Tournament of Fire

by Toni L. Meilleur

  “You love him.”

  “I do not know that. I care for him a great deal.” Taking a step forward, trying to orient her thoughts.

  “You love him,” Elgia stated again, still watching the queen as she turned and sat on the bed. “If you did not I would not give my loyalties to you.”

  “How can you be so sure when I am not?” Kegan asked.

  “Because I am a Seer,” Elgia answered on a soft laughter. Elgia turned Kegan around so that they faced each other. “I also know why you wear the strange garments on your hands. You did right not to tell that witch Lekki. She would surely find a way to use it against you. I can help you with that.”

  “You can give me a way to touch the world?” Kegan’s eyes lit up at the possibility.

  “I can only give you the key, you must unlock the mystery.”

  “Oh no, not Yoda speech,” Kegan wailed. Elgia looked confused. Kegan fluttered her eyes, indicating Elgia to go on.

  “Da’rak was meant for you, he is your key. He has given you a piece of himself. Use it to control your gift.” Elgia rose from the bed and began to gather the food and dishes and set them upon the tray. When she looked at Kegan again, her eyes were green and gold. “I ask my queen to keep my secret, even from King Da’rak. The less people who know the better.”

  “Why did you trust me, Elgia? You hardly know me.”

  “I have known of you all your life. Remember, my queen, I am a powerful seer.” She smiled and turned to leave but paused and looked back at Kegan. “Tonight there will be a feast to celebrate the tournament tomorrow. It would be good if you unlocked the mystery before then. Your covered hands cause great speculation, it can possibly give the enemy a weapon if your secret is discovered.” Then she left an irritated Kegan.

  Why couldn’t the damn woman just tell her what to do? She suspected that finding her own way would put her in more control. Damn Yoda speak! Kegan muttered to herself and proceeded to give herself a headache trying to figure it out.

  Da’rak entered his chamber sorely bruised but hopeful. The training had gone well, and he had come out of it nearly unscathed. Nearly. Kegan would not like what he had to tell her. Tonight she would formally meet the occupants of his castle, but the small gift he had for her would more than make up for any embarrassment she might incur. When he entered his chambers, he found her deep in thought and gloriously naked. It is truly what a warrior king should see after a hard day!

  “Shanzah? Is something amiss?” he queried, catching her small hands in his as he knelt beside her by the bed. “Are you ill?”

  “No, Da’rak, just lost in thought. How did it go for you today, did your weapon give you satisfaction?’

  “Eh, no matter the weapon, I fear the battle will be bloody at best.”

  “Do you fear the outcome?” she asked him tentatively.

  “I do not. I am destined for this.” he said with more confidence than he actually felt. Coward he was not, but the reality was he faced a nearly undefeatable warrior. All of his years as a warrior and he had not heard of a weakness he could exploit from Ghort.

  “Da’rak. what will happen if…if…?”

  “If I do not win?” He finished for her and smiled sadly. She did not have confidence in him. She feared for her life, she was well within in her rights. “I will die, shanzah, and you will be given the choice of mistress to the new king, or banishment.”

  He watched her reaction. She did not care for either choice. He had done this to her. Removed her from her home on his selfish whim. He had known early on she was not in league with his enemies, but he needed a reason other than the fact that he had fallen in love with her at first sight to keep her. He knew without a doubt she was his life companion as promised by the Goddess. And now it would seem he could lose her in mere days of finding her. He would not let that happen!

  “Da’rak, I do not want to be the weak link that aids in your defeat.” She looked at him sadly. Tears brimmed in her eyes. “They know something is wrong with me,” she choked out, lifting her gloved hands away from Da’rak and staring at them in disgust. “I cannot figure out the key. I have tried Da’rak and I cannot!” she wailed. The sobs racking her body, she fell into the embrace Da’rak offered.

  What was his shanzah speaking of? What key? Why did she believe she was responsible for him? Such a beautiful soul his shanzah was. She had not been asking earlier for herself but for him. She was afraid for him. He felt even guiltier making her worry. He would do whatever was needed to wipe the worry from her mind.

  “Shanzah, I have fought many battles and I have won. Tomorrow, it shall be no different.”

  “But I have such a bad feeling.” Her muffled sobs reached his ears. “I tried to figure out the key, but I cannot.” She went another round of bawling.

  “What key do you speak of, shanzah?” he queried in confusion. “What has gotten you so worried?”

  He felt her stiffen as if she were warring inside as to whether tell him or not. He knew by the stiff set of her shoulders she would not. She was burdening something all on her own. She was trying to protect him. His heart soared at the thought that she actually might love him.

  “I am being silly. Forget about it. It’s probably my period coming on.” she sniffled pulling away from him.

  “Period?” He looked down into her tear-stained face. “What is this period thing?

  “You know, menses, bleeding once a month.” She scowled up at him; surely he knew such things about women.

  “Ah you speak of the Red Moons.” he laughed, “The women here choose very early on not to experience such trivialities. It is only the very primitive cultures that women still experience such a thing. We do not do that here, it interferes with the needs of the men.”

  Kegan didn’t know if she should be elated by the fact there might be a remedy short of menopause and a complete hysterectomy to stop her God-forsaken period every month, or pissed because the only reason they had such a solution was so the pleasures of men wouldn’t be interrupted. Da’rak continued speaking not noticing her mood change.

  “Just speak to Elgia or Hara they can give you the Fire Flower.” He smiled to himself, thinking he had solved her problem. “Now I have news. Tonight we throw a feast in honor of the tournament. This night, you shall meet Keir as well.”

  “You expect me to eat when we know someone is trying to kill us? What if they poison our food, Da’rak? Then what?” she looked at him irritated.

  “That is what the leva is for. Do you think I took him on a whim? They can be valuable in many ways. If there is poison within a Paa’evaian league of our food, Nuka can smell it. Besides I have the option of choosing anyone to be the formal taster for both of our food. So tonight it is unlikely lest the enemy be chosen to partake of his own poison.” He idly scratched at his chest.

  “Did you get scratched? Did someone manage to get a hit on the big bad barbarian?” Kegan teased as she clanked on the armor.

  “Not even close.” He grinned. “It is only the mark—it burns and itches when you are upset. It is nothing, I barely notice it.”

  It was at that moment that Kegan felt so close to figuring out something, but it eluded her. She sighed in frustration. She knew something should have clicked…but she couldn’t put her finger on it.

  “We have just enough time for a bath before we go.” His eyes lit up with the possibilities of what they could do in the small pool.

  “That room gives me the creeps now.” Kegan shuddered ,thinking of the mula serpent wiggling its disgusting body.

  “Then I shall have to give you new memories,” he whispered seductively in her ear. Kegan laughed and watched as he quickly stripped his armor and clothing off. He then picked her up and carried her to the cleaning chamber. With a whispered spell, he made the water run warm and fill quickly as he descended the steps into the pool. Kegan sighed her contentment then squealed when she realized Da’rak had no intention of letting her relax.

  “Did you pleasure your
self while I was away thinking of your hot—”

  “No.” She smiled coyly at him, cutting him off. “Elgia pleasured me in your absence.”

  “Well, she is proving to be a most dutiful servant, I shall have to reward her.” He licked her ear as he lowered her into the pool. “She has gotten you all wet for me, has she?”

  “Well, you’re going to have to do a little work, big boy.” Kegan laughed. “It has been awhile since she left.”

  “Are you demanding that I make love to you, Earth witch?”

  “I am.” Kegan tried to sound commanding but only ending up sounding like she was pleading with him.

  “Then I shall get to it.”

  Before Kegan could take another breath, Da’rak had managed to spin her around, her back to his front, and entered her quickly, giving her no time to adjust to his size. He was rough, just the way she liked it. The water began to bubble around them, massaging their aroused bodies into frenzy. Da’rak began stroking her slow but forcefully, making her feel every inch of his aroused body. He braced himself with her hips, giving him more leverage to pound into her. Kegan moaned her approval.

  “You must totally relax me, shanzah, for tomorrow I need a clear mind to do battle for us both.” He pounded into her harder.

  “Use me, shanzahn,” she muttered wantonly, thrusting her hips back in pure bliss.

  Her endearment was not lost upon him. Kegan reached her gloved hands up to cradle his head from behind and to keep from getting her gloves wet. However, in this position, it left her breasts open for his palming. He removed a hand from her hips and began to knead one breast at a time. Kegan thrust back harder, so close to coming.

  “Did Elgia lick you from end to end?” he rumbled in her ear. “Did she make you come all over her tongue?” he demanded, pumping her harder.

  “N-not like you, Da’rak.” she got out between breaths.

  “No one will do it like me, shanzah,” he answered arrogantly, pulling out of her, lifting her to the edge of the pool. He pushed her legs open roughly and quickly inserted his face between them. Kegan squirmed at the invasion of his tongue. She pulled his head closer between her thighs, stroking the braids at his temple and cooing. In moments, he had her convulsing around his tongue. Before she could even come down off the orgasm, Da’rak lifted her up as if she were a doll and impaled her, thrusting himself in to the hilt. They almost screamed in unison from the pleasure.

  Da’rak thought he would die from sheer gratification. She was so tight, so wet, and so hot. She was gripping him like the garments she wore on her hands. She squeezed him intermittently, making him crazy as he rocked into her harder and harder. She continued to moan for him the more he hammered into her; he felt the seed boiling in his sac. Three more strokes and his knees nearly gave out from the force of his release. Breathing heavily, he merely held her, burying his face in her breasts as he sought to gain his senses. She was the headiest tilla he had ever had.

  They washed each other slowly, relishing this time they had together. As he looked at Kegan, there was no chance he was leaving her to the fate of mistress or outcast. Tomorrow, he vowed to himself, he would beat Ghort. Not for the castle. Not to rule. Not even for his people. It was for the most selfish reason of all, for himself. He could not lose her.

  “Are you ready to formally meet the castle, shanzah?” Da’rak asked, inhaling her clean floral scent, as he held her. He felt her nod; his heart went out to her. This all had to be so hard for her, yet as she tried to keep face, he could feel her discomfort. “I have something for you.” He tipped her face up. “I hope it makes the evening a lot more bearable for you.” He made a small box appear out of nowhere.

  “Show off.” She grinned at her sorcerer and grabbed the box out of the air. She tore it open as if it were Christmas time. What she saw inside made her gasp in excitement. Oh yes, this would definitely make it easier to face the court. Kegan pulled the jeweled thong out of the small box. It was made from material so sheer and soft it looked to be more liquid than cloth. The bands were made of jewels Kegan had never seen before. While it did not cover much, it covered enough that her womanhood could not be easily seen. At the back of the thong, a pendent hung, which looked very much like the tattoo on her neck. It seemed he was determined to label her as his no matter what.

  “Da’rak, it’s beautiful.” She slipped it on, loving the feel of having some sort of clothing on. “Will this not offend your custom in some way?” she asked, admiring the way the thong fit her perfectly. In truth it was very flattering. She looked hot, even she had to admit it. Victoria Secrets watch out! She grinned.

  “Once you are seen in this, my queen, all the females will want one, and as a male, I can tell you it is very distracting in a lusty sort of way. I believe it will go over fine.” To prove his point, he began to rub her ass cheeks in appreciation.

  “Thank you, shanzahn,” she said seductively, kissing him rather chastely on the lips. He responded by grabbing her and nearly inserting his tongue down her throat. When he was done, she laughed in good humor.

  “Do not kiss me as a mother again!” he chastised her playfully. His tone dropped as he looked down at his beautiful queen. “We must go now, my queen.” He took her gloved hand to lead her to the Consumption Hall, Nuka in tow.

  Chapter Eleven

  Kegan correctly the guessed the Hall was never as quiet as it was right now. Da’rak clasped her hands even tighter to give her reassurance that he was by her side. How can a person be reassured in this environment? She was a very close kin to the specimen under the microscope. So preoccupied with the preoccupation of her, Kegan barely noticed the huge room as she entered it. A large octagonal table sat in the middle of the room, black as night and smooth as slate. She recognized some of the ones seated, having been rather abruptly presented to them a few days ago. Lode, of course, being the most memorable. She barely contained a snort at the remembered molestation. There was the ever-evil eyed Lekki sitting next to a most handsome warrior.

  Even sitting, she knew he was tall. Long brown and blonde hair hung past his shoulders and barely curled at the tips. Large, heavily lashed black and gold eyes peered curiously at her, every now and then flicking to her gloved hands. Lekki whispered in his ear all the while, keeping her gaze focused on Kegan’s hands.

  Your covered hands cause great speculation, it can possibly give the enemy a weapon if your secret is discovered.

  Elgia’s words echoed in her mind. Kegan made sure to make direct eye contact with Lekki. If she wanted a fight, she would have one. Kegan’s glance swept the table, some of the strange food somewhat familiar since Elgia had given her a crash course on Paa’evaian diet. Bless Elgia’s soul, Kegan thought happily.

  Kegan noticed the only two empty seats were near Lekki. Being the bitch that she was, she knew Lekki planned it that way. As if sensing her thoughts, Nuka growled low. Kegan absently petted the large beast, deciding that as gross as he might be sometimes, he still was a smart one.

  The warrior next to Lekki stood and, with dramatic flair, indicated the two empty chairs at the table.

  “I thought kings were supposed to get their own tables, away from everyone else,” Kegan tried to whisper out the side of her mouth. At least it seemed that way in all the romance novels she read.

  “On Paa’eva, it is not necessary to continuously remind the people of their standing.” Though amusement laced his voice, he appeared ever serious in front of his people and council. Lode stood and the others followed suit quickly, having momentarily forgotten their royal manners while staring at his primitive queen.

  “Your Lordship, the cook assures me this night, the food is exquisite.” Lode grinned devilishly at Kegan. “If you would like to choose your taster, we can begin the festivities.”

  Da’rak properly seated Kegan, knowing the thong she wore captivated their attention. He puffed his chest out more, his queen was very desirous indeed. The light in the room cast such a glow to her honey-colored skin, he had
to remember that he could not forgo the dinner and whisk her back to his chamber to plow repeatedly into her. He sighed with heavy regret.

  Da’rak took his time seating himself next to Kegan before he officially dressed the assembled politicians and high warriors. No doubt his enemy lurked at this table. “It is not necessary, Nuka here will provide an excellent taster.” Da’rak had to will himself not to smile cynically at the collective sigh of relief. No one wanted to die for their king tonight. After tomorrow, he will have regained their loyalties, and the ones who refused, they would be fatally dealt with. ‘Twas the way of ruling.

  “I see you still heal well, warrior brother.” The warrior next to Lekki leaned over to speak to Da’rak.

  “And I see you still heal like an old crone,” Da’rak replied, eyeing him with false disdain. “Nevertheless, I would like for you to meet my life companion, Kegan of Primitive Earth. Kegan, this is Keir.”

  Kegan bit her lip to keep from making a remark. She had to remember to protest rather loudly when alone with Da’rak.

  “It is good to meet the reason this foolish man rushes through his training. Despite the importance of it.” Keir bowed his head to her before he went on. “You are as beautiful as he described. I am, however, at a loss for words—ah that garment you wear is most distracting.”

  Kegan blushed, Lekki steamed.

  “Thank you, Keir, he has told me of you as well. The garment is called a thong.”

  “Perhaps you would like to tell us of the garments you wear on your hands?” This of course came from Lekki, who smiled the most wickedly beautiful smile.

  “Do you like them?” Kegan evaded her question. “If you like, I can have some made for you.” She smiled sweetly at Lekki, who looked as if she could shoot daggers right through her heart.

  “I was wondering about the—” Lekki began again, only to be interrupted by Elgia.