Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga)

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “I intend to make it last forever if possible.” Cage stated with Daku still upon his shoulder. “I truly love this place and wish to share it with all my people.”

  “We’re honored to see such beauty.” Elder Metak stated as he approached with a spear also used for a walking staff. “Is the water safe for the children to play?”

  “Of course, just keep them from getting close to where the overflow feeds the stream. And refrain from getting too close to the waterfall. It’s too powerful to swim against.”

  Hearing this Rena shouted “Let’s Swim!” and every child hollered and raced to the water after her, Sean wasn’t an exception. Many of the adults also rushed to the water after depositing their supplies in the dry grass.

  “Cage, would you mind if I made paths so the flowers aren’t trampled to death by everyone?” Megdline requested.

  “Be my guest. I’ll help the others set camp for the night.” He replied.

  “Thank you.” Megdline then moved forward, careful that her soft leather boots don’t crush any of the delicate flowers.

  “Daku, let’s play with the kittens.” Frill instigated.

  The griffin grinned with twinkling blue eyes. Before the cat could think, Daku pounced, snapped his wings out and scooped Frill up by encircling his arms around his friend’s middle and lifted until Frill was snatched from the ground. Daku’s wings beat rapidly until the two of them were thirty feet in the air. “On three.” Daku said. “One. Two…” and he released.

  Frill understood the intent as his new friend made it so they were over a group of older playing children, at a point where there was a gap in their play. Frill used his magic to tremendously increase his weight till he weighed nearly eight hundred pounds. He curled himself in a ball and flattened his ears as his sharp teeth grinned.

  His weighty impact didn’t go unnoticed as a slurp sounded where he entered and when the water rushed to fill the void, the kids were hit with a rather strong wave and sprayed with water.

  Frill’s entrance paled in comparison to Daku’s.

  Daku had used his mana to grow till he was five times the size of any human, did a barrel roll in the air during a back flip before curling into a giant ball himself. He crashed down directly in the center of the small lake, where it was deepest. The wave generated from his entrance hit everyone and sent a wave of water close to twenty feet on land.

  The playing wasn’t over yet as Daku resurfaced, half his initial size. He playfully tossed Sean a few feet out of water with a shrill laugh and rumble mixture. Rena shouted “GET ‘IM!” and a group of children went on the offense by splashing water at Daku with delightful laughter. He used one hand, splashing back. One daring girl managed to swim beneath and tickled Daku so hard the griffin had to swim away before he was entirely overwhelmed.

  “Don’t forget me!” Frill yowled as he shot from the water, lightly landing on an adults head before jumping acrobatically on the back of another. For payback, Frill leapt and made himself heavy enough to knock Daku under before getting rolled off.

  The dogs also frolicked in the water, but stayed far from the Familiars.

  Laughter and fun filled the air.

  Megdline smiled, but she wanted to preserve this place. She used her magic to part the grass, revealing rich, healthy earth. She designed three foot wide walkways all the way around the lake. In some of the thinner sections with flowers she magically made places where people could walk without disturbing the foliage. Megdline wasn’t done yet as she created a spell which packed the dirt so tightly together that practically stone was made.

  Away from the waterfall, nearby where the lake bled its excess into a strong stream, Cage had everyone step back and created a flat stone ground in a two hundred foot wide circle. He figured out how his teacher created paths and did the same to make a flat picnic area. It was far enough away from the waterfall to talk while close enough to the stream to react if someone gets caught in the current.

  Some collected wood and relied on their chief to start the fire with but a thought. The hard trek had almost everyone sitting down to relax.

  The sky continued to darken as Cage pulled out his ocarina and began to play a soft, relaxing number. It began to have an effect on those frolicking in the water by calming them down. As he played, many began swaying to the soft melody. Soon, the rush of excitement left as everyone was tired from the hard terrain taken to reach this place.

  The song came to an end and many exited the water to sit by the fires to warm up chilled bodies. Brooke sat down beside Cage and Meeka to say “Cage Love, I didn’t believe you when you said such a beautiful place could exist without description. I now see that words do not do justice to a place such as this.”

  “That is why this place will be our home soon.” He pointed at the darkening cliff and waterfall. “I’m planning to grow our home up there because as beautiful as it is down here, wait until tomorrow when I show you what it is like from up there. The view from there allows you to see nearly the whole island.”

  “Up there?” Brooke asked, mild fear in her words.

  “Not to worry, I’ll protect you.” Meeka joked, knowing Brooke’s fear of heights. Brooke playfully swatted her arm.

  “Just trust me.” Cage simply said.

  “I do.” Brooke then leaned her head on his shoulder.

  “So where is this place to safely hide the children?” Elder Shania interrupted. The older woman sat down with a groan.

  In answer, Cage conjured an orb of light in his hand and fired it through the base of the waterfall. In the darkness the orb’s light shone through the falling water, revealing the cave. “That is the cave which leads to the heart of the island. It goes practically to the center of our island’s lone mountain where I received my gauntlets and boots. I’m still figuring a way for someone to safely get through the waterfall in such a way that only the Utala know how to safely enter. At the moment, magic is the only fast way to gain access. It is primarily the reason I’ve chosen to make my home up there. I’ll protect it mostly, but if someone changes the water flow the cave will stand out like a sore thumb. I need to make the cave the most secure place on the whole island… especially since I’ll be putting the crystals inside which will be our greatest protection from invasion.”

  The elder mulled over his words to say “What would happen should someone manage to sneak in?”

  “I’ve added a warning of several colors to appear at the peak of the mountain. Red mean’s we’re under attack and the light will point in the direction while also making this sound…” Cage managed to make a siren sound out of magic, just loud enough to be heard by all sitting near. “This sound means to get the children to safely and get your weapons ready to fight. If it is a pulsing orange, it means that everyone is to come here immediately. The yellow will be for everyone to be on guard for it would sense the presence of magic it doesn’t recognize. Right now it knows, mine, Daku’s, Granny’s, Frill’s and even Meeka’s. When she kissed Brooke earlier, I showed the crystal her type of magic. Green means someone has been stopped by the pillars and will turn off to tell they passed through. gray is if they do not answer in thirty seconds. I’ll explain the other colors later and discuss plans on how to react to them.”

  “I have nothing further to say at the moment. I will discuss this with my mates.” Elder Shania stood and smiled thoughtfully. “You are a smart man, Cage. It is good to have a smart chief again since Metak was last beaten all those years ago. I want to thank you for providing us all with a wondrous place to call our own. I expect you to keep up the honor and traditions of your people.”

  “He’ll be doing that… later.” Meeka arched an eyebrow meaningfully, eliciting rambunctious laughter from the others listening.

  “To be young again.” Shania cackled as she moved away. “Loves, I suddenly find myself wanting to praise the spirits. Anyone care to make that happen?”

  Another burst of laughter came from all adults, especially as all six of her elde
r mates found enough energy to follow her into the woods.

  Cage couldn’t help himself from joining the fun. He only stopped laughing when Brooke got up and took Meeka’s hand. “Are you ready for your punishment from earlier?” Brooke teased Meeka.

  Meeka looked down and feigned surprise and acting skills “I suppose I’ll have to since Cage isn’t willing to share in the punishment.”

  “Like hell I’m not!” Before either could respond he jumped to his feet and managed to throw a woman over each shoulder before disappearing into the woods with plenty strength to spare. Behind came more laughing. Neither woman struggled as they too were laughing and feeling excitement of what is to come.

  That was till they were alone in the dark where they each reached heights that could only be found when they were together.

  Just one individual glared and she stormed away to be miserably alone, not that anybody cared. Her long hair bounced as she stomped off.

  Another beautiful morning on the island found Cage opening his eyes to a large wing encompassing him and his family. The warmth soothed and the soft comfort of the fur was tempting enough to want to roll over. He turned his head to find Brooke and Meeka fast asleep together, holding each other close. Beneath his feet were Rena and Sean curled up against Daku’s soft hind leg. Thinking of the caring griffin had Cage look up to see Daku’s head tucked beneath the wing encompassing them all. Even Daku was fast asleep.

  Remembering the last moments of consciousness brought a satisfied smile to life. After another mind-blowing night with two of the most beautiful women in existence had been more therapeutic than days of rest after what transpired the night before. Recalling what Daku said about being spirit mates felt right. In his whole life he’d never come close to having such an intimate bond with anyone and in just a few short months he couldn’t even think of a life without Brooke and Meeka in it. His chaotic life found order with them nearby. He’s always been the independent person, rarely relying on others, but after the latent spell used to break apart that block of emotion, Cage found fulfillment and a love he couldn’t explain. These two women were on his mind as his partner and he knew his place and wanted it to last forever.

  The strong feelings he had for the two women went far beyond the best sex imaginable. He personally found being near them to exceed the pleasure of the flesh. He had found his home in these two bombshells that tore his old life apart and made it into something worth living rather than moving on day to day.

  Enough of the touchy feely crap. He told himself without speaking. I better hurry.

  Cage felt only the mild lingering effects from the other night and knew he was ready to continue. Slowly he sat up beneath the comforting wing to find enough of a gap between Daku’s head and wing-joint to fit through. Relying on uncanny stealth and moving slowly he crawled out through the crack without rousing any member of his family.

  A great stretch popped some joints while a yawn simultaneously escaped. Dawn had barely come and all around the flat ground he created slept most of the tribe. Few were alert. Over by the central fire sat Metak with two of his elder mates using either thigh for a pillow. The other four also used each other for a headrest. If Cage didn’t know he wasn’t physically aging anymore he knew he’d truly love to reach such an age and still find love stronger than ever. The elder of the tribe looked up when he noticed Cage’s movements. Cage immediately set a course for the retired chieftain and sat near without waking the old women. “You’re up early.” Cage whispered.

  Metak chuckled as he looked down to caress the cheeks of his swooning mates. “I haven’t slept. Shania’s sudden energy infected us and we just made it back not more than two hours ago. After making love, I found my mind wouldn’t allow me to rest. It is good to feel young again.”

  “I’m glad to have helped.”

  “Helped?” Metak chuckled again. “Cage, after ridding me of my ailments I feel twenty years younger. I knew my time was coming if I couldn’t make love to my mates as they deserve. You’ve done me great honor to satisfy my loves as I used to do. I’ve been more happy to make love to each of them in these few weeks than the past five years. I haven’t smiled genuinely in the past year when I first noticed blood when I coughed. Your magic ridded me of that dreadful disease.” The old man smiled all the way to his wrinkled eyes. “And since you and Meeka came into the tribe I’ve noticed more of our people smiling than even during celebrations. I personally want to see smiles more than grim expressions. There have been so few over the years.”

  “I also prefer smiles.” Cage admitted. “And I’ll do what I can to keep it that way. Truth of the matter is that when I rescued those captured for slavery, I likely gained the attention of a nation set out to enslave or kill any who oppose them. Destroying a city and freeing slaves will piss off a lot of people who will be coming for me. It is only a matter of time before someone powerful or a group is sent to either kill me or bring me in for punishment before they publically execute me. The wards I’ve made will help, but I cannot plan for everything, especially when it concerns magic and its limitless applications. One oversight on my part could spell disaster and threaten all of us.”

  Metak nodded. “I’m well aware of those with dishonorable intentions. If by some chance those stupid men and women come and the fight is futile I promise to make your death quick and painless.”

  “And I would honor you the same way.” Cage admitted.

  “I would not expect anything less from a Utala brother.” The elder smiled. “Now to the issue at hand… Shania explained this is where you will make a home for your family. I agree this place is an ideal location to live. I’ve been hearing that some other families wish to take your offer and spread out on the island. Most of the tribe though wish to live near those skull towers and be ready at all times to protect from outsiders. In a few weeks we’ll need to establish trade with Kote for things we cannot hope to find here, like metal. We need better weapons if we are to keep our new home safe from outsiders.”

  “Got it. I’ll figure a way to make better boats too. We can use those already here to move around the island more efficiently, staying inside the reefs of course. I still have a lot to learn so I’ll have to put off trade till later.

  “For now” Cage continued. “I need to get a bite and place the control crystals safely inside the cave. When I come back, we’ll need to reach the peak of the mountain so everyone can see nearly every aspect of their new home.”

  “Then you had better get started.”

  “Will do.” Cage moved over to one woman who was cooking and gladly shared her work. He ate quickly and headed for the small lake, using the newly established paths created by Megdline. At the water’s edge he activated the spell which allows one to glide on water or land without worry.

  The waterfall parted easily as he slipped into the darkness. In one hand blossomed an orb and clutched in the other was the bag containing the control crystals. He then skated on air far faster than any man could run and soon the exercise built up a sweat. It felt good to release restraints and move with all he had. He pushed his body harder till his breathing grew labored and his limbs felt hot.

  Cage reached the innermost part of the cave in record time to release the gliding spell and drop to his hands and knees to catch his breath. The cool cave air pulled at the generated heat his body produced and felt good. Soon he recovered to stand and laugh at himself.

  Upending the small leather bag, Cage took the crystals and placed them down on the pedestal which first housed the once head-size control crystal. Once sat down he placed a hand over the two and created protective spells which would prevent tampering by anyone with a different mana other than his own and not allow anyone to touch it or the stone pedestal physically.

  Muscles in Cage’s jaw clenched as he knew he had to cancel the continuous spell draining the diamonds which prevented anyone from using seeker thread to find him. Anytime someone used seeker thread the white magical string would point in a si
ngle direction and be useless to follow him. Without the protection, anyone would be able to locate him. The demands of the spell was too great and on the verge of collapsing anyway from using so much magic recently.

  Searching for the specific spell wasn’t difficult and neither was dismantling it entirely. He sighed grimly. “Only a matter of time.” He said to himself while looking up at the smooth dome. “At the least… it will be on my terms since I know the island better than anyone.” He hoped.

  Without the burdensome spell, the diamonds were again filling.

  Bag in hand, Cage moved over to the pile of crystals and filled it with every tiny piece. He knew he could manipulate the pieces together and use them to fortify the network and additionally ease strain over distances.

  Disposing such a valuable resource would be folly.

  Stepping beyond the waterfall, Cage noticed the sun had risen along with everyone else. Children were back at play in the cool water along with Daku. Daku laughed in his own way while the children climbed up his back, sat on his beak and with a quick jerk, the children were thrown end over end into the deeper areas. The kids already fell in love with the ancient being who seemed to be having just as much fun throwing the little humans into the water. Any could see he’d never intentionally harm the children in any way and his own playfulness found an outlet in the children.

  Cage dove into the water to wash off all the accumulated sweat while keeping the bag close. He swam beneath the surface, loving how his body moved and felt so free. He surfaced as Daku launched yet another child. “Having fun?” Cage shouted.

  The griffin turned his head and nothing could seem to wipe the smile from his face. “Without a doubt, Partner.”

  “Glad to hear it. Have fun, but know we’ll be leaving within a half hour.”

  “Very well.” Daku said before hearing ‘Me next! Me next!’ and rumbling happily. “Then come up, Cub.” In moments the kid was away, splashing with a laugh of pure enjoyment.