Mage Revenge Pt 03

Thanks to :

AD&D for a world of spells & magic

Jack Vance, "Eyes of the Overworld" for being a source of inspiration for TSR & myself

Synopsis :

Set in an alternate reality, fantasy world. Alysa Ascanius, an Arch Mage whose parents were tortured & killed when she was a 12 year old child enacts revenge against the perpetrators decades later. She has started her mission to the Cantran capital with her small entourage supposedly as a diplomatic consul but she has another agenda. The first stage of the archmage councils' plans regarding Cantra have been initiated and changes to the Cantran population have started. The legions have arrived and the battle for Cantra is about to start.

Tags : FLR, femdom, loving wives, cuck, feminisation, fantasy, magic, combat

Getting into the action now. Skipping chapters wont be useful, so reading sequentially from chapter 1 is recommended

There are no STD's in this fantasy world.

==

I nudged a flaming oil lamp ensconced on the wall near my room making it fall with a loud clatter and spread burning oil. It looked like the lamp's fastening had failed. The paladin's scrambled to put out the flames and I slipped back into my room in the confusion after Mary opened the door to see what was happening. The paladins told her to get back and everything was under control. It was just a fallen lamp.

I appeared once I embraced Mary and startled her. She squealed and I shushed her quickly.

"My task is done. Thanks for your part." I could see the barest glimmerings of sunrise out the window. I was still wide awake and couldn't see myself getting any sleep soon.

Mary looked relieved at my return and hugged me back. She was naked still. "I had the easy part. Your task was much harder, I'm sure." She rubbed her hand between my legs. I responded in the usual way.

"Danger always arouses me and so do you. Let's make love Alwyn. Make me forget for a while my role away from you."

I stripped off and for the next hour, as the night sky brightened slowly, we pleasured each other. We drifted to sleep after but were seemingly roused immediately after we took a few moments of rest. I glanced up and the sun was above the horizen. Time to rise and get ready for the meetings with the king.

Mary knew I was busy for the day and washed from the basin and dressed without disturbing me, ate some fruit and waited for her escort.

The agenda for the day was starting with a public introduction in the royal public chambers. Due to the importance of our delegation, the king, his family, senior clergy and military would be present. Many courtiers would certainly be present as this would be regarded as a major event where they could be seen and garner influence.

Only males from our delegation were attending the event. Myself, junior consul, both merchants, their juniors and Gantacus. Our orderlies would prepare our formal costumes but would stay out of sight and not be part of proceedings. Marianna would still tend Lyria. In hindsight, our scribe should have been a man as we couldn't include her as part of our formal retinue, but we would attempt to have her in the crowd watching and observing.

After washing quickly but thoroughly from our basins, our orderlies fussed over our appearance. I noticed Mary leaving, leashed by her handler. I left his gratuity with her. We nodded as she left.

We had a quick bite of fruit, pastries and buns with jam before attendants requested we follow them. I cast cancel magic on the whole male party in the corridor unseen by anyone. This would protect them for one day until I recast it. I expected the contaminated water to start effecting the castle from today.

The Cantran attendants ushered into a waiting room, but without our scribe, next to the grand entrance hall where we sat waiting for formalities to commence. The chancellor checked in with us and advised us of the protocol sequence. Once the king and retinue : family, clergy and military had arrived, we would move to the start of the grand entrance hallway and wait til the Cantran dignitaries, were seated. The cardinal would arrive last immediately before the princes and finally the king. Then the fanfare would begin and we would be announced to the room.

For ceremonial purposes, Gantacus was dressed as a Tribune and would be announced as such.

We could hear the bustle of people moving about. Finally the chancellor returned and guided us the hallway. We stood in order : merchants, then Gantacus and finally myself. Our juniors were moved past us and ushered to the side of the hall, far from the king but had a reasonable view.

The generals and admirals were arriving with senior cardinals all arranged in a crescent according to seniority to the side of the throne. The arch cardinal was seated at a smaller throne immediately to the side of the king's. The queen and princess were next. Both immaculately presented and very attractive although it was hard to tell from the distance. The princes next and then a pause.

The king's entrance was announced with horns. The chancellor shouting so all could hear. "All rise for our liege and monarch, the righteous and mighty Triotan, king of Cantra, leader of the imperial armies and navies, defender of the faith, etc, etc." The various titles went on for over a minute! Once the chancellor finished, everyone bowed, including us.

The king sat and we were signalled to a pre-arranged spot 10 yards in front of the stairs leading to the throne. Paladins and Templars lined the walls. The chancellor announced the merchants, then "Tribune" Gantacus and finally myself. We all bowed again with the king acknowledging each of us in turn. There were easily a hundred present in the grand hall. Light streaming through patterned windows light up tall hanging tapestries on the walls. The arched ceilings were painted with historical figures and their religious iconography. Mosaics and rugs moved the floor. A very impressive place. The only women present were the queen and princess.

Chancellor again. His baritone voice stridently filled the room. "We welcome the Monagon delegation to resume communications and trade between our two empires."

Tables were arranged on the main floor and attendants guided everyone to their place. We stood behind our chairs until the king was seated. The king and cardinal were seated adjacent with the princes outside of them. Then the Queen and princess outside of them. Gantacus and I were opposite the king and cardinal with a merchant on either side. Our table sat first after the king and then everyone else cascaded in order of seniority.

Military were very highly regarded in Cantra hence the presence of Gantacus next to me. I'm sure that his standing and notoriety had improved after his duel against Maghin yesterday. Gantacus looked worried as he had never been in the presence of such august persons and royalty before. Well above his pay grade he had said before we left our rooms. He hid it well but I noticed some nervous twitches. I was far more comfortable, having been around Minnerv, the magistra and the king and family. My mother had also been the second highest ranking mage.

I glanced at the king and cardinal. The same as twenty years ago. Aged twenty years but the same brutal misogynists from all reports. With a gesture I could have killed them where they sat, but the rest of the party would pay the price and the legionnaires also. I took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. Vengeance was already in place. I glanced at large jugs of water on the table and could detect the very faint trace of magic. It had been carefully crafted to pass poison detection from the king's tasters. Only an experienced mage would even be able to detect anything. And then only if they knew what to look for. I smiled at the king and cardinal, my reckoning was beginning this morning as they sipped from their gold, bejewelled cups.

Gantacus was opposite Maghin and they were already in discussion about things military and their planned excursion this afternoon.

I made small talk with the king and cardinal and was surprised that I could appear so cordial to the persons directly responsible for the death of my parents.

The merchants both had golden tongues and were telling stories and explaining about life in Monagon to the queen and princess.

Olivant, Maghin's younger brother looked bored and was staring off into the distance.

The cardinal was querying the secular status of Monagon. I'm sure he already knew our history. I avoided any mention of mages and magic but agreed that yes we hadn't worshipped any deities for a very long time.

"I'm surprised that you dont appreciate or worship our gods, their presence is so evident to me.In every aspect of our lives." It appeared that he sincerely believed. Sad that his gods, if they existed treated women so badly.

I couldn't resist. "Your grace, I have travelled widely and every country has their own god or gods and they all swear that theirs is the one and only true deity. I find it difficult to believe that they can all be right as their beliefs are totally divergent from each other."

"Indeed, primitives and heathens who are not sophisticated enough to appreciate the two true gods."

"Indeed, your grace. We place our trust in science and the evidence abundant in the world around us." I neglected to mention magic. "We have never been able to detect the presence of deities or their influence. Our scientists would be very open to discussions with your clergy and confirming any proof that they exist."

"Faith is an important pillar of religion and without faith there can be no belief." Which really said nothing at all and of course didn't mention any proof.

The king had been listening and said. "I have heard that your college of science has made some useful discoveries, both practical and military in nature."

"Yes, your liege. I am planning to pass onto your engineers improved knowledge of pumps and filters for water and which can be used for transport and sanitation. We have samples. Their influence on our legions for improved ballista, mangonels and catapults has been profound. But yokes for cattle and horses and ever improving machinery for agriculture have had major impacts. We are looking to pass on many things and I'm sure that you have useful knowledge to trade also. I have bought some samples of steel alloys that we can share the manufacturing process to make better swords, spears and arrows."

I could see the wheels turning in both their heads as I dropped some tantalising hints of what we could offer. The implications were far reaching. Better steel is sharper, tougher and lasts longer. Some of our steels were almost completely resistant to corrosion, an immensely useful quality. Not to mention being imbued magically to further improve the quality. Gantacus' longsword would be the best sword currently in Cantra. Permanently sharp, lighter and more durable than any mundane metal.

"Our merchants have details of many things, not only cloth and produce. Our delegation and permanent consulate if established can include scientists and perhaps even help you establish your own college."

"And this science has no magical influence or taint?" Asked the cardinal.

"No your grace, the college of mages is a separate institution concerned with magic, which I believe you have no interest in. The college of science on the other hand is solely concerned with mundane matters."

The cardinal looked like he had sucked on a lemon at the mention of magic. They had a corps of engineers, primarily concerned with construction and military devices. They had no dedicated institution catering solely for pure research.

Our colleges of magic and science in reality worked together, elevating the work of both.

Their paladins, battlepriests & clergy were frantically researching "magic" to counter our advantages in this crucial area of war. This spoke large of the inherent contradiction of religion vs science. They were hamstrung going down their current path as they refused to acknowledge the true nature of magic.

The king and cardinal turned to converse with each other for a while and I addressed the princess slightly across from me. She was indeed a beauty. Obviously her mother's daughter. She was personable and intelligent. I was surprised to detect some inherent magical stirrings in her. Obviously glad to converse with anyone outside of her limited circle. She pressed me about the lives of women in Monagon. I had to be circumspect as the cardinal and her father were in earshot and the leaders of their patriarchy.

In a quiet voice. "Princess, the lives of women in Monagon are very different to those of Cantra. Perhaps if we can meet privately we can discuss more."

She glanced at her father, saw his attention was elsewhere. She leaned in and risked in a whisper. "Yes we must. I will send a handmaiden."

We continued talking about our lives in our respective countries. She was eager for stories of life in Monagon. In turn it became apparent that her life here was very proscribed. While better than almost every other woman in Cantra, she had many of the same limitations. She had been well educated which would have been impossible if not for her position of Princess. The Queen came from another state and had made every effort to educate her daughter.

Her mother, the queen, had started out very subdued but over the course of the banquet had increasingly become engaged with the naval merchant, Amanus.

After our meal, the King and cardinal left and we would meet soon for private discussions away from the public. Everyone at the table had at least one glass or cup of water.

Informal discussions continued as we rose for the King to leave and many approached us to push their own agendas. I left it to the merchants as this was their forte. Maghin, Olivant and Ganticus left for the Paladin barracks.

Peneetha and Ambetha had hung back, the only women in the room. Ambetha caught my eye and gestured slightly. I walked over to her, excusing myself.

"Your majesty." Nodding my head.

"We are always watched but we need to talk urgently," she uttered in a low voice that wouldn't carry.

"Peneetha is currently in negotiatians for her betrothal to interested princes but if you can extend your intent, I want to get her out of this abysmal culture. My sons are lost already."

"My discrete enquiries have assured me that you are a decent man and our last hope for her escape to live a normal life away from these pigs. Your spies have been in communication with me and I will be in further contact with them and you to meet. They said to tell you "cyan"."

I glanced at the princess. She smiled nervously. Part of my cover was to potentially marry a suitable noble here in Cantra to help consolidate relations between the powerful states. I never thought that the princess would be a possibility. I had the cover of being a baronet and a relative to the king, so was in theory, royalty. But that was simply a delaying and distracting tactic given other events in play.

We made the pretence of carrying on a casual conversation. Our moments together would be brief.

I took the risk, given they knew the code word and everything about their manner rang true. "I've been informed the princess has some magical talent and could be trained as a mage in Monagon. This would be impossible here and likely be the death of her if discovered. There are events in play that may make all this possible. I cannot say any more."

"She expects no actual marriage and we just want your aid to get her out of Cantra. It will be an agreement of convenience and you will be richly rewarded."

"Your majesties, I completely understand. I appreciate your situation more than you know. I will do everything I can, not only to free her, but you and every woman in Cantra." I urged sincerely. "My reward would be to get her and you safely out of the hands of the Cantran patriarchy."

"Ahh, consul, you are so humorous, that is such an engaging anecdote." She stated much louder than our previous conversation.

The princess giggled behind her hands, suddenly changing character.

I took the hint. "Your majesties, we must catch up for me to show you the gowns our merchants have bought. The latest fashions from the royal court at home. The finest silks."

The chancellor discretely coughed behind me. "Consul, the King requires your presence. Please excuse me your majesties."

I bowed to the ladies. "Your majesties, it was a pleasure."

"One moment, I need a word to my junior and merchants. How long do I have with the king?"

"Depending on how discussions go, I would estimate one to two hours. We need to leave in a few minutes. His majesty is not a patient man."

The queen and princess had moved away towards the exit behind the throne.

"I will be back imminently."

I spotted Jonus. He had been tasked with bringing two copies of the formal documents detailing the delegation and consulate specifics, ready to be signed jointly by the King and myself. Interesting legalities, as I didn't actually exist!

"Jonus follow me, we are off to have our private meeting with the king and cardinal. Say nothing unless specifically asked. Bring the documents and tell the merchants they are free for the rest of the day. We are expected back before the evening banquet. I need to speak to Gantacus soonest when we are finished with the king. Be back here momentarily."

He strode off quickly, had a few words with the merchants and returned.

The chancellor led the way to our meeting with the king.

- -

"Be seated." the king motioned to our chairs. Only he and the cardinal, Hierphan, were present. The chancellor delivered us and promptly left.

Walking to my chair, I cast detect magic to see if there were any magical wards in place. None.

"Let's clear the air first, after the events twenty years ago. A distressing time for both of us. We prefer to forget and want to move on."

A jug of fresh water on the table. A full goblet in front of each of us.

"The same here, your majesty. We are here to establish a new consulate, open trade where we hope to come to mutually beneficial arrangements."

"Yes, yes, of course. We are interested in many of the things you have on offer. We can establish details through the merchants of all the usual goods. Distance and travel is a concern which will limit some goods, but no reason we can't start immediately."

"We do have some restricted technologies which I'm sure you appreciate."

"Well, I'm sure your spies are at least as good as ours. Let's not dissemble."

I smiled. "Yes, your majesty."

"We want to send some of our military to postings in your legions and offer the same."

"We are aware that your legions are amongst the best fighting force on the continent, except perhaps for ours and you are in constant expansion of your borders. We are on the furthest east and west coasts respectively and neither can practically wage war against the other."

Not as far apart as he thought.

"You are obviously aware that female mages are embedded in our legions as an integral part of their battle order."

The cardinal grimaced. "Yes, we are aware. They are accursed to our gods and religions. I'm sure you are aware of our feelings in this regard."

"And that men and women are equal in our society. We don't want to intrude on your mores and traditions and respect your traditional male patriarchy. We hope that we can work together around our differences."

"We are aware of the mundane nature of your party with very few women. Starkly different from previously."

"With respect your majesty. I believe we have both learnt lessons from the past. We would expect the exchange personnel from both sides to abide by local laws. King Crastus would have the final say but within the limitations of my authority, we expected similar requests and I'm sure this would be possible."