It had been nearly a month before the Dark King, and his mistress came to return to Dread. In their time away they had gathered herbs and poisons. The war was growing closer by the day, running out of supplies was not an option. Their time back within Dread Lands had been busy. They had come to see little of each other since their return. But alas, as the architects had been rumored to have completed the dungeon that the Tyliquin had requested. Tonisa had come to fill her free time speaking with Abigelle. Her time away had left plenty of time for the lonely Queen to expose her thoughts to the simpleminded witch. Despite her certainty of the matter, Tonisa was shocked to find little was spoken of her in her time away. For the most part, Abigelle had discovered that Lady Alex was more so concerned for the safety of her husband in the coming days. There had been some slight degrading words spoken of the dark and hard-hearted Tyliquin but nothing more than that.
Tonisa found her hand driven into her journal. It was the only thing she could trust to confess her sins. She trusted no one fully with her secrets, not even her beloved. A knock came to fall upon the door. "Who goes there?" She barked, closing her journal and returning her quill to its ink. "It is I, Sir Exa. I have been sent by order of his Majesty to summon you. He wishes your approval on your chambers." "Is it ready for me?" Spoke the Foreseer, her face as hard as steel. "I have been informed that it is," Sir Exa replied.
He was a being of skittish temperament, most viewed him as too soft hearted to be claimed by the Dark Dragon King, let alone his band of knights. Tonisa followed him eager to set view on her newly forged study. She hoped that Calira had taken her input into consideration, but if he hadn't, whatever lied in store would have to do. They came upon the mouth of a cave drilled into the side of the mountain, its inner glow radiating forward in mists of olive.
"His Lordship awaits," spoke the frail figure of the man, his eyes moving to the ground in the hope that he would not offend the woman. "Very well, I will see him attended. You are dismissed, Sir Exa." "Gratitude, Lady Tonisa." She made her way inside, the sound of water dripping onto a wet ground filling her senses. The pathway bore the evidence of a newly forged lair, the air thick with the smell of forgotten minerals. She came to meet the smile of the King, his bare body rising from the center of an aquatic pit. His body had been coated in oil allowing his every muscle to shine in the dim light. Wiping hair from his view, Calira came to plant a deep kiss upon his lover's lips, his hands moving to cup her shoulders. "Oh stop it, you will ruin my gown." "Was it not my gold that bought it for you?" He smiled.
The gown was the symbol of a lavish lifestyle. It's worth surpassed even the Queen's dresses, and there he was putting his wet hands all over it. From its heart-shaped neckline to the floor-length hem, the red satin fabric clung to her every curve. Clear crystals embellished the bodice trailing down in single formation along the hems of its waist high splits. Her back remained bare allowing her detailed tattoos to be viewed in their entirety. If for nothing else, Tonisa felt as if she would always be remembered for her style and elegance.
"I care not whose coin was given in exchange for it, it belongs to me now, and I will not see it ruined." She pushed his hand away. "Oh, come dear, must you be in one of your moods today? I give you all you ask for, and still, I cannot please you. I had the finest architects in all of Dread build you your own ritual den, and yet I cannot be repaid with a kiss of love and gratitude. Do not be so selfish my love. It does not become you." He turned and fetched his clothing. "I am not selfish. I simply do not wish to see your riches go to waste. After all, you said you enjoy me most when I wear red." Pulling on his trousers, he continued. "Aye, I do indeed. Though I must say, I prefer you in the robes you were born with." "As I do you, your genuine and honest robes of blackened scales. But do you hear me complaining to you about such things?" "No, I do not, but you deafen me with other things that upset you. Now, enough, come and behold what I have had built for you." Realizing she had yet to explore her new area of work, Tonisa moved about running her hands on the smooth stone. The den was warm with heat, the flicker of torches, the only light permitted. The walls of both levels were made of greenstone etched with various symbols of magic. Directly in the center rested a hot spring of sorts, its waters stained bronze with free floating minerals. To her left Tonisa noticed the ritual table that she would later use in the sacrifice of the bastard, Tydran, the thought made her gleam with joy. Two pillars sat before her between them a lounge fit for a goddess. Blankets of fur covered the pillows and sheets upon it, each shaded a dark shade of ebony and gray. Overall, the den had been made to house the bidding of the Tyliquins, but for now, the dragon had other plans in store.
"Do you like it, my dear?" He said moving to wrap her in his arms, his manhood pressing into the cheeks of her firm ass. "I do indeed, a place to work and rest and share the company of those I care for most. Tell me the pit there in the center...did you have it constructed to aid in our relaxation?" "No. When they began digging, we found it, and I decided that we should build around it." "She took a moment to let her hands run over his arms. "I see. Well, that sparks question as to how it got here. It looks familiar to me, its ambiance is overbearing." She moved cautiously pressing her hand under its waters. It was pleasantly warm and slightly thick with slime. Smoke radiated from its depths, the steam as brown as fresh mud.
"Do the others know of it?" She spoke as she peered into the never-ending depths. "No, they do not, perhaps, they never will. I did, after all, have this made with you in mind. Until we know for sure what wonders, the hot spring holds this area will be restricted. I certainly don't want that horrid wife of mine locating it." "Oh, that would be disastrous. Though I believe I know what this is." She stood and walked around it, her eyes fixated on something Calira could not see.
"What do you believe it to be? I took a swim in it, but nothing came to startle me." Tonisa gave a shake of her head. "As if anything could startle you, besides nothing ever would come to frighten you from these waters simply because what lies deep beneath the sand remains sealed. My love, I believe you have uncovered one of the four gates of Abizean. And if that is true, we shall regain the lead of the search for the stone."
"What could be left behind from Abizean and his rule? He was slain defending his gates and with his death came the death of all under his control." "Abizean lives, he has remained in hiding. He is of no use to us, especially now, we must find a way to lure out those who may still hold loyalty to him. My mind fails me, but I know there is an enchantment upon each of these portals, and the question remains as to which one?" "I am sure if you and the others clash minds, you will figure out how to break the spells and restore your own upon them. But such insignificant matters must wait, I fear it has been too long since I last felt the heat of your touch."
"Now is not the time to join in bed, Calira. We have recently spent the last month indulging in each other. Time continues to spin rapidly, and here we stand idle being left behind. My days and nights shall be consumed with the work of unlocking what lies beneath. I have grown tired of this life of secrecy and betrayal. We must begin to move forward or be enslaved to our current situations. My flesh is beginning to wear thin, my King, being revealed here before the eyes of your court and citizens would mean our end. Until I bare your name and give you a child, I must play my part and see us advance as planned. Abigelle is nearing the end of her maternity season, your sister has found allies who may possibly know the whereabouts of the gemstone. My apologies, but the lusts of our loins are but petty excuses to mask our greatest fears."
"Well, all you had to say was that you were not in the mood. But I suppose you are right. I will leave you to your work and deal with the rage of my cock elsewhere." He turned pulling on his blouse and made his way towards the exit. "Wait," yelled Tonisa, her voice filled with jealousy. "Elsewhere? And where might that be?" "With my wife. It will be far from euphoric, but it will provide me with the desired result. Need I say she has been begging for my presence in our bed for some time now."
"I shall not touch you if you lay with her. Her stench sickens me. Every time you fall into that bed, it eats at my heart and corrupts my mind." "If you will not make love to me what am I to do?" "Whatever you must, I suppose." Rolling her eyes Tonisa walked into the darkness. "Very well. As you wish,but remember the pain you felt the last time you instructed me to do as I must. I will not lay with her. I will simply stew in my pain until you have time to tend me as if I am but a young wet girl," he growled and took his leave walking towards the hidden passage into the keep.
Tonisa listened to him leave, her eyes swelling with heat. She shoved the unsettling thoughts from her mind and moved to hover over the water. Taking her dagger from her thigh in hand, she began to chant in Gystrian. The ancient speech of the hounds of Drathell rolled off her tongue as if she shared their blood. "Shedruf excaowme trufacq douwse eixpeio faienayo." "With this blood, I offer you freedom." She chanted as the blade came to slice into her palm. The thick red force came to fall into the water. As it did, the water began to bubble viciously. The ground beneath her feet began to shake as if the planet was to erupt.
"O'tashak shuvitersi dufi cuzte xiqlo veyisurfae Draconviex." "Come forth and greet your newly crowned mistress Draconvieh." The waters began to part, and soon the red lights of Drathell could be seen. The snarls and howls of hounds could be heard, and then she realized she had only moments to prepare. The witch looked around her cavern and soon located an iron chain. She took to a nearby wall, pressing her back firmly upon it. Her dagger had come to drop upon the floor, but in that moment, she did not care. A splash of water came to birth from the pit, the essence of blackened fur coming to erupt as well. An ear deafening screech came to burst from the creature's lungs. Its tar- colored claws scratched at the floors of the cave. At last, it came to find proper footing, its chest heaved for air, and suddenly, it turned to face her with a hungry and rabid gaze. Fangs came to bare, yellow and stained with age. Horns of blood red sprang from his skull and curled forward before his snout. It was in that moment that Tonisa realized this was no ordinary hellhound. This was a Vuruvian Red Horn, the fruit of Abizean's loins.
The large male stood eye to eye with her breasts. His frame was constructed of hardened muscle covered in flesh bearing uncountable scars. Such was common for the breed, their entire life was a revolving door of brawls and spars. "Hu dailaecarthyne wu rien." "How beautiful you are," Tonisa spoke calmly, her hand gripped tightly around the chain. She knew this male would not submit to her, not without a fight. The large beast tilted its head in disbelief.
"Wu'eva twux esiz cuwanpo." Who stand you, female? He questioned, his body pacing from side to side restlessly. "Yae miax vulthcar Veyisurfae." I am your mistress, she replied. Without a warning the hound lunged forward stopping five feet away from her. "Yae u'cae iun Veyisurfae!" "I have no mistress!" He snarled. Behind her back, Tonisa had come to loop the chain within itself. As he lunged again, she met him halfway looping the heavy iron around his neck. "Wu d'io nazpo." You do now. She laughed as she pulled the chain taught, its links now locked tightly around his throat.
Lady Kasta and her Grace sat talking over tea, as they often did. Their speech came to silence as the King entered the room. "Alexandria, have you laid eyes upon the young witch? The one known as Abigelle?" For once his tone was calm. "Why yes, she rests in her quarters. She has been complaining of stomach pain. She slumbers under the watch of Xantor."
"Gratitude," he replied leaning down to kiss her cheek as he rushed towards the western wing. Sitting just outside her doorway rested Xantor. His aging body hunched over a large and frilled book. Before he had time to address him, the man stood bowing before his commander. "Afternoon, your Majesty, what services do you need of me?" "The girl Abigelle, how does she fare? Is she well?" Putting the book down and folding his hands together he replied. "She sleeps under the effects of Deadly Nightshade the child within her has begun to descend in preparation for its birth. The pain had begun to grow severe, so I put her to sleep. It was the only option I had. I hope you approve."
"That is fine. As long as the sedatives will not harm the child. If I were to wake her would the pain return?" "It is possible. But if you need to have words with her, I am sure a quick visit will not bring much harm." He opened the door and stepped aside extending his hand to make way for his superior. The room was warm and quiet; the soft sound of labored breathing was the only indication the girl was even there. She did not stir, nor did she wake as he came to kneel at her bedside. His hand moved into her hair stroking it and only then did she wake. "Your Grace." She wheezed, her voice no louder than the sound of a kitten.
"Hush now do not speak. You will need to save your strength for the coming days. Tell me, does our child fight to join this world?" A hint of a smile came to glide over his lips. She swallowed, her throat dry. "Yes, the time draws closer. He has been very active today, enjoying his last days within the safety of my womb." Her face soured. "He continues to move as well, but I give my gratitude to the healer. The pain is at least bearable now." "May I?" He spoke softly hesitant even though the child was his to possess.
"Of course you may, he is your son after all." Moving the sheets aside, the King got his first glance at the swell of her stomach. He allowed his hand to rest upon it, as he did the foot of his son came to greet his hand. The young woman placed her palm onto his hand softly. "He wishes to greet his father's loving arms." "I cannot say my arms will wrap him in love that is if I ever hold him. It is a shame your efforts to give him life will come to a rapid end." She sat up. "And what do you mean by that? You are to raise him so that he may grow into your most feared warrior." "No, it is time you knew the truth, my dear. Our son is but a sacrifice. In losing something so sacred as the life of a child, I would be blessed with powers untold. An energy that would lead me to victory both in love and war. It is the only way for me to succeed in the conquest I am to embark on."
"You do this for her satisfaction, don't you? I am sorry, Calira. But if Tonisa loved you, she would stand by your side no matter what wealth or titles you lacked. I have learned that she cannot be satisfied, the wishes of her heart and mind are too vast. Do not slay our child to please her or bring forth whatever empty promises she has made to you."
"I have no choice. I promised my life to her when we were young and so freshly in love. She has given all to see me rise, devoted so much time and effort. I could not deny her the promises I made now." "So I am but your tool, and your son her spirit to wield to erase what shall never come. She wishes you to have nothing so that you may be hers and only hers. One day your eyes will open, and you will find what I say come to pass." "I ask your forgiveness, even in my betrayal you remain kind." "I forgive you Calira. You only do what you must to survive. All I ask is that you will grant me the same understanding."
He kissed her. "I do, I am in your debt and would gladly place my life in your hands, but it is no longer mine to give." The child kicked him again this time stronger than before, the pain making her shiver. She screamed out in pain, her eyes coming to close. "Xantor!" She cried out. The door swung open, and the Tribeention stepped inside. "Your Grace, the sedatives have begun to wear away. I must humbly ask that you take your leave. Return at a later time, for now, the woman needs her rest."
"Very well. Do what you can for her, ensure no harm comes to the child." With a torn heart, the King left closing the door softly. Tears filled his eyes as he hung his head. The reality of what was to come pressing regret and guilt into his mind. Coming to brush the hair from his view, Calira met the questioning gaze of Tonisa, her eyes black and cold.
"What are you doing here?" "I could ask you the same. Should you not be at your duties?" "I have been. I came to find you to inform you that I have captured a hound." "You what! There is a hellhound within my territory? Have you lost all sense?!" "Have you? I have summoned and captured a red horn. Do you know what this means?" "No. perhaps you could explain it to me." "I can build us an army to match your sister's. They will follow my every command, I assure you." He rolled his eyes and held the bridge of his nose in frustration. "You always find a way to fix things the hard way, don't you?"
"You may have no more than two. See if they will do as commanded. If not, I will have them slain. Do I make myself clear?" His tone was stern and dominant, she knew now was not the time to argue with his judgment. "Perfectly. I shall return to my work. As for Abigelle, has her labor begun?" "I do not believe so, but its arrival is on the horizon." "Good. Keep an eye on her and maybe later tonight I will give you what you requested." Draconvieh looked over her form and smirked. "No need. You have far more important things to attend to. I will find pleasure within my palm if the need proves too great. After all, you should not miss it much. You have a lot of work ahead of you." He kissed her forehead and sat off down the hall, his cape sweeping the ground as he walked. "Curse you!" She thought, her arms folding over her breasts. She looked to the door hearing the wails of pain that emanated from it. Looking around she stepped inside, the look of distrust heavy in Abigelle's eyes.
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