The World of Alderest - III - To Kathaln and Back - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Vorchrest, the capital of Kathaln, was a massive gathering of buildings located by the ocean. Populated by hundreds of thousands of demons and other races, Vorchrest was one of the largest cities on Kathaln. Currently it seemed that every one of them was in the market, all yelling at once.

"A good thing we do not have any money," Tancred grumbled, "Otherwise we would have had it stolen by now."

Solyma looked over at him, whistling a tune which couldn’t be heard over the noise of the market. They were walking side by side through the crowded square, crossing to the opposite side. Escorting them was Leceres and the armored figure who had dismantled Eikaegor’s portal. Solyma thought his name was Rocest.

"How are you doing? Seventy years ago this sun would have turned you into a patch of charcoal," Solyma said in reply, having to lean over to him and shout to be heard over the din of the market.

Tancred winced. "It’s giving me a terrible headache and I can’t see ten feet. Otherwise, I am alright."

"Good," Solyma said, leaning closer and continuing in a lower yell, "try to act as human as possible. They’ve never liked undead in Kathaln. I don’t think they’d destroy you, but it wouldn’t be good for us."

Solyma looked back, feeling Leceres’ gaze on her. She flashed a quick smile, trying to seem as harmless as possible. Not that it was hard, she thought, as a twelve-foot tall mantis brushed by her carrying a basket of vegetables.

They walked until they reached the edge of the market. The market was bounded on two sides by major thoroughfares filled with vehicle traffic. Solyma watched as Leceres walked over to a waiting wagon and gestured for them to climb aboard. She and Tancred did so as Leceres and Rocest climbed onto the drivers board. Settling on the wagon bed, they tried to relax as the wagon moved into traffic and started towards the massive bulk of the Citadel.

"Where are they taking us?" Tancred whispered.

"To the Citadel, it looks like," Solyma said, a faint smile on her lips as a creature vaguely resembling an elephant-sized beetle stomped past on the other side of the road.

"Why are you so calm? These are demons. You know what they do to humans." Tancred looked around nervously, blinking furiously and squinting as he tried to see what was going on around him.

Solyma waved her hand dismissively. "Stories. They’re pretty much like humans, same feelings and thoughts. They just look different."

"How would you know?" Tancred said sulkily.

"I’ve been here before," Solyma said, stretching her legs out on the wagon bed and leaning back.

"When?"

"Before I met you."

"Solyma, tell me the truth. How old are you, really?" Tancred was hunched over, his arms over his head to shield it from the sun.

Solyma glanced over at him and shrugged. "I’m not entirely sure. I’ve lost count over the years. I think around three-hundred and ten. Give or take a decade."

Tancred raised his head, eyes wide in surprise. "How? I’ve seen life lengthening weaves used, but they all have drawbacks - none of which you seem to be worried about."

Solyma smiled enigmatically. "I’ve got to have some secrets, don’t I, Tancred? Why are suddenly so interested in my life?"

Tancred buried his head under his arms again. "I don’t know. You’re the only person I know in this entire world. I just want to know that I can rely on you."

Solyma reached over and patted him on the shoulder. "Don’t worry about that. We’re friends, aren’t we? I’ve never betrayed a friend, have I?"

"There was Valkersan, you were sleeping with him."

"An exception. I never liked him. You came after me when I jumped into the portal. Not many people, dead or alive, would have done that for me. I owe you my life."

Tancred looked up again. "I don’t know why I did it. The old me never would have done that."

"The old me never would have jumped in after Penelope. We all change. Look at Asgrim, look at Valkersan. They both changed from what they were." Solyma sat up and waved her hand at the buildings lining the road. "We’re in Vorchrest! Think of all the sights you’ll see that no one from back home will ever see!" She moved closer to Tancred. "Relax. If they wanted to hurt u,s they would have done it back at that summoner’s lair. We could jump out now and run and I don’t think they’d care one way or the other. Let’s just head to the Citadel. Maybe we’ll get some new clothes and some food. No matter what, it’s better than being stuck with a pack of raving Corthronos surrounding us." She smiled broadly. "After all, what could go wrong?"

---

Lady DeWin looked up from her desk at the sound of quiet footsteps approaching. She saw a rather ordinary looking elf man standing in front of her. He was dressed like a low ranking civil servant, perhaps someone from the embassy checking in on Penelope.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"Yes, I was wondering why you have ‘No Sleeping’ signs posted," he said.

Lady DeWin blinked in confusion, then answered, "Oh, those things. They’ve been here for years. The previous librarian left them with orders to strictly enforce the no sleeping policy. I’ve never found out why."

The elf nodded. "Has anything happened to sleepers?"

"Vivid dreams, but we’re near a lot of magical activity and that can do that to people. I have a record of them," she said, turning to the shelves behind her desk. "I can show you them..." she trailed off.

The elf had disappeared.

---

The Citadel was a fortress larger than many towns. Layers upon layers of defensive fortifications surrounded the central keep. It was a massive castle that would be impressive enough on its own, standing on the flattened top of a rocky hill.

Near the very top of the keep was the throne room of the current ruler of Kathaln. He was a rather typical looking shadow demon, a body formed from shadow with flaming eyes. A splendid crown rested upon his head.

Worth at least a couple hundred thousand marks, Solyma thought.

She and Tancred knelt on one knee before the king, palms pressed together in front of their chests.

"Who are these humans?" the king asked.

"They came through a portal from the world of the Corthronos, my lord," Leceres said from behind them. "I believe them to be of no harm."

"How did you come to be in the world of the Corthronos?" the King asked.

"Our city was invaded. In the course of single-handedly repelling that invasion, we were caught on the other side of the portal that allowed the Corthronos entry, my lord," Solyma said.

"What is your city?"

"Corannon, my lord."

"Corannon? Ah, yes. We are on cordial relations with your kingdom. As citizens, you will be our guests until such time as you desire to leave." The king snapped his fingers.

A well dressed demon that resembled a human approached the throne.

"Take them to guest chambers and treat them accordingly."

The well dressed demon approached them with a bow.

"If you will follow, I will escort you to your quarters," he said.

As they followed the valet, they noticed Leceres talking closely to the king along with Roces. As they left the throne room, Leceres gave Solyma a long hard look.

"What was that about?" Tancred asked as they walked down the hallway.

"I think I used to know him," Solyma said, pausing to finger a tapestry. Continuing down the hallway she said, "I might have met him when I was last here. I think he wasn’t a shadow demon then."

"What do you mean, then?"

"Demons change as they grow. You noticed how many of them look very similar to humans?"

"Yes, I thought they were humans."

"No, they’re nearly all demons. Demon itself is a general term, it’s like ‘people’ or ‘person’. We refer to elves, dwarves, and undead as people, but they’re all different. It’s the same with demons, except they can interbreed."

"Do you know if their blood is palatable?"

Solyma shrugged.

"I’m not sure," she said. "Succubus blood is. Although it seems to have strange effects on vampires."

"Succubuses?" Tancred grinned. "Do you think there are any around here? Maybe in the King’s harem?"

"Don’t be silly, the King doesn’t have a harem. And it's Succubi-"

They were interrupted by the well dressed demon valet.

"Your quarters are here," he said, pointing to separate doors on opposite sides of the hall. Dinner will be brought to you when you wish it. If you need anything, use the speaking stone." He opened their doors and handed them keys and then turned and left.

Their rooms were very nice. Not as sumptuous as the room she had in the Palace, but very nice.

"I’m going to sleep until nightfall," Tancred said, pulling the drapes shut in his bedroom. "Would you care to join me?" he said with a amorous grin.

Solyma smiled and shook her head. "Sorry, I want to get some new clothes and look about the Citadel. We still have to get home, remember?"

Tancred shrugged. "If I get to meet some of those Succubi, I’ll be happy here."

---

Solyma paced nervously across the carpet in her living room. She checked the clock above the fireplace constantly, wondering when he would show up. As night began to fall, there was a knock at her door. She took a deep breath to calm herself and opened the door.

Leceres stood on the other side, his armor replaced by casual attire. "May I come in?" he said.

Solyma nodded and stood aside, closing the door behind him.

"I never thought I’d see you again," Leceres said. "When you never returned, I thought you’d been killed."

"Thanks for your concern," Solyma said, sitting on the couch. "What is it you want?"

"So cold, Solyma, if that’s what you’re calling yourself these days."

Solyma nodded.

"Your slate is clean. Your punishment took care of that. Are you planning on staying in Vorchrest?"

Solyma looked up at him. "No, this isn’t my home anymore. Besides, I like Alderest. It’s a lot nicer than here."

"Alderest? Oh, yes, that’s what the humans call their world." He shook his head. "It’s no place for a demon."

"I’m more of a human than a demon now."

"You certainly have taken steps to project that image. That weave is a master work. Roces couldn’t see out what was under it. If I didn’t remember your face then we would have never known."

"That is the general point of changing one's appearance."

Leceres sat down next to her. "Solyma, why don’t you stay? At least for a while. When you desire to leave, I’ll have Roces weave you a portal straight back to Corannon. I’ve missed you," he said, "You always were my favorite niece."

Solyma shook her head. "I can’t. I’ve still got enemies here. I’ll have them open a portal and head home. It’ll be safer."

Leceres sighed. "Very well. But if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask," he said, rising. He patted her gently on the head. "Welcome back."

---

Solyma tried to get to sleep. She had acquired a long sword and two new daggers from the Citadel’s armory, which had helped her state of mind. But she was still nervous. Too many old enemies, she thought, rolling over onto her back.

As she lay staring up at the ceiling she suddenly felt relaxed and calm. Why worry? she thought fuzzily, nothing wrong here. She smiled sleepily as a dark grey mist spread over the ceiling, faintly reflecting the moonlight shining through the windows. She watched as it slowly drifted down to hover above her, stirring slightly although there was no breeze.

Solyma moaned as she felt delicate fingers brush her neck and a smell of flowers filled the air. She turned on her side to see Penelope lying next to her, naked but for a pair of stockings. Penelope moved closer and drew the covers from Solyma. Solyma lifted her hips as Penelope pushed her nightgown up and over her breasts. She gasped and spread her legs as Penelope slid between them and ducked her head to lick at her quim. Solyma groaned, her fingers tangling in Penelope’s silky hair, and she wrapped her thighs around the elf’s head. Pure bliss filled her as Penelope continued to lick and then wrapped her lips around Solyma’s clit. Solyma cried out softly as Penelope pushed two fingers into her and began to fuck her with quick hard strokes.

A kiss on her cheek made Solyma turn her head to see another elf woman knelt next to her on the bed. Solyma tilted her head to lick at the woman’s perfectly shaped breasts. She screamed in pleasure as Penelope brought her to an orgasm before crawled up her body to kiss her. The two elves lay on either side of Solyma, their hands rubbing and stroking her mound, their fingers deftly plunging in and out of her. Solyma let out another cry as she climaxed again, and watched as the two elves brought their fingers to their mouths and licked her juices off them.

Her head whirling, Solyma seemed surrounded by delectable elven flesh. Her hands caressed soft skin and firm breasts while her lips kissed sweet mouths. Moaning, she watched as Penelope rawled between her legs again.

---

"I’m hearing her again," Hector said to the skeleton crew of mages who were on recovery duty during the late night.

Bradley carefully tuned the weave of tracking that floated near the side of the portal. "I’m not getting anything, are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes, she’s having quite a night. I can’t believe you can’t track her."

"Something’s blocking us from getting a specific location." He paused and watched as a section of the weave shifted into an interlocking pattern of red and gold. "I think she’s in Kathaln. If that’s true, she might be in the Citadel." He shook his head. "There’s no way we’ll be able to get a portal there. It’s warded against any intrusions. We’ll just have to wait until she leaves. But, at least she’s safe and she might be able to get a portal home."

---

Tancred knocked on Solyma’s chamber door.

When no one answered he listened carefully. His hearing immediately picked up the sound of Solyma groaning and crying out in pleasure. After looking both ways down the hallway, Tancred concentrated for a moment and turned into a cloud of mist. Flowing silently through the keyhole, Tancred floated over to the open bedroom door and reformed.

From where he stood he could hear Solyma moaning loudly. His cock swelled as he listened to her. Listening more carefully, he heard no other person, no sounds or breathing of a companion. Suddenly more curious, he risked a quick glance and saw only Solyma. She was writhing on the bed with one arm reaching out, her nightgown riding up over her breasts and her legs lewdly spread.

Tancred crept to the bedside and knelt by Solyma.

He watched intently as she seemed to orgasm, every muscle in her body tensing. Grinning he began to undress. As he was removing his waistcoat he happened to look upward. Tancred gasped and jerked away from the undulating mass of grey mist.

"Solyma!" he yelled, frantically looking at her. "Solyma!"

"Ohhhh, Tancred," she said lazily, "Why don’t you join us? There’s plenty of, ahhhhh," she screamed again, her hips bucking wildly, "elf to go around."

Tancred gaped at her. Her eyes were wide and unfocused, as if they were seeing something else. Gritting his teeth, Tancred's were eyes fixed on the cloud as he dragged Solyma off the bed.

"Solyma!" he hissed as the mist began to descend and follow them. "Wake up!" he yelled and slapped her sharply against one cheek.

"Oh, Penelope, I didn’t know you like the rough stuff," Solyma said, her voice sweet.

"Wake up!" Tancred yelled, slapping her twice more.

"Ouch, Penelope stop-"

Another slap.

"Dammit, that’s enough-"

One more.

"Alright, you little minx, you want-" Solyma seemed to come to her senses. She looked up at Tancred and then down at her exposed body lying on the living room floor. "What the-?" she stopped at the sight of the mist.

A fanged head formed out of the mist, with horns protruding from its forehead. Then clawed hands and arms seemed to rise from beneath the mist. The head snarled and snapped its jaws as a body formed from the mist, skin a dark grey-green, and a barbed tail whipping behind it. The creature stepped toward them, blocking the bedroom door with its broad shoulders. Solyma couldn’t help but notice the large cock jutting from between its legs.

"What is it?" Tancred asked, slowly pulling a dagger from his belt.

"An incubus," Solyma said, pulling her nightgown down.

The incubus snarled and stomped towards them, its clawed feet slicing through the carpeting.

"How do we kill it?" Tancred asked.

Solyma thought furiously. "You’ll need to drain it."

"Fine." Tancred sheathed his dagger and slowly moved towards the incubus in a crouch, his arms extended.

The incubus slashed at him, slicing three neat incisions in his new waistcoat and shirt.

Tancred snarled and lashed out with claws of his own, tearing a hunk of mist away from the creature which quickly rejoined, leaving no indication of damage.

"I’ll distract it. You bite," Solyma said, moving into the incubus’ line of sight. She whistled loudly as she let her nightgown drop to the floor and threw her head back.

In the moment that the incubus was distracted, Tancred leapt at it and sank his teeth into its neck. Mist began billowing from the wound, only to be sucked in by Tancred before it could heal.

Solyma watched as the incubus grew smaller and smaller as its body disappeared into Tancred’s mouth.

The incubus let out a pitiful squeak as Tancred picked up the tiny creature and popped it into his mouth. He chewed, swallowed, and burped loudly. Suddenly he turned to Solyma and bared his fangs while hissing loudly, a strange look in his eyes.

"What are you doing?" Solyma asked, backing away nervously, with Tancred following. "If this is a joke, you’d better stop it right now. I mean it!"

Tancred stopped and closed his mouth. "Fine. Spoilsport." He examined his shirt and waistcoat disdainfully. "I just bought these and they’re ruined." He sighed and looked up at the naked body of Solyma, still sweaty from her exertions with the incubus. "Hmm, I can think of something which will more than make up for the loss of these expensive items of clothing."

Solyma grunted and picked up her nightgown, draping it over herself. "Forget it, I’m too tired," she said, walking back to the bed. "But you can stand guard while I sleep," she said sweetly.

Tancred followed her and watched as she slid onto the bed. "If you’re tired, I can do all the work. All you’d have to do is lie there."

"Forget it Tancred. Just stand guard in case one of those things comes back."

"Speaking of which, do incubuses normally attack guests here at the Citadel?"

"Incubi. And no, it was sent by some old enemy."

"Who?"

"I don’t know. They’re so many here in Vorchrest. Probably a merchant group. They usually like to send monsters instead of assassins."

"So what do you plan to do about it?"

"Sleep tonight. And tomorrow we’ll head somewhere safe where we can get a portal made for us."

Tancred sighed and pulled up a chair next to the bed, his plans for the evening ruined.

---

Solyma and Tancred set out on the road heading east towards the Jaegerspine Mountains early the next morning. Their rode at a moderate pace on their six-legged riding beasts, passing vast fields of crops which lined the road. They both rode with weapons at the ready, alert for any sign of attackers hiding in the fields.

"How long will it take to get to Merersburg?" Tancred asked as they crossed a large stone bridge.

"About a week if at this pace," Solyma answered, her eyes following the curve of the river as it flowed back to Vorchrest.

"That was where you grew up?"

Solyma nodded. "It’s a nice place. You’d probably like it - high mountains, stormy, lots of old castles."

"The old me," Tancred said, shaking his head, "I’d rather live in a city now. No more stalking villages after dark for my meals."

"Your meals come to you now," Solyma said, remembering Cecilia Abrovagny.

Tancred smiled. "I do sometimes miss the old ways. There were some good times."

"There was that one woman who always went walking late at night, right next to your castle."

"Tatiana, yes." Tancred grinned, remembering her. "She was a strange one. She’d wait until she knew I saw her and then start to run, not too fast, but she always gave me a good race."

"What about that one..." Solyma continued as they rode into the night.

---

Penelope went through the week in a daze. Ethics of Magic was a blur and Basics of Weaving Magic barely registered. The whole week seemed like a dream, no, more of a nightmare. She kept feeling that someone was following her and ducking out of sight whenever she turned to look back. Still, the thought of the library seemed to comfort her. She felt herself looking towards it even when she couldn’t see it. She felt as if there was a presence tugging at her mind.

When classes ended for the week she rushed to it, avoiding the eyes of Lady DeWin as she found her usual seat at the back of the library. Something was calling to her, urging her to rest her head and close her weary eyes. She felt her head drooping to the desk top, her eyes seeing the familiar "No Sleeping" sign, but her mind not comprehending the meaning of the words. She cushioned her head on her arms, and her hair fell over her eyes as she drifted off to the smell of a campfire and the sound of rain falling. She did not notice the plainly dressed elf man slipping between the bookcases behind her...

Penelope huddled in Theleos’ arms. The stew he had cooked pleasantly filled her stomach. She sighed and snuggled deeper into his embrace as she listened to the sound of a late spring storm outside the cave.

Theleos shifted uncomfortably. He felt torn between the desire to comfort his charge and the need for propriety. While he enjoyed the feeling of her leaning against him, wrapped in his arms, his position as Penelope’s bodyguard made this intimacy forbidden.

"Penelope-" he began, only to be interrupted by her.

"Theleos, just hold me. I need you too, especially after that bandit..." she trailed off and shivered.

Theleos held her tighter. The thought of that human touching Penelope made his blood boil. To find her like that, being mounted like a common whore, and being forced to pretend that she enjoyed his touch/. Her moans and cries were so convincing. Theleos frowned, wishing he had been able to kill the bandit. No elven lady should ever be forced into such an undignified position. He looked down at Penelope, watching her face as she rested. He jerked his eyes upward when they strayed to the open front of her shirt and the tops of her softly rising and falling breasts.

"Theleos?" Penelope said after a while.

"Yes?"

"What, what can I do to thank you?"

Theleos smiled. "Don’t worry. I did my job in rescuing you." He frowned again as he thought of the way he was caught off guard when the bandits first attacked.

"But you didn’t have to come by yourself. You could have gone to get help from Lord Loradros’ estate."

"No time. And I was too late as it was. No telling what that human might have done to you if he had had more time."

Penelope sat up and knelt in front of him, leaning over to embrace him. She drew back and looked down at the cave floor, unaware of how her stolen shirt was falling open and exposing her cleavage.

After a few moments of silence, she said, "That bandit was planning to do unspeakable things to me. If you hadn’t gotten there I might have had to..." she sighed. "But you did come. And I must thank you in some way. Please," she said, leaning closer to him and looking into his eyes, "Tell me what you want, anything at all, anything."

Theleos looked back at her and gently touched her shoulder. "My life for yours, my death before yours, I live to protect you," he said, repeating the creed of the Order. "I have all the thanks I need knowing I helped you escape a horrible fate."

Penelope nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "You are so brave," she said, her voice faltering.

Impulsively, she leaned forward and kissed him. What was meant to be a quick kiss of affection lengthened into a more passionate display. Even as Theleos pushed at her shoulders, Penelope kissed him harder, pressing herself against him. She pulled at his the tie on his breeches, trying to tug them down as she straddled his legs.

Theleos struggled against her for a moment, but a rising tide of lust and desire fogged his mind. His hands stopped pushing at her shoulders and tugged her oversized shirt down, exposing her breasts. He lifted her off of him and turned to lay her down on his bedroll. She stared up at him, pushing her breeches off and reaching out to him as he lowered his face to hers.

Penelope moaned into Theleos’ mouth as he lay atop her. His cock was hard and straining through his breeches. She pshed at his waistband and slipped a hand inside, and managed to free his cock. She stroked it and heard him groan loudly. Panting with desire, she spread her legs and guided him into her, crying out as he penetrated her.

She lifted her hips up against him, driving him deep into her as she buried her hands in his hair. He raised himself on his hands and lowered his head to her breasts, sucking and licking them as he thrust  into her. Penelope felt her head spinning as his cock filled her. She moaned loudly with each of his thrusts, matching them with her own. She gasped as an orgasm made her hips shudder, and her thighs tightened around Theleos’ waist.

Penelope panted for breath as she pushed on Theleos’ chest, slowing his thrusts. She grinned as she scooted out from under him and sat up, pushed him onto his back. His hands went to her head as she bent over him and took his cock into her mouth. She licked delicately at the head of his cock and tasted herself there, before taking him in her mouth, while gently sliding her hand over his slick cock. She began to bob her head up and down, stroking him furiously.

Theleos groaned and a strand of cum shot into Penelope's mouth. Her cheeks hollowed as she sucked and stroked, urging him to completion with her tongue. She closed her eyes as his cock jumped twice more against her tongue, his seed filled her mouth as she swallowed it. After he stilled, Penelope let his cock fall slowly from her mouth. She licked her lips and lay down next to him. Resting her head on his chest, she quietly lay there as she felt herself falling asleep...

Penelope woke on a cold floor, a faint taste of Theleos still in her mouth. She sat up slowly, trying to figure out where she was and why her clothes had changed. Instead of a stolen pair of breeches and an oversized shirt, she was wearing a long dress which was currently pulled up above her waist. She scrambled to tug her underwear up from where it was tangled around her ankle as she stood up somewhat unsteadily, eyes glazed.

"Theleos?" she called out quietly, looking around at her surroundings.

Shelves lined with books filled the place with tables and desks scattered throughout. A library? she thought. "Where am I? Theleos!" she yelled louder.

"Don’t worry, my lady," Theleos stepped out from behind a bookshelf, with a grin on his face, "I’m here."

---

"There it is," Solyma pointed to a village nestled in the mountain valley, illuminated by the full moon floating above the Jaegerspine’s peaks.

They had been riding for a week now, and were eager to spend time out of the saddle. They kicked their mounts into a trot as they rode down the small but well maintained road to Merersburg.

"What’s that?" Tancred asked, pointing to a large stone complex perched on the mountain side above the town.

"That’s the nunnery," Solyma answered.

"Nuns?" Tancred asked, a smile on his face, "Lonely nuns, aching for a man’s company and a night of wanton lasciviousness?"

"No, the other kind of nuns. Though they aren’t really the same as nuns on Alderest."

"What do you mean?"

"It’s more of a guildhall than a religious retreat. They just fulfill some of the functions that nuns would back home, providing medical care, charity, and so on."

"How do you know so much about them?"

"I spent a lot of time there when I was growing up. They taught me the secrets of weaving magic. We’ll head there tomorrow. They’ll be able to get us home."

"I’m getting a bit peckish, Solyma. I haven’t had a good meal since we escaped. So-" He looked at her suggestively.

"Is that all I am to you? A walking barrel of blood?"

"You’re far more than just a barrel of blood, Solyma. And you do much more than just walk."

Solyma scowled at him. "You can wait another day. We’ll be home then, and you can have all your ladies come by so you can drink your fill."

---

"Theleos, where am I?" Penelope asked. Looking around at the bookshelves around her.

"You don’t remember? We’re at Lord Loradros’ estate. This is his dungeon."

The shelves flickered and melted, disappearing to reveal a heavy wooden door with only a small barred window between Theleos and her. He was inside a damp stone cell.

"Lord Loradros? Then, I’m married? Why are you in the dungeon?"

Theleos nodded his head sadly. "I’m sorry I couldn’t do more for you, I’m supposed to protect you, but I’ve failed miserably."

Penelope’s mind suddenly filled with memories. How could I forget? she thought. Their wedding night, Lord Loradros had tried to... she shuddered at the thought of what that disgusting man wanted to do to her. She had locked herself in her bedroom, but not before he had torn her wedding dress to shreds. Theleos had stopped him from doing anything worse and as a result had been thrown in the dungeon.

"Theleos, no. You did your best! Don’t blame yourself!" she comforted.

"You should get out of here, before he finds you. There’s no telling what he might do to you."

"But what about you?"

"When the time is right, you must come back here and find this..." Theleos held his hand palm up. A small chest of steel bound in lead floated above it. "It’s buried beneath the floor, right where you stand. If you take it from this dungeon, I’ll be free. Then we can be together."

Penelope smiled hopefully at Theleos and looked down. For some reason the floor beneath her was made of smooth, polished marble instead of damp rock. "Yes, yes, I’ll do that," she said, looking back at him.

"Now go, Lady DeWin. The head of the guards is coming. If she catches you, she’ll take you back to Loradros! Go!"

The sound of boots could be heard now. Penelope gave him one last lingering look and ran down the hallway, slipping into an open cell as a woman dressed in heavy armor strode by the doorway.

Penelope waited until the guard was out of sight and the sound of her boots were distant. Then she hurried from the dungeon and back to her bedroom, carefully avoiding any other people.

Continued in Chapter 3

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