Sol Lands

by Riker Kane

  “Welcome back,” he said with his deep voice. “I didn’t think I was ever going to see you again.”

  “Navica will always be home to me. I’m afraid this isn’t a social visit.”

  “I assumed that much from the look on your face. You require assistance. You need only speak it and I will attempt to provide it for you.”

  I didn’t have to hold back any details with Sawyer. He could take the hard truth as well as anybody.

  “I ran into someone out there,” I said. “A being from Pandora who calls himself Romanis.”

  “Romanis… The name is unfamiliar. If you are telling me his name, he must be formidable.”

  “He’s strong. I had trouble with him when I faced him. And he might be even stronger next time I see him because he has a Death Rune?”

  “Death Rune? I assumed it was destroyed when the Omnirune was formed.”

  “It was. Some raider out in the Sol Lands found another one. A copy or something. Then Romanis got a hold of it.”

  Sawyer nodded in understanding. Every movement of his head made his beard sway.

  “You defeated Blackhart soundly. I have no doubt you can defeat Romanis.”

  “I’d prefer not to take any chances. I could use your help.”

  “You need only say the word.”

  “There are some Mana reserves in the Sol Lands. I can have Zafina or Rhiannon deliver them to you. Romanis is using a Dark Rune just like Blackhart’s. Anything you can do to help me, I’ll take.”

  Sawyer scratched his beard, the gears in his head appearing to grind while he looked left and right. “If he is using the dark elements as you suggest, it can be combated with your available abilities. I will consider how to enhance these abilities.”

  “I knew you were the right man for the job.”

  “I’ll begin work on the schematics right now.” Sawyer nodded then turned around to head back to the Manaworks where he spent all of his efforts.

  A woman in a purple robe brushed by him and approached me. Araceli’s pale face was hidden behind her hood though I could still see her thin red lips smirking as they always were. Her bare stomach on display, her skin was as pale as someone who never spent any time in the sun. Black leather pants hugged her slim legs as she dug her heels in the grass with a walk you’d only see on a model runway.

  “Lord Ultima.” She lowered her hood down as her sugary-sweet voice filled the air. “It is good to see you. Oh, how I missed you.” Her scent was like walking through a garden full of fresh roses. She wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling my head down to give me a kiss that ended with her licking my lips. “Would you like me to show you how much I’ve missed you?”

  “Any other time and I would be more than willing to take you to my chambers.”

  “Bending me over can do wonders for whatever might ail you.”

  “Maybe temporarily,” I said with a half-hearted smile.

  Her eyes narrowed as she frowned. Araceli always made it clear what she was thinking just from the way she looked.

  “Then this truly does trouble you,” she said. “I overheard your conversation with Sawyer. Blackhart’s imitator has invaded the Sol Lands.”

  “He’s more than just an imitator. Romanis is a lot stronger.”

  “Romanis’s power is limited by the elements around him. He harnesses it the same as you or I or even a child trained in their ability to wield it. If he relies solely on the darkness, then his natural aversion would be to light. Thus, the possessor of the Life Rune in Ultima would be his natural adversary.”

  Araceli spoke with the kind of confidence that would get any man excited. “You’re so sure of yourself,” I said. “I almost want to take you to my chambers right now.”

  “Don’t tease me, Lord Ultima,” she said with a giggle. “I will use the Mana available as well as any additional you provide for a potential battle with Romanis.”

  “Romanis seemed intent on seeing me again. I’d say it’s inevitable.”

  “Your victory is as inevitable as the battle itself.” She wrapped her hands back around my neck, clawing my skin with her long nails as she brought me close for another kiss. “Are you certain you do not wish for my other services? Placing my mouth upon you would not detain you for more than a few minutes. I can make certain of it.”

  Araceli’s continued attempts to seduce me made me smile. “I need to stay focused. But when this is over…”

  “You will survive your battles and have enough strength remaining to ravage me.”

  I sighed a deep breath and nodded. “Navica has never let me down before. I know it won’t this time.”

  33: Better Than Before

  “It is a monstrosity. An overwhelming monument to power nobody should have access to. I pray this reminder of our mortality and morality will only be a distant memory for future generations… Or perhaps I overestimate my people. To think it would come to this.”

  Queen Cellica observed the Holy Light Cannon as it neared a hundred-percent completion. Though I couldn’t put it into the words she did, the thing was a lot more impressive seeing it in person than in a blueprint.

  The wooden base alone was sturdy enough to hold the biggest artillery available on earth, about as wide as a small home. The cannon had been molded to specifications with all of the ore we’d collected. It looked like a giant hand cannon, the metal shining like chrome underneath the growing moonlight. Rivets and bolts kept the thing fixed to the base, with its barrel extended more than thirty yards out. If it shot bullets, they would be as big as I was. A metal panel on the side of it was used to charge it when the time came.

  While Cellica continued to marvel in a combination of disgust and amazement, I stood next to her in amusement. “It’s a big gun,” I said. “Don’t worry. All we need is one good shot and that’ll be that.”

  “If someone else were to get a hold of those blueprints, I shudder to think about how much power they would have.”

  “The blueprints have been destroyed. The only way to access them is by going to Zion and as far as I know, I’m the only one who can do that.”

  The blond queen turned to me, looking as dignified as ever. Her nose in the air, she finally gave me the subtle smile I’d been waiting for. “I will not commit all of my Nobles to this. With the Holy Light Cannon, a small contingent should suffice. I would be surprised if this weapon did not destroy the fortress outright.”

  “I only need to take the barrier down. Whatever might be inside, I can handle myself. You’ve already done enough. Thank you, Queen Cellica.”

  “Humility. It serves you well, Virgil. When this is over, you will have a place in Euphoria if you desire it.”

  “In your bed?” I couldn’t help myself. I raised an eyebrow, not holding back my grin.

  “Perhaps I spoke too soon.” Despite her cutting tone, she eyed me curiously as she walked away.

  As I stood alone on the hilltop where the Holy Light Cannon had been wheeled out to, Mistress Vacindra ascended the hillside to join me. She was more enthralled by the fortress in the distance than the cannon though.

  “Even if I could not see it, I can sense the great evil residing within it,” she said. “It is a feeling familiar to what I sensed when Qashia was destroyed, only this time the feeling is stronger.”

  “And here I thought you were going to give me a pep talk.”

  “If you have already come this far and desire more encouragement, then I fear for the outcome of this battle more than I should.” The raven-haired woman in her matching black gown put her hands behind her back as she stared proudly out toward the valley where the fortress sat ominously. “Is there anything more you desire?”

  “I could go for a nice pie right now.”

  Vacindra slowly turned to me, a blank expression on her face. “You find amusement in the face of such a threat. That is the Virgil who should be leading this assault. Asrath will only a few of my Warriors, not my entire battalion. I trust you will be able to eliminate this
threat now that the most difficult part is finished.”

  “Just like I told Cellica, you’ve done more than I could ask for.”

  “Queen Cellica,” Vacindra sighed as she looked back out toward the fortress. “If even she can be humbled then perhaps we do have a chance.”

  “We have more than a chance. We’re going to do it.”

  She bowed her head and took a step away from me. “The assault begins during the next sundown. I suggest you use that time to put your affairs in order. Thinking about the inevitable will only waste the time you have left.” Vacindra walked back down the hill and joined everybody else in Haven.

  I took a moment to admire what I’d done. Asrath. Euphoria. Multiple raider groups. Hundreds were enjoying themselves within the confines of Haven. You wouldn’t have known there was a Pandora threat close enough they could see it from here. I figured I might as well join them.

  ~ ~ ~

  My quarters in Haven were nothing else but quaint and comfortable. A small bonfire burned at the center of the hut, the smoke ventilating through a hole in the ceiling. The bearskin rug against my skin was soft enough I didn’t think about how I was sleeping out in an open village.

  My clothes rested at my side along with my wooden cane. A belly full of beef stew had me groggy though with everything happening tomorrow, I couldn’t help my restlessness.

  I closed my eyes and listen to the flames dancing next to me. Even in nothing but my underwear, the warmth was enough to make sure I didn’t freeze to death. My thoughts faded as I drifted in and out of sleep.

  The flap to my hut opening up made my eyes open. Zafina stepped inside, a sheepish smile on her lips.

  “I apologize,” she said. “I did not mean to wake you.”

  “I wasn’t really sleeping. I don’t think anybody is going to get much sleep tonight.”

  I sat up and she moved next to me. The blond stared at the fire, smiling softly as her eyes glazed over slightly.

  “It is remarkable, isn’t it?” she whispered. “The Sol Lands were nothing more than a place spoken of in myths and folklore. The ancient civilizations who once lived here have left no trace of their existence yet here we are, establishing a new one.”

  “It’s pretty impressive when you put it like that. You’ve got a way with words, Zafina.”

  “And you are stronger than I could have ever imagined. You have traveled across this land and united these people—people who have lost their world, their history, and everything they have ever known.”

  “I didn’t save Qashia though… I just hope they all find a home here on Iorus.”

  Still staring at the fire, Zafina’s smile grew. “I trained and sparred with Ludo many times. There was nothing he could not accomplish in my eyes. And he proved it time and time again. When Blackhart lost himself and began scouring Valen for the other Runes, I believed Ludo would find a way to stop him.”

  “I think he did. I wouldn’t be here without him.”

  “Yes, that is true. But now I realize that Ludo was not the great savior I looked up to him as.” She turned to me. “His greatness was defined by finding you.”

  I’d gotten praise from so many different people before. But the way Zafina looked at me hit me harder than I was expecting it to. I guess it was just the innocence in her blue eyes—an innocence that reminded me of what kind of power I possessed.

  “I’m only trying to do what’s right,” I said. “For me and for everybody. That’s what I swore to do to become Ultima.”

  “I understand. And through this journey across the Sol Lands, you have become even stronger than before. As have I. I would never have reached my potential as a Mana Seer if not for you.” She put a hand on top of mine, squeezing softly. “This ordeal has allowed us to be better than we were before. Thank you, Virgil.”

  Her warm smile was as pleasant as it was inviting.

  “We’re not done yet,” I said. “We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow. Maybe the longest day of our lives.”

  “Indeed. You must do everything you can to prepare.” Zafina moved close and put her lips on mine. Her forceful kiss surprised me, though it was the last thing I’d call unpleasant. I put my hands on her arms and held her close, enjoying the taste of her tongue before gently pulling away.

  “You need to rest,” she said. “But there is a belief that lying with someone increases the energy within you to make you stronger.”

  “That’s a… fun belief.”

  “I will do whatever you ask of me. But I would be lying if I said you do not fill me with desire, Virgil.”

  Deciding to take Zafina wasn’t hard at all.

  “I make you feel a certain way, huh?” I raised an eyebrow and smiled.

  Zafina returned my smile with one of her own then reached for her top. It was only a sleek green bra and silk sleeves that didn’t leave much to the imagination but just the sight of her peeling it off made me appreciative of what was underneath. Her tan skin illuminated by the firelight looked as appetizing as it had ever been. She didn’t stop there, reaching for her skirt and lifting herself just enough so she could climb out of it. She sat in front of me, legs spread so I could see the drop of wetness leaking from her smooth mound. The line of pink just waiting for me made me stiffen in my underwear to the point I had to take them off.

  Our lips moved back to one another’s as we embraced. Her soft skin pressed against mine and she gasped into my mouth. A battle-hardened Mana Seer who’d cast so many spells and defeated so many Shadows was now just a woman who was willing to do anything to please me.

  “I want you inside of me…” Zafina’s flowery tone had me in a trance. Even though I was in control, I gladly followed her instruction as she pressed a hand on my chest.

  I fell back on the bearskin as she straddled me. Her hands clawed my chest as she looked down at me through narrowed blue eyes. She bit her lip as she grabbed my length and guided it into her.

  Our sighs were in sync as she lowered herself down. The wet warmth tightening around me sent a shiver through my spine, making my whole body shudder.

  I reached up and gripped the soft curves of her hips as she began to grind against me. The sight of her slowly bouncing up and down was like something straight out of Heaven.

  “We will win,” she said. “And I will do anything I can to make sure that happens.”

  I sat up and put my lips on hers, cradling her in my arms. “Don’t talk about that now.”

  “Whatever you command.”

  Our lips tangled together. No more talk about Shadows or Pandora or the battle ahead. Not even any dirty talk about our lustful desires. My grunts and her squeaks did all the talking. That and the sound of our bodies colliding as we moved in rhythm with one another.

  I buried myself into her, digging my shaft as deep as I could. She slammed her folds against me to meet my thrusts. A hut that was warmed by the fire had turned into a sauna, drenching both of us in sweat.

  The taste of her tongue was joined by her scent. Despite how much she sweat, the smell was flowery and feminine enough to make me work even harder.

  She didn’t hold back, crying out even louder as the pleasure racked her body. I wrapped my arms around her back, massaging her sweat-soaked skin to try and make her squeal even more.

  “Zafina…”

  Her name was all I needed to say to signal I was close. And it was all I needed to spur her even harder.

  “Inside of me, Virgil… I want every bit of you inside of me…”

  When a woman spoke like that, there was nothing you could do but obey. I held on for as long as I could, driving my hips hard and fast to push myself to the edge. My whole body tensed until I couldn’t keep anything back.

  I gritted my teeth and gripped her hips hard as I came. The first throb made my body jerk so violently she bounced on top of me. I didn’t stop, emptying myself completely into her.

  Zafina’s eyes closed as her jaw dropped. Her stifled moans signaled her orgasm as she writhe
d uncontrollably on me.

  We came together, losing ourselves completely. For a moment, it felt like there was nothing else in the world except for the pleasure we endured.

  But my senses came back to me. As much as I wanted to stay close to Zafina, my body had been satisfied.

  I fell back on the bearskin. Zafina rolled off of me and stayed by my side. My chest heaved as I slowly caught my breath. I opened my eyes to see the gorgeous sight of Zafina’s tan curves glistening underneath the firelight. Her eyes were closed but she had a contented smile on her lips—more than any words could say.

  I would fire the cannon tomorrow and this would all be over. Then I would go back to a life of this. Knowing what was waiting for me made me smile just as much as Zafina did.

  34: …Of Mice And Men

  Ultima

  Level 84 Battle God

  Hit Points 400

  Endurance 200

  Earth (Strength) 25

  Fire (Speed) 27

  Water (Durability) 24

  Life/Death (Control) 43

  ***

  Elemental Levels

  Light - Level 3

  Dark - Level 3

  Water - Level 2

  Fire - Level 3

  Stone - Level 3

  Abilities

  Radiant Channel (Level 4)

  Control energy and manipulate it into the power of any or all chosen elements

  Spectral Summon (Level 3)

  Summon an autonomous familiar with the element of your choosing

  Unified Abilities

  Divine Blade

  Mana Fort

  ***

  Mana Bonds

  Zafina - Level 6: 25% Ability Damage Bonus

  Rhiannon - Level 5: 20% Summon Speed Bonus

  Araceli - Level 3: 10% Rune Endurance Drain Decrease

  Sawyer - Level 3: 10% Physical Attack Damage Bonus