The Restless Gods - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Loyalties and Loves

The Nibi town was a small, but crowded gathering.  The only settlement for miles in every direction, it stood out as an abnormality in the endless sandy seas of the Nibi desert.  A defensive decision years ago to build thick stone walls around the town proved to be its own hindrance. As physical growth was now economically unwise and to most, impossible. 

Thus, the town built up instead of out, making the upper levels of buildings appear architecturally different atop ground-level buildings that were constructed decades before. Travelers to the town were sparse, but frequent enough to hold merchants and customers, and keep Nibi town alive.  As usual, the town's markets were bustling, with many merchants selling wares, some more exotic than others.  One man in heavy robes was selling a particularly exotic item.

"Five thousand pieces?!" exclaimed a large man negotiating with the other.

"Believe me, it's worth it." the man in heavy robes replied.  He adjusted the scarves around his face, being extra cautious that no one could see his visage.  Beside him was a young woman with a sack over her head and ropes around her wrists, binding her arms behind her back.  Another rope was tied tightly around her neck, with the other end held by the robed man.

"Let me see her at least.  No deal if I can't even see her."

"Very well." the robed man replied.  He pulled the sack off and revealed the young woman's blond hair.  Lynthia had a blindfold and gag on, though she was still able to tell she was in trouble.

The robed man gripped Lynthia's chin and held it up to display her face and neck.  "She's beautiful.  Look at that hair.  And that face.  How about that Garter?"

Garter rubbed his square chin in contemplation as he looked at Lynthia carefully.  He pulled away the blindfold and forced open her right eye.  "Hmm...brown.  A bit common." he observed.  "If she had green or purple eyes I would pay."

"Are eyes really what you need her for?"

"No."  Garter pulled a knife from a sheath on his left leg and used it to slice open Lynthia's tunic.  Lynthia gasped and tried to mumble a protest, but was only greeted with a swift slap to her midsection, administered by her robed captor.  Angered slightly by her attempts, he ripped open her tunic completely, exposing her torso.

"Look." he said, cupping her right breast.  "Soft, pliant, and a perfect size, wouldn't you say?"

Garter looked down and touched Lynthia's right nipple, pinching it slightly. After a few moments of fondling, he said "I'll take her."

After paying the robed man, Garter was handed the leash and led Lynthia to her new home. 

Lynthia sobbed. The blindfold was once again over her eyes but she could imagine the lewd looks she was getting as she walked down the crowded streets, her breasts exposed to all.  She wanted to hide, to run, but her hands were bound behijnd her back and she was still blinded and muted.  She bumped into various people on the street, many of them fondling her breasts for a moment before moving on.  Finally, after the long walk, she heard Garter open a large wooden door and was led into the dark interior.

Lynthia stood in darkness for a few moments, unable to even reach out and feel for walls.  Garter guided her more through his home, and forced her up a flight of stairs.  Once at the top of the stairs, Garter pulled off the blindfold and pushed her into a room to the right and followed behind her.  He closed the door while Lynthia observed the room's interior. 

The walls were white, with fancy, although impractical, columns adorning each corner.  The ceiling was quite high and small windows lined the walls near the top, too high for Lynthia to even think about climbing out of.  A large, round bed sat in the center of the room, while piles of cushions surrounded it.  A skylight above the bed provided illumination for the otherwise dark room.  Lynthia turned around as she felt Garter undo her ropes around her neck and wrists.  She removed the gag from her mouth immediately and attempted to step away, but Garter gripped her by the shoulders.  He quickly pulled the torn tunic down to her waist, leaving her torso bare. 

Lynthia jerked and attempted to flee him but Garter tackled her to the ground.

"Please!  Don't!" begged Lynthia, seeing the lust in Garter's eyes.

Garter slapped Lynthia across the face, leaving a cut on her lower lip.  He pulled open her pants and slid them down to her knees.  Lynthia tried to move him off her but he was too large.  Her flailing, resisting arms was enough to annoy Garter that he released her.  Lynthia ran to the door but found it securely locked.  Garter grabbed Lynthia, who kicked and screamed within his grasp as he guided her to the bed.  A metal pole stood against the bed with a ring hanging off it.  Garter held her down on the bed with one knee and re-fastened Lynthia's wrists with rope and looped the knot through the ring.  Lynthia attempted to free herself but to no avail.  She continued screaming, begging for help and hoping somebody would hear her plight.  Finally, Garter grabbed Lynthia by the neck and squeezed it in his powerful grip, reducing her screams to a brief choking sound.

"Shut up girl." he commanded sternly.  "I've strangled men that were three times your size. I can crush your neck.  So be quiet, and stop resisting.  Understood?"

Lynthia stopped struggling, her eyes showed intense fear.  Garter smiled with satisfaction and let go.  He reached down and slid the loincloth off her legs.  He ran his tongue along her naked hip and then to her gold-haired mound.  Lynthia whimpered softly as he gave her pussy a slow lick, her eyes flushed with shameful tears. 

Garter stood and removed his shirt and pants, then forced his naked hips between her knees.  Lynthia shut her eyes and tried vainly to wish him away. But it did not ease the shock when she felt him press against her pussy.  Lynthia bit her lip and tried to fight back the scream building within her.  The tip of his cock nudged just inside her lips, then she felt his thickness and he steadily drove his cock deeper with each thrust.  She knew he would kill her if she tried to move, so she held onto the metal pole above her and prayed. She bracing herself as best she could and arched her back on the bed to allow him to fuck her with the least pain. 

Garter took a deep breath, placed his hands on her breasts, and thrust his pelvis forward, sinking his length within her until his pelvis met hers.  Lynthia screamed, her defenses broken as he penetrated her virginity.  She felt pain and the growing hot sensation of pleasure as she was no longer the virgin. 

Garter groaned loudly and he continued his manic thrusts, squeezing her breasts and pinching her nipples. "Gods you're tight!"

Lynthia squeeled and rolled her hips she felt his cock penetrate her deeper, to depths she never imagined existed within her.  She felt her inner muscles clench with the pleasure of coupling and could almost feel him press against her cervix.  Her breasts shook with each of his thrusts. She was completely overpowered and helpless. 

Garter continued to rape her, pummeling her pussy with his cock.  Finally, he stopped moving and grunted loudly. Lynthia could feel the thick cock inside her pulse and throb and pulse again. She knew he was filling her pussy with his cum. Lynthia tried to squash the pleasure surge she felt, but her clit pulsed and she felt her orgasm follow, and she could not help the sudden burst of rapture that washed over her. 

Portions of a scream escaped her lips, a scream that only brought further tears to her eyes.  It was the final sound of defeat.  Tears continued to flow down her cheeks as she felt her pussy clamp around the cock thsat felt so thick inside her.  Her body betrayed her mind as it continued to squeeze Garter's shaft, milking it for more of his hot cum.

As Garter relaxed, he caught his breath and the pleasure fadde.  He pulled himself out of Lynthia, and his cock dripped with a thick strand of white cum that fell from the tip and lay over the top of her thigh as he stood. She gasped when she felt the emptiness within her pussy. He saw her wet and frothy labia was smeared with both of their lovemaking juices, and a bit of blood. She clenched her thighs together. Garter looked down at Lynthia's sobbing form and slapped her harshly across one breast, leaving red fingerprints.

"You bitch!" he screamed.  "Why did you not tell me you were a virgin?!"

Lynthia chose not to reply.  The shame of being raped was overbearing.

"Do you realize what you just cost me?!  I could have sold your virginity for more than what I paid for you!  Now you're just a whore!!"  Garter grabbed her by the chin and kissed her harshly on the mouth.

"You are lucky you're so beautiful." he whispered against her lips.  "At least I own your body." 

Garter turned Lynthia on her stomach and raised her hips, forcing her to kneel with buttocks in the air.  He palmed the flesh of her ass, taking a licked the fleshy globe, savouring it. Lynthia's arms were stretched above her head, and tied to the pole, leaving her face and breasts pressed into the pillows as she sobbed. 

The subsequent rape was a blur to her.  She felt herself becoming detached from her body as Garter fucked her from behind. When Garter finished depositing another load of cum into her once virgin cunt, he left her curled up and tied to the bed. 

Although she was no longer paying much attention to anything, she could faintly hear his taunts, and a warning to her that he would still fetch a grand price for whoring her.

---

Karyn, Jatz and Flinton trotted along the hot desert sand, their bodies covered with hooded cloaks to protect them from the sun and the sand that kicked up with the wind.  Their beasts walked slowly, their feet dragging as they dug into the deep sand.  Occasionally, their agonizing steps were accompanied by grunts of discomfort.  Karyn cursed the beasts each time they moaned. Her determination to find Lynthia allowed her to ignore the intense heat and her own discomfort.

"Can we please stop?" Jatz complained as the sun continued beating down upon him.

"No." Karyn harshly replied.

"The beasts are growing tired." Flinton said, trying to reason with Karyn.  "There is an oasis up ahead.  I think a few moments would not hurt, especially if we can rest the beasts"

Karyn paused, and looked at the oasis in the distance.  "Very well." she finally agreed.  "Collect water, let the beasts drink, but that is all."

The party stopped at the oasis and allowed their beasts to drink from the small pond of water.  Jatz and Flinton knelt at the edge and lapped it up eagerly, while Karyn filled a canteen and took a few long gulps.  She filled the canteen again before she took off her dark cloak, hung it on the saddle of her Mustel and removed one of the larger pouches that was tied to the animal's side.

"I'm going to change my clothing.  Do not disturb me." Karyn announced as she walked towards a thick mass of palm trees growing at the far edge of the oasis.  Karyn snuck into a small clearing in the middle of the growth of palms.  Inside, she took off her leather corset and peeled her tight leather pants off her sweaty legs.  After placing the clothing aside, she took her canteen of water and poured it over herself, washing away the sweat and sand that clung to her skin.  She stretched her limbs and groaned as she felt the stress of hours of intense riding ooze out of her joints.  The water cascaded down her form, off her breasts and down her stomach.  She closed her eyes and let out a groan as she ran her hands slowly over her breasts and down to her legs, her stiff muscles becoming loose and relaxed once more.  When the water dried off her skin, she covered her naked torso with a thin white top, which more resembled a woman's nightcloth than a complete top.  Over her pelvis she tied a thin white, flowing loincloth.  From the pouch she pulled out a white cloak made of the same sheer material as the rest of her new outfit.

As he knelt at the edge of the palm trees, Flinton felt himself growing erect as he watched Karyn disrobe and then redress in such revealing attire.  It instantly brought back memories of the previous night, where he and Karyn made love.

"Flinton." Jatz hissed, bringing Flinton to attention and causing him to frantically back away from the palms. "You know there is something I noticed about last night." Jatz said as he filled his flask with water.

"What's that?" asked Flinton, whose thoughts remained focused on Karyn.

"The astonishing coincidences.  You and Karyn make love, which was pretty distracting.  And this is shortly after you send me, and Lynthia out to collect firewood."

"Would it be a sin to admit I wanted to make love to Karyn and I didn't want you two to interfere?  Is she not perfection to the eyes?"

"It would not be a sin, and she is.  But, that is not what I am referring to.  I am referring to the fact that perhaps you intended on separating Lynthia from Karyn, while perhaps making sure Karyn would be occupied."

Flinton turned around and glared at Jatz.  "Are you implying that I had something to do with Lynthia's capture?!"

Jatz shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.  "I am merely noting the strange coincidences last night."

Flinton clenched his fists with restrained fury.  "If it is a duel you are seeking thief, I will be..."

"Let us move." Karyn interrupted as she emerged from the foliage.

"Next time thief." Flinton muttered as he mounted his animal.

"Anytime." retorted Jatz with a sneer.

---

"That will be two hundred pieces." Garter said to the man leaving his house.

The man grumbled and pulled out a pile of coin from his pocket.  He counted them up in one hand and gave Garter a significant portion.  Garter counted them personally and thanked the man with insincere gratitude.  The man saw through his charade but chose to ignore him and walked off into the crowded streets.

Garter turned and closed the door behind him.  He walked upstairs and went to Lynthia's room, where she still remained the way the man had just left her.  Her pussy was wet and seeping with juices, both her's and the man's.  Teeth marks were visible around her nipples and her mouth and cheek were wet with his cum.  Her arms were bound with rope over her head, which were tied to a hook that jutted out of the far wall.  She hung limp in her bonds, and Garter could tell she was either asleep or just exhausted.

"Better rest up whore." the large man said, playfully weighing the pieces in his hand.  "You've got a long way to go before you earn back your price."

---

The party arrived at Nibi town within an hour of leaving the oasis.  Karyn tried to ask the people that jammed the streets if they had seen a young blond girl, but most of them either ignored her or simply did not know anything.

"Karyn, allow me." said Jatz, after observing her lack of good fortune.  Jatz snuck into a huge crowd of people gathered around a shop.  He strolled by them casually and when he returned to Karyn and Flinton, he produced a pile of coins in his hand.

"Jatz!  How dare you take that!" Karyn exclaimed.

"Keep it down." Jatz advised.  "I only took a few pieces from each of those people, they won't even notice.  Besides, this is for a good cause."

Jatz took the coins and walked to a nearby tavern.  Karyn and Flinton followed closely behind.  Once inside, they saw Jatz was already talking to the bartender - a fat, dirty man with a thick beard.  After speaking for a few moments, Jatz gave the bartender the handful of coin he had gathered.  The expression on the bartender's face changed dramatically, as did the amount of things he had to say to Jatz.

Jatz thanks the bartender and walked back up to Karyn.  "The bartender says we should check out a harem not too far from here.  He says he saw the owner buy a girl that looks like Lynthia."

"How did you know he would know?" Karyn asked, who was impressed with Jatz's ability.

"Secrets of the thief trade.  Coin can jog anybody's memory.  And, with this tavern so close to the city gates and the marketplace, I decided he must have seen something."

"Where is the harem he spoke of?" Karyn asked.

"Follow me." said Jatz. He led them down several crowded blocks, guiding their beasts gently through the crowds.

Eventually they reached a house with a large wooden door and a statue of a naked woman on the porch.

"I suppose this is the place?" asked Flinton as he admired the statue.

"He said to look for the statue." replied Jatz.  "Let's go in."

"No.  I'll go in alone." Karyn said sternly.  "And do not even ponder arguing with me."

"Alright, we shall wait here." Flinton said. 

Jatz looked at Flinton with a puzzled glare, but Flinton shook his head to discourage Jatz from objecting.

Karyn walked to the door and opened it. She was surprised that it was unlocked.  A chime that was attached to the door made a tinkling sound as it swung open, attracting the attention of a large man who eagerly walked up to Karyn.  A crooked smile went across his square face like a crack on a tombstone, making him appear unintentionally sinister.

"Welcome, I am Garter." the man said, his eyes leering over Karyn's voluptuous form.  "Oh, are you here to try my latest woman?  I must say that I may want to watch you and that golden-haired whore."

Karyn grabbed Garter by the throat and picked him up.  She slammed him against the wall to the right and brought the edge of her sword against his throat.

"Where is she?" Karyn asked in a harsh tone.  Her icy blue eyes burned with anger, boring into Garter's soul.

"Upstairs, upstairs!" Garter replied frantically.  Karyn dropped the large man and quickly ran upstairs.  She peered into an open room immediately to her right and saw Lynthia, naked and bound to the wall.

"Gods!" Karyn said in shock as she ran up to Lynthia.  She used her sword to cut the ropes off Lynthia's slender wrists and caught her before she hit the ground. 

Lynthia moaned as she came back to consciousness,. She almost managed a smile when she saw Karyn staring back at her. "Karyn...oh Karyn...I knew you would..."

"Save your strength." Karyn insisted as she put down her sword to take off her white cloak, giving it to Lynthia. 

As she finished tying it around Lynthia's naked body, Lynthia screamed, "Look out Karyn!"

Karyn turned and saw Garter coming at her with a knife.  Karyn rolled out of the way and narrowly avoided his slash.  She rose into a fighting stance while Garter tightened his grip on the knife.  He suddenly let out a choking sound, followed by a gurgle.  It was then Karyn noticed the bloody point coming out of his stomach.  It took another moment before Karyn realized that point was a blade.  Garter's body slumped forward off metal edge, which revealed Lynthia holding Karyn's bloody sword.

"Lynthia." Karyn whispered in shock, who had just realized she had left her sword on the ground.

Lynthia dropped the sword and ran up to Karyn, embracing the warrior tightly.  "He...raped me Karyn." Lynthia sobbed.  "He was going to try to hurt you, I could not let that happen."

"All is well now Lynthia.  No need to cry." Karyn said as she stroked Lynthia's messy hair.

---

"I must admit, this is an exquisite room Jatz." said Karyn as she walked with Lynthia through the expensive and lavishly decorated room.  Carpets with extraordinarily detailed patterns woven into them sat below the finest wooden furniture Karyn had ever seen.  Paintings and silk curtains accented the walls, and amazing patterns were carved into the ceiling to give it a beauty of its own.

Jatz leaned back in a leather chair with his feet propped on a nearby table.  "Yes." he admitted.  "But I cannot take all the credit.  Flinton seems to have connections here."

"Yes." Flinton warily admitted.  "I've been here before and I've...collected a few favors."

"Well done Flinton." Karyn said with a smile.  "I will be in the bathroom with Lynthia, and help her get cleaned up.  You two may do whatever you wish.  We leave tomorrow to return to our main quest."

"Search for the gods?" Jatz asked.

"Yes." Karyn replied.

Karyn escorted Lynthia to the bathroom where an enormous inlaid tub sat.  Made of shimmering white porcelain, it was one of the few bathtubs Karyn had ever seen that came with a built-in water pump that brought both hot and cold water.  Once she had filled it, she gently took off Lynthia's cloak and guided her inside.  After removing her own clothing, Karyn stepped into the waist deep water with a washcloth in hand.  She moved behind Lynthia and began washing the naked girl's back and hair.

Lynthia hugged her knees tightly, still feeling vulnerable after being violated so many times in one day.  Karyn gently coaxed her to lower her arms so she could reach around and scrub them.  The gentle, soothing sensation of Karyn's touch relaxed Lynthia, prompting her to turn around and lean forward to kiss Karyn on the lips.  Lynthia began to moan, but she stopped a moment later when she felt no return affection from Karyn.

"I am sorry Lynthia." Karyn solemnly said.  "I'm in love with Flinton now."

"What?" Lynthia whispered in disbelief. 

Karyn could only look back at her with sympathy in her eyes. 

Lynthia knew that no extra confirmation was necessary, she had heard Karyn correctly.  "But what about us?" Lynthia asked.

"I cannot make love to you Lynthia. Not with my feelings for Flinton so strong in my mind." Karyn explained.  "I know it is a poor excuse, but, I would feel better if we were to cease our relationship."

"Karyn, why do you not just stab me with your sword?  At least such a wound I would not live to suffer from."

Karyn sighed and held Lynthia gently against her naked torso. 

Lynthia was surprised but decided to enjoy the warmth and touch of Karyn's flesh, knowing this may be the last opportunity.

"Lynthia, I still hold a great deal of affection for you." Karyn whispered soothingly.  "I hope you do not hate me for this."

Lynthia remained silent, wanting to stretch the embrace for eternity.  When Karyn finally began to ease away, Lynthia spoke.  "I cannot hate you Karyn, but, I am not happy.  Please, I wish to bathe alone right now."

"I understand.  Thank you Lynthia, and once again I am sorry."  Karyn said before stepping out of the bathtub.  She used a towel to dry her naked body off before putting on a silk robe and exiting the bathroom. 

Once she had left, Lynthia slid down on the bottom of the tub, letting the water level rise up to her nose.  For a moment she pondered, and allowed the warmth of the water to embrace her flesh.  Then, she lowered her head beneath the surface and cried.  She raised her head out of the water once she ran out of air and resumed crying as she leaned against the edge of the tub, her head buried in her hands in an attempt to conceal both the sight and sound of her sorrows.

A few rooms down the same hall was a room they called the den. Karyn and Flinton strolled hand in hand to it, where Flinton unlocked the door, went inside, and locked the door securely behind them.  Karyn took let her silk robe and slide completely off her shapely form.  Flinton held Karyn tightly in his arms and they kissed passionately, tongues dancing as they fondled each other wantonly.  His hands roved over Karyn's body, wanting to touch every inch of her skin.  Karyn undid Flinton's pants while Flinton took off his shirt.  They moved to the center of the room where a rug made from a large furry animal adorned the floor.

Karyn pushed Flinton onto his back and straddled his hips.  Flinton reached up and clutched her soft breasts while Karyn held him and then mounted his erection. She let out a sigh of pleasure followed by a grunt as she felt his shaft slide completely and deeply.  Flinton squeezed her breasts harder as he felt the weight of her pelvis settle on his. His stiff shaft was burrowed completely within her hot pussy. He teased her nipples with his fingers. 

Karyn threw back her head and moaned, thrusting her breasts out as she reached back to place her hands on his thighs. She rocked her crotch harder against Flinton, feeling his cock tilt and thrust inside her.  Flinton increased his grip on Karyn's soft tits, grunting as he met Karyn's thrusts with upward pushes of his own. 

Heat ignited within both of their bodies as they approached climax, their moans becoming louder and more desperate.  Karyn's shuddered and she let out a loud groan of pleasure as she orgasmed, her shoulders quivering as her honey seeped from her pussy.  She rolled her sensual hips as the ecstasy began to fade in an attempt to rekindle the passion. Flinton groaned as he felt his cock swell and burst inside Karyn. He watched as the beautiful warrior thrashed with rapture on top of him.  Karyn whimpered with erotic bliss, and squeezed her pussy to milk every last drop of Flinton's hot cream.

The warrior laid her torso on top of Flinton's, her labia stretched around his cock, embracing it within her.  She supported herself by her arms and smiled down upon Flinton beneath him.

"I love you Flinton." Karyn moaned.

"I...love you too." Flinton replied.  Karyn was too blissful to notice the slight lack of sincerity in Flinton's tone.

---

Later in the night, after bathing and dressing, Karyn returned to the main room where she found Jatz sleeping soundly on the couch while Lynthia slept on the large silk bed, alone.  Karyn clapped her hands loudly, awakening both of them.

"Good morning." Karyn said.  "I hope all of your slept well."

"It was good enough," replied Jatz, "except for all the noises coming from the next room."

Karyn chose to ignore Jatz's remark.  "It appears that there is a beacon nearby." Karyn announced.  "Perhaps it was fate that led us here."

"Was it fate that I be raped, repeatedly, and my emotions be crushed?!" Lynthia spat from the bed.

Karyn only responded with a glare and turned away.  "I will go alone unless any of you wish to go with me."

"I would rather not.  The desert is cold and quiet, there would really be no need for me." said Flinton, who emerged from the doorway wearing only trousers.  "Besides, I am a little bit worn out." he added with a smile.

Karyn smirked at Flinton and sighed.  "Very well.  And you Jatz?"

"If it is alright with you Karyn, I feel like hitting the town. You really have no need for my skills anyway."

"Is it merely because there are no pockets to pick in the middle of a sand dune?" Flinton teased.

Having no good way to counteract Flinton's line, Jatz grumbled and left the room.

"And, Lynthia?" Karyn asked warily, unsure if it was a good idea to even ask Lynthia to come with her.

"For my own safety, I do not wish to go outside this room until we are ready to leave the city. I hope you understand." Lynthia replied without looking at Karyn.

"Yes, I understand." Karyn said, the tone in her voice sympathetic.  "Very well, I go alone."

---

Karyn walked out of the large gates of Nibi town and wandered into the dark, cool night air of the desert.  With only the amulet as a guide, she entrusted her path to its vibrations.  The air possessed a biting chill that prompted Karyn to re-don her leather corset and pants, with the dark cloak on top for extra warmth.  Her feet depressed into the thick sand with every step, making her walk an arduous one that she hoped would be over soon. 

She cleared a steep hill and surveyed the land before her from the heightened elevation, her calves throbbing slightly with the strain she had placed on them.  She extended the amulet and let it lead her down the far side of the hill, where the elevation was only slightly steeper than the flat desert sands.

Nothing but the crunching of her feet on the sand and the whistles of the wind filled her ears, which was why the sounds of an approaching animal were like thunder to her senses.  She turned and saw a massive black Mustel rushing at her.  She moved aside to avoid it but saw a large man in black leap off the animal and dive at her with his sword raised. 

Karyn barely had time to draw her own blade and block his attack.  The two weapons collided in a flurry of sparks, and with gritted teeth Karyn was able to exert enough force to push her attacker away.  The dark-clad man struck again without warning with a series of quick slashes, forcing Karyn to parry.  Once again their blades met in an enormous crash and Karyn kicked the man in the torso, sending him staggering several steps backward.

"Who are you?" Karyn demanded, her lungs panting slightly.

Xarthul remained silent, his eyes focused on his opponent and betraying nothing about his emotions.  Karyn held her sword out in a defensive gesture, but readied herself to move into an offensive pose at a moment's notice.  Xarthul swung his powerful arms and brought his sword into a wide sweeping arc.  Karyn leaped back and felt the strong impact as his blade once again clashed with her own.  The force of his swing was stronger than anything Karyn had ever faced, but her training was adequate enough that she knew the proper measures to deflect the power of the blow. 

She used her strong legs to propel herself backwards and ducked under Xarthul's blade as he swiped again.  After rolling to the side and returning to her feet, she placed her sword in a position parallel to her extended arm and paced around, waiting to strike.  Xarthul saw her strategy and ceased his relentless attacks, waiting to see if she would resist the temptation to strike first. 

For a few moments the two fighters danced around each other with their weapons drawn, the tension between them growing steadily before exploding like a firecracker as Xarthul lunged at Karyn with his sword ready for another sweeping arc.  Karyn lept into the air as his sweeping arc met nothing but the air.  In the brief second he needed to recover, Karyn kicked his shoulder, sending him to the ground.  She landed while making one swift vertical slash.  Her blade sang as it came in contact with Xarthul's right arm and severed it.  The darkly clad man screamed and clutched at the bloody stump, he let go temporarily to grab his sword from the severed hand before clutching at the bloody stump again.

"Now, are you going to tell me who you are?" Karyn demanded in a voice that could bend steel.

Xarthul merely snarled and ran off with incredible speed.  Karyn contemplated going after him but decided it would be best to ignore him, rather than let his pursuit distract her needlessly.  After taking a few moments to catch her breath, she wiped her bloody blade on the sleeve of the severed arm, then sheathed her blade.

She held the amulet in her palm, feeling for its vibrations.  She felt it rumble within her hand as she took a few steps, and experimentally turned in all directions to find the way.  Her search led her down a sand dune to a low part of the desert.  She dug at the sand at a point where the amulet quaked in her fingers.  She dug persistently until she uncovered the familiar site of a shallow, circular hole carved in stone.  An indent matching the shape of the arrow on the amulet confirmed its identity as the altar.  She took the amulet off her neck and placed it in the indent, lining the arrow with its properly shaped hole and turned. 

Instantly the sand around her burst from the ground as a series of rings carved into the stone beneath lit up with a fantastic energy.  Karyn stood in the center of the circle and closed her eyes as the energy storm lashed sand through the air, sending her auburn hair whipping through the wind.  Just as she began to feel the irritation of the flying sand scrubbing her skin, the storm died as quickly as it had started, and Karyn was left alone in the silent night. 

Karyn bent down and picked up the amulet, which now had another shimmering jewel embedded on its back.  Smiling at the reward, and at the progress she had made in her quest, she began the long walk back to town.

---

Lynthia sat at the window and watched as darkness fell over the town like a blanket.  Torches lit up in defiance of the shadows, and the sources of noises shifted from the marketplaces to the taverns and restaurants scattered around the endlessly busy streets.  Lynthia stared at the city with bitterness and hatred in her dark brown eyes.

"I hate you.  I hate you Nibi town." she muttered as she squeezed her legs together.  "You have taken much from me.  More than just my virginity.  More than you can ever repay."

"I'm going out to get some supplies.  Would you like to come with me Lynthia?" Flinton asked suddenly as he peeked around the corner.

"Why should I?" Lynthia replied harshly.  "It is because of you that Karyn has crushed my emotions!"

"Well, you should because Jatz has left to go drinking, and I will go out with or without you.  If you feel safe staying here alone tonight, then be my guest."

"Damn you Flinton." Lynthia spat as she got up and stormed past him.  She left the room and stood in the hallway for a moment.   "Aren't you coming?!" she finally screamed at him.

Flinton joined Lynthia and the two went to the market.  Flinton picked up various dried foods and medical supplies, while Lynthia continually glowered at him.  She paid no attention to what he was doing, she only tried to stay near him.  She did not want to be there, and she made no effort to hide her intense anger at the archer.  It only intensified her anger when Flinton seemed to pay no attention to her issues with him.

As Flinton spent some time negotiating with a merchant, Lynthia looked around and saw a woman leaning against a wall nearby.  She was clad in a lavender hood with a short cloak.  Her long, sleek legs seemed to be almost bare except for a pair of short boots.  Despite the hood which concealed her face completely, Lynthia knew that she was staring at her.  After internally debating if it was the right thing to do, Lynthia walked up to the woman.

"Excuse me madam.  But were you looking at me?" Lynthia asked.

The woman pulled down her hood and shook her shoulder-length red locks.  Lynthia admired how they seemed to perfectly frame her lovely face, and her purple eyes were a striking addition.  "I apologize if I was making you uncomfortable.  But I sensed something about you that I cannot explain just yet."

"Are you a magician?" Lynthia asked skeptically.

"Yes.  I am studying to be a full sorceress, but for now you may consider me a magician."

"I never believed much in the Magician Guild.  They always struck me as just radical free thinkers capable of a few visual tricks."

"Your beliefs do not bother me madam. But I truly sense something about you.  Are you seeking the gods?"

"That is none of your concern.  Goodday madam." Lynthia said abruptly as she turned around.

"No, you are not.  But another woman you hold dear is seeking them, is she not?"

Lynthia paused in her step and after a few moments of disbelief, turned slowly back.

"I do not know her name.  But I believe she has sky blue eyes?"

"Ice blue." Lynthia corrected.  "You have my attention, miss?"

"My name is Teneila.  And you are?"

"Lynthia."

"Well Lynthia.  I am fascinated by your quest.  I felt something when you first arrived in town.  It made me abandon my studies and seek you out.  May I ask, is Karyn looking for the gods as we speak?"

"Yes.  Can you tell if she succeeded?"

Teneila closed her eyes and concentrated.  "I believe so." she finally replied.  "In fact, she should be returning right now.  Isn't that her right there?"  Teneila pointed and Lynthia turned in that direction.  Teneila pointed at Flinton, who was now talking to Karyn who chatted with him ecstatically.  Their brief conversation ended with Karyn and Flinton kissing and then moving off together, hand in hand.  Lynthia turned her head sadly away.

"That is her." Lynthia sniffled.

"There is a story behind your sorrow is there not?" Teneila asked, noticing Lynthia's emotions.

"Yes." Lynthia replied with false composure.

"Care to talk about it?"

"If you would listen miss, it may help." Lynthia said, wiping away a tear.

Teneila took Lynthia by the hand and guided the girl into the shadows.  Lynthia was puzzled at first as they walked deeper into an alley and then suddenly turned into a wall that was completely hidden by the darkness.  As Lynthia closed her eyes to blink, she opened them to see a small stone room with torches at each of the corners.  An old, round carpet was the only furnishings the room had to offer.

"Please sit.  I apologize if I cannot offer you a chair." Teneila said, letting go of Lynthia and motioning her towards the carpet.

"Is this your abode?" Lynthia asked as she nervously sat down.

"Yes.  As a magician, I am encouraged to lead a minimalist lifestyle.  Material objects weigh down the mind and body, which is exactly what the mystic arts tries to defy." Teneila explained before smiling and sighing gently.  "But please, I bore you with the tales of my trade.  You wished to talk about your sorrows?"

Lynthia explained in great detail the story of how she and Karyn met, became lovers, and began their journey together in search of the Gods.  She also briefly mentioned Jatz, who joined them near the start and provided them with mounts.  Her tone turned sour and spiteful when she began to recount the arrival of Flinton.  Although not all the details were known to her, she instantly painted a portrait of Flinton being the one who intentionally stole Karyn away from her.

"And that is why I hate him." Lynthia concluded.

"Your story is fascinating Lynthia.  But, what of Karyn?"

"Karyn?  I... still have strong feelings for her.  I still love her."

"Then, what are you to do?"

"I do not know."

"If it helps, I want to go with Karyn and help her on her quest.  If you wish to continue onward with her, at least maybe, if I am allowed to come, you will have a friend."

Lynthia smiled and looked up at Teneila's lovely face.  "I would enjoy your presence Teneila.  Thank you."

---

"And you left Lynthia behind?!" Karyn snapped as she tied her corset over her breasts.  The couple had just finished another session of passion when Karyn realized Lynthia was missing.

"I forgot the girl was with me." Flinton replied as he pulled on his pants.

"That is no excuse Flinton!  I am going to go look for her now!"

"Hello Karyn." Lynthia said from the doorway.

"Lynthia?!" Karyn said as she ran up towards her.  Lynthia extended a hand slightly as a barrier and shook her head.  Karyn stopped and awkwardly regained her composure.  "I am...I am glad you have decided to join us."

"Don't think of this as forgiveness." Lynthia said coldly.  "I may forgive you in time, but not yet.  I have nothing Karyn.  If I stay here I would be working as a harlot, and probably be impregnated or murdered within days.  I admit that at least around you, I feel a certain degree of... safety."

"I thought you were not angry Lynthia." said Karyn, surprised at Lynthia's speech.

"I am not angry. For if I was angry I would wish you harm or death.  But I do not." Lynthia elaborated.  "By the way, this is Teneila."  Lynthia waved her arm towards the doorway as Teneila walked in.  Teneila lowered her hood and bowed slightly with her palms pressed together.  "She and I have become friends," Lynthia explained, "and she will join us on your quest."

"If she is a friend of yours Lynthia, then I welcome her."

"Thank you Karyn, it is an honor." said Teneila who bowed again slightly.

"Let us leave this wretched town." Karyn said to the group.  "Onward to the next part of our journey."

---

The sun began to creep over the horizon, slowly brightening the dark hue of the sky.  Inside the carriage parked in the middle of the Nibi desert, Xarthul and Karna sat on the bed while their soldiers stood on patrol outside.  Xarthul winced and moaned as Karna used various healing solutions on the bloody stump that was his arm.

"Master Xarthul.  You must rest." Karna said with concern as she bandaged his severed limb.

"It is nothing.  I will recover.  My thirst for revenge is what will keep me alive."

"Mmm...nothing in the world could ever stop you my lord." Karna purred.

"I was so close Karna.  I could taste victory, and vengeance.  Do you have any idea how sweet both of them would taste in one strike?" said Xarthul before he took a moment of reflection.  "And then I would finally show him..." he said with a mutter.

"I can only imagine what taste you were denied this night." Karna interrupted.  "I know of another sweet taste I crave right now."

"Not now." Xarthul said harshly, turning away from the lovely woman.  "You don't know how long I've craved this."

"I do know." Karna insisted, touching Xarthul's cheek.  "You have craved nothing more since I met you."

Xarthul paused and sighed.  "I apologize Karna.  You are right.  You would know my pain."

"What shall our plans be Master Xarthul?" Karna asked.

"The soldiers will carry us through the rest of this cursed desert.  I will pick up her trail again."

"In the meantime," Karna purred as she cupped Xarthul's chin in her hand, "shall I attempt to ease your pain my lord?"

Continued in Chapter 5

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