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

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  Meeka, underestimating the water pressure, turned the water valve and got hit full in the face and jumped back drenched. She held herself back from a string of curses, thinking Cage was at fault, but he did warn her. Many streams sped from the odd object sticking from the wall. She reached her arm out saying “It’s cold.”

  “Then slowly turn up the heat.” He said.

  And so she did till the water reached a hotness that felt wonderful. She giggled and stepped directly into the stream, feeling the constant torrent on her chest felt wonderful. Seeing Meeka’s expression, Brooke stepped closer, wrapped her arms around her waist and pushed herself flush to also feel the delightful sensation. “This will do nicely.” Brooke murmured beside Meeka’s ear.

  “Agreed.” She hummed back.

  “May I try?” Rena asked.

  The pair moved aside and Rena took it as her cue to enter. Her excitement vanished as she felt the shower and looked almost lost in a dream. After a minute of experiencing the pleasure the girl turned her head “Dad, I have one of these in my room too?”

  “Yes, but smaller.” Rena grinned, hopped out of the shower and went to run back into the bedroom. Cage moved quick and scooped his daughter in an arm. “Wait, Kiddo, I’m not done.” She stopped moving and was sat back onto her feet. He turned back to see Brooke already enjoying the shower’s jets again. “Meeka, see the plug by the drain? Put it over the hole… Good.” The shower began to fill the tub. “We will not waste water and stand under the shower for hours. If you want to extend your bath, plug the drain and lay back to enjoy it. All the used water is sent below the tree into a septic tank which also serves to feed the tree for it still lives like any other. The water is reprocessed and sent back over to the waterfall as clean as it’s coming into the house.

  “Before everyone enjoys a good bath I must say, dinner will be ready in an hour. Anyone not down by then will go hungry tonight. I also made these for all of us. They will clean our teeth.” Meeka curiously stepped out of the tub with Brooke, allowing the water to fill. He handed one to them all. “No Utala is allowed to smell and must bathe no less than every other day. That is a great tradition. I’m adding brushing ones teeth to that starting today. Grip the toothbrush tightly.”

  “Ahhh!” Rena screamed, dropping it. “What the hell, Dad!”

  Cage roared with laughter at hearing an seven year old curse like that. “The vibration cleans your teeth when you put the bristles on them.”

  To show how, he gripped the handle tightly to activate the magic and make it lightly hum. He put the end in his mouth and demonstrated proper teeth cleaning. If he could prevent tooth decay he wouldn’t need to heal everyone’s teeth so often.

  Vibrations startled everyone, but none dropped it as Rena had. They followed his explanations and rinsed the bristled head in the sink. “Cage, my teeth feel all hard and smooth.” Meeka commented as she ran her tongue all over her mouth.

  “That is a good sign which means you did it properly. That fuzzy film would have eventually rotted your teeth one day.” He explained.

  “Then we must show others.” Brooke said. “Many Utala, when they are older lose their teeth or are in great pain.”

  “Father also has already lost some of his back teeth.” Meeka commented.

  “I already planned on making a bunch and selling them in Kote. Granny told me that Twilight has heavy restrictions on magical objects, but so long as my toothbrush only does this, I might be able to sell them. She’s in the process of speaking to the Third Council to see if it’s negotiable. Besides that, how does your mouth feel?”

  “Strange, I feel the vibrations still.” Rena admitted.

  “Clean.” Brooke said a little louder at the same time. “It feels good not feeling that fuzziness you spoke of.”

  “Good. Sean, Rena.” Their attention turned on him. “Go chose a room for yourselves, bathe and go downstairs for dinner as I explained earlier.”

  “Yes, Dad.” They said in unison, laughed and ran passed Daku, grabbed their things and went to select their ideal room.

  To the beautiful women Cage said “The balcony is self explanatory and uses touch to open and close… just like our rooms. I’ll go start dinner.”

  Meeka sat her new toothbrush down on the sink and turned her sapphire blue eyes on in such a way that it was hard to resist denying what she asked “Dinner can wait. Care to join us for a bath?”

  “Tempting, but afterwards I’m game. I want to be sure the kids are well worn out for what I’ve got planned.” He smirked.

  “And what will that be?” Brooke further teased him by caressing Meeka’s tan hip with just the tips of her fingers in such a way to tantalize his needs.

  “Tonight, no room will be safe except the four extra bedrooms. Think about that. Neither of you will get a wink of sleep tonight, that I can assure you.”

  “Then you better make sure we end up in this bath when the sun rises.” Meeka gently shoved him out of the room. “We have a whole hour to ourselves, Brooke, whatever will we do?” She then shut the door to the bathroom to make his mind slam instantly into the gutter.

  “She’ll pay for that.” Cage vowed and heard Daku chuckle. “Come on, let’s go get dinner ready. I’ve got a squirrel in the freezer I’ll prepare just for you.”

  “Excellent!” Daku chuckled and on the way out of the room he used a back paw to touch the bulge and was satisfied to see the door shut automatically.

  Downstairs, Cage entered the kitchen and pulled out his trusty metal bowl from the cabinet beside the oven and retrieved some vegetables he’d stored in the pantry. Cage even directed Daku to retrieve the cleaned squirrel from the freezer box. He then washed all the food in the sink before preparing the meal. He stiffened his index and middle fingers while conjuring a six inch blade of magic which he used to deftly skin a potato, cut a husked piece of corn in half and diced up other vegetables. While he finished the prep, Daku took instruction by placing a few pieces of stacked wood into the oven and Cage looked at the pieces for a moment before a fire came to life. Daku then shut the door and placed a bowl of water on the stove, all with one hand since he couldn’t walk on his hind legs like a human.

  So long as he sat on his haunches though he could freely use his furry hands.

  Cage took the stew’s ingredients and put half in the heating water. While it cooked, he began mixing berries and honey from a beehive he found long ago, before first leaving the island, in a hollow tree. A wooden bowl with a long handled spoon all crafted from the same tree now called home worked well. The sweet blending aroma made his mouth water and he couldn’t help sticking a finger for a taste when it mixed to his satisfaction. Oh how sweet it was. He then went over and placed the bowl into the freezer to get it chilled.

  The simmer of stew then needed to be stirred and got it. Another large mixing bowl was then filled with the hot stew as the second half began to cook.

  As Cage began adding a sprig of rosemary to the inner cavity of the squirrel he heard “Dad, is there anything I can do?” And he looked up to see Sean had a head of wet hair and brighter pink skin to tell he had taken a hot bath. Water still dripped from the boy and his dad realized he needed to teach the benefits of toweling off. Walking through the house like that could make one slip and hurt themselves. Too late now… he thought. “Sure. Granny made up some bread in the pantry. Go pull out one of the covered bowls and some flour.”

  Sean went into the next room, squeezing past the large form of Daku. Sean’s eyes widened for there were many large wooden bowls, most open and full of grown food his dad clearly made. He found a heavy wooden bowl and managed to unscrew the lid to find and smell the clear indication of rising bread yet to be cooked. He closed it and found the flour on the same shelf, in a smaller bowl. It took two trips, but he brought the ingredients over and sat them on the table.

  While they were cooking, Sean learned how to take about half of the bread and knead it with flour before putting it in the oven to bake. Then
they made a smaller amount of bread and made it flat for some reason he didn’t understand and had it too bake.

  As the hour came to pass Cage said “Sean, go get your mothers and sister and tell them it’s time for dinner.”

  “Yes, Dad.” Sean then left the room and did as asked.

  While Sean was gone Cage removed the bread and Daku’s squirrel. He put the flatbread on a long wood plate before also sticking it in the freezer. Creating another knife just beyond his fingers, Cage sliced the loaf of delicious smelling, fresh baked bread. He then pulled out a platter along with six stacked bowls, cups and a pitcher which he filled with water and ice cubes from the freezer. He piled everything on the platter and hefted it before walking out into the dining room.

  While setting the bowls he heard footsteps and that of his loves laughing. “You’re right, it was exhilarating.” Came Brooke’s voice. “Almost fell asleep it felt so good.” Meeka hummed contently.

  “I’m going back after eating!” Rena then chimed in.

  Then the group came into the room and quickly took a seat, smelling the mouthwatering aroma.

  As Cage sat at the head of the table and went to grab a ladle to pour his thick stew, Brooke got there first and poured every bowl full and passed out the bread. Seeing the only meat on the table, she realized who it was for and handed it to Daku who swallowed it whole and said it tasted wonderful. Cage noticed in reality that Daku was just being polite and would rather have his meals raw and feisty.

  What went over the best was the ice water.

  The meal proceeded and Daku asked the women “Did we miss anything?”

  “Not too much, but I’m glad you made me those herbs.” Meeka said after swallowing the delicious mouthful. “Rin, got a bad cut from the reef and I used my skills to sew his side and put a poultice together. So far it hasn’t gotten infected and is holding nicely. A few children cut their feet, but nothing serious.”

  “What about the boat, Meeka Mother?” Rena asked.

  “What boat?” Cage asked, suddenly on high alert, but none realized this as he intended the question to be.

  Brooke answered. “A boat, Meeka called it a merchant vessel, sailed beyond the reef near nightfall the day you left for here, going south. I had warriors keep an eye. They returned the next afternoon and told us the ship followed the curve of the reef until almost morning before going straight west. They did nothing else or even attempt to wave in greeting. They just minded their business and went on their way before disappearing. The warrior’s believe the boat was curious or going about its business and when there was no lights atop the mountain you spoke of we didn’t think it mattered.”

  Suspicion has kept Cage alive and he figured the boat they spoke of wasn’t here to catch a glimpse of him. He suspected something to happen soon when he ended the spell to manipulate seeker thread and Megdline canceling the Twilight observation spells. But within a single day? He asked himself. That was no harmless boat. It sounds like they were scouting the island in a way that didn’t activate the island’s wards. He had a good idea the Laqura Empire were already aware and on the move, but didn’t wish to ruin the night or cause unneeded worry. Especially for the kids. By now whoever it was is long gone from the area. The tactic for information gathering is key to any successful operation and the boat probably circled enough of the island to understand its layout. If any magic dared pass through the wards would have signaled an alarm, but since they hadn’t. They must be using caution which can be good and bad.

  Good for it gave him time. Bad because the enemy could mount a more direct assault with enough manpower to do considerable damage. This seemingly innocent boat signaled an imminent threat to him, his family and his tribe. Whether it be tomorrow or in months, he wished he knew. Since there wasn’t a way without knowing they key individuals of the plot he came to the decision to double his efforts and focus harder to prepare for anything.

  All these thoughts happened in seconds, but his family didn’t see anything except calmness and mirth. “Really? So what did the boat look like?” Meeka gladly explained and gave a good description. “Ah, I remember seeing that one about four times back in the spring. Twice going and returning. Odd, most boats usually stick to the better currents and wind to the west of the island. You might be right about them wanting to see our soon to be talked about island.”

  Daku was the only one who didn’t buy it, but only Cage could see his expression. Their eyes met for only a moment, but they each knew that they thought in a similar way on this subject. The coincidence was too much, especially for an unmarked boat without ties to either Vlara or Emroc.

  Cage continued the pleasant meal and told them all how he started this whole tree from a single acorn. His ease made his family do likewise. Sean eventually asked “Dad, why didn’t you make doors like most houses? Everything has a curve to it. I’m used to corners and flat walls and a roof.”

  “Good question.” He ate the last bite of his fourth helping and was nearly full. “Actually, Granny explained it to me for I had the same question too. I found out that mage homes, like this one, cannot easily support corners. You see, trees expand and contract. I forgot about this, but the house’s movements are so minute you don’t notice it. If I used corners on the doors and walls, cracks would have appeared and seriously would make the house need many repairs and would kill the tree eventually. Winter is also a threat to corners and cracks. If water can get in and freeze, it’ll cause damage. Also the curves allow for the house to sustain much more weight and resist wind because of it. Just to make sure, I created those three large supports to hold the house from nearly any threats.”

  “Was it hard to make all this?” Rena wondered as she sat her wood spoon down.

  “Compared to growing crops?” He chuckled when she nodded. “Oooh yeah. Much, much harder. One of the stalks of corn takes about five months to naturally grow while an oak like this takes fifty years at the least. Growing a tree is far different and tiring than doing crops. To top it off I had to shape and expand every aspect of this home without killing the tree. This house is by far the most complex series of spells I’ve ever done.”

  “I also like the smell.” Brooke said since her sense of smell is quite acute, especially since her blessing cannot produce any smells, not even those that cling.

  “When you visit Granny’s you’ll really like the smell of her home.” He stood up. “I’ll be back in a minute.” He entered the kitchen to pull out the chilled honey/berry mix and the cold bread. He then used a spoon to spread the thick goo all over the bread before folding it over and cutting it in five pieces. Using the same plate, he returned saying “Ready for dessert?”

  “Dad, you’re the best!” Rena exclaimed as she made a mess of the tart, getting most of it on her face. Sean fared slightly better.

  “Shower, brush your teeth and off to bed.” Cage said with a smile.

  At the thought of another hot bath Rena immediately jumped, hugged her dad and mothers before bolting upstairs to get started. Sean was a bit more composed till he got to his room.

  “Love, help me with the dishes.” Meeka said to Brooke who got up and gathered all the dishes before heading into the kitchen.

  When they left Daku approached and spoke so only Cage could hear. “I’m worried about that boat as I assume you are. I’m going flying tonight and won’t be back likely till morning. I’ll contact you if I find anything amiss.”

  “Agreed. Just don’t go too far incase there’s trouble. We can both sense that something is heading our way and it isn’t benevolent.” Daku nodded seriously for he felt the same way. “Who knows how long we have. Since that is a worrisome mystery, I’m going to dedicate myself to Granny and get ready.”

  “We are agreed, Partner. Don’t forget reality. Enjoy the night because it might be our last.” Daku stated sagely.

  “I’m a Rationalist remember. I do not do fantasy.”

  Daku smiled before heading to the front door, opened it and watched
as it closed automatically behind him. He soon took flight, searching for threats.

  Inside, Cage smiled as he locked the front door and snuck up behind his women while they dried the bowls from dinner. Making good on his promise he wound his arm around them from behind and began gently rubbing their thighs. His touch made them jump and drop the bowls before realizing he was ready. Their resistance didn’t last, but they sure did as he made love in the kitchen, dining room, by the cheery fire in the living room and somehow making it into their bedroom as he buried himself inside Brooke while Meeka rushed ahead to open the ready bedroom.

  In their room they made it to the shower and made passionate love and someone feared the kids would hear until he said the walls were so thick no noise could be heard. Nothing was held back after that.

  “Cage, What’s wrong?” Meeka said on the bed as his body felt heavy atop her own after taking his seed. When he did not answer her question and his pressure became uncomfortable she managed enough strength to roll him over.