Meta Gods War 3

by B N Miles

  Theus grinned at him. “We’ll keep trying,” he said.

  “Let’s take a break,” Cam said. “Go sit and meditate for a while, okay?”

  “I can do that,” Theus said. “I was feeling pretty tired.”

  “No sleeping,” Cam said. “And think about that last image I gave you.” Cam met his friend’s gaze and held it. “Seriously, Theus. That last one.”

  Theus frowned. “The flame?”

  “Sit and picture it.”

  “Alright,” Theus said with a shrug.

  “Maybe you’ll burn down the whole camp,” Brice said. “Wouldn’t that be nice?”

  Theus laughed, waved, and walked back toward the camp. Cam watched him go then leaned his head back and let out a breath.

  “I take it your training isn’t going great,” Brice said.

  “I don’t know what I expected.” Cam sat down in the grass and leaned back on his hands.

  He was exhausted from planning half the night and most of the early morning, and even more worn down from speaking with the men then working with Theus. There were no breaks for him, no rest, and even sitting on the ground in the sunshine was more than he deserved.

  Brice walked to him and lingered, her eyes taking him in, before sitting down to his right. She leaned close, within inches of touching, but didn’t cross the gap between them.

  “What’s it like?” she asked. “The magic, I mean.”

  “Hard to explain,” he said.

  “Try anyway.”

  “It’s like… taking something that isn’t yours. Then turning it into something else. At the time, while you’re doing it, it feels like heaven. Like the best sex you can imagine, but so much better.”

  Brice’s cheeks turned pink. “Really?”

  “Really,” he said. “It’s hard to control at first. You get better at it, but those first few times, all I wanted to do was keeping using it.”

  “And then after, when you stop?”

  “Then the Need hits. And you sort of realize just how badly you abused yourself.”

  “Huh.” Brice sniffed the air. “And you deal with the Need through… uh…”

  “Sex,” Cam said. “Fucking releases it from my body. The magic, I mean. I guess it builds up, and orgasm helps release whatever’s left over.”

  “Got it,” she said.

  “Theus is smart,” Cam said, trying to ignore her discomfort, but he couldn’t help smiling a little. “Smarter than I am at any rate. I think he can pick it up if he just would apply himself.”

  “He’s trying,” she said. “I caught him sitting alone in the woods earlier this morning. Just sitting there, eyes closed. I thought he was dead for a second.”

  “Meditating,” Cam said. “Learning to control your thoughts and mind is a big part of magic.”

  “I’d be terrible at it,” she said, picking at the grass.

  “Yeah?”

  “I have a temper,” she said, like it was obvious. “Always did. When I was a little girl, I’d beat the crap out of the boys. And the boys I couldn’t beat up, I’d try anyway, and come home with slit lips and black eyes. One day my mother got sick of it and sent me off to train in spear and shield with the rest of the village boys. They weren’t happy about it at first, but…” She trailed off.

  “But you stuck around.”

  “Yeah,” she said. “I figured, one day they’d all be bigger, stronger, and better trained. At least I could train and learn how to fight them if I had to.”

  “Why did you think you had to fight off all the village boys?” Cam asked.

  She picked up some grass and let it blow away.

  “My father was a drunk,” she said. “Most of the time, he took his frustrations out in the field. But sometimes he’d come home, exhausted and angry at his life, and take it out on my mother.”

  “One of those,” Cam said. “I knew men like that in our village.”

  “They’re everywhere,” Brice said. “My mother didn’t take it, though. She’d fight back, scream at him, once I saw her beat him over the head with a huge stick that she used for stirring. It only pissed him off more and made him hit her harder, but she never gave up.”

  “What happened?” Cam asked. “The village had to have put a stop to it, right?”

  “There was talk of that,” Brice said. “But one day he got drunk and fell off a roof. Broke both his legs, never could walk right again. Couldn’t beat my mother anymore.”

  “Lucky her,” Cam said, his voice soft.

  “I grew up thinking I had to fight boys if I wanted to be safe,” Brice said. “I guess that’s why I am the way I am.”

  “You’re strong,” Cam said. “You’re a leader.”

  “My situation forced me to be strong,” she said. “If my father didn’t beat my mother like that, I don’t know what I would’ve become.”

  “Probably what you are,” Cam said. “Just would’ve taken a different path.”

  “Maybe.” She leaned forward and hugged her knees to her chest. “I wonder about that sometimes. I wrap myself in armor and throw myself into danger, and sometimes I think I’m doing it because I don’t know anything better.”

  “You’re doing it because you’re brave.” Cam tilted his head and studied Brice for a long moment. “But if you want another way, there might be one.”

  She looked back at him. “Yeah?”

  “Magic,” he said.

  She laughed. “I don’t know magic,” she said.

  “I could teach you just like I’m teaching Theus,” Cam said. “Sirrin said any Human can learn. If you really wanted it, I could teach you.”

  “No,” she said, smiling and shaking her head. “No, I think I’m stuck on my path. Sword, shield, and armor’s the way for me.”

  “Think about it,” he said. “You’d be pretty scary out there.”

  “I’m sure I would be.” Her smile faded. “But no, thanks. I don’t think it’s perfect, but I think I’m right where I belong.”

  Cam nodded and let out a breath. “This whole war’s bringing out the worst and the best in people,” he said. “It shines a light on who you are.”

  “Do you think it’s doing it to you, too?”

  He nodded. “I think so.”

  “And do you like what you see?”

  Cam laughed gently and climbed to his feet. He clutched his father’s sword and stared off across the field toward a grouping of trees.

  “Not even a little bit,” he said, and began to walk back toward camp.

  Brice stayed behind in the clearing.

  23

  Cam pressed his face into Key’s hair and breathed her smell deep. The shadows in his tent were deep and he could still feel her body vibrating on top of him.

  She smiled and shifted slightly. The blanket fell to reveal her shoulder, which was covered in bruises. Cam kissed it, pulled the blanket away, and rolled her onto her back.

  “Coming in for another taste already?” she asked with a wicked little smile.

  “I was thinking about it.” He kissed her lips then moved down to her jaw. It was bruised and yellow. He kissed her neck, then her collar bone, before running a tongue around her hard, pink nipple. More bruises scattered down her ribs and disappeared down beneath the blanket.

  “You’re too much,” she said and stretched. Cam grinned and kissed the bruises along her ribs, making sure to be careful.

  “You got these looked at, right?” he asked.

  “Of course.” She reached down and ruffled his hair. “But thanks for being so worried.”

  Cam grunted and palmed her breast. He squeezed harder than normal and made her gasp. He grinned, bit her lip.

  “Not that concerned,” he said. “Don’t worry.”

  Key hit him in the chest with a grin and shoved him off. She came at him, straddling his hips, and grabbed his wrists. He let her pin him down as she arched her back and made her body long, pressing her breasts against his chest.

  “If you wanted to
be a little rough, all you had to do was ask,” she said.

  “Don’t tempt me,” he said. “You don’t need any more bruises.”

  “Bruises heal.”

  “True enough.” He pulled a hand away from her grasp and slapped her ass hard.

  She laughed and bit his lip, but before he could spank her again, there were shouts from outside his tent.

  Key wiggled her hips along his shaft and he felt it stir beneath her warm, wet spot. He grunted and was about to lose himself in her again when the shouts became louder. He held up a hand and tilted his head.

  “You hear that?”

  “I hear it,” she said and rolled off him.

  “Shit.” Cam climbed off the pile of furs, skins, and blankets he used as a bed and found his trousers. He pulled them on, still half-hard, and got them buttoned as Key dressed beside him.

  More commotion from outside. He thought he heard steel bang against shields. Cam grabbed his shirt, pulled it on, and belted his sword around his hips.

  Key followed him out. Arter was on duty outside the tent.

  “What’s happening?” he asked.

  Arter shook his head. “Not sure,” he said. “I sent Vorn to check it out.”

  “Come on,” Cam said.

  “Sir, we should assemble more of your guard,” Arter said.

  “I’ll take care of him,” Key said and hefted her spear on her shoulder.

  Cam strode into the thickening darkness. Fires crackled nearby. Men craned their necks searching for the disturbance. Tents rustled and the smell of cooking filled the air.

  More shouts. Cam doubled his pace. They were coming from one of the infantry divisions on the far side of the army.

  “What do you think it is?” Key asked.

  “I don’t think it’s an attack,” he said. “Not enough screaming.”

  “But something’s not right,” she said.

  Cam nodded and gripped the pommel of his sword tighter.

  He slipped through gaps between tents and slowed as he spotted a crowd of soldiers up ahead. They were packed densely around a set of circular tents used by the general staff.

  “Make way!” Arter said. “Make way for the General.”

  Cam caught looks from the men as he moved into their midst with Key at his side. Some were relieved, some were confused. Some looked angry.

  He ignored them. Ahead, the ranks of soldiers thinned and stopped. The men were arranged in a semi-circle around the tents, most of them unarmed and looking like they’d just gotten up from their evening meal.

  Felin stood in the clearing. Six armed men stood at her back, each wearing black cloaks. Before her, General Lagon stood half dressed in trousers and an unbuttoned tunic. His face was half-shaved and Cam guessed the man had been settling in for the evening.

  “What’s happening here?” Cam asked.

  Felin crossed her arms over her chest and thrust her chin toward the General. “I’m arresting this man.”

  Cam stared at her. “Why?”

  Lagon let out a frustrated snort. “The bitch thinks I’m some kind of traitor,” he said.

  Cam stepped toward Lagon. “Speak about Felin that way again, and I’ll make sure you spend a long time in her custody.”

  “She came here and tore me from my tent,” Lagon said, jabbing a finger in Felin’s direction. “She refused to allow me to dress. She refuses to tell me why she thinks she can take me whenever she pleases. What kind of military camp is this, where you send your little girlfriends after anyone who displeases you?”

  “Lagon,” Cam said, trying to keep his voice calm. He was intensely aware of the men gathered around them. “You haven’t displeased me. In fact, I don’t know why Felin’s here anymore than you do. But she wouldn’t do something like this without cause.”

  Felin remained impassive, her arms crossed over her chest, though her soldiers gripped their weapons tight.

  “Go ahead and get her cause, then,” Lagon said. “The bi— She cannot treat me like some criminal. I’m a member of the general staff, I’m a General in good standing.”

  Cam held up a hand and looked to Felin. She tilted her head and her dark eyes met his. “Fel, what charges do you level against Lagon?” he asked.

  “Lagon remains loyal to the former Lord Remorn,” she said. “He was a loyalist when he was alive, and he’s a loyalist still today.”

  “Lies,” Lagon said. “I was loyal to the Lord like any other man. But Remorn’s dead now and his daughter rules the Mansion. I’m no fool.”

  “Being loyal to the former Lord isn’t a crime,” Cam said.

  “No, that’s true,” Felin said. “But spreading propaganda meant to destabilize your control over the army is.”

  There was a slight murmur in the crowd. Cam let out a breath.

  “Lagon?” he asked.

  “Lies,” Lagon said. “Propaganda? Destabilizing your control? I couldn’t imagine what possible game she thinks I’m playing.”

  Cam felt Key step up next to him. “We’ve all heard the rumors, Lagon,” she said. “Godlings in our midst, ready to step up and kill all the Humans once we’ve dealt with the wolves.”

  “I don’t know anything about that,” Lagon said.

  “I hear the men talk,” Key said. “I’m on the front lines with them every day. They’re scared, and for good reason, but they’re scared of the wrong thing. They talk of the Elves as if they’re the real enemies.”

  “The Elves— they’re not even here!” Lagon said. “They’re back at the Mansion right now.”

  “That’s right,” Felin said. “And the rumors you’ve been spreading suggest the Elves are currently raping, pillaging, and destroying the Mansion as we speak.”

  “Lies,” Lagon said again. He looked at Cam, his hands spread out. “This is madness, you have to know it.”

  “These sorts of lies don’t come from nowhere,” Key said. “If Felin thinks it’s him—”

  “There’s no proof,” Lagon said. “A man can have his beliefs. There’s no crime in having an opinion.”

  “What beliefs do you have, Lagon?” Cam asked.

  Lagon shut his mouth and his jaw worked. “I don’t have to put up with this.”

  Cam stepped closer to Lagon. “I say you do,” Cam said. “What beliefs do you have?”

  Lagon looked around like he was searching for support in the enlisted men. Cam didn’t risk following his gaze. He didn’t want to see the looks on their faces. He didn’t want to find out that half his men thought the same way Lagon did. He didn’t want to see how much irrational fear had infected his army.

  “My thoughts are my own,” Lagon said.

  Felin rolled her eyes. “Enough of this,” she said. “Lagon, I have multiple witnesses that claim you’re the one spreading rumors about the godlings. Several Captains have come forward, along with reliable enlisted men. You can keep playing this little game if you wish, but you’re not walking away from this clearing in one piece.”

  Lagon stared around him. Cam shook his head.

  “Come with her, Lagon,” Cam said. “If you’re innocent, we’ll clear it up. We’ll speak with her witnesses, we’ll—”

  “Damn you,” Lagon said, his voice a roar as he turned to Felin. “Damn you, little godling-lover bitch. I bet you lay with them behind the General’s back, you little slut.” He advanced on her, almost at a run, his hands thrown back like he wanted to grab her face and smash it into the ground.

  Cam moved but Felin moved faster.

  She ducked under Lagon’s attack and lashed a knee out. She caught him in the thigh and sent him stumbling to the side. One of her soldiers stepped forward and slammed the butt of his spear into Lagon’s jaw, knocking him sideways and to the ground.

  Felin kicked Lagon in the ribs.

  “You’re under arrest for being a fucking prick,” she said and gestured at her guards. “Take him.”

  They fell on Lagon and tied his hands behind his back with a length of black rope. He
was hauled to his feet, his head drooping, his mouth bloody from the spear blow.

  “Fucking lies,” Lagon said and spit blood at Felin’s feet. “Fucking dogs. You’ll regret this, shaman. You’ll fucking regret it.”

  “Take him,” Felin said.

  The guards dragged Lagon away.

  Cam stared at the General then turned his attention to the gathered men.

  “Hear me now,” Cam said, raising his voice over the din of confused voices and shuffling bodies.

  He saw fear, anger, and confusion. He saw a sea of faces all staring back at him, and he knew that he could lose them at any moment.

  And if he did, this whole war would be finished.

  “You can’t just arrest someone for nothing!” a voice shouted from the back.

  “Aye,” a few voices called out.

  “For nothing! Suspicion!”

  Cam held up his hands. “Quiet,” he said.

  The voices continued until Arter stepped up and banged his spear against his shield. “The General told you lot to shut your cock sucking mouths. Now either shut them or I’ll come smash your teeth from your fucking skulls.”

  Some laughter rang back but the voices quieted down.

  Cam paced toward the center of the clearing and faced the men. He clasped his hands behind his back. Felin’s guards pushed a path and dragged Lagon away, but Felin stayed behind. Key’s eyes roamed the assembled soldiers and he could see the worry in her expression.

  “I know many of you liked Lagon,” Cam said. “I liked the man myself. He’s a competent General and good at keeping the supplies flowing.”

  “Aye, and now he can’t do shit tied up in some tent with that torturing mad woman!” someone called out.

  “There won’t be any torturing,” Cam said and shot Felin a look. “You must all understand. There is so much more at stake here. If we continue down this path, if we continue to hate all godlings for being what they are, then we won’t ever be able to come together. Alone, we’re not strong enough to stand against the wolf horde. But together, we’ll be able to crush them.”

  Some murmuring and nodding heads.

  “We have a new plan,” Cam said. “We’ll lead the wolves away from the Mansion. The Elves will march in their wake, killing any encampments they leave behind. Once we’ve taken them far enough, we’ll turn and face them head on while the Elves sweep in from the rear. Together, between our two forces, we’ll crush the wolves once and for all and be done with this madness.”