The Morgannate: The Dregian Chronicles Book 3

by D E Boske

  They made it to the dock before dawn and found the Captain shouting orders as his crew

  readied the ship. Crates and barrels of food and supplies lined the dock as the crew hustled to get it all onboard in time to set sail.

  Darian could help them get it done in seconds, but he was loath to expose his identity, though he guessed Aidan knew he was a Mage and not a simple Lord. This wasn’t the only factor. The Dark Mage likely had spies everywhere and Darian couldn’t chance discovery.

  He realized how stupid that was seconds after completing the thought. The damn Dark Mage probably already knew exactly where he was since there was another Dark Mage traveling with them. While in Kaleika Bay, he meditated for days in the hopes that the traitor’s identity would be known to him, but he hadn’t been able to glean any information that he didn’t already know. This frustrated the powerful Mage because he wasn’t used to being bested by anyone.

  Darian hoped to learn not only to survive, but to best Mordikai Alandro, Shangmarrum of The Order. And in order to do that, he needed to study Dark Magic, learn its secrets, and become better at it than Mordikai. No problem, he thought cynically. He didn’t allow himself to fall victim to it for long, though. The feel of Reny’s hand in his was all he needed to put a smile on his striking face.

  The ship was a sight, a large galleon that seemed to be carved from one gigantic piece of dark wood, though Darian knew it was not. Carved into the bow of the vessel was a large, winged colorful sea serpent, the ship’s name painted by a talented hand on the stern.

  “Lord Beltran, I apologize for the delay. My men are moving the supplies as quickly as possible, but with the added number of your party, we had to acquire much more than usual.”

  “It’s no trouble at all, Aidan. I assure you,” Darian said.

  “I hate to ask, but if there’s any way you could help get the goods aboard sooner, we can be on our way,” said Aidan, attempting to push the Mage into admitting what he was and lending a hand. Aidan was certain this was Darian Brade but kept his thoughts to himself.

  “I can have a few of my guards assist, if it pleases you,” responded the Mage, not falling victim to the Captain’s suggestions.

  “Is there nothing else that can be done?” pushed Aidan.

  “Exactly what are you asking, Aidan?” asked Darian.

  “Let us speak away from the others,” Aidan offered, to which Darian agreed. Kelindril, Nymdal, Brandiel, and Tarathys followed closely.

  “I can feel the magic you possess and I know you are a Mage of The Order. My guess is you’re the elusive Darian Brade, but have no fear, I have no intention of exposing you. I understand why you remain hidden. I only ask that you assist so that we can begin the arduous journey and get you where you need to go,” said Aidan.

  “If I could do as you ask, it would expose me to your crew and anyone else on the pier, would it not? Sadly, I am a mere Lord and not a Mage of The Order as you suspect. The magic you are referring to is no doubt a talisman that I carry for my protection.”

  “Why would a Lord be traveling to the Haunted Lands?” persisted Aidan.

  “There are plants that only grow there and ones that have certain medicinal properties that I am in need of.”

  “Since when does a Lord do any of their own work?” Aidan glanced at the elves that surrounded the Mage but they did not respond, their eyes never wavering from their charge.

  “I never ask those that serve me to do anything that I am unwilling to do,” explained Darian, eyes focused on Aidan.

  The Captain seemed surprised by this response. He noted the Gor Li’ Khan’s stance and saw that they were relaxed and at ease. Aidan knew the deadly elves could spring into action and kill any opponent before the attacker even knew what happened. But it was more than that. The Captain saw love and affection in their eyes whenever they looked at the Mage. They honestly cared about him. Aidan didn’t remember ever seeing a Gor Li’ Khan that was passionate about anything other than killing.

  Aidan merely nodded, for what else could he do? All who encountered the Mage would be wise to pay heed to not only his power, but the host of deadly elves that guarded him. The tall Lord walked back to the others and patiently waited for the crew to finish loading the goods on the vessel.

  Kelindril said nothing as they walked back, silently agreeing with the Mage’s choice. His hands rested easily on his deadly blades, eyes scanning their surroundings for any possible threats.

  “You’re awfully quiet, Kel. Do you disagree with my decision?” There was no need to explain what the Mage was referring to; the sharp elf knew what Darian meant.

  The elf snorted, “No. You paid him handsomely for his services. He never should have asked such a thing. Let him help himself by hiring more sailors or maybe just better ones.”

  “I’m not sure I trust him, Kel. We need to keep a close eye on him. He knows who I am.”

  “Already on it, Lord Beltran,” responded the wily elf.

  “Of course you are,” laughed the Mage. “Thank you, Kelindril, for everything. I cannot tell

  you how happy and relieved I am that you agreed to be my guard that day what seems so long ago now. I don’t know where I’d be without you, my friend.”

  “You’d be exactly where you are now. You’re a survivor, Lord Beltran. Nothing can get in the way once you’ve made up your mind on something.”

  “Well, if that were true, Tynuviel would be here with me and not Reny. All things consid-

  ered, I’m glad that things worked out the way they did. Not that I wanted anything to happen to Ty, but… Kel, I’m happier with Reny than I ever would have been with Tynuviel.”

  “Good, cuz you deserve it, Lord Beltran. I’m glad I was able to witness it. Honestly, I never thought to see you settle down with one woman. When we first met, I couldn’t believe how many women you coaxed to your bed.”

  “Excuse me? Coaxed?” the Mage looked a bit hurt and the elf laughed.

  “Er, I meant dragged, by the hair,” said Kel, laughing at the Mage’s feigned wounded expression.

  About an hour later, the Captain announced that they were welcome to board the ship. Darian was first aboard and Aidan clasped his hand, his grip strong but not as strong as Lord Beltran’s. The Captain felt sure that if he so chose, Lord Beltran could crush his hand with very little difficulty. Aidan welcomed each of them aboard and then guided Lord Beltran to his personal cabin.

  “You will take my cabin, Lord Beltran. You will have privacy and it’s quieter than the bunks.”

  “Our thanks, Aidan,” said Darian, shaking the Captain’s hand.

  “Thank you, Aidan,” said Renlyss.

  “You’re welcome. I would never have such prestigious guests bunk with common sailors. Not only do they snore loud, they have filthy mouths that no high-born lady such as yourself should be subjected to,” he said, smiling warmly at Renlyss.

  Darian looked at Renlyss’s high born mouth and grinned inwardly as he thought of the many filthy thin gs she’d whispered to him while they made love.

  Renlyss simply smiled at Aidan and the barest of blushes stained his cheeks. However, one glance from Darian wiped it from his face. Aidan cleared his throat nervously, even though he’d done nothing wrong. One did not cross a powerful man such as Lord Beltran, nor did Aidan intend to do so.

  The young Mage waited for Aidan to leave before taking Renlyss in his strong embrace and crushing his lips to hers. The beautiful elf reveled at the Mage’s touch, leaning impossibly close to him and brushing against his steely resolve.

  Darian groaned as his lover brushed up against him, he was aroused and couldn’t be tamed. She climbed into the bed and he followed her like a predator follows its prey. She felt his warm hands as they slid up her thighs, raising her dress until it was past her belly and over her head.

  His sharp intake of breath had her grinning mischievously. “No panties, Ren?” he whis-

  pered, breathy with need.

  She couldn�
�t form words, so she merely shook her head, his eyes darkening with lust. He kissed the soft skin of her inner thighs, his tongue softly gliding over the silkiness. Her hips were moving of their own accord, his boyish grin captivating her as she squirmed, awaiting his touch. His lips enveloped one hard nipple, his mouth warm and wet as it closed over her swollen breast. His fingers found her slick wetness, his lips swallowing her deep moans of pleasure as he slid them inside her.

  He moved down her body, his tongue joining his fingers in their play. She arched her back, grabbing his hair in her fist, pushing his face closer to her honeyed center. His tongue flicked over her swollen clit as his fingers hooked inside her, hitting that sweet spot that made her go blind.

  “Lord Beltran!” Her use of his fake name turned him on, making it hard to resist sliding into her but he was better than that. He had restraint. He had power.

  The Gor Li’ Khan provided as much privacy as was possible in such tight quarters, as they watched over their charges, blending into their surroundings.

  Renlyss called his name one more time before submitting to his expertise. He moaned in approval as he drank her essence, her lithe form writhing beneath him. His lips found hers in a sensual kiss as she tugged his shirt over his head, tossing it onto the floor. Her small hands undid his breeches, tugging them down his lean hips. She pushed him roughly down, climbing atop him, but didn’t immediately take him. She wanted to play for a bit but wasn’t sure how long she’d last. The sight of him made her eager for attention.

  She softly bit him, her tongue licking the tender skin. His moans told her she hadn’t hurt him, he was flexing and rubbing against her sensitized skin, driving her mad with desire.

  “You’re not playing fair, Beltran,” she said haughtily.

  “Have I ever, love?” he asked, with that sexy smile of his. “I want to feel you wrapped tightly around me, Reny,” he whispered. He didn’t even try to hide his unabashed desire for her.

  “I want to hear your moans of pleasure as I sink into you. I want to hear you call my name

  as you plummet into the world of sexual satiation, with me seated fully inside you.” His eyes glittered with lust and she could take no more.

  Renlyss rose over him, bracing her small hands on his warm chest. She felt him brush against her and they both gasped, yearning for each other in a way neither had ever expected. Darian guided himself inside her, her small body shuddering in delight from the immense intrusion. He patiently waited for her body to welcome him and when he felt her relax, she began to move.

  Renlyss thought that after so much sex with Darian that her body would just naturally

  accept him, but that just wasn’t the case. She was tiny and he was so, mmm… The elf tossed her head back as she continued to move, her breasts bouncing tantalizingly in his face.

  “Reny, gods you feel so good!” he exclaimed, thrusting into her a bit more roughly than normal.

  “Beltran…” she began, but he cut her off.

  “Say my name, Renlyss,” he hissed, as she brought her hips down upon him. “The room is heavily warded and no one will hear you,” he urged, but she glared at him in annoyance. She would never be so careless to do such a thing and she couldn’t believe he would either. She chalked it up to the passion talking and disregarded his command.

  He rose, pulling out of her as he spun her around on her knees. She felt hollow and empty now but she knew it wouldn’t last long. Seeing her back to him, trusting him to fill her needs made him groan in appreciation. He placed his warm hands on her ass, easing inside her as he wrapped his fist in her hair, tugging hard.

  Renlyss cried out as he tugged her hair, but not in pain. Darian was a master in delivering extreme pleasure and Renlyss liked it a bit rough sometimes. He never got carried away and he never hurt her. He seemed to know how much she could handle and gods she wanted to handle him! A cry of pain escaped her throat as he slapped her ass, but his thrusts took away her pain, making her forget the sting.

  He slowed his pace, not wanting it to end just yet and said, “I love you, Reny,” his words a breathy whisper.

  “I… lo...ve...you...t…too,” she replied, his hips driving into her, making it hard to form words.

  Darian pushed her down, angling her ass higher and plunged into her as she howled in pleasure.

  “Khan Ni’ Tay! Khan Ni’ Tay!" she cried, and he responded to her request, his hips moving furiously against her as he rotated them before slamming into her over and over. He felt her tighten around him as she screamed through her release with him not far behind. He collapsed onto the bed, a sexy smile on his face as he looked at her.

  You’re so damn beautiful, babe. I’m the luckiest guy alive, I swear,” he whispered, his lips capturing hers.

  “You’re damn right, you are!” she smiled at his shocked look and kissed him soundly.

  Kyler was standing on deck, his hands resting easily on his blades. His eyes scanned the distant horizon, a smile touching his lips at the cool salt spray on his cheeks. For the first time, he thought he could understand the reason behind the Niri Ku’ Yamma.

  He truly felt free in this moment. He was bound to no one, no land, and he could see the attraction to this way of life. If only for short periods. The sway of the ship as it hit the waves was hypnotic in its simplicity. He caught movement in the water, his sharp eyes looking beneath the crystalline surface to see…

  Elves! And yet, not. A beautiful creature broke the surface, spray skyrocketing, as she rose from the water, her bare breasts bobbing on the waves as she kept pace alongside the ship. Her hair was pink, he thought, but it darkened to purple as it danced in the water. She waved at him and he waved back.

  “Kyler of Kiri A’ Nouell, how fare thee?” she spoke in an older elvish dialect but he understood her just the same. It was then that he noticed the delicate webbing between her slender fingers and he guessed her feet bore the same exquisite parchment thin skin between graceful toes.

  “I am well, fair maiden. And you?” he asked, feeling his lover’s hands on his waist from behind.

  She frowned in disappointment at the appearance of Nephraete but said, “I am…wet,” she giggled and Kyler smiled, squeezing Nephraete’s hand in his.

  “Nephraete, what is she?” he asked, looking back to the lovely elf bobbing in the water.

  “Rai Lo’ Ahza, Tara Ku’ Mai,” she responded, giving the elf a furious look.

  “Is he yours?” she asked.

  “He is,” the seer said haughtily, kissing Kyler on the lips. He returned it, grabbing her small hand in his and pressing it to his chest as he drew her nearer, resting his hand on her ass.

  “Are all elves from Kaleika Bay Rai Lo’ Ahza?” asked Kyler.

  “All who are not Gor Li’ Khan,” she stated softly, looking into his eyes.

  He breathed in her scent, his nostrils flaring in desire. “And you?”

  She nodded, unable to form words with the intensity of his stare. His eyes darkened in lust and his lips crushed hers in hunger. Hunger for her.

  She couldn’t deny the way he made her feel and not for the first time, hoped that her vision was wrong. Her visions were never wrong, they showed her what was to be. But she couldn’t concentrate on that right now with Kyler’s tongue in her mouth.

  “Your union could heal our people, Nephraete,” said the beautiful mermaid.

  “Why are you following us? Hasn’t Thelarki forbade swimming in the ocean?” asked Nephraete, wishing the beautiful creature would leave.

  “He rescinded that ridiculous order upon your departure,” she announced. “Where is that delicious Mage you travel with?” she asked, looking around.

  Kyler was profoundly glad that she spoke in an ancient form of elvish few would know.

  “No doubt he is with his lover,” he responded with a grin. She pouted then disappeared, diving deep into the water that they had been denied for so long. When she returned to the surface, she launched herself into the air, her glittery p
ink and purple tail waving at them.

  “Oi! A mermaid! ‘Tis good luck to be seeing one so soon upon departing the shores. Nary a one been seen in ages,” said one sailor close to Kyler.

  “Don’t ye be following her into the dark depths or ye won’t be seen again,” said another sailor, carefully avoiding the mermaid’s gaze.

  “Superstitious lot you travel with, Kyler of Kiri A’ Nouell,” she said.

  A male elf broke the surface, his blonde hair falling down his back. “Nephraete! Your father wishes you safe passage and begs that you return to him afore you return to the forest. You have opened his eyes and for that, we are all eternally grateful. We will see you safely to the other side, princess,” said the Rai Lo’ Ahza.

  More forms could be seen just beneath the surface of the water. One elf launched himself out of the water to land on deck, uncomfortably close to Nephraete and Kyler tugged her to his side. As soon as the elf touched the ship’s deck, his fins and gills disappeared and he became a faerie creature once more. Kyler couldn’t hide his amazement and he didn’t try to. He was unaware of his kin’s abilities and he briefly wondered if his father knew of this.

  “Where is the Mage? I must speak with him,” he said, in the same ancient dialect as the female mermaid.

  “What do you need him for?” asked Kyler protectively.

  “I have something for him and will not give it to another,” replied the elf, voice steely.

  “What do you have for me?” asked Darian, walking up to the naked elf. The Mage didn’t even look surprised to see a naked elf standing on the deck. He never even bothered to ask what was going on. Upon Darian’s appearance, two female elves launched themselves onto the deck but he paid them no mind.

  The male elf dropped something small into the Mage’s hand and Darian’s fingers closed tightly around it before anyone was able to identify what it was. His eyes glittered as he felt the cool, smooth surface, not daring to believe the elf would give up something so powerful. He knew what it was the moment it touched his skin. It spoke to the Mage like a sentient thing.