The World of Alderest - IV - A Journey With the Dead - Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Ismene sighed in pleasure as she slid into the large bathtub, feeling her skin tingle at the touch of the steaming water. She smiled as she splashed water over her breasts and neck, relishing the feel of being clean for the first time in days.

There were several small clinks as she set pulled her hairpins free and set them on the tile floor next to the bath. She ran her hands through her hair and shook it out, letting the ends trail in the water. She grimaced as she combed out twigs and leaves, wincing as her comb caught in a particularly vicious tangle. Ismene smiled in grim satisfaction as she finally freed her hair of knots and began to wash herself.

Many minutes later, she tucked her legs back against her chest as she watched the water swirl down the drain, carrying the dirt and soap with it. She looked outside the window, it was still raining and it did not appear to be night yet. The young elf smiled and plugged the drain once the water had gone, turning the two large brass handles and leaning back as hot water sluiced into the tub.

A Knight of the Tome had stopped by several years ago and had supervised installation of plumbing in the manor and Irvan's tower, at least that was what Lord Volchim had told her. Thinking of him, she felt a sudden weight of sorrow settle over her heart. It didn't seem possible that he was gone with no way to free him.

"There must be a way," she whispered to herself as she turned off the water. She let out a long breath and leaned back against the porcelain of the bathtub, letting her arms dangle over the side as she relaxed. Ever so slowly, she felt her eyes closing, closing, closing, until she was asleep.

Ismene half-turned and smiled at Lord Volchim. He was standing a feet feet away from by the cliff edge, looking out to sea.

They had ridden out to the westernmost point on the peninsula that formed the province of Cielcroix. It was a lush land, green from the many rain storms and warm temperatures of the southern sea.

And windy, she thought as she settled her hat deeper on her head, making sure that the leather thong looped under her chin was still tight. Emerald green grass that just reached the tops of her shoes whipped along in sweeping waves as the wind rushed over the cliff. Further out to sea, Ismene could see dancing whitecaps and the spouting of a pod of whales headed north for the summer. Beyond them an advancing bank of clouds threatened to drench Cielcroix with one of its summer thunderstorms.

"They come by here every year," Lord Volchim said as he stood next to her. "Heading north in summer and south in winter."

"I've never seen a whale," Ismene said. She had heard that they were huge, as large as a dragon, with great wings that they used to fly through the water. "Why do they spout?"

"They breathe air, just like we do," Lord Volchim said. "When you see a spout that means that they've surfaced to breath and they're blowing the water free of their noses."

Ismene nodded, distant lessons in biology floating back to her. She flushed, realizing that she was a sorry example for a tutor if she didn't know such basic information about the world. "I wonder, are they dangerous?"

"No, not at all unless you provoke them."

"Is it possible to sail out and see them?"

"Yes, would you care to go?"

"I'd be delighted-" She was cut off by the beating of immense wings. Startled, Ismene looked up and saw the form of a dragon briefly blotting out the sun as it flew overhead. Lord Volchim waved and yelled out a greeting. The dragon responded by dipping its wings and circling once overhead before flying out to sea. "Where's Vysthus going?" she asked.

"He's hunting. The whales are easy prey for him. He just watches for the spouts and carries a small one off. The larger ones are too big even for him," he said as he calmed the horses. The horses were relatively used to Vysthus but the dragon still could cause them to panic if he happened upon them suddenly.

"Lord Volchim? Those clouds are coming towards us awfully fast-" Already she could feel the wind getting colder.

"You're right, if we ride hard we should be able to get back before the storm hits." Lord Volchim waved a goodbye at the diving shape of Vysthus on the off chance that he was watching and lifted Ismene into her saddle.

Ismene tried not to flush at the feel of his hands tight around her waist. She could climb into a saddle perfectly well, even wearing a dress. After all, she had been riding horses since she was a girl. But she enjoyed letting Lord Volchim help her. She thanked him as she settled herself sidesaddle.

Heavy drops of water began to splash off her hat as Lord Volchim vaulted into the saddle and turned his horse back towards Merglise and the manor. Ismene looked up and felt the rain falling harder. Lord Volchim was looking at her quizzically as she hitched up her skirt and swung her leg over her horse's back, sitting properly on a horse for the first time in quite a while.

Lord Volchim smiled faintly as he studied Ismene's legs out of the corner of his eye. He knew she'd get embarrassed if she knew he was watching. Still... He shook his head and tapped his horse's flanks with his heels, watching as Ismene did the same.

---

In her bath, Ismene sighed and shifted slightly, sliding down a bit further into the water...

The storm had overtaken them a little more than halfway back. Rather than brave the fierce winds and lightning, they had taken shelter in a small cabin that hunters would use if they stayed out too late. The horse's were stabled in the small lean-to next to the cabin as Ismene dried her hair. She had a fire going as Lord Volchim entered the cabin.

"Good thing we have leftovers from the picnic," he said as he shook his cloak out and hung it near the fire to dry.

"There's most of a chicken and a few sandwiches. What do you want?" Ismene asked as she knelt by the picnic basket, luckily it was made out of tightly woven wicker and had kept most of the rain out. She wondered why the cook had packed so much food for them. The cook had just kept smiling and nudging Ismene with her elbow while saying things like, "You'll be hungry after you're done," and "I'm sure you'll find a use for this jam." But it had turned out for the best. "Lord Volchim?" she said.

Lord Volchim shook himself out of his reverie. Ismene's dress had gotten wet in the last few minutes before they had reached the cabin. It was sticking to her slender body like a second skin as she dripped onto the rug. He could clearly see the outlines of her breasts and- He swallowed, her nipples. "I, uh, I'll have one of the sandwiches," he finally said, moving over to the window to watch the storm.

Ismene was glad that he had his back turned as she took two sandwiches out of the basket. Despite the cold of her dress against her skin, she felt unaccountably warm. She imagined him looking at her body with desire, wanting her...

Ismene turned her head and shifted herself, beads of sweat trickling down her face and neck as the bathwater steamed...

Ismene lay by the fire, her back towards Lord Volchim. He had given her the blanket they had brought along on the picnic, settling on his dried out cloak for himself. The food had been as delicious as when they had eaten it at lunch, perhaps more so with the storm howling outside and a warm fire roaring in the hearth.

She had slipped out of her dress and was only wearing her underwear and shift beneath the blanket. She snuck a look over her shoulder and saw Lord Volchim lying on his back, his hands behind his head and eyes closed. She had a sudden urge to go over to him and lie down on top of him. Flushing in the firelight, she turned away from him and felt her hand slid down her belly to the hem of her shift. Biting her lower lip, she tugged up her shift and slid her hand down the front of her underwear. She turned her head and began to pant into the blanket as she began to slide her fingers in and out of herself, imagining that they were Lord Volchim's. Her other hand snuck up under her shift and began to massage her small, firm breasts, squeezing her flesh desperately as she pumped her fingers in an increasing tempo.

Lord Volchim opened his eyes when he heard Ismene breathing hard. He had nearly been asleep when he had taken notice of her change in breathing. Was she having a nightmare? he wondered as he turned his head. He stared dumbly at the motions of her arms and body for a good minute before he realized what she was doing. Ashamed and incredibly aroused by catching her in the act of pleasuring herself, he rolled to face away from her, trying to think of anything other than her slim body with her long legs and breasts that seemed to beg to be kissed- He groaned and closed his eyes tightly, trying to think of maintenance needed at the manor.

Replace the shutters on the west wing, he thought. Clean the ballroom windows, inside and out. What else? Oh, yes, touch up the paint on the library window frames, it was looking a bit pale. Order some lemons for the cooks pie and- Do all elves pleasure themselves when other people are around? Do they have different standards of modesty? Would she mind if I watched? She isn't making a lot of effort to hide her moans- Lemons for the cook! Make sure that the sailboat is in good condition to take Ismene out to see the whales- She really wouldn't mind, I don't think. I mean, maybe its a custom, like walking around with your jacket undone to show that you aren't hiding anything-

Lord Volchim shifted his pants, trying to find a more comfortable position. Ismene seemed to be almost finished, at least if her muffled gasps were anything to go by. He heard her give a long pleasured sigh and then the sound of her arranging the blanket.

Knowing it was impossible, he tried to ignore the sound of her soft breathing and fall asleep.

Ismene smiled as she remembered that night, letting her arms slide over her head as she slipped into the tub. She awoke with a nose full of water and shot to the surface, splashing water over the bathtub's rim as she coughed and gasped for air. Serves me right for falling asleep, she thought ruefully as she rubbed her nose. I'd better get dinner ready for the children.

---

Solyma woke up, refreshed and happy for the first time in weeks. She smiled as she remembered the startled look on Tamara's face as she had torn off the noblewoman's nightgown. Something good out of this trip, Solyma thought sleepily as she stretched luxuriously and climbed down from her bunk.

Tamara paled and stared furiously at her breakfast as Solyma walked into the schooner's tiny galley. Annette blushed and took her bowl of porridge outside onto the deck, leaving Solyma and Tamara alone.

Solyma rested her chin on her fist as she looked over the table at the quickly eating girl. Solyma reached out and took Tamara's chin in her hand, lifting the girl's face to hers.

"Good morning," Solyma said then smiled at the mixed look of lust, anger, and embarrassment on Tamara's face. "How did you sleep?"

"I slept quite well, thank you," Tamara said in a frosty voice, only slightly spoiled by a blush creeping up her face.

"Hmm," Solyma said as she leaned back and looked at the galley's table. It seemed the perfect size to stretch out a young noblewoman. Four scarves, Solyma thought, not rope, too rough on her delicate skin. She smiled as she stood and leaned over to give Tamara a deep kiss. "I'll see you later, don't wear anything too expensive."

The noblewoman nodded without thinking as she watched Solyma saunter out of the galley. Her spoon dropped forgotten into her porridge, sending a small spray of droplets onto her dress unnoticed.

Kerrith looked up as Solyma walked onto the deck, a broad smile on her face. He was helping the rest of the crew clear the deck of debris and tangles of rope and sail. They had taken a beating during the night and would need to heave to for repairs before continuing on to Cielcroix. Luckily they were near the scattered islands of the Debrus Archipelago. There was the problem of the vicious monsters that roamed the islands and the possibility of stumbling into a pirate's den. But monsters or no, without repairs the schooner would never make it to Merglise.

"Good morning everyone!" Solyma called out as she stretched and wandered over to where Kerrith and Tancred were cutting free a tangle of rope and wood.

"You're in a good mood," Tancred grunted. Kerrith had gained a new, if grudging, respect for the vampire. Previously he had thought that the vampire was just a fop, gliding through life and doing little to contribute. But he had shown admirable bravery and dedication, staying at the helm through the night and continuing to work during the day despite the discomfort that the sun caused him. "Wait-" Tancred narrowed his eyes as he studied Solyma then shifted his gaze to Tamara. His eyes widened as Tamara said nothing, breaking the three day old routine of a morning insult. "You-?"

"Yes," Solyma smirked.

"How? How did you-"

"You know how it is, spoiled noble, you just have to show them who's boss."

Tancred worked his mouth silently in mute outrage. He had been planning to seduce Tamara tonight. Now what was the use?

Solyma had beaten him to it. They had been doing this to each other for the past hundred years, usually when they were both bored. Seductions had been evenly divided between them for the most part, at least until they had parted ways after Solyma had knifed Valkersan in the back. In the short time that they had both been living in the city after getting back from Kathaln they had resumed the contest. Solyma had been getting the upper hand, with his lovers from the higher circles of nobility, Tancred hadn't had as much time to devote to it. Although, now that he thought about it, Solyma hadn't been bedding nearly as many people as she had in the old days. "What's the matter? Lose your voice swapping stories with Hector?" Solyma said, leaning back against the railing with her arms crossed under her breasts.

"Tancred!" Kerrith called out. "We're getting ready to go ashore and fetch some timber, you'd be a great asset if you came."

"Go on, it'll be fun, you and the rest of the men. Telling stories about your conquests," Solyma said cheerfully.

Tancred narrowed his eyes and glared suspiciously at her. She was planning something. But what? "Shreds!" Tancred swore softly. "Fine, I'll come along."

"Good, it'll make cutting the timber go much faster. Solyma," Kerrith said, "Hector will be with us, if you don't mind. That way you can contact us if there's any danger."

"Sure," Solyma said. "But danger from what?"

"Pirates. Just keep a look out and you'll spot them in time for us to get back. The captain's spotted suitable trees just a short walk from the beach."

"Hmmm, handsome and dashing pirates who'll want to ravish every woman aboard?"

Kerrith frowned. "No, pirates who kill everyone on board after they rape you."

Solyma shrugged. "I'll keep an eye out then."

---

Ismene looked around the room confusedly for a moment before she remembered where she was. Irvan had a distressing tendency to furnish his rooms in garishly colored and patterned overstuffed furniture along with the stuffed heads of exotic animals. Something resembling a giant hamster was mounted on the wall above the door. It didn't look too happy about its situation. At least the furniture was comfortable, Ismene thought. It had taken her a while to get used to the deep and soft mattress but she had finally managed to stop feeling like she was being swallowed up by it.

"Oh good, you're awake," Irvan said as he cracked open the door. "I was just making breakfast."

"Thank you. I really should be doing the cooking," Ismene said as she sat up.

"Nonsense! You're my guest, I should be bringing you breakfast in bed." Irvan smiled broadly when Ismene smiled. "Good, now hurry along otherwise Theodoric and Amy will eat everything themselves."

---

Tamara looked nervously over at Solyma as the crew of the schooner along with Kerrith, Tancred, Hector and a bitterly complaining Bradley rowed towards a nearby island. The young noblewoman watched apprehensively as Solyma began to tie bits of rope into knots, all the while looking at her with a wicked smile on her face.

"Annette, I'm going back to my cabin," Tamara said and quickly fled back below decks. Annette looked up from a piece of embroidery and watched curiously as Solyma followed Tamara, whistling cheerfully. Looking around at the empty deck, Annette set her embroidery basket to the side and followed Solyma quietly.

Tamara jumped when the door to the cabin shook. She had locked it behind her and watched the latch shake as someone rattled the handle.

"Open the door, my lady," Solyma said mockingly. "I know you want this."

"Go away! I will not consort with such a vile and filthy person such as you!" Tamara yelled back as she pulled on her cheapest dress, a rather gaudy thing made of red fabric with a plunging neckline.

"Filthy? Vile? I'll show you vile and filthy, now open the door!"

Tamara smoothed the dress down her legs and craned her head to check how it draped over her bottom. The dress was rather tight around the waist and hips and clung to her bottom quite fetchingly. "You're a horrible beast!" she yelled. "How dare you attempt to molest me again!"

Solyma smiled. "Oh yes, you're going to get molested. And much more." She quickly spun a weave that lifted the latch on the inside of the door and pushed it open. Tamara was standing against the far bulkhead wearing a slutty looking red dress. It did look good on her though.

"What a cowardly thing to do! Using your magic to enchant me," Tamara said icily as Solyma slowly approached her. "Wait- What are you-?"

Solyma noticed that Tamara made no effort at all to avoid her kiss. "I've never used magic to get a woman," Solyma whispered as she led Tamara out of the cabin and down the hallway towards the galley. Neither of them noticed Annette creeping along behind them.

"What are you going to do with those?" Tamara asked as Solyma held up a handful of scarves she had taken from Tamara's luggage.

"Guess, now hop up on the table," Solyma said. Tamara complied slowly, watching as Solyma pushed her towards the center of the table and then onto her back.

"You'll pay for this," Tamara said softly as Solyma began to tie her ankles to the table legs.

"Mmm hmm," Solyma replied as she moved up the table and tied Tamara's wrists above her head. Solyma tugged on the scarves to make sure they were secure and stepped back. She smiled at the sight, she admitted she had a nasty little fetish for seeing her lovers tied up or down. Most of them enjoyed it, at least they did after she was done with them. Solyma tapped her fingers on the table thoughtfully and then left the galley, leaving Tamara alone while she went back to their cabin and retrieved another scarf.

"Can't have you making too much noise and upsetting Annette, can we?" Solyma said as she entered the galley. Tamara struggled for a moment as Solyma tied the scarf between Tamara's lips, muffling her protests while not making her seriously uncomfortable. "Now," Solyma said as she slipped out of her clothes, "the fun part."

Annette crept out of her hiding place in a storage locker and approached the galley door. She peered inside and moaned softly at the sight before her. Solyma was crouched on the galley table bent over with her head buried between Tamara's thighs.

Tamara's dress had been hiked up above her hips and her bodice had been torn open to expose her full and rounded breasts.

The maid knelt by the door and hiked up her skirt enough to pull down her underwear. She quickly began to rub herself as she watched Solyma's head move up and down as she licked Tamara. The noblewoman's moans were muffled by a scarf secured in her mouth leaving the galley silent but for the heavy breathing of Solyma and the wet sounds of her tongue lapping at Tamara's pussy. Tamara's nostrils flared as she began to buck her hips up towards Solyma's mouth, straining against the scarves tying her to the table.

Annette leaned against the doorway as she slid her fingers into herself, biting down on her other hand to keep from crying out.

She felt herself deliriously excited and close to orgasm as Solyma moved up on hands and knees to straddle Tamara's body.

Annette watched, her fingers pumping madly, as Solyma removed the scarf from Tamara's mouth and turned to face Tamara's feet.

Annette tumbled out of the doorway in her effort to keep from being seen and landed on her back. She heard Tamara cry out, her voice muffled by Solyma's thighs, and came onto her fingers. She was staring up at the hall's ceiling, listening to Tamara's increasingly frantic cries when she heard a loud thump from the deck above along with a harsh male voice.

"Take the men below decks and check out the hold, a schooner flying the king's flag must be carrying something important," another voice, more educated but full of malice, cried out.

Annette's eyes widened as she realized what had just happened. She pulled her underwear up and stumbled into the galley, whispering urgently to Solyma, "Solyma! Pirates! They've come aboard!"

"Wha-, uhh! Mmmph," Solyma gasped out she continued to lick at Tamara.

"Pirates! We have to get out of here!"

Continued in Chapter 5

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