by Eden Redd
The mage looked to Nia but his mind drifted to Gwen. The mage wished she were here. The bond between himself and Nia felt like it was thinning more and more yet the bond between himself and the Ink Witch seemed to grow stronger. He didn’t know how this would all turn out but he knew he loved Nia. He knew she loved him enough that maybe one day she would return to him. Trystan would keep that door open but in the time being, he would let her go and let a candle burn in the window for her return.
Twelve
Mist blanketed the town of Lantern Beach. The sounds of footsteps on the wooden docks broke the serene gray morning. A dim ball of light burned in the far distance, its light unable to break through the shrouded gloom. Mages walked single file down a lone dock, backpacks over their shoulders and excitement in their hearts. Jenny led the way with Trystan close behind.
The mist around the dock parted with each step. Soon a sail ship appeared to rise out of the mists. Trystan drank it in the closer they moved toward it. The masts rose up like wooden spires against the gray background. A lone figure was on deck, pulling at ropes. Trystan at first thought it was a normal man until the mist parted further to reveal leathery wings. The figure moved from one rope to the next, wings flexing and gray muscled body moving with each pull. Pointed ears were on the side of its head but Trystan couldn’t make out the face.
Jenny smiled as she walked to the gangplank and stepped up onto the ship. Trystan followed and stepped onto the vessel. The gray-skinned humanoid turned and an incredibly handsome face looked back.
“Who is that?” Aznara asked as she stepped onto the ship.
Jenny opened her arms and rushed the handsome gargoyle. Thick gray arms hugged her back and buried its face into her neck. Together they hugged for a long moment before breaking their embrace.
“It’s so good to see you again, Tyler. Where’s your master?” Jenny grinned.
Tyler pointed a gray finger to the command deck. Trystan looked up to see Kutter at the main wheel in his trench coat, looking like a pirate captain from old storybooks. The ex-magistrate peered down at the mages and beckoned them onboard.
“Morning Kutter,” Trystan shouted.
“Morning mage, stow your gear in the rooms below. There are only three rooms so some of you will have to double up. Tyler, pull the gangplank and raise the anchor. We leave now.”
The handsome gargoyle moved to the port side and raised the gangplank. Kutter made a few quick hand signals and whispered a word. The wind picked up, pushing the mist away and inflating the sails. Tyler took hold of the chain to the anchor. Muscles bulged as he hoisted it one hand over the other. Ropes holding the ship to the dock untied themselves and rolled onto deck. The ship lurched free and they were on their way.
Trystan moved to the side of the deck and looked out. Heads broke the surface and webbed hands waved goodbye. Reeko joined the mage at the side of the deck, smiling at all the beautiful sea women.
“Welcome to the Sea Strider!” Kutter bellowed and turned the wheel.
The ship turned direction and began sailing south. Trystan waved to the sea women as they slowly faded from view. Sunara took Nia’s hand and pulled her to the door leading to the deck below. Aznara stared at Tyler as he worked the ropes, holding and twirling her own tail. Reeko gripped the side of the ship. Trystan glanced over to see a blank look in the goblin’s eyes.
“Are you okay?” Trystan asked.
“No….I….don’t think so…..” The green goblin’s face seemed to become greener.
Trystan was about to say something when the goblin leaned forward and his breakfast came up. The mage grimaced as Reeko wretched and groaned his displeasure. Just as Trystan thought he was done, more came up.
“First…time…..out…to…sea….” The goblin heaved.
Trystan patted him on the shoulder, “I’m here for you.”
“Thanks,” Reeko managed before he dry-heaved over the side again.
***
The morning mist parted and blue skies shined with the bright sun. Trystan took in a deep cleansing breath as he marveled at the perfect clear sky. They were a few hours into their journey and calmness fell over everyone. Reeko had retired to a room after heaving for nearly an hour. Trystan had helped him settle in and the goblin quickly passed out. Aznara spent the whole time staring at Tyler. The gargoyle ignored the succubus as he moved to make sure the rigging was secure. Aznara did her best to make sure he was in sight at all times. Jenny spent about an hour talking to Kutter on the command deck. Trystan didn’t know what they were saying but it seemed like a serious conversation. After an hour, the librarian stood to the back of the command deck. Trystan just barely saw her mouth move, and then she looked upward. Her eyes turned white and she became as still as a statue. Kutter kissed his fingers and touched them to Jenny’s cheek. She remained unmoving as if she wasn’t in her own body.
Trystan spent the time enjoying the view and thinking about the journey. Mist rolled off his arm and flowed to the deck. Sylk appeared but her head tilted forward, eyes on the deck and hands at her sides. Trystan looked over for a moment and then looked back out to sea. The siren stepped over to the side of the deck beside her master.
“I can tell you want to talk,” Trystan said eyes still looking up.
“Master…..I…..” Sylk trailed off.
“It’s okay. I saw you talking with Merra. She talked to me too.”
Sylk looked up to her master, “She wants to show me things. Show me knowledge from other sirens.”
“I know. She asked me if it was okay. I already said yes,” Trystan smiled.
Sylk’s eyes widened.
Trystan continued, “I have read about familiars leaving their masters for special journeys. I didn’t even know you could leave me for a length of time and distance. Merra seemed understanding that you should learn more about your kind. What better way than to learn from your actual people.”
Sylk looked out to the water, “I can leave but there will always be a pull to come back to you. My needs will change and I will be able to draw mana from food until I return to you. It will not be as powerful as your mana but it will be enough for me to survive.”
Sylk’s eyes looked to the water, “You need me for this quest. I feel like I’m abandoning you when you need me the most.”
Trystan sighed, “Life never travels in a straight line. Merra made a compelling statement for your benefit. I couldn’t say no. If I did, then it would have been incredibly selfish and you wouldn’t grow. I love you and only want you to experience life to the fullest.”
Sylk looked to her master and hugged him, tears running down her cheeks, “Merra said this would be the only time to train because they are preparing to leave Lantern Beach and meet with another clan of sirens to strengthen their forces against the Scylla. She didn’t know how long she would be gone. I don’t want to go. I want to be by your side.”
Trystan ran fingers through blue hair, “Merra told me it would be a few days before they leave, plenty of time to train you. It’s not a lifetime. Besides I still have Kira.”
Sylk pulled back and glared at her master, “That bitch better protect you,” The siren growled.
“Bitch? I thought you guys were getting along?”
Sylk pressed her cheek to her master’s chest, “I will never trust her. We may be your familiars but she will never be our family.”
“Don’t worry. Our friends will make sure I am okay. Take this time to learn and grow. We will meet up again soon,” Trystan hugged Sylk a little harder.
“Please be safe. I will come back stronger for you, for us.”
Trystan cupped his fingers under her chin, raising her up so their eyes could meet, “You are already the strongest woman I know. Learn everything you can and come back.”
Sylk nodded her head. Pulling away from her master, the siren leapt onto the railing. Sylk looked to her master. Trystan winked and smiled. The siren blew a kiss and dove over the side. The mage looked over to see her blue
body hit the water with barely a splash. A second later, she was gone.
A haunting sadness washed over the mage as he stared at the water, looking for any hint of his beautiful familiar. Another hour passed and he stepped away from the railing. Looking around, Kutter was still at the wheel. Jenny was next to him, eyes still white and her body unmoving. Tyler the gargoyle was up in the crow’s nest. Aznara was leaning against the opposite railing, eyes on the crow’s nest and pointed tail swishing back and forth.
Trystan let out a sigh and walked across the deck to the succubus. Aznara didn’t even notice him as he stepped close and leaned against the same railing.
“So, see something you like?” Trystan smiled.
“I don’t understand. I have been throwing every signal in my arsenal and the gargoyle hasn’t even blinked in my direction. He has a face carved by angels and a body that would turn me into a pretzel but doesn’t even see me,” Aznara said while keeping her gaze.
“Maybe he is focused on his work. We are going into dangerous waters.”
“No. There has to be something else,” Aznara said in a low voice.
A high-pitched whistle filled the air. Trystan and Aznara turned to Kutter as he worked the wheel. The ex-magistrate was looking up at the crow’s nest and a finger pointed to the deck. The gargoyle looked down and leaped into the air. Tyler glided down and gently landed next to his master.
Trystan and Aznara watched as the ex-magistrate leaned in and kissed the handsome gargoyle. Tyler pressed his body to his masters with a loving embrace. When they pulled apart, Kutter gave Tyler a quick pat on the butt. The gargoyle made a loving squeak before flying back up to the crow’s nest. The ex-magistrate looked down at Aznara and winked.
“Now it makes sense,” Aznara smiled ear to ear.
The succubus turned and looked off to the water. Trystan eyed her and then turned to gaze out next to her.
“So that’s it. No more trying to seduce the gargoyle?” Trystan smiled.
“I need to come up with a new strategy,” Aznara was quiet for a few moments before speaking again, “The sea is beautiful.”
Trystan nodded, “It is. Grew up next to it most of my life. I have books of poetry dedicated to the ocean. She has been my inspiration for a long time.”
“Where I lived there are beautiful mountains and canyons. Big rivers flowing with crystal clear water. I miss it sometimes. The last year has been so strange. I hope we all survive this quest so we can enjoy many more years together,” The succubus gave the mage a small sly smile.
Trystan smiled back, “I have hope in my heart.”
Aznara looked away, “I hope so. I have been watching you and it seems this quest has been hard on you.”
“It has. I worry all the time that something may happen to you all. I’m thankful for the help but I couldn’t live with myself if any of you were hurt.”
“We are tougher than you think. I know we will all protect each other when it comes down to it.”
Trystan nodded and put his hands on the railing. Aznara’s slender hand reached over and lay on top of his. Trystan didn’t pull away and the two mages looked out in the oceanic expanse before them. The mage could feel in his mind a gentle pull, a direction he must follow in order to reach Damon Wick’s destination. The warmth from Aznara’s hand was distracting but the mage made no move to remove it.
“Trystan! Up here!” Kutter shouted.
The mage turned and his hand slipped away from Aznara’s hand. The succubus turned her head slightly and caught the mage gazing at her. She thought he moved on to meet Kutter but instead he stayed.
“Aznara, I have to ask you to help me with something,” Trystan said in a low voice.
“We are friends. I will help you with anything,” The succubus said with a gentle smile.
“Good. I will see what Kutter wants and then I will be back down to talk to you,” Trystan smiled and walked off.
Aznara stared as the mage walked to the stairs leading up to the command deck. A few seconds later, the mage was at Kutter’s side. A wave hit the side of the ship, sending sea spray in the air. Gulls cawed in the distance.
“Trystan, we need a heading. Jenny informed me of the unique circumstances concerning this quest. Point in the direction and I will get us there,” Kutter spoke and kept his eyes to the horizon.
Trystan let the pull guide him. Without a word, he pointed off to the right. Kutter glanced over and eyed the mage. Trystan kept his stance, pointing but unable to speak or give any further direction.
“You point in the direction of the next moon rise. There are a number of islands in our way as we travel. I will swing the Sea Strider around and get us there but you will have to tell me when we get close,” Kutter turned the wheel.
“Aye aye Captain.”
“I’m no captain, not anymore. Keep it Kutter,” The ex-magistrate grimaced.
Trystan nodded and moved to the stairs. Descending, the mage caught sight of Aznara staring at him. He wondered if she was watching him the whole time. The succubus had a look of wonder and questioning as the mage stepped across the deck to her. Trystan reached out and let his fingers caress her neck.
The succubus shuddered from his touch and a blazing fire roared to life. Trystan kept the back of his fingers to her, feeling her pulse just underneath her hot skin. Aznara’s eyes half closed and a devilish smirk crept into her lips.
“I know we are friends and I have need of a friend now for a special project,” Trystan said softly.
The succubus was putty and a weakness touched her knees. Wild sensations rolled through the demoness before her eyes opened wider and she pulled back. Shaking her head, the succubus balled her hands into fists.
“Trystan……we are friends. Why are you doing this? I thought we were to only be friends?” The succubus stammered.
Trystan’s eyes took on a weight of understanding, “We are friends but I need someone close to help me with a project. I need you to be with me and…….” Trystan trailed off as seconds thoughts bloomed.
Aznara stepped closer, picking up Trystan’s hand and holding it between her firm breasts, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just…. I have spent so much time trying to keep us at arms distance. This is a surprise.” The succubus held his hand to her skin as the two friends stared deeply into each other’s eyes, “What do you want me to do?”
Trystan hesitated. He didn’t want this to come off the wrong way. He cared for the succubus deeply but he knew there was no deep meaningful love. A rotten feeling came over him but he knew he had no other choice.
“I need you to be with me and help feed Kira. I have worked it out in my mind that for the quest ahead, we will need all the mana we can store. Kira is powerful but we haven’t been intimate. I feed her by being close but we haven’t……well you know,” Trystan face turned red.
Aznara leaned against the railing and crossed her arms. Trystan grew nervous as she said nothing and seem to stare off. The mage felt like he crossed a line and was about to say something when the succubus spoke.
“I know several techniques that can keep us going for hours, maybe even days. We should have a lot of water on hand. Do we need anything like chains or cuffs? I brought my own but since she is so strong, will we need more?” Aznara said as if she was discussing a business deal.
Trystan shifted on his feet, “I….umm..haven’t thought about it that far.”
Aznara closed her eyes and nodded her head, “Well if we are going to push as much mana as we can into Kira, the three of us will have to share the mana load, as it were. You will have to focus on me as well.”
Trystan stared blankly.
Aznara continued, “I’m a succubus. The more sex I have, the greater my mana output is magnified. One reason my sister and I were chosen to join the Elemental College was for our mana output. My familiar is nearly drunk all the time because of the amount of mana she stores. I often have to hold myself back so she can behave normally.”
“Well I thought that was going without saying.”
Aznara shook her head, “I don’t think you understand. You have seen me when we were in the orc town. Once I’m whipped into frenzy, I will not stop. I can literally fuck you into unconsciousness.”
“I was hoping more for a long session until Kira was nearly drunk with mana,” Trystan felt like he opened Pandora’s Box.
“We can do that. I’m more concerned about after that. Trystan, you know I adore you and want nothing more than for you to take me repeatedly. I have feelings for you and I don’t know how I can separate them. Will we be okay? Will we still be friends afterwards?”
Trystan could see the expression of doubt written between Aznara’s horns. She was genuinely concerned and it showed. The mage lifted up his arms and hugged the succubus fiercely. Shock colored the demon’s eyes before her lip began to tremble.
“You are my friend, now and forever. We will always be special to each other,” Trystan whispered into her ear.
“What about Nia? Gwen?” Aznara whispered back and buried her face into his neck.
Trystan’s heart sagged, “I think Nia and I are breaking up. As for Gwen, she told me she has no problem with sharing.”
Aznara paused for a moment, “What about you? Will you be okay with us together for this one night?”
“I’m learning that life never works out the way you think it will work out. I’m okay with us sharing our time. If I didn’t then I wouldn’t be here asking for your help. I trust you and I hope you trust me?”
Aznara leaned back a little and put her arms around the mage’s neck, “I trust you with my life Trystan Song. We should get below deck and get started.”
Trystan’s back stiffened, “Now?”
Aznara nodded, “I’m not wasting another moment. Come with me mage, we have work to do.”
