“Ah much better. So introductions are done. We know you and recognize you as Gryff of Vin. While wearing the white I always find it most pleasing, to be honest. I hope you follow suit. We want those sails and oars. Are you willing to trade for them?” Rakmar got right into it. I was about to answer when a chubby index finger went into the air. “Know this Gryff, Emperor Salvoni sat at this very table. He was always cowardly though and never sat among us, as you do now. He also was indecisive. If we make an offer the worst thing you can do is say you need to think about it. It never got him anywhere.”
I nodded at this rationale.
“Okay makes sense… How else do we show we value each other’s time than by avoiding wasting it? Yes, I can deal with the sails and oars I earned through conquest afforded by the accords… What did you have in mind?” I said and this brought a grin to Rakmar’s face.
“Same thing I only ever once offered to that weakling Salvoni.” The Master Cyclops of Vin reached into his pocket on his vest and tinkled a bell. I sipped my drink and waited to see what was offered. “Varuska… Make her wait outside the door. I want to see if the human has an offer first before I grant him this one.”
The lady shaman waitress peeled off from the bar where she was preparing drinks and blocked the door. Well, this was not fair.
“I need to get north. That is what King Horus and I want most. We need silk tree worms. We would need a place for griffins to land three times for rest until we got to the tropics. And then one village for harvesting.” I said giving the offer.
“That is a big ask… Why?” There was real curiosity etched on his face.
“We are training students. We use the blood of the worms to copy text onto blank…”
That was as far as I got when Rakmar halted me. “Varuska come here darling.” He ordered and the waitress came over to us. “Closer.” She hesitated and Rakmar did not.
His clawed tips shot out and into her throat. With a vicious yank, the bartender fell over, clutching her neck where her blood flowed freely. The ruined windpipe was gently dropped on her twitching body.
“Now that was awesome… I wish I had claws.” I said. The other cyclops chuckled while Virtue paled. I think he was worried he was next.
“Virtue your contract on keeping this a secret. Immediately.” Rakmar ordered and even his underlings flung yellow magic his way. The contracts were sealed, bound, and sent to the Master Cyclops. “Virtue silence us, and so help me by the seven gods, if you slip I will eat your heart myself.”
I was perplexed by the whole situation really. I was still stumped cyclops were not some forty foot monster of legend.
“Gryff, we know you have a few magics new to us. We are an ancient coalition of members you call the Horde. We have seven gods who are revered for their knowledge, grace, and unique abilities. We have what you call a bible. For us, it is tedious to copy and painstaking to duplicate. It costs us endless amounts of toil to perfect a duplicate. We cannot have any errors. We cannot use stupid creatures like goblins or orcs because they are uncultured. Even shamans get distracted and make mistakes, ruining an entire binding. The best source is a team of dedicated professionals that swap sections in almost an art form. Of course, these teams are slow and charge extensively for their time. If you could make say a hundred copies for me, you will make the four and in essence five of us very rich. Would that be possible?”
I hesitated here. I had him by the balls in this negotiation.
“I promise to answer but first I must know what the ships in the south are for?”
Quarton fielded this question. “It will not be a secret for long. We want ice cats and yeti. Both are a delicacy. The young also sell well on our planets dedicated to universal trade hubs. We plan on sending a few million troops to gather as much as we can to profit. We would happily expend millions of fodder troops for financial gain. I hope that sinks in for you.”
Rakmar nodded in approval at his answer and it made sense. I knew the Horde had yellow, white, black, and red magic. They wanted the beasts for the meat. He never mentioned they were there to also reign seven hells on our fishing boats, but there was a twinkle in his eye that spoke of something hidden.
“I want what is behind that door. Four villages in a flight path north to the tropics. And then three more to Darunsa for a desert fruit I need. I can circle them on a map if you can provide one. Lastly, I want a hostility free zone in the Venisis Sea.”
Rakmar sent Klimarna to retrieve a map. “My counter, I will grant you the seven protected zones, and the prize behind that door. Alas, it is a no on Venisis Sea, mainly because the spell would take up too much. In exchange, I will expand your home city of Fernlan to double its size and give city size barriers for the seven locations of your choosing.” He paused as Kilmarna returned with a map of Vin. I quickly circled the seven locations I would need. “You certain?”
“Deal… One hundred of your bibles delivered in two months’ time. If I finish earlier I will knock on a portal. I will swear my earth's caster to secrecy and let no one view the contents. I will have my people in Streb roll out the sails and the oars. In exchange, I get these seven city barriers and an expansion of Fernlan. Also whatever is behind that door that has me curious now.” I said sternly.
“I am impressed human. Not my finest deal but we give up little and gain a fortune. I accept. Here is your original I want copied. This volume is worth a lot so keep it secure. You die if it is destroyed. Do not fail me human. Virtue retrieve Princess Amber. Emperor Igrad’s only surviving daughter. I am transferring her indentured contract to you now.” A yellow stream of magic swirled into my chest and locked into my soul. That was beyond disturbing. I did understand the spell somehow though. Rakmar saw me studying the spell. “I wish I could test you without breaking the terms of the truce… I see it in your eyes you won’t allow it. I also saw you fathom the complexity of the spell I sent you. You make an interesting human Gryff, in this body and your other.”
I was about to launch into a string of questions about my other life when Virtue dragged a shaking angry redhead from behind the door.
When I mention red hair I mean fire red. The young woman who was maybe eighteen had a figure that was a step above Pipi’s body. Her waist slimmed and her hips widened. Her large full bust was hidden behind a servant's dress. Her green eyes pierced mine with anger and hatred. Not necessarily at me, more toward her handling. She fought Virtue the entire way to the table. I saw her lips pout and dimples grow as she frowned.
“Release my father for me… He does you no good as a madman locked in a dungeon.” Princess Amber confessed. Virtue went to backhand her and froze. She was mine now and never would be hit again.
“Unhand her before I consider it a violation. Conjure a portal. You, Princess, are free. Your father will have to wait for another time assuming he is still alive.” I commanded and Virtue obeyed. Before I could step through Rakmar gave me a warning.
“You are bound now. Deliver in two months or die like the fool you turned to ash earlier.” The yellow magic sealing our deal raced for me. I slowed it and pulled it apart. The Horde in front of me gasped in shock. The contract dictated exactly what we agreed on. I condensed the terms and folded them into my soul.
“Not poss…” Rakmar was saying when I lifted Amber into my arms and took us through the portal.
∞∞∞
The dizziness wore off quickly and I saw I stood over my loot. Hell yes! I loved me some loot. The first thing I did was unclasp the slave ring around Princess Amber’s neck. I handed it to Virtue who tossed me a small bag of gold for it. He waved goodbye and vanished with his portal.
We were in the central portal of Bavie. The young lad waited with his father for my return as did Nate and my wives. I raced to Count Dax and he jolted in surprise at my speed. To be honest they all were scared a bit.
“I need you to inform your father to ready the fleet and every ship he can man right now. We should sa
il as soon as possible.” I commanded and the lad flinched at my demands.
Count Dax stood his ground until thirty griffins soared over my head in my support. “As you wish my Lord. You will need to justify yourself and the fleet has been at a semi ready for years. I have lots to achieve in a short amount of time. Charles tell the harbormaster that the fleet is to prepare for war on orders of King Horus.”
I cut him off. “I may even be so bold as to say on the orders of Emperor Igrad’s remaining heir.” This elicited gasps even from my wives and the griffins. “Lord Nova east of here you will find that caravan meeting the ocean. Find it for me. I also need the two wagons of oars and sails pushed out of Streb. Break a wall if they have to. They no longer belong to us and I die if they are not delivered.”
The griffins split as they hastily discussed scouting plans. Lady Addilyn approached me first. Nate cut her off though.
“I will ready the men and head to the wharves. I will ensure the Knights of Fernlan are ready.” Nate bowed. I grew confused and then I looked behind me to view Princess Amber approaching. She was still in shock at her release.
Princess Addilyn's eyes lit up and she jumped with joy as she clenched her fists. I saw her scream in happiness as she rushed Amber. Velia approached me, giving the two space as they hugged. Amber’s eyes finally recognizing Addilyn.
“Fifth wife?” That was all Velia said.
“Indentured servant. Stupid contract law. She will have some explaining to do. That is Princess Amber, last surviving heir to Emperor Igrad. I couldn’t save him. Didn’t know he was alive until she mentioned it after a deal was struck. Go to them and see if you can help. She has been a slave for a long time. I have a lot to do before I can work on breaking her contract to me.”
“Don’t, at least not right away. Trust me on this. That is the most powerful woman in the entire kingdom, who is suddenly in your protection. Let us handle her reintegration into humanity. I mean it Gryff. Keep her close and safe for now, please. This ruins all claims Salvoni has. It also puts her at great risk.”
“You are my rock Velia. I trust you in all things. See it done. I have a Duke to convince and troops to manage. I love you.” A quick kiss on her cheek and I was gone.
I lightly jogged to the Duke’s estate being escorted by a guard. A set of guards guided me into his hall where I was announced. It was a small rectangular room with only a few dozen attending nobles. They were dressed in nicer clothing than I was used to and most looked bored until my arrival. I was hoping he would clear the court, but if I made my declaration in front of his nobles, he would have a layer of insulation.
“My Lord Gryff, how may I assist you?” Duke Jarv said with a pause. His son Dax was seated with his advisors. He knew why I was here, the questioning a formality.
“I have parlayed with the enemy. I have gained much for returning the sails, and wooden oars. Ships are being assembled as we speak not far from this very port…” This caused a ruckus, because of what I had proclaimed. I held a hand up to let the silence return. “I admit I traded with the Horde and even committed to a secret task that will not harm my fellow humans. It will enrich our petty enemy leaders. I want to give you all the facts before you aid me. The enemy marched a caravan of at least ten million strong past my Streb holding. The cyclops’ want us to believe it is a small army, but they lie. When the tail end of that very caravan was passing a narrow point, we seized four wagons. Two of the four were parts for ships being assembled at some unknown location or locations.
“So I asked myself. Why would the Horde need ships in the south? Well, my primary reason was you. It is your fishing ships and the other fishing ships that are keeping this Empire figuratively and literally afloat. Humans and griffins rely on the fish. We all do. The Horde told me they were readying for an invasion of the Vartin Tundra. Their goal is to collect delicate meat that they trade for large amounts of wealth. Ask yourselves. Is that the only thing they want? Or are the ships that feed us a bonus target. I parleyed and bartered to make the Venisis Sea off limits to combat, but my request was denied. So I ask you Duke Jarv, and citizens of Bavie, will you join me in sinking the ships already built? My plan is simple. Sail out in the night and use the superior griffin eyesight to guide us to our targets. Then bombard the enemy and clog their harbor with the skeletons of their ships.”
I waited as the Duke thought on my questions.
“My orders are as follows and I hope you understand why. We prepare the fleet, not for tonight, but instead tomorrow night. I have sent for King Horus himself to come, it is his fleet to order about. He will bring sailors still proficient in war with him. Patience for one night. Tomorrow, explain your plan to our King and then we will move forward from there.” Duke Jarv proclaimed. His nobles were nodding their heads in agreement.
I myself saw the rationale. An extra day would be fine, at least I hoped it would. Who knew how many wagons with sails and oars there were. I thanked the Duke and exited. I was lost where to go and hired a street ruffian to guide me to Emperor Igrad’s estate. The scruffy young man never tried anything untoward and I was delivered safely to the estate.
Velia waited on the steps for me. I walked over to her and plopped down beside my wife. I slung an arm around her and she tucked into me.
“She has been through a lot. Not every day you get to escape the Horde. Addilyn and Amber have a connection from childhood. It is best to give them space. Are we sailing tonight?” Velia asked and I shook my head no. She stood trying to pull me up with her dainty figure. I yanked her into my lap where we kissed. “Take me to the book store you big brute. I always wanted to shop down here.”
I laughed at this… So had I. “To the bookstore it is. We can let others handle affairs for an hour of free time. Oh… Fernlan got double the barrier size than before. I think that means I can go fishing from within the safe zone.”
“No… We will never see you anymore. You can actually buy a pole and everything now.” Velia said with rosy cheeks and a genuine smile. “How we will ever make a baby if you are nonstop fishing?”
I rolled my eyes. “Same way we do every night.” I then leaned in and whispered into her ear as I stopped her movement with an arm around her waist. “With your ass cheeks red from a spanking and my juice dripping out of your swollen… little… pussy…”
I knew Velia. That woman lived for naughty talk. It was a switch to her. She lunged for me and I bear hugged her tightly. She became content being held and wrapped her legs around my waist while tucking her head under my chin. I walked down the street holding my wife like a clingy teddy bear. A few tips to random people for directions and we made it to the bookstore.
CHAPTER 5
A day of preparation had commenced smoothly. The loading of gun powder, cannonballs, ballista, water, and more, takes considerable time. There were large chain gangs set up to facilitate quick loading. I was on the docks since the early morning sunrise. Another person among the many toiling to get the ships ready for war. It was backbreaking work and the simpler side of me enjoyed it. I found myself at the start of the chain. I was the first link that heaved the heavy cannonballs from the floor to the next man in line.
Nate read a few reports to me while I worked. The griffins found the bulk of the Horde navy, including the assembly cove that they were launching ships into. This was excellent news. The bad news was a few dozen were fully assembled already with sails and paddles. There were hundreds in construction and what looked like supplies for thousands of ships. When I thought about the sheer size of the caravan I was not that surprised. It would make reaching the enemy soon, more important with this knowledge.
The word had reach Streb, and two of my captured wagons were released to the enemy. This resulted in the siege around Streb being lifted as the army retreated south to their brethren. Fernlan had great news, it had indeed expanded and now encompassed some of the river. The griffins were hard at work clearing trees and harvesting much needed shrubs. T
hey did complain about the wall being prematurely built. I got a chuckle out of this, as did Nate. It was one of those sad after the facts laughs. The reality was we wasted a lot of goblin hearts for nothing.
King Horus had arrived an hour ago and I was expecting a summons any minute now. It was a surprise when I handed him a cannonball. The king inserting himself into the chain.
“I remember when I was full of energy such as you. A few more then we need to talk, plus I am gray and old. Only so much of this manual stuff, my soft body is capable of.” King Horus said between labored breaths. Yeah… It was only three cannonballs for him so far. “Come let us tour the flagship Penelope. I set a meeting with my sea captains. I need you to translate anyway for Lord Nova.”
I hefted one last long shot cannonball and handed it off. King Horus led the way with his honor guard closing ranks on us. I was without armor but had my sword on my hip. We walked the busy docks. When I say busy, I mean it… People were shoving and pushing to get to and from the warships. Everyone was trying to complete weeks’ worth of work in a few hours. The King’s guards recognized this and went single file smashing swords on shields to alert the traffic that we had priority. I glanced up at Penelope and was awed by the ship's majestic nature.
She was fat and round. I know that sounds bad, but for a wooden behemoth, it was perfect. Cannon ports were strewn across her sides numbering dozens per deck, with seven decks of firepower. Her wood was a shiny hardwood, that was earth mage smooth. It was a ship that was at least a dozen years old, her hull bristled with barnacles. It was a given, bound to happen when she never left port. We reached one of the dozen ramps into the lower hold and the guards cleared us a path. The ramp creaked and swayed with the jolt of moving people and the small motions of the bay. The smell was the greatest here, and not of the sea. Unwashed man assaulted my nostrils.
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