Mud & Magic XIII
by Blind_Justice
Author's Notes: I'm sorry it took so long but, between the pandemic and some personal issues, writing was difficult. That said, big thanks to my usual partners in crime; my lady love for inspiration and criticism, bikoukumori for a tight editing job and you, the readers and Patrons, for your patience and support. Without it, I would have given up long ago.
All participants in sexual acts are adults. If you made it this far into my twisted fantasy, you should be well aware of the dark and messy topics I like to spring upon you. Consider yourself warned.
The Heart Aches
* * * *
Carver finished the ritual and spread his arms. A tidal wave of magical energy expanded in an ever-widening circle and touched every single soldier standing at attention in the courtyard of his fortress, strengthening their bodies and sharpening their senses. Three hundred of his most trustworthy men, almost his whole garrison, were now ready to do battle in the hostile, lightless realm of the Depths. Three of Marissa's apprentices stood by to open portals should the need arise.
"Isn't that a bit much?" the raven-haired sorceress asked. "Planning an invasion of the Dree'vex compound? Marshaling almost every able-bodied man? Who will stand watch while we're away?"
Carver offered her a fleeting smile. The images of her naked body, offered willingly for his every whim, flickered in the back of his mind like an explosion of colors. All these decades he had prided himself on his virtue, on his abstinence from anything which might distract from his grand scheme. After that fateful night with Matron Dree'vex and Marissa, he was keenly aware that a bit of indulgence didn't hurt. On the contrary. It was Marissa who had shown an unexpected bit of initiative, offering another approach he hadn't even considered.
"If we play our cards right, we won't need to raise a single weapon. But only a fool enters a dark elven lair unprepared."
Carver turned his attention to Marissa's three apprentices, a cute halfling woman, a brunette human female with amazing catlike eyes and a broad-shouldered catfolk male, his leonine features shrouded by a cowl. "When we arrive at the Dree'vex compound, I will leave behind a portal token. Use it to anchor the exits and prepare to come spells at the ready."
"Yes, Master," they said in unison. The halfling even curtsied, granting him a good view of her cleavage. Carver shook his head. He hoped they were better at spellcraft than seduction.
"Don't worry," Marissa said aloud. "I choose my pupils based on skills first, looks second." She must have listened in on their shared bond.
"Hard to believe," Carver said softly. "What skills are we talking about?"
Her naughty grin told him everything he needed to know, as did the flutter of arousal which tingled through the tether. "All the things which matter. I am aware that my 'prentices might be called upon to do more than amuse me in bed," Marissa said. "I might be a slut, Morgan, but I am
your
slut. I would never do anything to inconvenience you. They will cast the Portal spells flawlessly. If not, they will have to answer to me." Her eyes turned into twin pits of darkness for a heartbeat before their customary lusty glint returned.
The force of her emotions was surprising, as was the honesty he could sense. Another surprise. Faedal had become very adept at hiding his emotions from him over the decades. Marissa didn't even try, instead laying everything bare for him to scrutinize.
We'll need to have a long, serious talk about the tether
, Carver thought.
Once the imminent threat has been dealt with.
His eyes met those of Jhaless' second-in-command, a priestess named Xalyth. She had been bound and gagged. Marissa also had taken away her obsidian spider symbol, just to make sure there would be no unexpected surprises. The captive dark elf eyed him with curiosity, something Carver somehow found even more troubling than outright hostility.
"Let us be off then. You know where we have to go?" he asked Marissa.
"Yes. While you made sure Jhaless' raiding party will stay put, I scried the Depths. I know where the city of Nardur is. I also learned as much about the Dree'vex compound as I could. Three hundred of ours is total overkill." The raven-haired sorceress launched into a Teleport spell. Carver closed his hand around Xalyth's elbow and placed his other hand on Marissa's curvy behind. A moment later, the world moved sideways. His perception changed, his sight lost all color as the magical night vision kicked in. Carver exerted his will to stave off the disorientation a Teleport usually brought on and sank to a knee. For a casual onlooker it might appear as if he had lost his balance in the wake of the spell. He dropped a small token enchanted with an Invisibility spell, opening the way for his troops should negotiations turn sour. A quick swipe of the hand covered it in soil.
Coming to his feet, he saw dark elves brandish spears and blades as they closed in on them.
Smiling, he spread his hands in the universal gesture of peace. "Please, be so kind and inform the Ladies Dree'vex that Morgan Carver has come to parley." The stunned looks on the guards' faces was priceless and it took Carver most of his willpower not to chuckle like a fool.
* * * *
In the absence of their Mother, Tanith and Lilith Dree'vex had taken over as regents of their House. The sisters were an odd bunch. Tanith was tall and lanky, with a short, wild mop of white hair while Lilith was over a head shorter and very curvy, bordering on plump. A thick, icy white braid snaked around the right side of her neck and went over her ample breasts down to the belt of her robes. They eyed the small party with a mixture of surprise and indignation until Tanith strode forward.
"What is the meaning of this?" she snapped, using the Trade Tongue of the Surface. "Where is Matron Dree'vex? And what happened to her entourage?"
