The Fox and the Wizard

Roughly an hour after she killed Vaughn, the door to her room banged open so hard it hit the opposite wall. Alayna stood, chin lifted high as she prepared to meet Xanth's fury.

It wasn't Xanth who entered first, however. It was Victor, sobbing so hard his eyes were swollen and his face beet red. Xanth entered a moment later as Victor retreated into a corner. He slid down the wall, arms wrapped around his knees as he rocked back and forth.

"Look what you've done!" He flung his arm out, indicating Victor. "He's useless now! Vaughn, get up and kill her. Right now."

"I'M VICTOR," he roared.

"Whatever! Get up and kill her now, I said!" His words were met with a fresh wave of sobs. Xanth turned back to her. "Do you see? He won't follow any of my commands."

Alayna just stared at him. Xanth began pacing across the room, muttering curses under his breath. When he seemed to have the worst of his anger under control, he stopped pacing.

"Why, Fox? As far as escape attempts go, that's the poorest one I've ever seen. I expected better of you."

"I wasn't trying to escape. He hurt my friends. He hurt me. I saw the opportunity when Bast dropped his dagger in my healing room, so I took it." It was the most believable excuse she could come up with.

"Bast will be made to answer for his carelessness, but I can't let this go unpunished."

She squared her shoulders. "I'm prepared to accept whatever punishment you have in mind."

"You think I'll strap you to the machine again, don't you? Or maybe chain you to the bed?" He shook his head slowly. "No, Fox, this isn't as simple as you touching yourself without permission. You

killed a man

."

"He wasn't the first."

"No, but he'll be the last. We'll see how flippant you are after you spend some time in the dungeon."

She felt the blood drain from her face. Alayna took a step back, as if trying to put distance between herself and his words. "No."

"Yes. Guards, take her."

Several men rushed into the room, blocking the only exit. She couldn't evade so many reaching, grabbing hands as they seized her.

"Xanth! No!" Alayna twisted in their grip, biting, clawing and kicking to get them to release her. Her screams echoed along stone hallways as they carried her through the castle, down many flights of stairs, Xanth following close behind. At one point, she nearly knocked all of them off the edge of a twisting staircase with her struggles, but she didn't care. They were given a momentary reprieve when she instinctively tried to use magic against them and activated the cilice, but her frantic attempts at escape resumed as soon as she could move again.

The air around her grew damp and heavy as they descended underground. It was cold down here as the natural light faded in favor of torches, but panic made her feel feverish and clammy. She could already feel the walls pushing in, suffocating her, the darkness reaching, searching...

Alayna realized she was breathing too fast, but couldn't control it as her heart pounded in her chest. They stopped in front of an open door, nothing but darkness and fetid air waiting on the other side. On Xanth's orders, they tore the clothes from her body and removed the fake cock before shoving her into the shadows.

The sound of the slamming door was like a death knell.

***

Once Beckett's rotation was over and he returned to his own world, the first thing he did was wash away the blood, sweat and stink that had become the hallmarks of the Gap, that small, hellish realm between worlds. Even with soldiers clamoring around him, it always felt quiet here when he returned. In the Gap, the sounds of fighting, of screaming and dying, the growls and cries of monstrous beasts he'd never seen before, were constant.

Once he'd scrubbed his skin raw, dressed in fresh battle leathers and donned his sword belt, Beckett left the barracks in search of Coen. Worry for his longtime friend had gnawed at his gut since the explosion, even after the field healers told him Coen had a high chance of survival.

He'd check on Coen, find something to eat that wasn't gruel, then report for guard duty at the castle. If he was lucky, he'd catch a glimpse of Alayna in the halls, though he dared not look too long. That bastard always had eyes watching, making sure he couldn't get too close. He knew she was strong, knew Xanth couldn't break her, but he still needed to see her. Just to make sure.

He hadn't made it ten steps out of the barracks before he saw Geir running towards him, face pale. Beckett's stomach sank, nausea rolling through him.

"Coen?" he asked as Geir neared, bracing himself for the worst.

"Fine," Geir gasped, nearly doubling over in an attempt to catch his breath. "Healers are... tending to him well..." He had to force the words out through great heaving gasps. "It's Alayna."

The worry turned into full-blown fear. He gripped Geir by the shoulders, resisting the urge to shake him. "What? What happened to Alayna?"

"She... killed one of.. the twins." Geir took another deep breath and stood up straight, a grim look in his eyes. "Master Xanth put her in the dungeon. Three days ago."

"Fuck."

Beckett didn't bother to say anything else as he charged for the castle.

***

Xanth stared at the row of floating orbs in front of him, each one reflecting a different face. The one that held his attention was the one that showed Elbrus, his expression twisted into one of fury.

"... half my army wiped out!" Elbrus' voice came out distorted. "I gave you control because I thought you would lead them to victory, not ruin!"

"You gave him control because you wanted to stick your tongue in the Sereni elf, Elbrus. Don't pretend it was for the good of our cause." Lhoris interjected, his long white hair appearing blue under the cast of the orb.

"I sent them where the need was greatest. I thought they'd proved their prowess on the battlefield and could handle it. I'm sorry to say that I was wrong. I overestimated their abilities."

Elbrus looked like his eyes might pop out of his head at the slight. Xanth fought to keep his expression one of deep regret.

"I'll compensate you for their loss, of course, but let me remind you that my own commander was injured in that battle, as well. Bast barely escaped with his life and required extensive healing."

"Extensive healing," Tarian mused. "Your healers are as skilled as your soldiers. I noticed Bast was back on the battlefield when his rotation was over."

Xanth allowed himself a small smile. "I've been very lucky to find such dedicated and driven soldiers. Bast demanded to return to the fight, so he could extract revenge for Elbrus' fallen men. He blames himself for the defeat."

Tarian nodded, but didn't say anything else. Xanth thought once again of the rift that had been growing between them of late. Tarian had once been his greatest supporter, his staunchest ally, but over the years the relationship seemed to be growing cold. He would need to rectify this soon. His war machines were too valuable to lose, even if the occasional

accident

occurred.

Perhaps he would try tempting Tarian with Alayna again. The other man had made it clear he didn't approve of unwilling pets, but one could only resist the charms of a Sereni elf for so long.

Elbrus sulked while the conversation turned to other matters. Supply lines and casualties, shortages on other worlds that needed to be dealt with, local uprisings from those who sought complete control of their temporary homes. Xanth only participated half-heartedly, his mind drifting to thoughts of the woman locked deep in his dungeon.

Too many days had passed without having her taste on his tongue. The absence of it made him short-tempered. Her addictive properties were strong, but he was stronger. She'd have at least a few more days in total darkness before he came to her there. The thought of chaining her to the wall in that damp, dark room while he fucked her had his cock stirring to life. His other pets hadn't been able to take the edge off his need.

The conversation turned to matters he actually needed to pay attention to, so he forced Alayna out of his mind. His gaze rested on the orb that reflected one of two surviving female wizards.

"Menirika, any updates on your aerial forces?"

"They'll be ready within the month. I'll deliver them personally."

Xanth nodded, pleased with this news. Her winged males were a great asset to their cause, though they took time to fully subdue and control. She allowed him full control of them, no matter how many died. They were disposable and their suicide runs were quite effective.

"Very good. I assume you'll be collecting your payment when you arrive?"

"Yes."

His cock stirred further. Alayna could never know just how much of an asset she was.

"On that note, what about-"

A commotion outside his door interrupted him. Xanth frowned, looking up just as the door to his private study burst open, followed by the unconscious body of the guard stationed outside. Beckett strode in immediately after, looking just as furious as the day Xanth had their little group brought into the throne room.

"You put her in the fucking dungeon?"

Xanth sighed and sat back in his chair. He addressed the glowing orbs in front of him. "Apologies. I'll return shortly." He waved a hand, silencing their questions, mouths moving but no sound coming out. He knew they couldn't hear him, either.

"I assume you're referring to Alayna?"

"Who else would I be talking about? Get her out

now

."

The air of command in his voice amused Xanth. Here he was, disinherited and without his army, yet he still spoke with the authority of a lord.

"Need I remind you that you are a soldier in

my

army? You don't order me about in my own home. Not that it concerns you, but Alayna is being punished because she murdered one of my men. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm in the middle of an important meeting."

"Damn your meeting. She can't be in that dungeon. You're going to fucking kill her."

A thread of doubt wormed its way into Xanth's mind. Beckett spoke with such conviction he was beginning to wonder if the man knew something he didn't. "Don't be dramatic. She's been given food and water. I'm not so heartless as to starve her."

Beckett shook his head. "You don't understand."

"Go back to your post immediately. Alayna isn't your concern."

The other man looked like he wanted to say more, but wisely held his tongue. There was only so far Xanth was willing to allow Beckett to push him, and only because he'd been such a boon on the battlefield. Whereas Bast ruled through fear, Beckett's command came from loyalty. It was both an advantage and discomforting. Perhaps he'd given the man too much leeway.

He'd think on that later. Beckett turned on his heel and stormed out of the room without closing the door. At least he followed commands.

Xanth waved a hand, the voices of his peers immediately filling the empty space. But he found he couldn't concentrate on their words because that one sentence kept running through his mind.

You're going to fucking kill her.

Seized by a sudden urge to lay eyes on Alayna, he interrupted them. "Pardon me, but I need to cut my participation short. Something's come up I need to tend to."

The orbs disappeared, one by one. Xanth swept out of the study, forcing himself to keep an even, unhurried pace. He'd look in on Alayna himself to be certain she was okay and that Beckett's behavior was out of a misguided sense of love. Perhaps while he was there, he would put her on her knees and empty himself down her throat. Just to take the edge off his need.

When he reached the dungeon floor and started down the hallway, the sounds of a scuffle caught his attention. Xanth quickened his face, walking around the corner.

Beckett hadn't gone to his post at all. Instead, he'd come straight to the dungeon. The guards Xanth had posed outside Alayna's cell door lay in heaps on the ground, one of them bleeding profusely. The door to the cell had been thrown open, Beckett clinging to the bars as he tried to pry them off the hinges.

"Alayna! Wake up! Say something!"

Dread curled in the pit of his stomach. With a flick of his hand, he sent Beckett flying backwards, crashing into the opposite wall. Another flick sent the cell door crashing open, the bars bent from the force of his panic. Xanth sent a ball of light into the cell to illuminate the darkness.

Several things made themselves apparent. First, she hadn't been eating. He counted the trays of untouched food and water just inside the door, realizing offhandedly not a bit had been touched since he locked her in here. Second, he realized her aphrodisiac potions, the ones she was required to drink daily for her own safety, were still full.

And third was Alayna herself, lying on her side in the cell, facing the door. Her eyes were open wide but unseeing, pupils large to accommodate the darkness. They didn't shrink as his light encompassed her.

Xanth was there a heartbeat later, gathering her naked body into his arms. She was cold, so cold to the touch, and she didn't react even a little to the movement. He lifted her up in his arms, her body completely slack.

"Alayna. Answer me now." No response. He shook her slightly. "Answer your master this instant." Nothing.

He turned immediately to Beckett, who was climbing to his feet. Somehow, this ant of a being had known what was happening. He put aside all malice, all pride, and asked, "What do I do for her?"

"Take her outside," Beckett wheezed, clutching his side. Xanth thought he might have bruised a rib when he flung Beckett away from the door. "Get her out in the open air and call for your most experienced healer. And pray it isn't too late."

***

"I've done what I can for her, my lord. The rest will take time."

"But she will recover?" Xanth fought the urge to wring his hands.

"I cannot say. She has retreated so far into her own mind that even my ability can't touch her." Madam Dolanus cleaned her hands in a basin of water set up beside Alayna's pallet. "This is a rare occurrence in people who have been through severe trauma. It's ultimately up to her to bring herself back."

"There's truly nothing else that can be done?"

"She'll need to be given food and water regularly to regain her strength. She seems to be swallowing fine on her own, but she'll be given broths or thin soups. You'll also need to continue giving her the aphrodisiac potion so she isn't weakened by the withdrawal effects." Dolanus turned a critical eye on him. "I would much prefer you move her indoors, where I can monitor her."

Dolanus had balked when she'd been brought out into the gardens to tend a patient. Beckett was adamant Alayna remain outside, in the fresh air. Xanth had ordered a pallet made for her on the ground and curtains erected on three sides, with the fourth open to a view of the forest. They'd covered the top to keep the sun from burning her skin, but now it was slowly sinking below the horizon.

Xanth grudgingly glanced at Beckett, who gave the slightest shake of his head. "She remains outdoors. It's... soothing to her, I've been told."

"Very well. You'll fetch me if her condition changes?"

"At once. You'll remain in the castle for the time being, so that you're close at hand."

Dolanus stiffened. "But my patients-"

"Have your other healers tend to them. Alayna's health is far more important."

"Yes, sir." She didn't like it, but Dolanus was a smart woman who knew better than to argue.

She excused herself and Xanth dismissed the guards to various positions around the garden. Far enough to afford him a little privacy with Beckett.

"Why outside?"

Beckett met his gaze directly. "She prefers being outdoors. Alayna has never been able to stay cooped up for long. She slept outside her room just as often as she slept in it."

Xanth hated the idea that she'd had an entire life before he found her, with experiences he wasn't privy to, habits he didn't know about. Once she woke from this trance, he resolved to make an effort to learn everything about her life before him.

"Why did being in the dungeon impact her so hard? With that defiant streak, this surely isn't the first time she's been locked away." Beckett hesitated before answering. "It's for her own good that you tell me."

"It isn't the first time and that's the problem." Beckett's gaze strayed over his shoulder, to Alayna's still body. Xanth let him look, knowing it was all he could do. "Her father made a habit of locking her in his dungeon when she misbehaved. He once left her there for so long, starved of sunlight and fresh air, barely enough food to survive, that it... broke something in her."

"Ah, when she came into her powers." He remembered her mentioning something about that, but hadn't paid it much heed. "She told you of this? When her magic came to her in such a rush that she blew the dungeon apart? If I recall, she said the Sisters of Viena found her in the rubble."

A brief look passed across Beckett's face, but it was gone before Xanth could figure out what it was. "Yes. They took her away after that. She... confessed it to me one night, how it happened. It isn't something she likes to think about."

"I see." He had much to think over. "You've done me a great service, Beckett. I'm not too proud to admit that. Alayna might have died because I wasn't given important information to properly care for her. Normally, I would reward you for the effort, but I can't forget how you barged into my study and made demands upon me. Then you took matters into your own hands and injured three of my guards in the process."

Beckett remained silent, his face expressionless. The man looked hewn from stone.

"Count yourself lucky you didn't kill them. For saving Alayna's life, your reward is my forgiveness. You'll face no punishment for defying my orders and injuring my soldiers, but see to it that it never happens again. I won't be so generous in the future."

"I understand."

"Good. You're dismissed, but I want your rotation suspended for the time being. Bast can handle things in the Gap. You clearly know things about her I don't, so I want you nearby in case something arises. You may go."

Beckett hesitated, casting another glance at Alayna.

"Do not test my patience."

The pause after those words was so tense Xanth thought Beckett might flatly refuse. But finally Beckett nodded and took his leave. Xanth sat beside Alayna on the ground and took her hand, squeezing it gently. He frowned when he noticed her nails were broken and dirty, like she'd been clawing at the stone walls. He immediately ordered servants to bring a tub from the castle and buckets of water to fill it. It was completely dark by the time they finished scrubbing the grime of the dungeon from her body and washing her hair. She never so much as blinked the entire time.

When she was settled back on her pallet and torches had been erected around the makeshift tent, Xanth shed his own clothes and laid down beside her, turning her body so that her back was nestled against his chest, one arm around her, hand cupping her breast just for the pleasure touching her brought.

He needed her to wake from this semi-sleep soon. Menirika would be coming with her aerial forces and expected payment. Elbrus would soon begin to hunger for her taste again. And he'd intended to win Tarian back to his side by using her. So many of his future plans rested on having her to manipulate his fellow wizards. Some wouldn't mind if she was in an unconscious state, but he assumed the vast majority would want her as an active participant.

He'd been idly toying with her nipple as he thought and only just now realized it had peaked under his touch. Xanth's brows furrowed as he reached for the other, it too hardening under his fingers.