by Riker Kane
Clayton used his experience to stay on his feet. When one beast would come charging at him, he dashed out of the way and slashed it on its side. Another came to catch him off guard but he was ready. A hard swipe, as sloppy as it was, was enough to cut the rabid beast down.
More creatures continued to spill out. Mirella and Kailani fought by Clayton’s side. The Queen’s Guard emerged from her keep and joined the fight. They fought with the discipline Clayton expected from Azure’s finest. But the beasts continued to pour out.
“You have to hold them off!” Clayton shouted. “I’ll seal the rift! I need more time!”
“Go!” Mirella shouted.
“We got your back, BB!” Kailani twirled out of the way of a beast running toward her and cut it down with two quick swipes.
Clayton gripped his hilt and focused all of his energy into the blade. “Let’s hope this thing still works…” He closed his eyes for a moment and felt the Zeal Blade trembling in his grip. The energy coursed through his veins, moving from his body, down his arms and into his hands.
He opened his eyes just to see the glowing red energy around his sword.
“That’s it! That’s the Zeal Blade I was waiting to see!”
“That voice…” Clayton turned his head toward the voice and saw the black mist moving toward him. It came to a sudden halt and gathered in front of him. The darkness slowly began to take shape.
A set of steel armor covered the frame of a slim man from head to toe. If he were back in Nalore, Clayton would’ve assumed he was one of the knights in the army judging from how simple his armor was. But he was no man. His face was dark, black mist trailing along his features. His eyes shined blue. He had no pupils though, just a glow like blue fire burned in his eye sockets.
“I’ve been waiting for you, Clayton.”
Clayton narrowed his eyes. “You… Your voice… I heard it… When I died on Hilamau.”
“That’s right. In the void of death was the only time I could get through to you. A warning to let you know I’m coming. And now… I’m here. Belenoth.”
“Funny name for a man who’s about to die.”
“I’m not a man. And I’m not about to die.”
“What do you want? You know the Zeal Blade has the power to destroy you.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t take it from you. You’ve gathered a lot of strength since the chasms. I will take it from you like my predecessor failed to do.”
Belenoth held his arm out and formed a long rapier from the black mist. One hand behind his back, he turned his head toward Clayton. “Show me your strength, Ferrum.”
Clayton roared as he charged toward the Maledict. Belenoth moved to the side and parried the swing from Clayton’s broken sword. Clayton stumbled to a knee and quickly got up to his feet to knock away Belenoth’s stab. The Maledict backed up and lowered his weapon.
“Interesting… Lots of strength but not much precision. I suppose it’s the expected way to level your essence.”
Belenoth’s smirk annoyed Clayton enough to get the Ferrum to attack again. He didn’t charge recklessly this time, swinging hard over and over in an attempt to slice off his opponent’s head. Belenoth met each swing with his rapier. What the Maledict’s sword lacked in strength he made up for with quickness.
Clayton grew tired as his stamina drained. He swung as much as he could before being forced to recover. Belenoth took a step back, both hands behind his back as he looked down his nose at his opponent.
“Yes… You’ve gotten stronger… You still don’t know how to properly swing a sword…”
“It doesn’t matter if I know how to swing it or not. All I need to do is this.”
Clayton squeezed his hands tight around the hilt. The energy formed around the blade. “Take down the rift…” He turned his attention away from Belenoth and focused on the black storm above him.
Belenoth didn’t stop him, instead just watching as Clayton aimed his sword. “Yes. Gather your strength. It will be more satisfying when I take it from you.”
Clayton continued ignoring the Ferrum as he fired the energy toward the mist. The blinding light crashed into the storm.
“This was just a sample. Your time is coming, Ferrum.”
Clayton kept his sword up until the light disappeared in a flash. The storm had disappeared completely. Belenoth was nowhere to be found.
The beasts that remained were quickly dispatched, fading into mist as soon as they fell.
“That was tiring.” Kailani walked up to Clayton. “You all right, BB?”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
Mirella and the rest of the Azureans looked around to see if there were any more threats. When Clayton looked into Mirella’s eyes, he saw a concern he’d never seen before. He didn’t want to tell her she had every reason to be worried.
~ ~ ~
Queen Izumi sat stoic on her throne after listening to the details from Mirella next to her. She was silent, contemplating a big decision. Her eyes shifted toward Clayton in front of her.
“It is true,” she said. “Now we know for sure the arrival of the Maledict coincides directly with your presence.”
“The Maledict are deadly,” Clayton said. “But as long as I have the Zeal Blade, even with it broken, I can still defeat them. I will leave Azure. When I’m gone, the Maledict will no longer be a threat to your kingdom.”
“I appreciate your concern. But the Maledict are a threat to all of Xeylon, regardless of whether or not you are the focus of their aim. I pledge to you the assistance of the kingdom of Azure in your fight against the Maledict. We do not possess the great army of other kingdoms but my guard can hold its own.”
“Thank you. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. From the way things look, I can settle this by myself.”
“As you wish. But I insist on providing you assistance. A vessel has been prepared to bring you back to the surface. You can continue your journey.”
“Let’s hope our boat is still there,” Kailani said.
“I advise you to sail northeast from here. Search for the kingdom of Shara on the continent of Green Terra. You may find what you’re looking for.”
“Shara.” Clayton nodded. “That’s where I’ll head.”
Izumi turned toward Mirella and smiled. “Mirella. My First Hand. My friend. I ask you a great favor.”
“You do not need to ask me a favor,” Mirella said. “Simply say it and it will be done.”
“The Ferrum has a great task ahead of him. Accompany him on his journey. Assist him in any way you can. Represent Azure in the battle against the Maledict.”
“It is my duty to serve you, your majesty.”
Izumi stood up from her seat and cupped her hands around Mirella’s face. She pulled her in close, kissing her softly on the lips. Clayton didn’t say anything though he was surprised at the sight.
Izumi turned back toward Clayton and nodded. “Go. Head toward Shara. End the threat of the Maledict once again.”
The arrival of a new threat was another task Clayton had to deal with. His hands were already full but now the clock was ticking.
Chapter 23
Clayton Brooks
Essence Level 59
Available Points 2
Hit Points 600
Stamina 100
Strength 21
Constitution 17
Agility 15
Dexterity 13
Wisdom 13
The fight with Belenoth lingered in Clayton’s thoughts. The Maledict proved to be a different opponent from Thomas. Thomas relied on brute strength in an attempt to cut Clayton down. On the other hand, Belenoth seemed to emphasize countering Clayton’s wild swings.
Clayton placed the points in dexterity, though he doubted it would aid him in hitting his target. But just a single essence point filled with him with a sense of pride. All of the levels he’d gained and essence he’d gathered up to this point was noticeable.
“Now let’s see…�
�
Zeal Blade
Core Level 9
Passion of Consort Faith - Vigorous: The blade requires less stamina to swing
Passion of Jalise the Sage - Torrid: Flames can be channeled from the blade
Passion of Regent Magne - The Queen’s Touch: More essence is gathered from creatures defeated by the blade
Passion of Monarch Velour - Intoxicating Thirst: Dealing damage with the blade absorbs essence and heals minor injuries
Passion of Queen Ixia - Rigid Bark: At the cost of stamina, the blade creates a shield, blocking all incoming attacks
Passion of Rena Ordain - Brisk Rhythm: The blade grants the ability to quickly dash short distances
Passion of Kailani - Deep Thrust: Leap into the air and strike the blade into the ground with force
Passion of Iris - Heel Worship: A powerful kick that temporarily stuns
Passion of Queen Izumi - Breathless: Hold your breath underwater for extended periods of time
“Huh… That could be useful…” He sheathed the Zeal Blade then leaned over the side railing of the ship.
The sea was calm at night. The bright sun replaced by stars against a black backdrop steadied Clayton’s heart. He inhaled a deep breath of the saltwater air and cleared his lungs. The cool sea breeze against his skin made him even more relaxed.
He pulled out his compass to make sure he was headed in the right direction. He didn’t know how far northeast Shara was from Azure but at least he knew he was headed in the right direction.
“Nice compass.” Mirella appeared next to him. The pale-faced Azurean smiled softly. The moonlight gave her blue skin a glimmering shine that made her stand out in the darkness.
“It’s from a friend. Back in Nalore. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen him, now that I think about it.”
“Do you have many friends in Nalore?”
“Everybody in Nalore treated me like a hero. The Regent herself praised me. But they weren’t friends like Iolas was. The only other people close to me are Rena and Jalise and they’re… I don’t know where they are. I don’t even know if they’re alive. We were in the middle of the sea when the kraken breached the surface.”
“If your friends are as strong as you, I believe they survived.”
“Surviving is one thing. Finding them in a world as big as Xeylon seems like an impossible task.” Clayton sighed as he looked out toward the endless horizon. There was nothing but water in every direction he looked. But he didn’t want to let his mood ruin the moment for Mirella. “Have you traveled far from Azure before?”
She shook her head. “I have lived my entire life in Azure. There was no reason for me to leave.”
“You could come out here. Experience the world.”
“All of the experiences Xeylon has to offer eventually come to Azure. Food. Drink. Entertainment. Art. Science and technology. You have seen for yourself how great a kingdom it is.”
“I suppose I can’t argue with that. And I don’t blame you for not wanting to leave your friends behind. You had a lot of friends, didn’t you?”
“I had many acquaintances in the queen’s manor but Queen Izumi was my closest friend.”
“I know it was difficult for you to leave her behind—”
“It was not difficult to leave her behind. She asked this of me. Just because she is not here with me now does not mean she is gone. Azureans do not regret positive experiences. It is the past. The pleasant memories I have of Izumi will stay with me in here…” She placed her hand on her chest. “…And here.” Her hand moved to her head. “As long as I am alive, she is with me and I am with her.”
The sincerity in Mirella’s eyes was clear. For a moment, looking at her calmed him and made him forget about the burdens he’d have to deal with. He thought he was getting closer to her though he still hesitated to push. His curiosity got the best of him.
“You and Izumi… You shared a long kiss in the throne room.”
“Not as long as the kiss you shared with her earlier.”
Clayton bit his tongue, holding back his surprise. Mirella smirked, her body shaking like she was trying not to giggle.
“She is my friend. My closest confidante. It is nothing for her to share the details of an intimate moment.”
“She seems like more than a friend to you.”
“Izumi and I enjoy one another’s company. The pleasures of the flesh need to be satisfied.”
“Yeah… I get that. Humans are the same way.”
“And would you say that now your needs must be satisfied?” Mirella stepped back from him, her eyes locked on his. Clayton watched as she reached behind her back. The metal clasp of her armor undone, her top fell down and revealed the ample breasts she’d been hiding.
“Wow…” He held back his surprise as the Azurean continued. Her bracers. Her boots. Her bottoms down, she revealed the entrance between her legs. In contrast to Izumi, her mound was completely bare, just a narrow slit between her legs. She removed her tiara last and let her bangs fall down completely.
Clayton looked her up and down then sighed a deep breath through his nose in admiration. “Azureans are amazing creatures.”
Mirella leaned forward and kissed him softly. The sweet taste of her tongue flooded his thoughts and swelled the desire in his stomach. His length stretched between his legs and strained against the fabric.
She pulled away and smiled. “Kailani is sleeping. I would not want to interrupt her slumber.”
“Don’t worry. She’s a heavy sleeper.”
“Perhaps there is another way.” Mirella moved her back toward the side railing then flipped over into the water with a big splash. Clayton watched from the edge as she bobbed up and down, swimming along with the slow moving boat. “The water is refreshing.”
“I don’t know… Open sea… Nighttime… Looks kinda cold…”
“I have seen you accomplish many things. Strange to think water could turn a Ferrum into a coward.”
“A coward… Well, then… I guess I’ve got no choice.”
Clayton removed his armor until he was bare then dived into the water with a splash. He shuddered immediately, chilled to the bone.
“Jeez! It’s c-cold…”
“Then perhaps I should warm you up…” Mirella cupped his face and brought him close. Their lips tangled together as they slowly sank beneath the surface of the water.
Clayton pulled her into his embrace and continued to kiss her when he noticed something strange. He wasn’t struggling to breathe. The water around him was clear. It felt like he could float in the water forever.
Realizing he would not have to come up for air, he turned his focus entirely on the Azurean. He moved his mouth down and took her breast into his mouth. He sucked her nipple, running his tongue over the blue flesh until it swelled in his mouth.
Mirella gasped in ecstasy though it was lost in the water. She cradled Clayton’s head in her hands and stuck her chest out so he could continue devouring her.
Floating in the water meant it was easier for Clayton to get access to all of her body. He playfully grabbed her hips and pushed her up until her entrance was near his mouth. He licked at her slit. Though he was surrounded by water, he could still taste how sweet she was.
Mirella giggled in the water and flipped over until her feet were pointed toward the surface. Her mouth near his length, she wrapped her fingers and pumped his shaft. Clayton gasped when her mouth followed. She rocked her head back and forth gently. Her tongue licked all over him as he began to throb. He braced himself by pushing his mouth onto her with greater fervor.
The two stayed intertwined underneath the water. Mirella squeezed her legs around his head and moved her hips against his face. Despite the pleasure he felt around his shaft, Clayton still marveled at being able to float so effortlessly without needing to come up for air.
He began shifting his hips with greater intensity. He moved with so much energy he knew it wouldn’t be long until he reached his e
nd. He forced himself to move away from her.
Mirella rotated back in front of him. Her dark blue hair flowed in every direction. Her body glistened. A wry smile on her lips said everything she wanted to say. Clayton could only hold back for so long.
“Take me.” Mirella mouthed the words loud enough to get through the water.
Clayton nodded and floated closer to her. She spread her legs and invited him between. His hand on his length, he positioned himself at her narrow slit. He pushed in and found the sudden warmth of her insides.
Their jaws dropped as the pleasure consumed both of them. She moved closer to him, wrapping her arms and legs around his body. His hands cupped her ass as he proceeded to thrust into her.
The sea life around them continued to swim peacefully. They ignored the scene of the two taking one another in a fit of passion.
Clayton didn’t worry about what might be lurking in the water. Any sharks or whales. Any dangerous creatures in the darkness. Not even the cold water itself was enough to stop him from taking Mirella with all of his strength.
The Azurean’s warmth continued to tighten around him. Clayton strained to keep up. His lungs burned not because he was drowning but because he pushed himself. The hard collision of their bodies slamming into each other reverberated through the water and rippled all the way to the surface.
Clayton looked at Mirella while he took her. Her yellow eyes narrowed. Her mouth hung open in orgasmic agony. Her breasts heaved with every hard thrust.
A hand moved up to her breast, squeezing the soft flesh to stimulate both of them even further. It made Mirella work even harder as she began grinding her hips against his hilt.
Her eyelids began to flutter. Her mouth opened even wider. She trembled suddenly before her body seized. Her warm entrance tightening against his shaft was enough to let Clayton know she was climaxing. He held her in his grip through her orgasm, pumping himself into her until he reached his own end.
