This piece is set in the world of The Feldavian Rift and Feldavian Nights, but is a standalone story introducing more of the world that we don't see much of in the main storylines. Content warnings for -- Visual Hypnosis, Non-consent, manipulation, exhibitionism, implied tentacle-like action.
If you like something I've written, please remember to rate or comment, as it helps show what the community would like to see more of!
***
Isaac shifted uncomfortably in the saddle as he waited patiently at the city gates. The Milonese state was known for being wary of outsiders, so the extended wait wasn't a surprise. What did surprise him was the instructions to travel without a retinue. It was an attempt at a power play, but one which he was perfectly happy to play along with. Milon could not afford to risk a return to open conflict, so he was in the strongest bargaining position of his already distinguished career. He smirked confidently as he heard the four story gates begin to creak open, imagining himself as the lone triumphant conqueror taking the city.
One of the guards approached on horseback, a young man in finely fitted leather armour. "Welcome to Milon, Ambassador. You have been granted permission to enter the City, I am to escort you to your quarters where you will wait until the diplomatic service are prepared to meet you."
"Thank you for the warm welcome Trooper...?"
"Garn, Ambassador. Corporal Garn. Have you been to Milon before?"
Isaac chuckled, "If I said yes, would you believe me, Garn?"
"Probably not, Sir. You're the first Hellite I've seen who wasn't a prisoner."
"There'll be thousands more behind me if this visit doesn't go well" Isaac said gravely, to which the guard riding alongside simply snorted. Isaac smiled privately to himself, clearly the Milonese had retained their pride despite the military defeats.
They rode in silence for a few minutes more, as Isaac carefully memorised the turns and landmarks of the route. The streets looked cleaner than anywhere else he'd visited. A few dozen well-dressed people shuffled about their day, as the mid-afternoon light filtered through overhanging plants and vines strung between the three and four storey buildings that lined these streets.
Isaac spotted a chemist's parlour and seized the opportunity to engage the Corporal in conversation again. "I'll say Garn, I thought your people couldn't do magic? Is that a Chemist's shop I see there?"
Garn snorted dismissively, "Of course we can do magic, it's merely frowned upon as a crutch that places too much emphasis on the circumstances of one's birth. Here, you can't just be appointed District Governor because you were born with magic blood"
Isaac tactfully waited, smiling softly as he had done so many times before, waiting for the Corporal to continue.
"Uh, sorry Ambassador, I meant no offence."
"Of course not, Son"
"I only meant to explain that Magic is considered less important here. We all receive basic awareness training, but the only real way to learn casting is at the Council Academy. I should also point out before you cause an incident, that casting is forbidden within the city walls unless you have a license."
"A license?" Isaac raised an eyebrow quizzically, "That explains a lot"
The corporal shrugged as they rounded a corner, "It works for us. But enough on that, we're approaching the gates to the Upper City. I was asked to explain our security measures before we arrive, so you aren't alarmed."
"By all means, explain away, I'm no stranger to unusual customs. I once wrestled a boar to win an audience with an Orc Chieftain!"
The corporal sighed discreetly, "No. No, nothing like that. You will be searched for weapons. An Augur will inspect any magical equipment you're carrying, and dangerous artifacts will be confiscated. Lastly, you will be blindfolded until you reach your destination. This is all quite routine, even for our own citizens living in the outer districts."
"Thank you for the heads up Garn, none of that sounds like a problem. I trust you'll have my back?"
The corporal gave him a sideways glance, failing to hide his confusion "Uh, Yes, Ambassador, I will do my duty, which on this day means ensuring your safety until the point you are delivered to the diplomatic corps. Beyond that and your return journey, I owe you no loyalty"
"You're charmingly professional, Garn" Isaac chided playfully.
Garn let slip a brief smile, before riding ahead to arrange their passage.
***
The blindfold was itchy as he felt it being loosened and dropped to hang around his neck. He squinted to take in a lushly furnished living room. "Welcome to the Palace of Milon" Garn said proudly.
"Thank you Corporal, I don't see a welcoming party though"
The corporal laughed as he opened a set of carved double doors to reveal a bedroom with a four-poster bed "You'll get used to it, you have to earn your status in the Upper City. Speaking of which, the blindfold identifies you as a guest on official business, I'd suggest you don't take it off"
Isaac glanced down, noting the red stripes adorning the fabric. "Sort of like a security pass?"
Corporal Garn pulled a similar slip of fabric out from beneath his leather cuirass. "Not exactly, but close enough. The pattern normally shows which house you belong to. I was chosen as your escort because the house I belong to is in high standing at the moment, and therefore we probably wouldn't be delayed."
Isaac followed Garn as he opened a second set of doors, revealing an almost empty room whose main feature was mirrors on three sides, "So, you're a member of the nobility?" Isaac asked.
"Uh... no. You Hellites have indentured servants right?"
