Heartgem Homestead (Sexcraft Chronicles Book 1)

by Edmund Hughes

  Hal scowled, but didn’t let himself get baited into an argument. He hurried outside after Cadrian.

  The grass was wet with dew, and a morning breeze that couldn’t decide fully on a single compass direction swept back and forth through the valley. Laurel was returning from the stables after feeding and watering Toothy, but she made an effort to keep from meeting Hal’s gaze as they passed by each other.

  He caught up to Cadrian as she entered the trees at the bottom of the slope. She didn’t say anything for the first few minutes, though that wasn’t unusual for her.

  “Tell me the full story of how the elf came into your possession,” said Cadrian.

  It wasn’t a question, but a stern request. Hal hesitated before answering.

  She knows Zoria is an elf, but isn’t at all surprised or curious about it. Why?

  Slowly, he related the events of the night he’d met Zoria back to Cadrian. She listened closely, not sounding surprised by any of it. Hal had to explain why he’d gone to investigate the area in the first place, including his desire for revenge and what the dragon had done to his family. Cadrian didn’t interrupt.

  “You’ve put yourself in a bind,” she said, once he’d finished. “If you allow yourself to develop an attachment to her, you’ll be setting yourself up for betrayal.”

  “I’ve spent some time speaking to her,” said Hal. “I’m aware of what kind of person she is. That’s why I haven’t taken those bracers off her.”

  “Halrin,” said Cadrian. “As cruel as it may sound, the most sensible thing for you to do is to kill her. There are herbs you could use to drug her, first, so she feels no pain. But it must be done. Even releasing her in a location far from Laurel’s homestead would prove dangerous.”

  “I’m not going to kill her in cold blood,” said Hal. Again, he felt himself chafing at Zoria’s earlier words. He was Cadrian’s apprentice, but didn’t mean that he’d given his agency over to her.

  CHAPTER 32

  Cadrian let the matter drop, and the two of them entered the open clearing they’d used for training last time. It was a beautiful day, with only a few traces of white clouds in the sky. The leaves made a soft rattling noise as the wind blew back and forth through the forest, and the stunning view out toward the homestead and the southern desert reinforced how high up they were.

  Halrin stretched his shoulder muscles and wrists, taking deep breaths of the clean, mountain air. Cadrian had brought her bag with her, and from it, she produced a second sword, shorter than her own by a handspan in its sheath. She gestured for Hal to come over to her and pressed the weapon into his hand.

  “For you,” she said. “It will work better for your training than the wooden blade as we get into using your ruby for magical attacks.”

  Hal stared at the weapon. The scabbard was polished oak, with metal adornments around the lip and tip of the base. The sword itself was polished to a gleam, except for a few ridges along the bottom few inches of the blade. Hal ran his fingers over them, realizing after a couple of seconds that they were there to serve as a strike pad for making sparks.

  Its cross guard was a pair of steel dragon’s wings, and the pummel that came to dull spike point which he imagined could be sharpened. Hal slid the sword back into its scabbard, feeling the ridges catch slightly against something within.

  “Cadrian…” he said. “This sword must be worth… Well, I can’t even estimate with the local currency. But it’s clearly a fine weapon. What do you expect in return for this?”

  He bit his tongue as the question left his mouth, worrying she’d take it the wrong way. But Cadrian merely smiled back at him. Her smiles could be just as indecipherable as her cold and calculating stares.

  “The ridges on the lower section of the sword’s blade will let you create sparks in several different ways,” said Cadrian. “For one, the lip guard on the scabbard has similar friction markings on both sides. If you draw your sword fast enough, you can immediately channel offensive magic from your ruby using the sparks that come forth.”

  Hal gave it a try. He was able to make the sword spark, but didn’t time it quite right to make use of his ruby. Cadrian still gave him an approving nod.

  “Such a weapon is only appropriate for a ruby gem holder of at least Baseline,” she said. “But from what you’ve told me about your recent usage of your magic, you’ve moved beyond toying with your gem. You’ll still need to develop your thesis spell, but using multiple forms of gem magic more than qualifies you.”

  Hal gave a small shrug.

  “I don’t feel any different, though,” he said. “Is it just a formality, is there more to it than that?”

  Cadrian smiled.

  “Baseline is more of an introductory level,” she said. “It’s the equivalent of the foundation of a house. Simple and unassuming, but necessary for what comes after.”

  Hal nodded, though he still wasn’t sure he completely understood.

  “And the higher states?” asked Hal.

  “Both Trance and Ascension are altered states of emotional channeling,” said Cadrian. “Think of them as you would think of a sword stance, except for gem magic. Once you’re capable of reaching one of those states, you can do it at any time, so long as your gem has enough essence to allow it.”

  “Did you enter a Trance with the spell you showed me on the day we first met?” asked Hal.

  Cadrian nodded.

  “My eyes were probably what you noticed,” she said. “While in a Trance, a gem holder’s eyes turn the color of whatever gem they are channeling.”

  “Have you ever tried to go beyond that before?” Hal hoped the question wasn’t too presumptuous. Cadrian didn’t seem to mind it, if it was. She shook her head.

  “I am a multi,” said Cadrian. “A gem holder who uses more than one variety of gem. It gives me additional options with my magic, but keeps me from being able to have the focus required to reach Ascension with either of my gems.”

  “Oh,” said Hal, feeling oddly disappointed. “Well… Have you seen anyone do it before?”

  Cadrian nodded, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

  “Many times,” she said. “It’s a powerful thing to watch. In Ascension, a gem holder becomes a true representative of their element. They gain immunity to the effects of it, fire for ruby holders, wind for diamond holders, and so forth. And their emotions channel directly into their magic, meaning they can unleash spells just by feeling passionate or somber, without any need for a catalyst or essence.”

  Hal nodded slowly, trying to picture it in his head.

  “How many gem holders capable of that are there?” he asked. “Is it a common thing?”

  “Here in Krestia’s Cradle?” Cadrian shook her head. “There’s only a couple. The Keeper holds to Temple doctrine, requiring gem holders to build essence through the use of drugs, rather than emotion. It stunts their potential significantly. There’s only a handful of gem holders that powerful in all of the land, each of them given the title of “Knight”, “Sorcerer”, or “Channeler” by the Keeper.”

  Hal nodded, but felt a little overwhelmed by the information. There was so much he didn’t understand. He was an outsider in Krestia’s Cradle, and further cut off from the politics and societal structure by the isolation of Fool’s Valley.

  Even still, he found his old instincts from reading and translating ancient texts in Roth’s library beginning to kick in. He wondered about what effect gem magic had on society in Krestia’s Cradle. How did it change the social order? How much political power did each gem holder wield? What did wars amongst armies filled with gem knights and gem mages look like?

  “Come,” said Cadrian. “We’re wasting time. Let us begin our warm up.”

  Calling it a warm up was a bit like calling a lake a puddle. Keeping up with Cadrian during their sword sparring took all of Hal’s focus and energy, even though it was clear that she was holding back.

  He understood immediately why she’d moved him o
ff training with the wooden swords so quickly. It was a different sensation, dueling with blades of metal. Each time Hal lifted his sword to execute one of the basic sword blocks she’d taught him, he’d feel the impact and vibration of her blow shooting up his wrist and arm. It was jarring, and he had to brace himself for it to keep his sword in a proper grip.

  More often than not, Hal found himself on the defensive. Cadrian had years, if not decades of experience on him when it came to sword technique. She’d launch a flurry of carefully coordinated strikes. Hal would manage to block the first, usually. But the follow up attacks would always come from unexpected directions, forcing him to resort to rolling and tumbling into dodges, rather than fighting properly.

  This feels more like dancing with weapons.

  “Enough,” said Cadrian, after a particularly dangerous dodge on Hal’s part.

  He let the tip of his short sword fall to the ground and shook his head, feeling a little ashamed at his lack of proper dueling instincts. It took him a couple of seconds to notice that Cadrian was smiling at him. She looked proud, rather than annoyed or disappointed.

  “Good,” she said.

  “Good?” Hal raised an eyebrow. “I can barely keep up with you. And half the time, I’m not even countering your strikes.”

  Cadrian laughed. Was it the first time he’d ever heard her laugh?

  “Few alive can keep up with me,” she said, her voice serious. “And with your style, you shouldn’t be attacking as much as your opponent, regardless. Your speed and balance are your weapons, Halrin. Consider waiting to attack until after you’ve worn your opponent out.”

  It was a strategy that sounded suspiciously like what Hal usually did when paired against Mauve in the Kye Lornis circle. He usually kept his movements fluid and loose, waiting until the dance was almost over before unleashing his more impressive and acrobatic flows.

  “Put your sword away for now,” said Cadrian. “It’s time for us to move onto gem magic. I’d like you to demonstrate all of the spells you’ve used so far.”

  Hal nodded. He sheathed his sword and pulled his gemstone loose from his shirt. It was empty, which given how much he’d used it during the escape from the caves with Zoria, shouldn’t have surprised him.

  Cadrian was standing across the clearing, watching him with a smile on her face. Hal glanced up, and his eyes met hers.

  “Your gemstone is empty,” she said.

  “Yeah,” he said.

  Cadrian didn’t say anything else. She waited, like any teacher waiting for a pupil to find the correct answer to a problem. Hal hesitated for only a moment before approaching her, his heart thumping in his chest with anticipation for what was about to come.

  CHAPTER 33

  Hal moved in close, feeling a bashful smile spreading across his face. He set his hands on Cadrian’s waist, pulling her into contact with him. He half expected her to pull away, or correct his approach, but the only reaction she gave was the barest hint of a smirk.

  He wondered whether he should tell her about what happened in the caves with Zoria or not. He’d mentioned “refilling his ruby” in passing while explaining to Cadrian the details of his adventure, but she hadn’t pressed him for more of an explanation.

  She isn’t stupid. And now is not the time to get into it.

  Hal stared at Cadrian, his two eyes peering into her one. She looked confident and poised, so much so that it made him feel self-conscious. She was still testing him, even then. She wanted to see if he’d learned what she’d taught him about passion, and how to reach out and take it.

  Hal let his hand rest on her chin. He leaned forward and gave her a soft, rather chaste kiss. Cadrian stared at him as it ended, her eyebrow quirking upward as if to ask him if that was all he had to offer.

  He kissed her again, pulling her in closer this time. Cadrian let him, only pausing to brush her braid over her shoulders before opening her body language to him. Hal felt a sudden rush of masculine eagerness hit him. He ran his hands down Cadrian’s back, groping her butt through her robe. She was letting him do whatever he wanted.

  It was a realization that turned him on far more than he would have expected it to. He kissed Cadrian more deeply, feeling her breasts first through the fabric of her robe, and then sliding a hand to palm one underneath it. Her nipple pressed against the inside of his palm, and Hal began grinding his bulge into her crotch.

  Cadrian continued like that for several minutes, allowing him to kiss, touch, and fondle her wherever he wanted. Hal was enjoying it so much that he completely forgot what the point of it was, outside of fun and pleasure.

  Cadrian smiled through her impatience, taking the front of Hal’s tunic in her hand and pulling him down as she lowered herself to the ground. She untied her robe and opened it, spreading it out on the grass.

  The sight of her naked body made Hal’s lust surge. Cadrian had large, well-formed breasts and the physique of a warrior. Hal could see the contours of her abdominal muscles, and her lean, powerful thighs. He kissed her again, fumbling to get his own clothes off, nearly shivering with anticipation.

  He could tell that for Cadrian, it was a teaching moment. There was something vaguely disappointing about that. She was evaluating Hal, presenting herself for his usage like a blank canvas set upon an easel. She wasn’t indulging in her own passion and giving him the full show. He was her student, and she was his teacher.

  Hal tossed his tunic aside and lowered his trousers. His cock bounced free of the confines of his clothing, eager for a destination. Cadrian had a trim patch of black pubic hair, and he slid his shaft through it before pulling back and probing slightly lower.

  She took hold of his cheek in her hand as the first sliver of Hal’s erection pressed into her. There was an intensity in her expression that spoke volumes. She was testing him, and she wanted him to know it. It was almost like she was goading him, pushing him to give the best performance he could though his own sexual momentum.

  Hal was happy to give her exactly what she wanted. He slid into her slowly, holding her waist as his shaft went deeper. Cadrian let out an approving sigh and licked her lips, running an affectionate hand through his hair.

  If she wants to see what I’m capable of in the realm of passion, I’ll gladly show her.

  He moved slowly at first, pushing forward and pulling back with long, flowing movements. Hal’s hands returned to Cadrian’s breasts time and time again, so big and soft and inviting. He kissed her neck, each of her nipples, and of course, her lips, gently thrusting back and forth at the same time.

  “Is this the full extent of your passion, Halrin?” asked Cadrian, her voice tender, but challenging.

  “Not even close.” Hal smiled at her and ran his thumb across one of her cheeks.

  He sped up, pumping into her faster. Cadrian was hot and ready for him, and she seemed to react and reward him for every thrust. Hal’s body slapped against hers as he felt his primal instincts pushing him to go deep and hard. Pleasure burned in his heart and loins like a wildfire creeping toward a black powder storehouse.

  He took Cadrian’s body, he alternated between roughly groping at her breasts, and then holding her firmly by her slim waist. He took her body with the full knowledge that she was letting him, encouraging it, and turning the experience into another lesson.

  Would she have had me if not for my apprenticeship? If not for the ruby around my neck?

  The question led Hal’s thoughts into strange territory. What was it that he felt for Cadrian in his heart? It was more than fondness, certainly more than affection. And acknowledging it felt bitter sweet, for he knew without even needing to consider that she felt no such emotions back.

  Hal pumped into her faster, letting his cock slam into Cadrian like a blacksmith working hot steel on the anvil. He kissed her again, pulling her tight against him, both their bodies sweaty, the smell of sex thick on the air.

  Cadrian put her arms around his neck. One of her hands slid into his hair. Her movements
had slowly grown more animated and passionate. Her hips were moving too, now, lifting to meet his thrusts. Hal pulled his head back and looked at her. She was biting her bottom lip, and breathing more heavily.

  He leaned forward, turning her slightly to the side. Hal took one of her buttocks in his hand and heard Cadrian make a soft, pleasured coo. He let himself give in fully to his lust, recognizing the different aspects of it. She was older than him. She was his teacher. She was Cadrian.

  Hal groaned and pulled her into him tightly as he reached his climax. The first blast of his seed shot deep into Cadrian, overflowing back onto him, hot and sticky and passionate. Cadrian slid back as his climax continued, rolling and pulling him into a hug from behind.

  “Good, Halrin,” she whispered. “You’re beginning to make progress.”

  Hal was too drunk on pleasure to formulate a proper response. He leaned his head back, feeling Cadrian’s hand gently massaging his head and scalp. He exhaled slowly, feeling oddly confused by the experience.

  CHAPTER 34

  Cadrian wasted no time in having Hal dress and resume his training. She instructed him to go through practicing all of his spells, channeling the essence of his newly filled ruby.

  Hal practiced unsheathing his sword and taking advantage of the spark ridges on it until he could effectively channel his ruby into a thin sheath over the blade for long enough to complete a full swing. Cadrian called the technique a “Flame Strike”, which fit the maneuver appropriately enough.

  “It’s powerful, though easy to overuse,” said Cadrian. “Its most effective as an attack against opponents wearing leather or other hide armor, but it can also be used for intimidation.”

  Hal braced his grip against the hilt of his sword, unsheathing it and channeling his ruby in unison. The spell looked much like how it had when he’d used the torch to cast it, though it was made doubly dangerous by the addition of the blade of his short sword underneath the flame.