Part 40 (1/2)

The G.o.ddess of Hate took a seat and then adjusted her voluptuous figure into a seductive position. She was amused at how disciplined the Order leader was. He had kept his eyes lowered, so he had not seen her overt attempt at seduction. He was patiently waiting for her to speak.

Mieonus patted the bed beside her. ”Hosseff didn't send me, Boyafed. Please ... come to me and sit.”

The G.o.ddess admired the width of the dark warrior's shoulders as he walked across the room. He sat without question and bowed his head.

Boyafed's strong, elven features appealed to Mieonus. His eyes were dark brown, his hair equally dark, but soft and short. His strong jaw complemented the masterpiece that served as his body. She reached over and lifted Boyafed's chin until his eyes found hers. She could feel the paladin tremble as the hair on his arms stood at attention.

With her sweetest smile, Mieonus spoke, ”Have you ever touched a G.o.ddess, Boyafed? Would you enjoy being with a woman of my beauty?”

Boyafed was unsure what to say. He remained quiet while he searched for a response.

The G.o.ddess leaned in and kissed his lips, but Boyafed did not kiss her in return. Rather than stop, she kept at it until he finally succ.u.mbed.

The dark warrior found the courage to reach over and pull her to him. She was too beautiful to resist, and Boyafed could feel his heart pounding. The Order leader stood, lifted Mieonus off the bed and then took control.

The G.o.ddess took his aggression upon her being for an expansive series of moments before the mood subsided and they both lay satisfied.

Mieonus smiled as she lay in the paladin's arms. ”Boyafed ... I wish with everything in me that I could say my visit was solely for the benefit you've so graciously blessed me with. But I cannot say this without it being a lie. I hate to tell you, but something awful has happened. I don't wish to hurt you, but I've come to deliver terrible news ... news that will cause you to seek vengeance. I a.s.sure you, I truly don't wish to be the bearer of pain.”

The Order leader rolled toward the G.o.ddess and kissed her on the end of her nose. ”I'm a powerful, proud elf. I can handle adversity.”

”I don't doubt your ability to handle any situation. I have no doubt in you at all. I wouldn't be lying here beside you if I did.”

”Then tell me ... why is it you've come?”

”You must promise to hear me out.”

”You have my word.” Boyafed stroked Mieonus' hair. ”Continue.”

”Your son, Kiayasis, was ended by the King of Southern Grayham. I've come to tell you that he broke your son's neck and left him lying in the forest southeast of Grogger's Swamp. I have always admired you, Boyafed, and a man of your stature deserves an opportunity to seek justice.”

Boyafed rolled clear of the bed and stood, failing to cover himself. ”Why would the king have ended him? He had no knowledge of Kiayasis' order to dispose of his queen.”

Mieonus enjoyed Boyafed's pain, though her facial expression did not show it. ”The king saw his queen lying in Kiayasis' arms. I'm sorry for your loss. I wouldn't want any child of mine rotting in the forest. Shouldn't your son's remains be offered to Hosseff?”

”It should, indeed, G.o.ddess.” Boyafed's face hardened. ”Where is the king now?”

”He's inside the swamp. If you hurry, you could be waiting for him when he exits the swamp. If you wish, I'll return to comfort you after you've avenged your loss.”

The G.o.ddess watched as Boyafed donned the black plate of the Order. He sheathed his blessed sword and then helped Mieonus out of bed. He took one last glance at her body. ”I must go. I have a king to end and a sacrifice to offer. I'd enjoy your company when I'm finished.” Boyafed vanished.

Mieonus smiled as she put her gown back on. She whispered to the empty room as though the paladin was still standing in front of her. ”My attraction to you was fict.i.tious, Boyafed. You're a p.a.w.n. How could you believe that I, a G.o.ddess with my beauty, would want to be seen with the likes of you? You'll grieve without me.” Mieonus paused. ”However, I must give you credit. Your movements were delightful satisfactions. Perhaps I shall use you on some other occasion.”

Boyafed appeared outside the stable that held his krape lord. Before the dark warrior had the chance to enter, Hosseff appeared. Boyafed dropped to one knee. ”My Lord, how may I serve you?”

From within the nothingness beneath the G.o.d's hood, Lasidious altered his voice to match Hosseff's wispy tone. ”Be careful, Boyafed. Don't allow yourself to be deceived. What Mieonus told you about your son is true. Kiayasis has perished, and your desire to avenge his end is acceptable, but Mieonus has desires of her own, and they stretch far beyond lying with you. Her true intent is to use you. I don't want to see you turned into the G.o.ddess' puppet. You're far too strong for that.”

Boyafed sighed, ”I shouldn't have laid with her, My Lord. I beg your forgiveness. It won't happen again.”

”Nonsense. I understand the desires of a strong elf. You did what any man would've done, considering the situation. I applaud you for taking advantage of the opportunity while it existed. The G.o.ddess is indeed a beautiful woman, is she not?”

”Yes, My Lord. She was a good lover, to be sure. I'll avoid her in the future.”

”There's no need for that. Use her how you will. Turn her into a plaything, if you wish. Just remember the G.o.d you serve when the moment comes that she tries to manipulate you further.” After a brief pat of his wispy hand on the side of Boyafed's arm, the Hosseff imposter continued, ”We have many things to discuss. Your desire to avenge your son's death can be harnessed to glorify me. I have a task for you, Boyafed. Are you ready?”

”I live to serve you, My Lord. What would you ask of me...?”

The City of Nept Just after Late Bailem Now, fellow soul ... Nept was a city that had a large population, but it was not the city the inhabitants on the rest of Luvelles came to see. It was the outskirts that called many to its beauty. The countryside of Nept was the home to the finest vineyards on all the worlds. The grapes grew naturally and were used to produce many vintages, but one special wine was made from a vine that grew not far from an inn called Lissey Fione, which meant, sweet wine. This was the only inn on all the worlds that sold a wine called Mesolliff. The amount of coin it took to buy a single bottle was steep-two Yaloom.

Mary, Athena and Susanne eventually arrived at the old, countryside inn, Lissey Fione. This was the first location the ladies had seen on Luvelles that reminded them of their old farming community, Lethwitch, back on Grayham. The buildings were not alive like they were everywhere else on Luvelles, and none of the structures had been created by using magic. The entire town was built the old fas.h.i.+oned way with blood, sweat and tears, since most of the locals were unable to command the arts at all.

Athena and Susanne were glad to get off their feet. They had struggled to keep up with Mary as their mother stumbled through the countryside from one vineyard to another.

After entering through the swinging doors of Lissey Fione, Mary found a pleasant table near an open pit fireplace that sat at the center of the establishment. It did not take long before Mary had ordered and finished yet another gla.s.s of wine.

Grabbing the parchment off the table that listed each vintage, Mary scanned it. ”Mesolliff,” she announced as her eyes dropped to the bottom of the list. ”Look at this, Athena, it's two Yaloom for a single bottle, and even a gla.s.sful is one Jervaise.”

Athena's eyes widened. ”That's more coin than we used to make in 30 Peaks, Mother. You're not considering it, are you?”

Mary nodded. ”Of course, I am. Why shouldn't I? We're here to experience something new.”

Susanne sat Garrin on her lap. ”No, Mother, you can't spend that much coin on a single experience. It's obscene and not very polite.”

Mary dismissed Susanne's concern. ”Brayson won't be upset. He told me to have fun before we left, and that's exactly what I intend to do.”

”But it's the most expensive wine on the list,” Athena reb.u.t.ted. ”Why not send that coin back to Grayham and help the rest of the family we left behind?”

Mary scowled. ”All the family I care about came with us. You know that. Besides, Brayson didn't give me the coin to give it to someone else. Now that would be impolite.” She paused. ”So if you think about it, there's really only thing we can do. Let's find out how good Mesolliff tastes.”

Mary slammed a Jervaise on the table and ordered a gla.s.s. ”Would you girls like one as well?”

Susanne adjusted the baby to her other knee. ”Of course, not. I need to watch Garrin, and Athena's pregnant. Besides, one drunk is enough in this family.”

Athena jabbed Susanne in the side. ”Be nice.”

Susanne frowned. ”Like you weren't thinking it, too.”

The gla.s.s of Mesolliff was delivered to the table by a well-dressed female halfling who had a towel draped across her forearm and rose colored gloves on her hands.

Mary quickly learned that she loved the taste of Mesolliff-A LOT-and she did not hesitate to order another gla.s.s after her first taste. It only took three sips before Mary became intolerable.

Mary opened her bag to retrieve the coins that Brayson had given her and then tossed two Yaloom on the table as she looked across the room at the sommelier who was standing behind the bar. ”Bring me a bottle!” she demanded with a slurred voice.

Athena leaned toward Mary. ”Mother, you need to stop. You're embarra.s.sing us. You shouldn't be shouting.”

Mary grinned and took a swig of Mesolliff. She lifted her head and shouted, ”I'm drunk as a skunk, and I need some lovin'!” She said it again and again, announcing to everyone in the establishment that she was anxious for some very specific attention.

Mary stood from her chair and leaned against Athena. ”I need some lovin'! I need some lovin', Athena! Where is my elf when I need some lovin'?”

Athena snapped, ”Mother, enough! You're embarra.s.sing me.” She looked at Susanne. ”We've got to get her home.”