Angst Box Set 2

by David Pedersen

  16

  Oakhaven

  “Why are we stopping so early in the day?” Maarja asked, her low voice rumbling with discontent.

  “We’re dropping off Kala,” Angst answered, trying to sound positive for the young girl.

  Angst had other reasons for visiting Oakhaven, even if it meant losing a half-day of travel. He was familiar with this place, having been here with his friends once before. This town had seemed prepared for the unexpected, welcoming those who wield magic and even defending against Vex’kvette monsters. There was a good chance his new companions would be accepted. While Faeoris could get by as human, it was obvious Maarja was a Nordruaut, and, of course, Jintorich was something else entirely.

  “Are you certain you don’t want Maarja and I to camp nearby tonight, Angst?” Jintorich asked politely, as if reading his mind. “I’m sure it will be less disturbing for the town’s inhabitants.”

  “That’s thoughtful, Jintorich,” Angst said. “But I wouldn’t leave you behind. I’d also rather sleep in a bed with my friends.”

  “I’ve noticed,” Faeoris said darkly.

  “I...I mean...” Angst said, his back rigid and his cheeks warm. “You know what I meant.”

  “Ms. Heather is going to be angry again, isn’t she?” Kala asked hopefully.

  “Probably,” Angst said weakly.

  Everyone else laughed, and he didn’t know what to say. Fortunately, the distraction of their surroundings made the mocking easy to ignore. The barricade that had encircled Oakhaven during his last visit was gone, and the town was bustling. They passed a busy spring farmers market filled with early near-ripe vegetables and skinned rabbits that looked thin of meat. People glanced and, to Angst’s pleasure, smiled or ignored them as they made their way through town.

  They approached a large building near the center, the smell of greasy bar food wafting through the air. It made him think of Tarness, who loved bar food more than anyone, and he smiled. He missed his friends, and hoped they were safe. Angst and Faeoris dismounted his ram, and he turned to face everyone.

  “Wait here. I’ll only be a few minutes,” he said.

  Faeoris followed him to the door, despite his request. He sighed, but she was already upset, and he didn’t want fight with her now. The inn was dark to his adjusting eyes, and even before he could see clearly, there was a squeal, a bracing hug, and wet kisses on his cheeks.

  “Really?” Faeoris asked with a sigh.

  “Hi, Marissa,” Angst said, leaning away as politely as he could.

  By the time she’d freed him from the embrace, his vision had cleared. Angst took her in, and she was as beautiful and full of life and confidence as he remembered. Long curly blond hair poured over her shoulders, tumbling around her full breasts, which were accentuated by an incredibly thin waist. She was curvy in all the right ways, and wore a soft red leather corset that made him stare for a lingering moment. His gaze finally rose to her pouty lips and green eyes that sparkled with excitement. She was genuinely happy to see him, and her welcome warmed him.

  “On another adventure?” she asked.

  “Always,” he replied with a smile.

  “Who’s the hottie?” she asked, eyeing Faeoris up and down with a broad smile.

  His friend blushed.

  “I’m Faeoris,” she said, reaching out to shake hands.

  “I’m a hugger,” Marissa said, bringing the Berfemmian in for an embrace.

  “I see why you like it here,” Faeoris said, slow to release the hug.

  “You haven’t replaced Heather already?” Marissa teased.

  “No,” Angst replied, not daring to glance at Faeoris.

  “Good,” Marissa said, with a little too much sincerity. “I’m hoping you aren’t here just for a nice hug.”

  “It was a very nice hug,” Faeoris said, making Marissa smile.

  “That’s the main reason,” Angst said with a wink. “Do you have some rooms?”

  “The usual crew?” she asked.

  “Not exactly,” Angst said, his voice low. “There are six of us, including a Nordruaut, and a Meldusian.”

  “Oh?” she replied in excitement. She glanced over his shoulder, calculating. “I need to meet them.”

  She walked back to a desk, her hips swaying seductively below a long skirt. Angst glanced at Faeoris, who was watching Marissa walk with every bit of concentration he had been. She looked at Angst, shrugged, and continued looking on hungrily. A burly man stood near the desk, exuding an air of impatience.

  Marissa handed gold back to the man.

  “We’re out of rooms,” she said.

  “But you said I could have two,” he snapped.

  “I misspoke,” she replied. “There was a reservation I’d forgotten.”

  Before Angst could interrupt and offer to stay in a tent, the man raised a fist. Faster than he could blink, Faeoris grasped the man’s wrist.

  “Let go of me, bitch,” he barked.

  There was a loud crack as she jerked his wrist back, snapping the bone of his forearm. She twisted, and he collapsed to his knees. He writhed, his cheeks pale and eyes wide with shock. Chatter in the tavern was loud and full of surprise.

  “How would you like to be my bitch?” she asked darkly. “Do you want that?”

  “No,” he whined. “Please, stop.”

  “Faeoris...” Angst cautioned.

  She let go, and the man grasped his broken arm. He choked several times, obviously trying not to throw up.

  “Marissa, I’m very sorry,” Angst began.

  “Faeoris, thank you,” Marissa said, ignoring Angst. “He’s always been an abusive ass.”

  She walked around the desk and pulled the man up by his broken hand. He screamed loudly enough to quiet the inn.

  “You are no longer welcome here,” she announced. “Ever. Do you understand?”

  He nodded, whimpering as he staggered out the door. As if nothing unusual had happened, the audience returned to their conversations.

  “I now have two rooms,” she said brightly. “Thank you, Faeoris.”

  “My pleasure,” the Berfemmian grunted, glaring toward the door.

  “We’re a little tight on space,” Marissa said, apologetically.

  “We’ll make it work,” Angst replied. “Though, I’m not sure what to do about Maarja, the Nordruaut.”

  “Oh, yes! I need to meet her,” Marissa said. “But first, I have an idea. Manst!”

  After a long moment, a tall, thinnish man stumbled in through a door. His eyes went wide when he saw Faeoris, taking her in quickly. “Ma’am? Hey...it’s Angst!”

  Marissa turned to him and spoke quietly. He nodded several times before rushing out the front door.

  “Introduce me to your friends, Angst?” she asked, taking his arm.

  “My, uh, traveling companions are right outside,” he replied.

  He immediately felt like a jerk for correcting her, but they weren’t his friends. Acquaintances, maybe buddies... Angst just didn’t feel close enough to call them all friends. He led Marissa outside into the brightness of midday. Once their eyes adjusted he introduce everyone, and he enjoyed watching Marissa gawk in awe at the Nordruaut. She looked her up and down, a crooked grin on her face.

  “What?” Maarja snapped, apparently not enjoying being on display.

  “I...” Marissa began, holding a hand to her chest. “I expected you to be large and frightening, but you’re so beautiful.”

  Marissa stepped forward and did her best to hug the larger woman. Maarja patted Marissa but seemed very uncomfortable, her eyes wide at the unexpected compliment.

  “Angst?” Marissa went on, not skipping a beat. “Are all your friends stunning?”

  “I have good taste in friends,” Angst said with a winning smile. Maybe it was okay to call them friends.

  “I’m glad I’m one of them,” she said, winking back at him.

  “I can see why we’re here,” Aerella said, reaching out to shake Marissa’s
hand.

  “It’s not for the food,” Marissa said with a wink. Her face suddenly lit up, and she squealed like she’d just won a new puppy. The innkeeper dropped to her knees before Jintorich as if preparing to hug him, but thought better of it and placed her hands in her lap.

  “I am Jintorich of Meldusia,” he said sincerely.

  “I’ve never met a Meldusian,” she said, bowing her head. “It’s an honor.”

  “The honor is mine.” He bowed politely, his long eyebrows drooping to the ground.

  “No wonder you wanted to come here,” Faeoris whispered in his ear.

  “She’s nice,” Angst agreed, smiling as he watched the interaction.

  “She likes you much more than your wife does,” Faeoris said.

  “Doesn’t everyone?” he asked.

  “Almost everyone,” she said gruffly. Her eyes flashed with anger.

  He frowned, but she stared at him so intently, he knew apologies wouldn’t be enough. She couldn’t just be angry about the naked tent sharing thing. She’d already been upset with him before he escaped Tori’s room, but then he’d assumed it was frustration. Was she angry on Heather’s behalf? He’d barely flirted with Marissa, and even then, only out of courtesy. Mostly.

  Kala shyly came out from behind the Nordruaut’s leg with Scar at her heels. Marissa’s face went from amazement to warm and welcoming. Smiling softly, Marissa reached into her pockets with both hands. She held out two fists, palms down, and winked at the young girl. Kala and Scar approached, staring at the hands curiously. Scar sniffed at one, his tail immediately wagging as he licked her knuckles. Marissa turned her hands over and opened them. Scar gobbled up the treat like he’d never eaten before. Kala grabbed the piece of candy from the other before Scar could get that, too.

  “Thank you!” she said, not wasting any time stuffing it into her mouth.

  “You’re the youngest adventurer I’ve met,” Marissa said, patting the girl’s shoulder warmly, yet unable to hide the worry on her face.

  “Someone has to keep Angst in line,” she said between vigorous chews.

  “Then I’m glad you’re here,” the pretty innkeeper said as she stood. “Please, come in. Eat some real food and get some good rest.”

  Maarja eyed the small door, her head tilting to one side as she tried to figure out how to fit.

  “I’m sorry, dear, you’re right,” Marissa said. “Manst is preparing space in the storehouse. You’ll find it warm, and there are casks of ale. I’ll have food brought to you as well. I hope that’s okay.”

  “It was a good decision to stop, Angst,” Maarja said with a nod.

  “Ale, you say?” Jintorich squeaked. “You don’t have to eat alone, Maarja. I’ll join you.”

  “Manst will show you the way shortly,” Marissa said, taking Kala’s hand and leading the others inside.

  “Do you always have candy and dog treats in your pockets?” Angst asked under his breath.

  “A small courtesy with great return. We get a lot of repeat business,” she said. “It helps keep this place running.”

  “Oh, yeah,” Angst said, feeling dumb as he pulled out a pouch of gold. “How much...”

  “Nothing,” she said. “Heroes stay for free.”

  “No.” Angst shook his head. “Please let me.”

  “You can help with something later,” she said. “The hot spring has been acting up. Some days hot, some cold. Maybe you can...” She wiggled her fingers in a way Angst took to mean magic.

  “I’d be glad to try,” he said.

  “Hot springs?” Faeoris asked hungrily. “We can take a bath?”

  “Sounds fun,” Angst said with a grin.

  Faeoris’s excitement washed away, and her eyes became cold.

  “If Angst can fix it, you’re welcome to use it,” she said. “I would be happy to join you.”

  “That would be much better,” Faeoris said warmly.

  17

  “That was amazing,” Angst said, trying not to burp again. “I’m going to have the worst food hangover.”

  “How many times have you eaten like that since escaping the, uh, spell?” Marissa waved her hand as she took a long draw of her ale.

  “Um, this was my first,” Angst lied with a lazy smile. The port wine was as thick as his head, which felt much better than it would in the morning.

  The bar was mostly empty. An old man snored at a nearby table, clutching an empty bottle for dear life. Manst wiped the table around him, occasionally eying them. Aerella and Marissa sat across from Angst and Faeoris. Aerella sipped hot tea, her eyes drooping heavily. She looked exhausted, older in a way, but it was hard to tell in the firelight. In spite of Faeoris’s strength and prowess, she listed slightly, leaning against him. Angst was surprised how much the alcohol had affected her, but drunk was much better than angry.

  “Your story...that’s a lot of adventure in such a short time, Angst,” Marissa commented. “You really did become a hero. I knew you would.”

  “Some days I’m a hero, maybe, but not all of them,” he said with a sigh. He certainly didn’t feel like a hero, but the port melted his self-loathing into a puddle of mere disappointment.

  “So, you’re really a Berfemmian?” Marissa asked, her pretty green eyes wide with drunken wonder.

  Faeoris smiled as she stood on long, wobbly legs. She squeezed her eyes shut in concentration, and her wings of light appeared in their shining glory. Manst dropped a dish, which broke on the floor, before stepping back against another table.

  The drunkard lifted his head and looked at the wings and smiled. “Sexy birdy.” His head wobbled before thudding back to the table.

  “Wow,” Marissa said, her shoulders tense. “So beautiful!”

  “Isn’t it cool?” Faeoris slurred, the feathers fading away as she slid back into the chair and threw a heavy arm around Angst.

  “I love your armor too,” Marissa said.

  “Do you want to try it on?” Faeoris said with lusty eyes.

  “That sounds like a great idea,” Angst said. “But you should probably get to bed.”

  Faeoris shot him an angry look that was mostly tired. She slurred, “You’re jussss trying to get rid of me.”

  “Let’s get her upstairs,” he said to Aerella.

  “I’ll help. You stay here and drink, hero,” Marissa suggested. “I’m not letting go of our evening this early.”

  “It is getting early,” Angst said, stifling a yawn.

  Marissa threw Faeoris’s arm around her shoulder. Aerella took the other arm, mostly leveling the young Berfemmian.

  “Which room are we going to?” Marissa asked.

  “I’ll be naked in Angst’s room,” Faeoris’s words sloshed out. “If you want to join us.”

  Angst sighed, his cheeks warming to the point of burning. She wouldn’t wake up happy being naked in his bed, and he looked at Aerella, who shrugged.

  “Kala is sleeping with me,” Aerella said. “Faeoris doesn’t seem...comfortable around kids.”

  “Bah,” Faeoris blurted out. “I like puppies! Where’s Scar?”

  “Probably with Maarja in the stables,” Marissa said.

  “Is he all right?” Faeoris stopped, making everyone stumble or bump into her. She was too sturdy to budge, even in this drunken state. “I’ll beat her again if I need to!” she said, raising a triumphant fist before collapsing in a drunken heap.

  “Again?” Angst asked.

  “Maarja challenged her when you were stuck. It didn’t end well,” Aerella said in frustration, trying to pick the Berfemmian up. “You just stay there, Angst. We’ll be fine.” Her tone was dry, but she said nothing further as they wrestled Faeoris out of the bar.

  “Good, I’d hate for this port to go to waste,” he slurred to himself as he poured just a little more, almost to the brim.

  “Is that port?” asked a melodic voice. “It looks delicious!”

  “I think it’s him, finally,” another whispered.

  “Shush,
” said the first.

  Angst wanted to ignore the voices but something about them sounded pretty. He took a deep breath and looked up.

  “Whoa,” he said, immediately sitting up. His mouth felt like cotton rolled in dirt, and he longed to know the spell that would make him sober again. At least a little soberer.

  At first, he only caught a blurry glimpse of curvy figures flowing gracefully into the seats across the table. He concentrated until his eyes focused. This was obviously important, and he was elated to discover that he wasn’t seeing double. A young woman with long, platinum blond hair giggled beside her twin with auburn hair, who rolled her eyes, elbowing the blonde. They were so incredibly perfect, maybe they were Berfemmian. He mustered up every remaining ounce of sobriety and charm to blurt out the well-thought-out, charismatic greeting, “Hi!”

  “Hi, Angst,” the blonde said in an accent he didn’t recognize. The redhead glared at her, and she stared back, their duel entirely too cute to be fierce. The blonde came to some realization and said, “Oh, I mean, you must be Angst, right?”

  “Yeah,” he replied, the word drawing out much longer than he’d intended.

  The twins glanced at each other with round eyes that seemed filled with intelligence and cunning. They both smiled mischievously with very pouty lips, and he took that moment to really focus. He’d never seen anyone who looked quite like them. They were pale, as if hidden away from the sun since birth. Both wore heavy makeup around their eyes, and those thick, seductive lashes couldn’t possibly be real—not that it mattered. The blonde’s hair was big and alive, tied up with a dark, leather bandana before flowing back far below her shoulders. The right half of her sister’s head was shaved, the rest of her red hair pulled into a tight braid that hung neatly over her shoulder and draped down her chest. His eyes lingered far too long on those chests, which was okay because booze. Ample cleavage poured out of the blonde’s brocade corset. Her sister wore a crisp white top that tucked neatly into a tight vest of wide brown and burgundy stripes. His drunky eyes lingered on their buttons of brass and silver, each intricately carved and unlike anything he’d ever seen. They had fine notches around the edge and...