Blue Mage Omnibus: 10 Book Collection: An Epic Fantasy Romance Adventure

by Eden Redd

  “It’s too late anyway,” Trystan whispered as they moved up to the checkpoint.

  Sord was first to dismount, everyone else followed. Gwen was last, movements slow and unsure. Lining up, they moved to the checkpoint. The mind drinkers didn’t move close by as Hart and Sord walked through first. Aznara sauntered through the checkpoint and stood wide eyed when an orc stopped her and asked a few questions. Trystan stared as the orc guard seemed to carry a conversation with the succubus disguised as an orc. After a few long moments, Aznara stepped past him and through the open gate. The orc slapped her ass just as she made it to the other side. Aznara blew him a kiss and continued walking through, her horse right behind. Lori stepped through without a second glance. Reeko was next. The orc that slapped Aznara’s ass halted the small orc and eyed him with contempt. Reeko returned the stare with his own angry gaze. It was obvious the orc was testing him and may even have a problem with short orcs. Reeko gave no quarter and glared. The orc guard raised a meaty finger and pressed it against Reeko’s shoulder. The guard smiled and pushed him. Not too hard but hard enough for Reeko to take a step back. The smaller orc’s hands turned into meaty fists. Reeko was about to pounce when a troll walked over and pulled the guard away. After a brief and heated discussion, the orc guard moved along the line to the next entryway.

  The troll stood in front of Reeko and smiled, “Sorry for the inconvenience. Please come through.”

  Reeko nodded and made his way through. Jenny walked up and several guards looked at her. The busty orc made sure to skip through the checkpoint, her breasts bouncing. No one stopped her. Instead, they stared with slack jaws. There was no questioning or even a hand wave to stop her. Jenny continued on, making sure she bounced as much as she could until she reached the others. Shyla walked through without a second glance. Trystan and Gwen were the last to enter.

  Trystan walked first to the checkpoint. The troll looked him over and waved him past. The mage stayed at the checkpoint entrance as Gwen moved up next. A robed figure stepped closer as the troll asked Gwen why she had come to Fallen York.

  “I want to start a family and a new life here in Fallen York,” The female orc grinned.

  The troll nodded and was about to wave her through when a mind drinker moved closer and held up an odd hand. Trystan stared at what looked like tentacles instead of fingers. The robed creature stared at Gwen, glimmering pinpoints for eyes burrowing into her mind. Gwen’s grin melted and she took on a stoic expression. Dread sank into Trystan’s heart. The thought of her being pulled away played over and over in his mind. Unable to contain himself, the orc stomped back next to the mind drinker.

  The troll put up a meaty hand to stop the orc, “Stand back. She has been chosen to be probed.”

  Dread and fear whipped into frenzy as Trystan took a step closer and glared into the troll’s big eyes, “That is my mate! We are building a family here in Fallen York. Let her through now!”

  The troll kept his calm composure, “It will only take a moment.”

  “Let her through and tell that fucking mind drinker to step away. I know those things can mess with your mind. I will not risk my mate to those foul fucking creatures! Let her through or I will make this difficult for everyone today,” Trystan growled.

  The troll folded his rough green arms and peered down at the smaller orc. Gwen’s eyes moved and gazed to the left as the mind drinker stared. The young mage opened his mouth when the troll put up a hand and tapped the mind drinker on the shoulder. The robed figure turned, an alien squid like face peered at the troll, then to Trystan and back to the troll.

  “Let her pass.”

  The mind drinker stared at the troll for a long moment before bowing its head and moving away. Gwen stepped through and Trystan put his arms around her. The witch trembled slightly in his arms.

  The troll guard smiled, “I know it’s hard to believe but once you live here for a while, you will see the old prejudices are not as important as they once were.”

  Trystan nodded, “I hope that is true. Thank you.”

  The troll nodded and pulled out a card. He handed it to Trystan, “We have gatherings for new comers to help assimilate to city life. You and your mate should stop by and introduce yourselves.”

  Trystan took the card and placed it in his jacket, “Once we settle down, we will make every attempt.”

  “May Draygon bring you fortune,” The troll said and turned back to the line.

  Trystan hurried Gwen pass the gate and to their group waiting on the other side. To not arouse suspicion, the band of orcs continued down the other half of the bridge to the waiting city. Trystan kept his arm around Gwen as they walked until they were sure no one else was listening.

  “Are you okay?”

  Gwen shook her head slightly, “I don’t know. The mind drinker touched my mind. He may have caught a glimpse but I’m not sure. They may come looking for us.”

  Trystan glanced up as they walked toward the main city entrance. His eyes caught posters lining the walls as they stepped into the city. Cupping Gwen’s chin, he raised her eyes to see what he was seeing. The witch read the posters and her eyes widened.

  “Let them come. The wedding is tomorrow evening. It looks like we have to rescue Nia and Sunara and leave tonight,” Trystan said with grim eyes.

  Fourteen

  The door closed and relief fell over the group. The small room barely contained the group of orcs. A single bed took up a corner with a nightstand next to it. A bathroom door was against one wall and that was it. Cramped, the orcs stood awkwardly with the exception of Gwen and Lori who sat on the bed. Sord stood by the door and looked to everyone. The sun was setting outside, orange light glowing against the drawn curtains.

  Sord spoke in a hushed tone, “We have all the rooms here on the top floor. The building caretaker is an old friend and left me a copy of the key to the roof.”

  The orc captain stepped into the crowded room, pulled the key from a waist pouch and handed it to Gwen. The orc witch took the key and put it in her jacket pocket.

  “Since the timetable has moved up, we will need to put the plan into motion. Does everyone know their part to play?” Hart asked.

  Green heads nodded in unison.

  Hart continued, “An hour after sunset, Trystan and I will make our way to the castle. Gwen, send up a red flare once we have Nia and Sunara. If we are captured, send up a blue flare. In case of capture, the mission will be a failure and you all must retreat to the meeting point outside of the city and make your way home.”

  The orcs gave each other nervous glances.

  Professor Hart looked to the group, “It is a possibility but one we cannot ignore. We cannot risk all of us being captured. Sord, Gwen, make sure everyone leaves in the event of capture.”

  The orc and witch nodded their heads. Lori sat on the bed, her eyes drifting to the floor. Something large and furry skittered in, climbed up the druid’s leg and sniffed at her face. Aznara turned to see a rather large rat licking the druid’s chin and she threw herself into Trystan’s arms. Confused black eyes turned to the druid as she scratched under the rat’s chin and made small cooing squeaks.

  Aznara turned and buried her head into Trystan’s neck. The mage stared as did everyone else.

  “Get it away!” The succubus said with a frightened whisper.

  Lori smiled as the rat continued to sniff at her neck, “He is a new friend. The rats under the city are willing to help us.”

  Trystan held Aznara but looked to the druid, “Our slime informant hasn’t arrived yet. Can the rats tell us anything about the tunnels?”

  Lori looked into the rat’s eyes and it squeaked a few times, “She tells me that there are tunnels that lead under the river and to the other side but there a few creatures still living in those tunnels,” Lori’s eyes widened a little as the rat continued to squeak, “Behemoth worms? Are you sure?”

  The rat continued to squeak before settling down on her lap.

  Hart rubbed h
is green jaw, “That may be a problem. Behemoth worms are hardy creatures and highly magic resistant. Damon might have them there as added protection.”

  “I can speak with them, see if they can let us pass but that means I have to visit them now. I will not be able to stay and guard Gwen as she connects with Trystan,” Lori said as she pet the rat.

  “I will stay and guard Gwen. It will be up to Reeko, Aznara and Shyla to continue with the distraction,” Sord said with his brow sharp.

  Hart nodded, “Lori and Jenny will go to the tunnels and ensure our escape route is secure.”

  “What happens if the worms do not cooperate?” Trystan asked the green haired orc.

  Lori smiled, “I doubt any of them have spoken to a druid in a long time. I’m sure I can convince them to let us pass.”

  A knock at the door caused everyone in the room to reach for their short spears. Eyes wide, something red pushed under the door. Red liquid oozed in, becoming bigger and bigger. Trystan was first to raise a hand and everyone moved their hands away from their spears. The red ooze firmed up into a large mound and took the shape of a male slime. Kind eyes looked to the band of orcs and he smiled.

  “Hello, my name is Dulk. The queen informed me you would be here,” The slime walked on gelatin legs.

  “Welcome Dulk,” Hart nodded.

  “I have spent time with Nia and Sunara over the last number of weeks. I understand you are to rescue them.”

  Trystan pulled himself away from the frighten succubus. Staring at the rat still in Lori’s lap, the succubus clutched to Reeko immediately. The short orc held her and whispered soothing words of encouragement.

  “Can you tell us where they are?” Trystan asked with hopeful eyes.

  The slime nodded, “They are on the same floor of the main keep on opposite ends. Nia is on the south side while the succubus is on the north side.”

  Gwen pulled out the map and unfurled it on her lap. The slime moved closer and pointed at two locations with a see through red finger. The orcs crowded around, memorizing the locations.

  “The east side will be our first stop. We can climb into the gardens and make our way to her room,” Trystan said as he eyed the map.

  “Once we have Nia, Trystan will bring her to the escape tunnel. I will continue on to gather Sunara.”

  Trystan turned to his mentor, “By yourself?”

  Hart nodded, “There is a greater chance Sunara will raise the alarm. I can contain her but if she manages to alert the guards then we will have to make a hasty exit. I trust you will be able to get Nia to the tunnel. With the distraction in place, most of the city will be focusing on our illusions.”

  Sord pointed a green finger at a small east gate, “There will be two orcs at the gate. When you arrive, they will take a break and leave the gate unlocked. They will also leave two packs with guard armor in them. Climb to the gardens and put the armor on. It will help you move about in the keep.”

  “How did you arrange this?” Trystan wondered.

  “Once we entered the city, I spoke with a few orc brothers. The captain owes me a life debt and he is now repaying it. We are now even. If the alarm is raised, he will have no choice but to hunt you down,” Sord said with an even tone.

  “Let us hope it doesn’t come to that,” Jenny said with crossed arms.

  Sord eyed the busty librarian, “I have called in every favor for this quest. This will be our only chance to save your friends. Make sure the tunnel is clear and ready.”

  The light faded from the curtain, night casting her shroud over the city. Hearts beat with nervous energy as they knew this was it. A feeling of foreboding caressed the group’s spirits as they tried to remain positive.

  Hart looked to everyone in turn, “Ready yourselves. With luck, we will be out in a matter of hours.”

  ***

  Two orcs walked the cobbled streets side by side. Trystan glanced at the tall buildings, drinking in their inspiring towers. Gargoyles covered corners, peering down onto the streets. The mage tried to take as many mental pictures as he could of the amazing architecture. Stukarr paled in comparison to Fallen York. The buildings were twice as large and held a mixture of many different designs. They were similar to images from relic pictures he had seen in school when he was young boy. Part of the mage wished they could stay longer just to further explore the city.

  The streets were filled with small groups of monsters walking along. Restaurants glowed as patrons sat for meals. Trystan had a hard time wrapping his brain around seeing monsters acting like normal people. Even after all this time, it amazed him that they wanted to lead normal lives like everyone else.

  Turning a corner, the two orcs moved down a deserted street along the east wall. Castle Spire stood like a pointed beacon in the night. The very top had lights shining in all four directions like a lighthouse on the rocks. The young mage marveled at their illumination, as they seemed to almost call out with a welcoming shine.

  “Pretty amazing isn’t it,” Hart said with a smirk.

  “I wish we could stay longer and really get to know the city,” Trystan whispered.

  “Me too. I heard the odd rumor that the city was built within just a few years. Imagine what could be built if there was peace.”

  Trystan nodded and his expression turned sullen, “I wish there was peace.”

  Hart smiled, “I believe one day we will reach that state but tonight let’s focus and getting everyone, we love out of here.”

  The young mage nodded. Down the street the two orcs crept until they stood about fifty feet from an iron gate. The gate was closed, and an orc stood at the bars, eyes glancing around. Hart moved out into the street, to let the lamp light touch his legs. The orc’s eyes noticed the dark figure and nodded. Turning away, the sound of grunting could be heard. Hart and Trystan moved closer, watching two figures walk away and the gate was open just an inch.

  Stepping to the gate, Hart glanced in. The area was empty except for two large sacks in the deserted guard station. Hart slipped in first and Trystan followed. Green hands gently picked up the sacks. Trystan closed the gate behind them. Handing a sack to the young mage, both orcs hurried off to the shadows. Moving along the wall, Trystan peered up to plants and vines hanging over the stone balconies.

  Placing the sacks on the ground, the clinking metal inside caused the mages to stop and look around. The area was dead silent. Opening the sacks, they pulled out armor plating and began strapping them to their limbs. When they were done, Trystan reached into the sack and pulled out a grappling hook connected to a rope. Hart took the hook and let it hang from the rope as Trystan put his back to the wall and kept lookout.

  The older orc swung the hook around a few times before launching it upward. The grappling hook soared until it just made it over and clamped onto the stone wall. Hart tested the rope and it held fast. Grunting, the older mage began his ascent. Trystan eyed him and continued to scan the area.

  Professor Hart climbed over the side and nearly crashed into the ground. He couldn’t remember the last time he had to climb a rope. Huffing, he tried to steady his pulse. Standing up on shaky legs, he signaled for the young mage to climb up.

  Trystan took hold, his mind open and muscles straining. The warmth of Gwen’s mind touched his. They could see through each other’s eyes. Trystan could see that Gwen was sitting on the bed, Sord in the room pulling out two metal gauntlets and putting one onto each hand.

  Sord looked to the witch as he put on a trench coat next, “Gifts from Professor Hart,” The orc smiled.

  Gwen stared as Trystan strained pulling himself up. The feeling of his muscles bled into her senses. She continued to maintain contact but the annoying pain was distracting to say the least. When the mage was over, relief filled both of their bodies.

  Fixing themselves up, Hart and Trystan started walking through the garden and into the keep. Warm lanterns lit the halls. Fine tapestries hung and the corridor was eerily quiet. There were no guards posted in sight.
r />   “This feels like a trap,” Trystan whispered.

  Hart nodded, “He may know we are here. Until he makes his move, there is little we can do but continue.”

  “Gwen told me the mind drinker touched her mind. She felt they might come for us. Damon could already know.”

  Hart shot Trystan an impish grin, “Trust in our abilities. Save Nia and flee. I will make sure we succeed.”

  Trystan felt Gwen’s heart twinge. With both mage and witch connected, thoughts spilled into each other’s minds. Stark realization flowed from Gwen into Trystan. The young mage turned to the older orc with shock etched into his face.

  “You don’t plan on returning with us,” Trystan said in a harsh whisper.

  Hart continued to scan the corridor as they walked, “You know the odds on our success. I have prepared myself for this fight and I am committed to it. The escape tunnel is too far away for us to get there undetected. The chaos potions will help but not long enough to fool everyone for long. I am the only one strong enough to keep Damon and his minions at bay.”

  Trystan stopped walking, “You can’t do this. We will get out of here together.”

  Hart stopped and lowered his head, shadows covering his eyes, “We will do our best.”

  Trystan took hold of the older orc’s armor and pulled him close, “No. We will get out of this together. I will not leave your side. We all go home or none of us do!”

  “Trystan…we will be noticed….”

  The young mage glared at his professor, “We all go home or none of us do,” Trystan said with a growl.

  The older mage stared at the young one for seconds before bowing his head. Trystan let go, an angry flame in his heart. Nervous energy spiked with hot rage. Determination filled the young mage and spilled into Gwen. The ink witch smiled as she felt Trystan’s strength connect with her own. Sord turned his back to her and faced the door, armored hands flexing.

  The two orcs turned a corner and looked down a long corridor. Large wooden doors lined both sides. Senses dialed to eleven, the orcs walked down the corridor, ready for any attack. When they reached Nia’s door, Trystan took hold of the handle while Hart looked from side to side.