The Deviant Dominant Ch 05

Chapter 5 - The Council Guard

Their long, but eventful night in the Mystic Forest left the group exhausted. Upon returning to the Cottage -- the Cottage was their humorous moniker for the extravagant and spacious house tha Laera had offered to the team -- they went to their respective rooms and promptly fell into their beds.

Lukas was still concerned about his missing Ultimate, but told himself it was just another 'deviation' from the norm based on his class. He felt there was no use dwelling on something that he didn't have control over or much understanding of. He once again upgraded his Confidence skill, bringing his magic resistance to thirty percent. He had future plans in the works to help Gemma get revenge on her Swamp Witch.

Rising at a respectable time the following morning, Lukas flooded Gemma's pussy with a large load of semen and then quickly ate a breakfast that Gwyn had prepared. The team was swiftly on the road towards the Mystic Forest, eager to make good time to a cave entrance. Gemma and Fiona both seemed to be the most excited about venturing into the caverns. As they speculated about what they might find, they walked side-by-side so briskly that poor Gwyn had trouble keeping up.

The group was so occupied, in fact, that they did not notice a squad of heavily armed soldiers following them out of Eberlorn. Just as the Adventurers reached the entrance to the Mystic Forest, the soldiers -- by careful design -- caught up with and confronted them.

"Halt!" One of the five guards shouted the order out. Three other soldiers marched forward, one of them flanking around them while the other two heading straight for Gwyn. The last of the guards had already secured the high ground and was covering the scene with her bow.

"By order of the Council of the Scribes," the same guard, clearly the leader, read out, "we hereby execute this warrant on Gwyndolyn Groves..." Four armored hands reached out to seize the frightened young woman.

"Hold up!" Lukas shouted angrily drawing his blades. "No one touches her unless they want to lose their hand."

The head guard looked menacingly over at Lukas. "Drawing weapons against the Council Guard is a grave offense young man. Hand over the fugitive and be on your way."

The other guards ignored the hot tempered Lukas and grabbed Gwyn, who was sobbing, and began dragging her back toward Eberlorn. Lukas reacted in a flash, swinging his blades towards the closest guard. Both soldiers released Gwyn and jumped out of the way, demonstrating considerable agility despite their thick armor. All four soldiers on the ground drew their weapons, the archer's first arrow was notched and ready to fly. Gemma and Fiona reciprocated by brandishing their weapons.

"Lukas," Gywn sobbed, trying and failing to maintain control of her emotions, "let them take me. They will hurt you -- maybe even kill you. It's not worth it. I'm not worth it."

"Bullshit!" Lukas exclaimed. "They are not taking you. You are mine -- mine to protect, mine to fight for."

He addressed the soldiers, "If you lower your weapons, I'm willing to talk. But I'm not letting you take her."

"Too late for that, buddy," the head guard sneered, seeming to almost enjoy the challenge. "The Council Guard cannot tolerate disrespect. You will submit." He rotated his sword in his hand, signaling readiness for the impending brawl.

"I will fight tooth and nail for my girls," Lukas declared. "Come try me."

The soldiers charged, their synchronized attacks demonstrating both their impressive training and discipline. The numbers may have been even -- Lukas eyed the small Gwyn still crying on the floor, maybe not so even -- but Lukas could tell they were outmatched. He wasn't confident Laera would back them up either.

The battle began with a loud clash as Lukas and Gemma held the line while Fiona teleported to tackle the ranged threat. Laera watched wide-eyed as her renegade team took on the Council Guard. She knew the Guard was comprised of experienced Adventurers, whose superior gear greatly boosted their stats. Even amongst Anorans, the Council Guard was renowned. She nervously glanced back and forth before arriving at a decision, then she sighed heavily as she unleashed a volley of lighting towards the elite group of soldiers.

To their credit, Lukas and his team dished out a significant amount of damage, but it wasn't enough. After nearly a half hour of exchanging blows and taking hits, the scene was a grim one. Fiona and the archer lay unconscious next to each other. Another guard had Laera restrained -- though delicately, all things considered. The squad had recognized her Anoran descent and acted accordingly.

Gemma lay on the ground coughing up blood as Gwyn knelt by her side, desperately trying to regenerate mana so she could heal her. Lukas stood nearby, next to another unconscious guard. He'd managed to win his confrontation with some help from Laera's magic, but he was in bad shape. He did his best to take a protective stance between the two girls and the final pair of guards, but wounded limbs and a searing pain in his head made it difficult to remain standing.

The guards approached him, they themselves bleeding from several wounds. During the course of their combat, several spectators had arrived from the town to witness the Council Guard try to apprehend the young Adventurers. The entrance to the Mystic Forest was a popular waypoint, after all.

"Surrender, or we will have to put you down." One last chance was extended to the tall, young Adventurer.

Lukas managed to choke out a laugh as he raised his blades in defiance.

Gwyn flung herself in front of him. "Please, let them take me. I can't let you die."

At that very moment, an elderly but authoritative voice boomed out from the crowd. "Wait just a moment! As a member of the Council of the Scribes, I would like to assume jurisdiction here and take these Adventurers into custody."

None other than Cassian strode forth from the crowd, confidently inserting himself into the tense and bloody scene.

"Not possible," the head guard answered gruffly. "These Adventurers deliberately attacked the Council Guard as we were trying to execute a warrant. That crime carries a severe penalty..."

Cassian held out his hand. "The warrant, please."

The soldier reluctantly handed a paper over.

Cassian briefly reviewed it. "This is merely a Summons Warrant. I assume you declared your authority and stated the accusation?"

"We did not get the chance before the conflict escalated," the guard countered.

"Really?" Cassian asked, his voice feigning surprise. "With your protocol as strict as it is, that lapse could be quite a blunder," Cassian continued, building his case. "From one perspective, this situation could easily be misconstrued as the Council Guard abusing their authority over a bunch of newly Scribed Adventurers. The miscommunication, regardless of where it stemmed from, will likely fall onto your shoulders, Captain."

The captain of the squad grunted, realizing that the old man was setting up a political game that the soldier had no intention of playing. "And how exactly are you going to take them into custody by yourself?" he asked skeptically.

"A house arrest would suffice for a Summons Warrant. I'm sure we can convince the young Adventurers to recover in the confines of their home." Cassian gestured to Lukas, who nodded.

Unsatisfied, but unwilling to push the issue further, the captain left the warrant with Cassian and went to tend to his unconscious comrades.

Cassian turned to Lukas. "Let's see if we can get this team of yours back home without further incident."

***

Back at the Cottage, Fiona finally started taking some tender steps. Gemma was in her bed recovering from her injuries; Laera was checking in on her. Lukas still had some wounds he needed to tend to, but he had more pressing questions to address. How did Cassian manage to show up at the right moment? Why was there a warrant out for Gwyn?

He chose to focus on Gwyn at the moment, as she appeared to be the most in need. Lukas accepted that he may never fully understand Cassian's secrets.

Lukas, Cassian, and Gwyn all sat at a table. The small girl looked beyond miserable -- utterly despondent and riddled with guilt and shame. Lukas had an arm around her as Cassian read through the regal-looking paper he had appropriated from the Council Guard.

Cassian looked up at Gwyn and gently spoke to her, trying to ease her anguish. "I think I've put most of the pieces together, are you comfortable talking about this with Lukas present?"

Gwyn nodded, not willing to speak yet.

"Well, first things first, I suppose. I have not had the pleasure of formally meeting you. My name is Cassian."

Gwyn again, just nodded weakly.

"I think I should be able to submit a written testimony and possibly get the house arrest lifted. The challenge will be to get the Council of Scribes to overlook the death of Tobias, but..."

"He's dead?!" Gwyn exclaimed, words now coming to her.

Cassian paused. "Yes, he was dead when they found him many months ago -- stabbed and poisoned."

"I'll be in prison for the rest of my life then," Gwyn resigned, feeling the weight of dread pressing upon her whole body, pushing all the air, all the life, and her very future out of it.

"Maybe," Cassian said thoughtfully, "maybe not. We first need the truth. I'm not looking to cover up a murder, but if my suspicions are correct, I may have a trick up my sleeve. Why don't you tell us what happened -- and, if you're amenable, I think it would be advantageous for me to write it down."

Gwyn nodded and took a deep breath. "Tobias was the Scribe who performed my Scribing. Obviously, the nature of my class made my Scribing a very strange moment for me."

Cassian looked confused as he scribbled on a fresh sheet of paper with his quill.

"I was given a Deviant Submissive class," Gwyn clarified for Cassian.

Cassian's eyes filled with empathy as the last piece fell into place for him. "Oh dear."

Gwyn continued with her story. "I was distraught at first. I spent most of the first couple weeks holed up in my room. It was Tobias who came and got me to come out. He was very comforting and helpful at first. He took me camping, away from everyone else; helped me get my first level up."

Gwyn looked at Cassian and Lukas, both of whom were giving her their complete attention. "Things changed when he asked me to travel to the capital with him. I went with him, not having anywhere else to go. He tried to convince me that I had no future as an Adventurer, but he was willing to take me in as his companion. I attempted to turn him down politely -- he had done so much for me -- but he was very insistent. He told me that with my class, he was the best -- the only -- option I had."

"The realization finally hit me," she continued. "Tobias was trying to turn me into his personal sex slave. He had been getting more and more handsy. I finally confronted him in his home in the capital; I told him it would be best if we parted ways. He got angry and pulled out a knife. He forced me into his cellar and locked me down there. He told me I would be down there until I learned some gratitude. He slipped a powerful poison in the dinner he brought down to me, and told me he would give me the antidote when I submit to him. Within an hour, I realized how potent the poison was. It was long lasting and I would be dead before dinner the next day."

Lukas' blood was starting to boil. "Sounds like this son of a bitch deserved to die."

Cassian raised a hand to calm the hotheaded Adventurer. "We must be careful, young Lukas. Any incidents involving a Scribe will be taken very seriously in the capital. This is not something that can be resolved with rash anger. Please continue, Ms. Groves."

"Tobias didn't know what skill I had unlocked when I'd leveled up; it was just dumb luck that I never showed him. He didn't know I could be invisible, even if it was just for a short period. His cellar wasn't meant to hold a captive, it was just latched from the outside. I used a skinny stick to unlatch the door through a crack. I was free from the cellar, but not free from the poison. I snuck around his house that night searching for the antidote. He had mistakenly -- or arrogantly -- left out the poison, but I couldn't find the cure anywhere. My scrambling around his house woke him up and I barely made it back to the cellar undetected; but I had the poison. The next morning, I snuck out again and poisoned his breakfast as he cooked, utilizing my invisibility. I just wanted him to pull out the antidote, I swear. I could feel myself weakening and that was the only play I could think of."

"By late morning, he realized what I had done. He was furious. He stomped down to the cellar with his knife in one hand and the antidote in the other. He said, 'You stupid bitch, watch me as I take this antidote. There will be none left for you. Your worthless life ends her in this cellar.' I was terrified, but his cruelty in wanting to drink the antidote in front of me created the opening I was hoping for." Tears were streaming down Gwyn's face as she recounted the incident. Lukas reached out and held her hand.

Gwyn squeezed his hand tightly and then continued. "He thought he was secure -- me being my size and him holding his knife. I still had my invisibility though. I knew I had one shot. I surprised him by disappearing and making a grab for the antidote.He didn't know where I was, but he still swung his knife around in the air. His rage combined with the poison caused him to lose balance. He fell on top of his knife. I didn't know if he stabbed himself or not. I took the antidote and ran as fast as I could."

"I suppose I should have guessed he died," Gwyn admitted, "I hit level three as I fled the capital. There was a lot on my mind though."

"I'm so sorry my dear," Cassian said softly. "I've had several interactions with Tobias. He was pleasant at first, but I had a sense there may be something rotten hiding beneath the surface. I truly had no idea though."

"Cassian, there's no way I'm going to let Gwyn go to prison for this." Lukas said as his protective mode intensified.

"This is a very complicated matter, Lukas," Cassian replied. "At the risk of sounding untoward, if there is a way out of this mess for Gwyn, it is through me and political antics, not through belligerent force. You will need to trust me. Our first step is to submit this testimony and see if the court will clear the warrant. There's a chance it leads to Gwyn's arrest, but I think the truth is on our side. Gwyn, it is imperative that you do not try to flee Eberlorn."

Gwyn nodded, appreciative of her new ally.

Cassian packed his things and rose from his seat. "You all should stay put until you hear from me. I will try to send word in the morning." He crossed the room to check in on Fiona, who had been not-so-subtly eavesdropping. He also gave Gemma his best wishes, who had finally emerged from her room, and then he left out the front door.

Lukas gave Gwyn a warm hug and a kiss and then headed for his room. He was still badly injured and needed to rest. Fiona's well-hidden soft side took over as she sat down next to Gwyn and consoled the worried half-elf.

The team ate dinner together, then an exhausted Lukas picked up the weightless Gwyn and carried her off to his room. He put her in bed and snuggled up against her. He didn't need sex from her at that moment. She needed rest and love from him and he was there to comfort her. He wished he could do more, but he had begrudgingly accepted Cassian's wisdom to wait. There were some things he just couldn't fix on his own -- not with anger, not with blades, and not even with the righteous and noble urge to protect the innocent.

"Goodnight, my little girl," he whispered as he kissed her cheek. "Sleep well. I will always protect you."

Gwyn smiled for the first time since that morning; she gave him a look of relief before closing her eyes. They fell asleep like that: Gwyn nestled into Lukas's arms, feeling safe and warm.

***

Like he had promised, Cassian sent word in the morning. He told them that they could leave the Cottage, but should remain near Eberlorn. The team still needed time to recover fully anyways, so they opted to just patrol the fringes of the Mystic Forest. Returning to the Cottage before dinner, Lukas decided it was time to have a talk with Laera.

Laera had gone to her room to freshen up while Gwyn had started cooking dinner. Lukas walked down a comically long hallway and knocked on her door.

She answered it with her hair down, wearing a white silk robe. "What's up, Lukas?" she asked. He smiled at her and leaned against the doorway.

"I was hoping to have a chat with you about something."

She cocked her head to the side. "Is this about Gwyn's incident? You don't have to give me details. I understand if she wants privacy."

Lukas scratched his chin. "Not exactly. Is there somewhere we can talk?"

Laera brushed past him. "I always enjoy spending time in the garden. There's a nice bench out there." She turned around and saw him still standing by the door. "Are you coming?"

He followed her into the garden where they sat down on her preferred bench. The garden was beautiful, with lush green grass and flowers blooming everywhere. Lukas took in the scene before starting. "I should start by thanking you for supporting us against the Council Guard. I know that was a problematic situation to put you in right after joining our team."

A pensive expression crossed Laera's face as she thought of how best to respond. "It was certainly stressful. I thought for sure I was going to prison and my parents would receive word about their rebellious daughter. However, I have no regrets."

Her smile grew as she continued. "I can tell you value loyalty deeply. The way you leapt forward to protect Gwyn, not even caring what she was accused of... it was truly impressive."

Lukas nodded. "If you desire to commit yourself long-term to this team, -- I can see that you do -- you will always have my support and protection. Your actions yesterday were proof enough for me that I can trust you with my life."

"I'm honored... but still don't fully understand," Laera said. "Growing up in Anora, my parents cared very deeply about my future. They spared no expense ensuring that I would be a successful Adventurer; but if I don't meet their expectations, there's no doubt I will lose their support. Taking a different path than the one they envision will be considered a failure -- not just a failure. Defiance. Ingratitude. A betrayal."

Lukas nodded, but looked confused. "What do you not understand?"

"Lukas," Laera responded, "you were willing to die for Gwyn without a full understanding of the situation. Your dedication to her was unconditional. I don't understand how that bond forms. I don't have that in my life."

Lukas reached over and squeezed her hand. "Stay with us, and you do."

"I'm worried that I don't have the same deep connections that you all have," Laera admitted. "I love adventuring with you, but I still feel like the new recruit.

"I think you fit in great with us," Lukas reassured her. "Just give it a bit more time and you'll be a core piece of the team's personality.

"Not if Fiona has anything to say about it," she chuckled.

"Fiona is already coming around," Lukas said with a smile. "I doubt she will ever stop teasing you though."

Laera looked at Lukas with a serious expression. "I want to tell you why I needed to join your team. I'm not quite ready for everyone else to know though."

Lukas nodded, silently promising his confidentiality.

"My parents handpicked the team I was on," Laera stated, "Each of those Anorans you saw in the forest, including me, were taught practically from birth that there was one correct way to be an Adventurer. Our schedules were set to the minute. Our diets were carefully monitored. We were taught the mistakes that other Adventurers, like you, would make and how we could be better. Our teachers discouraged interacting with non-Anorans, to stay pure to the Anoran doctrine."