Meeka paused and looked back at Brooke to quip “Any time, any place, Beloved.” And then she flew off to the woods with Brooke grinning in hot pursuit.
“Our daughter’s libido sure takes after her father.” Tiffa laughed.
“Not true. Her mother is an insatiable fox.” Cillian fired back and moved out of the way of his wife’s swat.
“Damn, now I’m wet!” Tohka cursed and ran off after her women, as even a deaf man could hear Meeka crying out in pleasure “Brooke! Harder!”
Cage chuckled as Daku brought out his robe and sword in his beak. The griffin gave a level look as his partner dressed and belted his sash. “No, I’m not going. If I did we’d not leave. After they are done having a little fun I’ll bring them.” His black eyes turned to watch Ollai holding a blanket like a handkerchief while sitting upright and wiping Sean’s face with upmost care. Her blood red eyes showed concern while tending her mate. Cage raised his voice. “You two stick close to Ulon and Poli. When you are done recovering, Sean, see your sisters home safe. Your mothers, Daku and I are going to stay for most of the day and be home for dinner. Tomorrow the three of us will make that home the two of you decided on.”
“I will, Dad… Are you alright though?” Sean asked.
“You’re learning well, Sean. Today you actually hit deep enough through my avatar to break my ribs and my hip. Soon enough you’ll become more confident.” Cage turned and embraced Rena and Ananna. “You two be good for Poli alright.”
Ananna cooed as Rena said “Yes, Dad.”
Just as they were walking away to the silver beauty who got excited to have them so close again, Cillian stepped out wearing nothing other than a baldric over his chest to hold the sheathe of the sword peeking over his right shoulder. Tiffa paled, coming back to reality as he inquired “Will I only need my blade?”
“Sure.” Cage shrugged. “That is what I would do if I hadn’t fused Ghosts Bane’s sheathe to my robe. Does your sword also have a name?”
Cillian reached over his shoulder and drew a simple, double edged long sword with a smoothness that belied it’s release hadn’t been forgotten. It wasn’t a remarkable sword, but its function remained strong and well oiled. Engraved on the egg-like pommel was a crow, the standard for the Vlaran army. Reverently Cillian held it out in offering. “It didn’t receive a name till Tiffa accepted my hand and our parents settled on our arrangement. She gave it a simple name. Return.”
“Ah, from the fable Meeka once told Rena before she went off to bed.” Cage nodded and quoted “’Return to me my love. Be it in body or spirit. Return, for I will not leave as I am your home. May this weapon seal us as one. Just as my flower resembles a sheathe, so does this blade want you home. If in your death does this blade come home, I shall take it in my hands to join you forevermore.’” He took a few swings. “Fair balance, but I could make it better.”
Tiffa stared in genuine surprise. “That is correct. It was all I could come up with as military wives traditionally name their husband’s blade. A blessing and a memory to see them home and to fight for it.”
Cillian said “How would you make Return better?”
“Adjust the balance. The blade is a bit top heavy. Give it five folds and thicken the flat somewhat without shrinking the overall size. It has few imperfections remarkably. You’ve kept it in good condition.”
“Do you have time? An hour is not even enough to properly heat it.”
“Have you forgotten who you are talking to so soon?” Cage smiled.
“I… uhhh…”
“Forget about it, Cillian.” He laughed and levitated the blade beside him. It turn cherry red in the morning shade within seconds and then turned almost white while the pommel, grip and guard slid off for the first time since its creation. Then it folded over and stretched out all without touching anything physically. “Go ready your horses and we’ll walk there and arrive in twenty.” Daku grew to the size of a horse meaningfully. Beside him grew a bubble of water which bathed the superheated steel.
While Cage rode on his Familiar’s back, he heard Brooke call out “GREAT SPIRITS!” and knew Tohka’s tongue was fully assaulting her woman. The tone told it all. He resisted only with great willpower to not join them.
The blade shone like a polished mirror in front of the riding mayor. “All done.”
“I’ll say!” Cillian chortled while twirling the masterly balanced blade with an ease of a man who forgot nothing of its use. The blade and edge was all that had changed in the fifteen minutes of work, but now it was a truly lethal weapon which slid perfectly back in its home without issue. “Marvelous work. So will you tell us now what I’m going to need to do? I will only use this weapon in service to the crown.”
“Cillian, just shove it already. You’ll learn what awaits soon enough.” The warlock said from atop his chuckling friend.
The mayor harrumphed as Kote came into view and cut a look to Tiffa as she laughed openly. Childishly she stuck her tongue out, careful to not bite it off.
Before the warlock a great change resulted in the first inhabited town he ever came across upon Raliea. Now people walked around without shame. Young perky breasts bounced as a woman threw clothes over a line to dry. She waved when she recognized the riders. Some men couldn’t hide a full erection, and often their wife or lover grabbed their hand and went somewhere to happily take care of it. The people of Kote were hearty, but since everyone openly moved about, many had lost some weight and many of the men had bulked up. Knives were common accessories on a woman’s thigh, even Tiffa copied it. Men though preferred their swords or bows and were eagle-eyed for any disturbances. None were more observant than the home guard, as they were among the few to wear pants as a bare minimum so their belts could hold up their swords.
The mayor and his wife were well known, but none could cause half as much of a stir as a white griffin with his master.
Ren, leader of the home guard stepped outside of Big Tim’s tavern as the mayor and Tiffa were stabling their horses. His eyes narrowed onto the baldric and his sure footsteps spirited him across the street and the first words out of his mouth were “And just what are you doing wearing that?”
“And good morning to you as well, Old Friend.” Cillian said as he unbuckled the strap to unsaddle his stallion.
Ren waited patiently, his extensively muscled physique now shown to the world to reveal a man who’s body underwent rigorous exercise to maintain optimum lethality. He simply gave a nod to the warlock who leaned casually against a stable post.
“What news?” Tiffa asked as she closed the gate on her mare.
“Many are coming into town saying Utala told them to do so before they all up and left without answering why. Does it have anything to do with Cillian taking up arms with a sword I’d never hope see him hold again. Is Return portending…”
“Appears that way. Cage says someone comes from Miot and will be here in about a half hour.” Cillian grumbled. “Though I expect it will not be for a simple visit. Likely news comes, and not the good kind. Likely it will be good the town will be gathering.” His hands griped the leather at his chest. “Any visitors I might have missed passing my home?”
“Just merchants… actually the same ones who brought you and Meeka back after you kissed her.” The man told Cage who raised an eyebrow and both he and Daku walked away without saying a word. As Ren watched them move along he asked “Should I start gathering the town?”
“I believe we should.” Cillian agreed with the idea.
Kele sat in the driver’s seat of her father’s wagon, her wide eyes still roved the naked men and women doing business as if it were a common day. Her father tried shielding her eyes, but it was too much and she was unable to not gawk in wonder. Some shouldn’t be naked, but others weren’t shunned. She smiled as a group of young children played without a care in the world. But despite them almost all being nude, none were helpless if their weapons were any indication.
As she waited her eyes were d
rawn as the townsfolk began looking and whispering. Coming right in her direction was a tall man wearing a mage’s robes, but she knew immediately of the white creature walking at his side from all the stories spread throughout the kingdom. Her jaw dropped at the sheer beauty both embodied and the grace at which they walked. Out of habit she smoothed her dress and tucked some loose hair behind her ear.
Then the powerful man stopped and smiled and she melted like butter as his manly voice asked “By any chance is your name Mele or Kele?”
She blinked in surprise at being addressed before scrambling off the seat and curtsied. “I am Kele. There is no need to introduce yourself. All in Vlara know you Lord Cage… and the mighty white griffin.”
“Ah, but do you remember me?” Just then Jom’s front door chimed from a bell to alert him to a customer into his chandler’s shop and out came a bulky man and demure woman. They glared at their daughter speaking to a man and were about to scold her till they noticed the griffin and put the pieces together. They came over to be surprised as Cage asked “And is it correct to assume you are Quil and his wife Mele?”
“We’re honored you know of us, Lord Cage.” Mele curtsied awkwardly.
“Damn, I guess you three really don’t remember me then.” He ran his fingers through his hair.
“This is our first meeting, My Lord.” Quil said.
“Hardly. Last summer you three saved my ass. Perhaps if I was covered in blood without showing a scratch after kissing my mate might ring a bell?” It took a few moments before their eyes widened in recognition. He laughed. “There! That is what I was looking for. Your expressions are priceless.”
“They sure are.” Daku purred.
Quil burst out laughing, realizing he could do so. “Who would have believed we saved Lord Cage. Mele, we should be famous.”
“So what do we owe the honor?” His wife asked.
“Just wanted to say thanks. Oh you three better stick around for an important event about to happen. But I see you three have been busy haggling with Jom for my tribe’s goods.” He pointed to the wagonload.
Quil said “Our timing was perfect, but the man is a shrewd negotiator. Said he got in supplies yesterday and much of the kingdom has found tribal peoples outfits the latest craze… but Kote has gone native. I can sell these clothes and trinkets for a great price later.”
“We’ll good luck in your ventures. But you best head for the town center. A guest will be here…”
“But I cannot leave my wagon unattended.” Quil spoke and yelped as a black bubble surrounded only the wagon, leaving the draft horses outside. “Well then never mind.”
Then they heard the home guard summoning everyone in.
Cage hel up his left hand to his lips and said “Phone call, Meeka.” The left eye diamond twinkled with power. “You ladies done yet?”
“No!” Meeka’s voice crooned before laughing and a slapping sound happened. “Behave Tohka or you’ll lick me raw.”
“You know you love it.” Tohka’s voice giggled.
“True.” Meeka said back. “We’ll arrive in a minute, Cage. Hang up.” And his diamond ceased sparkling as she disconnected the line.
And at the minute mark grew a bright blue light near him and Daku and as it winked out three stunning women appeared, slick with sweat and flushed from sex. Tohka skipped up and threw her arms around her man’s neck to kiss him on the lips and Cage tasted sex among her delicate sweetness. “Love, it is a shame you couldn’t join us.”
“Evil!” he sneered with a smirk and she laughed.
“Mele? Kele?” Meeka said in genuine surprise. “And Quil? What are you all doing here?”
“Lady Meeka?” Mele blinked rapidly. “I can hardly believe my eyes from how much you have changed.”
“Oh, well my tits are my mates’ favorite part of me and they all wanted me to tattoo them so they look better.”
“Mates? As in…” Kele had a scandalous look.
“As in Cage is basically my husband and that woman hugging him is my wife along with this long legged beauty. I’m their wife too. They are all mine.”
“We can save the rest for later, girls. We need to go find your father, Meeka Love.”
“Fine, Brooke.” Meeka grabbed her woman’s hands and tingled at the touch while remembering what those fingers did not so long ago. They hurried though the thickening crowd.
Nearly the entire town quieted as the five of them found Cillian holding a quiet conversation with the town council. Cage cleared his throat and Cillian turned around to say “Where is this rider? No one has seen anyone traveling the road.”
“Did I say anything about anyone using the road? I only said they come from Miot.”
“You’re confusing me.” Millie, the clothing lady scratched her graying head.
Instead of answering in words, Cage looked up in the morning sky. Others followed and all saw a dot in the sky growing by the second. Whispers erupted into an excited frenzy before increasing volume. One dot became over five hundred sparkling dragons. The air shuttered the closer they came, shaking building and person alike. Then after a few moments the flock of giant flyers basically created a shadow over Kote before levitating in the air since there wasn’t room for even one to land in the town.
Off the back of a large black female dragon dropped a single man. He landed safely after falling over a hundred feet, using his superhuman magic to increase bodily potential. His was looking around mid twenties and carried two metal sticks peeking over either shoulder, wearing exquisite clothing that served both a warrior’s function and a lord’s wealth. Cage immediately recognized the man from how he moved, but Cillian wasn’t far behind as he blurted “It cannot be! Is that you you old womanizing dog.”
The cruelly handsome ladies man’s short blonde hair and mirthful blue eyes broke into a wide grin as the townspeople parted for the man. “I’m surprised you remember what I used to look like, Captain Cillian.”
“That voice…” Meeka began. “Lord Kallerian?”
“Hello to you as well, Lady Meeka. I see you are a picture of beauty, just as your mother is. I also wish to thank you and your tribe for many wondrous ideas. I always loved the people of the Tribal Plains and due to your husband’s notoriety, I’m now able to begin breaking old traditions. My plan is to have Vin’re as naked as reports have proven correct here within a year. My naked party at my manor was a complete success.”
“You just want to see naked women.” Kitty said as she stepped forth to smile a toothless grin.
Lord Kallerian didn’t even flinch. “I do. Everyone knows my well earned reputation. I would be naked too right now if I weren’t my king’s emissary. And I remember you quite well Mistress Kitty. You were one of my wetnurses before moving down here with your family.”
“So what brings you and your friends here, Lord Kallerian?” Cillian said as he looked up at the host of dragons staring calmly down upon them. That and seeing his daughters’ scratching their arms, knowing what it meant.
The wealthy lord leapt inhumanly over twenty feet to land beside Cage up on the wooded path in front of the mayor’s office. Neither said a word, merely nodded in greeting. “It is good to see nearly everyone here!” he raised his voice so the now silent crows could hear him all the way in the back. “I come with both great and terrible news facing our kingdom. A great war has just begun. It is why I’m here on behalf of my King Tate.” Many eagerly or hesitantly listened. “As you can see, dragons have come from their mountain colonies. Vlara is now at war with the Laqura Empire. Two nights ago they tried assassinating my king and princess and tried placing an imposter on the throne. Lord Cage, his wives, King Daku and the dragons bound to them uncovered and ended the plot.” This news made some whispers. Lord Kallerian went on. “But before this happened a secret alliance was underway with our ancient friends above us. All soldiers in Vin’re have done as I have. It is why I look back in my twenties rather than forties. And you all saw me leap with ease what could not b
e done naturally. I’ve gained a form of magic by binding myself to the onyx beauty right above me. Her name is Bellatrixx.” Heads met her lovely gaze as she was fair even in a female dragon’s standard. “I stepped into a spell and came out as you see me now.
“But despite the benefits, all the noble houses are with the king, mine especially. We are going to war with Emroc to stand united against the enemies of the empire. It is past time they were put in their place, but their forces are still mighty, hence my and their arrival.” He pointed to the silently floating giants. “For the first time in our known history we will be fighting with dragons as our equals.” More murmurs sprung up. “They do this because there is great danger to not only themselves and us, but to all of our world. A large group of dragons who made a home in the Laqura Empire have done something horrible which must be stopped.
“To protect our way of life King Tate has had no choice to protect our kingdom from the empire’s cruelty other than to initiate the Draft.” Mothers dropped to their knees and wept instantly. Even Tiffa put a death grip on her husband’s arm. “All men at the age of sixteen will be drafted into service to fortify our land from the enemy’s taint. All retired soldiers are to be reinstated into their original rank after a thorough review. All healers are also drafted. SETTLE DOWN!” Lord Kallerian yelled and the impact quieted the crowd. In a softer tone he said “And when I meant all men, I meant all, especially the elderly. But this war will better ensure all the men will return because of what they have to offer. You saw me jump. Never in my life could that be done before Bellatrixx came into my life. I’m stronger and faster than any man here… aside from you.” He corrected to Cage who smiled while casually leaning against Daku’s side. “They offer youth, immortality and for men, the ability to be stronger and faster than any man in the empire. But for any woman who wishes to fight for their land, husbands and children, may join the army as well and if you bind to a dragon you won’t gain a man’s physical abilities, but you will all become first class witches. It means you can do magic like any mage.
Empress's Endgame (Book 5 and final of the Death Incanate Saga) Page 20
