The Magus (A Chronicle of Rebirth Book 1)

by J. M. Fletcher

  While not his favorite post, it was not the worst. The tower was on the western wall overlooked the Torbian Sea and the Kings road with its incoming wagons and merchant bands from the Upper Kingdoms. Off in the distance was the constant plume of black smoke from the Apostate camp. Lucas glanced up to the moon starting to rise, he had not spoken much during his shift.

  Richard clasped his friend’s shoulder. “You’ve barely said a word, is there trouble brewing between you and Gwen?”

  “The Magus’s flaxen-haired whore is the problem.” Lucas rubbed his forehead, “She beat Gwen for confronting her about her wanton behavior.” He leaned against the stone wall, “She will spread her legs for any man, I’ve heard she goes so far as to fancy our Captain who trains her.”

  Richard grew solemn, “The Captain is an honorable man.”

  “I do not doubt his honor, but he is being forced to train the vixen.” Lucas smirked, “She does enjoy a man’s attention, if you approach her right she might let you take a romp with her you know.”

  Thomas walked up, “One of you ready to call it a night?”

  “Me,” Lucas glanced at Richard, “Gwenny, you know needs me.”

  Richard grinned, nodding, “Off you go then, you weren’t much use here anyway. Tell her I send my greetings.”

  Grabbing the empty flask and the pouch from his midday meal, Lucas took the stairs down to the lower part of the tower and the streets of the common quarter below.

  Thomas waited until Lucas was out of earshot. “He acted strange tonight, what’s going on with him?” He offered a handful of dried fruits and salted nuts from his food pouch to his comrade.

  Richard happily accepted the tasty mix. “You know how that woman the Magus has, is getting trained by our Captain?”

  Thomas chuckled. “Yeah, I was telling my wife about it.”

  “She beat Gwen, the woman that Lucas sees.” Richard held out his hand, “Have any more of that?”

  “Ada is a mother hen over me about not being hungry during my shift.” Thomas handed the pouch to him. “Here, I have another full one on my belt, and you’ve been here the whole day.”

  “Thanks,” he took the food. “Lucas calls her the Magus’s whore,”

  “I’m not calling her that.” Thomas shook his head, “They say the Magus paid five gold trade bars for her, more than the cost of a home in the Merchants Quarter.”

  Richard laughed, “Also, according to Lucas she will part her legs for any cock, including yours Thomas, unless Ada has cut your balls off already.”

  “Aren’t you funny? She’s a pretty one to say the least. Ada thinks the Magus has an affection for the woman to pay that much. When I told her that she was given chambers better than Gwen’s, she thought right away Gwen was on her way out of the palace.” He pulled out his wineskin while looking out over the expanse of his post. “We’re here in the palace because the Magus is as powerful if not more powerful than King Agnar or Queen Celeste. This could be a good opportunity for us.”

  “You’re right, the city guard has never been brought in to replace the palace guards like we were.” Richard folded his arms, “Getting involved in the Magus’ personal issues is Lucas being stupid, what I wouldn’t give to stand guard by her chamber all the time, instead of an outdoor post like the one we’re at.”

  “Well, Ada wouldn’t want me by that one if there’s any truth to what Lucas says. I’ll just keep this post here I think.” He laughed to himself, his wife would enjoy this gossip when he came home later.

  After finishing their evening meal, Ru’ark and Nelina returned to the chamber, which now belonged to her.

  The soldier standing watch who opened the door was a member of Ru’ark’s personal guard. “Magus, Madame”

  Ru’ark put his hand on the small of her back leading her in.

  Once inside, Nelina glanced around to see many of his possessions moved into the chamber such as clothing, books, parchments, and an inkwell on a shiny polished wood desk with an oversized dark maroon cushioned chair.

  Giving her a quick kiss on the cheek Ru’ark sat down in the large chair and picked up his quill to pen notes for his research. “You may find your rest if you wish. I unfortunately have work that I need to do.”

  “I-” She did not continue with her sentence and instead made her way behind the changing screen to find a sleeping gown waiting for her. She undressed and then slipped it on over her head. In the thin violet nightdress, she walked over to a small table by the bed and unpinned her hair.

  Ru’ark stopped mesmerized by watching her neck disappear under the soft flaxen curls that she unpinned. Noticing his own distraction, he opened one of his books that he had been delving into of late. Flipping through several pages, he worked his way to where he had left off reading.

  Nelina walked over to his desk and stood next to his chair.

  Closing his book and setting it down on the edge of his desk, he maneuvered his chair directly toward her. “Nelina-” her green eyes were filled with determination when she straddled his lap it was unexpected but not a complete surprise. “Mhm, I wonder what brings you to me in this manner?” His hands went to her slender waist.

  “I wanted to say good night,” she gave him a gentle, soft kiss on the lips.

  “Is that so?” He drew her in close to him and whispered, “You are very much like the moth that flies too close to the flame.”

  Her lips caressed his neck. “Then, I will burn for you, like the moth.”

  “Careful, you just might.” He put his hands through her hair, “I want to know why you bashed Gwen’s face in the way you did.”

  She froze, her mouth slightly parted. “I-I’m, so very sorry for hurting her, I didn’t mean-”

  “It’s not what I asked,” His hand moved downward to hold her chin between his index finger and thumb. “Don’t lie to me either,”

  Her eyes were locked with his “She- she told me that you called her to you after that last morning we had breakfast, I lost my temper with her.”

  “I did call her to me, since I could not have you.” He moved her hair off her shoulders. “I was not aware you carried affection for me Sweetling.”

  Hot tears welled up in her eyes, “I care for you,” a few trickled out amidst her fight to keep them back.

  “Stay your tears,” he wiped away a couple of them. “I’ll not touch her again if it bothers you.”

  “I would like that.” Her tears started withering away.

  A seductive smile played across his handsome face. “I am enamored of you, and you intrigue me in ways Gwen could only dream about.”

  She blushed, “I do?”

  He wrapped his arms around her, letting his hands settle around her bottom. “Indeed, as I said, when I was with Gwen I had to think of you.” His mouth demanded hers, with his tongue embracing hers. “When you are done with your training, I promise that I will indulge in you each and every way that I have imagined, and I have imagined many.”

  “But, you don’t have to wait,” she was breathless wanting more from him.

  “Ah, but I do,” he kissed her neck, then cupped her face in his hands to look at her. “Otherwise, your training won’t have your full devotion.”

  “I can’t help the way I feel about you.” She rested her hands on his strong shoulders, she could feel his firm muscles tense with her touch.

  “I can see that.” His hands slipped under her nightdress to her bare thighs before moving lower. “You are an endearing bed-slave.” His gentle fingers glided downward finding her slick arousal waiting for him.

  “I belong to you.” She was trembling and shaking, while staying entwined on his lap.

  “You do,” he guided her, slow and gentle at first against his hard shaft which was covered by his robe. After a couple rocking motions back and forth, she chose her own pace with him. He smiled to himself when he heard her gasp in pleasure at reaching her point of rapture. Her body was now a spent quivering mess on his lap. “Indeed, that was quite d
elightful, thank you for saying Goodnight.”

  “You’re welcome.” It was the best she could say.

  He stood up from his chair and set her on her feet giving her a chaste kiss on the forehead. “You will have a long day tomorrow and I want you to get a good night’s sleep for it.”

  “I will, and I hope you sleep well too.” She wrapped her arms tight around his neck, giving him a peck on the cheek.

  He hugged her back then watched her climb into bed before sitting back down at his desk.

  Gwen squeezed her fists in anger after watching Ru’ark and Nelina’s intimate exchange through the crack in the wall of her own chamber. Storming down the hall with no thought to the other slaves carrying out their chores, she pushed past them. Lucas was waiting for her by the kitchens to have their meal together and she did not want him to leave.

  “Gwenny,” He was happy she arrived. “I’ve missed you,” He gave her a quick kiss before sitting at the table.

  “I missed you throughout my day too,” she started putting their plates of food together. “How did things go today?”

  He folded his arms, “I started what we talked about earlier, I was with Richard and I saw Thomas. Between those two, things should get around pretty fast.”

  Gwen set the plates of food on the table, then sat down to join Lucas. “The Magus and his little bitch were busy tonight becoming closer,” she stared at Lucas “We need to do more,”

  “Sure, what do you have in mind?” He ate some of the potatoes and gravy.

  “You’ll have to use her body by force you can say that she threw herself at you if need be.” She poured them both some wine. “They’ll believe you, I watched her tonight climb all over him, she should be on her back at one of the brothels in the common district.”

  “I think I have an idea, but there’s no chance of it until the Magus’s protector is gone, once he is though, I’ll do it.” He reached over to take Gwen’s hand. “I love you, so if this is what you want, I’ll do it.”

  “I love you too Lucas and I know that this will work.” She smiled back at Lucas as the two finished their meal together.

  Two fortnights had passed since Nelina backhanded Gwen the way she did. She could hear the commotion of her morning meal being prepared for her which roused her up from her slumber. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she pushed herself out of the bed and made her way to the table. Awaiting her was a small pitcher of cider with a cup and a plate of food. Unlike before, her morning meal consisted of far better fare these days. Small portions of lean chicken, vegetables, fruits, and bread were a nice change from the horrid gruel from before.

  “Madame, apologies, I meant to leave your garments before you awoke.” The older woman with dark hair strewn with silvery gray streaks smiled. She laid down the clothing on the bench by the bed, then walked over and refilled Nelina’s cup. “I’m Bridget,”

  “Nelina,” Bridget looked around sixty winters old if she had to guess. “I appreciate the food and to see you and not Gwen.”

  “Madame, may I speak to you in a free and plain manner?” Bridget stood still with her hands folded in front of her, as was befitting for a slave.

  “I would have it no other way,” Nelina kept eating, “You can sit if you want.”

  “Thank you, Madame,” She reached over sliding a stool to sit on rather than sitting at the table with Nelina. “Not all of us like Gwen, some of us would rather see someone such as you carry out the running of the Magus’s household.”

  “Me?” She set down her cup. “I would not know the first thing about running a household as large as this, I can read and do monies as I did with my family’s timber business, but that’s it.”

  “Madame, if you can do that, I can help with the rest, as I will make sure the household runs daily as it should, if not better than what it is now.” She could see the doubt in Nelina’s wide green eyes. “The Magus has affection for you, one I have never seen him have with Gwen or any other woman in my time here.”

  Nelina shook her head. “I don’t have the authority to take away that vicious woman’s position or I would help you.”

  “Then allow me to serve you, I’ll serve you well, and you’ll have no cause for complaint.” She pleaded with Nelina. “Since Gwen refused to attend you, I think I’m the only one who braved Gwen’s wrath these last few weeks to do so.”

  “It seems then if I am to have any decent food and my garments I need you.” She grinned, “I think that will be fine Bridget, I don’t think Gwen will do anything about it.”

  “Very good then, Madame,” Bridget picked up Nelina’s finished plate. “Anything you need please don’t hesitate to call for me,” she curtsied before leaving the chamber.

  Nelina jumped up in a rush, dressing with haste into the black doeskin riding breeches and oversized dark blue tunic; she then laced her boots up ready to start her day with Adar on the grand balcony. Shutting her door, she passed down the quiet, empty halls save for the occasional sentry or a slave who attended to the needs of the palace during the night. Once or twice, she had gone by a noble who would take a moment to stare at her before she disappeared from their sight. The large archway opened up into the Royal courtyard with a few sets of tables and chairs lit by the occasional brazier. Dawn was fast approaching with the dark night having already lightened to a dull gray, which now shifted to a yellowish orange with the day’s rising sun. She found Adar as she expected on the balcony. Yet, she paused to watch his graceful, but lethal silhouette display almost dance like movements. His agility and flexibility defied what normal men were capable of, which meant that Ru’ark had given him those traits somehow. She had come to appreciate her morning sessions with Adar finding a certain measure of peace in letting her mind flow from one stance to the next. Her stances nowadays had become far more complex than when she had first started learning them.

  Adar’s back was to Nelina but he knew she was there. He withdrew his extended arm back to his side while turning around to motion her to him. She would have preferred for her training to consist of that for the day, with a steady flow from one form to the next. Instead, similar most days it revolved around standing in the hot sun on one leg while balancing bowls of water in her hands. On other days, she would find a massive bowl filled with polished river stones with her task being to run one hand after the other through the stones until her shoulders felt as if they would fall off. Afterward, she would mimic his movements as he had shown her.

  As the sun made its way above the horizon Nelina understood what was expected of her. Adar positioned himself with the sun at his back, leaving it to shine into Nelina’s eyes, forcing her to keep them closed. The idea behind it was to learn how to defend against a foe you cannot see.

  Squinting into the sunlight never helped and all she was able to rely on was Adar’s repetitive lessons to block his incoming kicks and strikes. Not remembering one motion of a stance meant finding herself knocked down. Adar putting out his hand would help her back up on her feet to try it again.

  After pulling her up, Adar motioned for her to take the defensive stance he had been teaching her.

  Nelina did as he bid her to and positioned herself in the stance. Every few days he would have her in the stance while striking her hard with an open hand to her breastbone. It did not inflict pain it but rather a pushing sensation, which made her lose her balance. Regardless of what she might try, the blow landed her to the ground each time. She readied herself as usual, awaiting the strike from Adar. However, this time when the impact hit her chest a shudder moved across her body, and for the first time her legs did not falter as she remained standing. Surprised, she looked at Adar “I did it, I can’t believe it!”

  A slight smile touched Adar’s weathered face.

  Behind them came the sound of hands clapping together from Ru’ark in his normal attire of dark blue robes trimmed in silver “My, my, well done indeed.”

  Excited, she stepped over to him beaming. “I’m glad you were able to s
ee, it’s the first time I succeeded.”

  “I’m impressed Sweetling, your dedication is impossible not to notice.” Ru’ark’s intense blue eyes picked her apart down to the folded braids at the bottom of her hairline giving her a severe yet beautiful appearance. He did not understand her hesitation in coming to him and he was determined to find out what was going on. In his unique connection with Adar, the sensation he had gotten from him was that Nelina’s fear centered on Lucas. It was disturbing to him to have to wait for her to confide in him. Adar not accompanying her today was bound to bring whatever it was to the surface.

  Behind Ru’ark, the kitchen servants brought a table and food for her. “Are you staying with me for the midday meal?”

  He held out his hand, leading her to sit down. “Although I do delight in your company, I have the unfortunate task of transcribing some of my research.”

  “Of course,” while sitting down in the comfortable chair she wished he would take the midday meal with her at least once. “Perhaps another time than if it pleases you to do so?”

  Genuine disappointment filled her eyes at the prospect of not having his company. “We will in due time,” His finger, slow and intimate traced along the curved skin of her neck, he leaned in close. “I hear your armor has at last been crafted to completion by Danthamore’s finest armorers. I’m sure you’ll not want to keep Elian waiting a moment too long on this day of all days."

  His feathered kiss on her neck sent a hot tingle through the core of her body. “I won’t be late for Elian.”

  “Good,” He stepped backward, “Adar, with me.” He paused in his walking offering her one last opportunity to ask to talk to him. Somehow, whatever held her fear over her was still stronger than telling him.

  The blood drained from her head to her toes, she held the end of the table her to steady herself, while her complexion became ashen.

  He sighed resuming his departure, once he drew out this poisonous enemy, he intended to punish the person or people harshly. Bringing things squarely into the light where they belonged, would allow him to crush it clearly in front of her.