by Cat Wilder
"We'll be staying the night," Garik said, handing her a few coins. "One room, with a big bed." Ana shot a look at me, then Izzy, and shook her head with a big grin. "And fill the big tub. We can bathe together, too."
"Big tub?" Izzy asked.
"We have four regular copper tubs in back, as well as one large in-ground tub that can hold up to five grown men," Ana said. "It's in a room by itself, so very private."
Izzy and I shared a knowing look, before turning to Garik. He grinned and winked.
"Do we have time for a beer or two before the tub is ready?" I asked.
"It's a very big tub, so you have time for several beers and dinner," Ana said. She waved over a serving wench. "Rose, fetch our guests beers and plates."
Ana then called over a pair of men to take our stuff to our room. That included Garik's and Izzy's weapons. I was a little surprised Garik surrendered his sword without a second thought.
"Sit anywhere and I'll go get your bath started," Ana said, and headed for the kitchen.
From left to right, I counted ten square tables, a single trestle table in the middle, and another ten small square tables on the other side. Three human men sat together at the trestle table, with a goblin, two dwarves, an elven ranger, and a cloaked woman scattered among the smaller tables.
"The common room is usually packed this time of day," Garik said. "Vikarous has completely stopped travel through Horncastle."
"He has," the serving wench said, making me jump with her sudden appearance. She set three pewter mugs before us, each spilling over with beer. "It's good to see you again, Sir Garikarous. Maybe later…"
The serving wench looked as pretty as her namesake, with flushed cheeks and strawberry blonde hair. She had sky blue eyes that never left Garik's face. I didn't blame her, but he belonged to us at the moment. My girlfriend spoke up before I could, earning a not so pleasant look from the serving wench.
"I don't think so," Izzy said. "Thank you for the beer, wench. Now bring food."
"But of course," Rose said, and hurried away.
"I bet she spits in your food," I said. Turning to Garik, "So, how well do you know Rose?"
"Almost as well as I know you," he said. "Be nice to her. Rose is a good woman. I like her."
"I bet you do," Izzy said.
Rose brought out a platter piled high with roasted pork, boiled potatoes, and beans. I took equal portions of all three, but Garik and Izzy only shoveled meat onto their pewter plates. Neither one of them ate any potatoes or beans until they ate all of the meat.
Soon after we finished off the food and received our second mugs, a dark grey minotaur in armor entered. Four human guards accompanied him. He stood a good six and a half feet tall, with short horns that curved toward his forehead. The minotaur had richly decorated his horns with gold and silver. I noticed he had several elaborate brands on his bare arms, the minotaur equivalent of tattoos.
"Sir Garikarous! I'm so happy to see you, sir," the minotaur shouted, his voice deep and booming. "I assume you've heard of what befell Sir Pakarous and Dame Jenaria?"
"I have. It's a very sad day for all," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Is King Kavarsus sending another pair of dragon-knights?"
Kavarsus sat on the throne as one of the five kings of the Dragon Realms. We were in his Kingdom of Rundul. Garik served Jessarous, King of Taeresz and the High King of the Dragon Realms. The other four kings owed allegiance to Jessarous. If I understood correctly, all of the kings were related. I suspected some in-breeding going on, too. They had a small royal gene pool.
"I sent word to him, but haven't heard back yet," Doth said. "I expect the messenger to reach him today or tomorrow." He gave Garik a stern look. "I expect you to do your duty to the Dragon Realms and hold their post until King Kavarsus sends their replacements."
I stiffened. Knights tended to be obsessed with Duty. We needed Garik to guide us to the dragon's lair.
"I regretfully decline, Doth," he replied. The minotaur looked surprised. Garik held up a hand to stay his protest. "Do you see the collar around my neck? It's enchanted and keeps me from morphing. These two young women are helping me remove it. To do that, we are going after Vikarous. We have a way to remove the curse, and that would fix both of our problems."
I don't think Doth liked that answer. Not at all. He opened his mouth three times to protest, but stopped himself each time. He growled and scowled. Eventually, he calmed down and glared at us.
"I have to warn you," the minotaur said. "Vikarous has been enchanting the caravan guards and others into being his minions. Warriors from a dozen lands and races patrol the territory between here and his lair."
"Thanks for the warning," I said. "That's good to know, but we didn't expect any less."
"We didn't?" Izzy asked.
"No, we didn't," I said. "Rest assured, Captain, we will grind our way up to the dragon, break the curse, and save the day for Garik and Horncastle."
Doth shook his head woefully. "You make defeating the Grand Master sound easy, wench. It'll be anything but easy. To break the curse you must defeat him in battle without killing him. He is the largest, most powerful dragon in the Realms." He held Garik's eyes a long moment. "You know it, my lord. All three of you will die."
"Thanks for the pep talk, Captain Feelgood," I said. "But we've fought and defeated the big boss that cursed Vikarous, so I'm confident we can take down the dragon."
Doth looked taken aback for a second, and then frowned at Garik.
"Your two friends are renners, my lord?"
Izzy answered before Garik. "Actually, only Carly is a stupid renner, or gamer girl as she calls herself. I'm a drow princess."
Doth bowed politely to Izzy, but turned his attention back to the dragon-knight.
"Forgive my rudeness," Garik said. "Carly, Izzy, this is Captain Doth Skullcrusher. He commands the citadel garrison. Doth, these are my friends Carly and Izzy."
We nodded politely at each other. I didn't have the impression the minotaur cared about us one bit. He barely glanced at us before turning back to Garik.
"You are on a suicide mission, my lord," he said. "I see no way to face Vikarous successfully if you cannot morph."
"And I cannot protect this town from him either," Garik said. "Protect the castle and town as best you can, Doth, until my friends and I defeat Vikarous, or the King's dragon-knights come."
Garik and Doth glared at each other for the longest time. Ana broke the tension when she came over to our table.
"Your bath is ready."
I stood up and faced the minotaur. I smiled, which he didn't seem to appreciate.
"Don't worry, Captain Skullsmasher," I said. "We'll stop the dragon and save the day."
"It's 'Skullbreaker,' you stupid elf," Izzy said.
"Skullcrusher!" Doth shouted. He shook his head, looking up to the heavens. "Women!"
"He's adorable when he's in a rage like this," Ana said. "Which is quite often, I might add."
Captain Doth Skullcrusher snorted at us quite aggressively, spun on a heel and marched out of the inn. Izzy and I stood staring after him. Garik looked embarrassed.
"His social skills suck," I said. "Absolutely no charisma at all."
"It's not a game," Izzy shouted. "And yours aren't much better."
I quickly checked my HUD. "Actually, I don't have any Social Skills. They must not be game skills, or I'd be at a very high level."
Izzy grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the kitchen door. Ana led the way as I grabbed Garik with my free hand. The few men in the common room turned to watch us leave.
I smiled and wagged my brows. "You boys behave out here, because we're going to be very bad in that big, hot tub."
"Oh, you wanted hot water?" Ana asked.
"What?"
She laughed. "I'm joking."
Ana led us through the kitchen, staffed by just two middle-aged women and an elderly man. The two side walls held large open windows, which provided a nice cooling cross br
eeze. Nonetheless, the kitchen remained hot and humid. We passed through another room with four large copper tubs, and then entered a smaller room with an in-ground tile tub. A tray sat to one side with three sponges and bathing oils, the game's version of both soap and shampoo.
I inventoried everything except my dirty clothes. The sight of Izzy naked took my breath away, and then I saw Garik. My insides became hot and fluttery when his erection began to rise. Even Ana did a double-take.
Ana took our clothes, promising she'd have them cleaned and dried before we finished with our bath, and got out of there fast. I giggled, before pulling Izzy in for a long, passionate kiss that made both her and Garik groan. Then I kissed my way down to her beautiful breasts. When the dragon-knight reached for us, Izzy and I each took one of his hands and led him into the tub.
The water came up waist-high on me. We all submerged ourselves, enjoying the heat of the water soaking into our saddle sore muscles and bones. I felt giddy, and Izzy looked blissful. Even Garik wore a big smile. Who didn't love a hot bath? If that tub had some strong jets I'd be in hot tub heaven.
We played, a little roughhousing, until our muscles relaxed. Then Izzy and I put on quite a show for Garik. We kissed and caressed, while rubbing bathing oils all over each other. Then we took sponges in hand, and exfoliated each other into heaven. Finally, I pushed Izzy up against the side and scissored her until we were both panting like crazy, but unable to push each other over the top.
Garik came to our rescue.
"Up you go," Garik said, lifting Izzy out of the water and sitting her on the edge of the tub. I understood what he wanted before the drow, so swam up between her legs, pushed her knees apart, and began licking and nibbling her sensitive folds. Izzy gasped, and Garik laughed. "I knew you'd figure it out, Carly."
The dragon-knight moved behind me. He pulled my butt up until I stood, bent over into Izzy's crotch. Garik started off rubbing my pussy with a firm, sure hand. I wiggled and giggled, while continuing my efforts for Izzy's pleasure.
"You are so good at cunninlingus," Izzy purred. "If I'm not careful, you'll ruin me for men."
"What does that mean?" Garik asked. "I'm good. I make you come every time."
"True, but you're not Carly good."
I slanted a sultry look over my shoulder. "I have a Sex Skill of 97. I'll be a certified master with three more points. So don't even think you can challenge me, dragon-boy."
Despite all of the sex Garik, Izzy, and I had on a daily basis, it was taking a damned long time to earn those last three points. It was worse than the last two minutes of a football game. Come on, Battle for Glory, give up the points!
His fingertips rocked my boat. At first he rubbed vigorous circles around my slippery folds, before pulling me open and attacking my entrance. I cried out when a finger penetrated, pushing deep inside me. And then his thumb found my throbbing clit, and I thought I would explode.
"Mmm, just like that, baby," I purred. "Almost there."
The bastard was too good, and let up just enough to keep me from crossing over. I know he did on purpose, because he did it all of the damned time. Drove me crazy!
"Oh, baby, don't be like that."
"Hey," Izzy said, tapping me on the head. "Less lip and more tongue."
I giggled, and then pressed my lips to her sex and hummed, sending wonderful vibrations deep into her. The drow's back bowed and she cried out. I forced my tongue between her nether lips, pushing into her hot, wet slit. Izzy gasped and clutched my head with both hands when I tongued her entrance at the same time I started flicking her clit with a hard fingernail.
Yeah, Izzy liked it a little rough, too.
I continued to suck on, nibble, and lick Izzy, but Garik changed tactics. His hands grabbed my hips. I sucked in a sharp breath, knowing what was about to happen. The act came fast on the heels of the realization, leaving me no time to prepare: the big dragon-knight trust into me.
I groaned long and wantonly into Izzy's pussy. His massive erection spread my little hole out so sweetly. Sometimes penetration was the best part of sex. Not counting orgasms, of course. Garik thrust into me over and over, forcing himself deeper into my sex. Water splashed over my rump and back with every thrust.
Izzy cried out when Garik inspired me to redouble my efforts. She fell to her back on the floor, legs wide and dangling into the water. Soon Garik fully sheathed himself, his hips slapping my butt cheeks with every thrust. We made waves and a big mess.
Thwack!
Oh, that spank stung like crazy!
Thwack! Thwack!
Garik continued to alternate, slapping one butt cheek and then the other. The pain of those spanks drilled into my core, and ignited something primal. I started bucking and writhing, my head spinning as my insides wound up tight. He had me right at the brink, but managed to keep me from going over the top.
"Yes! Yes!" Izzy screamed. "Don't stop!"
The harder Garik fucked me, the harder it became to concentrate on Izzy's pleasure. I did my best, but felt my focus fading. So I went for the glory, and pinched and twisted her clit. The drow beauty gasped, back bowed up, and she screamed with pleasure. I felt her body quivering as her love juices flowed out.
I felt Garik's erection swell, and he became more frantic in his thrusts. I squeezed my vagina around him as hard as I could, and that pushed me over. Divine pleasure erupted within, flowing throughout my overheated body in wave after wave. My pussy clamped down on him super hard, as my belly quivered with perfect bliss.
The big dragon-knight sighed gustily, and I felt his hot seed flow deep inside me. That gave me another kind of pleasure, a lot more emotional and blissful. Garik sounded quite happy, too.
"Let's rinse off, grab a pitcher of beer, and retire to our room," I gasped out. "I think we can enjoy a night of deep restful sleep before heading out tomorrow after another one or two sessions like that."
Chapter 15
"Oh, God, help me," I groaned. "We should've never ordered that third pitcher of beer."
My head throbbed in sync with my heartbeat. Yeah, it was bad. At least I didn't have an upset stomach. Unfortunately, both Izzy and Garik had me pinned down in the bed. I struggled to break free so I could relieve my tortured bladder, which only made my hangover headache worse.
I checked my inventory. No healing potions. Sucks. I don't suffer hangovers well, and Izzy was a total bitch when hung-over.
Sighing gustily, I emptied my bladder as I squatted over the brass chamber pot. I squeezed and peed, relieving my bladder and getting much of Garik's seed out at the same time. The stench of it turned my stomach. And then Izzy flew off the bed and bounced back and forth between her feet, motioning desperately for me to get off the pot. I pinched it off and let her have it.
And she emptied her belly into it, mostly beer. And her belly held a lot. I knelt beside her, holding her hair, and murmured soothing words of support. The drow didn't appreciate it. As soon as her stomach quieted down, she shoved me to the floor.
"Leave me alone," Izzy said.
I looked at Garik, who shrugged. "Drow are mean. You know that."
"Screw both of you," she snarled, and then froze before bending over and throwing up again.
"Izzy, can I have your breakfast?" Garik asked.
The drow pounced on him, punching and clawing. He fought her off, laughing the whole time. That just pissed her off more, so she tried even harder to hurt him. I had to drag her off the scratched up dragon-knight.
"You like to live dangerous, Garik," I said. "Izzy, behave yourself. We're all friends here, so act like it."
Her face screwed up to spit some cutting remark, but I stopped her with a raised hand.
"Remember, I'm going to help you win back your position in Zevalli. Don't say anything you'll regret."
She gave me a calculating look, probably wondering if I'd withdraw my offer to help. The drow princess finally just scowled at both of us, and turned to clean up. I joined her at the side table, with its
pitcher of water. Even though we bathed the night before, we needed to clean up after that long night of passion.
"Carly, I seem to be in need of one of your healing potions," Garik said, still grinning. Izzy shot him a withering look.
"You should've checked with me before ticking off Izzy. I'm out of healing potions; otherwise I'd have downed one to cure my hangover."
"You have money now," Izzy said to him. "Buy your own healing potions. Leave Carly alone. She's not your personal healer."
"I think you both rolled off the wrong side of the bed this…"
Garik had to scramble off the other side of the bed when Izzy charged him. She had a dagger in hand, too. I had to get between them to calm the crazy drow down. Izzy finally sheathed her dagger, gave Garik another nasty look, and headed for the door.
"I'll wait for you in the common room."
You know she slammed the door. I gave Garik a what-the-fuck look.
"Why do you keep talking to her like that? You know she's crazy."
He chuckled, and then pulled his trousers on. Yeah, neither the men nor the women wore underwear in that world. Not necessarily a good thing.
"I like getting a rise out of her," he said. "And you, too. Both of you look so fierce and gorgeous when you're angry."
"Not pretty enough to get killed over."
We dressed, gathered up all of our stuff, and followed Izzy downstairs. We found her sipping on a mug of beer at a small table. Guests and locals filled the room, eating, drinking, and socializing. The patrons ran Ana and her serving wenches ragged, so it took a few minutes before Garik and I got our morning mugs. It took even longer to get a large plate of cheese, bread, and ham.
Garik ate two-thirds of the plate, while Izzy and I just nibbled. The beer really helped my hangover more than the food. We discussed what to do next over breakfast.
"First thing we need to do is buy healing potions," I said. "I also need to get some mana restoring potions. I almost used up all my mana while fighting Qaath Yazn. I have a bad feeling Vikarous will demand a lot more magic to defeat."
