by John Evans
"Since I spent last night sleeping at the Temple of Adelpha, I don't know what you are talking about," said Karina. "It's time for you to leave."
"I don't think my information about a big-titted broad turning tricks here is wrong, especially since you fit the bill," said the man. "Boys, teach her a lesson for lying."
One of the other two men lumbered towards Karina with his hands outstretched for her. Karina stepped back, yanking out her dagger, and slashing wildly to drive him back. The man flinched and backed off as Karina's dagger sliced open his palm.
The man hissed in pain as blood dripped from the cut. He turned a mean, angry look at Karina and she could see murder in his eyes. He stepped towards her with his teeth bared, but then stopped suddenly.
"Urg!" gasped the man with a stricken look on his face. He looked down at his hand in horror. The skin was rapidly turning black around the cut and in a second had encompassed his entire hand. The black rapidly spread up the veins in his arm and he managed to give a short scream before frothing at the mouth and crashing to the floor.
Karina felt her wrist being grabbed and, without thinking, she turned, grasping the wrist of the pimp. He was holding his own dagger in that hand. Both of them braced against one another, trying to force their dagger closer to the other person.
"Nice poison, bitch," snarled the pimp as they faced one another. "Unfortunately, you used it on the wrong man. Now that the venom is off the blade, it's just you and me. Drop it and I won't beat you too badly. Don't want to mess up your looks. It'd drive down your price."
"The poison is part of the blade's magic," hissed Karina through gritted teeth. "You've made a mistake. Leave while you still can."
"Leave?" mocked the pimp with an ugly expression. "Run from some strumpet? You know, I don't think I'm gonna beat you. I'm just gonna sell you to some clients tonight, clients with some real perverted tastes."
The pimp then strained against Karina, trying to twist her wrist to make her drop her dagger. His eyes widened in surprise as her arm stayed rock-solid, but his own wrist began to minutely turn outwards.
The pimp snarled and redoubled his efforts to disarm Karina. Sweat broke out on his brow and his face grimaced as he pitted his strength against hers. So concentrated was he on keeping his dagger wrist from turning that, in the blink of an eye, Karina yanked her wrist free and stabbed her dagger clean up to the hilt under his sternum. With a long, drawn-out wheeze, he collapsed to the floor with a look of astonishment frozen in death on his face.
Karina did not waste time watching him fall to the floor, but spun swiftly around looking for the third man. He was nowhere to be seen. Only Lorilei was there. She had taken the towel off her head and had draped it across her shoulders.
"Where is he?" asked Karina, still looking around.
Lorilei pointed down to a wet spot on the floor. Karina's full lips curled in disgust when she saw that it was a cockroach that had been stepped on. Green bug juice had squished out everywhere.
"I changed him into a cockroach and then stomped on him," said Lorilei sweetly. "Sorry, but it was the only thing I could do. Would you like me to change him back?"
"No!" replied Karina quickly, choking down the bile that rose up in her throat at that thought. "Let's get out of here."
"We'd better not," said Lorilei. "You, or more correctly me posing as you, rented this room, unless, of course, you wished to be chased everywhere by the sheriff and his men."
"Can you go get Ivin and the local law?" snapped Karina, through gritted teeth. "If we can't leave tomorrow, I'm going to slice little pieces off you."
Lorilei looked contemptuously at the dagger Karina was pointing at her. Her head then shook and she looked again at the dagger. She stepped back quickly and gasped in fright as she recognized the blade.
"The Green Dragon dagger!" gulped Lorilei. "That's twice you've startled me. You are much more than you appear." Lorilei's image shimmered into that of Grandmother Cole. "I'll be right back, dearie."
Karina cooled her heels in the room while waiting for Lorilei to return. She mentally kicked herself after Lorilei had left because she realized that Lorilei had lied to her. She had been able to change herself to Grandmother Cole.
"One more time and I'm going to kill her," Karina promised herself. Karina's thoughts of murdering and maiming Lorilei were interrupted when she heard the sound of several footsteps coming up the stairs. The door opened and Lorilei, still as Grandmother Cole, came in followed by a burly sergeant-at-arms. Karina could see two more soldiers outside in the hall.
"Lady Karina, I'm Sergeant Decker," said the sergeant. "I wish to apologize for this attack upon your person. Grandmother Cole has told me how you spent the night at the Temple of Adelpha and that when you came back to your room, you were assaulted by these two. We've come to remove the bodies. Will you be staying here in case we have further questions?"
"No, I think I will stay at the temple," replied Karina. "However, we will be leaving tomorrow morning."
"Your departure will not be impeded," said Sergeant Decker with a smile. "I know these two and their activities. You did us a service by ridding us of this scum. I have to warn you, though, there is a third man who is part of their group."
"I'll be careful, sergeant. Thank you."
Sergeant Decker and his men removed the bodies from the room. Karina and Lorilei were left alone, each looking at the other.
"I won't test your limits anymore," said Lorilei finally. "You are more than I thought you were and I usually don't underestimate people. I needed to see how strong you were to gauge your hold on Helga. When do we leave tomorrow?"
"Daybreak, we'll meet by the steps."
"That's fine, dearie. Now I have to go and find another inn," said Lorilei. "Don't worry. There won't be any more antics, at least not here."
Karina nodded curtly and left. She walked back to the temple and, after dinner, she retired to her rooms. She did not tell the others of what had transpired between Lorilei and herself. The sky through the window of her room was beginning to change from black to gray as a knock came to her door.
"Karina, it's time to get up," she heard Dorna say on the other side of the door.
Karina answered her, got up, dressed, and headed down to the kitchens. After breakfast, Karina and her companions went out of the temple and down the steps. Calla, Dorna, and Andie had assembled their horses and gear there. Lorilei, masquerading as Grandmother Cole, was also there.
"Right on time, Grannie," said Karina to Lorilei.
"Can't be late for the grand adventure," cackled Lorilei in a dry voice.
Karina looked up as she spotted the armorer. He was coming out of his shop carrying a small wood box. She walked over to meet him.
"Does it meet with your approval?" asked the armorer, opening the box for her inspection of its contents. "I'm sorry that the box is crude, but I didn't have time to have a proper one made for it."
"It's perfect," said Karina. "What do I owe you?"
"Seventy inanes."
"This is a hundred," said Karina, handing him a clinking bag. "It's for the extra work I know you put into this."
The armorer smiled brightly at Karina and thanked her profusely before taking his leave.
"Helga, I have a present for you," said Karina, handing her the box.
Helga was stunned when she opened it. Not so much by the first object she saw, which was an odd-shaped scabbard, but by the second. It was the unicorn horn. The armorer had banded steel into the spirals at the blunt end of the horn. A silver wired hilt was attached to the bands with a pommel at the end for balance. The horn-knife fitted perfectly into the scabbard.
"Karina, it's the horn the unicorn gave you!" exclaimed Helga. "I can't accept this! It was given to you!"
"And I am giving it to you," said Karina. "It's the best protection I can give you. Please, take it, at least for my peace of mind."
"Helga, the dagger she offers you is more than just a weapon," advised Loril
ei. "It gives you a magical resistance to certain spells that affect the mind, which could charm or influence you."
"Please accept it," said Karina.
"I will,' said Helga, overcome with emotion. "Thank you. I'll treasure it always."
Karina smiled at Helga in return. She mounted up and led them out of Tectin towards the Capitol.
Chapter 17: Civilization And Savagery
"Praise the Gods!"
One spoke the words and the other six mud-splattered women echoed the sentiment. It had rained every day of their journey, and only now, at the top of a hill overlooking the glistening city below, did the sun come out to shine down upon them and their destination.
"I don't know about you," Karina said to the others, "but I'm ready for some hot food and a hot bath."
"Not necessarily in that order," said Cendri.
"What are we waiting around here for, then?" asked Octavia as she led the way down the hill.
They entered the Capitol through the south gate, watched by guards who stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed at the seven beautiful women riding past them. Octavia led the others towards the center of the huge city. "An inn or Melinar's place?" she asked, looking over her shoulder.
"An inn," replied Karina. "Let's get some rooms and then we'll head over to see Melinar and Nyran."
"Who's Melinar?" Karina heard Lorilei ask Octavia.
"A friend who is helping us, along with some others, to complete Karina's quest," supplied Octavia.
Lorilei's face took on a puzzled expression. She slowed her pony to drop back and ride along side of Karina. "Karina, I've been meaning to ask you, what is this quest you're on?"
Karina sighed internally. She did not like or trust Lorilei, but she had to admit in the past wet and miserable week, Lorilei had pulled her own weight without complaint.
"My son is a half-ogre," she said a little reluctantly. "In less than a year, he may become a neccar, a subchief in the ogre language. There is a ceremony that is required by an ogre god for him to be elevated to that position.."
"Vorpak?" asked Lorilei with a touch of fright in her voice.
"No, not Vorpak," assured Karina. "You seemed well versed in ogre gods and their rituals."
"Not really," said Lorilei. "In my business, you run across a lot of obscure gods and goddesses. Vorpak is the only ogre god I know of and I've only heard rumors of his rituals."
"What rumors?"
"Oh, torture, murder, drinking blood, eating the still beating heart of your victim - that sort of thing. Not my style at all, dearie."
Karina raised a sceptical eyebrow. "Oh, come on, dearie," scoffed Lorilei. "I know you think I have evil intentions, but both good and evil come in degrees. For example, one of Ivin's brainless priestesses could drop a silver coin in a beggar's bowl, and she'd see it as a good deed, but I'd say it's a waste of money. Anyway, dearie, suppose you did not give him a coin. Suppose you took him home, cleaned him up, and gave him a job. Now he's a productive member of society. Isn't that a greater good than the other? Do you see what I mean?"
"I know there are various degrees of good and evil," said Karina. "Evil is still evil and good is still good. The ritual I have to do is nothing like Vorpak's."
"Which god is it and what is the ritual?" asked Lorilei.
"I can call for him if you like and you can ask him," suggested Karina sweetly.
Lorilei scowled and then broke out in a smile. "No thanks," she said. "I'll forgo the introduction." Lorilei then turned serious. "Is Helga involved in the ritual?"
"No," replied Karina. "I'd like to keep it that way. Look, Lorilei, the god is Ahhspah, the ogre god of fertility. You can probably guess what the ritual entails."
Hmm, yes, I can," mused Lorilei. "I had to ask. Was his father any good?"
"I guess that would depend on your definition of raw sex with one of the strongest races in the world," answered Karina blithely. "Ah, we're here."
They had arrived at the inn where Karina had first met Per's companions. They secured their mounts to the hitching post and went inside. "What can I do for you ladies?" asked the innkeeper as they walked in.
"Octavia! Karina!" shouted Pawl from the steps. "What are you doing here?"
"What are we, chopped liver?" griped Cendri. She then nudged Gedda. "You noticed who he spoke to first, didn't you?"
"Yeah, the ones with the biggest bazooms," answered Gedda in a stage whisper.
"They were the first through the door," explained Pawl defensively. He then blushed bright red as everyone took it the wrong way and laughed at his expense. "My apologies, lovely Cendri and irresistible Gedda," he continued, coming down the stairs. "It's so nice to see you filthy and pungent ladies again."
"Okay, okay," interrupted Octavia before more barbs could be thrown. "We can take a hint. Innkeeper! We need rooms and baths for seven."
"I'm sorry, mistress," replied the innkeeper. "All I have room for is three. The Soldier's Tavern has room, unless you want to double up. It's not far, down to the corner and to the right."
"Who goes and who stays?" asked Gedda.
"I would like to stay with Helga," said Lorilei. "While we are here, it would be good for her to go to the Thamurgical Library and learn to do some research."
"What's this?" asked Pawl. "Is Helga planning on becoming a magician? I'd be happy to assist if I can."
"Thank you, but I don't..." Lorilei started to say.
"I think it's a great idea," interrupted Ivin. "I understand Pawl has been studying there for some time and should be a great assistance to her."
"I'm sure his time is too valuable and we wouldn't want to impose," said Lorilei.
"No problem at all," replied Pawl with a smile. "I'd be happy to help."
"You're too kind," said Lorilei, sarcastically.
"Glad to help," said Pawl, oblivious.
"Where's Karlto?" asked Karina, changing the subject.
"He left early this morning to go see Melinar and Vail," answered Pawl. "He'll be back later this afternoon, unless you want to go over to Melinar's."
"Not until after I've bathed and eaten."
"Since Pawl is going to help Helga, why don't you, her, and Lorilei stay here," suggested Octavia to Karina. "The rest of us will go to the other tavern."
"Well, if we're going, let's get going," said Gedda. "I need a bath and I need it now!"
There were several chuckles as the group broke apart. Karina, Helga, and Lorilei headed upstairs to their rooms as the four other women left for the other tavern. Karina heaved a sigh of relief and delight as she entered her room and saw the large four-poster bed and the bronze bathtub. While she was waiting for her hot water to be brought up, Karina stripped out of her armor and cleaned her gear. She was almost finished when there was a knock on her door.
"Milady?" said a tentative voice on the other side of the door. "I'm here with the menservants and your water."
Karina already had her robe on and opened the door to admit the maid and the two men. The men were carrying large pails of steaming water that they poured into the tub and then left. The maid tested the temperature and added some cold water from a basin she had brought in.
"Perfect," said Karina, testing the water with her fingertips. "Thank you."
"Milady, a letter came for you," said the maid, pulling an envelope out of her smock. "The messenger is downstairs awaiting your reply. He said it could be verbal given your recent arrival."
"Who would know that I was here?" asked Karina to herself as she opened the envelope. Inside, paper was of the highest quality and the penmanship was superb. The letter read:
Lady Karina, I know you have just arrived from a long journey, but it is imperative that I meet with you. I would like to invite you to my villa for lunch. My messenger will return with your reply. If your answer is yes, my carriage will pick you up at the inn at midday.
Sincerely, Lady Triarii
"Wow!" gasped Karina, taken aback.
It was both the invit
ation and the name at the bottom of the letter that had shocked Karina. She had, of course, met Lady Triarii at several functions, but had never traded any correspondence with her. Karina knew of the rumors that Lady Triarii was the Overlord's secret lover, and that she was also his closest confidant and advisor. Karina's mind whirled as she tried to think of why she had been asked to lunch and what she should do.
"Milady, the messenger?" reminded the maid, galvanizing her into action.
"Of course," said Karina. "Please tell him that I am honored to accept Lady Triarii's invitation. Is there someone here who can brush out and press my good traveling dress?"
"Yes, milady. Me mum two doors down can do it while you bathe."
"What's your name?" asked Karina as she pulled out her dark green dress and petticoat from her pack.
"Genese, milady," replied the maid as she began to take up the clothing. "I'll be back as soon as me mum is finished."
Karina looked at Genese as she folded the clothing over one arm. She was a young, thin girl, only just into adulthood, with bright curly red hair and green eyes. Karina noticed that although Genese's clothing was clean, it was old and had been repaired several times. Genese hurried out of the room, and Karina slipped off her robe and stepped into the bathtub.
Karina knew she could only spare a couple of minutes to soak in the hot water. The wet rains had chilled her to the bone. It felt wonderful to lie back in the heated water and feel her muscles relax as they warmed up. Karina sighed in contentment, but then she remembered the invitation and began to wash her hair. She was still in the bath when there was a knock on her door. "Yes?"
"Milady, it's me, Genese. Me mum has your clothes and my sister will bring them here when she is done."
"Thank you, Genese," replied Karina. "I'm still in the bath. I'll be out shortly."
"If I can come in, I can do your hair while you're still in the tub," suggested Genese.
"Please, come in then," said Karina, remembering back to when Helga used to do her hair that way.
Genese entered the room and shut the door. She set down a half-a-dozen hairpins and a wooden comb on the table before she picked up a towel. "Hairpins?" asked Karina as Genese began drying Karina's long blond hair.
