A thin trail of red and blue lightning snapped back and forth between the swords, making everyone jump.
“Um,” one of the new members of the perfect-boys club said.
“Yes? Is there something else?” Alloria asked, her voice like bells.
“How old is your dad?” he asked.
Angst expected her to laugh. If Rose had been here, he never would’ve heard the end of it. Alloria actually looked nervous, like she didn’t know what to say.
“I’m forty-one,” he said, stiffly.
“You can’t be older than twenty-five to enter,” one of the newcomers said.
Hadn’t he paid the entrance fee already? He had enough gold and could always make more, but slapping these kids around sounded like a better idea.
“But he’s my champion,” Alloria pleaded.
“I’m sorry, but he’ll have to wait here,” he said.
“I’m done here,” Angst said, waving her to follow him. “Let’s go in.”
The man-child whistled again, and again.
“He’s calling for more. Please don’t hurt them,” she said, hurriedly. “We should leave.”
“No need,” Angst said. “I only sense fourteen in the vicinity. They’ll be here for a while.”
“I can’t move my legs,” Gahn said from behind them.
It was an old trick, one he’d learned long before bonding with the swords. Angst could anchor leg bones to the ground like a strong magnet. With the help of two foci, it took nothing to hold all fourteen in place.
“That’s why I lov— Why you’re my champion,” Alloria said.
“I’m here to serve,” Angst said with a bow of his head. “As promised.”
Alloria beamed at him, her eyes so wide they seemed more crazy than compelling.
Angst leaned over to the nearest ‘guard’ tugging at his legs and whispered, “I’ll cause no problems if you leave us alone. Got it?”
The young man nodded, his eyes wide.
“And it’d be best if you forget that we were here,” Angst said.
“It’s part of the deal.” Alloria wrapped her arms around him awkwardly as they ambled down the path. “They won’t tell anyone who was here. Like I said, we’re safe.”
The Fette was a large tent city that covered a vast field encircled by thick woods. It was so well hidden, Angst wasn’t sure he could find his way out. Hundreds of simple brown, ivory, and navy canvas triangles were scattered like flower petals tossed by a child. The smell of sweaty youth, campfires, incense, and sex was overwhelming. At the distant end, a line of young men and women brought logs to a growing pile that stood before a raised platform. They were either planning to gather around an enormous bonfire later or burn down the forest. There was plenty of space between the pile of logs and tents for whatever orgy was going to happen.
This was either paradise or the place he was meant to die. Probably both. Everything was a distraction. Everyone was a distraction. Actually, every young woman was a distraction, and there were more than a few. They wore crop tops and low leather pants, or tiny dresses that barely covered his fantasies, and often less. Partially naked youth surrounded them in glorious nonchalance. If Alloria hadn’t been leading him through the crowd by hand, he would’ve passed out from dehydration. Drooling can do that, right?
Oddly enough, Alloria wasn’t the center of attention. He was. Many of the women they passed, who were every bit as young and beautiful as Alloria, watched him closely. At first, Angst thought it was the two giant swords hovering over his back until he remembered his foci were at the entrance. He paused briefly to make certain he wasn’t naked when several dreams approached. A redhead in a crop top of red homeweave who’d spent her life doing sit-ups instead of eating came practically nose-to-nose with Angst. He held his breath as she reached up and brushed the gray hair from his eyes.
“Ooh,” she said. “It’s not dye. You’re really older.”
“Unfortunately,” he said.
Her lips parted, and he wondered if he was finally going crazy. The best kind of crazy.
“Mine,” Alloria snapped, turning on the redhead. She jerked Angst away to follow a new path. “This way.”
“Dance with me later,” the young woman called after them.
“Was she talking to me?” Angst asked.
“Probably both of us,” Alloria said with a grunt, rushing him through the crowd. “As the guards mentioned, older men aren’t supposed to be at The Fette, but some sneak in. They tend to be popular.”
“Really?” Angst asked in disbelief. “Why would anyone want an old, ugly, short—”
She stopped abruptly and spun around. He struggled to slow so he wouldn’t run into her. They were a breath away, and Alloria looked upset.
“Stop,” she said. “You’re not ugly. I don’t care if you’re short or tall or thin…it doesn’t make a difference. You’re Angst, and I love you because of who you are.”
He swallowed hard. Not only was it unusual for beautiful young women to compliment him, but she was also close enough to lick.
“So, you’re into ugly guys,” he said. “It’s cool.”
Alloria rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. Before he could stop her, she pecked him on the lips, turned around, and pulled him through the crowd.
Angst followed numbly. He was torn. Part of him wanted to get lost in the youth of this place, and Alloria’s attentions, but it was hard not to be held back by his own loss and what he hoped to regain. He was going to save his family, but, right now, they were dead and gone. And here he was, surrounded by beauty and so much raw energy. Shouldn’t he revel in this, just to experience life? Wasn’t that his due? There wasn’t much time to dwell as she led him into one of the larger tents, and he sighed with a sudden sense of reality.
The tent smelled heavily of incense and was filled with too many racks of clothes. This wasn’t a store, it was a trap. Angst hated bullies, and dragons, thoughtless people, and elements. But it was likely that he hated shopping more than anything.
“You first,” she said.
“What?” he asked. “I’m fine. I’ve got my armor.”
“And I love you in your armor,” Alloria said, her voice soft. “But it doesn’t fit in here.”
“Because I’m not naked like those kids?” he asked. “Why do I need to fit in?”
“We’re staying here tonight,” she said.
“What?” Angst asked, loud enough to turn heads. He lowered his voice. “You were taking me to Magic.”
“Magic isn’t ready yet,” she said, her voice husky. “I promise I’ll bring you to him, but this first.”
He couldn’t argue with husky, and time really wasn’t an issue. Whether he went back in time tomorrow or in a month didn’t make a difference; it would kill him either way. And as much as he despised shopping, he really wanted to see what this place was about.
“Fine,” he said, reluctantly. “Let’s get this over with. It shouldn’t take long.”
“Yeah, only a few hours.”
“Hours?” he asked, incredulously. “Aren’t we just buying clothes?”
“Just?” she asked in shock. “No, Angst. We’re buying the right clothes.”
Before he could argue, she was handing him pants and leggings in fabrics and bright colors he didn’t even recognize.
“Are you sure I need these?” he asked. “Nobody seemed to mind what I’m wearing.”
“You can’t wear armor all the time. It’s stinky, and it chafes,” she said.
“Chafes?” he asked. “I don’t have any problems.”
“Chafes me,” she said firmly.
“Oh,” he said, his cheeks warming.
“And you’ll want something fun to wear for tonight,” she said.
“What’s tonight?” he asked.
“You’ll see,” she said mysteriously, pushing him through the drapes of a changing room. “Try these on.”
“I’ve never tried on fancy clothes before,” he said, shuffl
ing forward.
“I’ve noticed,” she said dryly.
He couldn’t have felt more naked in the changing room surrounded by nothing but four thin sheets and tiny feet to the left and right of him. His neighbor’s giggling didn’t help.
After lots of his grumbling and a string of her nos, he ended up with a loose-fitting blue tunic that was cut low to his sternum. Charcoal leather strips trimmed the short sleeves and loose-fitting bottom, which did an admirable job of camouflaging his gut. The coordinating charcoal leather pants she chose were a bit tight, and tucked into soft black boots that made him as uncomfortable as her “mmmm,” but he was too embarrassed to argue.
Alloria’s turn at trying on outfits took so many exhausting hours that he felt like he’d walked to Nordruaut and back. While she took great pleasure in presenting clothes that were too tight, he did his best to carefully let her know when items weren’t flattering. She quickly learned from his winces that he wasn’t a fan of yellows and oranges but was most disappointed at his reaction to a tight, pink number that made her look like a tropical bird.
“How’s this?” Alloria asked as she walked out from behind the curtain.
She looked like something out of a drunken fantasy—a really good fantasy that would require apologies afterward. Her light-gray, leather leggings were painted on and tucked into knee-high, shiny black boots that were practical for looking at and nothing else. She turned from side to side until he noticed her pants. They were tied from calf to hip with a red ribbon that showed plenty of skin. A gap of tight, tan stomach was almost enough to distract him from the gray half-corset she’d squeezed into. Two red racing stripes rose up the center in a V, just enough to cover nipples. Her breasts had always been fantastic, but they must’ve been held into the corset by willpower or magic because the red ribbon crisscrossing her sternum couldn’t possibly have the strength to last that long. He may not last that long.
His cheeks were warm, his ears were warm, and Angst felt like he was coming down with a fever. The shop had gone quiet, and a quick glance around told him why. Patrons and clerks were all openly gawking at her with wide eyes or dropped jaws. For the first time since arriving, not a single person paid attention to his gray hair. She looked that good.
“From the expression on your face,” she said with a stunning smile, “I’d say this is the right outfit.”
“Subtle,” he said, licking his lips. He felt like he’d swallowed a desert.
“Like your swords?” she asked.
“You can’t wear this,” he said, coughing. “It’s not, uh, practical. Maybe something a little more…baggy.”
“I can take it off,” she threatened, tugging at a red ribbon.
“Nope,” he said, mostly hoping she’d stop. “But—”
“You look wonderful, miss,” a clerk interrupted.
“I do,” she said, turning around slowly. “Don’t I?”
“Of course,” the snivelly man said. “I’m assuming that’s for tonight’s party. Can I package that for you?”
“I’ll just wear it,” she said. “You can burn what I left in the changing room.”
“Of course,” he said, taking it in stride. “That will be 200 gold.”
“What?” Angst asked, his head whipping around like he’d been struck across the mouth. That was more than it cost a family to eat, for months.
“My poppa will take care of it,” she said, giving him a peck on the cheek.
Heads turned to face him. Her what? He didn’t know what poh-pah meant, but part of him wanted to vomit, the rest of him felt dizzy. What was she thinking? All eyes were now on him. The glares, and stares, and under-breath-mutterings were too much. He quickly handed over his ‘emergency funds’ pouch containing several gems as Alloria swayed out the door.
“Looks like you’ll have a fun night at the party,” the man said crisply. “Poppa.”
Angst closed his eyes. “What’s this party you’re talking about?”
“You’ll see,” he said, as he emptied the pouch with a surprised smile.
10
Angst had always prided himself on being young at heart. Many in their forties were just bitter and cranky. They wallowed in their bad luck, poor choices, and creaky joints like there wasn’t anything to look forward to and it was already time to die. Sure, most people he knew weren’t doing what they wanted and acted as if their destiny had been just out of reach. Rather than doing something about it, though, they wore their bitterness like a badge with bold letters that screamed, “I HATE Mondays.”
It was the very reason he gravitated to a younger crowd. Rose was fifteen years younger, Victoria almost twenty, and he probably shouldn’t even think about Alloria being a teenager. He definitely shouldn’t think about that. Sure, being seen with them fed his ego, but, more than that, they were so fun and filled with hope. Oh, and pretty.
He’d worried that his thinning gray hair and desire to go to bed before midnight was a sign that the younger crowd would find him creepy instead of charming. Alloria had temporarily set that to rest when she kissed him in the hallway in Unsel, until he realized that her mind was like a basket of drunk cats. And now…now he sort of wished this younger crowd did find him creepy. Just until they were out of The Fette because when fantasies become real, they can be overwhelming.
Alloria had left him sitting on an old stump, grabbing his largest pouch of gold and promising to find a tent for the night.
“Two tents,” he called out after her.
She blew him a kiss before running off into the crowd, making him sigh deeply. At first, Angst didn’t mind his surroundings. He did his best to blend into the stump, and just people-watch. It was one of his favorite pastimes. He always enjoyed observing the patrons at Graloon’s bar The Wizard’s Revenge, but in comparison, that was whelming. Here, a frenetic energy buzzed about him in youthful, vibrant colors. The Fette attendees kissed and hugged and squeed in their barely clothed, incredibly fit bodies. It was as if they’d all been overtaken by a spell of inconsequence—like nothing they did would be judged. A tiny part of him wanted to join in.
“Hi,” a young woman said. “I’m Ren.”
“And I’m Dub,” another woman said. “Do you mind if we have a seat?”
They were perfect. Dub had dark skin, abs that must’ve been carved from marble, and wide eyes filled with energy and hope. Ren’s hair was long and pink. She had a tiny nose, and eyes far too sultry for her age. They were also naked. Mostly. Both women wore sheer yellow pants that flowed with any breeze, and his heavy breathing may have been enough to make them flow off. Matching yellow circles oh-so-barely covered their nipples, and that was it. The nipple covers must’ve been held on by the same magic that kept Alloria from bursting out of her top. He felt overdressed.
Practically convinced he was still in the infirmary at Unsel, dreaming away, Angst said, “Sure, have a seat.”
And before he could stop them, the young women found a spot on his knees. He instinctively wrapped an arm around their waists, which brought on a few too many giggles. Their perky, nipple-covered breasts were at eye level, and so close he could feel their warmth. His cheeks and ears burned so much, he glanced up in the sky, anticipating a dragon attack.
“Uh, hi,” he said. “I’m Angst.”
“Are you here by yourself?” Ren asked.
“We’ve got a tent,” Dub said. “You could share with us.”
“You should buy us a drink, poppa,” Ren said.
His head went back and forth like he was watching a jousting match as they continued with their requests. In the matter of five minutes, they’d decided he was going to buy them food, drinks, clothes, puppies, and a farm where they could throw more parties like this. He felt more like a pet than a love interest, and they kept saying poppa—which had gone from weird to uncomfortable. His legs were getting numb, and he was about ready to stand when Dub leaned over, twisted around, and planted a full kiss on his lips. She held the back of his head as her ton
gue darted in and out of his mouth.
She pulled away, leaving him speechless in his heart attack. They giggled. Giggled. As if it were a game. A game he would’ve loved to play twenty years ago.
“Angst!” another woman said from nearby.
“Thanks for saving our spot,” came a lower voice. “Ladies.”
Ren and Dub stood as abruptly as if he’d pinched them.
“We’re sorry,” Dub said sadly.
“Your poppa looked lonely,” Ren said with a well-practiced pout.
In an odd sort of ritual, the four women all took turns kissing each other. When the ceremony was done, and without another word, his two lap buddies, their puppies, and future party farm walked away. He shook his head in disbelief, his eyes slowly coming back into focus to see the twins.
To his relief, they were both clothed, and he sighed to see somewhat familiar faces. The young women had shown up at Oakhaven when he was deep, deep into the kegs. They were every bit as beautiful as he barely remembered.
The twins were so jaw-droppingly perfect that Angst worried Alloria would immediately spew jealous dragonfire at the sight of them. They were both on the verge of being too thin, falling somewhere between impossibly toned and emaciated. Their skin was a moonlight-in-winter pale that captured every shadow, accentuating muscular abs and eye-lingering cleavage. Blocky-heeled boots made them taller than Angst, but he didn’t care.
Despite being identical twins, Bella and Karina made some efforts to distinguish themselves from each other. Bella’s hair was ripe-apple red, most of which was pulled back in a practical braid except for the right side of her head which was shaved low. She had unnaturally long lashes and dark eyes, either from makeup or exhaustion. Her low-cut silk ivory blouse was tied beneath her breasts, holding them up just for Angst. She wore black leather leggings and knee-high boots that were both eye-catching and practical, great for a seedy glare, riding horses, or kicking someone in the face.
Karina seemed ready for fun. Her long platinum hair was barely tamed by a wide leather wrap. She wore a too-short red leather skirt and shiny, black thigh-high boots. Her tiny, red leather vest sort of covered the bottom of her breasts while simultaneously putting them on display. Her tailor deserved more gold coin than Angst could make.
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