Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
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TRAINING GROUNDS, THE PALACE, CITY OF YELEDOR
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The ball of fire swallowed Girn whole, his body engulfed in a blazing vortex. Where he had stood now only remained a billowing cloud of black smoke, the ground scorched. Gasps escaped from the onlookers, then a dragging silence.
From the smoke Girn emerged, roaring, muscles bulging, lifting his magical greataxe high. The crowd joined in, yelling and cheering at the top of their lungs for the fiery climax of the performance.
"Completely unharmed," Magister Rebus said as he walked up. "Extraordinary indeed. Truly a worthwhile quest north for the artifact weapon."
"Aye," Girn said. More than worthwhile, he thought, remembering all the beautiful women he had encountered along the way. From Kaylie and Sophia in Woodend, to the imprisoned sorceress Lyra Frostkiss, and all the Forest Nymphs in the Grove of Eternal Summer, especially Aryana and Astris. If not for them, the recovery of the legendary weapon would've been plain boring. "Aye," he repeated.
"Talking of quests," the magister continued. "I would be most pleased with your presence in my office later this evening. There are delicate but urgent matters we should discuss."
"Of course, Rebus," Girn said, not needing to use the formal 'magister' as Rebus was his friend. He could do nothing to prevent the anticipation and eagerness showing on his face. Experiencing the busy market square earlier that day, Girn was convinced to be more at ease when sent back out into the wilderness on another mission.
They both looked at the dispersing crowd in the stands. They were as versatile as the crowd in the market square: lords and ladies in clothing styles he had never seen before, an assembly of wild colour combinations, from layers upon layers of sweat-breaking attires to barely concealing gowns, knights with differently coloured sets of armour, bright silver, sunny golden, dark steel, some blue-green alloy, and more.
"Quite a show we performed," Rebus concluded. "The crowd sounded pleased."
"Throwing fire balls at me instead of straw dummies will do the trick," Girn reasoned. "Although next time, mentioning that I will be the target of spells for more than an hour would be appreciated." His gaze fell on the western sky behind the stands, dark clouds like dreadful omens still threatening from afar. Had they moved since the market square? Since he had left The Amazing Chest brothel?
"Oh yes," Rebus interrupted his thoughts. "The court always hungers for another spectacle. I had the impression that the ladies rather appreciated your involvement."
Girn smirked, looking over the plethora of women from all corners of the continent. "And in turn I do like their attendance."
"No shrivel of doubt in my mind about that," the magister chuckled, prodding Girn's side with his elbow.
They stood a while observing the stands. Girn recognized King Gideon in his regal attire and flanked on one side by Chancellor Lynch. On the other flank walked a man in full armour scrutinizing Girn.
"Who's that?"
"Ah yes," Rebus began. "That is Lord Jesper Bordis."
Clad in heavy plate armour, Lord Jesper held his helmet under one arm, his other resting on the pommel of his longsword. He resembled the knight in shining armour every maiden craved for. But then Girn saw his clean shaven face, accentuated by a pointy chin and bushy eyebrows meeting in a knot above his beak-shaped nose. Not exactly Prince Charming. Also, his arrogant stance, pompous look, and twitching mouth told Girn he wasn't pleased at all.
"Ambitious man, Lord Jesper. Climbed from soldier to general in record time. He arrived only moments after you left Yeledor, taking up the position of Royal Guard Commander. He'd been fighting skirmishes in the borderlands. Mainly against raiders, mostly your fellow barbarians."
"Explains his hate-filled look," Girn surmised.
"Yes, well, make sure you don't remain in the room when he's the only other one present."
"Think I can't handle him?"
"Girn, Girn, Girn," Rebus tutted. "It's not about the ability to handle anyone. It's about keeping peace at court and prevent any more tension." The magister sighed deeply, then continued: "Just stay out of his way, okay?"
Girn grunted as his only response.
Girn's eyes then fell on a woman in a black dress with red lining. He knew her as Lady Madison Drac but nothing more. Lady Madison looked otherworldly, her tanned skin shining in the sunlight, her pretty face framed by flowing brown hair and highlighted by chiselled cheekbones. Even from this distance her piercing blue eyes were clear. From the crown of her head protruded two horns. She too was intently looking back at them both.
"She's been at court for a long time," Rebus began, noticing Girn's gaze resting on Lady Drac. "Although, only recently her presence became more notable. Beware her smooth-talking," Rebus warned. "She winds every lord around her finger, swaying them into doing whatever she wants. She trades in secrets and information. A dangerous one, I've learned. I'm not really sure what her goals are... Better stay away."
With her tempting body, Girn definitely believed Madison Drac got what she wanted from anyone. Captivated by her beauty, he also weighed Rebus' warnings. After the regrettable interruption of the Mistress of Foxes' show in The Amazing Chest, Girn yearned for some pleasure. The stunning Lady Madison surely looked like she could provide that.
"I know that look," Rebus said seriously. "Don't think with your cock, Girn. It's not hard to work out the reason behind your delayed arrival in the city!"
"Aye, sure," he simply said, deciding against Rebus' advice and wanting to get acquainted with Lady Madison anyway when the opportunity arose. But Rebus was also right. He had been mostly thinking with his cock when staying with Kaylie and Sophia in Woodend. However, he would never regret the wonderful time they spent together. It's not like Rebus, or any man for that matter, would easily decide to leave when kissing Sophia, kneading her large breasts, and being balls-deep in Kaylie's tight ass while she also fingers herself.
"Who's that peacock?" Girn gestured at a colourfully dressed gentleman.
"Lord Favian Seaworth, a very amicable man. He is certainly one to befriend."
Lord Favian had slick, black hair, pulled tightly back in a pony tail. On top he carried a captain's hat, complete with feathers and the like. His skin was bronze, accompanied by amber eyes, indicating he originated from far south of Yeledor. His nose, swollen and red, betrayed he enjoyed drinking rum, or whatever alcohol sailors drank. Across one cheek he sported a long scar.
"Lifted from mere merchant to Lord Merchant and Admiral of the Royal Trading Fleet. You want to stay on his good side for two things: his influence with the council and king, and his infinitely deep pockets. I sometimes suspect Lord Favian dabbling in conjuration, making gold out of thin air."
"He's a wizard too?"
"Of course not, but the speed by which he accumulates wealth and fills the royal treasury is astonishing."
"Anyone who needs money can be found circling around Lord Favian," Girn concluded, confirmed by Rebus' nodding. While the poor are sleeping in the piss-soaked streets, Girn thought, the rich act like vultures to accumulate more and more wealth.
"If my memory serves me well," Rebus continued, pointing at a group of Ladies, "they are..."
"Princess Eleanora," Girn interjected. He recognized the princess but like Lady Madison Drac, Girn still had to meet her personally. "But the flock of ladies around her are unknown to me."
Rebus named them all, and Girn committed them to memory, more focussed on their appearances than Rebus' elaboration.
First was Lady Lilith, timid in posture and expression, but a captivating cleavage and hair the colour of the fiery hearth beside which Girn would like to get to know the redhead. Lady Helen was an elven brunette with long legs, pointy ears, and a cute face with extremely inviting lips. Next was Lady Maeve, a buxom blonde with a grey-blue hue to her skin and unbelievable curves, making Girn suddenly salivate a little. Finally there was Lady Aenys with a stern expression but an exquisite figure with generous assets.
"All arrived recently, sent by their fathers to get acquainted with life at court, and, more importantly, make alliances. To strengthen the bonds between houses, as they say." Rebus ended his summary by clearing his throat and turning his back to the stands. "Right, I've some other business to get to, but I'll see you this evening."
The stands were as good as empty and Girn walked to the bench to take his waterskin. He could use the refreshment. Drinking large gulps and wiping his mouth, he noticed a piece of paper where his waterskin had been. He picked it up and read: "Swan tower, third floor, second chamber on the left, after dark. --Lady SD."
How had the note gotten there, slipped under his waterskin? Girn had not noticed anyone other than the recruits and some knights lingering near the training grounds. Nevertheless, it looked like Girn's schedule for the evening had just filled up. He would visit Magister Rebus to discuss some so-called delicate business, and afterwards find out who this Lady SD was and what she wanted. Girn went over all the names he learned: Lady Aenys, Lady Helen, Lady Lilith, Lady Maeve, but only Lady Madison Drac had the surname to fit the abbreviation SD. Maybe she had also a sister at court? He would find out soon enough. He shrugged and started towards the mess hall.
Suddenly, thunder reverberated through the air. Girn watched the undulating clouds on the western horizon. He had to ask Rebus about them, surely the magister would know what the unnatural clouds meant.
"Greetings," a woman with straight blonde hair interrupted his thoughts and journey to supper, his stomach rumbling in protest. "I'm Lady Aenys, pleased to meet you."
"My name's Girn," he politely introduced himself, absorbing Lady Aenys' presence. Earlier, from afar, Girn had already seen how perfectly curved her figure was. But close-up now, Lady Aenys did not look as stern as Girn had first thought. Crow's-feet betrayed she was middle-aged, however, that didn't impede upon Aenys' gorgeous sapphire eyes and foxy expression. Her bright blue-and-purple dress hugged her figure tightly, toned body with wavy curves and large bosom clearly outlined. She deserves praise and respect, Girn thought, around forty summers and still a body that fit. He found it quite the accomplishment. "Pleasure is all mine, m'lady."
"You flatter me," she said. "What a performance, by the way, engulfed by fire, yet emerging unscathed."
"Only a feature of my greataxe," Girn pointed with his thumb to the weapon strapped on his back.
