Gun Mage 3: Surviving a Post Apocalyptic Magic Earth

by Logan Jacobs

  “No, I mean you don’t leave the inn until morning,” the guard clarified. “You don’t leave the building for any reason.”

  “Okay,” Darwin finally stated after he shared puzzled glances with me and the two women.

  The guard still wavered, so Sorcha stepped forward.

  “You’ll let us in,” she commanded in her deep, hypnotic voice.

  “Oh, yes,” the guard agreed. “I’ll let you in.”

  After a second’s hesitation, the guard moved the barrier and let us inside the town.

  “That was weird,” Freya noted quietly as we made our way toward the only inn.

  “What the hell happens around here at night?” Darwin demanded as the locals who were still out and about stopped for a moment to watch us as we walked by.

  “Maybe we should have stayed on the road,” I murmured. “Made camp somewhere else.”

  “A healer,” Sorcha suddenly declared as we stopped outside the inn. “Let me pick up a few things while you get us rooms.”

  Sorcha darted across the street to a small storefront that had a display of crystals and dried herbs in the window. We all watched her for a moment until she disappeared inside the poorly lit store.

  “That was odd, too,” Freya commented.

  “Rooms,” I reminded my companion as I opened the door.

  A bell over the door tinkled as we stepped into a plain room with a plank floor, a winding staircase, and a battered podium that looked like it could have been salvaged from a pre-magic building. Old photographs had been framed and hung on the wall, and most were pictures of smiling people standing near the same waterfall. A doorway to the right led to a dining room, while a doorway to the left led to a hallway with four closed doors.

  Tucked under the staircase was another door that opened a few moments later. A large woman with a tight, gray bun and watchful eyes stepped into the room as she wiped the flour from her hands on the apron she wore.

  “We were hoping to get some rooms for tonight,” Darwin began.

  “There’s the three of you?” the woman asked cautiously.

  “Four, actually,” I replied. “Our friend just stopped at the healer’s across the street.”

  “And we have two horses,” Freya added. “We’ll need stables for tonight as well.”

  The woman nodded, but didn’t pull out her register right away. She looked us over for a moment before slowly pulling the book from a shelf next to the podium.

  “The guard warned you about staying inside after dark?” the woman asked.

  “He did,” I stated.

  “The stable is just around the back,” the woman said after another awkward pause. “That will be an extra copper for each horse. You’ll have the four rooms upstairs.”

  She finally pushed the register toward us, and Darwin signed us in as Richard Feynman and company. The woman shrugged, then pulled four keys from hooks below the shelf and passed them to us.

  “I’ll take care of the horses,” I offered as Darwin handed me a key.

  “I’ll help,” Freya quickly added as she snatched a key from Darwin, then darted back to the street where we had left the horses.

  I shrugged at the older man, then followed the rabbit woman back outside. The horses had found a thin patch of grass and clover to nibble on while they waited, and Freya stood patiently by their sides while they ate.

  “Let’s get them settled,” I suggested as I unwrapped the reins from the hitching post.

  Freya nodded, but I noticed her attention was on the street, rather than on the horses.

  “You joining us?” I prodded as I led the horses toward the stables.

  Freya nodded again, then sidled up next to me.

  “This whole town seems very strange,” she whispered. “I mean, I’ve seen unfriendly towns before, but this is more than that.”

  “They’re scared of something,” I replied as we stepped into the barn where we were greeted by the current residents.

  We found two empty stalls, along with feed and brushes, and set about making the horses comfortable. We made idle chatter as we worked, mostly just to soothe the steeds that had endured a long and unpleasant day already. When the horses were finally settled, we grabbed the supplies we would need for the night, then walked back to the main road.

  “I guess I’ll be spending another night alone,” Freya sighed as we stopped to watch the townspeople hurry about their business.

  “I’m sure your grandfather wouldn’t object if you wanted to share a room with Sorcha again,” I replied.

  Freya grinned at me, then shook her head.

  “Sorcha’s good company,” the mutant sighed, “but there are other people I’d rather sleep with.”

  “U-uh--” I stuttered as I tried not to look into Freya’s very big and very inviting eyes. “Your Grandfather--”

  “Ugh, don’t remind me,” Freya snorted. “I’m just curious, though. If gramps wasn’t here, would you consider it?”

  I finally turned to look at the mutant and nearly lost myself in her eyes.

  “Oh, I would definitely consider it,” I whispered.

  A pleasant pink color tinged Freya’s cheeks, and she quickly looked away before I could really enjoy the grin that lit up her face.

  “Here comes Sorcha,” Freya declared as she stepped away from me and waved toward the Irishwoman.

  Sorcha darted across the street and gave us both a quizzical look. Freya blushed some more, then tried to walk nonchalantly toward the inn, though it was hard to hide the literal spring in her step.

  “What was that about?” Sorcha asked as she watched Freya duck inside the front door.

  “Oh, um,” I stammered.

  “Ah,” Sorcha replied with a grin as she studied my face. “So, our rabbit has let you know she’s interested.”

  “Um, yes,” I admitted.

  “Well, we both agreed it’s a bit awkward with Darwin around,” the Irishwoman continued. “Unless he gives his blessing, of course.”

  “Er,” was all I could manage.

  “But, that may take some time,” Sorcha sighed. “I don’t think Darwin gives his trust quickly, and even though he was willing to travel with us, I don’t think he’s ready to entrust his granddaughter to you.”

  “You... talked about this?” I asked.

  “Mmmm,” Sorcha murmured.

  “But... don’t you…” I started, then gave up when I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to ask.

  “I’m not greedy,” Sorcha sniffed. “I like her, and I can share as long as you can still keep me happy. Speaking of which, it has been a while...”

  I could feel my cheeks flush as a wave of heat swept through me, and Sorcha’s inviting smile only made me hotter.

  “We could head upstairs,” I murmured. “Test out the beds before dinner.”

  “Such a poet,” Sorcha laughed as she looped her arm around mine and led me toward the door of the inn.

  The entryway was empty when we stepped inside, though I spotted Darwin talking to someone in the dining room while he held up his turkey. I pulled Sorcha up the stairs, then checked the numbered tag on the key to my room. I had the last room in the narrow hallway, and I let out a sigh of relief. I slipped the key into the lock, then opened the door into the room.

  It was neat and tidy, with a platform bed pushed up against the far wall, a row of shelves in place of a chest of drawers with a stack of clean towels neatly placed along the top shelf, and a three-legged table tucked into a corner with a water pitcher and matching bowl sitting on top. The room smelled vaguely of lemon and lavender, and I spotted the dried lavender stalks wrapped with a ribbon which hung from the window frame.

  Sorcha moved across the room before I even closed the door and started to remove her clothes. She left everything in a tidy pile on one of the shelves, then turned around slowly so I could enjoy the view. Her golden hair glowed against her fair skin and made her look like one of the ancient goddesses in the old pre-magic paintings we us
ed to snicker at when we were kids. Well, a goddess with a saucy grin.

  “Like what you see?” she purred as she did another slow turn so I could admire the full breasts, the shapely hips, and the very inviting butt cheeks.

  “Absolutely,” I said breathlessly as I drank in this vision of beauty.

  “I think you’re overdressed for the occasion,” she teased as she pulled down the covers on the bed and slid beneath the sheets.

  I glanced down and realized I was still fully dressed. I quickly divested myself of every scrap of clothing and practically tossed myself onto the bed. Sorcha laughed as I tried to find my way beneath the sheet, then pulled my head toward hers for a long, wet kiss. Despite the brutal day, she still tasted sweet and fresh, like peaches and wild herbs. I could have spent the rest of the night with my tongue inside her mouth if I hadn’t needed to come up for air.

  “How can you still taste so wonderful after the day we’ve had?” I murmured as I pulled back enough to study her face.

  “You taste pretty yummy yourself,” she chuckled as she ran a finger lightly over a pinecone inflicted bruise.

  “I hope you found something for all these bruises and cuts at the healer,” I remarked as I watched her trace along my arm and then back to my shoulder.

  “I only picked up a couple of things,” she replied. “Mostly I just wanted to ask a few questions.”

  “Learn anything interesting?” I mumbled as I started to kiss my way down her neck.

  “Not much,” she giggled. “I can just tell everyone at dinner.”

  “I like that idea,” I replied as I moved to her breasts.

  I teased her nipples with my tongue, which earned me another fit of giggles, followed by a low moan. I smiled, then started to rub her breasts with my hand as I moved my head slowly toward her pussy. Her body started to ripple beneath me as waves of pleasure moved through her, and when I reached her golden triangle, I glanced up again to see an expression of pure pleasure on her face.

  I eased a finger inside, even though my shaft was rock hard. She was wet and warm and clenched against me as soon as I found her favorite spot. I smiled as I took in her scent, a warm and heady mix of ripe fruit and night jasmine. My mouth started to water as an image of a perfect peach popped into my head, and I nearly drooled on the beautiful body that rippled beneath me.

  “I need more,” Sorcha moaned as I stretched her wide. “Oh, please, give me more.”

  “Who could say no to such a polite request?” I chuckled as I moved on top of her.

  She arched toward me as she felt my penis press against her. I rubbed against her for a moment and let the friction feed her desire, then pushed inside as she let out another low moan.

  The explosion of sensations was astounding as I took her. I could still feel the hardness of my shaft and feel the blood flow along its length. The drive to drill deeper still filled my senses, and her scent still drove me wild. But I could feel it the way she did as well. I knew the pain and pleasure she felt, and the need she had to wrap herself around my thick rod and to ride the friction until she hit her climax. I played both parts in this act, and the intensity of it overwhelmed all other senses.

  “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” someone muttered, though I wasn’t sure if it was me or Sorcha.

  “More, more, more,” was the response, and I realized that was said in Sorcha’s lilting accent.

  I pounded harder and deeper as I reveled in the sheer power that flowed between us. I knew instantly what I needed to do to keep the Irishwoman going, and I shifted as easily and unconsciously as she did as I tried to extend our growing frenzy.

  As she neared her climax, she started to shudder with every drive. I slowed the pace and kept her hanging on as she fought to catch her breath.

  “Hexxxx,” she hissed when I pressed against her favorite spot for several heartbeats.

  “Are you ready?” I asked.

  “Damn it, you know I am,” she managed to reply as she grabbed my hips and tried to force me to move again.

  At a deliberate pace, I started sliding in and out of her again, careful to go a little deeper each time. Sorcha’s breath had become ragged and she squirmed beneath me as she tried to find a release, but I refused to give in too quickly.

  And then, finally, there was an explosion of pleasure that poured through every fiber of her being, and filled every cell in my own body. She pressed against me as hard as she could even as I reached her deepest point and sprayed my seed inside of her, and the musky smell of our lovemaking permeated the room as the two of us teetered on the edge of ecstasy for several moments.

  “You’re so fucking good,” Sorcha mumbled when I finally eased her back onto the bed. “You must have been the most popular cowhand on the trail.”

  “I might have had a few fans,” I confessed. “But none were a match for you.”

  She peered at me from beneath half-closed lids, then slowly pulled me down on top of her.

  “I can’t believe you haven’t run away from me,” she sighed. “Screaming about the horrible things I do to you.”

  “I can’t believe any man in his right mind would run away from you,” I replied. “It’s amazing, knowing exactly what will drive us both wild.”

  She gave me a lazy smile as she twirled her fingers through my hair, then she sighed and slowly eased me to the side.

  “We should go down and have some dinner,” she stated with a great deal of regret. “And we’ll need to work out a watch schedule for tonight. I have a feeling we’ll need one.”

  “You’re probably right,” I agreed. “I’m not sure I trust that guard at the barricade to keep us safe. I’m also curious to see what has this whole town on edge.”

  “As long it isn’t another mutant mage,” Sorcha replied as she found a washcloth to clean off with.

  Despite some more kissing and petting, we managed to clean up and get dressed and head down to the dining room in time for dinner. The rest of the guests were already there, at various stages of their meals, though several gave us a knowing glance as we strolled in.

  Darwin and Freya sat at a table near the back, away from the fireplace and the other guests. Freya gave us a smirk when she saw us walk in, but Darwin remained impassive. I tried not to blush, but Sorcha returned Freya’s smirk with one of her own.

  “We just sat down,” Darwin noted as Sorcha and I dropped into the other two chairs at the table. “Haven’t ordered yet.”

  “Didn’t I see you talking to someone about the turkey?” Sorcha asked pleasantly.

  “It’s roasting even as we speak,” Darwin replied. “I’ve agreed to leave a portion of it here for the cook, but we should have plenty to take with us on the road tomorrow.”

  “About that,” I said as I lowered my voice. “Has anyone figured out what’s going on around here?”

  “The cook wouldn’t say much,” Darwin grumbled as he glanced toward the swinging door that led to the kitchen. “Just that we should stay inside and out of sight. Keep the curtains closed and don’t look outside.”

  “The healer didn’t offer much else,” Sorcha added. “She said there’s a winnowing that takes place at night, but that was it.”

  “A winnowing?” I repeated.

  “That’s how she described it,” Sorcha replied. “But she wouldn’t explain what she meant. She also said to keep the curtains closed and not to look out the windows.”

  A boy of about twelve popped up next to our table at that point. He was short and scrawny, but his blue eyes were alive with curiosity. He smiled at the four of us, then placed four sets of silverware and napkins on the table.

  “For dinner tonight, you have a choice between trout in butter sauce served with winter cabbage and butter beans, or chicken pot pie with a side of mashed potatoes,” the boy declared as he swayed back and forth to his own internal rhythm.

  “I’ll take the trout,” Sorcha replied in a soft voice that drew an even bigger smile from the boy.

  “Same for me,” Frey
a added.

  “I’ll have the pie,” I decided as I pictured a huge mound of mashed potatoes.

  “Gramps?” Freya pressed when Darwin didn’t add his order right away.

  “Can I get the trout with the mashed potatoes instead of the cabbage and beans?” Darwin asked.

  “Ummm,” the boy pondered for a moment. “I’ll ask.”

  With that, the boy sprinted into the kitchen.

  “Did we place drink orders yet?” Freya asked as she watched the doors swing back and forth after the boy’s mad dash.

  “Didn’t make it that far,” Sorcha laughed. “But I’m sure we can do that as soon as we sort out trout with mashed potatoes.”

  The boy returned a few minutes later and reported that trout with mashed potatoes was acceptable. He then ran through the list of available beverages and slyly admitted his favorite was a local beer that he sometimes sipped when the cook wasn’t looking.

  “A round of beers for the table,” I suggested to nods from the others.

  After another brilliant smile, the boy raced back into the kitchen.

  “I am a little concerned about our food making it to the table,” Freya noted as the doors swung wildly for a moment. “It seems more likely to end up on the floor.”

  “Well, everyone else seems happy with theirs,” I noted as I glanced around the room.

  “Happy seems kind of an exaggeration,” Darwin noted. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a quiet dining room, except at my grandparent’s house after grandma and Uncle Frank had a fight.”

  “No one sat by the window,” Sorcha noted. “And how many restaurants would close the curtains while the place was still open?”

  “They take this whole closed curtains thing very seriously,” Freya agreed.

  “So, we’re setting up our own watch again,” I stated in a quieter voice.

  “Absolutely,” Darwin agreed.

  “Same schedule as last night?” Sorcha suggested.

  “That’ll work,” Darwin mused. “Just keep your doors unlocked so we can wake each other up if we need to.”

  “I’ll just be happy when morning arrives, and we can leave,” Freya sighed. “Is this what it’s going to be like to travel with you two?”