Val smiled, allowing the shadows of his heart to roar through him, finding dark satisfaction in the gasps and whispers this caused. “Your man attempted assault with an artifact designed to enslave its prey, and he has been dealt with accordingly. If you follow his path, you will have no one but yourself to blame for what happens next.”
Maja’s lips curled in a snarl. "You, a mere apprentice, would dare deny me the honor of your name and clan, maggot? For that alone, I claim offense. For that alone, I will see your head in a vat!"
She then roared and charged and Val stood ready. Calm even as he stood in the eye of the storm. The fury of the crowd, gazing with awe and hunger. The frenzy of the shadows all around as Maja's crackling blade sped for his heart. The searing hot crucible of life and death, forever a desperate struggle for survival, Val’s blade twisting, parrying, slipping free of trap and bind even as he lashed out with a stream of deadly cleaving cuts as the mad frenzy of battle continued on.
Embracing the heart of Shadowmind, an endless forest of darkness inviolate and impenetrable, Val's psyche felt nothing but the softest stirring from desperately cast Ego Whips and Mind Daggers even as his blade danced and spun, countering Maja’s frenzied blows, flowing forward and probing his foe with his crackling blade.
Maja countered Val’s probing strikes with increasing desperation, grimacing as her blade struggled against Val’s own before she abruptly lurched forward when Val suddenly went soft in the bind. A hitched gasp, kohl-lined eyes widening with that single miscalculation, and an awful scream as a sliver of oblivion effortlessly cleaved free wrist from forearm in the blink of time it was vulnerable.
A shrieking Maja Ironwill fell to her knees in a shower of blood, gazing in horror at her spurting wrist, inert Psiblade hilt rolling to Val’s feet, picked up and stored in his dimensional matrix in the blink of an eye.
The hot stench of iron coated Val’s mouth and nose, droplets of crimson spattering upon his face.
Terrified eyes beseeched him. “I yield before you. I yield!”
Val raised a single eyebrow. “And why should I accept? You offered no terms of concession, merely declared you’d see my head in a pain vat before the night was through.”
She trembled at his words. “Please! I can pay the blood price.” She looked around with panicked eyes, blood spurting from the wrist she desperately clamped tight to her chest. “Banker, someone get me the banker. I can pay the price!”
Perhaps one or two alarmed servants darted off. Most stayed stock still, frightened animals terrified of getting caught in the disputes of Highlords, especially at a time as precarious as this. As weak as most of Val’s Psionic senses were, the feeling was so thick in the air it hit him as hard as the stench of blood in his nostrils. Even the three girls he had rescued were gazing at him with expressions of shock and awe.
He bent down beside the whimpering Highlord. “Shield,” he softly said.
With a sob she allowed her severed wrist to spurt fresh blood as she hurriedly yanked it free, blood-slicked palms placing it into his own before desperately clamping upon her severed wrist once more.
A heartbeat later the Psi-shield was safely stored away.
"There is only one thing I require of you," Val whispered softly into her ear before clasping his own hands upon her trembling, blood-slicked wrist, feeling the hot tang of her life force, making the forging of the bond all the easier.
Maja’s eyes had widened. “But, you can’t...” She suddenly whimpered as Val clamped his hands tight over her desperately gripped stump. “Yes! I swear it. Upon my life, I will do this, I swear!”
Val smiled as strings of potency and power bubbling up from his core wrapped themselves upon Maja’s soul, free will giving it purchase beyond what any geas or enchantment could otherwise hope to forge. Congratulations! You have successfully oathbonded yet another supplicant! Not so different from silver slave collars, is it, Val? Greater Oathbinding is now Rank 4! Your bindings cannot be detected by inquisitors lacking Arcane Perception, no matter how suspicious they might be. They are also unbreakable, save by those who have mastered Greater Oathbinding to Adept Rank or better! Too bad the High Council takes precedence over all claims in port cities. No conquest options here, Val.
And of all the job seekers eyeing the spectacle, it seemed no one suspected a thing.
"Good," he said aloud. "Then I accept your oath, and give you back your life." Surprisingly, the crowd entire broke out in applause as a chrome-headed individual in a white lab coat looking eerily similar to every other doctor Val had seen in Northern Jordia quickly made himself known, his cybernetic eye whirring in concern.
“A valiant and well-fought battle, honorable Highlord. May I be permitted to treat the vanquished, so she may live to adhere to the terms of whatever arrangement you two have agreed upon?”
Val nodded, stepping back. “And I expect VIP treatment, should I ever return to your job fair,” he quipped, receiving a hurried, desperate nod from the vanquished before spinning about on his heel and heading toward the girls at a fast clip as the murmurs increased in decibel behind him.
For he had felt the cold gaze of Phelp himself, and was in no mood to answer any questions that man might have for him.
Bethany's wide eyes caught his own as he hurried for the exit. "No time. Move."
Blinking, she quickly nodded, she and her sisters flowing right behind him as he headed for the entrance, Psiblade hilt held ready in one hand, forceshield hilt in the other. Should enemy fire come his way, he’d make damn sure there would be hell to pay.
But even as he darted past the entrance, quickly pivoting around the pair of guards, they did naught but deferentially bow, hands carefully away from their weaponry. “Fair friends and weather, Highlord,” murmured one. “Enjoy your evening, Highlord,” said the other.
Sensing no overt hostility from their gazes or postures, Val flashed a cold smile, nodded, and headed for the lip of the nearby sidewalk at a fast clip, keeping the girls ahead of him, Bethany having the presence of mind to wave for a taxi, and perhaps it was her jiggling, scantily clad curves that caught the eyes of traffic as well as passersby, for despite the sound of screeching veli wheels and a few shouted curses from nearby traffic, it was only a handful of seconds before a young, wide-eyed cabby had pulled his veli to the curve.
“Where to, ladies?” he breathlessly asked, eager face turning chalk-white as Val entered last of all, favoring the boy with a grim smile.
“To the Silver District, sweety!” gushed Bethany in a playful voice, in that moment looking every inch the risque tart, a drunken smile plastered upon her features as she giggled, stroking the trembling boy’s cheek. “Relax, love. My man just had to talk to a client who was a tiny bit forgetful about his bills. Certainly nothing for a deliciously innocent boy like yourself to worry about. Isn’t that right, dear? Now let’s get this veli vooming, and see the city!”
Val’s eyes widened. He couldn’t help but smile.
“Yes, our Bethany is very good at switching roles,” Sasha explained. “Her mother was an actress as well as a mech pilot who retired to a life of luxury in our father’s harem after fighting by his side and winning his heart. Once my sister was born, she taught Bethany everything she knew.” Sasha sighed. “Not that it saved Father or our second mother, in the end.”
Val reflexively squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry,” he said, quickly letting go when Sasha’s eyes widened and she flinched.
She gave a slow shake of her head. “No, Val. You have nothing to apologize for.” She took a deep, shuddering breath. “I shouldn’t have flinched. Even now you only seek to give me comfort. It’s not your fault that I was… well, anyway, we should probably get you cleaned up.”
Val quirked an eyebrow before Sasha’s amused smile.
“What’s wrong with my appearance?”
Lisa’s cute button nose crinkled in displeasure. “Because, Val, you’re covered in blood. At least your face is. It seems to roll right off yo
ur magical cloak.”
Val frowned. “Yeah, that could be a problem,” he said before shaking his head with a rueful chuckle.
“What’s so funny?” Lisa huffed.
Val grinned. “I thought to prepare for every contingency. But one thing I don’t have is something to wipe the blood off my face or, well, any good way to wash anything, frankly.”
“I see that,” Sasha archly noted as Bethany did her best to chat up the driver, distracting him with winsome smiles and flashes of her lush figure that Val couldn’t help catching glimpses of as well.
And the knowing smile Bethany flashed him as Sasha brusquely cleaned up his face with a wet cloth she seemed to pull out of thin air made it clear that Bethany didn’t mind his gaze one bit.
Lisa rolled her eyes. “Unbelievable.”
Sasha smiled. “Totally expected.”
“But the hero doesn’t even get it.”
“Or he just doesn’t want to presume,” Sasha countered.
“Oh, the taxi stopped. Thank god. Here are your credits, no, keep the change. Come, ladies, it looks like we’re here.” As the taxi drove away with a hollered thanks, Val and his companions gazed upon a vast bazaar of goods and stands, all of it lit by numerous soft pink lights somehow anchored onto thin air, it seemed, as puddles of pink shadowless light formed an odd contrast to the brilliant, starry night sky above.
Val looked around, frowning, noting the tops of brilliant, flashing city skyscrapers some distance away. They had traveled some distance from the main city strip, and he could imagine all too well how it would all look to Julia. Just days after they had been fighting for their lives against a hideous plague, living in constant fear of threats from all sides, here he was exploring the city with 3 near-naked girls on his arms. But he knew that if she had seen the looks in their faces when that damn Phelp was selling them off like chattel, with only lives of pain, degradation, and despair to look forward to, Julia would have burned with the desire to save them just as much as he had. And as much as Val had wanted to cut Phelp down, he had resisted. Because as long as that man lived, Kentric had no reason to suspect he had just sold 3 of his prized flesh-maidens and revealed crucial secrets to his sworn enemy.
What had happened between him and Angelica in a moment of anger and passion, foolish enough to let his Dark Points get the better of him, that he could only hope Julia would forgive. The fact that he found Angelica’s powerful psyche and focused drive to get whatever she wanted more than a bit attractive only made it worse. No matter the shame he felt after the fact. Shame he did his best to shield her from, knowing that by the code Angelica lived by, she had done nothing at all wrong. Quite the contrary, she had done everything right, showing him what she brought to the table, even conceding her willingness to share, if it meant she could have him as well.
Val shook his head. He could do nothing to change the past. Only help the girls who needed him here in the present.
“Newford has more than one hub,” Bethany explained as she slipped her soft hand into Val’s own. “The city center is the heart of commerce and the most wonderful plays, performances, and theaters you could dream of, as well as the classiest dining establishments and most luxurious hotels. But if you’re looking for great deals on exotic items from all over Jordia, and perhaps unique goods smuggled through stuffy customs, you come to the Silver District.” She sighed. “I used to love spending weekends shopping with my mothers and sisters, but I suppose those days are gone forever, now.”
Val gave her hand a comforting squeeze, and she seemed to naturally flow against him. A hand touched his cheek as brilliant eyes sparkling like jewels and soft, luscious lips dyed crimson captivated him. “Thank you again for saving our lives, Val.” She flashed a teasing smile with a butterfly kiss on his cheek. “That stuff I said when I was hoping I could win you to our cause?” She swallowed, suddenly looking away. “I meant what I said. Every word of it.”
Val blinked. “I… I don’t know what to say.” He swallowed as the silence became strained, then forced himself to speak on. “Bethany, I’m afraid you’re seeing me as a knight in shining armor. A hero you can be proud of calling your friend. And though I’m happy to have gotten you free of those bastards, and I would do it again in a heartbeat, I’m not sure I’m quite the hero you’re painting me to be. I mean, you just saw me lop some silly Highlord’s hand right off, acting cold as ice.”
Bethany, still smiling, nodded. “I know the dance of blades, Val. I’m not strong enough to catalyze the one on your hip, but the single-handed version? Yes, I can use them. All my sisters can." Sasha and even Lisa nodded at that. "And I don't doubt for a second, the way you controlled the bind, the way you kept teasing her with your blade, slipping free of all her traps, not once falling for her feints? You could have killed her at any time. Instead, you played with her, like a mongoose playing with its prey. Only striking when the snake had over-extended its head, so to speak."
Val smiled, and he couldn’t help feeling impressed. “So you spotted that? You have a good eye. And arguably, I was stupid. Maybe I should have finished it fast, hard, and furious, and gotten out of there while her body was still crashing to the ground.”
“But you didn’t,” Lisa said. “Which means you’re kind. You can show mercy.” She swallowed, caught Bethany’s gaze, and gave a firm nod. “It’s okay with me. I like him.”
Val blinked. “What’s that?”
Bethany let loose a silvery peal of laughter. "Nothing, my prince." She squeezed his hand. "We're here! Come on, this stall over here has wonderful clothes at the best prices you’ll find in all of Newford!”
And before Val knew it, he was lost in clouds of silk, lace, flowery perfumes, and laughter. Much to his surprise, he found himself enjoying hopping between pools of pink light, his heart warmed by the smiles and laughter of the now beautifully dressed girls who wouldn’t look out of place in any establishment, for all that he always tried to keep a sliver of himself in Shadow, his Psi-sense alert and ready to spring in a heartbeat, should the shadow he sensed tailing them manifest into any kind of threat.
Though a few drunken shoppers jostled the girls, woozy men sent spinning and tripping to the ground before they even realized what was happening, no one attempted a coordinated attack.
Eventually the girls declared their mission a success, carrying bags so reminiscent of what Val’s mother and sister once brought home from their own shopping expeditions. Val was quite pleased with his own purchase, a satchel full of vials and drinking flasks he knew he would eventually put to good use. They then began a rather extensive tour of the city, conveniently switching veli cabs every time they stopped for shopping, eating, or just delighting in the sights and sounds of Newford’s nightlife. Though most of his attention was focused on looking after the girls suddenly in his care, he couldn’t help but notice more than a few hover-bikes streaking by so gracefully, wondering what it would be like to ride those things, certain he could figure it out far easier than these velis he still didn’t understand.
Even as the night slipped into the early hours, Val didn’t forget his primary goal while savoring the happy chatter of his companions as they finally looked for a decent place to stay, having done all they could to break up their trail and lose anyone who might have been following them. And though they had all savored delicious food and found beautiful clothes, makeup, and jewelry aplenty, Val still hadn’t found what he was looking for.
A driver whose vehicle moved smooth as silk. An artist, more than a driver.
Someone who might know someone who could get certain things done.
Val was jolted from his distraction as Bethany squeezed his hand, their final cabby of the night, or so Lisa muttered hopefully, letting them out, but not before Sasha whispered into the man’s ear, gently squeezing his shoulder as he spasmed for several moments before shaking his head wearily, not even gazing their way as he jerked his vehicle into drive and wobbled back into sparse traffic.
Val
raised an eyebrow.
“Basic mindwipe,” Sasha explained. “He won’t remember a thing about this evening once he gets home, hungry for dinner and the comfort of his wife. If she asks how his day went, he will truthfully say it was too boring to remember, and that she’s a far prettier sight.”
Val smiled. “Well done.” He looked up at the looming building before them with just a few signs lit up, all of them covered in symbols that Val recognized as indicating lodging, the street overall far dimmer than most. “Not the best side of town, I’m guessing.”
“And not the worst either,” Sasha assured. “The buildings are constructed of the same permacrete and aledian alloys as are all modern buildings in Newford, and will stand upright for centuries, barring earthquakes or war. But they know better than to waste light at one in the morning with few customers heading in at this hour, and those that do? Value discretion as much as anything else.”
Bethany winked. “And a hungry young scion bringing in three hostesses for a night of passion and revelry fits their ideal demographic to a tee. You’re young, arrogant, rich, and don’t stint companies that treat you well. No one will remember a thing, Val. Count on it.”
Val frowned but nodded, following them inside, letting a bubbly Bethany handle negotiating a room for the party before gently brushing the young employee’s forehead once he handed over a card. He blinked, yawned, and put his head down for a nap on the counter.
Val’s eyes widened. “It seems your family’s full of talents,” he murmured to Sasha, who grinned.
"Yes, we are, Val. More than you know. Come, upstairs. The great thing about this hotel is you can choose your room. Once the key is inserted, it locks onto your key for the duration of your stay, and that room can only be accessed by you, the marks on the door over here just telling you when one is occupied." This she explained as they made their way up the carpeted stairs to the third floor, the décor a calming shade of vanilla, the rugs sky blue. Val noted the green and blue bars showing for each room. Green meant it was available, blue not.
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