I positioned myself in front of the rock face and then turned to Diana and Tina. “This might sound like gibberish; I’m going to use my telekinetic ability to see into the rock, but I’m going to enhance it with my strongest skill, which is remote viewing. I may be standing here for minutes at a time but not be aware of my surroundings. If I lose balance, I could fall over and not know it until I ‘come back’. If you two would allow me to put an arm around your waist, I wouldn’t have to worry about it.”
Tina giggled. “Like you have to ask to touch me!” Diana nodded and I pulled them close. Noam, who had been listening, stood directly behind me and I knew I couldn’t have fallen if I’d wanted to.
I focused on the mountain and let my telekinesis guide through the stone; my viewing amplified what I was seeing and gave me a wider field of vision. I looked back through the mountain far enough to deem it impractical to mine here. We moved fifty yards east and I began looking again. I’d noticed that Celina was moving along the wall to the east to get ahead of us. We worked the wall for an hour before Celina called for me from a couple hundred yards away, her amplified voice sounding amusingly childlike as it echoed off the mountain. I marked my spot and made my way to her. She’d burned an ‘X’ into the stone. “Look there about ten feet in and scan the area around it. It looks like veins go off everywhere.” She winked. “I’m going to take Warin and go look a bit farther down. He’s been kind enough to hold me while I’m looking.”
I knew, and she knew, that while she was looking with telekinesis, there was no need to be held. It was my use of remote viewing and being male that caused the need, but I just winked and nodded. I scanned the area that she’d indicated and grinned. There was an enormous vein of iron that went back in a straight line to the north. Twenty or twenty-five feet back, a vein running east and west, almost as large as the first, went on for as far as I could see in the short time I spent looking.
I called to Joshua, “Do we have a man or men who know metal working and mining? If so, could you send for them, please? I think Celina might have found an answer to our problem.”
He nodded and called a boy that I hadn’t even noticed and gave him a message. Then I heard Celina calling with a very concerned tone, “Seth, I want you to see this.”
I ran down to where she was. “What’s the matter, sis? You almost sounded frightened.”
“Remember when you helped look for the Lich, Gildon? You told me that there was blackness around him. Look here and see what I’ve found. It makes me feel strange, too.”
I scanned back and saw what she was talking about. It didn’t look like the evil magic of Sir Gildon, but it did look like veins of metal. The blackness looked like what Davie had described from the sling bullets that had breached my shield and sapped my magic. Even buried twenty feet into the wall, I could feel it tickling me and leeching away my magic by tiny amounts. I pulled back into myself and force burned a huge black ‘X’ into the wall. I took Cel by the free arm and led her back to her mine mark.
“Are you ok, lil’ sis? I could feel that draining me and you’d been standing there longer.”
“I’m still way over three-quarters. What was that, Seth?”
“I’ll tell you when we’re alone, but for now let’s turn some rock into gravel and begin opening this mine. I think we should be back to the metal long before the metal men get back.”
I turned to the watching group. “I’ll ask that you all step back, for your safety. Gravel might decide that it wants to go flying and I wouldn’t want anyone hurt.”
They all stepped back a considerable distance and Cel and I began pummeling the wall with energy to shatter the rock. We could have just cut it out, but this was much more destructive, and therefore more fun! We carved a tunnel eight feet wide and eight feet tall with a nice curved opening. Gravel lined the floor where we’d let it fall. We used telekinesis to shove piles that were getting in the way out of the opening behind us. It took us no time at all to reach the main vein that Celina had spotted. I cut a large chunk out of the grey ore that was easily visible and floated it out behind us. The boy was just returning with a couple men in blue robes on his heels. I floated the chunk of ore to them and set it on the ground.
“Do either of you gentlemen know what that is?”
They both looked it over and then back at me, smiling happily. The largest of the men spoke up, “It done look like someone done struck ‘um a monster iron vein, My Lord. ‘ow fur back in de mountain did ya haveta go ta nab it?”
“The vein running north and south is ten feet in. When it’s dug out another fifteen, there will be one running east and west that crosses it. If the crossing vein is mined, only mine toward the west. I want no one mining east. Is that clear to everyone?”
I looked at Celina and whispered in her ear, “Your magic’s getting low enough that we need to call it a magical day for you. I have ways to recharge and might do that if I need to. You being you and so tiny, you don’t have the same recourse.”
She whispered back, “Big brother, you might want to stick your fingers in your ears, but I’ll tell something few know. There are ways other than having a man inside them that a woman can build her spirit. I know it would be impossible for me to make love the traditional way, but I’ve talked to Aunt Alba and she helped me learn other ways to play with a man.”
“Okay, that’s about enough of that conversation. If you and your guard friend decide to play, don’t tell me. If he tries to force more than you allow, I’ll help you hide the body.”
Celina giggled and walked away to talk to Tina and Diana. I assumed that she was going to gloat about embarrassing her big brother. With that conversation fresh in my mind, I looked up into the face of her friend Warin, the guard. Pushing aside all murderous and double standard thoughts, I sighed. “Sir, I know that you know she’s my sister. She’s old enough to know her mind, even if she’s tiny. I assume that she’ll be safe with you and you’d never try anything she didn’t want.”
He nodded. “Of course, My Lord! Lady Celina is a sweet and wonderful person. I enjoy being with her and nothing would ever happen between us that she didn’t want. Besides, she could turn me into a torch and I’m well aware of that.”
Satisfied with his response, I called to Joshua and Michelle, “I think we’re going to the house for a while. After everyone’s eaten, you might have some folks scout around for those interested in mining. Just reinforce that no one is to mine east of this opening without my explicit permission.”
Diana, Tina and I went to the house, leaving Cel and Warin to bring up the rear. Noam went on ahead to have lunch sent up for the three of us.
Back in my room, we sat together at the table, waiting for lunch. Diana took a deep breath and then spoke softly, “Seth, now can we talk about the other morning?”
I shrugged. “I guess we should. Do you feel that you want to discuss this with Tina, too?”
She smiled and nodded. “Tina’s been a good friend in the short time I’ve known her. I talked to her about it already and she’ll be willing to answer any questions you might have.”
“Just don’t gang up on me, since there’s a good chance I was in the wrong. I’m willing to listen and take my lumps, if they’re deserved.”
Diana laughed softly. “The night you came to me and asked me to share your bed, you asked if I was a virgin. I told you no and that was the end of that. I’d been with a fairly young man once a couple years ago; it wasn’t like I was accustomed to having sex regularly. Then it seemed as though you were in a hurry to get in me. I dealt with it the best I could, but it was painful from the beginning. I don’t know if you’ve been told, but for being so small in stature, you’re well above average below the belt.”
“Someone help me with ‘above average’. Other than hearing one comment, I’ve always thought that I was sized proportionately. Tina, can you give me any input on this?”
Tina was grinning. “My mother used to help the local physician. She’d take
me in with her and I saw many men undressed. I’d guess your length and girth are at least a third again the size of the men I saw.”
“Then why is it, Tina, that you had no problem with me the first time and wanted more in the morning?”
Tina giggled. “Remember what you did to me the first time? Remember how ready for you I was? You still had problems at first, but after we got past the problem, everything went… you know.” She blushed cutely.
Diana nodded. “Our play time before you entered me was next to none. That’s why I woke up so sore the next morning. It wasn’t because I didn’t want to be with you that I told you about it. I thought that you’d respect me for being honest. If you’ve changed your mind about wanting me in your family, I can go to the south farm. There are rooms that I’m sure Joshua would let me stay in. I’d switch to light blue in the hope you’d want me back some day.” Her eyes began to tear up.
I scooted my chair back and waved her to my knee. “Diana, if you were down there and in light blue, it would just take unnecessary energy to port you back this evening. I was wrong in my treatment of you on our first night together and for judging your actions the next morning. I’ll understand if you say no after the way I’ve behaved, but will you share my bed tonight?”
She said through her tears, “Nothing would make me happier.”
Tina spoke sadly, “Should I ask Noam to find me a room?”
I nodded. “That would be a good idea. He might have one close to Diana’s. You two seem to be getting along well and when Tabitha returns, you’ll both have your rooms to go to. Of course, I hope you get along well enough to both stay with me until she does return.”
Tina beamed brightly. “That sounds like a great plan to me! You don’t have any problems with it, do you, Diana?”
Diana snickered. “The two of us should be able to think of great games to play with that monster he calls his manhood. I have no problem, if you don’t mind being touched by a woman.”
“I’ve never been, but the thought of it makes me wish supper and not lunch was on its way up.”
I laughed. “Okay, you two. You’ve seen I’m good at healing, but don’t do anything that’s going to cause your Governor too much pain. I’ll speak with Noam for you, Tina, about a room, but as far as clothing goes, I’ll buy you some for around here. Nice, sexy clothes, but modest enough that Tabitha won’t complain when Tamia’s around. In fact, I have a style in mind for both of you. After we eat we should walk to the tailor’s and see about the material I want. Speaking of that, what are you wearing under those robes?”
Tina and Diana looked at each other, grinned and raised their robes to their faces. It was as I’d suspected and made me wish this was dinner, too. They’d just dropped their robes when there was a tap and a maid came in with our lunch.
After we ate, we went out of the room so I could talk to Noam. “I’d like for you to ask Emory for a room for Tina and see if she needs things brought from her home. I need to ask my sister a question.”
“My Lord, you might want to put off your question-asking for now. I’m guessing it’s break time in her room, but things have sounded… busy.”
I closed my eyes, letting denial soak in. “Thank you, Noam. Perhaps she’ll come to the door during her break.”
I tapped lightly on Celina’s door and waited. The door handle jiggled and I grabbed it. We linked mind to mind through the door. “I know you’re busy, sis, and I’m sorry for bothering you. Would you happen to have a uniform, so I can have the style copied?”
She giggled through the link. “Sure, I’ll pass it through the door. Stand to the side where you won’t be looking in or you’ll see more of me than you’d like.
I stepped back out of the way and waited. Her doing things similar to what I’d just been discussing shouldn’t bother me. If she wasn’t my baby sister, I’m sure it wouldn’t. The fact was that she was my baby sister and I should flamestrike the young man that was in there with her. Of course I wouldn’t, because she’d be upset and I couldn’t do that to her. She stuck her arm out with the uniform clutched in her hand. I took it; she waved and pulled her arm back inside.
Noam asked, “How did she know what you wanted, My Lord?”
I sighed. “I told her; now if you’ll see to Tina’s room, we’ll be back shortly. Also check and see if there are any Governor types of things that I need to do. I feel that I haven’t done much in that department.”
He nodded and I ported the two girls with me to an alley across from the tailor’s. We walked in and the tailor greeted, “Good noontide to ya, Me Lord. ‘Ow can I be of service t’day?”
I handed her the uniform. “Would it be a problem to match the material that this is made of? I’d like sets made for these young ladies. I’d like pink, but would settle for most anything.”
“These is simple made, Your Honor. It shudna be a problem. I think I spilled my pink dye onna some of that cloth and wen head and dun the bolt. Jus’ a matter of finnin it. When ja wan um by?”
“The sooner the better and I’m willing to pay extra for the rush.”
“Fine then, Sir. Any special instructs?”
“A bit snug through the chest, seat and crotch would be nice. Two sets for each girl.”
“Ya been ‘round a tailor afore, I take it. Mos’ of my instructs are done with pointin’. I know whatcha be lookin’ for, young man. An’ whatcha be lookin’ at, too.” She chuckled to herself, then went about taking the measurements of the girls.
I slipped her a platinum coin with a reminder to rush and was told one set each would be delivered before dark. When we walked out to the street, we heard a commotion coming from the south. It sounded further south than the compound and I wanted to find out what it was. I looked at the area and found a safe place near the guard quarters. I ported the three us there and saw that a battle was taking place. A dozen men, a few with slings, were advancing on the compound. I probed them and three bald men were carrying magic killing ammo. I scanned for Noam, who was just leaving Emory’s office, and ported him to us. I let him gather his wits and then explained things. “Noam, the three bald slingers are carrying ammo that can defeat my shield and hurt me badly. I don’t want that to become common knowledge. I’m going to stun those three first and then as many others as I can. I can’t even get close to that ammo, so I need you to dispose of it. Can you do that and keep it to yourself?”
He cocked his head sideways. “Of course, My Lord! I am your Valet.”
I smiled and nodded and opened fire with heavy stuns. The men I didn’t stun would never get up, but there were injuries on our side, too. I went through the men, healing the worst first and working back to scratches. Seeing my spells during the fight had raised my men’s morale to all-time highs.
I located my Captain. “What was that all about?”
“When they first attacked, they were yelling about us being abnormal. People shouldn’t be giving rooms and food away for just the work to produce it. It seemed to bother them that we weren’t paying the workers in coin, but supplying everything they needed instead.”
“Where were they from, Captain? Any idea?”
“They were from Susal, My Lord. No doubt some of the same men you rescued our brother from not long ago. The Elders are planning to send some Blues down there to recruit for the group and the mines. They asked me for some guards to go with them tomorrow.”
“If they still go, make sure they take plenty of guards. I don’t want any of our brothers and sisters injured or killed. We’ve just gotten started and this model for living is working well. If you or any others have a problem the Elders can’t handle, be sure to come to me. My door will always be open to my new family.”
I saw Noam coming back from way across the open plain. I scanned him then signaled him to rub his hands in the dirt. He did so, then raised his hands again. I nodded and smiled at him. We rejoined the girls and I ported the four of us back to my room.
“Noam, I’m sorry to have yanked
you out there, but I needed someone I knew I could trust. I’ve been hit with that before and it saps my magic and hurts, too. I don’t like the defenseless feeling it gives me.”
“No one who wants to stay in their right minds uses hot ball ammo, My Lord. The stuff takes your hair, then your mind and soon enough, your life. I don’t like touching it myself, but better me than you and you made sure I was clean.”
“You heard me telling the Elder and the metal men that I didn’t want them mining east? It’s because there are veins of that metal that way and I don’t want it dug up that close to home.”
“I was wondering what that was about. I’ll check from time to time to make sure that they stay out of there. I’ll also have the other guardsmen watch for bald slingers. I wouldn’t want your secret to fall into the wrong hands.”
“You’re a fantastic Valet and everything else. Is there anything I can get you or get for you? Money, a night with the working girls, or perhaps a night and day off?”
“No sir, you already do more than you know and I’m happy. I can walk anywhere I need to go and don’t have to be carried. The way you take care of me and mine makes me very happy. Having this family as an extension of my own is all that I need.”
“You have other family? That is how horrible a person I am; I didn’t even know.”
“Yes, sir, I have a daughter. She’s a lovely young thing and I’m glad that we’re making the town a better place for her and any grandchildren she may provide me with.”
“That unexpected battle and extra porting has me lower than I’d like on energy. I know it’s fairly early, but I’m going to call it a day. I’d like you to leave a note on my door that would ask folks to wait ‘til tomorrow if they need me; I’d be grateful. I doubt I’ll go out again, so you can take the rest of the day off.”
I locked the door behind him and the girls wasted no time losing their robes and piling on the bed. After a very interesting and educational time, I drifted off to sleep.
Seth, A Naiad's Son (Generations of Eredwynn Book 3) Page 14
