Omnixius
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DKP 5-21 A match for a dragon
🕑 Added 2020-06-21 04:52:51 +0000 UTC
The morning was still dark as Gersius trained in the empty meeting tent. The party was a success on a level unimagined, and the camp was already showing the difference. Men and women talked, sharing a dance or two as the food flowed and wounds healed. The change in the order of Astikar's appearance and the announcement that women would be allowed in also had an effect. Sarah was something of a hero by the women of Ulustrah for restoring women to Astikar. Still, few were willing to join, and Sarah would likely not have any true priestesses until after Calathen, but it was a step in the right direction.
The storms returned in the night but rained for less than an hour. If he was lucky, the roads would be soft, but usable and his army could march at a modest pace. The sooner he got around the mountains, the soon he could join the others. He was considering flying ahead to meet with Gams to begin laying the foundation for his plans. He figured the trip would take twelve hours on Lilly's back, but perhaps only seven on Sarah's. She would have to fly at that terrible speed, and the ride would be hard. Seven hours of that would be taxing to anyone.
He cut a series of quick slashes, rolling his wrist to bring the blade around. He was beginning to sleep less and less, in some cases, only three hours, and yet he felt well. Lilly's dragon gifts were amazing, and her idea of giving her blessing to an elite force was a work of genius. Unfortunately, she wanted to give it to the women of her army, and they still needed armor and supplies.
He made a quick cutting pattern that first went high, then cut low as if striking at an exposed leg. Something about last night made him want to train. It was an impression over the bind coming from Thayle. She was thinking about men dueling or sparring, and it carried over to him. Sarah was odd last night when the music finally ended, and she stepped back. He lost complete track of time and wasn't sure how many dances they had done. Sarah seemed almost alarmed when she realized it and quickly excused herself to flee for her tent.
Thayle and Lilly were strange about the whole thing, and he asked them how many dances it had been. They would only answer with not enough and took his hands to lead him to bed. In the quiet of their private space, they made love with a Lilly alive from the excitement of dancing. She had to be subdued with passion before she was willing to sleep. Afterward, Thayle made love to him, slow and gentle asking him funny questions about Sarah. He asked her why she had been thinking about sparring, and she said it was something Numidel said.
“Do you sleep anymore?” Thayle asked from the doorway to their space. He turned about to smile as she stood there completely naked, her arms folded under her chest as she smiled.
“You are very bold,” he said. “There are guards right outside the doors.” Thayle smiled and strutted into the tent, walking barefoot to stand in the open. If any man looked in now, there would be nowhere to hide, and she would simply have to let him look.
“I keep waking up to find you have fled our bed,” she said softly. “I want to wake up in your arms once in a while.”
“There will be time for that later,” he said softly.
“Always later,” Thayle replied. “Sometimes, a lover needs things to be now. Later has a habit of never coming.” She came to stand right before him, and he put an arm around her waist as she stood on her toes to kiss him.
“You feel very loving,” he said. “What are you thinking about?”
“Sarah,” Thayle replied. “She had a terrible night until she danced with you.”
“The others are intimidated by her,” Gersius said. “It causes them to stumble.”
Thayle nodded. “I worry about her. She so badly wants what we have, but she needs to be careful. She must find a good man who will honor her name as you do ours.”
“There are plenty of good men,” Gersius said. “And many of them are just as devoted and disciplined as me.”
“But were they called to glory like you?” Thayle asked. “Would they have chosen death at Whiteford to protect a broken dragon?.”
“Some of them would,” Gersius said. “I have seen men stand against impossible odds just because it meant saving the life of another.”
Thayle nodded and ran a hand down his chest. “Men like you are rare. I understand Sarah's problem. It took a man like you to tame Lilly, marry me, and make me desire children. What will it take it to tame her heart and earn her trust?”
He let his sword fall into the grass as he ran his hand through her hair. She was a beautiful woman of great talent and love. If anything, she was the rare one. “Perhaps you should go back to bed before somebody sees you.”
Thayle smiled and waved a finger in his face. “If my husband insists on being out here, then here is where I will make love to him.” She pulled him close as her leg rode up his side, her hands reaching low to pull open his belt.
“I will go back to the room with you and make love to you there,” he said. She smiled and shook her head.
“I need to teach you a lesson,” Thayle said. “Every time I wake up and your not there, I will hunt you down and make love to you where I find you.”
“We are in the middle of a public space,” he reminded her as his belt came open.
“Then I suggest you try and be as quiet as you can,” Thayle said as she pulled him down and made him pay for his transgressions.
As the sun rose, the camp slowly recovered, and most of the morning chores were called off. Gersius was intent to start two hours later than usual to give the roads a little more time to dry. Thayle used this time to her advantage, making her way to the changing tent and then to Sarah's doorway.
“Sarah?” Thayle called right outside the flap. “Are you in there?”
“Is there something you need?” Sarah called from inside.
“I wanted to talk to you about last night,” Thayle said.
The tent flap opened, and Sarah loomed overhead her hair pulled through her golden ring as it splashed about her shoulders. She wore her battle dress, tied tightly around her waist so that her sumptuous hips showed clearly. “What about it?”
Thayle was stunned for a moment and quickly regained her senses to reply. “I wanted to know if any of the men interested you?”
Sarah was quiet a moment, a flashing light hanging over her head as a decision was made. Thayle struggled not to smile and then frowned when Sarah lied.
“None of them,” she said flatly. “I have decided to give up on this foolishness.”
“Why?” Thayle asked in alarm. “You just had one bad night. There are tens of thousands of good men out there who would treat you like a queen.”
“I don’t need men to grovel at my feet,” Sarah argued back. “I need something else.”
Thayle thought about what Numidel said the night before and wondered if he was right. “So, what are you dressed for?”
“I intend to go sparring,” Sarah said. “Numidel suggested I could do some to ease my nerves as he put it.”
Thayle smiled and wanted to thank that devious dragon for helping. She nodded her head and replied. “Well, the camp is going to delay setting off for a few hours, so if you hurry, you will likely find some of the men practicing beside the camp.”
“Then I will see what these men know of the sword,” she said as if bored then looked at Thayle with a firm gaze and a disapproving scowl. “I have a question I would like to ask you?”
“Ask me anything,” Thayle said as Sarah’s scowl made her uncomfortable.
Sarah leaned against a tent pole and looked Thayle up and down. “Why were you mating in the meeting tent?”
Thayle’s face flushed bright red as Sarah waited for an answer. “You saw?”
“Of course I did, you were in the middle of the tent,” Sarah replied. “I watched until he carried you off.”
“You watched the whole thing?” Thayle asked.
“I assumed you meant for others to watch since you chose a very public place to reproduce.”
Thayle put a hand to her face as she went even redder. “Sarah, I did that because I wanted the thrill that came with taking the risk. Most of the camp was asleep, and I never believed anybody would see us.”
“I do not sleep,” Sarah said in a dry tone. “And if you knew you were taking a risk, then you knew somebody might be watching.”
“You know what, I don’t care,” Thayle said firmly. “You know we make love, and you know what a man and woman look like. At least your not likely to run about the camp telling everyone what you saw.”
“Indeed, but what you did was foolish. You are the supreme leader of Ulustrah’s forces. You have a reputation to uphold, you don’t need to be caught behaving like a silly girl,” Sarah said with a firm tone.
“Thank you for your advice,” Thayle said, growing annoyed.
Sarah let out a sigh and nodded her head in return. “I hope you won’t need me to give you more in the future. Sometimes I think you and that silly dragon need to be taken firmly into hand.”
“Lilly and I are just fine,” Thayle said as she folded her arms in irritation.
“You behave like girls, frolicking through the camp for all to see,” Sarah said. “You need to show more restraint like your husband does.”
“Yes, mother,” Thayle said in a firm tone.
Sarah smiled just slightly at that remark and let out a ‘Hmm’ before stepped out into the changing ring. “I will go and see if there are any worthy opponents to be found in this camp.”
Thayle watched her go with great irritation and let out an angry sigh. Maybe Sarah wasn't a good idea; after all, she was certainly nothing like Lilly. She felt a pang of anger over having been lectured like a child. Who was that woman to talk to her like she was her mother? She stormed out of the tent and made her way across the compound seeking out her chief Lieutenant, Mingfe.
“Oh, there you are,” Mingfe said as Thayle arrived just outside her tent. “That dress looked magnificent on you.”
“Thank you,” Thayle said. “Lilly enjoyed lifting the veil to give me kisses all night.”
Mingfe nodded and then took a more serious face. “Now, why is your aura filled with aggravation?” Thayle shook her head, and Mingfe read the look. She took Thayle's hand and pulled her inside the tent where they could talk privately. “Well?”
Did you see Sarah's aura last night?” Thayle asked.
Mingfe nodded. “I saw her light traveling to him, but that is nothing for you to worry about. A momentary sense of connection is common when people dance or interact.”
“I wasn’t worried about it,” Thayle said. “I was actually rather interested.”
Mingfe smiled and motioned for Thayle to sit on the bed beside her. “Then tell me why you are so unhappy now?”
Thayle relayed the whole story of what Sarah said and how she wished for a relationship. She explained the desire to have a husband and wife to whom she could share her true name.
“But she made no intimation that she wanted to join your relationship?” Mingfe asked.
“None,” Thayle said. “This morning, I thought I would pry and see what she was thinking. She told me she was giving up on this and then scolded me like I was a child.
“What did she correct you over?” Thayle blushed and explained what she did as Mingfe frowned. “Sarah is right, that was very foolish of you.”
“It was a spur of the moment thing, done when everybody was asleep,” Thayle protested.
“You must hold yourself above the others,” Mingfe said. “Anything you do will permit the others to do the same. If you are seen to behave foolishly, then those under you will behave the same way.”
“Great, now I have two mothers in camp,” Thayle groaned.
“You have only one mother in this camp, and she has red hair,” Mingfe said. “I cannot judge you for what you have done.”
Thayle looked away as she wondered if she misread Sarah. “Well, I suppose if she was meant for us, a door would have opened.”
“Whose to say the door isn’t open?” Mingfe asked.
“She is out there right now looking for somebody else,” Thayle reminded her.
Mingfe smiled and put a hand over Thayle's hand. “She can look all she wants, but you have told me that she wants a man like Gersius, and there is no other man like Gersius. If you are right, and that is what she wants, she will be back. The question is, do you want her? After what you have told me, you will be inviting a powerful woman into your relationship.”
“She is nice most of the time, but sometimes she can be so overbearing.”
Mingfe looked at her with serious eyes. “Do not invite her into your marriage if you and she will fight for dominance. You will ruin what you have.”
“Lilly is so easy to share him with,” Thayle said. “She spends more time making love to me than him, but Sarah is different. She likes to be in control and is so set in her ways.”
“I suspect Sarah has a tender spot that hasn't yet shown, or she would not have tried to find a man,” Mingfe said. “You should speak to your husband about her and tell him she saw.” Thayle nodded and thanked her for her help before leaving to find Gersius and tell him Sarah had seen them.
Gersius lifted the armor plate from the anvil and turned it over. It was starting to take shape but would need more work before it was ready. He set it back in the coals and then went the bellows and heated the furnace with air. He hoped to get just a little more work done before the camp had to break down and move. With any luck, the first armor suites would be ready in two days. He leaned back from the heat and wiped the sweat from his brow.
“You’re taking a bath tonight,” Thayle said as she walked up and sat on a nearby stone wall.
“I am hardly sweating,” he said as he turned to smile at her. “Sarah’s gift has greatly reduced it.”
“We are giving you a bath,” she repeated with finality. Lilly walked up behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist, making her jump.
“Hello, my lover,” Lilly cooed as Thayle smiled.
“Hello, sweetheart,” Thayle replied. “You feel warm and happy today.”
“Two more acolytes have made the link to Balisha,” Lilly said as she released Thayle and stepped around the wall.
“So how many does that leave us to train?” Gersius asked as he took off his gloves.
“Just one of the originals. The new women have all mastered it a days ago,” Lilly said with a smile. She looked at him and sniffed at the air before moving closer. “Is that you?”
“I told him he needs a bath,” Thayle said.
Lilly walked towards him, sniffing and stepped right up to him. She leaned over until she was practically touching him and took a deep inhale.
“You smell good!” she exclaimed.
Gersius laughed and looked at Thayle.
“Lilly,” Thayle said, shocked. “He does not.”
Lilly stepped back. “I like how he smells.”
Thayle shook her head at her. “He stinks, and we are washing again.”
“But, I think he smells good!” Lilly argued and then leaned over to smell him again. “You can smell his skin.” She leaned right up to him and licked his arm, tasting him with a smile.
“Ugh, Dragons!” Thayle snapped.
“At least one of my wives appreciates my qualities,” he said.
“If I stopped wearing scented oils, you would have something to say about it,” Thayle argued. “I spend a lot of money to smell good.”
“I like how you smell, too,” Lilly said. “You smell like flowers.”
“I wear lilac oil,” Thayle said as Lilly lifted her arms and started to smell them.
“How do I smell?”
“You smell like a Lily,” Gersius answered.
“She stinks like you do sometimes,” Thayle said. “It’s why I keep bathing her.”
Lilly shrugged and walked up to Thayle. “I will just have to rub against you and get your oil on me.”
“You do plenty of that already,” Gersius laughed.
Thayle looked at him with a gaping mouth. “she does not!”
“You two make love more than I do,” he pointed out.
“We show affection,” Thayle corrected. “It’s just a little kissing and hugging.”
“Then why do you take your clothes off?” he asked.
“I like to feel her skin against mine,” Lilly said. “She’s so soft, and her breasts are warm.”
Gersius laughed as Thayle blushed. He turned around and went back to working on the metal, shaping it over the anvil.
“Lilly, don’t say things like that in public. People might hear you,” Thayle whispered.
“Oh, now you're worried about that,” Gersius said.
Thayle glared at him and turned back to Lilly as she looked back innocently.
“People know we make love,” Lilly replied.
“I know they do, but that doesn’t mean we should talk about it openly. Have you heard anybody else talk about who they make love to?”
Lilly rocked side to side as she thought about it a moment. “No, but I assumed that meant they didn’t make love.”
“Trust me, you're wrong about that,” Thayle said. "There are dozens of couples in this camp, who make love just as often as we do. After last night I am sure there will be more.”
Lilly shrugged. “I suppose you're right; sometimes, people smell like we do after we make love.”
Thayle looked up at her with wide eyes. “What do you mean?”
Lilly began to twist as she stood before Thayle. “When we make love, there is a smell that lingers on us. I can smell your lovemaking for hours afterward.” Thayle put a hand over her face in embarrassment as Lilly continued. “Some of the people in the camp smell similar sometimes.”
“Please, Ulustrah, I don't want this dragon gift!” Thayle groaned.
Gersius laughed as he lifted the metal and inspected it again. “So who have you smelled it on?” he asked.
“Mingfe smells like it a lot,” Lilly said.
Thayle pulled her hand away and glared at Lilly. “You must be mistaken,” she said in shock.
Lilly shook her head. “She smells like it a lot. Even this morning, when I saw her, I could smell it on her.”
Gersius started to laugh uncontrollably and had to set the metal down. Thayle shook her head in disbelief and had to look away.
“I can’t believe that woman!” Thayle barked. “After she agreed with Sarah!”
“What’s wrong?” Lilly asked.
“Lilly,” Thayle said, looking her in the eyes. “Mingfe is sleeping with Shadros.”
Lilly shrugged. “You’re sleeping with me.”
“That’s not the same,” Thayle argued.
“Why isn’t it the same? I am sure Shadros can smell it on you in the mornings when you go to the training fields.”
Thayle's face went even paler than usual, and Gersius nearly fell over laughing.
“It's not funny, you barbarian!” Thayle argued.
“He probably knows every time!” Gersius roared.
“There won’t be another time!” Thayle yelled.
Gersius struggled to put the iron back in the fire as he continued to laugh. Lilly stepped up to Thayle and took her hand, rubbing it soothingly.
“My love, don't be upset over this,” she said sweetly. “Why would this bother you?”
Thayle smiled at her as Lilly rubbed her hand. “I am embarrassed that somebody knows I just had sex. It’s bad enough I put on a show for Sarah.”
“What about Sarah?” Gersius asked as he wiped his eyes.
Thayle explained to them both what happened, and Gersius only laughed and went back to his work. “I told you that was a public space,” he said.
“You’re not upset at all that she watched the whole thing?” Thayle asked.
“What can I do about it now?” he said. “And why are you so angry about it?”
“I don’t like the idea that she stood there and watched us,” Thayle said. “At least she could have had the decency to turn away. I am embarrassed that she is so aware of what we are doing. She and Numidel probably smell it on us too.”
Lilly stepped right up to her and put her arms around Thayle's kneck. “Of course they do, but you shouldn't be ashamed of that. I am a dragon; If anybody here should be upset, it's me. I mate with you two every day. My mother would faint away to hear that.”
Thayle laughed and looked up into Lilly’s blue eyes. “So Mingfe smells of sex frequently?”
Lilly nodded. “She smells of it nearly every morning.”
“I think I might need to talk to her again,” Thayle said as she got up. She crossed the camp with a pleased smile on her face and went to the training field. Thayle walked across the field, coming up behind Mingfe, who was going through stances with a group of women.
“So, you agree with Sarah, do you?” Thayle asked with a honeyed voice.
Mingfe looked over her shoulder as she took a stance, and the other women followed her. “What is that tone about?”
“I was just wondering how you felt?” Thayle teased.
“I am fine,” Mingfe said. “Did you wish to take the advanced soldiers through sword training today?”
“Of course,” Thayle said. “I am pretty sure you're tired anyway.”
Mingfe stepped out of her stance and looked at her. “Why would you assume that?”
Thayle smiled and looked her in the eyes. “So, is Shadros a good lover?”
Mingfe's face went limp, and she glanced at the women standing nearby. “That is enough for now!” She barked. “Go and see if the kitchens need anything grown!”Thayle started to laugh as the women wandered off. Mingfe waited until they were gone before she turned on the woman. “How did you find out about that?”
“I had a little help from Lilly,” Thayle said as she folded her arms.
“She saw us?”
Thayle shook her head. “She can smell it. Even in human form, these dragons have a stronger sense of smell than we do. She can smell when somebody has recently had sex.” Mingfe looked aghast and started to fidget. “So, are you keeping up your appearance, so the rest of the women don't follow in your foolishness?”
“We are very discreet,” Mingfe hissed with obvious irritation in her voice.
“I must say I didn't think you would move this fast,” Thayle said, her lips curled in a pleased smile.
“He needed to understand,” Mingfe replied in irritation.
Thayle smiled and tilted her head. “Understand what?”
Mingfe shook her head. “I wanted him to understand that his human form had advantages. You told me that Lilly thought of sex as a chore. He did as well and was disgusted by the idea. I never knew a man who was horrified at the idea of sex. I had to bargain with him to let me try.”
“Why didn’t you just command him?” Thayle asked.
Mingfe shook her head. “Such a thing is not proper. I would not command him even if it was the only way.”
Thayle nodded slightly. “So, what did bribe him with?”
“I told him if he allowed me to show him and hated it, I would let him stay in his dragon form from now on.”
“Twice?” Thayle laughed. “Didn’t think you could convince him the first time?”
“I wanted to give him time to think about it. I shared with him once and gave him a week to think before sharing again. He was far more willing the second time.”
“I bet he was,” Thayle said with a smile.
“He was still hesitant. I told him if he allowed me to share with him three more times, he could stay in his dragon form at nights if he wished.”
“I never see him in his dragon form at night,” Thayle said.
Mingfe smiled. “That is because at night is when I have time to share with him. He doesn’t want to be out of his human form if I come looking for him. I also make sure there is food and wine waiting for him. I want to make sure he is rewarded for taking our form in every way I can.”
Thayle laughed and swatted her arm. “You little monster. So how does he feel about it now?”
Mingfe smiled and looked over her shoulder to a distant group of trees. “He is out in the trees thinking of me. He is like any man, human, or dragon. He cannot get enough now that he has had a taste. They may be cursed, but they are deeply passionate.”
“Oh, Lilly is insatiable when she is hungry. When she wants affection, she takes what she wants.”
“I need to encourage him to do a little more taking,” Mingfe said. “He was very forward about it last night, admitting for the first time he wanted it.”
Thayle smiled and relaxed her arms. “And how was his dancing?”
“He was a changed man after you danced with him, what did you say to him?”
“I told him that men lead in dancing, and this was his chance to show you who was in charge.”
Mingfe nodded. “So he is struggling with me as a woman having power over him. I like the challenge in that.”
Thayle shook her head and smiled wide. “You are as bad as Lilly and Gersius combined. “They stalked me like a pair of hunters and brought me down with their snares. You are worse than them both.”
“I am dealing with a man who is drunk on arrogance and power. I will use every trick and trap I know to make him see the truth.”
“Do you love him?” Thayle asked.
“Do you not see my light when I am around him?” Mingfe asked. “It tells all you need to know.”
Thayle nodded and looked back to the trees where the dragon hid. “Does he love you?”
“His light is starting to come, especially after last night. Giving him a taste of control awakened him. I may need to encourage him to exercise his dominance more.”
“I don’t see you as the kind of woman who likes dominant men,” Thayle laughed.
“I prefer dominant men. I need a man who is a match for me and can stand up to my fire. He needs to be able to love me and guide me, or I will trample him. So long as they treat me with respect and love, I will bow my head and let them lead.”
“I guess I see what you mean,” Thayle said.
“You know exactly what I mean,” Mingfe insisted. “You did the same with Gersius. He is a good man who loves you with his heart and leads the way for you to follow. You do not need him to lead you, but follow him all the same because his dominance is born out of love.”
Thayle smiled as she realized Mingfe was right. She hugged her and parted ways with a new appreciation in her heart. Tonight she would encourage a little dominance of her own.
Gersius walked beside Lilly, Thayle, Sarah, and Numidel as the column began its long march. Sarah offered to carry them on her back, but Thayle wanted to walk much to Lilly's disappointment.
“How was your sparring?” Thayle asked with a smile.
“Did you did as I suggested?” Numidel asked, turning to look at Sarah.
“I took your advice and went out to test the mettle of these men, Sarah said.
“Test their mettle?” Gersius asked.
“She was dueling them on the training grounds,” Thayle said.
“There were only a dozen of them, but not one of them could hold a sword to me,” Sarah grumbled.
“You should try Captain Arnug,” Gersius suggested. “He was a combat instructor.”
“I will see if I can arrange that,” Sarah said with a nod.
“I am glad to see you are opening your eyes to possibilities,” Numidel said, smiling wide.
Sarah’s aura flashed with pain for a second to hear Numidel speak. She looked almost annoyed that he was there but let out a sigh and replied. “I have given up on that endeavor. I am merely seeking some distraction to keep my mind occupied.”
“Oh, Sarah, please don’t give up,” Thayle pleaded.
“I do not wish to pursue this and find out I regret it later,” she argued.
“You will regret nothing if you find the right man,” Gersius said.
“And woman,” Lilly added with a smile. Sarah went silent and looked ahead with nothing further to say. Lilly gestured to Thayle, and the two women moved closer to Sarah, steering her away to talk to her privately.
Numidel moved to walk with Gersius as the girls pulled away lost in their own world. “Quite a change for her,” Numidel said. “Your wives are very generous to try and help her.”
“She deserves the kind of happiness we have,” Gersius said. “Laying trapped in that temple all that time, only to be denied her promised place.”
Numidel nodded a sad look in his eyes. “That is a tragedy, but one I suspect was unavoidable.”
Gersius took in his words and silently agreed. “You know, Astikar told me he had a reward for me, but I turned from him, and he could no longer give it to me. He still rewarded me by setting me free, but I have to wonder what did I not receive?”
“Perhaps you should ask him?” Numidel suggested.
Gersius laughed. “You know they can not answer like that, and I doubt he would tell me if even if he could.”
“They can give you visions and dreams to guide your steps when your heart earnestly desires an answer.”
Gersius wasn't so sure; he prayed night and day for answers all the way to Whiteford and was told nothing. All the god would give him was a sense of dread to go there, or anywhere. No path he prayed about was safe, and his only way forward was to rush to the safety of his brothers. That turned out to be the trap he was being warned about. He realized that every path he prayed about led to the Father Abbot and the same doom. The only safe path would have been to abandon his quest and flee the other way.
“I suppose I blamed him for what happened to Lilly,” Gersius admitted. “I dragged her away from her home and into that butcher's arms. I felt as if Astikar betrayed me because it was his power they used to trap her and torture me.”
“You’re sure it was his power?” Numidel asked.
“They were all men of Astikar,” Gersius said. “And they mercilessly used his blessings to inflict cruelty and pain.”
“I can see why such an event had the effect on you it did,” Numidel replied.
“If it had been only me, I would have reacted differently, but when I saw what they did to Lilly, I couldn’t forgive him for it. I vowed to her that such a thing would never happen, and asked her to trust me. Never have I failed anyone as I failed her.”
“But look, what that failure blossomed into?” Numidel said.
“Lilly would agree with you,” Gersius said. “She says all this needed to happen to bring us together.”
“And what do you think?” Numidel asked.
Gersius took a long moment to go over his thoughts and nod his head. “I think she is right. Balisha and Ulustrah both admitted that there was a plan and that this was supposed to happen. Thayle was supposed to be there to heal us and keep us together. The only part that went wrong was me. I was not supposed to fall away.”
“Are you sure?” Numidel asked. “It seems that Balisha benefited greatly by your change to her faith.”
“That is the only part I cannot reconcile,” Gersius admitted. “Astikar told me I had failed and thus missed my reward, but in doing so, I was free to serve Balisha, which she and Ulustrah intimated was part of the plan.”
Numidel nodded. “I can see where that would be confusing.”
“I wish the divines would be more clear,” Gersius replied. “I wish for just one moment; they would tell me exactly what they wanted.”
“If the divines laid out all your steps so that you could never fall from the path, what reward would you deserve for walking them?” Numidel asked.
“Because I will have done nothing great,” Gersius replied. “I am aware of the old sayings that only in the testing fires can the gods forge your rewards.”
“A true saying if ever there was one,” Numidel agreed.
“You know, something strange has happened,” Gersius admitted. “Sometimes, when the danger is close, I feel his warning.” Numidel looked over with a smile as if none of that was a surprise. “It has happened several times now, and I don't know why.”
“Perhaps Astikar isn’t done with you yet,” Numidel suggested.
“Or he still needs me to clean his house,” Gersius replied.
“I cannot refute that statement, but I ask you to keep an open heart. Certainly, if Sarah can manage one, you can too.”
Gersius looked back at the dragon and shook his head. If Sarah could admit she needed a human man to love her, he could admit Astikar was not to blame. He looked ahead with a sigh as the army marched, wondering why his life had gone this way.
The camp was up, and men were gathering wood for smith fires, while the kitchen wagons began cooking for the evening meals. Gersius was an hour into a meeting with heads of both orders, and the militia gathered around a table. He just finished explained his goal of being to the fort in two days to link up with the others. I would be a mad dash across the countryside, taking risks to get there sooner. He hoped the dragons could scout ahead, watching the roads from the air to prevent an ambush, and regular scouts might miss.
Sarah wasn't present, preferring to try her luck with the men training beside the camp. Captain Arnug arrived late and limped into the tent, apologizing for the delay. Gersius suspected Sarah was the reason but ignored the matter and pressed on. With little more to say, the meeting switched to Lengwin as he went over the camp's disposition and the various supply and equipment problems. It was a boring list of needs and precautions to keep the army on the march. As they approached the second hour, the tent flap opened, and Sarah stormed in wearing her battle dress. She carried a practice sword and marched right up to the gathered leaders. They acknowledged her presence but went on with the meeting, causing her to clear her throat.
“Can I do something for you?” Gersius asked when he noted her glare was fixed on him.
Sarah stood tall and nodded. “Yes, You can spar with me.”
Gersius smirked and raised a brow. “You want to spar with me?”
“That is what I said,” Sarah snapped. “I am finding it hard to practice in this camp. No man here has the skill to match me. When I demanded to know who was the best fighter in the camp, they said you were.”
Gersius nodded his head. “I suppose I could entertain you.”
“I do not wish to be entertained. It has been many years since I practiced the blade. I wish to find somebody who can challenge me.”
Gersius glanced at Lengwin, who was standing by silently.
“I suppose I can carry on without you, it’s all boring logistics anyway,” Lengwin said.
Gersius nodded and turned back to Sarah. “I will meet you to the east of the camp in five minutes.”
Sarah nodded sharply and turned, leaving the three men in the tent.
“She frightens me,” Lengwin said.
“She is a frightening person,” Gersius said. “She has a unique focus and dedication.”
“Be careful, my Lord. She is a superior sword fighter,” the captain Arnug said. “She has been dueling every man in the camp foolish enough to raise a blade against her. I myself only last ten seconds and only because she was toying with me.”
Gersius nodded. “Then, I will endeavor to last twenty.”
“You’re really going to cross swords with her?” Lengwin asked.
“I already told her I would,” Gersius said. “I cannot go back on my promise.”
“Well, good luck,” Lengwin said as Gersius left the tent.
Word spread through the camp like a fire, and before Gersius arrived, half of the camp members were already present. Sarah stood alone, swinging her long straight blade carelessly with one hand as if it weighed nothing. He walked through the crowds with Lilly and Thayle as whispers began to spread.
“Mingfe told me she is the best swordsman in the camp,” Thayle said.
“Mingfe has forgotten me,” Gersius said.
“She beat you in a sword fight,” Lilly reminded.
Gersius smiled. “Of course, she did.” He left the two at the edge of the ring and entered alone to approach Sarah with a sturdy sword in hand.
“How good of you to arrive,” Sarah droned as she stood tall, her body turned sideways in preparation.
“Do you have any specific requirements for the duel?” Gersius asked.
Sarah nodded. “Yes. don’t disappoint me.”
Gersius smiled and raised his sword. “I will take no pleasure in embarrassing you.”
Sarah's brows went up, and her mouth flattened into a straight line as Gersius taunted her. She acted with terrible speed, bringing her sword up in a spiraling motion quickly going for a stab. To her surprise, a sword met the blade tapping it high and then swinging low under her guard.
She was forced to step back but quickly snapped her blade down to try and push him lower before slicing upward to catch him off balance. She was pleasantly surprised when he stepped forward and to the side, gliding around her. Around them, people gasped as Sarah exploded into a series of quick snapping strikes that were blocked at every turn by the blade of her opponent.
“She is fast,” Lilly gasped as Sarah released a flurry of attacks only to find Gersius matching her blow for blow.
“So is our husband?” Thayle remarked, unable to believe what she was seeing.
“That man, let me win!” Mingfe yelled from behind them. “He didn't move half that fast when we fought!” Thayle smiled and glanced at Lilly, who was smiling in return as the battle began to evoke cheers from the onlookers.
“Finally, a man who knows how to guard!” Sarah yelled as she tried to reach over his defense, using her height to her advantage. He met the attack and swept her hand back to pull her in close, but she quickly stepped out of his reach.
“Do you only know how to defend?” she asked.
Gersius smiled as he rolled his neck. “I wanted to sample your fighting style first. I think I have it now.”
Sarah smirked and leveled her sword. “Then show me you can do more than block.”
He nodded and dashed in, causing her to go on the defensive. She smiled as she led him into a false sense of security, and then when he was in position, she attacked. She leaped into the air her blade leading the way to intercept the attack she knew was coming. To her surprise, he was inside her reach already, and his shoulder was going to meet her first. The crowd groaned and gasped as Sarah was rammed and thrown back staggering on her feet.
“A risky move,” Gersius said. “Once your feet come off the ground, you can not maneuver.”
Sarah took a few deep breaths as she recovered from the shock of being thrown back. She looked up at the taunting Gersius as her eyes narrowed in anger. This human was not going to shame her before her order!
She exploded into motion dancing into a very defensive style to exploit his guard with quick jabs. To her amazement, he changed defense styles, choosing to dart around her instead of block, denying her an opportunity to tag him. In return, he cut at her from the sides forcing her to spin and meet him, disrupting her dance.
She changed again, putting both hands on her weapon and using it in graceful slashes. She wanted to force him to keep moving and tire. As she came down for a slash, he lunged in, cutting downward. She had only a moment to change her momentum before he caught her blade, adding his weight to her movement. She pitched over and rolled with the momentum coming to her feet, but with her back to him. On instinct, she swung the sword over her back and heard the ring of metal on metal as she intercepted him. Around them, people cheered as they witnessed a battle of masters.
“You do know how to fight,” Sarah growled as Gersius went into a series of swings that forced her to defend.
“I know a few fighting styles,” he replied.
“I know styles this world has forgotten!” Sarah yelled.
Gersius held up his arms as if to shrug, and she dashed in sword coming high. He reached up to tangle it, but it was a feint and staggered when her leg hit him full in the chest. He staggered back, struggling to keep his feet as she smiled. Sarah was grateful for the moment to think. She looked to the side to see Lilly and Thayle watching intently.
“Your husband knows the sword well.”
Thayle nodded. “He was the greatest sword fighter in the order of Astikar.”
Sarah looked back with a smile. “True words, he was. I hold that title now.”
Gersius stood tall and held his sword out in Salute.
“You can yield now; there will be no shame,” he said.
Sarah narrowed her eyes at him again and leveled her sword back at him. “You are just a man, I am a dragon!” she replied as her eyes burst into red light.
Gersius shook his head. “No, I am a dragon knight,” he replied as his eyes filled with blue fire.
Sarah smiled, and the two ran in swords wide. The dance that ensued was so full of motion Lilly covered her mouth with her hands in nervousness. The crowd was struck silent as the two battered away with such ferocity that the blades began to spark.
“He owes me a rematch!” Mingfe snarled. “He will do me the honor of defeating me properly.”
“Thayle, do you see what I see?” Lilly asked.
Thayle nodded as she watched the fight. “I see it, but I can’t believe it.”
“Her light is flowing to him like ours does,” Lilly said.
Thayle smiled and shook her head. “It Looks like we found a way to Sarah’s heart after all. She wants somebody who can challenge her.”
The sound of metal ringing on metal grew louder, and the cheers resumed as Sarah landed a punch with her crossguard and tried to follow it up. Gersius twisted around her sword and tripped up her legs. The two fell into the dirt and rolled back to their feet, glaring at one another with burning eyes.
“You have skill little rodent,” Sarah said with a smile. “But I have something you do not.”
“Long hair?” he asked mockingly.
“The strength of a dragon!” Sarah snapped as she dipped into the dragon voice.
She lashed out, coming down with a crushing blow.
“I can feel him pulling on me,” Lilly said as Sarah’s strike hammered down.
The ring of metal and shower of sparks stunned all who looked on, but no one was as stunned as Sarah.
“How?” she cried as Gersius held his blade with two hands in a block. He stood against her strength, pressing her back with a scowl on his face.
“You are not the only one who can call on dragon strength,” he growled.
“You can pull on her strength too?” Sarah asked as the two wrestled in a contest of might.
“She and I share a heart. I am nearly as much a dragon as she is.”
Sarah smiled and jumped back, lowering her sword with a nod of her head.
“Thank you, I enjoyed our sparing,” she said.
Gersius saluted with his blade, and only then did he notice it was slightly bent from where she pressed on it.
“I do hope we can spar again,” she asked.
Gersius nodded. “Assuming I can find another sword.” Around them, people cheered, and Gersius walked up to speak to Sarah. “You are an amazing sword fighter,” he said.
“You are an amazing man,” she replied and then looked about nervously. “I hope you will forgive me, I...I need some time alone.”
Gersius wasn't sure about the sudden change of mood, but he nodded and wished her well. She turned and practically fled the field, heading into the countryside.
“Well, well,” Thayle said as she walked up behind him. “How do you do it?”
He turned and looked at her with confusion. “Do what?”
“Make women fall for you,” Thayle said with a smile.
Gersius stood tall and glanced back at Sarah, who was briskly walking away. “What are you talking about?”
Thayle and Lilly laughed. “Didn't you look at her aura?” Lilly asked.
Gersius shook his head. “I had the vision off. I didn’t want it to distract me.”
Thayle smiled and leaned over to whisper to him. “her light is coming to you.”
Gersius took a step back and glanced at Sarah again. “You must be mistaken.”
“We both saw it,” Lilly said. “It wasn't at first, but when you started to press her, she started to glow with it.”
“She was just enjoying the duel,” Gersius said.
“She was enjoying you,” Thayle corrected. “You have swept her off her feet.’
Gersius looked between the two of them with confusion. “Are you suggesting I and Sarah?”
“That is exactly what we are suggesting,” Lilly said. “She is glowing with love for you right now.”
“It has to be something else,” he said. “Something to do with dragons.”
“Are you going to be stubborn about this?” Thayle demanded.
Gersius sighed and shook his head. “I am not about to rush into a relationship with a third woman just because her light comes to me. I have seen women in this camp share light with men they hardly know. You two told me yourselves you saw a bunch of them sharing light at the dance.”
“That's attraction,” Thayle said. “This is something different. When you proved you were her match, she changed. Her light became just like ours, flowing to you in great ripples.”
“She will get over it, and it will be gone later,” Gersius said.
Thayle glared at him and put hands to hips as Lilly laughed.
“Husband, if you put me through what you did in Eastgate again so help me, I will make you two confess your love before the entire camp!”
“No you wont, because I was in love with Lilly at Eastgate. I am not in love with Sarah.”
“Have you even considered it?” Thayle asked.
“No. I already have two of the greatest women in the world as wives; I didn't think I needed a third.”
Thayle paused to steady her thoughts and took the conversation to the bind so nobody would hear.
“Well, I have thought about it,” she admitted silently. “She is a beautiful woman who reminds me of you in many ways.”
“Thayle, she is a very strong personality, and we argue almost every time we meet,” he replied in her head.
“Which is why you’re perfect for her,” Thayle said. “Nobody else can stand up to her. You confronted her about Lilly, about me, and you even told her to get out of your camp when she pushed you too hard.”
“And what do you think?” he asked, turning silently to face Lilly.
“I think she is beautiful, and I like her, but she is can be mean sometimes,” Lilly said.
“She argued with me in front of the whole came about the prisoners,” Gersius said. “She even attacked my faith, demanding to know why I was showing such mercy when I didn't worship Astikar anymore.”
Thayle quietly took his hand and concentrated on her next thoughts. “I admit she is very controlling. She scolded me like she was my mother this morning about catching us in the act. But there is a beautiful woman inside that burning heart that only you can bring out.”
“I have my wives,” he said. “I don’t need anymore, especially one who is as combative as she is.”
“Gersius, you’re not even trying!” Thayle argued.
“No, I am not. This is not a path I am willing to walk. Sarah will find somebody else to turn that fire on; it won't be me.”
“I think you're being silly,” Lilly said, causing them to look to her. “Thayle and I have dueled you a dozen times now, and you beat us in seconds. The only time we ever do well is when we both duel you at the same time, and you decide to toy with us. We can give you are love, but we can't hope to match you any other way. She can match you like Thayle, and I never will, and you are the only one who can match her.”
“That does not mean she wants to be our wife,” he said.
“I think it does,” Lilly replied. “I think all this giving you her blessing, and asking for your help is her way of flirting. She wasn't happy last night until she danced in your arms, and then she wouldn't dance with anybody else. I think she knew who she wanted to dance with all along, and that's why nobody else made her happy.” Thayle smiled and folded her arms as Lilly made some excellent points.
“I do not want another wife,” he replied. “I have all the love I could ever want now.”
Lilly and Thayle exchanged glances and then turned back to him. “Shouldn’t you want more wives?” Lilly asked.
“For what?” Gersius asked. “You two drown me in love. My life would be complete with either one of you. But both of you together is almost more than I can manage. You’re both treasures among women, why would I seek more?”
Thayle smiled at him. “As much as I love that answer, I have to disagree with you.”
“Disagree how?
“You told us that if a woman of special quality came along, you would consider her,” Thayle said. “Sarah is unique and special just as we are. Please will you consider her?”
Gersius sighed and shook his head. “She is an ancient dragon,” Gersius began.
“Don't you start that dragon stuff,” Thayle snapped. “I heard enough of that nonsense when you and Lilly were fighting. Look at how happy your life is now that you stopped being mule-headed. Just admit that Sarah is of exceptional quality and could potentially be a wife.”
Gersius was quiet a moment as he looked around and nodded his head silently. They could feel him thinking over he bind as he chose his next words carefully. “You both believe you could love this woman?”
“I know I could,” Lilly said. “I have been interested in her since the first day I saw her human form.”
“I can, too,” Thayle said. “Even if she wants to pretend, she is my mother.”
He shook his head. “It was just a duel.”
“And you impressed her greatly,” Thayle said. “You made her so impressed with your skill; it caused an attraction. She practically fled that field of battle because she didn't understand what she was feeling for you.”
“It will pass in time,” he said.
“You blind, pig-headed, fool!” Thayle snapped. “If you force me to drag you into another love kicking and to screaming, I will make you regret it!” He laughed at her uncharacteristic anger and put up a hand to settle her. “Don't you wave me off,” Thayle said unabated. “She was sending you light like a lover. She is feeling it now, the strange mixture of attraction and fear. She had to run away from you to clear her head. She wants to know more but will be afraid to pursue it.”
“And I should do what about it?”
Thayle shook her head. “You should wait for a chance to talk to her and compliment her skill with a sword again. Talk to her like a woman, and let her know you enjoy her company.”
“My wives are telling me how to attract another woman?” he asked.
Thayle smiled. “We are telling you how to make Sarah a wife for all of us. We all want her, but it’s you she is most attracted to. Just like you let Lilly hunt me, we have to let you hunt Sarah.”
“Don’t worry, we will be sneaky like we were with Thayle,” Lilly said.
He looked between their faces and shook his head. “She may feel something for me, but what does she feel for you? Has she shown any interest at all in your affections?”
Thayle shook her head. “No, but that doesn't mean anything. She just started considering that she could have a relationship with a woman; it will take time for her to grow into that.”
“You both promised me there would be no more,” he said.
“Unless a woman of special quality came along,” Thayle repeated. “And she has.”
Gersius sighed, and Lilly stepped up, taking their hands and smiling. “Why don't Thayle and I talk to her some more and see if we can't get her to show some affection for us. We won't pursue her, just talk to her and see if she will share anything willingly.”
He agreed with a nod. “If she will show you something, I will reconsider. I will not take a wife that does not love you two as much as I do.”
Lilly smiled and leaned in to kiss him. “I wouldn't take one that didn't love my Thayle as much as I love her either. Now go plan our war, Thayle and I will talk to her and see what she has to say.” He nodded and walked away and was immediately ambushed by Mingfe, who demanded a rematch.
“What do we do now?” Lilly asked.
Thayle looked across the field to the distant image of Sarah. “We make sure we're not making a big mistake.”
Comments
Thank you. I had fun writing it. I also need to catch up on all your corrections. I am a little stressed for time but I do appreciate you pointing things out.
WhiteRabbit
Fun fight scene
WhiteRabbit
armor suites -> suits of armor Even if she wants to pretend, she is my mother-> pretend she is
Also chapters are likely to start getting BIG. This was supposed to be two chapters, the build up to the duel in one, and the actual duel in another with Lllly and Thayle going to talk to Sarah in the end. That part will now be the beginning of he next chapter.
I have decided to start releasing chapters I have done on patreon when I have them ready. They will still go to royal road on the regular schedule but patreon might get five or more chapters ahead.
