by Eric Vall
I furrowed my brow as I remembered her brother digging angrily through his desk for the thing. It was only a slim piece of silver, but Deya’s face pinched sadly as she looked at it, and she turned toward me.
“Dragir?” she asked.
I nodded as I took the hefty rope to carry it for her, and for the first time this evening, her violet eyes shimmered with tears.
I recalled how scared Dragir had been for her, and how all of this could have played out if he hadn’t gone behind his father’s back to ensure her safety. He’d forced me to take her lethal dog along as well and known where I could find her despite the many stories and halls of the fortress. We could have wasted hours checking every hall in the spiraling place, if the Wendigo didn’t eat us first.
Now that Deya held the silver coin in her delicate hand, I realized it was mostly thanks to him we’d made it.
Well, almost made it. We still hovered dangerously close to the drunken and burly elves inside House Kylen and had littered the halls with dead bodies.
“We should get you home,” I told the pink-haired elf.
Deya nodded and stooped to catch the fabric of her gauzy dress. Then she wove it strategically at her waist, so her thighs were fully exposed.
I realized I was staring again and quickly looked away.
With a few gentle words to the massive dog, Deya swiftly took off toward the trees, and as we followed her into the blackened jungle, the sable wolf trotted obediently at the elven beauty’s side.
Chapter 6
Dappled moonlight fell through the canopy above as we ran a course toward House Quyn, and each shaft of pale light caught like pearls on Deya’s creamy skin. She was as lithe as a deer, and she raced barefoot through the ferns and leapt over felled trees with ease. Twigs and stones were trampled without thought, and while the beast’s great paws thundered at her side, the elven beauty didn’t even seem to make a sound.
I ran a few paces back and watched her long pink hair flick wildly behind her, and from the grace of her movements and her unyielding pace, I guessed that she often took to the trees for a run with the massive dog. The two of them moved in sync through the dark jungle while Deya led the way, and Ruela didn’t once stray from her side. The powerful beast abandoned all its ferocity for the lithe elf, and although the sharp green eyes scanned the surroundings constantly, they didn’t have the same crazed hunger they had before. Her hackles were smoothed, and her constant stream of snarls finally ceased while she trotted contentedly beside her master.
Ruela’s wolfish ears reached up to the slim tuck of Deya’s waist, and I considered the contrasting pair as I eyed the sheen of the elf’s skin beneath her gauzy dress. The elven beauty’s slender frame couldn’t possibly have enough strength to restrain the dog if needed, but it seemed like the beast didn’t require it. The hefty rope was strung across my chest, and I got the impression that as long as Deya was safe, the sable wolf was a subdued companion.
We managed to keep up with Deya despite her unbelievable stamina, and we’d run at a steady pace for nearly two leagues when the elf abruptly stopped within a grove of blue leaves. The four of us armed ourselves out of habit, and although we all panted like dogs, Deya and her sable beast appeared as calm as if they’d only gone for a short stroll.
Deya turned her violet eyes toward us, and she gave a small shake of her head as she gestured toward the bows in our hands. I slowly lowered mine, and as the elven beauty turned her back, I finally saw Dragir come through the fog ahead.
He ran to his sister, and even in the dim jungle, I could see his sickly pallor had only gotten worse since we’d left for House Kylen. I felt for the guy when I noticed the tremor in his arms, and as he hugged Deya fiercely, Ruela gave a light whimper and padded over to brush her bloodied snout against Dragir’s leg.
I thought I heard Deya mumble something into his shoulder, and when he pulled away, he carefully studied her face with a vice like grip on her shoulders. Deya sent him a reassuring smile, and he dropped his hold on her to steady his weight on his knees. He didn’t seem to have full control of his breathing, but he finally righted himself and gave a curt nod.
“As long as you’re okay,” he said in a tight voice.
Then Deya held her hand out to him, and as her palm caught in the moonlight, I saw the glint of a silver coin. A small smile came to Dragir’s face before he took the coin from her, and they looked at each other sadly for a moment
I began to feel like we were intruding on a family moment, when Dragir turned and headed directly for me.
Before I could speak, he’d taken my hand in his and shook it firmly. “I can’t express how grateful I am,” he assured me. “Thank you for your efforts. Sincerely.”
This was the first time I’d heard genuine gratitude in Nalnora, from someone other than Deya, and it was nice, to say the least.
I nodded, and as Dragir turned toward Aurora, I was pleasantly surprised to see he held her eyes steadily when he said, “I am in your debt.”
I smirked as the half-elf instinctively looked over her shoulder to be sure he meant to address her, but Cayla was on my other side, and Shoshanne just beyond her.
“It’s nothing,” Aurora mumbled.
Dragir shook his head. “It is not,” he assured the half-elf. “My family have shown you no respect and little regard, yet you would risk your life to bring my sister back to us. So, thank you.” Then he looked to my other two women as well. “All of you.”
Aurora sent me a wide-eyed glance. “You’re welcome.”
I expected the half-elf to faint when Dragir offered her a small bow, but then he turned to join his sister, and Deya passed him by to bring herself to me.
The elven beauty took my hand without hesitating and wrapped it gently in both of hers.
So, naturally, I figured I was about to be murdered with the serrated Halcyan Blade on Dragir’s hip. From the corner of my eye, I could see his gaze shift between the two of us, but I tried to focus on the violet eyes that glinted up at me.
“It means the world to me that you came to save me, Mason Flynt,” Deya told me in a soft voice. Her sincerity cut through me like a knife, and I felt her slender fingers tighten their hold. “May Nemris bless you for your bravery.”
I swallowed and instinctively glanced to the stone-faced elf just behind her.
Then I cleared my throat, but only managed a curt, “Yep,” with what I think was a nod, but it could have been a shrug. I was honestly too nervous to tell which one.
Dragir placed his hand at Deya’s elbow when she only stood there looking up at me. “Deya, you should be inside.”
For once, his sister agreed, and before I could blink, the two had turned and swiftly headed into the fog with Ruela close behind.
I let out a shaky breath, and Aurora snorted beside me.
“What just happened?” she asked. “I feel like both of us were supposed to die right now.”
I glanced her way and smirked.
The half-elf looked deeply confused over the kindness of the elves, and I was more than pleased to know Dragir would hold up his end of the bargain. Although, I probably should have added a caveat about my own life, now that I thought about it.
If Deya kept up those long lingering glances, I’d likely fall dead at her feet within the week.
I jogged ahead if only to keep my mind working, and when we got to the entrance of House Quyn, Deya and her brother were just crossing the threshold. I noticed her pause to eye the broken doors, but Dragir didn’t meet her questioning glances, and when she waited for us, I avoided her violet eyes as well.
We turned down the long hallway in the dim house and followed the glow of candlelight at the end.
Dragir and I entered the sitting room first to find the head of House Quyn sunken in his velvet seat with his head in his hand, and his initial response to the sight of us was a deadly glower. Then Deya must have caught his eyes because he shot to his feet, and a mixture of relief and terror came to his face
“D-deya, ” he stammered in shock. “You’re … back?”
The elven beauty curled into her father’s arms with a loving smile, and he held her close while he eyed me and Dragir over the top of her soft pink hair.
We returned the look coldly and waited while the three women filed in beside me. I saw the leader register our weaponry, and his deep purple eyes seemed to flare with understanding.
Deya gave a content sigh. “I was so worried I wouldn’t see you again,” she admitted.
“As was I,” her father replied. When he released his daughter, he studied her face carefully, and he was the image of adoration and relief. He brushed her hair from her eyes and gave a light chuckle, and Deya glowed with tears in her eyes. Then she grazed his cheek lightly, and as I watched the love radiate from her, I felt my own anger ignite.
Beside me, Dragir wore an unreadable mask, and I worked to mask my own irritation as Deya began to fret for her father rather than herself.
“You must be exhausted with worry,” she said. “You should rest, father. Let me walk you to your room.”
“It’s been a trying day for everyone,” he agreed, “but I will stay here a moment longer. Aeris was deeply upset over the circumstances today. He left for House Aelin a few hours ago. I will send him a note immediately to be sure he knows you’re home safe. He will be much pleased to know you’ve returned unmarred, and perhaps we can prevent word of this misunderstanding from reaching the northern Houses.”
Dragir abruptly turned on his heel and left the room with Ruela close behind.
Deya glanced over as they went, and her face was blank. “Yes,” she mumbled, “I’m sure Aeris was upset.” Then she offered Qiran an empty smile. “I am tired. Goodnight, father. Be sure to get your rest.”
“Yes, rest yourself,” he replied happily. “Be at peace, you’re home now and safe as you should be. I’ll just finish this letter up.” The father placed a kiss on his daughter’s brow, and Deya kept her violet eyes to the ground as she passed us and headed into the hallway.
With only the four of us and the head of House Quyn in the glowing room, I became the target of Qiran’s stern gaze that burned steadily through me while he ignored the three women altogether. I waited for him to say anything, but when we’d remained in a thick silence for several minutes, I cleared my throat.
“I guess we’ll turn in for the night,” I said pointedly.
“Yes,” he replied. “Sleep well.”
I caught the flicker of disgust in his deep purple eyes and motioned for the women to lead the way.
The elf turned his back on us to retrieve a piece of paper from a table in the corner of the room, and the four of us quietly excused ourselves without another word of acknowledgment.
We made our way to the tiny tower room, and when the door was closed behind at my back, we set our bows in the corner and stood silently in the moonlit room for a moment.
“Huh,” I mused. “That was almost as disappointing as the last conversation I had with him.”
“What is that guy’s problem?” Shoshanne whispered. “You’d think he didn’t want her back … ”
“That’s impossible,” Cayla tried. “I’m sure he’s still in shock, that’s all.” No one responded, and the princess shrugged. “Well, Deya and Dragir were grateful at least.”
“Yeah, he was.” Aurora smirked. “I can’t believe he thanked me, and he didn’t even sound like a dick when he did it.”
I grinned at the half-elf, but I didn’t say anything about my agreement with Dragir. “Now, I just need to figure out how the hell someone gains his father’s admiration,” I muttered as I combed my fingers through my hair. “His House is the only one I’ve found clear proof of rune magic being used, beside House Syru, but--”
“What proof have you found?” Cayla asked eagerly. “Was there something more than Deya’s ability to disappear?”
“Dragir can do it as well,” I told them quietly. “I saw it myself a few days ago, so it’s not just a unique quality Deya has. They’re both using magic to do it, I’m almost positive. Plus, there’s the Halcyan Blades.”
“The what?” Aurora asked.
“Your dagger,” I said as I gestured to the translucent blade nestled against her thigh. “Dragir’s grandfather forged the first one, and he’s got nearly forty of them at his house in the forest village. I saw his own designs fully crafted, which means--”
“Wait, go back,” Shoshanne cut in. “What forest village?”
I sighed. “Sorry, I haven’t gotten much of a chance to bring you all up to speed,” I admitted, and then I explained to the three women about the secluded path and the village where the army of House Quyn resided. I told them about the many dogs they owned as well and finally about the racks of blades in Dragir’s home.
“And you don’t think they could be family heirlooms?” Aurora asked when I’d finished. “His grandfather could have passed them down.”
“Some of them, I’m sure,” I said with a shrug. “But I saw his work table, and there were designs for a couple of Halcyan Blades I’d seen on the wall. Unless he was only sketching them, this could mean he still designs and forms the blades of his ancestors, and the ones I’ve gotten a close look at all had runes inlaid in the handles.”
Cayla furrowed her brow. “Well, if that’s the case, maybe it doesn’t matter what the father thinks then,” she offered. “If Dragir and Deya are using rune magic themselves, then they must know at least as much as their father. You don’t need his favor if the others already respect you. Perhaps they’ll trust you more than he does.”
I sighed again and scruffed my beard. “You might be right,” I admitted. “At any rate, I don’t seem to have much of a choice. We’ve saved his own life and brought his only daughter back to safety, and the fucker still isn’t even impressed enough to say thank you.”
“I was impressed,” Cayla purred as she came to my side.
I grinned, and the princess slid her arms around my waist to leave a soft kiss on my neck.
Then I settled my palm on the lush curve of the porcelain beauty’s backend and pulled her against me. “Were you, now?”
Cayla curled her lips into a coy smile. “Should I show you how much?”
I raised my brows, and Aurora let out a chuckle.
“I think we should celebrate,” she agreed. “In more proper attire, of course.”
The half-elf came to my other side, and as she slid her hands along my chest to pull my shirt open, Cayla began to undo my belt. Shoshanne laid my gun and sword aside, and then she took my hand to lead me to the bed.
The healer forced me to lay back so she could pull the rest of my clothes off, and I made myself comfortable as I watched the three women help each other out of their tight bodices.
Aurora pushed Cayla’s leather dress up, and she used her teeth to slowly peel the black tights off the porcelain beauty. When she’d finished, the half-elf crawled to me from her place on the floor and brought herself onto her knees in front of me. She licked my cock slowly with a soft moan, and I slid myself into her mouth as I watched Shoshanne’s breasts tumble free from her robe.
Aurora’s tongue pulsed warmly against me, and as I grew to my full length, I pulled her closer until I could feel the soft flesh at the back of her throat. Then she moaned, and the sensation coursed through me as I spasmed lightly with pleasure.
Cayla came over and peeled Aurora’s robe open while I held her head to me, and I looked down to admire the perked breasts and the figure-eight of the half-elf’s curves in the pale moonlight.
Then the princess brought herself to my side, and just as I leaned to take the bud of her nipple in my mouth, I heard a sturdy cough, and all of us froze.
It came from somewhere below our room, and the sound of Qiran settling into his own chamber for the night was unmistakable.
I released my hold on Aurora, and as the half-elf rose from my lap, she tried to stifle a giggle. “He’s in the room below us?”
&n
bsp; “Shhh,” I warned. I eyed Aurora’s slickened lips, and desire pulsed through me like fire. Beside her, Shoshanne’s full breasts were heavy and taut, and Cayla leaned in to flick her tongue against my earlobe with her body flush against mine.
I quickly stood up and grabbed a shirt.
“What are you--?” Aurora began, but I motioned for the women to be quiet.
Then I tossed whatever article of clothing was closest to me over to the three of them and shielded my erection with my crumpled shirt. “Waterfall,” I muttered with a grin, and I opened the door of the tower room.
The women’s eyes sparkled when they caught on, and they haphazardly covered their more important bits as they filed out the door and down the stairs.
I had to shush them multiple times as they giggled and tiptoed through the hall. Their bare backends caught in the snowy light that spilled through the windows of the stonework, and I was fully distracted with admiring their pale silhouettes from behind when their hushed bickering became too loud to ignore.
“Cayla was first last time, and the time before that,” Shoshanne whispered.
“No, he went down on you,” Cayla assured her, “that counts.”
“I just went down on him, and I definitely don’t think he’d count that,” Aurora pointed out.
I raised my brows, and before the women could carry on any louder than they already were, I caught their elbows and pulled them into a side hallway in case the father returned from his chamber.
“First of all, you’re all wrong,” I told them quietly. “Last time, I woke up with all three of you after me, so we’re even. Second, there’s a very quick and easy way to handle this. Rock paper scissors, descending order.”
“What’s rock paper scissors?” Cayla whispered.
“Seriously?” I asked incredulously. “Okay we’re doing this.” I made sure I had hold of my shirt in front of me before I raised my other hand to give a demonstration. “Rock obviously beats scissors, and scissors beats paper, but paper beats rock. I’ll count to three, everyone shoots their shot, and the winner is first. Then the last two play.”
