Chapter 27 Mercy (1/2)

The voyage was unexpectedly pleasant. The ship was a lot steadier on sand than what you'd find on an ocean and that meant no constant swaying.

After confiscating my stolen manuscript from Yesmina and quietly plotting a King's assassination I crept back into my room.

Cass had a foot propped up on the table while cutting into an apple. I threw him a small bag, which he caught without even looking.

”So will we be celebrating your engagement?”

”That's not funny.”

He smirked. ”I find it pretty funny myself. But then again most don't have my sparkling sense of humor.”

”I was just accosted by a 15-year-old. That's not cool, man.”

”So?” The man snorted. ”Most Noble male children start having sex around your age, or younger. You're always like this. What's the deal, kid? Don't like women?”

”I like women very much, actually. WOMEN.” I stressed the word. ”I've got morals, asshole. I'm not gonna go have sex with these little kids.”

”15 is a perfectly reasonable age, though?” He squinted. ”Back in my old country you could have been married by then. It's a little different where you're from but not by so much. Your values are pretty abnormal, I've got to say.”

It's wrong for a modern-day dude like me to be apprehensive about having sex with ”underage” girls?

Not that he'd know about that so I couldn't fault him.

”Besides you're a kid, too.”He pointed out. ”What, exactly, is the problem?”

”I've the soul of a 30-something-year-old man inside me. How am I supposed to look at children sexually? I'm a bit of a lolicon, sure, but I'm no mere rogue pervert. I've got class.”

He took a piece of his fruit and slid it into his mouth.”30-something, huh. Alright, whatever you say. But you can't tell me you've never had a chance with older girls.” The man's tone told he thought that unlikely.

”More like I'm always interrupted each time I tried.” If it wasn't Dolly it was Vera. If not her, Baz. Sometimes Mother.

I can't catch a break. I tried, believe me, but no matter where I went one of them would find and drag me off before I could close the deal. Eventually I just stopped. Mostly.

I took a seat opposite the man. ”Also I'm a bit young myself, really. How the hell am I gonna satisfy a woman with this kid's body, huh? I'm not that cruel.”

An excuse, nothing more. If those four were out of the way...

I sighed mentally.

”Most men wouldn't think of the woman's side of things.”Cass agreed.

”Most men are selfish idiots.” I stated. ”I bet there wouldn't be so much adultery if the guy thought about keeping their women satisfied instead of just falling asleep after one nut.”

”But then there wouldn't as many lonely housewives for us more thoughtful men to comfort.” Cass' wolfish grin was terrible.

He was a handsome man, all things considered, but his savage mannerisms and long shaggy hair left him looking more unkempt and roguish than most of the bandits we caught.

Cass wasn't tall but he had a bloody presence that made him feel larger than he was, more dark too. So hearing him talk about comforting lonely housewives brought to mind a cuck session with a beaten up husband huddling near a corner.

Where oh where is that honorable clean-shaven knight I knew in times past?

”I met you.” The man spoke mildly.

”Huh?”

”I know what you were thinking.”

”What a load of fudge. Why does everyone like to push their own bad behaviors on me? I'm innocent.”

He paused and looked at me with a face that said, ”Are you serious right now?” He actually said, ”So how long you thinking about holding onto that innocence?”

”Waitin' for my growth spurt, pal. After that I'll happily get rid of the V-card.” I promised.

”Going to finally make rumor reality, are you?” He meant those damn playboy rumors, obviously. He liked to tease my by bringing them up since he knew they annoyed me to no end.

”What? No. To hell with that. I've already got a wife candidate all set up. As soon as I stop looking like a pretty boy I'm sealin' the deal and getting myself a cute wife to spoil rotten. It'll be a two for one deal. Not only do I get a beautiful bride but I'll be a step-father to a lovely doll of a child to boot.” I paused. ” Or brother-in-law. I'm not sure what they think of each other as, exactly.”

”You mean that Minerva woman and her little girl?” Cass asked. ”She's certainly a looker.” He rubbed his chin. ”Although...” He frowned.

”What?”

”I mean you realize you're basically a god to her, right? Either she'll refuse thinking herself too lowly, or she accepts it as a ”great honor” instead of for feelings of love.”

”Possibly.” I knew that was likely given the current set up. However,” But I'm cool with that. Most relationships don't start with love. Something like that's gotta be cultivated, my man

”Alright, true enough. What about everything else?”

”What do you mean?”

He looked me dead in the eye. ”Your Inquisition's a real cult by now, kid. A big one. I don't think you fully understand the influence you've managed to collect. ”

”It's a problem.” I admitted.

I never should've gone through with the whole Angel thing.

”It is, but not in itself.” He waved. ”What I mean is, what do you intend to do with it?”

”Sorry?”

The oil lamp flickered and created shadows over his face, casting him in a harsher light. ”Kid, you've a knack for making the world bend over backwards for you.” He began. ” You started a whole new religion full of thousands of followers--willing or not--in a single month. Imagine what you could do in a year.” His eyes seemed far away.”Aside from the sand dunes there's plenty solid ground that you'd be able to make a green paradise out of. From how special and powerful your Aura is, it's possible to do. And with all the gold and silver mines waiting to be explored? Keep the monster population at bay and this could be a powerhouse of a Kingdom. No one's been able to unite the Dry Lands before. With the naturally strong bodies of the Aeil and a couple years of strict military training it could be one of the strongest powers in the world. Assuming, that is, they all serve one ruler. You've a chance to do something great here. That bastard Kane probably sent you here knowing that too. Maybe that's even what he wanted.”

I think he just wanted me out of his hair.

But still, he had some good points. The Aeil had managed to push back every nation that theatened them in the past. Their numbers were nothing to scoff at and a single warrior was worth ten regular soldiers just in terms of physical prowess alone.

They also had adept skill with the spear, a weapon made even deadlier in their long, powerful arms. While this was their main choice they did train with other sort of weapons as well. Large, heavy weapons most other races would not be capable of using for long durations.

But they were never a cohesive group. Even the five clans were not allies to each other in truth, they just all followed the same goal of survival.

Compared to the Martial Empire they were not as skilled or disciplined but their had greater endurance and natural strength.

Compared to the Fenrir clan's beastkin they were not as fast and instinctive but they were bold and steady.

If they weren't so divided due to the scarce resources of their homeland they'd have long since been a domineering force. They were fierce but they could be much more.

It's not their fault they didn't have a main ruler, however. The dust storms and monsters forced them to never stay in one place too long and while there were numerous water sources here and there they weren't normally large enough to sustain too large groups of people. Not to mention that other creatures had to drink too so even if they weren't attacked by monsters due to hunger they'd have a hard time driving off all the beasts in the area who would come for the water.

The longer they held them off, the more desperately they'd attack. They couldn't keep them away indefinitely.

Actually our base was also having that problem recently. The creatures were just too deadly so for the past week I'd made time go out on extermination missions to clear out the surrounding area as a side mission.

Huh. Strangely however I haven't seen all too many here ever since I settled down. I wonder why?

Well. I hadn't had much trouble with them even before. But then again I haven't encountered the real beasties yet. The Deathwings, the Living Mountains, the Howling Fogs.

I'm strong, but I'm not OP. Compared to your average person I'm damn strong. Compared to average Aeils, I'm really strong. Compared to most monsters, I'm strong.

But that's only with physical strength. Like I don't think I have any defense to other things? I can take a hit and I can give hits, that's about it.

I'm like Conan on steroids. Or He-man, since I got the cheat sword Milly who just absolutely DOMINATES. Still. Until I can consciously control this fucking Aura of mine I ain't gonna be able to take on anything too extreme.

I'm pretty sure any mage who can get off the right spell quick enough can curb-stomp me. Which is why I never gave that Barney cunt the chance back at the city.

Even those Wyrms have a trick to them. All you had to do was wait till they were about to come out, jump away, and boop their snoots. The things had limited mobility, especially if they chased you above-ground.

I'm really lucky I haven't come across any fast, venomous beasts so far.

”Sounds troublesome though.”

Yeah. I had no desire to be a ruler either. Running Kingdoms weren't my thing. I'd be fine with overthrowing one through sheer pluck and a few ground-pounds, but clerical work didn't suit me at all.

Could I possibly think of a way to keep the monsters here down? Maybe. I already had several ideas for the smaller, less dangerous ones that were a lot more common.

Since when was it my responsibility in the first place though?

I may have a clingy Holy Sword that likes to follow me around, but I'm no hero overflowing with a sense of justice.

Nope. I'm a selfish little asshole through and through...I say, knowing full well going the Minnie route is pushing me more and more into the Savior business.

”You're the biggest waste of talent I've ever seen.” Cass sniffed.

”I've been called worse.”

”I get the feeling you've said that before.”

”I have. Still true.”

”No great conquests anytime soon, then?”

”Nope.”

Cass shrugged and stood up with a grunt. ”If you ever change your mind, let me know. If it's you I wouldn't be opposed to being a knight again.” He cut me look full of cunning. ” ...Assuming I get my own castle.”

I laughed. ”Alright settle down, Bronn. A castle, heh...Am I supposed to give you Highgarden and make you Lord Paramount of the Reach next? Or perhaps you would like your head printed on the back of my Fuks huh, Master of Coin?”

Cass' gaze turned bright. ”Those are some damn fine titles. I'll take 'em.”

”Yeah, sure. Because you know a Claybrook always repays their debts.”

”I know at least this one does. ” Cass was already on his way to earning his Brown Noser achievement.

”Flattery will get you everywhere. But not every thing, because I feel I'd make a damn lousy King. I know fuck all about running a nation.”

”Neither did my last King and he did pretty well until he decided to sacrifice virgins. And aren't you supposed to be a genius? You shouldn't do too bad. No one said you can't keep a council either. You can just make them do most of the work. Besides,” He turned to leave. ” You know when shit needs to get be done, then you do it. No matter your methods, no matter what you have to do, you get results. The last month has proved that and its the most important skill a good ruler needs. Everything else is secondary.”

I was about to retort but the guy had already slammed the door shut. So I was forced to hold it in for next time.

Really, that guy...

No, everyone...

...For the tenth time, just let me just purge in peace!

***

I had the door locked. I definitely had the door locked.

So how the hell did I wake up with three little kids hanging all over me?!

Baz was halfway off the bed, head-first. Vera was curled up at my side. And Dolly's face was pressed all up against my cheek, hugging my entire head at a weird angle with her body perched along my chest.

I couldn't breath right at all.

”Little sisters are the best...suuu....Little sisters are the cutest...suuu...” She whispered in between cute little snores.

....What the...

I feel like I already had my siscon set at max. What the heck was she trying to accomplish? No, rather, what'd Vee say to her to bring about this sudden interest in brainwashing?

More importantly, why was she tryna brainwash ME?

This kid is getting weirder and weirder. Was her character always like that? She wasn't so odd in the game, right? I wonder why she's such an oddball this time?

I poked her cheek. It was soft and squishy. ”Oi.”

Her mouth curved into a silly grin that exposed a row of pearly whites. She let out a weird giggle and moved her head.

Before I knew it the kid had my finger between her teeth and was sucking on it like a pacifier.

”Hnnn~” She nibbled lightly.

I felt my spine shiver. It's times like these I wish I still had a smartphone. But her teeth are weirdly sharp these days.

It was a long time before she decided to let go.

***

I quietly slipped out of bed and went to the deck of the ship. The sky was a pale blue and the heat was back in full swing.

I looked and saw nothing but desert. It may be another couple of hours till we reach our destination so to kill time I was just about to start my morning training routine when I was grabbed from behind

Darkness. Pure, utter darkness.

”Guess who~”

Softness. Pure, utter softness.

Someone was wearing something thin and loose. And that same someone was covering my eyes from behind.

”You've got to be kidding.” I sighed. ”Didn't I already reject you?”

The person in question was, without a doubt, Yesmina. ”Since when did being rejected mean you had to give up?” She flung back recklessly.

Huh. True.

”Get back to me when you actually grow hair down there, child.”

The little girl who was actually older than me(physically) let out a pained sound. ”How vulgar!” She exclaimed. ”You're really different when you're not trying to save my feelings, huh.” A could feel the surprise.

”Disillusioned, are you?”

Yesmina finally decided to take her hands off my eyes. I turned and saw her wearing similar clothing to those I gave Minerva. But her's was tighter and drew attention to a pair of nicely rounded hips through a combination of tight pants and short skirt.

It wasn't as revealing as the belly dancer wear but less exposure and a tighter fit left more to the imagination.

I had to admit, nudity rarely turned my on. Eroticism was much more than something so vanilla. Only little kids and men of mediocre tastes could remain satisfied with things of that level.

It was much more appealing when women wore something that accentuated their charms. It was the difference between a plain box and a box that'd been gift wrapped.

The excitement you get by unwrapping that gift box piece by piece far outweighed what you get from the regular box.

But the fact she was so young meant I only got half a chub instead of an actual erection. A twitch, nothing more.

She shook her head. ”Not at all.” A smile. ”This cold you has a unique attraction as well. It makes me want to be scolded.”

Should I hit her? I should hit her, right?

”Anyway, I won't be giving up so easily!” Her eyes blased. ”Maybe that other book didn't have the effect I wanted. But really I should've known those tactics wouldn't work on someone as experienced as you.”

You can't play a player using his own plays, indeed.

”That's why I've got a failsafe!” She held up another, much larger book. It was thrust into the air with both hands as if it were some sort of holy text.

It was also big enough that she had to use a leather strap to carry it behind her back.

”An Encyclopedic Compendium of Bedroom Techniques: Conquer Any Man (drawings included)”

”Author: Lady Deepthroat.”

I rubbed my eyes, making sure I wasn't seeing things.

That wasn't one of mine. Who the hell is this Deepthroat? And how the heck did this thing get in the hands of Yesmina? Bedroom techniques, and it had drawings as examples? This thing was dangerous.

”Little girls shouldn't be carrying around such things!” I chided.

”Who's a little girl?!” She pouted. ”I'm older than you!”

”Whatever.” I waved her off. ”It doesn't matter anyway. I don't care what book you have, I'm not falling anytime soon.” I said confidently.

”So says you...” She trailed off.

”Chapter 1-Push Him Down.” She read aloud, now ignoring me. She scoured the pages up and down, her face getting a deeper red every second.

Finally she looked up and closed the book with a thunk. Something about that gaze, and the way she held the text, had me wary.

She approached slowly, her face set in determination.

”Step one: Knock him out...” She muttered to herself. Our eyes met. She stilled. Averted her eyes. ”Um...It'll only hurt a little, okay?”

”....”

She was hit. Multiple times.

***

”So this is one of the tribes under Pareia control.”

The ground was harder than normal and there was a small oasis in the center. Around the body of water were large, elaborate tents that could probably fit an entire family of four each.

The place was surprisingly busy. There were people everywhere doing this or that. I saw some carrying pots to the oasis. Others were coming back from a hunt.

”Ha!”

I looked down from the deck and notice little children practicing their bladework under the tutelage of older men and women. Sweat dripped from their brows and I could tell their muscles were trembling under the constant strenuous work. But they only grit their teeth and tightened their grips.

As the shipworkers slowed the rhino-like creatures to a stop a dozen Aiel warriors gathered together with spears in hand.

”Greetings, Lord Isha.” One of them, a man with red stripes running along his face, stepped forward. His loud, powerful voice pierced through with crystal-clear clarity. ”Greetings, Lady Yesmina.”

I gathered Baz and the others, then followed the two down the bridge that's been placed down.

Yesmina was the first to reply. ”Good morning, Chief Rames. Sorry for the sudden intrusion but we're carrying an important guest on his way to see the Little Goddess. We'd like to rest and feed our Uraks before continuing on our way. I hope that's alright.”

She spoke politely, but with strength. She knew she wouldn't be refused.

”Of course, it's fine. Take what you need.”

The chief was not a young man, he was instead old and scarred with lines of old flesh covering his hands and arms. His beard was neatly trimmed and his face was more weather-beaten than Cass' but he carried himself with a dignity the other man's current self lacked. Standing straight and tall, hand firmly gripping an enormous spear with a metal head as long as a sword.

Damn thing reminded me of that Seven Spears bastard. Died to that fucker ten times.

Perhaps feeling my sudden bloodlust, or maybe because I was carrying an equally enormous wooden club, the chief gave me an interested glance.

I was also wearing my Solaire set so that may have had something to do with it too.

Or, more likely, he was wondering why there was a sword hovering in the air to my left.

Yeah. Any one of those would draw attention.

”You are Solaire.” It wasn't a question. I suppose I am pretty identifiable.

”I've been called that, yes.” No way of hiding it. Despite knowing Yesmina would probably leak my name later anyway I still didn't give it to him. Yesmina knew who I was but other than her and her father it's unlikely any other Aeil would know my real identity as a Claybrook.

I wanted to keep it that way. Not that normal Aeil would even know who the Claybrooks are. Just wanted to be safe.

”Awfully short to be Bandit King, much less a Water God.” The chief spoke bluntly.”I expected someone bigger.”

”Well I expected busty tribal girls in scantily clad clothing. Sadly I got you instead. Life's disappointing that way.”

My candor did not earn me many smiles from the surrounding warriors.

”Were you part of our tribe that tone would earn a beating.”

”You assume you could beat me. Terrible mistake, that.”

”Tough words from such a small man.”

”You're trying to pick a fight. It's working.”

”Picked up on that, did you?”

”I had a feeling.”

”Hmph. At least you're sharp. Care for a drink first?”

”Thought you'd never ask. Lead on then.”

As the older man led us deeper into the village Minerva walked up to me and asked, ”What just happened?”

”The guy wants a duel. We're having a drink first.”

”Why does he want to fight you, Master?”

I gave her a glance. ”I'm carrying a three hundred pound club. Why wouldn't he want to fight me?”

Her face was a mask of confusion. But that's just the way of the Aeil.

***

”The Young Miss is quite taken with you.” The chief, Rames, commented after the third pint of wine.

He said this because the girl used her status to have us seated together and refilled my cup attentatively each time it was emptied.

Also because she introduced me as her future husband, which I disliked. But I mean I don't have any room to talk, myself.

”The fading infatuations of youth.” I responded.

After smelling the delectable fragrance of the wine I quickly decided that a couple people knowing my face was nothing much. Hence I gave my helmet for Dolly to play with--she liked wearing it to shadow-fight monsters using a wood sword I'd carved her.

The bright blonde curls spilling out the bucket-like helm combined with her short stature was a real sight to see. Again, I really wished for a way to photograph these moments.

Anyway, taking the helmet off meant showing my face.

And that caused several stares from the surrounding men and women in the ”dinning room”. Which was just a really long tent with an equally long table and plush pillows for seats.

”I can see why now that I've got a closer look at you.”

”Right? It's just the face, see”

”You'd bring in a nice dowry.” The man said in agreement. ”Though it's strange, I feel...” He trailed off. ”No, nevermind.”

If he starts looking at me funny I'll break his spine.

”Hut! Ha! Pah!” Dolly was messing around in a corner. ”Oh! Day, did you see that? What a nice combo!”

Phiro, one of the representatives sitting next to Rames, regarded her with praise. ”She's fast, agile too. Though her movements are sloppy she does have potential.”

”Huh. Now that you mention it...”

I never noticed before, but he was right. Dolly did have a high Dex if nothing else. Good reflexes and all that.

I'd seen her climb walls like a monkey, sure, but I never connected her to fighting. I don't think she'd ever shown interest before either? The In-game Dolly was soft and weak so I never thought about it before.

But this version of her was somehow pretty quick on her feet. Not strong, per se, but athletic to some degree?

Actually, you know what, I don't think the game Dolly had ever really participated in any sports stuff. So maybe I'm just assuming wrongly about her having been weak?

”But I don't see a reason for her to learn how to fight.”

Dolly may be limber but I and all the people I've ever trained with only knew how to use hardcore methods of training. There was nightmare and suicide. No in between.

Dolly and her easy-going mindset would never be capable of withstanding that kind of abuse.

And really if she got hurt doing it I'm sure I'd totally flip out and beat someone.

The chief chewed a pieced of succulent meat, later saying, ”It's always better to know how to protect one's own self.”

Against my overly protective brotherly instincts shouting, ”I'll protect her myself!” I actually agreed wholeheartedly.

Is it time for me to continue Private Dahlia's training? Maybe I can call Jacob and have him give a few pointers. He's pretty skilled.

”I'll be back.” Yesmina stood and left. Bathroom, probably.

I was relieved she was gone. ”Guess I'll have to pour my own drinks for a while.” I laughed, then was interrupted when some random girl from the tribe came up and refilled my cup.

”Oh. Nevermind then. Thanks?”

She said something in their language I didn't understand and disappeared. But not before her hand casually brushed along my shoulder.

Feeling weirded out, I downed the cup in three seconds flat. I'd only just placed the thing back on the table before some other girl showed up.

My cup was, once again, filled to the brim. This time however the girl leaned in closely while she poured. Really closely. I could see cleavage. And the thick scent of perfume.

Oh, and I was gropped again.

”...Oi.” I said irritably. ”What the hell is this then?”

The chief was indifferent. ”The presence of a particularly strong male, especially one as good-looking as you, always has an effect on women of Aeil blood. They only held back because the Young Miss was present.”

”They can't know I'm strong, we haven't even fought yet. It's really just the face again, yeah?”

Damien, you bastard, you really can't go anywhere without causing me trouble! Actually, no. Why're there so many shallow women? Control yourselves, please.

”You don't know?” The chief seem puzzled. ”Aeil are born with natural sensitivity to Hara...what your kind calls Aura. Your own feels especially thick and brilliant. That's why they can tell you are strong.” He rubbed his chin. ”Not to mention that Aeil are born with a specific form of Hara, Muladahara, which is fiery in nature. Your Hara, in contrast, is like cool and refreshing spring water. That alone is soothing and attractive to young Aeil women. It'll make them want to touch you.” He explained. ”The older females will have more self control but those around your age won't have that advantage. Combined with your Hara's strength, and your face? I imagine you're irresistable to them. It's why I wasn't very surprised the Young Miss took a liking to you. ”

I was nodding along as if this were all completely normal. ”So I'm a big ball of ice water to their fevered bodies?” I deduced.