goal now and it's going to become very complicated. I don't want to hurt you or mislead you. I wanted you to know that I do care for you."
So saying, she walked over to Helga, lifted her chin, and kissed her full on the mouth. Helga put her hands on Karina's waist, opened her lips and darted her tongue into Karina's open mouth. Karina returned the favor, but broke the kiss when something wet rolled down Helga's cheek onto her own.
"I seem to be crying all the time," said Helga smiling. "It's just that someone just told me that they care for me. It won't last, but I'll be happy for awhile."
"You'll find someone and it doesn't have to be a man," said Karina, caressing her face.
Helga responded by sliding her hands up Karina's tight bodice and began caressing Karina's large breasts through the fabric. Karina felt her nipples harden and kissed Helga again before turning her around to begin unlacing her dress.
As her dress fell to the floor, Karina nuzzled her neck and reach around with one hand to grasp Helga's breasts. Her other hand dipped down to Helga's brownish muff. Helga gasped as her fingers found her moist slit and rubbed gently across her clitoris. Karina rolled one of Helga's nipples between her thumb and forefinger until it hardened into a pencil-eraser size nub.
With another gasp, Helga broke away and went behind Karina to undo her dress. Their rolls reversed as the dress crumpled to the floor, although Helga was not tall enough to nuzzle Karina's neck. Instead she rubbed a palm over Karina's large tits and reached down for her pussy. Karina moaned and spread her legs slightly apart as Helga's finger slipped into her cunt. Her breathing became heavier as Helga's fingers pumped in and out of her cunt.
Karina, feeling her passion rise, disengaged from Helga, turned around and guided her over to the bed. Helga climbed on the bed and moved over to the far side so Karina could climb into the bed also. Karina pushed her onto her back and leaned down to suck on each of her up-thrust breasts. Her hand traveled over Helga's stomach and a finger slipped into her wet, hot pussy with ease.
Helga moaned and writhed as Karina worked on her breast and pussy. She gasped as her nipple popped out of Karina's mouth as the other woman began licking her way lower.
"Ahh!" moaned Helga as sensations she had long suppressed flooded back into her body.
Karina tasted Helga's juices. Her tongue flicked over her clit and plunged deep between the folds of her pussy. Helga's hands entwined in her blonde hair and she writhed at the tongue lashing she was receiving. She panted as her sexual tension blossomed and she held Karina's head tightly to her pussy. Sensing Helga's need, she licked even faster.
"Ohhh! I'm cumming!" panted Helga as her orgasm overtook her.
Her back arched off the bed and her body shook in her throes. It took over a minute for Helga to regain her breath and unclench her fingers from Karina's hair. Karina, her mouth shiny with juices, moved up beside Helga and held her close.
"Thank you," murmured Helga.
"It was my pleasure," said Karina, kissing her forehead.
"No," said Helga after a moment's reflection. "It was mine. Now, it is your turn." She kissed Karina, tasting herself on her mouth before moving down to Karina's huge breasts.
"Did Ahhspah give you these?" she asked, licking lightly over Karina's hard nipples.
"No, these are all me," replied Karina, breathless at Helga's ministrations.
"I wondered what it would be like to have larger breasts."
Karina reached underneath Helga and cupped one of Helga's own globes. "You're fine in that department."
Helga smiled and started working her way lower. Karina snagged one of Helga's legs and made her swing around so that she was lying on top of her. She stiffened as she felt two of Helga's fingers penetrate her cunt and her tongue lick across her clit. Karina wasted no time, but immediately began licking at Helga's pussy again.
Sighs and moans soon filled the air as both women licked each other's pussy. A heady musk wafted to their noses as their juices flowed. As her climax built, Karina reached around and grasped Helga's ass tightly. Her body shook more and more as her tension electrified her. Karina's body was wound up so tight that she could not concentrate on Helga's pussy. Her head lolled back as she gasped for breath.
She shook uncontrollably on top of the bed as her orgasm shattered inside her. Karina could feel her juices gush out of her cunt and flow down her ass. Helga lapped away at Karina's overflowing cunt, then rolled off and held her tightly as she continued to gasp for air.
"I'm wasted," Karina breathed, happily
"Then sleep," whispered Helga, cradling her head to her breast. "We have a long way to go tomorrow."
Chapter 4: Homecoming
It was a strange sight to the farmers and their helpers who worked or lived near the main road. Seven women, some in armor, had galloped by them in a hurry. The came quickly into view and just as quickly vanished, leaving behind only a large dust cloud to mark their passage.
Karina was in a hurry - they were cutting it close to make it to the meeting with Gar. She led them straight to the town of Dosser on
ly to discover Tenan had already left for the farm. After a quick meal, she and the other women rode off towards the farm. It was early evening by the time they rode through the front gate. Karina sighed happily as she saw the familiar faces of Tenan, Rolph, Dagmar and Dorthea standing on the front porch waiting for them.
"Welcome home, dear," said Tenan, helping her down off her horse. "I see you've brought a bevy of beauties with you. Hello, Melinar. How are you, Nyrandurril?"
"I'm well, milord," replied Nyrandurril.
Tenan grimaced. "Please call me Tenan. This situation is going to be strange enough without my title getting in the way. Go on inside, we'll take care of the horses."
"Make yourself at home," said Dorthea as the women went inside and the men took the horses to the barn. "Have you had dinner yet, Karina?"
"Just a quick bite in the saddle. I wanted to make sure we didn't miss Gar."
"I'll fix up something, while you figure out sleeping arrangements," said Dorthea, heading towards the kitchen.
"I'll give you a hand," offered Helga, following her.
Karina looked over at Octavia, Cendri and Gedda. "I can put Helga in with Dorthea. Tenan can sleep in the bunkhouse, which will allow one of you to double up with me. The other two can sleep in the second bedroom. Melinar and Nyrandurril can take the last one."
"Why don't you and your husband keep your bedroom?" asked Octavia. "I can bunk down anywhere."
"You're my guest," said Karina. "I won't have you sleeping on the floor."
Just then the front door opened. "I've got it figured out," said Tenan, slightly smugly. "I'm having Rolph and Dagmar move into the house. The ladies can then sleep in the bunkhouse, which has room for all of them." On cue, Rolph and Dagmar appeared right behind him, each clutching an armload of clothes.
"Oh, they will, will they?" asked Karina with an angry stare. "I was planning on moving you to the bunkhouse so the 'ladies' could have the house."
"Ah, um, of course, dear. Your plan is much better than mine."
"Smooth," Rolph told Dagmar in a theatrical whisper.
"Quick, too," replied Dagmar. "Did ya notice how he perceived the danger signs almost immediately? Must be the ranger in him."