Lewd Kingdoms: Fallen Throne: A High Fantasy Digital Adventure

by Eden Redd

  The sun shined down with brilliant light. Nuka’s hand went up, shading his eyes as they adjusted to the brightness. Blinking away the spots of light, he lowered his hand. Trolls exited tents from all around, bodies converging on the center of camp. The dull murmur grew silent as they crowded around the center.

  Nuka shouldered his way through the wall of bodies until he reached the circle’s edge. Black eyes widened as he looked down to the communal well. The well was constructed to bring water to the camp and became a central place to give orders from captains and lieutenants. Now it simply stood; five troll heads placed along the stone edge, all facing outward.

  Nuka stepped closer while everyone around him stared in silence. The head facing him was of his friend, Jarll. Eyes closed, the severed head looked peaceful, like he never woke up to what ended his life in the night.

  The troll soldier stepped closer, falling to his knees and staring in disbelief. Thick blue hands shook as a sliver of fear and pain stabbed into his heart.

  ***

  Light spilled in through the open balcony doors. Faye slowly sat up and stretched her arms, light touching her nude body. A gentle groan curled into the air as her arms fell to the bed. The wood elf stared at the morning light, a strange comfort touching her waking nerves. The player smiled for it felt good to be in the keep once again.

  Faye swung her legs over the side and simply sat. Thoughts of Edric filled her mind, causing her smile to widen just a hair. The monk couldn’t stop thinking of him ever since she returned. Part of her wanted to invite him to her room but a larger part told her to wait till the time was right. There was no need to rush into anything if there was something there to rush into. The wood elf questioned everything but before it could spiral out of control, she closed her eyes and hushed her mind. Calling on her inner strength, she eased her breathing and decided to let nature take its course when the time was right.

  A knock at the door snapped her out of her meditation.

  “Come in,” the wood elf said as she was up and grabbing her thin robe from a nearby chair.

  The wood elf had a thought it was Edric coming to wish her a good morning. Tying the rope around her waist, she turned to the door with a pleasant smile. The door opened and a dwarf stepped in with a tray of food in his hands. Faye’s smile faltered and soon melted away.

  Dumadin smiled brightly as he kicked the door closed and made his way to the elf. Faye watched as his eyes slid from her hair to her face. His vision glided over her large breasts, down her thin waist to her hips. Taking in the sight of her thighs, he looked back to her oval eyes just as he was a foot from her.

  “Good morning lass. I trust you slept well,” the dwarf grinned.

  Faye’s face turned neutral, “You didn’t have to bring me breakfast.”

  The dwarf set the tray on a nearby table, “I wanted too. When I heard you were back in the keep, I knew I had to give you a proper greeting.”

  Faye looked from the dwarf to the tray of food. It was filled with fruit, nuts, cheese and a tall glass of juice, everything she loved to break her fast. An awkward vibration filled Faye’s body as she stood. Dumadin seemed to almost chase her around the keep before she left to stay at her pagoda. It was a welcomed relief to be away from him but now that she was back, the dwarf picked up right where he left off.

  “Dumadin, thank you for breakfast but I want you to stop bringing it to me. I’m sure I can make it myself.”

  The dwarf nodded. “I know you can lass. I choose to bring it to you. You are one of the ladies I serve. Would you deny me a chance to glance at your radiant beauty?”

  Faye’s expression shifted into a tired gaze. “Dumadin, we should set some rules…..”

  The dwarf sweetly cut her off, “I know what you’re going to say. It doesn’t need to be said. Since you and your fellow rulers made me a courtesan, I live to serve. I have worked to establish the runic stone mines. It is good work but the only thing that gets me through the work is knowing I can glimpse your beauty from time to time. Even now, my day will be spent savoring it.”

  Faye’s lips closed as she eyed the dwarf.

  Dumadin bowed. “Please, enjoy your breakfast. I look forward to serving you every morning.”

  Faye watched as the dwarf turned and began walking toward the bed chamber door. Once he stepped out and closed the door behind him, the wood elf let out a small sigh. Sitting down at the small table not far from her bed, she picked up a piece of fruit and took a small bite. The morning sun warmed her tanned skin as her thoughts floated on strange clouds.

  ***

  Claudia finished making her bed, eyes glancing to the unicorn stitched into the thick blanket. Standing up, she made sure every corner was perfectly aligned and each side was the same exact length. With a slight tug here and there, she stood back and gave a silent nod to herself. Making the bed was a habit that she couldn’t break in reality or the virtual world. Knowing she couldn’t function properly if it was even slightly askew, she ensured it was just right before heading out to rule a kingdom.

  The door to the bed chamber clicked closed. The lancer turned her head slightly to see Rayna standing by the door in her black leather outfit. Silver buckles along her thighs, arms and waist shined in the shafts of morning sunlight. A lute was strapped to her back and the bard gave the lancer a warm, wicked smile.

  Claudia eyed the bard, a frown forming. “Please knock first.”

  Rayna stepped further into the room, her smile never fading. “What’s the fun in that?”

  The bard turned her gaze to a dark wood shelf. Two crystal unicorn statues stood, almost glowing against the brightness in the room. Claudia watched as Rayna stepped over, lifting a finger to trace along the small statue’s crafted curves.

  “Is there something you want to talk about,” Claudia asked as she fought down the nervous tremble in her spine.

  “I just wanted to talk a little before we meet in the throne room. Maybe clear the air between us,” Rayna said, never taking her eyes off the statues.

  Claudia crossed her arms and looked away, “There is nothing to say.”

  Rayna turned around and faced the lancer, smile shrinking. “We both know that’s not true. We should talk….if Edric is going to be involved with us.”

  The lancer kept her arms crossed as she turned her gaze to the bard. “We are all adults.”

  Rayna tilted her head forward and let out a tired sigh. “Claudia, I know you’re falling for him. It’s how you are. You love men with big dreams. I saw it when you were with Caspian and I see it again with Edric. It’s nothing to be ashamed about.”

  Claudia’s brow hardened. “You didn’t have to come here to tell me that. I know. I’m not ashamed.”

  Rayna nodded. “I know, but I had to come to you to tell you I have my sights set on him. I wanted to let you know.”

  Claudia remained silent, eyes looking away for a moment.

  Rayna stepped closer, purple eyes drinking in the lancer’s body language. “Do I still make you nervous?”

  The lancer’s brow softened, eyes cast downward.

  Rayna stood before the lancer, looking up to her as Claudia looked away. “That night was beautiful between us. I still remember it clearly. You let your guard down and the real you came out.”

  Claudia couldn’t bring herself to return Rayna’s gaze. “I only did it because Caspian wanted to watch. I’d rather not talk about it anymore.”

  The bard lifted a hand and touched Claudia’s cheek. It was then, the lancer returned the bard’s gaze, eyes drinking in an understanding between them.

  “You hide behind so many walls, even here. I want you to know, I loved the one night we were together.”

  Rayna pulled her hand away. “You know how I am when things spiral out of control for me. I’m choosing Edric to help balance me. I just wanted to let you know.”

  The bard called up her inventory screen and mentally tapped on an item. Holding her hand up, a crystal unicorn appeared, simila
r to the ones on Claudia’s shelf. It shined with azure light. Claudia’s eyes widened as she stared at the little unicorn statue between them. A long second ticked by before her eyes narrowed.

  “Are you trying to buy me off?”

  Rayna’s face shifted into genuine understanding. “No. Edric will be spending time with me.”

  The bard turned and stepped to the unicorn shelf, “I saw it in one of the local shops. I know you’re trying to get a unicorn mount, so when I saw it, I had to get it for you.”

  Rayna placed it on the shelf, letting her fingers linger before pulling away. “You may not trust me but I see you as my friend.”

  The bard turned and walked for the door. Claudia’s hand trembled, wanting to reach up to stop her. When her hand could not, her voice did.

  “Rayna, wait.”

  The bard reached the door and turned her head slightly.

  The lancer took a step forward, “Thank you for the gift. It means a lot to me.”

  Rayna let a small smirk slip before she opened the bedchamber door and stepped out, closing it behind her.

  Claudia stepped to the shelf, eyes on the new unicorn and giddiness in her heart.

  ***

  The throne room was quiet except for a small tapping sound. Guards lined each wall to the left and right of the room while shafts of colored light streamed in from one side through stained glass windows. The cool air filled the vast chamber. Four figures each sat on a stone throne. Rayna sat on the outer left-hand side, stringing her lute while Claudia sat on the far-right side, back rigid and body poised. Faye sat on the middle left while Edric sat on the middle right, finger tapping away.

  “Why is this taking so long?” the summoner asked with an annoyed tone.

  “Thalia said our guest was a handful. She told Thalia that she had important information and services but only if she met with us directly,” Claudia answered.

  Leeta stood behind the thrones; arms crossed and spiked mace hanging from her belt. The ogre kept her face blank but her mind kept flowing back to her wine collection. She pondered if she could kidnap her master for a private party. When she smiled to herself, she quickly smoothed it away, wanting to appear like she was ready to hurt someone.

  A side door opened and a figure cart-wheeled out. Guards turned their heads as the four rulers looked down the dais steps. Thalia slithered out next from the open door, arms out as if to catch the spinning figure. Purple and black swirled together until the guest landed on her feet and gave a little hop into the air. The lamia slithered to the woman’s side, huffing and puffing as if she had been chasing her through the keep.

  “Lord and Ladies of Elora! Thank you for seeing me!” the woman said loudly as she bent at the hips into a deep bow.

  Edric kept his gaze steady as the woman stood straight, her body clothed in a skin-tight body suit. Black and purple checkered diamond designs covered her from neck to toe. A jester’s hat covered the top of her head and smoothed around the rest, leaving only her face exposed. Wide eyes looked up with a bright fire as black eyeliner defined her gaze. Black lipstick covered her lips and as she smiled, perfect white teeth glowed. The woman’s face was pale white but her demeanor cried out that she was anything but dull.

  Thalia faced the thrones and bowed. “I’m sorry my lord and ladies. She was difficult to guide here,” the lamia huffed.

  “It wouldn’t be an entrance if I walked in,” the pale woman smiled brightly.

  Edric, Faye, Claudia and Rayna simply stared.

  Thalia regained her composure and lifted her chin, “Introducing Lunatina, adventurer from the east of Journey Road.”

  The jester bowed again before standing up with a creepy wide smile. The four rulers sat back, eyes still on the woman in purple and black, question’s painting their brows.

  “Thank you for seeing me. I wanted to meet the four rulers of Elora in person so I may offer my services.”

  “I didn’t know we were looking for any services,” Rayna said with a sardonic grin.

  The jester returned the grin, “Since I see no court jester, I assume you are in need of one.”

  Faye leaned closer to Edric, “Do we need a court jester?”

  Edric was silent. He never thought about it before and wasn’t sure it was something they needed for the kingdom.

  Edric cleared his throat before he spoke. “Lady….Lunatina, I don’t believe we are looking for…..”

  The jester cut him off, “How about a master alchemist?”

  Brows rose as they looked down on the jester.

  Lunatina gave a knowing smile. “I’m sure you have plenty of alchemists in the kingdom but I doubt they have the level of experience I can bring to Elora. I have been looking for a new home for a very long time and when I heard of the splendor of your city, I thought I would bring my skills to you.”

  Edric leaned forward, “That is very kind but we must confer if we need a master alchemist at this time.”

  Lunatina kept her mad gaze, her mouth smiling wider. “Playing hard ball, are we? Your kingdom will prosper with my skills and recipes. What if I sweetened the pot? If after what I tell you next doesn’t impress you, then we part ways, no harm or ill will.”

  Edric wasn’t sure what was happening. He glanced to his fellow rulers and either received blank gazes or a shrug. Looking back down on the jester, she held herself with extreme confidence and a crazy gleam in her eyes. Edric wasn’t sure what to make of her except that she was eager to give her all to be part of Elora. Her ultimatum was inviting as he sat back and mulled it over for a moment. Having a master alchemist might be useful in Elora’s defense. No one spoke or said a word edgewise. Edric gave the pale jester a head nod, not sure what to expect.

  Lunatina’s smile shrank a little as she spoke, “Before the Middle Kingdoms were conquered; I served under King Lord Belmont. I served him right to the last moment where his madness consumed him and he was slain defending the kingdoms from the troll armies. Freed of my duties, I wandered Lukken in search of a new home, one where I could be an asset. If you take me as a courtesan, I will bring not only my knowledge of alchemy to you but my knowledge of the Middle Kingdoms as well.”

  Edric’s heart hammered in his chest. The jester’s knowledge was too tempting to pass up. No royal family survived the slaughter. Now, someone with working knowledge of the kingdoms could tip the scales in their favor. Calming down, the summoner made it appear like he was mulling it over.

  “It is an inviting offer,” Edric said with a gentle smile, “Would you mind if we spoke on it? You are welcome to stay until we can come to a decision.”

  The jester grinned, “As you will my lord and ladies. I wait patiently for your….”

  The jester was cut off as a side door slammed open. All eyes turned to large trolls entering the throne room, Ralis in the middle. The troll diplomat’s face was stern as he glided to the dais steps. Two trolls accompanied him with a large sack in their hand. Thalia and Lunatina were herded to the side as trolls formed a semi-circle behind the diplomat. The mood turned sharp as black eyes gazed up at the four rulers.

  “Good to see you Ralis,” Edric began. “How can we help you today?”

  Ralis’s brow was tight as his dark eyes narrowed. “Lord Temple, Lady Riverwood, Lady Pearl and Lady Discord, I have come to you with an urgent matter that must be addressed immediately.”

  The two trolls to Ralis’s side opened the sacks in their hands. Edric watched as they turned them over. Five severed troll heads spilled out onto the dais steps. The four rulers looked down with calm gazes as the heads rolled to a stop, their faces facing in several directions.

  Ralis continued with heat in his tone, “The killer entered the camp last night and slew five of my soldiers in their sleep and placed their heads on the edge of the well. The killer was not spotted by anyone in camp. You assured me if I kept my people out of the city after dark, they would be safe. Now this troll killer is sneaking into camp, the one we agreed upon being a safe have
n, and have slaughtered my people in their sleep.

  “I demand something be done or my masters will find the kingdom of Elora responsible for every troll death!”

  Edric remained silent, eyes on the frustrated diplomat. Faye remained calm as a spring pond. Rayna looked down at her lute as if the troll wasn’t even in the room. It was Claudia who cleared her throat and addressed the diplomat.

  “Ralis, we will address this concern immediately.”

  The troll eyed the green haired lancer and nodded. “Thank you, Lady Pearl, but I will need all of your assurances before I send a raven to my masters.”

  Edric’s brow wrinkled. He didn’t like that Ralis was trying to push his way. The summoner and his fellow rulers agreed secretly to allow diplomatic relations with the trolls to buy time. They were still nowhere near ready for an assault on the Middle Kingdoms and it burned him to know that they must keep up the farce in the name of peaceful relations. Ralis was nothing but a gentleman in the kingdom but it was well known that he was also spying for his masters. Despite knowing that, it clawed at Edric’s insides to help him. The player wasn’t sure if it was his good nature or a need to survive but deep down, he wanted to help the troll, if only to stop him from making their lives a living hell.

  Edric’s brow softened as he leaned forward, “Ralis, it will now become our priority to stop this mad killer afflicting your people.”

  Faye nodded. “We will put a stop to it.”

  Rayna strummed her lute for a long moment before her lips parted, “Sure, we’ll help.”

  Ralis bowed deeply, “Thank you my lord and ladies. If there is any assistance I or my people can provide, please do not hesitate to ask.”

  With that, Ralis stood up, turned and walked out of the throne room. All of his trolls followed except for two as they gathered the troll heads and stuffed them into sacks. The rulers watched as the last head was placed in a sack and the remaining trolls left.