by Eden Redd
Trystan nervously held his glass. He took a sip and the strong whiskey caused him to grimace, “Yes Professor. I want to get a jump on my studies before next year.” Trystan lied.
Professor Hart took a long sip before speaking, “The college tries to wait when it comes to learning how to combat another spell user. You don’t start learning the basics until your 4th year. I don’t see the harm on having a chat about it but I recommend not using this knowledge until you’re properly trained.”
Trystan nodded and took another sip. This time it went down easier.
Professor Hart sat back in his chair, “There are two major ways of combatting another spell user. You have to either outwit or outlast them. As you know from your studies, all spell users carry different amounts of mana depending on how many familiars they have or how powerful they are. This can be a mage’s greatest secret because if you know how much mana your combatant has, then you would know how to deplete them until defeated. Any two mages can throw lightning at each other but the one with the most mana will overcome in the end.”
“When we fought the slimes, I remember Headmaster Gloomis saying that they would run out of mana before the slimes would.”
Professor Hart nodded, “Very good. I’m glad you noticed that tidbit. If we unleashed all our power, then we would have been defeated. The slimes had an incredible amount of mana filling their bodies. Our mana would have run dry long before the slimes lost their mana.”
“Is that why we had to outwit them?” Trystan said.
“Yes. We came up with a plan to halt their attack and stop them. But fighting giant slimes is different from fighting another spell user. Using magic to take down your opponent can be tricky. What you don’t know yet is that every spell user has a degree of magic resistance. If you threw a fireball at me, it would have less of an effect then if I threw one at you. Our mana is not just used for attack. It is there for defense as well.”
Trystan thought of Nia when she made her shield to defend him and it was shattered almost instantly, “A younger spell user would not have a chance against an older, more experienced one.”
Professor Hart finished his whiskey and set it on the coffee table, “Nothing is certain. I could show you many tales of young mages overcoming insurmountable odds. It comes down to outthinking your opponent.”
Trystan could feel a dark question snake into his mind, “What do you know of Damon Wick?”
Professor Hart poured himself another glass of amber liquid, “Gifted student. He was one of the college’s best. It was a shame that he left us.”
“He mentioned Fallen York and monster kind. What is the college going to do about his threats?”
Professor Hart eyed the young mage and smiled, “This isn’t the first time the Elemental College or Stukarr City has been threatened. We will work to subdue any threat to its people and students. With so many people and para-humans across Lurth, there will always be those who want to tear down what others have built. We must stay positive or their negative energy will destroy everything we have fought so hard to build.”
Professor Hart took a deep drink before holding his glass to his chest, “Trystan, is there anything you want to tell me?”
Trystan’s hand tightened around his glass, “No professor.”
Professor Hart nodded, “I heard about your new familiar and the circumstances behind it. The college is here to assist you if you need any help.”
Trystan’s eyes lowered, “I have taken responsibility for the new familiar. It is my duty now to teach her how to be a force for good.”
“You will make a fine mage. Let us toast to new beginnings.” Professor Hart held up his glass.
Trystan gave a small smile and clinked his glass to his professor’s glass. The young mage had a feeling Professor Hart knew what was happening but being respectful. Trystan didn’t feel completely comfortable feeling that but he couldn’t risk anyone coming with him.
“I hope you enjoy your vacation but before you leave, I have a favor to ask.”
Trystan was all ears until a shadow appeared on the stairs. Both professor and student looked over to pale legs as someone took each step down. Trystan sat up straighter as he watched a pale woman reach the bottom of the stairs with only a blanket held to her front. Vanessa gave a shy smile to Trystan. The blanket covered her chest, stomach and the front of her legs down to the floor. The sides of her legs, bottom, waist and arms were devoid of any clothing.
“Hi Trystan.” Vanessa said to him and then looked to Professor Hart.
“I will be up shortly. I need to speak with Trystan just a moment longer.” Professor Hart grinned.
Vanessa nodded and took the steps back up. Trystan had to look away from her firm round bottom.
Professor Hart looked to the mage, “We reconnected. But I have that favor to ask.”
“I will do what I can to help,” Trystan said innocently.
Mist flowed from the top of Professor Hart’s robe. A moment later, Lana blinked into existence. The foxy kitsune familiar smiled and bowed her head to Trystan. The mage looked to the familiar and bowed his head from his seat.
Professor Hart stood up and walked behind his familiar, “Since I have been indisposed with rekindling a past relationship, Lana has been a tad lonely.”
“Ummm Professor?” Trystan asked with wide eyes.
“I bring this up because Lana has asked about you several times. Since you’re here, I was thinking you could spend some time with her.”
“Sir?” Trystan asked again with eyes still wide.
Professor Hart pulled at the kitsune’s robe, opening it to reveal a stunning feminine form. Lana had fur on the outer parts of her thighs, calves and up her sides. The rest of her looked like a beautiful woman with pointed fox ears sticking up through her long hair. Brown nipples pointed from large round breasts. A triangular whisper of hair covered her sex between her womanly thighs.
“Let yourself out when you’re done. I can’t wait to hear about your trip when you come back,” Professor Hart smiled and walked to the stairs.
Trystan watched as the professor took each step until he was gone. Lana slinked forward, naughty thoughts showing in her smile. Trystan was about to get up and try to talk his way out of it but the foxy familiar had other plans. Lana bent to her knees and took hold of the mage when he was half way up from the couch. Trystan couldn’t believe her strength as she forced him back down onto his seat. Trystan tried to say something when Lana made a quick hand signal. The air around Trystan’s mouth turned white and solid. The mage blinked as the band wrapped around his mouth and clamped it shut, tying around to the back of his head.
Trystan muffled something as the familiar took hold of his robes and began lifting them up. The young mage made the mistake of trying to hold them down. Lana made another hand signal and air turned to white bands around Trystan’s wrists. The bands pulled the mages arms back and held them against the back of the couch. Trystan stared and tried to speak as delicate long fingers lifted his robe and took hold of his boxers. Pulling them down, the familiar took hold of the mage’s rapidly growing staff.
Lana stared at Trystan like a predator playing with its prey. The mage watched helplessly as she stroked his manhood up and down. Lana watched with inquisitive eyes as Trystan struggled in her grip. When he was fully hard, the kitsune took a playful lick of his throbbing head. The mage let out a muffled gasp, his body relaxing a second later. The familiar bent her head down but kept her eyes on the mage. Inches pushed passed moist lips. Trystan couldn’t fight the urges any longer. Lana’s tongue pressed along his shaft with long patient strokes.
Trystan’s head leaned back, lost to blissful sensations. The kitsune continued to bob her head on his hard member. Delicate fingers made small signals over the mage’s thigh. A glowing symbol appeared over the mage’s leg, gently settling down and fading from view. Trystan brought his head up to look down at the foxy familiar increasing the tempo. The mage felt a strange oddness but
it quickly slipped away as the familiar increased the rhythm. Tongue pressing along sensitive spots, Trystan had to fight the urge to orgasm. Lana had no such qualms as she licked him just the right way, forcing an orgasm. Trystan gave a muffled yell as molten come spurted into Lana’s waiting mouth. The kitsune greedily sucked it down, taking his mana into her body.
Trystan breathed heavily through his nose as the familiar stood up and crawled on top of him. The mage couldn’t believe he was still hard as she mounted him. Pressing her full breasts into his face, the kitsune continued to play with the young mage. Hard inches speared her wet line and Lana cooed her approval. Trystan nearly suffocated as breasts pressed against him, bouncing into his face. The mage was so engrossed; he didn’t notice the familiar making another hand signal behind his head. A symbol appeared and faded into the mage’s hair.
Lana squeezed the mage between her legs. A faint grunt flowed up Trystan’s throat. On and on they went, Lana teasing the mage into orgasm over and over again. The young mage couldn’t stop the surges of pleasure as the fox familiar continued her relentless assault on him. Lana made one last hand signal, hidden from the mage. When she was done, she focused on satisfying herself to the young mage’s muffled groans.
Six
Trystan finished packing his backpack of holding. The penthouse was eerily quiet as the mage kept putting his ear to his own bedroom door, wondering what his roommates were doing. He hadn’t seen hide nor hair of any of them and he was secretly grateful. The mage hoisted his back pack over his shoulder and stepped over to the night stand. A plain envelope sat on the nightstand with Nia’s name on it. The mage knew it was only a matter of time until she came into his room and find the note. Trystan hadn’t told anyone he was leaving this very night. Earlier in the day he stopped by Gwen’s shop to say his goodbyes. The Ink Witch was quiet and appeared to restrain herself as Trystan kissed her goodbye. He promised to return but they both knew how dangerous this trip was. Gwen asserted she would do everything she could to help him. Trystan held her close, knowing she would try but ultimately it might be for nothing. When they parted, Trystan had to fight back his own tears.
When he reached home, he quickly disappeared into his room. Aside from packing and making arrangements by phone to the train station and the hotel he didn’t speak to anyone. Not too surprising, Jenny had lied about the Lantern Hotel. They had enough rooms and Trystan made a reservation. The mage didn’t feel too bad about leaving Jenny behind. He had discussed with her to leave tomorrow night and she agreed. If the horny librarian decided to follow him, he would have a full day’s head start on her. That would be more than enough time to find a ship to take him to Damon’s destination. Trystan checked his small purse of coins. It was barely enough to pay for the train ride and the hotel for a night. The mage was going to have to figure out how he could get a ship, otherwise he was going to be travelling by foot over dangerous waters. The only bright spot was that Trystan would be in his element. With water around him, he might be able to make the trip without a ship but he would have to figure it out when he reached Lantern Beach.
Trystan picked up the note for Nia and held it in his hand. It was a simple letter telling her how much he loves her. Trystan tried in as few words as possible to explain that he was taking on this dangerous quest so no one else would get hurt. He ended the note telling her again how beautiful and wonderful she is and when he returns, they should discuss the next step in their relationship. With the heavy thoughts of possibly dying, the mage felt it was necessary to discuss their future when and if he returned. Trystan had some ideas but they would have to wait.
Putting the letter down, the mage stepped quietly to his bedroom door. Opening and peeking out, he could see that the penthouse was still and quiet. The mage stepped out into the small hallway and closed his bedroom door behind him. Creeping pass Nia’s room, the mage made a beeline for the elevators. With one last look back, the mage surveyed the penthouse, hoping he could return to it. Hitting the button for the elevator, the mage waited for the doors to open and he stepped inside.
On the street, the evening air was a little humid. Trystan quickly walked from the front of the building and toward the train station. He wished he could have hired a coach to take to the station but counting on every bit of coin, he had to walk there. Eyes peeled, the mage looked to people passing him by, making sure they weren’t anyone he knew. He felt bad enough for leaving on his own but he didn’t want anyone else fueling any rumors about him. It would be a simple walk to the station, board the train and sit back until he reached Lantern Beach. Trystan hoped it would be that simple.
After a few twists and turns, the mage could see the station lights a few blocks away. Pulling out his cell phone, Trystan powered it down and shoved it in his backpack. He told himself not to turn it on again. If he heard Nia’s or Gwen’s voice, he knew he would surely crack under pressure. He had to go it alone and that meant no distractions.
The mage was a block away from the train station. Heart quickening, he told himself he was almost there. In thirty minutes he would be on his way and there would be no looking back. A new excitement flowed through his veins. Despite all the gloom and doom, the mage thought of lands and ocean to the South East and it tantalized his imagination.
Trystan walked passed the edge of the last block and looked to the misty lights of the station. Shadows moved from under the lamps. Trystan focused his eyes and took a step back when he noticed the familiar outline of a witch’s hat.
“Trystan!” said a familiar voice.
The mage was ready to turn when the group stepped into the light and walked toward the startled mage. Trystan’s fingers clenched into fists as he watched Gwen, Nia, Reeko, Sunara, Aznara and Jenny walk toward him. The entire group was smiling and carrying back packs except for Jenny whose arms were crossed with an annoyed crease to her brow.
Gwen stepped forward with head slightly tilted forward, “Before you say anything, I talked them into going with you.”
Nia stepped forward next to Gwen, “More like we volunteered.”
Trystan’s hands shook for a few seconds before he opened his hands and relaxed them. Looking to his friends, a warmth spread over his heart.
“Thank you for coming but I won’t have any of you hurt because of me. I need to do this myself,” Trystan tried to sound convincing.
“You think we would let you do this by yourself? We are your friends,” Aznara said and blew him a kiss.
Sunara nodded her blue haired head, “The Broken Islands are dangerous. A bigger party would help our odds greatly.”
Reeko gave a knowing grin, “After everything we have been through, there was no way we would let you do this by yourself. Besides, I’m bank rolling this expedition and a Greengold never breaks a contract.”
Trystan tried to hide his smile. The entire group was wide eyes and ready to help Trystan’s quest. Gwen smiled and walked to the stunned mage. Taking his hand, she led him away from the group. When they were out of ear shot, the witch stopped the mage and looked into his eyes.
“I’m sorry but I had to do this for you. It was the only way to help you on your quest,” Gwen said with a sad smile.
“I wish we talked about it first.” Trystan said sadly.
“If we did, would you have gone through with it?”
Trystan shook his head, “You’re right. I would have tried to sneak out sooner.”
Trystan glanced past the witch to the blonde librarian, “Why is Jenny here?”
“I knew that Damon would likely have spies everywhere, focusing on myself and the professors at the college. I spoke with Jenny on accompanying you on your trip because she seemed less likely someone Damon would concern himself with. She is powerful and has a lot of knowledge on many places across Lurth.”
Trystan felt his shoulder’s sag, “She saw that I was researching the Broken Islands at work. When I asked for vacation time, she bullied herself into joining me. I was trying to sneak out without her
knowing.”
Gwen smiled, “I know she’s a bit unusual but she is a powerful genius. I did my research on her and she finished the Elemental College in three years instead of six. She had her pick of jobs from teaching to dangerous quest research. She instead chose to be the Stukarr Librarian. Only some can detect the large amount of mana she has and she often hides it well. I know she tends to be a bit oversexed but have you ever met a genius that didn’t have some kind of quirk?”
Trystan sighed, “Yea. I get it.”
Gwen lifted her hand and touched his cheek, “Please don’t be mad with me. I couldn’t sit back and let you go alone. I too feared that if I went with you, I would be putting you in more harm. Otherwise I would be there with your friends on this journey.”
Trystan took her hand and kissed the back of it, “I can’t be too mad. If I was you, I would have done the same thing.”
The young mage let his eyes lower, “Gwen, I can’t thank you enough. I have been thinking about a few things and…..” The witch cut him off.
“Tell me when you return. I will be waiting for you and we can speak then. Focus on the quest ahead of you and you can tell me all about it when you get back,” Gwen smiled and hugged the mage.
Trystan returned the hug. Holding each other for long moments, it was Gwen who broke their embrace.
“Your friends are waiting,” Gwen said as her hands slipped from Trystan.
The mage and witch walked back to the group. Everyone seemed eager to board the train. It was Nia who walked up to Gwen. The witch and fire mage looked to each other.
“Nia, please take care of him. He is pretty special,” Gwen said in a low voice.
Nia nodded and looked to Gwen, “I will. When we return, the three of us should sit down and discuss our future together.”
Gwen smiled at the redhead, “I would like that very much.”
The two women hugged each other. Trystan watched uncomfortably. Parts of his inner self tore at each other. He wanted both of them and couldn’t deny his feelings any longer. It hurt to leave the witch whom he had fallen deeply in love. The mage firmed up as Nia gave one last smile to Gwen and walked back to the group.
