by Ajax Lygan
“Bring me up to speed. I was told that The Academy was attacked?”
“Yes, by an unknown force. No one is claiming ownership.”
“What was the damage? I saw smoke rising from the island on the horizon.”
“The building was annihilated. All the faculty, staff, and students were killed in the attack, save for one, thanks to our esteemed guests,” Queen Vatia said pointing toward Tempest and his companions.
King Orum let go of Queen Vatia’s hands and turned toward the members in front of him. “And who am I looking at?”
Ella and Riika did little to hide their scornful expressions as the Queen introduced the party. “The man in the front is his Eminence, Sir Tempest, this generation’s Aspect. The two women standing behind him are his wardens, Lady Ellazarra Fleetfoot and Lady Riika Treehammer. The woman to his right with the beautiful red leaves is Lady Saïgra, an envoy from The Firegrove.”
King Orum cocked his brow and pointed at Tempest. “He’s the next Aspect?”
Queen Vatia slowly nodded.
King Orum let out a small chuckle as he approached Tempest. Tempest could hear Ella restraining Riika behind him but maintained eye contact with the brick wall of a man. King Orum loomed over Tempest and sniffed the air surrounding him. He leaned back and placed his clawed finger on Tempest’s chest. “You smell weak.”
Before Tempest could respond, Riika wiggled her way from Ella and pushed King Orum’s hand away from Tempest. “Big talk for a man who can’t even keep his city under control,” she said, glaring up at the dragon King.
King Orum’s bottom eyelid twitched as he turned toward Riika. “What did you just say to me?”
“I said it’s pretty sad you had to rely on another man to do your job for you. You weren’t here when The Academy was attacked, but I guess it doesn’t even matter because we took care of it for you.”
King Orum’s eyes lit with fire as Riika’s insults cut deep at his pride. “You insolent hedge-born freak. How dare you come into my home, lay hands on me, and insult me in front of my beloved? I’ll rip your head off; skull fuck you and then burn you to ash.”
Riika’s ravening smile grew wider as she clawed her away under his skin. “That’s okay, King Orum, I’m sure I have little to worry about with that little sausage between your legs.”
As the two growled and positioned to square off, Queen Vatia’s voice commanded attention. “That’s enough! The both of you should be ashamed. This is a royal household, not some penurious inn on the south-side of the city!” The two slowly pulled away at the Queen’s request. However, as quickly as they calmed down, tempers flared when Riika turned around revealing Lightning Breath on her back.
“Is that my father’s sword?!” King Orum yelled.
Riika’s eyes went wide, and she placed her hand in front of her open mouth. “Oh, this ol’ thing. Yeah, it chose someone who worth enough to wield it.”
That was the last straw for the King. His spit acted like burning napalm as it seeped from his clenching jaw. “I’ll kill you; you bitch!” he yelled, charging at Riika.
Tempest, seeing the speed at which the dragon King was charging, realized Riika would not be able to defend herself before the King issued a fatal blow. He reached out with his abilities, just like at The Academy, and froze the King in midair as he lunged for Riika’s head.
“I will not tolerate this disrespectful behavior toward my wardens!” Tempest shouted. “If this is how your King acts, Queen Vatia, then maybe the people of Halairim should be protesting.”
Queen Vatia slowly walked toward Tempest and King Orum, her footsteps counting the seconds as Tempest held the King captive. “No one in this situation was without fault your Eminence. I do apologize for King Orum’s behavior, but that gives your warden no right to speak to him the way that she did. I think we can see that both are at fault. I will take the responsibility for King Orum’s actions and I ask you to do the same for Lady Treehammer.”
Queen Vatia’s tone deepened as she continued. “However, if you harm him, you will have the entire Kingdom of Halairim raining down on your heads, and I can promise you that there will be no place that you can hide that I won’t find you.”
Tempest grunted as he held the King in place. He could feel his grasp slipping as the King’s rage built. Tempest turned his head to look at the Queen and nodded. “You have my word.” When he released King Orum, the King fell to his feet and jumped backwards. He flew high into the air with a single flap of his wings, sending nearby cups and parchment throughout the room.
Tempest waited to make sure there would be no more surprises before he turned to his companions and made sure everyone was okay. The sound of flapping fabric and clanking steel caused Tempest to jerk in response. He saw King Orum at Queen Vatia’s side, his pointed brow conflicted with an otherwise calm demeanor. Tempest’s muscles relaxed, no longer ready to strike in defense.
He let out a sigh before bowing. “I think it’s in our best interest if we stay somewhere else.”
“If you leave the castle walls, I cannot guarantee your protection,” Queen Vatia said, bluntly.
Tempest looked back at his companions, who nodded in agreement before turning back to face the Queen. “I believe my companions and I are willing to take the chance. I appreciate your hospitality and once again apologize for my warden’s behavior.”
“Very well, I shall inform you if there are any developments in the meantime. I will also reach out to the IRC immediately to schedule the next summit.” As she finished, Tempest saw the nudge from Queen Vatia into King Orum’s side. He wrapped his arm around his stomach and leaned into a bow. His voice did not hide his reluctance.
“I do apologize for my behavior, your Eminence. My behavior was completely unbefitting for a King, and I hope that one day you will forgive me.”
“Thank you, King Orum, I do hope that we can put this incident behind us.” As Tempest and his companions reached the doorway leading to their exit, Tempest could hear Queen Vatia wasting no time scolding King Orum.
7
Pheromones at The Last Oasis
After the doors were closed, the women stopped in the hallway and turned toward Tempest.
“Well, where to now?” Riika asked.
“Ella, you’re familiar with Halairim, right?” Tempest asked. “Do you have any ideas?”
“Me?” Ella asked, placing her palm on her chest. “This is the first time I’ve been back to Halairim in years. In fact, the last time I was here was when Riika and I left, so she would be just as knowledgeable. However, I don’t think either of us would be of much help. Halairim is like a machine with moving parts, and those parts are always getting replaced.”
Tempest looked up at Saïgra who just shook her head. He walked a bit further down the hallway, looking around, trying to come up with some idea. As he rounded the corner toward the lift, he noticed Cladius, who was carrying a silver serving tray with several cloches. Steam was pouring from it, filling the hallway with the smell of the morning’s breakfast. Tempest ran and waved at Cladius as he approached him. The elder katzen man brought down the plate over his shoulder as Tempest approached.
“Your Eminence, is everything, all right?”
“I have a favor to ask of you, Cladius, if you would be so kind. My companions and I had a…disagreement with King Orum when he arrived. Because of that, I feel that it would be best if we stay elsewhere until the Queen is able to summon the other representatives of the IRC for a council meeting.”
Once Tempest stopped talking, Cladius quickly scanned the hallway before shouting out to a nearby staff member. “Tifara, please be a dear and deliver this to the Queen and King immediately.” Cladius carefully handed the serving tray before waving Tempest and his companions to follow. “I can’t say I am surprised; this is not the first time this has happened,” Cladius said as he moved into the lift. He led them down the lift and out the familiar checkpoint into the massive complex at the base of the spire. Once they
reached one of the main corridors, Cladius paused and turned to the group. “For your own safety, given the fact that the castle is surrounded by thousands of protestors, I would recommend you at least stay within the castle walls at one of the many establishments on the main level.”
“I agree,” Tempest said. “I don’t think any of us have the strength nor desire to fight our way through the crowds that size.”
“Very well, I have the perfect place then, although I want to apologize in advance. The owner can be a bit…eccentric.” Cladius said with a short skip as he continued down the hallway. It was a ten-minute walk to get to their destination.
The metal signage on the entrance read The Eastern Oasis. The building’s interior was as luxurious as expected. The evergreen walls, tan ceilings, and batches of potted plants gave the impression that they were entering a lush forest jungle. The foyer contained thick couches, assorted tables, and lounge chairs giving an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Square cutaways in the ceilings allowed for plenty of natural light to fill the entirety of the room.
Cladius led them to the end of the foyer where a female waited behind the dark wood counter. As she noticed Cladius approach, a smug smile grew on her face. She walked around the counter with outstretched arms, giving Tempest the opportunity to see her.
Tempest had never seen a member of her kind before. She had a humanoid face and chest like an elf, but her arms down to her elbows and legs down to her knees were furry and clawed like a katzen. Twin katzen like ears perched on the top of her head. Her blue and gold dress hugged her figure, but slit open along the sides, giving a visual tease of the beauty that was underneath.
“Cladius, it’s been too long my friend,” she said, purring as she hugged the man. “You never come down to see me anymore. It makes me feel as if you don’t like me,” she said with a wink.
“Kamilah, you wound me,” he said, holding onto her hands. “You know my heart aches every minute we are a part.” The two shared a small laugh before Kamilah caught Tempest’s eyes.
“And what do we have here? Do you bring me honored guests?” Kamilah circled each member of the group, draping a single finger around their chest, shoulders, and back. “A man unlike any other, a vulpine with nine tails, a female orc far from Ungroth’s Path, and an emissary from the Firegrove. My, my, my, what an encapsulating group of individuals, each of you oozing with an eccentric beauty. I think I may have trouble controlling myself.” Her purring fang toothed smile gave an allusion to her true intentions.
“Come now, Kamilah, the Queen would be quite upset if she found out you debased the integrity of her guests.”
Kamilah let out an exasperated sigh. “And there goes my fun…” she said, using her steps away from them to sway her tail with the movement of her hips. Once she returned to Cladius, she looked over at him and waved between the groups. “Well, don’t just stand there, how about some introductions?”
Cladius brought his fist up to his mouth and cleared his throat. “Quite right. This is Sir Tempest and his wardens, Lady Fleetfoot and Lady Treehammer. On the left is Lady Saïgra, an emissary from The Firegrove. sir and madams, this is Lady Kamilah Amin, owner of The Eastern Oasis.”
Kamilah bowed with purposeful flowing movements as if she was a body dancer hypnotizing a King. “It’s an honor to have such esteemed royal guests stay at The Eastern Oasis. I will make it my personal mission to make sure your stay here is nothing short of perfection.” The group watched as Cladius leaned in to whisper into Kamilah’s ear and she returned so in kind. Cladius rolled his eyes and glared at her, but her quick claps and skip seemed to indicate she was happy with the response. She kissed him on the cheek before Cladius addressed them one more time.
“I will leave you all here in Kamilah’s perfectly capable hands.” As Cladius began to leave, he paused and whispered into Tempest’s ear. “Shall I inform Queen Vatia where you’ll be staying?”
Tempest smiled and leaned in close. “I appreciate you asking, even though I know you would tell her either way. Yes, that’s perfectly fine.”
“Thank you very much, sir. I am humbled by your understanding of my position.” Tempest clasped Cladius on the shoulder before he departed. Kamilah watched until Cladius was out of view and clasped her hands with excitement.
“So, let’s get down to the arrangements, shall we? Are you looking for anything in particular?”
Riika took a step forward, pushing Tempest and Ella out of the way. “Do you have a room with a hot bath?”
“Honey, we vervean’s have been taking hot baths since Iðna was formed. All of our rooms tap into a hot forge which heats our water supply.”
“Oh, thank the gods!” Riika shouted. “I’m going to jump in there and drown in relaxation.”
“Well, if you’re that easy to please, then this will be a day of bliss. Anything else?”
“Is there one with a balcony or one with large open windows?” Saïgra asked.
“Oh yes, I have the perfect suite for you. I would never deprive such a beautiful dryad of Feura’s most precious gift.” Saïgra nodded in appreciation as Kamilah scanned for any other requests. “Okay, if there is nothing else, please follow me.” She led the companions to a hallway behind the principal room.
At the far end of the hallway were two bearin men wearing little except for white loincloths and matching head wraps. They were standing in a room with a wooden turnstile, placed next to a ten-by-ten wooden box. Kamilah lifted the waist-high railing on the edge of the box and waved her hand in. Everyone climbed aboard, followed by Kamilah, who rang one of the five bells that hung from the side of the container. The two bearin men turned the turnstile, which began lifting the box into the air.
“While not quite as fancy as the lift in each of the spires, this lift will help move you from one floor to the next. All you have to do is ring the bell with the floor you would like to get to. Now, before you leave, make sure you place the hand rail down, otherwise, the bells won’t ring. Everyone with me so far?” The group murmured in acknowledgement. “Each of the rooms also has a staff bell which you can ring, and a member of our staff will address any of your needs immediately. Our staff has been trained in the vervean ways of servitude, so anything you need, that’s within the laws of Halairim, will be completed to your highest satisfaction.”
“Anything?” Riika asked.
“Anything, darling. “We all know what’s going on outside these walls. Let’s say you need something from inside the city. Just give them the instructions and they can do it for you. Or…” she said, sliding toward Riika. Kamilah began prancing her fingers up Riika’s chest, her voice purring and sultry. “Maybe you need something a bit more intimate? My staff will teach you pleasures you’ll be dreaming about for the rest of your lives.” Riika let out a nervous laugh as Kamilah winked. She spun in place, swiping her tell across Riika’s face as the lift stopped.
Several of the female staff passed by as the group disembarked from the lift. Their clothing left little for the imagination. They had gold chokers wrapped around their necks with connected cloth wrapping around their breasts and backs. A loose hip cut cloth tied around their wastes hid very little. Kamilah laughed as she noticed her staff catching everyone’s gaze. “Remember, I said anything.”
She led them down the hallway that had square cuts in the ceiling, allowing for an exorbitant amount of natural light. At the end of the hallway, she stopped in front of a sand brick wall that was visible to everyone except for Tempest. She pointed to the side with a smug smile. “This is it.”
Everyone gasped as Tempest smiled and walked right through the wall.
“Well, that was anticlimactic,” she said, pressing her hand on the wall revealing the opening for the remaining members. She spent a couple of seconds showing everyone about where to place their hand on the wall to activate and deactivate the illusion. “That should be everything. Remember, if you need anything, just ring the bell,” she said, pointing to the bell near the doorway.
Everyone said their thanks before settling in.
The room was made of tan sandstone with hand painted walls composed of bright colored pastels. Several of the major furnishings such as the bath, beds, and tables were built into the room with the same sandstone as the walls. Large glass windows and doors opened into a beautiful back patio lined with carefully tended vines and exotic plants. Lush furs and silk sheets draped the furniture, combining the cool Halairim temperatures with the warm vervean designs.
Tempest followed the shouts from the bathroom as he made his way throughout the suite. Riika was hovering over the large square tub, pressing a square in the wall as boiling water flowed from a spout near the corner.
“Look at this, Tempest!” she shouted with excitement. “If you push this square block you get hot and if you press this square block, you get cold. Isn’t this amazing?!”
Tempest laughed as he leaned in the doorway. “You do love a good bath.”
Once the water had filled to the brim, Riika sat on the edge and began pulling at the leather straps along her plate armor. “Come on, Ella, help me get out of this thing!”
“Oh no,” Ella said, slipping off her vest. “You chose that armor; you’re getting yourself out of it.”
“But I need help!”
“Nope, you made your decision, you’ll have to live with it.”
Riika growled as she continued to fuss with the various clamps. Tempest looked over his shoulder at the sound of Saïgra clearing her throat. She lightly waved as he turned around.
“Do you have a few minutes? I want to talk to you in private,” she spoke, pointing her thumb over her shoulder.
“Absolutely,” he said, following her to the back patio. As they opened the doors, the screaming and shouting of the massive crowds outside of the walls assaulted their ears. Like a war party, drums echoed into the sky as the crowd chanted obscenities. They were just high enough that they could see over the surrounding castle walls. The people looked like a mound of ants building into each other to snag their next meal. Smoke filled the sky as fires scattered throughout the city streets.
