by Eden Redd
Trystan fell asleep, his mind a calm place. The nightmares did not rise and the pain did not swallow him. A still darkness blanketed his spirit and the tension was gone. The young mage felt the rush of dreamy images coming to play. With rest sinking into his bones, a smile appeared on his lips. It was then when a sickness crawled up from the depths of his mind. Dark thin creatures moved along the happy images. There was no interaction between what the dream was and those horrific creatures moving in the background. White eyes turned with open elongated mouths. Trystan felt their sickly power moving like tendrils across his skin. In the distance, they stood as gaunt, white, foul imitations of people.
“You cannot snuff out our knowledge.”
Trystan fell to his knees, trying to block out their foul whispers.
“You who would glance at the unholy book and try to remove our scripture from your mind.”
“I….don’t…know…what you are saying,” The mage managed through gritted teeth, madness touching him like a dead hand.
“Your light cannot destroy us. We are here. We will always be here.”
“I have not caused you any harm. Leave my mind!” Trystan tried to say but it came out incoherent babble.
“Your light brought us from the depths. We will return to those depths but not before you atone for your heinous acts of light.”
Trystan’s eyes were shut as he rocked on his knees. Hands clutched at the sides of his head, trying to shut out their horrific voices. Something brushed his cheek. Opening his eyes, robed figures stood around him with long white faces and white eyes. Long fingered hands reached out and stabbed points into his flesh. The mage screamed as the robed figures looked on indifferent, stabbing deeper until they touched bone.
Trystan sat up with a start. Legs swinging over the side of the bed, he was up and to the door. Glancing back, Gwen was blissfully asleep. Closing the door behind him, the young man made his way to the stairs and descended.
Panic and foreboding circled his addled mind, where before he felt a new level of bliss, now he felt a poisonous shadow over his very spirit. The house was dark as the mage tried to make his way to a lamp. Hand reaching out, brief moments of terror chilled him as he felt those robed horrors would reach out and take his hand. Thankfully, his fingers touched a lamp. With a hand signal, a tiny spark lit the wick and light glowed to life.
The flame cast long shadows against the walls. Trystan sank into the couch, happy that there was a light to chase away the primal dark. The wet chill under his skin caused the mage to shudder. Trying to take a breath, the mage stopped short when he noticed something odd. Standing up, he walked across the room to the bookshelf. Peering at the tomes, he felt something was off.
Fingers ran lightly along book spines. Eyes drinking in each title, fingers stopped at a book lying on top of several other books. Trystan remembered the bookcase was in order, each book in place. So why was this one book on its side? Taking hold, the mage pulled the book from the shelf and held it in his hand.
A stark terror gripped the mage. The title of the book shifted and turned as if activated by the mage’s touch. Trystan took a step back, unsure what to do as the title solidified in the dim light.
The words “Libro Nocte” stared back at the shaken mage. Strange impulses ran along hands and fingers, begging to open the black book. The mage was about to open and read its foul contents when the front door opened and something shadowy moved in. Gleaming eyes looked to the startled mage as it slipped into the house, shadows covering its true nature. Trystan tried to bring up a spell but the thing at the doorway rushed him with outstretched arms.
Six
Trystan made a hand signal but before the spell could take effect, a wet hand closed over his, causing the spell to fizzle. The mage stared with wide eyes as the figure hugged him close, nearly incasing his body in warm ooze. Eyes adjusting to the dim lamp light, Trystan hugged the thing against him with a wide smile.
“Bella!” the mage said with a loud whisper.
“Trystan,” the purple slime cooed as transparent arms held the mage tightly.
“How did you know I was here? How did you find this place?” The mage said as he slipped the book in his hand back onto the shelf.
Oval eyes peered up to the mage, “Gwen told me after I contacted her.”
The slime pulled back a little to gaze at her former master, “I see you haven’t changed.”
Trystan looked down and realized he was completely naked. Not bothering to cover up, he smiled.
“If I knew you were coming, I would have put something on.”
Bella eyed him, “No need. I always preferred you this way,” A purple hand moved down and took hold of his manhood.
Smiling, slime and mage stared at each other, a loving warmth blooming between them. Light flickering, the slime slowly stroked the mage with familiar practice.
“So happy to see you two reunited.”
Trystan and Bella turned their heads to see Gwen coming down the stairs in an open robe. When she reached the bottom, she walked over with a smirk on her lips. Bella did not remove her hand from Trystan’s hard cock as she smiled warmly to the ink witch.
“I’m sorry for coming in the middle of the night,” Bella said, continuing her hold on her former master.
The young mage felt odd with Gwen looking on and Bella stroking him as if it was the most normal thing in the world. Pulling back, the mage broke from the slime’s grip and looked around for something to wear. Seeing his clothes still on the couch, he began to dress. Bella oozed close to Gwen and hugged her.
“No need to be sorry. I’m glad your okay from the long journey. Should we sit and talk?”
Bella nodded, “We should. I have news that may help you.”
Gwen broke from their hug and walked to the kitchen. Bella followed. Trystan finished putting on his shirt and pants but hesitated on following them.
“I will be right there,” The mage said as his mind instantly went to the black book on the shelf.
With backs turned to him, the mage snatched the book from the shelf and held it close as he ran to the stairs. Wild thoughts whipped through his mind as he rushed up the stairs and to his room, clutching the book to his chest. Eyes lowering to his backpack, the young mage stuffed the book inside and closed the flap. Not wanting to make matters even more complicated, he silently kept the knowledge of the book to himself for the time being.
Standing up, Trystan left the bedroom and headed back downstairs. Turning the corner, he gazed at Gwen and Bella sitting at the kitchen table, talking. It took his breath away to see them together. Bella was once his familiar and circumstances took her away from him. It didn’t sever the bond they had but he felt it had grown weaker and distant. Seeing her again only made the nightmares from before melt into the background. The witch and slime carried on their conversation as the mage walked into the kitchen and sat in an empty chair.
“I’m sorry again for coming so late but the information the Queen received made it a priority to get here as soon as possible,” Bella said with urgency.
“News? What kind of news?” Trystan asked.
Bella turned soulful eyes to her once and former master, “News that will affect all of us, and your plan to save Nia.”
“I don’t understand? I didn’t know you were involved with the rescue quest?” Trystan turned his eyes to Gwen, “You knew she was coming here to help.”
Gwen nodded her head, eyes a little distant, “I was going to tell you in the morning, after we had spent our time healing.”
Bella reached over and took Trystan’s hand into hers, “Do not be angry with Gwen. This was a recent development. I would have been here in the morning but new events have moved many things into motion. I couldn’t wait any longer……and I wanted to see you again,” Bella looked away with a shy glance.
Trystan smiled, “I’m not angry. Far from it. I just want to be in the loop so we can work together.”
The witch reached out and took
Trystan’s hand while Bella reached out and took his other one. All three held onto each other, a loving expression written into each of their eyes. The mage gave their hands a squeeze before all three let go.
“No secrets?” Trystan smiled.
“No secrets,” Gwen and Bella said in unison.
The purple slime readjusted herself in her chair as if readying for what was coming next, “The Queen has received information that Damon Wick is having a wedding. He is going to marry the high priestess of Draygon in front of all creatures in Fallen York. He has made Nia one of the bridesmaids for the ceremony.”
Trystan’s eyes widened, “Nia’s okay!”
Bella nodded, “She is for now. Sunara has been keeping her as a pet. They have a special collar around her neck to suppress her spells and keep her familiar in torpor.”
“How did the Queen find out?” Trystan asked, eager for more information.
“The Queen is connected to all slimes across Lurth, including those in Fallen York. She can see through their eyes or they can mentally send her information. It is taxing, however, and she can only do it for periods at a time. When I told her about you and how good you were to me, she insisted on assisting.”
“You spoke to your queen about me?” Trystan wasn’t sure why that would come up.
Bella smiled, “I am a purple slime. I am royalty and born from the queen herself. Gwen went to her and asked for some essence for her shop. That is how my essence became ink for Gwen. The Queen has high regard for Gwen and you. She witnessed your actions during the battle of slimes. She saw how you did everything you could to save me. You have earned her respect and gratitude.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Trystan eyed the slime and looked away.
“Don’t say anything. You have earned a friend and she wants to help you just as I do.”
Gwen leaned back in her chair, “Did they set a date for the wedding?”
Bella shook her gelatin head, “Not yet. Preparations are being made but no date has been chosen.”
Trystan rubbed his chin, “It seems like he is baiting us. He is putting Nia in the wedding party and wants us to save her.”
Gwen kept her eyes cool as she spoke, “Or he wants us there so he can take us prisoner. After what happened in the Broken Islands, he knows he has no leverage except for Nia. This all could be part of his plan to start the war.”
Shadows covered Bella’s eyes, “A war the world is not ready for. Monsters outnumber humans. The Queen informed me that elves to the west will not join either side but many other monster tribes are pledging to Damon’s banner. They agree with him on the end of humanity.”
Trystan’s hands curled into fists, “We have to save her but it may start a war we cannot win.”
The room grew silent as the mage, witch and slime contemplated the dark possibilities. Trystan’s thoughts floated to the black book hidden in his backpack. Mind working, a small smirk appeared at the corner of his lips.
Trystan sat up straighter, brow forming a determined V, “I believe we can get Nia back and stop Damon.”
Trystan looked to Bella, “There are slimes in Fallen York, yes?”
The purple slime nodded, “There are forty-seven slimes in the city.”
“I just want to be sure. Is the Queen against the war?”
Bella nodded again.
Trystan felt the mental gears working, “There may not be many slimes but I’m sure they can get into places and gather information. Do you think they can get us layouts and diagrams of Fallen York? A working map? Something so we are not walking in there blind?”
Bella smiled, “They are already gathering that information but our kind does not use paper, pencil or electronics. We store everything in our collective memory. I see where you are going with this but we lack the skills to translate it to you.”
Gwen looked to Bella, “I can connect our minds and draw out the maps we need. It will take a little time but I believe we can do it.”
Trystan gave Gwen and Bella a bright smile, “If the Queen is willing to help then we have our insiders. The slimes in Fallen York can be our eyes and ears. We will need their help for what’s next.”
“Next?” Bella blinked.
Trystan nodded, “I have been reading a lot on Fallen York. Before the Mana Cataclysm, there was a large and extensive network of tunnels underneath the city. The ruins lasted close to ten thousand years so some of those tunnels may still be there. We will need the slimes to see if any of them can still be used.”
“I can ask but if there are any leading into the city, they are sealed or guarded by now,” Bella said.
Trystan nodded, “I agree but I’m thinking more of using them for our escape. Reeko’s earth magic is strong and Professor Hart is a master of elements. Together they may be able to extend a tunnel while closing it off behind us, preventing a pursuit.”
Bella grinned, “I will have them investigate so we can add the tunnels to the maps.”
Trystan looked to Gwen, “I think we….” The mage was cut off.
A stream of mist flowed from Trystan’s right arm, pooling onto the kitchen floor and rising up. Sylk burst into view, arms outstretched. Bella was to her feet. Siren and slime hugged each other fiercely.
“I’m sorry master. I couldn’t wait any longer,” Sylk said as her cheek sank into Bella’s cheek.
“Sylk, how I missed you!” Bella laughed.
Trystan watched with solemn eyes as his familiars were reunited. Sylk instantly began chatting up the purple slime. The mage stood up and watched the happy reunion. Stepping over to Gwen, his hand took hers and lifted her to her feet.
“How about you two sit and talk for bit while I speak with Gwen,” Trystan smiled.
Sylk and Bella glanced over and nodded before going back to catching up. Gwen smiled as Trystan lead her away from the kitchen to the staircase. At the top of the stairs, Trystan continued to tug Gwen along, down the hall until they reached their room door. Opening it, the mage and witch stepped in, closing the door behind them.
“I have something to show you,” Trystan said as he stepped over to the backpack.
Gwen was silent as the mage kneeled down, hands opening his pack and rummaging through. A moment later, he pulled out a black book and stood up. The witch eyed her lover but crossed her arms under her breasts as if a chill ran through her. Glancing at the book in his hand, the witch’s mouth curved in dismay.
“Is that the book?” Gwen said visibly upset.
Trystan nodded, “It appeared in the bookcase downstairs. I think it arrived because of the healing spell.”
The mage told the witch about the strange dreams and what the beings said. Gwen listened while her eyes glanced at the foul tome in her lover’s hand.
“Even now I can hear whispers. The book wants me to open it and read. It wants to infect me with horrific knowledge and madness.”
Gwen stepped closer and took hold of Trystan’s wrist, making sure not to touch the book, “We should bury it. Hide until it moves on. The soul cleansing technique may have stirred its dark infection in you but you have barely glanced at its pages. You can still resist.”
Trystan gazed into Gwen’s blue eyes and smiled, “We cannot bury it. What does Damon treasure more than power? Knowledge. We are taking a big risk going into Fallen York. If we take the book with us then we will have some leverage.”
Gwen shook her head, “Damon will simply take the book. We shouldn’t risk it.”
Trystan put the black book down on a nearby dresser. Hands taking hold of Gwen, he held her close. Embracing each other, a trembling worry filled the corners of Gwen’s eyes.
“I don’t want us to have any secrets. It would not have felt right keeping it from you. However, we must keep the book a secret between us.”
Gwen was quite as she let Trystan’s body heat warm her, “The Libro Nocte has destroyed many lives. It has twisted my ex-husband into a monster. The longer we have it, the greater the chance it will te
mpt you. I don’t feel good having it in our possession but I understand what you mean.”
Gwen let out a heavy sigh before looking into her lover’s eyes, “I will do this for you. I will keep this secret but only if you promise not to read it. If you read from the book, I will have to tell the others.”
Trystan nodded, “I promise to not read from the book. I know its power and will not take a chance becoming like Damon, not with so many lives at stake. You have my word.”
Gwen nodded with concern her eyes. Trystan picked up the book and placed it in his backpack. Relief washed over the witch the moment the flap closed and the book was out of sight.
“Let’s get back downstairs to Bella and Sylk. I do believe we still have much to talk about,” Trystan said while putting his arm around Gwen’s slender shoulders.
The witch nodded and hugged Trystan close before they stepped out of their room. The sound of Sylk’s laughter filled the house as the couple made their way downstairs to their friends.
Seven
Sunlight filtered in through parted curtains. Trystan stirred from his slumber. Turning his head from side to side, the mage smiled. Gwen was fast asleep to one side of him while Sylk slept on the other side. The mage crawled out of the bed careful not to wake either of them. Putting on pants, he gazed at the witch and siren, his heart beating with warmth. Quietly the mage slipped out of the bedroom and made his way downstairs.
Coming down the stairs, the mage saw Bella on the couch, staring at nothing. The purple slime blinked before turning her head to Trystan and smiling.
“Good Morning,” Bella said brightly.
“Good Morning. Did you sleep?”
“Not really. I spent my time communicating with the Queen and other slimes,” Bella’s eyes lowered and her entire demeanor pulled in on its self, “Trystan, I missed you.”
