by Ed Montalvo
Tha’taliah glanced the sub-commander and nodded, “He is pleasing, I wish him, with your permission of course.”
She glanced the Jr. knight wondering why the sub prince would prefer his current lowly station, instead of being in the palace, “You may take her.”
“My gratitude sub-commander,” he saluted, she acknowledged him and came away. Ti’er led Tha’taliah to his chambers.
Halfway there, Tha’taliah whispered, “My gratitude Ti’er.”
“For what?” he said without a backward glance.
“Everything. You risk much on my behalf,” she whispered.
He glimpsed over his shoulder ensuring secrecy. “It is my duty.”
“…to the crown… but I…” she started.
Ti’er interrupted, “You are the crown, and so, my duty.” His sudden stop to face her was startling. She couldn’t hide her surprise. It was annoying how easily he spooked her, “Forgive me…” he bit back the title, “I meant no start…. Think no more if it,” he chinned over his shoulder, “That is my chambers.”
“Here?” she sounded surprised though her expression revealed the opposite. The former empress was grateful for the change of discussion. For the first time, since her relationship with the Duke, Tha’taliah felt an attraction for the young knight.
“Why?”
She studied the area, “This is beneath your station, would you not agree.”
He smiled, then his expression somber, “I am not fond of aunt Urilah's views.”
She glanced back at him, “Your choice in distance is agreeable,” His remark comfort the empress, to where she felt his loyalty was hers, “Come, show me your world,” and realized the Duke always addressed her concerns with that phrase and masked her sorrow.
With a smile, he pulled the heavy curtain aside and led her in. The apartment was standard and somewhat comfortable. Compared to where he came from, it was cramped. Once in, he pulled the security curtain over. “Forgive the size. My reward for not standing with her.”
“Nothing to forgive. This is grand considering where you took me from,” she walked about the five-chamber apartment. “Where are your bedchambers?”
He pointed, “There is only one bed, my lady.”
She followed as he pulled a curtain to reveal his quarters. Spider silk pillows adorned the bedding. “It is pleasing.”
“You will sleep here, I will be in the main chamber,” he turned to exit.
“You will leave me?” she asked, innocently scanning the room, extending her arms aside.
“I can remain while you rest…” he leaned closer and whispered “…your highness.”
She smirked, “Where may I refresh before retiring? I smell of the kitchens,” she said. Ti’er guided the empress to the washroom.
The sound and scent of fresh running water eased the empress’s tension. Opposite of the entrance a classic marble tub with eight stubbed legs, mimicked a spider. To the right hung thick, large towels of spider silk. To the left was another curtained doorway. “What is in there?” Tha’taliah asked.
“That is where um… we, umm,” he stuttered.
“Our business?” she ventured. Ti’er barely at glanced her with a blush and nodded.
“It is a necessity, however undignified it may be,” she squeezed past and began undressing.
“I will ready your bath.” She stepped aside in the nude as he poured more oil into the firepit. The flames heated the already hot small tank of water. Moments later steam jetted into a turbine housing through a split tubing. The first split, steam shot into a mixing tank that circulated between tub and tank. The other was directed beneath the thin stone bath to maintain a consistent temperature. Ti’er stepped to the smooth wall and pulled a lever. Water came through a stone spout splashing in the tub. A small tube of steam merged with an incoming airline to form warm bubbles, “It will only be a moment,” he stepped back.
“Not too warm…” she paused.
“I could stay and tend the furnace,” he offered.
Tha’taliah smirked lustfully, “Is that an excuse to watch me bathe?”
Ti’er returned the smile with a bow, then stepped out into the main room, and straighten out his apartment. Satisfied with his results, he removed his armor from the legs up. Since his training days, he’d roomed alone and forgotten his empress was bathing. Feeling the day’s events take its toll, the kie’leit laid down for a quick nap in the nude. A husky sultry voice startled him, “Well, that looks inviting,” The empress commented.
He sprung from the bed, “Great Abyss forgive me, I…” he started. Her ebony skin glistened from the bathwater. The empress’s figure made his heart skip. She looked extremely desirable.
“Oh, nothing to forgive,” she stepped before him and gently pushed him back. “In fact, the venue is pleasing,” her voice husky, as she kissed him. Her sensual advances aroused him immensely. She gently pulled away, “Relax as your Empress shows her appreciation,” then kissed him again as her hands explored his fine muscled figure. Tha’taliah’s cool fingertips traced lean muscled limbs. She used all her skills to give Ti’er the pleasures he deserved. His immediate response was expected as the primitive passions aroused her. He responded the way he was tutored, by stimulating all eight of her pleasure senses.
***
A two-meter tall dark broad figure of a man, with his arms crossed, leaned against the ship's railing. A deep gray, yet translucent cloth held by a silver headband shielded the face. The material hid his light crimson eyes. His heavy cloak held the frigid oceans' winter air at bay.
Beside the dark figure leaned a seven-centimeter shaft sporting a blade over a meter in length and forty centimeters wide by two centimeters thick. The bottom of the blade curled towards the shaft. The top curl extended twice as long. “What ails you?” he studied his large blue-tinted friend sitting on a crate.
Blu stared at the deck from behind his specially treated leather headgear molded like a bull’s head with fangs. His custom made chest plate sheltered his massive torso. White fur tails dangled from his waist belt adorned his chainmail skirt. His boot brim was adorned the same. Blu straightened and sighed deeply, “Nothing,” he stood his full height, two hundred sixty-five centimeters.
Bauim shook a finger at Blu, “I know you, something festers your heart.” The big man glanced at him. Though the bull helm concealed his features, he imagined Blu’s feline eyes on him, “The dreams again?” His friends' silence spoke volumes. The dark man knew he wouldn’t share his burden. His whole life was an affliction and wished none for his friends. The bulls’ head stared at him blandly as if it were real, and knew his large companion wasn’t going to answer, “So then, where do we head?” he conceded with a sigh.
Dreams of ocean storms and drifting in the open sea plagued him since childhood. Blu was grateful his helm concealed his concerns, “My master said she is in this province.”
He sighed lightly, “As you say, but where? The ships’ captain said we anchor soon. I am curious of a direction.”
“All I know she is married to a wealthy merchant.”
Bauim spoke from his heart before he considered his words, “Old friend, why bother? They abandoned you.” and immediately regretted saying it. It was a delicate matter for the hulking blue man.
What happened to him so long ago was still clear as if it happened yesterday. He recalled opening his eyes on his birth date when he heard a man speak. At the time Blu didn’t know what the man said, though remember the bitter words. When he learned to read, those words burned a hole in him. “I wish to know why? Like every child, I visit… they ask the same. It is in their eyes and what is worse, their pain… equals mine.”
Bauim glanced down slowly shaking his head, “Even through your helm, I see the pain dance joyfully across your eyes my friend, and it concerns me. Though I believe it an error, I will help you find your mother.” Bauim imagined his big friend smiling behind his bull-like helm.
“Gratitude friend.”
The captain announced the arrival and shuttling will begin shortly. Blu and Bauim were the last to disembark. Their weight equaled ten average people. They had to wait until the ship was pulled against the dock. The first mate called to have the deck plank doubled.
Once on the dock, they took a moment to study their surroundings. The dock creaked under their weight. Bauim stood half a head height above the people. Blu stood nearly a full torso taller. The commoners parted as they stared at the blue giant. His footfalls announced his approach.
Blu addressed a dockworker securing a small vessel. “Pardon, where is the temple?”
The dock mate glanced over his shoulder and saw the belly of the chest plate. He followed it up and found a huge male with a bull’s head and a light blue complexion. His jaw dropped from the man’s size. “What the…” he breathed. Three large pouches hung from his belt, like standard bags. He was quite surprised how a serene and peaceful brilliance radiated from the false minotaur. He wasn’t afraid. “The city has two…” he explained their locations. The big blue fellow expressed his gratitude and went about his business.
Bauim glanced back and addressed the man, “The name of the next town or city?” The man stared at the giant strode away.
“That would be Riverdale.”
“Riverdale?”
“Aye m’lord,” he said and pointed in the direction.
“Gratitude,” Bauim nodded and caught up with his friend.
Blu spent most of the day finding the first. He left his earnings for the misfortunate children. In the morning, he’ll seek out the other and give his remaining pouch, in the next town.
Bauim was concerned for Blu after finding the place. He wondered at the power the pushes his friend forward to bring so much for the unfortunate children. His friends damaged past was obvious, though he never spoke of it, not so much as a clue.
It mystified him how Blu was never feared by the children. It was the opposite, with every orphanage they visited, the little people would somehow recognize his thunderous footsteps. Their squealing laughter filled the air as he approaches. It wasn’t long before he came to expect their reaction.
As they approached the temple, the piping squeals and playful laughter carried. Two priests dressed in long brown common robes presided over the children when they felt the rhythmic thumping. They looked about their feet then one another. Brother Marko was about to make his way to the children when he noticed a Bull’s head opposite side of the fence. “Brother Thomas,” he pointed.
“Merciful heavens,” he exclaimed as the bull made his way to the gate.
“Agreed.” The site was astonishing. The blue tainted bullhead towered over the fence. After a moment, they realized the movement and thumping rhythm matched the bull.
The children watched as Blu slowly turned into the temple gates. The children gasped in surprise. Their wide eyes shined with delight.
The priests rushed to protect the children when they ran to the blue giant. They looked thrilled to see him.
Blu pushed the gate open and studied the two men with warm curiosity. He waved and continued as a little girl stood before him and looked up at his towering height.
He knew she couldn’t see his smile, but certain she could sense him. “Blu!” she hugged his leg. The others shouted his name and followed suit. Some older, more daring kids started climbing on him.
Blu’s presence eased the priests, they didn’t understand why. Dumfounded, they allowed the children to play with him. the children called him by his color, “Stunning… is it not?” came a voice from behind.
“Huh,” the two reacted.
Bauim smirked, he knew Blu awed them, “Shocking is it not?” he repeated.
“I would say so,” brother Thomas answered.
“Who is he… and how do the children know him?” asked the other.
“Now, that is a mystery left for the gods. I traveled with him many years and still I am at a loss how the children know him,” Bauim said.
“Blu?” wondered Thomas.
“Is that his name?” asked Brother Marko.
“He had no name when we met, so I call him thus,” he glanced between Blu and the priests, “I am Bauim… and you?”
“Bauim you say?” ventured Thomas.
“Correct.”
“I am brother Thomas, and this is Brother Marko of the Finnish’s holy order.”
“Pleasure to meet you both.”
“Why do you call him Blu?” asked Brother Thomas.
“Is not his color clue enough? Besides, he has no name.”
“Oh, forgive me…,” Thomas was embarrassed. The man’s size was stunning.
Brother Marko ventured gently, “Is he human, giant…” he started.
“Oh, he is human.
“But his skin,” jumped in Thomas.
The children’s joyful delights drew their attention. Blu was surrounded by little people laughing and playing about. They wrestled to knock him over. He felt the children’s hearts as he played with them, they were happy and well-tended.
The children at the rear rushed to the front and help push him over. Sensing no one there, he allowed himself to fall. They squealed as he fell, then giggled delightfully. His impact slightly shook the ground. “Ooh, that had to hurt,” Bauim slightly squinted.
“He could have hurt one of the children,” Thomas said nervously.
Bauim waved a hand at them, “Not possible, he somehow knows all is clear. Besides, Blu would rather die before scolding a child.”
The priests looked on with surprise as the children climbed atop Blu. He sat up as little ones grabbed and swung from his horns.
They chatted while the giant played with the children, “Join us for our days' end meal…, I insist?” Marko said.
“That would be grand, but he will not unless the little ones are present.”
“We always dine with the children,” Marko replied.
“Well then, with that we will gladly join you.”
***
“Good gods man, how could you have done such a thing?” Gunthar asked.
“As I said, it was my younger days. Once I became the magistrate, I dropped such dealings. However, I kept my contact with the empire…, for trade purposes of course…, among other things.”
“Did you not think that this sort of action would come back on you?”
“No, not like this. I figured they would come for me…. I had a relationship with my contact, it was sublime…. I heard rumors the empire was at the brink of civil war,” he stood and paced about then offered Gunthar a glance. “Hence my approaching you. They seek Dregous and I fear they may succeed in taking him.”
“Explain.”
“That is what she told me, they want to return him to the empire. I believe they want him dead since she was so quick to kill Henry.”
“You did not tell her, he was in town?” Gunthar leaned on his desk.
“There is something you need to know about Drouwen females.”
“And that would be?”
Ceron sighed gently, “They can sense lies. So, you…”
Gunthar’s chest grew tight, “Dear gods, tell me you did not tell her…,” he breathed.
“No no no, nothing of the sort, I assure you,” Ceron interrupted.
“I do not understand, you said…” Gunthar started.
“I spoke truly, however, she didn’t ask the right questions,” Ceron offered a weak grin.
Gunthar studied the magistrate, then understood his misdirection. He told the truth, “Do you know his whereabouts?”
Ceron returned to his chair, “All I know, they left town a few days ago.”
“But where?”
Ceron shook his head, “I know not. However, I venture to say it is not permanent.”
“How do you know?”
“The Ayrian’s have a vested interest now. They would not just walk away, least I do not think so,” Ceron hoped.
“Presuming they value wealth as
we. However, let us say that is true, though something troubles me,” he said. Ceron waited on Gunthar. “Did that Drouwen female say when she will return?”
The portly man leaned against his seat, his face filled with concern, “Not in so many words, she warned they would keep an eye on me.”
“Did she say she would return?”
“Again, I know not. She merely warned me. I would take it she departed and left someone or a few hiding,” he guessed.
Gunthar’s face wrinkled, “I need a drink,” and stepped to the wine table, “Drink?” he offered.
“Please.”
He extended a goblet to Ceron as he sipped his, “How are we going to warn Dregous the dangers awaiting him?”
Ceron sipped wine, then his forehead wrinkled in deep concern, “My same thoughts.”
“And?”
“And, I could have several patrols to warn them of the dangers awaiting them.”
“Better than I, I had nothing,” Gunthar sipped more.
“Very well, I will tend the message…”
“And I the patrol,” Gunthar finished.
“Well then, let us hope that is enough….”
***
Seeker sensed danger as she saw the hate in the Elf’s eyes. Everything moved slowly when she realized the target. Her desire to warn Dregous failed her. Instead, she sprinted to the prince alarming Tatiana. Dregous sensed the danger return.
The princess drew her sword, “Angelique?” Tuke jumped to his feet startled. Rem looked about with his hand on his blade.
The Dark Elf assassin tackled Dregous as they tumbled to the ground. Tatiana stepped in his place when an arrow rang off her right pauldron. Angelique was atop him, “Ambush!” she managed.
Tatiana looked and was surprised to see Elves in the distance. They dare attack me, she thought. One reloaded and took aim and she realized he targeted the Drouwens. “No, Dregous!” she shouted. The second arrow seemed to deflect before it impacted.
Seeker was surprised it deflected, “What?” she breathed.
Tuke raised his shield protecting the Drouwens. Rem pulled out his bow, aimed, but couldn’t find it in his heart to return fire at fellow Elves.
Dregous held his staff tightly as he extended his other hand to their attackers and whispered, “quwerre,” he breathed and focused on the power of his staff. A sudden rumbled from the ground surprised the party, when a stone wall abruptly jetted from the earth. Everyone was momentarily surprised as dirt and debris rained on them. Some Grey Elves had their feet shoved into the air tumbling them back as they approached the party. Others were pushed against their brethren’s. The horses were startled by the wall’s sudden outburst causing chaos in the Elven ranks.