by Ajax Lygan
“What have they done in the meantime? I’ve seen Halairim’s army. There’s no way all of that has been maintained since the infighting started without some kind of alternative.”
“You’re absolutely right. While they have been trying to solve this diplomatically, it also resulted in the kingdom’s creation of Sanguin almost overnight. Sanguin was a tiny fishing village until it was decided as a key alternative to Dorthomir. Thanks to it being located on a lake with access to the ocean, as well as being across from the Elysian Mountains, it was a prime choice for replenishing the worlds metals. Once they found a somewhat suitable alternative, the IRC poured millions of gold into Sanguin, crowning King Alexei Bogdim, that giant white furred bearin closest to us, overnight. But at the same time, the pollution driven from all of the mining and sailing has drawn major ire from the minotaur clans. Chief Thunderhoof, the one with the bone slipped through his nose, is the one representing the nine minotaur herds that wander across the midlands south of here. I imagine they’ll be bringing motions against King Bogdim tomorrow.”
“Is the pollution that bad?”
Queen Alyndra nodded slowly as she looked up at Tempest. “Lake Sanguin is known by many as Feura’s Tear. The minotaur herds consider the lake to be sacred as it is connected to all of the surrounding bodies of water. Any pollution from that lake feeds into others through the underground waterways. From what I have heard, the pollution is so bad that it’s killing local wildlife around the city, and the lake is so acidic it can’t be used for fishing. Many in the herd, specifically the children and elderly, have become sick after drinking the water from streams days away. The shamans are completely overwhelmed trying to care for their sick.”
“There’s got to be a solution. We can’t allow the world to be poisoned for pure greed.”
Queen Alyndra held up her hands and shushed Tempest. “Whoa, not so loud. I admire your tenacity, but keep in mind, that one decision would have lasting consequences on the world.”
Tempest crossed his arms and leaned back. “Don’t tell me you agree with what they are doing.”
Queen Alyndra shook her head. “It doesn’t matter if I do or don’t, all I am saying is to be careful before you make a knee jerk reaction. Without that metal, the bank will have a hard time minting coins, armies would be unable to provide defenses for their troops, any goods, like the cups we are holding, would cease to exist. There are alternatives, but you’re talking about a step back in technology. That could set us back generations, not to mention the immediate fallout we would suffer because of it.”
Tempest leaned back as he contemplated Alyndra’s words. His mind raced with the options present for him. There was no simple answer, and if every decision was like this one, the next few days would be a far cry from tempered. “I understand,” Tempest said finally. “Seems like it’s going to be a long few days.”
“You thought this was going to be a vacation?” Queen Alyndra said, smirking and jabbing at him in the side. “Trust me, there’s a reason the heralds provide us with food and entertainment. You’ll be thankful it’s there after the days ahead.”
“All right, all right,” Tempest said, holding out his hands. “Who else do we have then?”
Queen Alyndra brought her finger to her lips as she scanned the rest of the courtyard. Her eyes lit up, and she leaned into Tempest’s chest. “You remember King Sinbas Khenba, the cyan naga, wearing enough gold necklaces and rings that’s probably worth more than half of Halairim?”
“How could I forget? The guy seemed like a total asshole.”
“Trust me, he is. He’s the King of Belaphama. If it’s not for him or about him, he could give two shits about it. Anyway, the two twins with wings, furred paws, and red carapace tails that are all over him, are the Queens of Verve, Queen Quenna Armose and Queen Alexandria Armose. Shockingly, they are neither related nor siblings.”
“Could have fooled me.”
“And that they will if you give them the chance. They’d so much as fuck you as they would eat your liver and steal everything you own.”
“They are not to be trusted. Got it!”
“Yes, they too are only out to satiate their desires at the time, just like the facade they prop Verve up to be. A place where anything is possible.”
“I’ve heard horrible stories about that place,” Saïgra said, shuddering.
“And I can assure you, it’s all true,” Queen Alyndra said, peering around Tempest. “Verve is a place where your darkest and deepest desires can be fulfilled if you have the coin to make them so.”
“I am assuming the ubian woman huddling next to the fire with her two large finned bodyguards is Empress Poliko?”
“Yes, how did you know?”
“We traveled with an ubian Captain who told us about her.”
“I find Empress Poliko to be very…direct. She’s revered undersea like a goddess, which I think can get to her head sometimes. However, I do find her to be bluntly honest, which can be refreshing among the others. You’ll always know where you stand with her.”
“Well, that’s one, I guess.”
“Hey!” Alyndra said, elbowing Tempest in the side. “I’d like to think you know where you stand with me too.”
“I don’t know, I’m not always the best at picking up signals.”
“I remember,” she said with a wink. Tempest felt the warmth of her breath as she leaned in next to his ear. “Don’t think I forgot about you leaving me high and dry the night before you left Ashwreath.” Tempest let out a nervous laugh as Queen Alyndra pulled away. The look that she gave him was the same one he remembered when they were intertwined on the couch at Lady Kalynna’s mansion. He couldn’t help his mind get dragged into the thought of her naked body underneath her fur-lined coat. His mouth felt dry as his imagination traced over the lines of her coat. He knew he had to abandon ship.
“I-uh, I need to get a drink. Anyone need a drink?”
“I’ll go too!” Queen Alyndra volunteered.
“No, no, you too stay right here. I’ll be right back.”
“Is everything okay?” Saïgra asked, her lips pursed as she looked at Tempest and then Queen Alyndra.
“O-of course,” Tempest said, stammering. “Be right back!” Tempest turned and stormed off to the side waiting for no one as he circled the side of the building, cutting off his view from Saïgra and Queen Alyndra. He pressed his head against the wooden pillar as he attempted to get his breathing under control. When his heart stopped pulsing in his neck, he opened his eyes.
The night sky was beautiful. The two moons were like theater performers dancing amidst thousands of audience members in attendance. The height of Joromund’s Peak brought him the closest view of them. He could see the craters among the surface with his naked eye, leaving him wondering if they were leftover scars from the dangers of their own children, much like Iðna had today. His curiosity got the best of him as he moved close to the cliff’s edge.
Satisfied with the thought and certain his mind was free of any ulterior motives, he let out a deep breath before turning back whence he came. The sudden appearance of two individuals startled Tempest to the point where he took a defensive stance.
“Whoa, my apologies your Eminence, we did not mean to startle you so.” It was the man from before that claimed he wished to see Tempest’s true color.
“Well, you did, and where I come from, it is impolite to sneak up on someone so.”
“My humblest apologies,” the man and woman said, bowing. “Normally, we remain undetected, moving at such speed, yet I see with the gifts the gods blessed upon you, that creates more of a misunderstanding regarding our intentions. I promise you; it shall never happen again should you wish it.” The man and women stayed hunched over with their arm across their chest until Tempest gave the word.
“Please stand, I accept your apology,” Tempest said, waving his hand upward before crossing his arms. “As I am sure you have heard, the road to this point has not been an e
asy one, causing me to be somewhat defensive.”
“It pays to be cautious at the top, your Eminence. No doubt, something you learned rather quickly during your time so far on Iðna.” The man brought his arm up to his chest and then pointed it to the woman. “Please allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Viktor Van Jütenheim and this is my wife Valentina Van Jütenheim.”
Tempest reached out and shook the man’s hand before turning toward his wife and doing the same. It was at that moment that he realized the woman’s body faded in and out of existence like a spinning mirror catching the morning sun’s reflection.
“I am absolutely tickled your Eminence had the courtesy to extend his hand to little ol’ me,” Valentina said. Tempest retracted his hand, paused, and scratched his brow as he looked at the two.
“My apologies that you were not informed, your Eminence, Valentina is but a cast mirage from this amulet you see,” Viktor said pointing to the large emerald amulet that hung from a silver chain around his neck. “We vampires live an endless life, but as my sweet Valentina found out the hard way, we are not immortal.” Tempest’s mouth opened as he looked for the words to ask, leading to a small chuckle shared by the Van Jütenheim’s. “I see you’re confused, and rightly so. My Valentina’s soul remains here in this amulet, and through its own magic, we remain faithful as ever.” Viktor turned and blew a kiss at Valentina, who giggled and returned the same.
“So, she died, and you managed to bind her soul into the gem?”
“Yes, precisely. I am a necromancer by trade.”
“A necro what?” Tempest asked, scratching his chin.
“A necromancer. Think of it as a scholar of the dead.”
“Uh huh,” Tempest said, eyeing the two. “I’d imagine not many people are fond of you for that very reason.”
The Van Jütenheim’s looked at each other and shared a smile, before Valentina’s spirit leaned her head on her husband’s shoulder.
“People just do not understand the skilled work that my husband has accomplished during his lifetime. Just because some book states this is the cycle, everything must come to an end, blah blah, he gets shunned by many of the others on the council.”
“Now, Valentina, there’s no reason to get yourself worked up dear,” Viktor said, turning and placing a kiss on his wife’s forehead. “We should let his Eminence make up his mind himself. Speaking of, what are your thoughts on the matter, your Eminence?”
Tempest felt himself being cornered by a professional. These were the moments they warned him of. His answer would likely influence Viktor and Valentina’s decision of him.
“On which matter?”
“Bringing my wife back from the dead, my occupation, take your pick.”
Tempest leaned back on his hip as he eyed the two. “At this point, I don’t rightly have an opinion. I do understand your desire to keep your wife with you. You obviously love each other deeply, which I think this world needs more of, but everything else I haven’t had time to think about.”
Valentina looked up and gave Viktor a big kiss on the cheek before pointing at Tempest. “See, I told you, Viktor, he’s going to be one of the good ones.”
“That you did, my beloved. That you did.” Viktor’s body partially disintegrated in a swirling puff of smoke before reanimating, standing next toward Tempest’s side, his arm raised pointing back toward the bonfire. “I dare not keep you from your celebration, your Eminence. It is an honor to meet you, and I look forward to getting to know you.”
“Viktor, Valentina, it was an honor to meet you as well,” Tempest said, reciprocating a bow.
As Tempest walked away, Viktor spoke up again. “Before I forget, your Eminence. If you should need anything, please let me know. Also, speak to my friend King Wulvenson. He’s the gray wulven with the black mane, you can’t miss him.”
“Thanks Viktor, I’ll keep that in mind,” Tempest said, waving as he left. He marched toward the nearest acolyte who had a tray of drinks and grabbed three cups. He stopped as he looked toward where Saïgra and Queen Alyndra were moments before, only to no longer find them there. As he scanned the crowd, a deep, feminine voice commanded his attention.
“Your Eminence, I demand a moment of your time.” Tempest’s lip curled as he turned to see the green orc from before. Her dreadlocks fell to her lower back, which could almost have been a replacement for her fur-lined cape. She stood with her fists at her hip, giving Tempest an unrestricted view of her massive frame. While taller than he, she was neither as tall nor as wide as Riika, but her stature made her legs and arms seem thicker. The long canines protruding from her lower jaw complimented her menacing presence. But Tempest was over it, as soon as she demanded his attention.
“No one demands anything of me at this time. If you wish to speak to me, we can do so at the event tomorrow.”
A male orc, who would put most dwarves to shame, loomed over her. “I told you, Gisella. He’s like the rest.”
“Shut it, Brimmaw, and you are to address me as Chieftainess Wildfang,” she said, turning toward the orc. Chieftainess Wildfang turned back toward Tempest and continued to speak as if she did not hear him. “I was told you bring a blue orc with you. Where is she?”
“I said, we can talk tomorrow, on my terms.” As Tempest turned to walk away, Chieftainess Wildfang reached out and grabbed his arm, causing him to spill the drinks all over him. In a not-so-subtle way of getting her to let go of him, Tempest turned and pressed his force magic into the gut of the Chieftainess. He sent her flying back, creating a domino effect as she crashed into Brimmaw, and the massive orc crashed into members of the crowd behind him. The only thing heard was the calm breeze of the wind. Tempest and Chieftainess Wildfang locked eyes as she pushed herself off of the ground.
Realizing he may have overreacted, Tempest attempted to apologize. “I…uh, I’m sorry.”
Chieftainess Wildfang hocked a mouth full of spit and released it in his direction before turning away, knocking Brimmaw back to the ground as he attempted to get up. A light applause came over the crowd. He looked around, realizing many, including members of the IRC were giving nods of approval. Queen Alyndra’s shouting pulled his attention to his left. She, Saïgra, and a barrel-chested man with green and blue scales and an elongated mouth, were running toward him.
“Tempest, are you all right? What happened?” Queen Alyndra asked, bringing her hands to his face.
“Yeah,” Tempest said, pulling the wet cloth of his robes away from his chest. “I don’t know what Chieftainess Wildfang’s problem was, but she wouldn’t leave me alone. When I tried to walk away, she grabbed my arm, and I…well…I may have overreacted.”
“By sending her flying almost ten feet without touching her,” the deep voiced reptikin said. “Maravilloso, your Eminence. I can’t wait to see what you’ll do in the next few days.”
“Ignore him, Tempest,” Queen Alyndra said. “Sir Alfonso de Manzanedo is not the shining example of masterful politicking.”
“I’m hurt, Queen Abbabas. I pride myself on being an honorable man.”
Alyndra shifted her hips and gave Alfonso a mean case of side eye. “Abbabas is reserved for my father Alfonso. You know that, and besides, I never said anything about you being dishonorable. I believe quite the opposite, actually, but flooding the members of the IRC with correspondence for years until they finally give into your demands is not the most efficient approach.”
“Hey, it worked, didn’t it,” Alfonso said looking at Alyndra and then winking at Tempest. Tempest laughed at the man’s demeanor. Alfonso seemed to exude a sense of suave charm that was hard not to smile at.
“We should get you out of these clothes, before you catch a cold,” Saïgra said, padding Tempest’s cloak with a nearby cloth she pulled from one of the acolytes.
“Actually…” Queen Alyndra said with a smirk. “We were all just talking about making our way to the hot springs around back.”
“I don’t know,” Tempest said, turning his head
away. “You all go ahead; I think I am just going to turn in for the night.”
“Nonsense, your Eminence, I just arrived and already a Chieftainess is getting tossed, the night is still young!” Saïgra yelped as Alyndra jerked her to her side, and Tempest was almost certain she was making an effort to press their breasts together.
“Come on, your Eminence, don’t let one bad apple ruin your celebration,” she said, pouting her lips. She slid her finger through the slit opening on Tempest’s robe and pulled it toward her. “Let’s get you out of those clothes, get you in a hot bath, and drink until morning.”
Tempest looked over at Saïgra who had her finger on her teeth as she bashfully looked away. Alfonso raised the glasses above their head and quickly raised his eyebrows. Tempest rolled his neck, smiled, and took a step forward.
“All right, I’ll go.”
18
The Perks of The Divine
“That’s the spirit!” Alfonso shouted, placing the glasses back onto a nearby tray. The group turned and headed up the nearby stairs to the main floor. They walked throughout the wooden and paper wall hallways, passing several doors, where sounds of washing water, clanking metal, and ingredients were being shouted. A tangy scent of liquor smoked meat filled the air as acolytes exited a door carrying trays of the evening’s hors d'oeuvres. As the group continued through the main hallway, an acolyte stood at attention, as the pungent smell of sulfur followed the sound of boiling and rushing water.
“Your Eminence, it is an honor to serve you,” the acolyte said with a heavy bow, refusing to straighten until Tempest responded. “Are you and your guests interested in visiting the hot springs?”
“Yup,” Tempest said, with a brightened tone. “That’s why we’re here.”
“Would you like to visit the public or private springs?”
“What!” Alfonso shouted. “There are private springs?”
“Yes, this spring is reserved for only the Aspect and anyone he chooses.”
