by Eden Redd
Lewd Kingdoms
Fallen Throne
Book 2
A Lewd Saga Adventure
Eden Redd
Lewd Kingdoms: Fallen Throne: A Lewd Saga Adventure © copyright 2018 Eden Redd
All Rights Reserved
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“I crossed a thousand leagues to come to you and lost the best part of me along the way. Don't tell me to leave.” ~ Jamie Lannister, A Storm of Swords
*Lewd Kingdoms: Fallen Throne is book two in a three-book trilogy taking place in the sensual high fantasy VRMMORPG Lewd Saga. You do not have to read the previous books in the series but there are references from the mythology, events and some of the characters and their adventures.
Please enjoy the epic adventure.
~Eden
Follow the links below to the Lewd Saga Series. They’re arranged in the correct order to read.
Lewd Saga Adventures
Lewd Knights
Lewd Knight 2.0: Middle Kingdoms
Lewd Paladin: Shadow of Fate
Lewd Necromancer: Raiding Hearts
Lewd Rogue: Golden Desires
Lewd Dragon: Bright Storm
Lewd Knight 3.0: Serpent Horizon
Lewd Paladin: Dread of Night
Lewd Shadowmancer: The Concubine Contract
Lewd Rogue: Master’s Coin
Lewd Kingdoms
Lewd Kingdoms: Shadow’s Edge
Or buy the 7-book collection in one omnibus
Lewd Saga Omnibus: 7 Book Collection
One
Edric pulled aside the thick curtain, eyes to the western horizon. The sun sank low as the bright azure sky turned a fiery yellow and orange. The summoner’s eyes fell to the thick city wall and then down to the street where citizens moved about. Glancing back up, he let out a slow exhale through his nose, his mind a storm of protective thoughts.
Edric turned from the window. An opaque curtain snuffed out a feeble ray of sunlight as it fell into place. The low lantern light gave the nearly empty chamber a comforting glow. Rayna stood; her back against the wall. Edric caught himself drinking in her petite form. Tight leather covered her from neck to toe. Only the creamy glow of her cleavage radiated out like a summoning spell for one to drown in. Hair combed forward, it was raven black with streaks of dark and light purple. At the side of her boots and leaning against the wall was her lute.
A haggard lizard woman sat in the only wooden chair in the room. She leaned forward, dark eyes on the summoner and licking the edges of her scaled mouth. The old nalik’s mouth smoothed into a smirk while the scales on her snout remained cracked and weathered. She stared down the length of her short snout at the lord summoner as he turned his body to face her and the bard leaning against the wall.
“We have appointed several locations, such as this one, to act as safe houses,” Edric began. “Rayna and I will be the only ones to know every location for your safety, as well as the safety of your people and the dragon eggs.”
The old nalik nodded, “Thank you Lord Temple and Lady Discord. My people will fill these homes from time to time. You understand that we cannot tell you which house will be occupied and which will not.”
Edric smiled. “Vanya, it’s completely understandable. The less anyone knows about the dragon eggs, the better.”
Rayna closed her eyes as she spoke, “You understand that you cannot move around until after sunset? The trolls are not allowed in the city after dark. Do not talk to anyone, even the guards, if you run into trouble.”
The bard opened her eyes, leaned forward and stood up, hand diving into the open top of her outfit and pulling out a medallion. Rayna took a few steps to the nalik. Vanya lifted a scaled hand and the bard dropped the medallion in her smooth palm. The lizard woman looked down at the small metal pendant, a symbol of a tree with angel wings spreading out from the trunk.
Rayna looked down with purple irises and smirked, “We only had a few of these made. Show them to the Gray Haven Keep guards and they will escort you to either me or Edric.”
Vanya slipped the medallion into her robe, “Thank you, but will Lady Riverwood and Lady Pearl understand what we are doing?”
“Ladies Pearl and Riverwood understand the need for secrecy,” Edric smiled. “The important thing is to make sure any new dragon egg guardians find a safe place before continuing their journey to the hidden nurseries.”
Vanya’s small smile faded as her dark eyes glanced down, “What of the trolls taking residency here in Elora? I have seen them moving about after sunset.”
Edric nodded. “There are only a few troll families living in Elora and they have been allowed to make homes in the Discord district.”
“I have people watching them to ensure they are upstanding citizens,” Rayna added.
The summoner could see the dash of concern in Vanya’s dark eyes. “It’s a necessary action to have them here to further build trust with the trolls and the Middle Kingdoms. By integrating them with the people of Elora, there is less of a chance of any direct conflict.”
Vanya nodded and chuckled softly, “I understand you are playing politics with the Kunarr, a necessary evil in these times of war. I do not hold it against you for we all must try to work within such strange times.”
“The safe houses are scattered in the Temple and Pearl districts. Any of your people may arrive through the northern gate and can exit the eastern gate. The safe houses are warded against scrying and divination magic. Food and water will be provided in each home along with comfortable bedding. Your people will be able to rest well before moving on,” Edric stated.
Vanya slowly stood up, legs a little shaky. Rayna and Edric moved to assist her but she waved them away. Taking a few steps toward the summoner, she lifted a scaled hand and touched his cheek. Edric looked down at the smiling nalik as she regarded him with an almost loving gaze.
“With the dragon kingdoms enslaved, the guardians of the Sindrell young continue to move from secret place to secret place. Your kindness has been whispered to many and I expect a growing number of guardians will arrive before moving on. There are no words for the gratitude we feel from your generosity. One day, I hope we can repay you.”
Edric touched the palm of his hand to Vanya’s hand at his cheek, “We all know how difficult it has been. I was there when Lythor fell. Someone I cared about was taken from me and I promised to fight back against the monsters. I extend my promise to you and all the guardians; Elora is a city for your protection.”
Vanya nodded before her hand slipped from his touch. “When the dragons do return, they will sing songs of your kindness.”
The old nalik looked away, a concern brewing in her dark eyes. Edric was about to ask what was wrong when she turned her small snout to him, eyes filled with burning knowledge.
“Lord Temple and Lady Discord, there is an evil stalking us. Many of my people have spoken of a dread lord hunting us down. He employs the dead and…some twisted monsters to seek us out, slaying the guardians and taking the eggs.”
Shadows grew under Rayna’s eyes, “Maggar Wormwood.”
Edric looked to Rayna with a raised eyebrow.
“You know of him,” Vanya nodded.
“He’s a dread lord who likes to experiment. Some of the recent refugees have spoken of him and some of his twisted creations. I have never seen so many so afraid.”
“His monsters have dogged our every step and plundered hidden sanctuaries. They slay any guardian they can find and take the eggs to their dark master. I fear he may be performing unspeakable acts o
n the young unborn dragons.”
Vanya looked up to Edric, “We grow desperate as many travel to keep the monsters far behind us but your city may be caught in the crossfire.”
Edric gave the elderly nalik a kind smile, “We know the risks and we stand by our vow to help.”
Rayna looked up, the shadows bleeding away, “If they come, we will show them a concert they will never forget.”
Edric and Vanya both smirked at the bard in black.
“Very good,” Vanya exhaled.
“Let us see you to the street,” Edric said as he pointed an open hand to the doorway.
The three made for the door, Vanya entwining her arm into Edric’s. The summoner let her lean into his arm, happy to help her along. Rayna lifted her lute from the floor and pulled the strap over her head, the instrument lying against her back. A few moments later, they were out on a cobblestone street. The sun had set behind the horizon and a purple sky filled the heavens. Stars twinkled to life and a cool breeze flowed along the stony streets.
Vanya took in her surroundings before turning her attention to Edric, “This is where we part my lord.”
Edric gave a comforting nod, “We can walk you home.”
The nalik pulled her arm away as she shook her head, “No thank you my lord. The evening air will soothe my nerves and I cannot be seen with the lord and ladies of Elora too much or many will talk.”
Vanya turned and faced down the street to the Northern wall. “A gentle walk will do much for my tired bones. If I need you, I will come to you.”
Edric and Rayna bowed.
“Always a pleasure, Vanya,” Edric said softly before standing straight up again.
“As to you both,” Vanya bowed her serpent head.
The summoner and bard watched as the old nalik turned and began walking down one of the side streets. Her pace was steady and a little slow. Edric could not help himself. He wanted to escort her home but her words echoed in his head. Elora had become a new destination for many, NPC’s and players alike. The chances of word getting around grew with each new day. As much as it internally burned to let her go without an escort, he placed his trust in her knowledge and experience to see herself home, unharmed.
Rayna looked up at Edric as he stared at the nalik and gave him an elbow to the ribs. Edric looked down at the smiling bard as he touched his ribs.
“She’ll be fine. The city has never been safer except for the troll families that moved in,” the bard said with a slightly serious tone.
“I have been meaning to ask about that,” Edric rubbed his ribs for a moment before letting his hand drop to his side.
“Trolls trickle in every few days. They are creating a little area in the Discord district to live in peace but that hasn’t stopped some of the locals from getting a little rowdy and rude. The guards have broken up several fights in the last two months.”
Edric’s mind swirled. It had been two months since Caspian and his fellow players tried to destroy Elora’s city core and take the kingdom for themselves. The player felt they were lucky to defend it from the knight and caused all of them to work harder to shore up the city guard and their defenses.
Since the discussion to add a troll beacon crystal to the city core, the citizens of Elora begrudgingly agreed to open the city doors to troll families who wished to relocate to the thriving kingdom. The wine and runic stone trade steadily grew, meaning there was work for many during this questionable time in Lukken’s history. Claudia and Rayna were hesitant to allow troll citizens into the kingdom but surprisingly, Faye was the most vocal against it. Edric still thought about the wood elf as she pushed to not allow them in. The player knew she was very much for the people of Elora and they had spoken of their misgivings for allowing the enemy within the walls. It took Edric a few days to convince her to work toward a brighter future but when it came down to a vote, Claudia and Rayna decided to back the summoner while Faye abstained. Edric’s heart dropped in his chest as the wood elf stood up and left the common room. In the last few months, the two hardly spoke as they carried on ruling side by side.
Rayna watched as the summoner’s eyes took on a faraway gaze, reliving some old memory. “You’re thinking about Faye.”
Edric woke from his daydreaming and looked to the bard. “I’m always thinking about all of us.”
The bard smirked, “That’s sweet, but she’ll come around.”
“It’s been almost two months. I don’t know if our friendship will be the same.”
The bard stepped closer, hand touching the side of Edric’s waist, “And what about the rest of us? You still haven’t taken me up on my training offer and I’m starting to feel neglected.”
Edric lifted a hand and ran the back of his fingers along her pale neck. “Soon, I promise.”
Rayna’s brow formed a hard V. “I don’t normally let anyone string me along, so just know that what we have is something special. Don’t take too long.”
The bard pulled back as Edric eyed her. Rayna turned and began marching toward the keep in the center of the city. Edric soon followed. The player let out a long exhale as city and relationship politics shifted into muddy waters. The summoner’s fellow rulers held a special place in his heart but the ongoing fear of losing the kingdom chased his every thought. His concern was enough to distract him when the bard clearly wanted to spend time with him.
Edric stared at the bard’s lute strapped to her back before picking up the pace and following. When he reached her side, the bard leaned into him, knocking him off balance and causing him to stumble. Rayna laughed as the summoner regained his balance. Reaching out, she took his hand and gave it a squeeze before throwing it away and breaking into a run. Edric smiled as he gave chase, warmth filling his heart.
***
Vanya walked along, the evening air flowing over weathered scales. Hood down, she looked up into the night sky, renewed purpose filling her ancient heart. The nalik savored the taste as it gave her a small surge of new life. Thoughts mentally organized into planned actions as she readied herself to lead the lost to new homes and safer horizons.
The nalik’s attention snapped back to the digital reality as something thick reached from the nearby alley and took hold of her gray robe. Vanya barely made a sound as a thick blue arm pulled her into the dark alley. Clawed hands rose up as she attempted to defend herself when the hand let go, throwing her back against a wall. The elderly lizard woman huffed as she raised her eyes and snout to two heavily muscled trolls. They glared down at the old nalik with black eyes and brimming cruelty in their body language. Dark blue skin shined in the limited light but the gaze of contempt glowed brighter than any light source.
“It’s past sundown. Shouldn’t you two be in your camp outside the city?” Vanya hissed.
“We lost our way,” one troll said.
“Took a wrong shortcut,” said the other.
“You both seem stupid…..but that’s not how it is…..is it,” Vanya said, her back still to the wall.
One troll nodded as he stood over her, “We can’t help but notice you make the rounds regularly, especially after dark.”
“How would you know that if you’re not allowed in the city after dark,” Vanya spit.
The troll’s mouth twisted into a wide grin. “Don’t be coy. We know your people are carrying and we just want some of that sweet gold reward. Tell us where we can find one or two of your friends and you get to live and so do they.”
“Otherwise, they will not live…and neither will you,” said the other.
Vanya’s eyes turned into two slits. “I have no idea what you two meatheads are talking about.”
The troll standing over Vanya let out an annoyed exhale. “It seems to us that you don’t want to cooperate with our special investigation.”
“It does sound like that,” said the other troll behind him.
“The lord and ladies will not…..” Vanya was cut off.
“The lord and ladies are puppets!” growled the
troll. “We know you’re hiding them. We only want to find a few. Tell us where some of your friends are and we won’t break all your limbs. No one is going to miss a few eggs, now will they?”
The old nalik eyed them, anger bubbling up into her voice. “Tell your masters, Vanya Grayscale spits on their entire existence.”
The troll standing over her let out a sigh as his fingers curled around the pommel of his sheathed sword. “Now you have gone and insulted our masters. Like all transgressions, there is a price to pay.”
The troll drew his sword in one smooth move. The troll behind him smiled evilly before he heard a “twang!” and his eyes went wide. Vanya looked over to the second troll, her eyes widening and a smile forming. The troll reached up, grabbing at the arrow poking out from its throat. The troll struggled to speak as a meaty hand clumsily grabbed at it. A second arrow whistled through the evening air and penetrated the back of the troll’s head, the point bursting through the eye socket. The troll gurgled and tried to cry out as it reached for its companion.
The troll standing over Vanya turned his head, eyes watching in pure horror as his fellow troll lurched toward him, a third arrow point exploding out of his other eye. Cracks made of light crisscrossed the damaged troll before he let out a weak gurgle and exploded into shards of light.
Vanya turned her attention to the remaining troll as he whirled around, sword in hand. Black eyes searched the low rooftops. A shadow fell to the side of the troll like a black raindrop. The troll barely noticed it until he turned just as a blade sliced hard across the brute’s thick neck. Black blood sprayed into Vanya’s leering face as the troll stumbled a step. The cloaked figure sheathed their sword and turned their back to the troll and Vanya. The troll let out a small moan before his head fell off and thudded on the stone alley floor. Its body cracked as it shattered into greenish shards of light.
The cloaked figure darted off as Vanya pushed off the wall, troll blood streaming down her face and snout. The elderly nalik looked down to see the head of the decapitated troll still there, tongue out and eyes rolled into the back of its head. When she looked back up, the figure was gone.
