Meeka came closer and delivered a deep kiss. “Then I’ll do it better than you can imagine.” She then went to turn around and grabbed her man’s lance and pulled “Come along you beast… and control yourself.”
“Hey! Hey! Hey! Let go! Let go!” He hopped along, hearing laughter behind him.
Brooke laughed and wove he fingers with Tohka’s as she healed their man’s back when she watched Meeka dragging him out the front door and meanwhile they approached the dinner table to get Brooke’s weapons and then disappeared together to arrive just behind the skull pillars.
While strapping her leather sheathe to her long legs she looked ahead to find three Vlaran battleships preparing to dock on the large, round platform. Each three mast sailboat had their sails furled and at each of the twenty or so ballista’s was a stationed guard prepared to fire at a moment’s notice. One boat flew a blue flag with a crow while the other two had a green dragon. Beyond them were smaller vessels, but were far from docking and each carried a squadron of soldiers and witches. Brooke sent her power beyond herself and counted fifty three such boats securing the area. Two soldier dragons stood on the landing and docking platform as sentinels. Two always guarded ever since the volcanic attack. Between them were half the Utala warriors and the rare few guests. As she securely knotted the strings to her thigh, unbidden memories sprung to life in her mind. Memories and the spectacular orgasm she just had.
Two weeks had passed almost in a blink of an eye. The day after the attack, Cage and Moril traveled back to the Fire Mountains to make dragon spies and he returned, nearly passing out as soon as he got home. Moril had told the tribe he had changed the color of seventeen highly experienced operatives skilled in deception and gaining information, using one captive to make sure he matched the color exactly. The seventeen had all come from colonies not under Rex Nattan’s command since most of his forces were soldiers and not spies.
Other than knowing the operatives were sent and not slain right away, no new news had been sent.
Cage had completely recreated the harness system from the basics of their creation and improved the air compression system to be, from what he heard, to be over ninety percent more efficient and able to fire the hooks more than three hundred times. They could now fire just enough air to reach the target, adjusting distance automatically as well as creating a targeting system built into the man’s helmet that relayed information to the crystal which helped magically power the entire system. When he had shown off his personal harness, Cody and Eoin were all too happy to redo certain parts and add his modifications. Cage then had sent his materials to each king, Rex and Leon to give to the First Council of Twilight.
Still, no word had come of how they were doing.
Thus far Tohka’s pregnancy has gone well and for the past two days she has had the dreaded morning sickness. They had called the fertility witch, but she had said it was natural to have sickness so early, a sign the baby will likely survive to full term. It eased worries and swelled pride, especially in the father to be. For some reason the witch had neglected to tell them this and it angered all of them, but it simply was to make sure they alerted the witch who had given Tohka the ability to get pregnant in the first place.
Meeka spent most of her days with her nose in a book of healing as she often did these days, that or she mind-linked with Poli who also had advanced knowledge in the subject. Meeka had finally come to find her place in the world as a life saver who continued to grow as a healer in both magic and herbs. She now even had her own room of study beside Cage’s, all for her medicines and tests she practiced on animals found hurt and weren’t meant to be eaten.
A week ago a sickness spread through the cattle, threatening to kill the tribe’s main source of meat and milk, but her studies saved the entire herd, losing only one unfortunate bull.
Brooke though had practiced fighting, teaching Rena all she needed to know as priestess, and combined her power with Ulon in all competitions Moril made for the coming battle, pitting dragon against partners. Her mouth quirked in the left corner as she remembered how powerful her own offensive spells were and used them to devastating effect, nearly killing one competitor, but she had been saved thanks to Cage and Meeka’s combined efforts along with Ulon’s and Poli’s since they acted fastest. And her own prowess had even allowed her to cut her man along the stomach, as he was filling his gems and tiring himself to be as he once was before ascension, but nevertheless, to land such a hit and not be countered was immense progress to her before she was flipped on her back. It was one of her best days in her whole life, inflicting a lethal wound on her man who had few peers in combat. Had he wielded Ghosts Bane, she knew she would never have gotten so close, as had been done every time he used it. He might prefer unarmed combat, but as soon as he uses that terrifying blade he hasn’t gotten so much as a nick of blood, even against every enhanced man on the island.
“We’re almost late. Look They are extending the ramps.” Tohka pointed and they walked ahead with a smile. “How do I look?”
“Tasty.” Brooke grinned and her woman glowed with happiness and her heartbeat pattered like a galloping horse.
As they walked and watched the docked boats being secured Brooke so wanted to nibble on Tohka’s now pointed ear and hear that moan she loved as her ears were sensitive before, but now with their points the sensitivity made her melt. She wasn’t alone now. Nearly every woman on the island had adapted to pointed ears and stronger eyes. Brooke now understood how her man could hear the smallest sounds and see the smallest details from far away. She relished the new abilities, especially during sex, finding such heightened sounds highly erotic, and having her own ears nibbled on. But her thicker eardrums especially helped to not get crippled from deafening noises. Thicker walls prevented damage and no longer had she found her ears ringing after one of Ulon’s mighty roars that could be heard from miles around.
Meeka used her hearing to great effect as a healer, diagnosing issues faster than anyone else.
Men were more tricky to get the advantages of stronger sight and hearing. Doing it to ones self was rather simple since the personal body is more well-known rather than a stranger. Only about nine males so far had been given the ability, needing days to fully change and bind it to the person’s mana so the transformation stays so as to not revert back.
Brooke glanced over her shoulder after passing the barrier that has protected them again from another attack, trying to poison the air with deadly spores, but her man had already considered such tactics and repelled the dishonorable assault.
Over on the larger island, the gigantic beach was complete and what was once a lifeless chunk of space rock now overflowed with life. Many animals had been transferred from the original island to the colony’s newest landmass. Some remained while the rest found new territory to stake. The wolf pack was split while all the mountain lions were moved, especially after one of Rena’s friends killed one when a group of girls were teaching themselves to track deer. It had attacked, but none were seriously injured aside from the cat. Only being in a group saved them. Traveling alone would have ended differently. From what Moril said, the new habitat has done well for the animals to adapt to. But ever since the attack, no child leaves their parents’ sight unless in a group for protection.
Yesterday, Zikon and Theresa arrived when Sean said it would be alright to be studied in exchange for certain spells, mainly on how to control his scales and not be embarrassed. Zikon was all too eager to accept and most of the day they, Sean and Ollai were in his home, not leaving.
Brooke couldn’t hide a chuckle as she and Tohka walked. “What is funny, My Love?”
“Just remembering Zikon’s look when he first laid eyes on our son. I’ve never laughed so hard since Cage did his monkey attack back on the plains.” Brooke’s vision caught the disrobed man turn around among those waiting. She winked and Zikon chuckled. Even from a hundred paces and the strong sea breeze, he had heard. “Even you must admit you did not expe
ct my son to be as my mate once showed you.”
“True, but he’s still the great grandson inside, but now his inner strength is reflected physically.” Zikon casually spoke. “Brooke, must I be naked too?”
“Be thankful my daughter allowed you to keep your staff.”
The glowing sorcerer appeared fair skinned beneath the brighter sunlight, masking his natural glow. He gave a crooked smile and shook his head, but didn’t press the issue. He realized he was granted only so much leeway for this day.
Each and every present woman had made themselves more beautiful, adding flowers and feathers to their hair, some painted their naked bodies in traditional Utala ways of ceremony. Brooke looked down at her arms, stomach and legs and sighed that her latest adventure of ecstasy had not washed off Tohka’s hard work. Men were clean and applied soot in fierce patterns that seemed to increase their powerful stature and nature as men.
A loud ‘Boom’ came as a result of the ramp hitting the floating dock. It was closely followed by a second and a third.
First to come off the Vlaran naval ship was Jormon, completely naked, carrying his redwood staff that housed a brown stone that glittered as he searched for traps. Following right behind was the large grizzly bear, Gaz. Another first class sorcerer came down off an Emrocan battleship, but moments after Jormon landed on the dense wood beneath his bare feet he said “The area is secure!” the other seconded his assessment.
Brooke and Tohka joined the group of women. Brooke drew her tomahawks while Tohka gripped her whip. All of the Utala held their weapons at the ready, as always with outsiders.
General Kurk stepped up onto the ramp and scanned the area. He wore a baldric over an extensively sculpted body that dripped with power and virility, scarred from years of combat, put back as they were after bonding with his partner. The baldric carried two swords of different length. One was a curved long sword while the other was a true broadsword, much of the blade’s length was over four inches wide. Each one heavily hung and were thicker than ordinary swords. These were modified to not break under his strength. At his side was a beautiful woman who’s top of her head was at his chin level. She carried what looked like a staff, but each end held eighteen inch long blades. Together they walked down, followed by King Tate wearing his simple sword, Princess Amy holding her wand, a slack jawed redhead, another sorcerer, two muscular soldiers and a woman.
Over on the other ships walked General Corbin, also a massively muscled man. Behind followed King Skylar carrying both hammers in one hand with Reece the golden eagle lightly perched on his shoulder, talons not digging deep enough to break the skin. Beside the king gracefully walked a radiant Queen Jeanne with her long hair piled beautifully atop her head. Behind followed their three teenage daughters, a squirrel, blue jay and grey fox familiar, five guards, two handmaidens and the fourth sorcerer allowed to come.
On the last ship came Sek and his corn snake Familiar and his older brother with his enormous wolf Familiar. The older brother brought his wife and daughter. Their guards were right behind them.
“Sek!” Princess Amy yelled and not caring over royal decorum any more, sprinted right for him.
“Amy!” he yelled back and lifted his staff to run and meet her. Anyone blind could see how much he loved her, and no one stopped them as he dropped his staff and scooped her into his massive arms and crush her to his chest. “Oh how I’ve missed you, Beloved.”
She stretched and gave him a passionate kiss. Tears spilled down her cheeks. “And I you, My Love. It’s really happening isn’t it?”
“A-hemmm!” King Skylar cleared his throat loudly after the first two times went unnoticed. The sound broke their isolated bubble. They pulled apart as he said “Wait just a few more hours you two. And son, calm yourself before you poke someone’s eye out with that thing.”
The Utala and many other’s laughed as Sek looked down and realized just how profoundly his wife-to-be had effected him. It was impossible to hide it so he threw his shoulders back and said “Take your own advise, Father.”
King Skylar laughed. “Fair enough, My Boy. But you aren’t me and know damn well I get stiff with your mother near. It is why we’ve got five children at our ages.”
“Behave yourself, Husband!” Queen Jeanne smacked his arm. When even Reece laughed she said “Want to lose another feather you brute?”
Reece laughed harder and flew to Skylar’s other shoulder a moment before she followed through. He then managed to say “Come on, everyone. Let us go gather together.”
Prince Sek took Princess Amy’s free hand and they happily moved together. The soldiers surrounded them, but leaving plenty of personal space. All three groups converged to stand before the Utala. At the front stood Moril, Rena and the elders. Brooke positioned herself behind her daughter with Tohka behind her. Brooke listened closely.
Rena came forward, her dagger held ready, as she said “We welcome you this day. Please state yourselves so that the great spirits can happily watch the ceremony reserved solely for royalty… Cillian Grandfather! Tiffa Grandmother! What are you doing here?”
Coming out from behind the king’s shadow, the two came out grinning. They each held a finger over their lips and Rena quickly recovered.
“Captain Cillian is part of my guard and Tiffa is my healer. I am King Tate of Vlara.” He said as he learned the tribal custom and touched his gold crown to bow slightly out of respect to a host. “I come here on behalf of myself and that of my daughter.” He held his hand out and a timid, but adorable redhead shakily took his hand. She was clearly frightened as her large green eyes swept around from place to place. She was petite for a woman, barely reaching the king’s shoulder. She had small, perky breasts, freckled alabaster skin, but sinfully round hips. On her nose were tiny freckles that heightened her youthful look, but the power of a witch spoke she had bonded, skewing her actual age rather than seeming no more than seventeen. Her hair was wild, long and curled in ringlets. “And this is my betrothed, Katelyn, my queen to be.” Hearing this statement she turned bright red and tried shying from being seen.
“Sister, is this man worthy to give you strong babies?” Rena inquired with a tilt of her head. Katelyn’s head nodded. “Then why do you not speak? If you are going to mount his lance, why shy from sight. Stand proud as a woman so we can all see the beauty that has stolen his love.”
“My King, I thought you were making fun of me.” Katelyn said timidly.
King Tate chuckled. “Hardly, Utala are as the stories say. Even their children are bold. I warned you they moment you said yes. Better do as their priestess says.”
Katelyn took a deep, steadying breath and came up to his side. Rena nodded and smiled. “I am Katelyn, Priestess Rena. I come here to marry the man I love. Will we be permitted?”
Suddenly Rena’s eyes darted and she lowered into a deadly stance that had the soldiers flinch as they realized despite her appearance, she was deadly. In a dangerous tone she said “What is in the box that woman behind you is carrying? You were warned not to bring anything.”
All the Utala looked and as one they saw it and aimed their weapons at the handmaiden that had come with the king. She went wide eyed.
King Tate held up his arms and stepped in front of both Katelyn and the woman behind her. “Whoa! Hold on! It’s not what you think!”
Rena dangerously warned “You were expressly forbidden. Speak quickly or you are all dead.” Backing her up were puffs of black smoke from the dragon guards off to either side. Everyone loved Rena, she spent most of her free time associating with every dragon that permitted her to come close. Nearly everyone would protect her from any threat.
King Tate said, without looking from the deadly little girl, “Open the box now and take out what is inside and throw the box far away. Do it now, Woman.”
Quickly the handmaiden did as ordered and sent the wooden box flying away. She then passed the object forward as the king held his hand behind himself and hearing Katelyn whimper into his b
ack.
He felt the weight and slowly pulled around a gold circlet with five bright rubies set in the brow. “This is the Vlaran queen’s crown, Priestess. I beg your pardon for this misunderstanding. I merely had the box made to carry this and to give to my new bride during the ceremony.”
Rena looked to both dragons and said “Scan it for any malicious spells please.”
Weapons were still pointed, unwavering and promised a sure death without hesitation. None moved other than the dock till one dragon said “Many spells, defensive only. No danger, Rena Two-legs. Box has no magic. Wood and silk. No more.”
Rena stood and smiled. “Thank you, Zallaven.” He grunted. And as if nothing had happened, weapons lowered and the tribe turned stoic once again. She tilted her head “You are forgiven, King Tate. I will not allow the box to come, but the crown can.” She looked to his side. “Who are you?”
Nearly everyone breathed a sigh of relief. They realized security was tighter her than even they implemented. “I am General Kurk of his majesties elite Vlaran army. At my side is my wife Elleanne, leader of the Adventurer’s Guild and blademaster.” The muscular woman with the bladed staff weapon smiled and flicked her strawberry blonde hair behind her ear. “And these are my men and the guard detail for my king, future queen, princess and future prince along with a royal handmaiden.”
Rena stepped right in front of the powerful woman who looked early twenties. “You have fine breasts. I would one day like to see how your weapon works.”
“Watch yourself child.” The woman raised an eyebrow. “I’m not Utala and I do not work well with women or girls. I will not display my skills for show. I fight to kill and lose myself when I begin.”
“As you wish.” Rena didn’t even bat an eye. She moved on.
“I am Queen Jeanne.” Sunlight sparkled off her delicate crown. “These are my daughters and their Familiars. I come here to renew my vows to my husband and to see my son marry the love of his life. And I already know I have fine breasts.” This had all but the Utala laughing. “Did I say something wrong?” Her delicate features seemed pinched with worry.
Empress's Endgame (Book 5 and final of the Death Incanate Saga) Page 28
