by Jake Daniel
I shook my head and held out a hand to stop her. “You nearly died. You should stay and get some sleep.”
She moved closer to me and pulled me down to her face. Her sweet breath filled my nose. “I appreciate your concern, but I’m coming with you.”
I lowered my hand and nodded. “Fair enough. I trust you. Promise me you won’t push yourself too hard.”
She backed down slowly and blushed. “I... I’m sorry, I just don’t want to leave your side. I feel safe when I’m with you.”
I let out a small chuckle. “Listen, I saw what you did to ol’ Miss Ashnam’s head. It should be the other way around.”
Gwen pulled two daggers off the wall and I secured my knife at my hip and gripped my gun tightly. I brought along a small hatchet that kept catching my eye as well.
Gwen finished securing her dark leather armor, which hugged every curve of her body but gave her enough mobility to move freely should she need to.
Dahlia took more of a minimalist approach, only grabbing a cloak, a pair of layered pauldrons, and some light leg armor that she secured underneath her long glowing petals.
I found a brown armored vest with several pockets, which I stuffed with a few things I had looted from Ashnam’s shop, extra ammo, and another two smaller knives. I pulled on the light leather armored pants I’d worn earlier.
I took a step back and inspected the two gorgeous armored women standing in front of me. “Let’s go kick some ass.”
Chapter Thirteen
I loaded our supplies into the wagon and helped Dahlia into the seat, while Gwen climbed up with ease.
They assumed their seats on either side of me and with a snap of the reins we were off. As we pulled away from the manor, I saw several goblins hauling wood and other materials and staging them at equal intervals across the property. “I imagine this place is going to look much different by the time we get back.”
I thought about my lodge back home. I had wanted out of the city so badly that I had saved every commission check I’d ever earned from the time I was eighteen until I was twenty-four and saved enough to purchase a parcel of land up in the mountains near Leadville.
I missed my lodge for a moment, but after taking one last look around at my newly gained land, my lodge didn’t even hold a candle to my new monster girl manor.
My mind flashed to my family for a second. My parents worked all the time and would probably do so until the day they died.
My brother worked for my dad at the same financial planning firm that my dad had started when he was my age. My dad had still not forgiven me for leaving the family business and starting up my lodge.
I’d doubt any of them would even notice I’d gone missing, other than my grandfather.
We continued up the path back toward Dunway and split off to the northwest at the first major branch in the road. To my relief, we’d not run into any of the remaining poachers up to that point. Not that I wasn’t ready for a fight, but more because I didn’t want us to run into any delays.
Our little rescue mission had already taken much more time than I was hoping. From what Gwen had told me though, the poachers were not interested in killing her sisters, at least, they were worth way more money alive than dead. They wanted them for their abilities, namely their Sight. How they intended to get that skill out of them, however, was what scared me most.
I turned to Gwen as the cart rumbled up the road. “Would the poachers be able to get Sight from your sisters by, you know, having their way with them?”
Gwen shook her head. “Actually, no. It doesn’t work that way, at least not with humans. Ever since the Great War, about a hundred years ago, humans cannot cultivate.” She paused and took a drink of some of Wofferd’s wine she’d brought along and continued. “Most humans take prisoners who can perform the skill for them.”
I nodded and thought about what that meant for her sisters. “I see. What happened after the war for humans to lose the ability to cultivate any longer?”
“It was part of the peace treaty. A great centaur placed a curse on humankind as a condition of the treaty where they could never cultivate again.”
“I’m assuming that curse was just for the humans already living in Aurilon?” I asked.
“Yes, that is why you are so special. Your core is pure, like really pure. It is what makes you so special and dangerous.”
I furrowed my brow and met her eyes. “Dangerous?”
“Yes. Let’s just say it’s a good thing you’re on our side. You could be a very powerful foe if you followed a different path.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about me. At least I hope not.”
“Same here.” Her eyes shifted to her feet. “Even with a pure core, you are susceptible to evil spirits. Just be careful as the longer you are here, the more dangerous it will become.” Her normal joking and jovial manor had disappeared, and I knew it was a legitimate worry.
Gwen snuggled closer to my arm as we continued along the path toward Necross. I could tell she was nervous. “So, how many of your sisters did they capture?”
“Six. That’s all that remains.” She straightened in the seat slightly. “We were once over thirty strong. When they came, they took out all the men first. I’m guessing they didn’t want the men since their Sight was never as strong as the women.”
“Are there more groups of satyrs throughout Aurilon?” I asked.
“Yes, of course. Although, since the new King took over, I’m not sure what’s left of them. They’ve forced most into hiding or far to the north to the unforgiving lands.”
“Well, I have a feeling we’re going to find your sisters. Those men will pay for what they’ve done to you and your family.”
Gwen leaned up and kissed me softly on the cheek. “I know.”
The sun was nearing its midpoint in the sky as we crossed a wide river that contained several brightly sparkling rocks. At first I thought it may have been the way the sun was in the sky and how it reflected off their surface, but then Dahlia spoke up. “There is a great energy near here, I can feel it.”
I pulled the wagon off the side of the road and hopped down.
Gwen joined my side and pointed along the river bank. “I can see it, can you?”
I cocked my head for a second and then I realized that the same glow that appeared when I closed my eyes and used my sight ability was emanating from each of the large rocks along the river. Except now, I could see it with my eyes open. “I... can see it.”
Gwen gave Dahlia a sly smile before turning back to me. “Looks like someone has cultivated enough essence to reach their next rank in Sight.”
I closed my eyes and noticed that I’d already raised my Sight rank up to Master level. “You’re right. It says I’m a Master rank in sight now. I’m probably going to pass you soon.”
“Not so fast, buddy.” Gwen laughed. “While you’re gaining ranks at an incredibly fast pace, it’s going to slow down immensely.”
I furrowed my brow and lifted a small glowing rock near the stream. “I can see a faint circle of light around this rock. That is because of increasing my rank? Dahlia, are you able to see its glow?”
Dahlia shook her head and held her hands out to the ground. “No, I don’t possess the Sight skill. Although I can feel the energy around this place. It usually means a powerful source of spirit is near.”
I stepped toward the stream. “Spirit? That is like the magical equivalent of Qi, right?”
Gwen shrugged. “If by Qi you mean the energy that flows through everything throughout Aurilon, then yes. There are many kinds of spirit throughout this world. Air, water, pure, nature, and even tainted spirit to name a few.”
“Will I be able to tell the spirits apart?” I asked and stared at the glowing rock in the stream.
Gwen nodded and placed a hand on my back. “Yes, eventually. Just wait until you cultivate a few more ranks. It will change how you see the world completely.”
I stood for a moment and thought
about how incredibly convenient the skill could be, but a hint of worry crept up. I hope it’s not like that damn movie where Mel Gibson could hear women’s thoughts.
Gwen let out a sweet laugh. “Don’t worry once you are a high enough level you can choose whose thoughts you want to hear and those you don’t.”
I chuffed and wiped my brow. “That’s a relief.” I walked along the shoreline toward the area that was emanating the brightest light. “So, is this one of those wells you mentioned?”
Gwen joined my side and stared in front of us for a couple seconds, presumably to use her Sight on what may lie ahead. She stopped and pointed in between two large trees at a slight bend in the river.
I walked up to the area and looked around. A shimmering light bathed the entire area, almost blindingly so. I turned back to Gwen and Dahlia and motioned for them to join me. “So how do you use this area?”
Gwen stood in the center of the light where it shone its brightest and held her arms up to the sky as if she were stretching into a yoga pose of some sort.
I watched as the golden energy danced and swirled around her. It grew brighter for several seconds before a gigantic wave rippled outward and the light returned to its normal brightly glowing state.
She smiled and lowered her arms. After taking a long breath, she grabbed my arm and led me to where she was just standing. “Stay right here. Lift your arms to the sky and clear your mind. The well will do the rest.”
I moved cautiously to the center of the area where she was just standing. I rose my hands to the sky, not anywhere near as gracefully as Gwen had, and held them outstretched to the sky. As I held them steady, flashes of bright light darted in front of my eyes. They increased their speed and the world around me faded.
I closed my eyes and nearly stumbled backwards as a symphony of lights and shapes danced across my eyelids. I tried to concentrate on one light at a time, but they were too quick, and before long the beauty of it all overcame me.
My knees wobbled and gave out, sending me in a heap on the ground and the light faded, returning to its condensed sphere a short distance away.
I shook my head and looked up to meet Gwen’s eyes before returning to my feet. “That was interesting…” My chest felt as if it were about to explode, but I clenched my teeth to avoid showing either of the women my pain.
Gwen laughed and ran the back of her hand along my face. “Don’t worry, everyone’s first time is, well, let’s just say, a little overwhelming.”
“No shit.” I chuckled and turned to face the energy.
Dahlia stepped forward and gave me a smile. “My turn.” She stepped inside the churning energy and within seconds it covered her in its glowing aura.
She held her hands out to her side and her fingers transformed to long vines which shot into the ground as if they were holding her in place while she absorbed all the energy available.
A few seconds later the vines retracted back inside her body and she slouched slightly, panting as the energy returned to its origin point. She gave me a tired smile. “These wells are truly amazing. That you can handle the power, as a human, is a testament to what sort of man you truly are, Logan.”
“I probably should’ve asked this before I stepped into this stuff, but what normally happens when a human becomes surrounded by spirit?” I shifted my attention between the women as they smiled at me.
Gwen was the first to speak. “Well, I didn’t want to concern you, but I knew in my heart you could handle the energy of this well, and I was correct to trust my instincts. Most human men can’t handle it, but they’re also cursed, so there is a reason for that.”
“So, you were just going to chance it? What if I died?” I tried to calm down, but I was not exactly a big fan of having my life toyed with.
Gwen’s expression faded. “I... I’m sorry. I didn’t realize, please don’t be angry with me.”
Her vulnerability and sincerity somewhat calmed me. “I’m not angry, just please be honest with me. I prefer to know what I am getting myself into so I can plan accordingly.” I stopped and looked at the glowing orb of energy floating lazily by my side. “Although, now that I think of it, I’m sort of glad you didn’t tell me. That was a rush.”
“Right?!” Gwen smiled, still a little cautiously, as if she were afraid to make me angry.
I reached out and rested a hand gently on Gwen’s shoulder. “I don’t like to snap, but I have little patience for things that could ultimately put me, us, in a dangerous situation. I imagine it’s from the many years I’ve spent hunting.” I neared the glowing orb and reached out toward the light, letting it dance at the tips of my fingers. “I’ve put myself in many tough situations over the years, but I’ve always known how to prepare for every potential outcome. Here, though, it’s so different. I’ve felt a little powerless since arriving, but I realize now that was my fault. I need to adapt if I’m going to help Dahlia, you, your sisters, and anyone else in this world.” I lifted my fingers out of the energy and it floated up into the sky as if it were tiny wisps of smoke.
Gwen ran a hand along my arm slowly. “And you have us to help you.” She paused and met my eyes. “You and I have already bonded, with any luck you’ll bond with Dahlia soon so she can spread her seeds and truly heal.”
I shifted my eyes from Gwen’s to Dahlia’s. “Spread your seeds? As in actual seeds?”
Dahlia’s cheeks turned a bright shade of pink as she shrugged. “Yes, once we reach maturity, we must mate and spread our seeds in order for our kind to survive. Since hunters have brought Alraune to near extinction over the past several years, I fear that I may not enjoy that opportunity.” She searched my eyes for a moment before returning her gaze to the ground. “I hope that one day it may happen, but don’t feel you have to be the one to do it.” Her cheeks reddened, and she turned away from me shyly.
I swallowed hard. I knew that even though she was trying not to pressure me; she wanted to bond with me. With the taste of her nectar still dancing through my mind, if she were to want it from me, I was about a hundred percent sure I’d not be able to turn her down. I rubbed my temple, but when I tried to refocus on Dahlia, my vision blurred and I lost all sight.
Chapter Fourteen
I blinked my eyes several times, trying to clear my vision. I took several breaths to keep myself calm. “Um, Gwen, do you know why I can’t see? Did that well cause this?” I remained as calm as I could while I waited for her response.
“Well, yes. It’s not uncommon for one to lose their sight while cultivating. Although, it’s strange because you’re not cultivating right now.” She said and held her hand against my chest.
“Yes, very strange.” I said and fought against losing my shit. “If I’m not cultivating, and it’s only supposed to happen while cultivating, how do I fix it?”
Gwen laughed lightly and grasped each side of my face. I could see her outline with my eyes closed by using my Sight, but when I opened them, I could only see blackness.
She gripped me as she spoke. “I have a feeling that this is happening because of your pure core. You’re probably bringing spirit into your core without even trying.” She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I will explain how to fix it in a moment. For now, this is a perfect opportunity to try out what you have just unlocked inside your mind.” Her wine-scented breath sent shivers through my body as she continued to hold my head steady.
I nodded slowly with her hands still pressed down firmly. “I trust you.”
“Well, you have already achieved the fourth rank of Sight, which is faster than anyone I’ve ever heard of in my entire life. You are right below me and I have had the sight since I was born. Now, take a deep breath and clear your mind.”
I did as instructed and kept my eyes focused on the screen. My heart rate decreased slightly and several words appeared in front of me as if it were some sort of video game alert window. “What the hell is this?” I trailed off and focused on the words as they became clear.
&nb
sp; “Shh. Focus and tell me what you see.”
“I see some words appearing in the box, like when I checked my rank earlier. Right where your face is, actually.” I lifted my hand and tried to touch the words, but tapped Gwen on the forehead instead.
She laughed and straightened my head. “You cannot manipulate anything, at least not yet. Focus only on me, what do you see?”
I lowered my hand to my side and stared ahead, waiting for the words to become clear. The list finished materializing in my vision and I read through it from top to bottom.
Name: Gwendolyn
Race: Satyr
Race specific skill: Sight
Bonded with Logan West
I paused as I read the last words. It hadn’t really sunk in until that moment. I asked Gwen about it. “I know you’ve said we’re bonded, but what does that exactly mean?”
She giggled and pushed herself closer to me. “It means that I am yours for life. Some races bond for life, others bond with many. Satyrs bond with one, and you are my one. Is this a problem?”
“Not at all.” I leaned forward and kissed her lips softly. “And just to be sure, you don’t get mad when, say, Dahlia kisses me?”
Gwen’s remained in place, unmoving. “Not at all. I told you I’m not the jealous type. You’ve accepted me as one of your bonded, and I respect that. It’s not in my nature to become jealous or fault you for any others that you may bond with.”
I let everything sink in. I’d always refused to get into anything official with any of the girls back home. It made it easier to stay unattached, cleaner.
A small part of me wanted to tell Gwen to un-bond herself, but I truly believed her when she said that she was open to me being with other women. Even though deep down I knew I loved her. I always felt that if I found one I loved I’d be faithful to the end. From what I had experienced in this place so far, that was going to be difficult. “Okay, now how do I get rid of this blindness?”
Gwen lowered a hand and grabbed my hand. She dragged it up, letting it graze her breasts as she lifted it to my temple. “Come with me.” She pulled me away from the stream and back toward the wagon. After a few seconds, the blackness faded and my vision returned.
