“Which mythical creatures live here?”
“There are many. I will just name a few. They are centaurs, lycans, gryphons, unicorns, the faery folk, mejins, and demgels. Some angels, demons, and humans live here, but they are not originally from Kurbridor.”
“Do vampires live here?”
“There are some, but most prefer to make their home in your world. They have a preference for human blood.”
“And you’re a demgel, someone who is half demon, half angel. I don’t understand. Even if demons and angels exist, I can’t imagine them getting together and producing offspring. Demons are evil and angels are good.”
“When Kurbridor was very young and first visited by demons, they made their bodies appear to be those of their sworn enemies, the angels, so that they could mate with them. I suppose it was seen as a way of overcoming the visiting angels’ purity. The demons were debasing them. Then, when the issue were born, the demons’ deception was obvious. Since that time demgels have mated with other demgels and that is how my kind began. We also mate with other species.” This last comment was accompanied by a grin that was almost a leer. It revealed his fangs.
“Yes, I guess you could say that’s an inbred trait. However, one thing puzzles me. I can’t imagine angels having sex, they seem too pure. I wouldn’t think they’d have the necessary body parts to do that anyway.”
“In the physical universe every life form has the necessary body parts.” This time the grin was broader and the fangs were longer.
Trying to ignore his obvious amusement, Esther continued, “So explain what mejins are.”
“They’re the warlords of this world and they are also sorcerers. Long ago they were humans who used their magic to come here. They formed an alliance with many demgels and lycans. Later, the mejins forced them to serve as soldiers and servants. Those mejins battled against each other for more power and land. Now, the remaining mejins are the heads of one or more cities and they control everything that takes place in them. They are evil.”
“Mejins sound dreadful, but they’re actually human beings? Well, humans can be very good or very bad.”
“They are no longer human. Their magic and that of Kurbridor has changed them. It’s uncertain what their true form is because they can present themselves as any inhabitant of Kurbridor or anything they can conjure.”
“And why was Zortek taking me to his mejin? Why would a mejin want me?”
Dreydon glanced away from her. “You ask many questions. I think I’ve answered more than enough for tonight.”
Esther wasn’t about to accept his reply. She felt sure he didn’t want to answer what she’d just asked. “You’re trying to avoid answering me. Why?”
“I have no wish to upset you.”
“That response doesn’t satisfy me. I might not like your answer, but not knowing it will drive me crazy.”
Dreydon sat in silence for a few minutes, looking most uncomfortable. Eventually, he said, “A demgel takes human males and females to a mejin so that the fetch can be created from them. Then…”
“What is the fetch?”
“It’s an exact copy of the human and is completely loyal to the mejin. The males are usually his soldiers or guards and the females will serve him in whatever capacity he requires of them.”
“And what happens to the original humans?”
“The males are often killed if they were captured by a male demgel and have not managed to escape, or don’t become sex slaves. I don’t want to tell you about the females. It will distress you.”
“Tell me, Dreydon. I’m not a wimp. If you don’t know that word, it means someone who is weak and timid.”
“A female is given to whichever male demgel captured her and she is his sex slave. When he tires of her, she is killed by him. If the demgel is female, her captured males become her sex slaves, as do some of the females. The rest are killed.”
Esther sat in shocked silence at learning what would have happened to her if Dreydon hadn’t intervened. She couldn’t imagine being anyone’s sex slave, but especially not Zortek’s because he was an unsavory character and not human.
Dreydon got up from the chair and asked, “Would you like more soup?”
“Yes, I’m feeling hungry again.” She was grateful he was attempting to change the subject.
He walked over to the stove and once again there was heat under the pot.
Leaving the armchair, Esther moved next to Dreydon and asked, “How do you turn on the gas? You didn’t touch the stove.”
“There is no gas. I manifest the flames.”
“Oh, it’s more magic.” She looked inside the sink and saw nothing there. The two bowls and earthenware container were upside down on the draining board together with the serrated knife. He’d either washed-up or used magic to make them clean. There was no sign of the spoon.
“Do you want bread?”
“That would be good. I’ll get it. I saw where it’s kept.” Esther went to the cupboard and took out what remained of the loaf. The cut end didn’t look dry and, when she touched it, her fingers felt a soft, spongy texture as though the loaf had just been cut. She placed the bread and board on the table and sat down.
Before long, Dreydon joined her, bringing over the two bowls of hot soup. He went back to the draining board and collected the container and knife. At the table, he cut the rest of the loaf into slices and then stood beside her.
“Would you like water or mead to drink?”
“The water is fine. I rarely drink anything alcoholic.”
Dreydon took the pitcher from the cupboard and emptied what was left of the water into the container. “If you want more, I’ll get it from the stream.”
“This will be fine.” She sipped the icy water. “How do you keep it so cold?”
A rare smile graced his face. “It’s more of my magic. I keep the food fresh and the water cold.” Dreydon collected the chair from in front of the inglenook and sat on it.
As Esther put down the container, a spoon that was smaller than the previous one appeared by her bowl. She looked across at him and said, “Thank you.”
“I saw how the other one was too big for you. I forgot you are small.”
They ate their soup without talking. She used the spoon and, as before, he drank from the bowl. Esther was astonished how he could swallow the very hot broth so quickly without showing any sign of discomfort. One slice of bread was sufficient for her because the delicious soup was really filling. He ate several slices but always offered the bread to her before taking more. His line of vision seldom moved away from her face.
“There is enough soup for one more helping. Shall I get it for you?”
“No, I’m full. You have it.”
He filled his bowl and put the empty pot and ladle into the sink. While drinking his soup, he ate the rest of the bread. Just like Zortek, this demgel certainly had an appetite, but that wasn’t surprising because they were rather large individuals.
Dreydon cleared the table and put his chair back by the inglenook. They returned to where they were sitting before. He continued to stare at her and by now she would be wondering what was wrong if he stopped doing it. Perhaps he’s never seen a human before? No, that wasn’t the reason for the steady gaze because he said he’d been to Earth. Esther didn’t believe what he’d told her before, she knew she wasn’t beautiful. He’d made that remark to counter-attack her reprimand about his staring, but as long as he wasn’t looking at her in the same way she gazed at chocolate cake, then it didn’t matter. She hoped he didn’t view her as his next tasty meal.
He threw a couple more logs on the fire and she sat back in the comfortable armchair.
Chapter Eight
Dreydon sat watching the human female. She appeared to have stopped thinking about how to escape, but she could be pretending that getting away from him was no longer important. If he looked into her thoughts, he would know for sure, but he didn’t want to take that action; it was a breach
of her privacy. From his brief intrusions into her mind he knew her name was Esther, yet there was much more he wanted to know. He reasoned that if he said her name, she would realize how he’d gained it. Then she’d be angry, as she was when she discovered he could understand her thoughts. For some reason, he wanted her to enjoy being with him and not be irritated or scared. She didn’t seem frightened, but he’d sensed her fear when he’d carried her away from Zortek. Dreydon liked her determination to act as though nothing was alarming her. She had courage and that was a quality he admired.
Feeling the need to learn more about her, he said, “I have answered your questions so now will you answer mine?”
“Yes, if I can.”
“You know my name, what is yours?”
“It’s Esther Nolan. Do demgels have a last name?”
“No, we have just one. You said your friend will be worried about you. What about your family? Surely they will know you’re missing?”
“I have no family. My friends are the only ones who will wonder what happened to me if I don’t return soon.”
That seemed odd to Dreydon. He knew humans loved their families and held them in high regard. Perhaps she has chosen not to stay close to her family for some reason?
“How did Zortek abduct you? Did he pose as a human in order to become acquainted with you?”
Esther smiled and that was sheer delight. “No, he posed as an angel.”
Dreydon knew angels didn’t live openly on Earth. “I don’t understand. To my knowledge, angels who reside on your planet are unknown as such to humans.”
“Okay, I guess I need to explain. Remember when I said the word date could also mean when people go out together? Well, there are businesses that set up dates for people. They find men and women who are compatible in their interests, their work, or their ideals, and they make it possible for those people to meet. Recently, a few of these businesses have employed men to dress up as angels and go on dates with women. My friends decided to give me a date with an angel as my birthday gift and…”
“Ah, birthdays are considered important on Earth.”
“Aren’t they important on Kurbridor?”
“For some perhaps they are, but not for demgels.”
“Oh. Anyway, my date was Zortek and he was dreadful. He had no manners, hardly spoke a word, and actually sniffed me when I was leaving. Of course, now I know why he did that.”
“Yes, so that he could easily find you later.”
“That’s what he did last night just before I was going to bed. He suddenly appeared in my home out of nowhere and did some kind of magic that prevented me from moving. Then he tied me up with rope and brought me to Kurbridor.”
“You must have been terrified?”
“I was frightened. Then, when I saw him kill that other demgel, I guess I was terrified.”
“Have you never seen anyone killed before?”
“No, and I hope I never have to witness another killing.”
“You are a gentle human.”
“That’s me, a big softy. When you came along and glued me to the ground, I thought you might be going to kill me. Now, that seems funny. You’ve been kind, given me food, and let me sleep in your bed. I am grateful, but I’ve been so confused and upset that I haven’t expressed my gratitude. I apologize for that.”
“I have no wish to frighten or upset you, but I’m concerned you’ll try to leave my home without me. I cannot sufficiently stress how dangerous it would be for you to be out there on your own.”
“I think I’ve finally got that message. Just the thought of being captured by another demgel and what would then happen to me has stopped me thinking about escaping.”
Dreydon was filled with relief but didn’t understand why he was feeling so concerned about this human.
“You’re a demgel, so does that mean you’ll want to make me your sex slave?”
Is she asking a serious question? As he looked at her, Esther grinned, so it occurred to Dreydon she didn’t really think he would force her to have sex with him. Suddenly, his inner demon suggested he should make this woman their sex slave.
“Oh, Dreydon, you look so solemn. I was just making a joke. Don’t demgels have a sense of humor?”
He liked the way she said his name. “You are quite strange, making a joke about something that must be an alarming experience for a human.”
“We do poke fun at things that frighten us.”
They sat in silence for a while. Dreydon kept telling his demon to go to sleep, but he was insisting on pointing out how desirable Esther was becoming. She was very small and that meant when having sex with her she would be small and tight. His cock stirred in response to the demon’s observation. Compared to demgel females, human women were submissive during sex. That would be so erotic for someone who had battled for dominance in most acts of love-making with the females of his kind. Now, his cock was growing rigid. If he didn’t distract his demon, he would become ruled by the beast, grab Esther and drag her into his bed.
“You didn’t want mead earlier, but would you like some now?”
“I’ve never had mead. I don’t really like alcohol, so I’m sure I wouldn’t like it. Doesn’t it taste bitter?”
“When it is only brewed with hops it does, but this mead is sweetened with spices and fruit. It’s made by the centaurs. Please try it.”
“Okay. It might make me feel a little less tense about everything that has happened during the past twenty-four hours.”
Dreydon got up and went to the cupboard. He took out one of the stone bottles that contained the mead. With his other hand, he grabbed two narrow containers and brought everything over to the inglenook. He sat down, popped the bottle’s cork stopper, poured some of the contents into both containers and handed one to Esther.
“Taste the mead and if you do not like it, I’ll get you some water.”
She sat forward and took a tiny sip of the golden liquid. After another sip she smiled and commented, “I’ve never tasted anything quite like that before. It’s sweet, but not too sugary and there’s something almost comforting about it.”
He nodded. “I believe the centaurs mix a little magic in the brew.”
Esther relaxed back in the armchair. She continued to slowly sip her mead while he drank his more steadily.
“I’m puzzled about a couple of things. First, you said I’d have been Zortek’s sex slave if you hadn’t intervened. I don’t doubt what you’ve told me, but he didn’t indicate in any way that he was sexually interested in me. He was just rude, strange, and frightening.” She looked thoughtful for a moment. “But, of course, he did say females exist to give pleasure to males.”
“That would indicate he was thinking about you in that way. Zortek would not risk touching you sexually before taking you to his mejin. If he did, the mejin would kill him for daring, as he would see it, to soil the one from whom he would make a fetch.”
“And what would happen to me in that circumstance?”
“You would also be killed. The mejin wouldn’t want to create your fetch if Zortek had already been sexual with you.”
“So what you’re saying is either way I was doomed if you hadn’t rescued me?”
“Yes.”
“The second thing that puzzles me is why Zortek didn’t fly with me like you did when you brought me here. Why did he make me walk?”
“That is one of the rules of capture laid down by the mejins. I believe it’s done for two reasons. Mejins know demgels only capture those with whom they want to have sex. If the demgel holds a captive close during flight, that might encourage him or her to not wait for the reward. The scent of humans, in particular, is a strong temptation and is more pervasive when the captive is held close. I think the second reason is because mejins enjoy making demgels suffer. To have to walk instead of fly involves a longer time span, and spending more time with someone you want, but must not touch, has to be very unsettling.”
Esther sat sipping her mead,
looking thoughtful and saying nothing further. Dreydon was hoping the mead would lull his internal demon into relaxed disinterest. Even without any prodding from that part of his inner self, he knew he felt attracted to this human. He hoped Narrak would give him a positive report about her, but it wouldn’t really matter. In a day or so, he would be taking her back to Earth.
“All the more reason,” his demon whispered, “to take her now.”
Dreydon finished his mead. He offered the bottle to Esther, but she shook her head, so he emptied the remaining brew into his container. Looking closely at her, he thought she might be exhausted. He asked, “Are you tired?”
She yawned. “Yes, I think the mead is making me feel drowsy.” Esther leaned over the arm of the chair and placed her container down on the edge of the hearth. She yawned again and snuggled into a corner of the armchair.
Just then there was a scratching sound at the front door.
“That will be Toldo. He always lets me know when he is ready to come in for the night.” He stood up, went to the door and opened it. In came the wolf. He padded over to the fire and, noticing Esther, he nuzzled her legs. Then Toldo lay down between the two chairs.
After closing the door, Dreydon came back and sat down. He continued drinking his mead while staring at the woman. Her eyes closed and then opened. She repeated this action until her eyes finally stayed closed. Her even breathing verified she had gone to sleep.
Dreydon finished his drink. Then he took both containers and the empty bottle to the sink. He emptied what was left of her mead down the drain. Next, he moved his hand in front of the half faucet. Hot water poured out and he rinsed the pot, the bottle, the crockery and the cutlery under it. When the flow stopped, he placed everything on the draining board. After mentally saying the spell that sterilized any harmful bacteria that might be lurking on them, Dreydon returned to his chair. He sat stroking Toldo.
Stolen Away Page 6
