Gryff Boxset

by Sloss, Marcus

  “Letting us build-up is a bad move though,” I replied and meant it.

  “You have less than seven thousand troops and are a few hundred thousand shy in flooring of a junior Justicar or Inquisitor council member. They will see you for what you are, insignificant. No offense,” Ovaria said and I shrugged.

  “There is not much more to do than try to keep myself with Nicole at all times and focus on getting myself into better gear. If they do come at least I will be somewhat ready.”

  CHAPTER 23

  The flute tooted a perfect melody and the gathered attendees gave a light gentle clap in applause. Mysti bowed gracefully at the end of her performance. I saw many guests wiping tears from wet eyes. When she delicately stepped down from the stage I held her hand to help her. The gesture was merely for show as she was not in high heels or an awkward dress.

  Mysti wore a yellow gown with a blue trim that she sparkled in. Nicole joined our side after a brief conversation with a merman.

  Nicole was wearing a green dress with white and gold trim. Both ladies could have spilled ample bust, but instead were in high neckline gowns that went down to their ankles.

  Mysti had used our wardrobe fitting at Zany Zemporium to size us and I was shocked at how close she came to getting the fit perfect.

  I happened to be wearing a large black robe with gold trim that was a smidge too big for me. The velvety texture was a nice change from the rough leather I had been in for so long.

  “That was wonderful Mysti!” I exclaimed when we stepped off to the side. “I'm glad you finally were able to buy a flute.”

  Mysti’s eyes widened and she ran back to the stage. A new group was taking setting up on the platform as Mysti handed off the flute to a young goblin girl. She retreated from the band and handled the stairs solo just fine. She gave a goofy grin, swirling her hair playfully with a slight head shake.

  “I wonder how long I would have stood here holding that flute for,” Mysti said while giving me a high five. My cheek received a kiss and Mysti’s warm smile gave her a slight glow. “Thanks Gryff, you look dashingly handsome.”

  “And you are spectacularly glowing. Both of you girls are. Zoey is going to be downright jealous.”

  “I know you said she missed me; I just wish you had not left her there,” Mysti said with a slight pout.

  “The dwarfs are a bunch of low levels. Sure they are a trained army that will override most level differences but still. I felt it was the right call and want to get back out there sooner rather than later,” I said confidently.

  “Ah! There you are. You are a most welcomed guest to the castle and my gala. I wanted to host it on your blimp but you vanished through a portal in haste,” King Ptera said approaching from behind me. I spun and we clasped forearms in friendly greeting. “I have some people to introduce you to. I hear you brought back with you two things of import. Six thousand new citizens and enough platinum to ransom a god’s son.”

  The light fake laughter turned into real laughter at the audacity of his statement. He waved me to walk with him and I abandoned Nicole as well as Mysti. We walked off the plush carpet and onto the lacquered wooden floors that shined.

  “Quite right, I am in need of buying some land. I will need to hire a lot of people and at the same time have a lot of idle hands. Oh, speaking of idle hands. I may have solved your dirigible problem.”

  “Dirigible?”

  “Ah, a fancy term for an airship. Our dwarves know how to make them so they can fly. At least they say they…”

  The king halted me as we were walking to a group that had Duchess Sophula in it. His eyes spoke of excitement and I could see his brain creating scenarios to bring the dwarves here instead of being at this gala. He calmed his breathing and then gave a mischievous grin.

  “I am going to excuse myself. I shall be back in a few hours. Can I have a note from you?”

  I hardly contained my giggles and a few guests noticed. I ignored the awkward stares I received and kept on chuckling. I was obviously breaking protocol or decorum by laughing at the King. He waved them to look in a different direction and they did.

  “Yes, your grace I can do one better. Mysti!” I said just loud enough for her to hear me across the hall. Nicole joined her as she walked to me. “Mysti, go with King Ptera to the dwarves. However many he needs to work on his airships is how many he shall get. Boss’s orders. Your grace if you can corral up some property inspector adjuster types. I want to buy the land they are on. Just north of Evrin, they are camped out in a random field.”

  “They sit behind a desk all day. Easy to rustle a few up,” Ptera replied.

  “You ready to go Mysti?” I asked the cheerful blonde who had braided in her white streaks.

  “Yes my Emperor,” Mysti said with a curtsy and I rolled my eyes. “What? You control an entire universe.”

  “Not from here, but I am not going to quibble,” I said with a huff. “And Mysti, stay there. We will join you tomorrow, thank you.”

  The King and Mysti chatted in a friendly manner as they left our area. I looked around for Harmony hoping she had found a dress for the event. Sadly my eyes did not find her among the crowd. I did spy Ovaria walking over to her mother with two rhinorcs in tow. I put Nicole’s hand in mine and decided to get down to business.

  “Duchess, and others I do not know. I must excuse my bad manners and bring up work. Lady Ovaria if you would please,” I said with a poorly executed bow.

  “He does not look that impressive,” the first rhinorc said.

  If they had wanted to say something else they knew better. Ovaria spun and glared menacingly at the two. She left them there to stew when we stepped over to the side of the gala hall.

  “Nicole you look simply stunning,” Ovaria said as we still worked through the crowd to find a quiet spot to chat. “I am at a social event. What do you want Gryff?”

  “Your job is to know these people,” I said with an ‘excuse me’ huff. “Do I need to hire a court manager? Disregard that. The King is going to the dwarves to work on airships. Who do I need to talk to figure out how to get access to a quarry and moving heavy stone?”

  “Are you nuts, you want to build in stone? There is no such person here. Remi is literally carved out of a small mountain.”

  “Do you like the idea of a fire mage burning your stronghold to the ground? I sure as fuck don’t,” I said with a snarky attitude. I let out a long exhale. “Sorry the King was supposed to introduce me to the right people but he ran off like a five year old excited for a new toy. Honestly, I wish I could have fled. I am no good in these situations.”

  “You think? You literally tell a demon he has no balls and then get all feisty when it comes to being poked and prodded by the nobility.”

  “It is not that bad Gryff,” Nicole said supportively.

  “Alright, I was going to save the best part for when we boarded the airship tomorrow but I managed to extend your plus two to the event. I was hoping you would mingle and not tense up. Follow me, and Gryff, if you kill my husbands I will fucking chop your dick off in your sleep,” Ovaria said as she sashayed back towards her mother and friends.

  When I walked past the rhinorcs I held out my hand in a high five and only Duchess Sophula smacked my palm. I gave her my best winning smile and Nicole thought I was adorable as she snuggled into my side as we walked. I was curious as to where we were going when I saw two ladies standing awkwardly in front of a punch bowl. They were in mediocre dress and not nearly as dolled up with makeup.

  The left lady was five and a half feet tall. She had thighs that joined at the knee and trailed down into a tightly coiled tail. The naga was not shy as her gorgeous eyes locked to mine and then she studied Nicole. I saw her mouth open to reveal fangs and there were gills etched into her dress that fluttered as she breathed. Her eyes were slits of black while the irises were a dazzling green. Those things made her part naga. The rest was a gorgeous human. Large luscious lips, l
ong flowing blonde hair, and an average sized bust on display from a plunging neckline.

  “You are stunning. Like wow. My pilot said nagas were easy on the eyes but she undersold your looks. I am Gryff,” I said extending my hand.

  “I am Karissa and this is my twin sister Kata. Ovaria hired us. She said you needed more mages. I am a water mage while Kata is an air mage. We recently quit as private security and the King said you are building an army,” Karissa said and I bobbed my head while a tad surprised. “You need mages correct?”

  “Oh, most certainly. I am perplexed by how a water and air mage would perform underwater,” I said and both the girls tilted their heads to Ovaria.

  Kata placed her arm in front of me and showed me a score of nine hundred and sixty-one.

  I used the distraction to see both the girls were identical.

  Shit, this was going to be tough.

  Nope, Kata had orange eyes.

  Perfect.

  I showed my two thousand three hundred and sixty-three.

  I turned back to looking Karissa.

  Kata laid a hand gently on my face and directed my eyes to her.

  “I see you ogling my sister. We look the same, so drool over me because I am the single one drawn to powerful males. She has a meek librarian for a lover. I happen to favor the bulky dominant types. I bet you could even untwine my constriction.”

  “Yes! Let’s find that out,” I said while excitedly clapping my hands that transitioned into me rubbing them. “Right now works.”

  “Woah easy there, we need to get back to the fact you are dense on water fighting. Magic has almost no effect in the water. How did you get all your levels?” Kata said.

  I saw Ovaria wince and gulp her drink. When the glass went dry she wiggled her eyebrows at me in satisfaction of my predicament. Without a word, she left us to seek out her husbands. That was not a good sign. I inhaled a deep breath as she grew more distant and turned to address the naga ladies.

  “Killing Inquisitors mostly,” I said.

  “Fuck me!” Kata hissed perfectly.

  “Where?” I asked and then pointed at a closet. “That storage room work?”

  “No you dunce are you serious, think with your brain. You think the bookworm dating water mage wants to hitch onto the war wagon of a crusading barbarian. No and there she goes,” Kata said and sure enough, Karissa slithered away.

  “You girls have amazing asses, like creator divine. The way your hips bounce as you shift your tail.”

  “Ugh, true but not the issue. Who am I competing with for the air shield spot? Are you willing to invest in better orbs for me?” Kata asked with folded arms under her chest. “Can you guarantee I will get quality leveling time?”

  “So I get fire not working in water. Lightning is bad because it will shock everyone. An air spell probably is okay for a shield and that is about it…”

  A hand was waved in front of my face and Nicole stepped forward and shook Kata’s hand. This seemed to placate the naga while I started going through all the options. Ice would work but if the water was warm around the ice it would melt quickly. Maybe ice shards. Yeah, ice shards would work if flung as projectiles but a crossbow would be better. That meant a spear gun would be best. Did it really all devolve into a melee scrum I wondered? Nicole squeezed my hand bringing me back to the conversation.

  “Husband you need to confirm that we are going to work on buying Kata here a legendary orb,” Nicole said and my face twisted in wonderment. That was a lot even for a sexy naga. I was not that interested. My new reaction convinced Nicole to continue. “She will sign on for five years as your personal bodyguard and will follow you through any portal you enter.”

  “Done, and no competition for top spot now or ever if you become a personal guard,” I said with a smile.

  “How often does he zone out?” Kata asked in a concerned tone.

  “If you are his air shield guard you will notice when it happens. He was figuring out water combat. We only arrived here less than what? Two months ago,” Nicole said, part question with part statement. I was not sure if I should answer when she gasped. I followed her eyes and saw Harmony walking in. “So hot!”

  Harmony had her long black hair in dual braids. She wore a form fitting tight bomber jacket dress that hugged her curves. The white fluffy edging of the dress flowed around the neck and went until cleavage started to spill out. Harmony’s red tail swayed out the back of the dress from a cut hole with more fluffy white frills. The dress went to right above her knees and was made perfect by matching hooker boots that went high on her shins.

  Before she arrived Kata said, “You have a sexy elvath and a bombshell of a kitsune in your harem?”

  “Yes, you want in?” I asked directly.

  “Yup, now I am the one wanting to dart into the closet. If I am going to be one of your guards and will be exposed to your antics when you get naughty. Might as well have fun too. But legendary orb, that is a must and you are definitely not going to find one here,” Kata said while slithering back to let Harmony into our group circle.

  “Find one what?” Harmony said while twirling when she arrived.

  I went to speak but Nicole beat me to it.

  “That dress is to die for, I love it.”

  “Thanks, one of the perks of being a princess. I had my own seamstress that I could get all sorts of custom things made for. Problem was finding someone to make a replica on short notice, you should see the real one. When I was determined to be an atmospheric pilot I had this made. Put on a few pounds and my tits grew a bit more so it is tight or the measurements I remembered were wrong. Sexy tight though I think. I can’t be sure. I was so…”

  I snagged her swirling tail as she projected self-doubt and yanked her into my chest where she yelped. This reaction caused others to look our way and I gave her a long tender kiss. My hands roamed to the tight leather over her butt and I squeezed both cheeks firmly.

  “We need a legendary shield orb,” I said with a grin and stumbled into her when her tail jerked my hips forward.

  We kissed again and Nicole eventually broke us up.

  “I can get one, we will have to go to my home planet. We can farm one or buy one. The roaming boss that drops it is a rock giant,” Harmony informed us as she went to the punch bowl and poured some drinks. I accepted mine and it tasted like strawberries with a hint of wine. “The boss is immune to physical damage but if you have a powerful ice and lightning combo you can defeat him fairly easily.”

  “Going to pass on killing a roaming rock boss for now. We are super physical damage heavy in our team composition. Apologies Harmony. Harmony this is Kata our newest and only air mage, Kata this is Harmony our pilot and second fire mage.”

  Harmony shook Kata’s hand eagerly. I watched her get a long devouring inspection from head to toe.

  “You are as pretty as the elvath,” Kata said with a straight back and a warm smile.

  “You are one to talk, I have never seen a naga I instantly fantasized about. Are you single?” Harmony asked and Nicole laughed.

  “Not anymore I am not, assuming your alpha is good to his harem then count me in,” Kata replied with a smirk.

  I knew if Zoey was here she would be rolling her eyes. The band struck up a chord and people flowed onto the dance floor. Harmony yanked me forward and we twirled to the instruments’ wonderful melody. She pressed herself tightly to me and I enjoyed the way her breasts squished against my chest.

  “Gryff, I know I am new and Nicole is the harem boss but I felt it was important I bring something up,” Harmony said while the music turned into a slow dance of types. “I like girls more than boys, part of my no babies allowed upbringing as a princess. I still have not met Mysti. I guess what I am saying is. Can we limit the new babes for now, until we find our comfort zones? I get Kata. You need her protection and she is very sexy.”

  I smiled and gave a slight chuckle.

  “Certainly
, we can even keep Kata to the side for a few weeks until you feel ready if you would like,” I said and Harmony rested her head on my chest. “Do you think if we went to your home planet we could be back quickly? Would we be able to hire your seamstress?”

  “First, no on needing her on the side. I want to pound her from behind with my tail while pulling on her hair,” Harmony said in a seductive tone and I knew if she kept going I would start to lose control. She saw my lust and cackled lightly. “Fine, naughty talk for later. If we showed up in a divine airship, yes probably. I was a third daughter to a Queen of nine planets. Well, I sort of still aim but I gave up my claims to become what I am now. There are some bylaws and allowances,” Harmony paused as the song ended. We walked off the floor for Nicole and Kata. “Two days to get the orbs and a seamstress. I can go by portal if you want to keep the blimp here. Probably could still convince Sharice to come out with her team for a few weeks while they create us some gear. I am set, I have a few legendary outfits for fighting already back at home. Three days trip at most if I go ‘portal on foot.’”

  Nicole frowned, looking at me with confliction.

  “We have level ones and low level dwarves. Probably should focus on killing the low level stuff and let Harmony go home for a few days. That way when she returns we can start tackling harder dungeons. Mainly you should stick around for the establishment of our stronghold as you term it,” Nicole said.

  I was going to agree with her when a portly mouse man walked over to us. He was accompanied by a young gnome and a black-furred kitsune. I opened my posture to let them join our group.

  “Greetings I am Karson, welcome to Thur. I see you uncertain about me. I am a movant and we tend to stick to business over war. I happen to be the ferry magnate who manages the port north of Remi. I hear you are in need of a new run to the eastern edge of Frizzia,” Karson said politely.

  I thought he was going to add more and waited. When he remained silent I said, “I expect the King to approve my request to buy land north of Evrin as I have just done him a favor. With that being said, yes. How about we schedule a tea time with each other or our people can meet to collaborate on a new ferry run?”