ForgeHawk (original fiction, fantasy, magic, dragons, mature content)

[Kris Wicker]

Chapter 23 – Caves

A great distance northeast, a forge dragon was busy at work shaping rock in a fellow dragons cave system. They had agreed on the trade of services to better each other's lairs, and since they were already at the forest dragon's lair they started there.

Razler felt content working on a new passage for Ellantor, the forest dragon. Moving and shaping stone was as natural to him as flying and had a level satisfaction that felt good. While it was true that there was an unspoken competition between the dragons to have the most prestige, Razler didn't even entertain the thought of not doing the best he could because he wanted the other Dragons to have a constant reminder how spectacular of an artistic stone worker he was.

He thought how his cave comparatively simple. Granted, his lair was built during the last dragon age making it relatively new, he shouldn't be out done by the others. I really need to work on my own lair one of these days.

A dryad flew into his peripheral vision and hovered patiently.

The dragon didn't wait too long before paying attention to her.

"Great Forge Dragon Razler," said the Dryad. "Your presence is requested in the Grand Entrance for Splinn, The Great Water Dragon has arrived."

"Very well, tell them I will be there soon." It's not like he got along overly well with the water dragon, but it would be rude not to make a formal greeting.

The dryad bowed and flew off.

Razler watched the butterfly winged fairy fly off. Ellantor has a chamber for everything and a maze of tunnels. I'm going to have to get to some serious work when I get back.

He walked through the cave system. It was a thriving ecosystem, leafy vegetation, vines and branches coming in out of the rock hiding it from view. Where the forge dragon had glowing orange crystals illuminating his cave, the forest dragon had hanging lichen radiating a soft green. Ellantor also had numerous pieces of art, statues, portraits and musical instruments carefully placed on display. Very exquisite if you are into that sort of thing, like a forest dragon would be, but Razler preferred the rocks, metals coins, and the steam of his lair.

The other three dragons had gathered at the center of the Grand Entrance Chamber. Ellantor, the green forest dragon was largest of them, Ferrix, the pale sky dragon was slightest of the group, and the newest arrival, Splinn the blue water dragon, who was of the same size as Razler, but was much sleeker for travelling underwater with a dorsal fin going from head to tail with webbed limbs and fingers.

"Forge Dragon Razler," said Splinn. "I already can sense the heat radiating from you from this distance, your power has grown greatly."

"Thank you Water Dragon Splinn," replied Razler, following up his part of the traditional greeting. "Likewise, I can feel the coldness on you. It is like beholding fluid ice in all its splendour."

"I am glad you are here Razler. My sprites had a curious request from a human at Port Amber I would like to ask you about."

The other two dragons looked to the forge dragon. Razler could see they were curious as well. "What is this question?"

"My sprites got the message from a pixie who was sent from Port Amber. I know it is strange, but a Waterbear wizard asked to be my prince. Like how you have a Forgehawk princess."

The shock on the dragon's faces was plain to see.

"You didn't tell us your human was a Forgehawk," stated Ellantor.

"Nor a princess," said Ferrix.

Razler did his best to keep his face calm. My human is a princess? He knew of human royalty, but she didn't seem like she would be a princess.

"Do you claim to be king?" asked Ellantor. Razler immediately sensed the threat at the audacity if he tried to lord over them.

"Are we all not kings?" replied Razler, speaking out the first explanation coming to mind. "Are you not the king of forest dragons, dryads and all that grows? And you Ferrix, are you not the king of the air and the power of the sky? Just as Splinn is the king of all that is water and ice? We each have our territories and we are all kings of our lands. Humans are simple creatures, so you need to speak down to them. As a princess, the other humans will respond better to my demands."

The other dragons nodded, understanding the logic.

"Why didn't you tell us sooner?"

Razler shrugged, "It's only a small matter. What is mere human royalty compared to us?"

"And a Forgehawk? Your human is a wizard?"

"Of course she is," said Razler. "Do you think I would want an ordinary human familiar?"

"How can you trust a human?" asked Splinn. "They're treacherous things."

"True Splinn. That is why I gave her the forge dragon medallion linking her to me. The link is getting stronger every day."

"Really? What is she doing now?" asked Ferrix, testing him.

Razler focused on the link. It usually was like a distant thought, something always there, but not in the front of his mind. He knew last night she was active very late, which he thought was unusual because humans were predominantly day creatures. He couldn't exactly tell what she was up to, but he knew she was enjoying herself.

Drawing in breath, he felt for his human, "Oh my," he said cocking his head trying to place the feelings coming from Buttons. "What is happening to my human?"

The other dragons leaned in, fascinated.

"Is she in danger?"

"Is there a fight?"

"No, nothing like that," replied Razler. He closed his eyes so he could focus better. "She is… enjoying something. Definitely enjoying."

The other dragons looked to each other, wondering.

"Does she hunt prey?" asked Ellantor.

"Or eating a good meal?" offered Ferrix.

"Did she find great treasure?" wondered Splinn.

Razler tried to place the sensations. "None of those…but, she's doing something…that's giving her great pleasure." The fire dragon could feel his own pulse increase from the sensations. "This is nothing like I've felt before."

"How can a human experience something a dragon hasn't?" asked Splinn.

"I don't know, but it's growing. Like increasing wave after wave of pleasure. The intensity is…ohhh…wow…ohhhhhhhh…"

"What just happened?" asked Ellantor leaning in to inspect the fire dragon.

Razler opened his eyes and gave himself a shake. "I have no idea. I will ask my human what she did and have her do it again."

The dragons looked to each other, dumbfounded to explain what a human could possibly do to gain such a response.

"Now if you could excuse me, I wish to get back to finishing off my work in your lair Ellantor."

"Of course," replied Ellantor. Having the forge dragon craft the cave system was of great help and an honor that couldn't be refused, the forest dragon would've preferred to learn more about the human.

Razler left the group and went back to the isolated section of the cave he was creating. Looking back to make sure he was alone he focused back on the link with Buttons. The sensations were so intense that he sat down before his legs gave out. "What is my human doing?"

 

[Kris Wicker]

Chapter 24 – The Rod

Claire soaked in the hot tub. Her eyes were heavy lidded, and her body trembled with aftershocks. Her mind a haze from the new experiences of sight, touch, sound, taste and smell. She had thought sex with Kantar was fun, but Stephanie unlocked a series of orgasms she didn't know was possible. Stephanie was right. I am a puddle of satisfaction.

At the edge of her awareness she knew that Stephanie had gotten out of the tub and was moving about. Claire sunk into the water down to her chin, enjoying the warmth.

"Here, hold this," said Stephanie, holding out a wooden rod.

Claire lifted a hand to grasp it. "What's this?"

"My magic rod," said Stephanie as she turned away.

It's definitely too thick to be called a wand, thought Claire as she gripped the thick shaft.

She lifted it up to her eye and looked through it. "Why is it hollow?"

"That's one of the brilliant parts," responded Stephanie. She was next to the tub, opened the satchel and carefully set food items neatly in a row. Cuts of meats, bread, cheese and greens. She hadn't bothered to get dressed.

Curious to be holding a soon-to-be wizard werk enraptured Claire. It was about as along as her forearm, and thick enough to be comfortable in her grip. The tube appeared to be made of finely finished and lacquered wood, but it was much harder than any wood she had felt before.

The thinnest of vines was intricately woven around it, running parallel with silver and brass. Gems studded it, with the weavings of the vines and metal encircling them. She didn't count the gems, but they ranged in shapes, sizes and included colors of greens, blues, purples and white. There were also spots that looked like future homes for other stones.

"What's with the metal side panels?" asked Claire.

"That's where I put the magic engines."

"Magic engines?" Claire tapped one of the protruding metal panels with a fingernail.

"Okay," said Stephanie as she jumped into the tub with a splash. "You ready?"

Claire carefully turned over the rod in her hands. "I think so, but I am not sure what I have to do."

Stephanie held out her hands, and Claire placed the rod in them. "I already have it embedded with several spells that will trigger when I cast the infusing spell over it."

"Okay…"

"What I need you to do," continued Stephanie as she spoke rapidly, "is interlock fingers with mine, open yourself and allow me to draw magic energy from you. I will use up mine first, but I don't have enough to make this work by myself."

Claire lifted an eyebrow as she interlocked her fingers with Stephanie's. The rod rested on them, and they wrapped their thumbs over top securing it in place. This will be interesting.

"Ready?"

Claire drew a deep breath, trying to relax her mind and feel open. "I stand on solid rock, and there is fire in my heart."

"Forgehawk mantra. Nice." Stephanie said with a smile.

Claire repeated the phrase, as she exhaled.

Stephanie took the cue, and began speaking what must be words of magic. Claire had never heard a spell being cast before, but was sure this was it. The words were strange, unrecognizable. They felt like they echoed and vibrated through and around her, almost like she was hearing them with her spirit instead of her ears.

Stephanie continued to chant, and Claire could feel the magic energy swirl through, and all about her. Her dragon medallion felt heavy, it pulsated. Then it happened, she felt the chant reach a crescendo high point and all the swirling energy rushed into, and through her body, racing down her arms and out of her hands.

Micro lighting arced out their hands. Bright orange from Claire, and bright green from Stephanie. Claire gasped as heat flushed out her body causing her knees to buckle. Stephanie groaned as she hunched over. The colourful lighting cascaded up and down through the metal of the rod and crackled over the gemstones.

Then it was over, and for a moment time stood still. Then Stephanie raised it over her head and shouted, "IT WORKED!" and laughed in victory.

Claire plunged into the warmth of the heated water to fight the sudden cold swallowing her whole. Her memory of jumping into the lake in winter was a warm summer breeze compared to this. She shuddered, teeth chattered, and she wrapped her arms around her. Iced fingers grabbed onto chilled arms.

Celebrating Stephanie jumped out of the tub. "Can you feel it? The charge is way more than I expected! Watch this." She pointed the rod across the room and it fired a vine out the hollow center. The vine wrapped around the chair and lifted it into the air.

"That's a big one, and the thorns work!"

She retracted the vine, and it slithered back into the tube. She lifted it up to her eye to look through it. Then ran across the room as she whispered into it.

Claire dropped down into tub as far as she could go while being able to breath. She noted that Stephanie looked different. Her cheeks were gaunt, and much of the roundness of her body, especially around her thighs, hips and tummy had disappeared.

I freeze and she gets skinny? That's not fair, thought Claire as her body violently shivered.

Stephanie had reached the other side of the room, spun around and said, "Tell me if you hear this?" She pointed the rod, and then Claire could hear words, though Stephanie did not speak. "You're the best ever!"

Claire nodded her head.

"Oh my! You're blue!" Stephanie said, her eyes wide. "That was pretty hard on you!" She stepped forward and stumbled, catching herself from falling. "And me to."

She got back into the tub. "Here let me help warm you," she said as she embraced Claire. "You're freezing! Just hang on for a bit."

"So it worked?" asked Claire through chattering teeth.

"You had more reserves than I would have guessed! Thank you so much," said Stephanie with a kiss. "Here, I need to move you closer to the food. I need to eat before I pass out."

The two girls spent time recovering. Stephanie eating and Claire soaking in the hot water. After some awhile, with their energy levels getting back up they exited the tub and dried off. Stephanie bubbled with excitement talking about and demonstrating features of her magic rod and future additions she planned.

Claire listened, fascinated and still in wonder of it all. She put on her small clothes on and was lacing up her boots when an abrupt thought came out of her mouth.

"So what are we now?"

The shorter girl laughed and flung her hair over a shoulder, "I don't know how things work where you are from, but we're two girls who like to make magic together."

Claire nodded as she thought about it. "I like that, and I think we should do it again."

Stephanie gave her a sly sideways glance as she laced up her own boot. "Which part?"

Claire shrugged. "Every part."

Stephanie laughed again. "You really are the best!"

What have I agreed to, wondered Claire as she kept going along with the moment, but then decided she had no complaints about anything that happened.

Stephanie slipped into her cloak. "I guess we better head back. Responsibilities and all," she said as she rolled her eyes.

Claire looked to the door, and felt the crush of demands waiting for her. "I suppose your right."

"Don't worry," said Stephanie. "I'm great at keeping secrets, and you're my favourite one."

Claire smiled. "You should come by soon. I would love someone normal to talk to."

"I will make a point of it," said Stephanie as she winked before reached for the door.

Claire followed her out, mind spinning. I kissed a girl and I liked it. I bet she would like to do magic with Trinket watching. But no lower horn is a problem. But she is good with her hands. Maybe she can make one and strap it on or something?

An amused snort escaped her.

 

[Kris Wicker]

Chapter 25 – Appointments abound

Claire was within a few blocks of the Mugs and Jugs. She had her cloak tightly wrapped around her and regretted that she didn't have another layer of clothes. She couldn't shake the chill still residing in her bones.

Her mind bounced around and raced through all the events of the morning so that she hardly saw where she was going and was startled by the squawky voice calling out to her.

"Buttons! Where've ya been?" asked Quinby. He was standing on a ledge on a nearby wall. He quickly looked up and down the street before continuing. "Never mind that. We got trouble, follow me." He darted around the corner out of sight.

Not getting a chance to get a word in edge wise, Claire decided to follow and found Quinby waiting for her with his hands on hips, tapping a toe and glaring at her. "What ya been doin Buttons? Do ya have any-"

"I told you not to call me Buttons," said Claire holding up hand. "Especially not here. It's Claire."

Quinby's left eye twitched.

"Now what's the problem?" she asked.

"The Forgehawks have come to get ya."

Claire's eyes bulged open. "What? Where? Now?"

"They sent two of their Prectorians," replied Quinby. "They're waiting in mugs and jugs right now, and will take ya straight to Logrith."

"Didn't you say we would have several days to prepare?"

"I thought we would, but they're here now," replied Quinby. "Ya gots their attention."

Shit, I haven't had any time to prepare, thought Claire as an image of her book came to mind. At least I had a crash course with Stephanie, but I need more.

Quinby started pacing back and forth on the ledge he was standing on, "You're not ready, but we gotta face them. If ya don't show up soon, they'll send more Prectorians to search."

Claire's eyes darted to the street, expecting them to find her. "What are Prectorians?"

"They're the magic police," said Quinby waving a hand dismissively.

"Why would they send magic police after me? I haven't done anything wrong."

Quinby stopped pacing and squared his shoulders to her. "You're running around calling yourself a Forgehawk, and a Dragon Princess!! The Prectorians deal with problems like this."

Claire felt a chill that had nothing to do with expending magic or the cooler weather.

"Okay," said Quinby. "We're gonna to walk through the front door. Then you'll address the Red Band, then the Prectorians and will spin your story before they take you to Logrith."

"Wait, I can't walk through the front door."

"Why not?"

"Because, I can't go straight to see Logrith."

Quinby's left eye twitched again. "Why the fuck not?"

"Because, I'm not wearing anything under this cloak."

Quinby levelled a gaze at her torso. "So you're naked under that?"

"Pretty much."

"That's disgusting. Seriously, what's the matter with you?"

Claire groaned and rolled her eyes. "Can't you shut up? We need a plan!"

"Tas Molas," snapped Quinby pointing a finger at her. "I'm not the one making appointments with the Magistratus of the Forgehawks, nor am I running around half naked."

"Okay fine, I'm an idiot, but we still need a plan!"

Quinby stuffed his next string of insults, got back to pacing, as he thought out loud rambling in faerie speak.

Claire spoke up first. "I need to get to my room to change. We can sneak around back."

"Yeah, but we need a distraction first, so no one sees you," replied Quinby. "I got an idea, you stay here out of sight. I'll be back." He then darted away.

Claire stepped deeper into the alleyway. She pulled the hood lower to cover more of her face and made sure no strands of red hair escaped. She cast nervous glances towards the street. Her mind raced, rehearsing the story she had been telling others and thinking of answers to questions he might ask. Lies, lies, lies, my empire is built on lies. But I have to keep going, it's too late to change.
She closed her eyes and focused, pushing panic away. "Okay Claire, this is the next big test," she said to herself. Her inner voice encouraged her. Think of what we survived over the last three days. It's been incredible. You've been incredible.

"I got this, I got this," she said to soothe herself.

And we work better under pressure.

She went back to mentally preparing, fought down the thoughts of what would happen if she failed, and at the same time suppressed the bubbling excitement of getting to meet the Magistratus of the Forgehawks.


Finally Quinby arrived, followed closely by two other Lutin. Both were dressed in the same fashion. Leathers, with brass edgings, but they looked younger.

"Okay, all set. Follow me," said Quinby as he turned and Claire followed them through back alleys. As they approached the back fence line where the party was held last night one of the younger Lutin darted forward. Once he signalled the coast was clear they advanced to the back of the Tavern. Where other Lutin were casually stationed and traded hand signals with Quinby. After a few moments Quinby got all the clear, and led Claire through to the back door.

They slipped through the back door, while Reginald was addressing the crowd from the front door, with Zihyr standing next to him. He was telling them that she would soon arrive, and how he expected them to remain civil and orderly.

Claire was surprised to see the room packed, every seat taken with others standing along the walls. All of them wore red headbands, and the barmaids wore a red band around their right arms.

It was easy to spot the two forgehawk prectorians. They wore layered robes of red, orange, and black, with hoods and those unnerving birdlike masks hiding every human feature. She made it to the stairs unseen and got to her room were she locked the door behind her. Quinby was with her, on the desk, pacing back and forth rambling in faerie speak, his hands talking at the same time.

"What should I wear, the wrinkly yellow dress, or the clean green one?"

Quinby looked at the options, "How bad is the yellow one?"

Claire picked up the yellow one, "Not good, and there is no time to make it better."

"Go with the green, better to be clean and fresh looking."

"Got it," replied Claire as she started to get dressed.

Quinby jumped up on the desk and paced back and forth, hands clasped behind his back. "This isn't good. They're gonna to ask a lot of direct questions."

"Like what?" asked Claire as she shed her cloak and grabbed the green dress.

"They're big on heritage. You know, your family and where you're from."

Claire's froze as she clutched the green dress.

Quinby stopped pacing and looked right at her. "What is your heritage?"

Claire slowly turned to face the diminutive fairy. I haven't told anyone the truth yet. She looked Quinby in the eye, he is loyal to Trinket and may be the only I can really trust.

She made a quick decision and told him the truth. The small village where she grew up, the farm, her brothers leaving to join the Kings army, her father, and how the villagers captured her to be a sacrifice to appease Boss Dragon. – she thought it best to refrain from calling him Trinket. How she got out of it, the original quest Boss Dragon gave her, how she expanded it to something bigger, and how she took on the name Forgehawk name and Dragon Princess title on impulse rather than any credibility.

Quinby quietly listened to the show story without interrupting once. When she, he remained silent for a long stretch. "You've survived on wits the whole time. I gotta say, I'm kinda impressed." He rubbed his face. "I can see why Boss Dragon kept you around. You're a clever one aren't you?"

"Listen Quinby, you can't tell anyone my secrets."

"Listen here lady," said Quinby as he pointed a finger at her. "Do ya think I'm an idiot? Boss dragon gots a quest for us, and we're gonna do it. Your story explains a lot, but we gotta keep that under wraps," said Quinby as he slowly nodded.

Claire sighed in relief. Finally being able to tell someone the truth and not getting judged felt good. She had to give Quinby credit for listening all the way through a not berating her for any of it. "So what do we do now?"

Quinby went back to pacing. "Gimme a minute to think… I bet Boss Dragon would like the idea of having his own Forgehawk Dragon Princess. Dammit, even I think sounds badass, so we gotta work that to our advantage here."

"Boss Dragon doesn't know about the Forgehawk Dragon Princess thing," said Claire as she got back to getting dressed.

"I'll fix that later," said Quinby. "For now we gotta work with what we got."

He continued to pace on the desk, talking with his mouth and his hands. They worked together a story and a plan while Claire made herself presentable. Once dressed, she fastened the red dagger sheath across her belt, and made sure she had the Forgehawk ring box. She left behind the fairy tale book and her flute in the trunk at the foot of the bed.

Feeling pressed for time, and no other options presenting themselves, Claire and Quinby agreed that they were going to be as ready as they were going to be and headed downstairs. As Claire came down the last flight of stairs, one of the younger Lutin at the end of the hall saw them and gave Reginald the signal.

Reginald stood up at the front of the room. He radiated authority. "Listen up everyone." He paused to let the conversations die down. "I promised earlier that the Dragon Princess would soon arrive, and that when she does, I need everyone to maintain order and listen to her speak." He paused to let the words sink in. "With that in mind, I give you Claire Forgehawk, Dragon Princess of the Great Eastern Forge Dragon." With a flourish he gestured to the back of the tavern as Claire rounded the corner.

"Greetings everyone," she said, "Please remain seated."

Most of the crowd was eating their way through lunch. They sat stunned, wide-eyed and with a mouth full of food. "I know the Red Band is here to meet with me, and I will give them the chance, but first I have a meeting with Magistratus Logrith Forgehawk that the Prectorians will take me to."

She turned to the Prectorians. "You two, I'm glad you finally arrived. We should leave right away. But first, tell us how long you will think this will take? When will be I back with my followers?"

Everyone twisted to look at the prectorians who were silently creeping towards Claire. With all the attention on them they stopped and glanced at each other. They were impossible to read. Their faces were completely hidden behind the masks, including expressionless eyeholes that were covered with tinted glass.

"You should be back before nightfall," said the taller Prectorian whose voice suggested he was male.

"You heard him," said Claire. "I'll be back by dinner. In the meantime, I ask you all to go back about your daily responsibilities. The Great Forge Dragon wishes peace while we negotiate in good faith. So then if you wish to honor him, do so by conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of respect."

One of the group stood up. He was dressed in red robes with black trim and wore a red a red bandana over his head. "I am Burnanator Renn. I lead the Red band here in Port Amber," he said as he spread his arms, then bent at the waist into a deep bow. "We will do as you wish Priestess." The last half of his statement was direct more at the room than her.

Burnanator Renn? Is that his title? Wait, he called me priestess. Am I one of those now as well?

He turned back to Claire. "Priestess, upon your return there is much to discuss. We wish to hear you speak to us about the great forge dragon?" There was a pleading in his eyes.

Priestess? Great, what does that entail?

"I promise, that on my return we will talk. For now, be patient as I meet with Magistratus Logrith Forgehawk." She turned to the Prectorians. "Are you two ready? Did you bring transportation?"

The prectorians had slunk along the wall and had closed in on Claire. "We have a carriage ready by the stables," said the smaller one who sounded female.

"Very well, Sargent Reginald Laris of the Amber Guard, and Quinby of the Fire Dragon Clan will both attend me," said Claire. She didn't bother asking them their names because Quinby had already told her that their practice was to remain anonymous, hence the masks. Which she didn't like.

Though she couldn't see their faces, she hoped they were irked that she made it sound like that it was all her idea and that they were there, and that she was in charge.

"We are instructed to only bring you," said the larger one.

"I will meet with the Magistratus alone, but they will come with me up to that point."

The two paused. One crossed his arms over his chest, clearly not happy.

Claire copied his stance, but tilted her hips putting her weight on one leg to give it more sass. "Listen here. Sargent Laris has been assigned to be my escort by the Captain of the Amber Guard. Are you telling me you plan to go against the captain of the Amber Guard?"

The crowd turned their attention back to the prectorians. The smaller one crossed her arms, but they remain silent.

"Quinby here," said Claire and pointed him out. "Is an envoy from the Forge Dragon himself to watch over the events and report back to him. Do you plan set yourselves at odds with my dragon so soon?"

The crowd had turned back to Claire as she spoke, then back to the Prectorians. Murmurs that they shouldn't anger the dragon were heard.

The two sides stared each other down until the prectorians finally yielded. "Very well then, all three of you can come along, but only Lady Claire can speak with the Magistratus."

Claire gave them a big smile. "Glad you saw it my way, let's go."



The Prectorians led the group behind the stables where a carriage was waiting for them. The carriage was predominantly black lacquered wood on a steel frame with brass pipes running underneath it. The driver sat forward in his own open-air compartment clutching leavers.

"Right this way," said a prectorian as he opened the door that was emblazoned with the Forgehawk symbol.

"Where's the horse?" Claire asked.

"It's an auto-carriage," replied the prectorian standing next to her. "Horseless." There was no way to know for sure, but Claire could have sworn she smirked under her mask. It might have annoyed her in different circumstances, but it only got the attention of three active brain cells because she was completely preoccupied otherwise.

"This is so beautiful," Claire said.

"Be careful my Lady," replied the driver giving her a proud, toothy grin. "Some of those pipes are hot." He adjusted his goggles and flipped the end of his red scarf over his shoulder. Claire's finger hovered a mere breath from stroking the brass tubing that rain along the sides. Her eyes swept along the body of the auto-carriage. Black lacquered wood panels, brass pipes gleamed.

"If you could step inside," said a prectorian. He held the door open for her and gestured inside. "My lady."

"Best hop on board, my lady," said the driver with a wink. He squeezed a lever causing a whirring noise to come from the bottom of the auto-carriage. It was a challenge to keep her giddiness from showing as she climbed aboard.

"It isn't as impressive as it seems," said Reginald. He crossed over his chest and looked displeased. At least, more displeased than usual. "It takes too much energy to travel far, and is near useless off road. You would be better off with a horse.

He made it sound like he was insulting the prectorians who sat across from them staring impassively. Quinby was to her left looking unusually nervous.

She tried to laugh off his comments with a witty comeback, but her audience didn't respond. After a few more failed attempts of making conversation Claire settled into try to enjoy the ride. One of the prectorians flipped a switch that was built into the panelling and all the windows instanly fogged and closed off the outside world.

A part of her was thankful for being spared the distraction of watching the city roll by so she could mentally rehearse her story. Excitement kept bubbling up because she was going to meet the most powerful wizard in the land. She reasoned that if she could handle a dragon, this would be no problem. If anything, they should be jumping at the chance to have her join them.

That annoying sense of foreboding niggling the back of her mind kept bringing her back to practicing. Believe in the story, and they will believe it as well.

The carriage made its way through the city, with a few gentle turns before coming to a stop. Muffled voices could be heard outside before the door swung open and let in the sunlight.

Stepping outside, her feet landed on the white washed cobblestones. Her eyes were round like teacups as she slowly turned around trying to take in everything. She was surrounded by majestic great keeps within the stonewalls of the wizard castle. She had never seen such craftsmanship and design that varied incredibly between the different buildings.

Her eyes quickly zeroed in on the twenty-foot tall roaring flame roaring. It was set in massive jet-black stone circle, where each boulder was at least four feet tall and about four feet wide. The ground was inlaid with the same black stonework.

Her dream came crashing back to her. That looks like a massive version of my campfire. She could feel her pulse quicken, a thrill erupted inside of her. Behind the fire was what could only be the bold face of the forgehawk keep. I stand on solid rock, and there is a fire in my heart.

She was so enraptured she barely registered when someone touched her shoulder. "You need to follow us," said the shorter prectorian.

Claire looked back at the strong, straight lines of the forgehawk keep. Where towers reached into the sky and sweeping archways interconnected them. "We're not going there?"

"No, that is for the forgehawk members only," said the shorter Prectorian. "We're going to the central keep."

She turned around to behold the central keep, beautiful in its own right, though it lacked the personality of the forgehawks. She craned her neck to follow the one sweeping archway that connected the two keeps together. Near the center, the pale stonework gave way to gloss black.

"Only you can proceed any further," said the prectorian.

The carriage remained parked behind her, where Reginald and Quinby waited. Neither looked pleased.

"Don't worry guys, I won't be long," said Claire with a smile.

She looked passed them to the left, and in that corner of the pavilion was what could only be the Waterbear keep. Instead of a massive rock and fire monument it had a pool of water flush with the stonework on the ground. She watched in awe as a towering shard of ice, thicker than a person and four times as tall shot up joining several others already there. Cracking ice and splashing water filled her ears as shards of fell back into the pool where they arose.

Behind the moment stood the waterbear keep. Where the forgehawk keep was all bold faces and straight lines, this one was sweeping curves with cascading waterfalls. The constant flow of the water and changing ice formation gave a sense of perpetual motion and change. It also had a sweeping archway of light blue that connected to the central keep.

"The Magistratus is waiting. You must come with us."

"Right," said Claire, snapping herself back to the task at hand, though she would have rather explored the entire pavilion and longed to know what the silverspirit and stormrider keeps looked like.
"Let's not keep him waiting," she said as she followed the Prectorians leaving Reginald and Quinby behind.

 

[Kris Wicker]

Chapter 26 – Magistratus

The large twin doors barred their entrance. Each had all four of the magic houses symbols arranged in a ring that slowly spun opposite of each other so that no house could claimed the top spot. They swung wide inviting entry.

Once passed the threshold the doors closed behind them sealing off the outside world. Immediately heat warmed her left side while her left side was chilled. A forty-foot tall statue of Father Forge stood in the right corner of the grand entrance, rigid stone face and burning hands. To her left was Father Aquawain made of ice and water. On opposite of side of the room was Mother Sky designed with wild colors dancing in her glass body, and Mother Spirit who was composed of vines that slowly were morphing between the shape of animals. Each of the four gods had a life like representation of their representative dragon curled around their feet.

The trio walked down the center of to the next pair of doors. The prectorians stride was purposeful, but Claire trailed behind in awe. At the exact middle of room a single stride stretched her perceptions because she was at the edge of each of the gods influence where she experienced heat, cold, wind and the scent of roses all at once. This is wonderful and I could stay here forever.

She pushed forward because she had a job to do, and if it went well, she could linger in the room later.

"Right this way," said the smaller Prectorian as she opened a small door to the next chamber. Claire followed, with the larger Prectorian close behind.

The next room was much smaller, with a wide counter to her front, and stone staircases to either side. Behind the counter stood three others. Their attire was such that she didn't need to see the symbol on their masks to know they were a waterbear, stormrider and a silverspirit.

"Greetings," said the stormrider. "You'll have to turn over all magic devices and weapons. They will be returned once you are done." The Waterbear and the silverspirit flanked the speaker, all wearing the unnerving, almost sinister, bird masks.

"Of course," said Claire as she pulled out her dagger and its sheath. It felt different, like she was aware of the magic coursing through it now. She placed it carefully in the counter between them. The stormrider used metal tongs to pick it up and put it in a small case. She handed over the jeweller box with the forgehawk ring next, which was placed in the same case next to the dagger.

"Your medallion as well," said the waterbear as she tapped her breastbone.

"It doesn't come off," replied Claire.

"You have to take it off. It's the rule," stated the silverspirit.

"I mean, the forge dragon gave it to me, and it is permanently attached. It can't be removed."

"Will you allow me to confirm that statement?" asked the Stormrider. Claire took note that he had several rings on each hand, and gem studded vambraces could be seen under his loose sleeves. He also had a silver star medallion hanging from his neck.

He is must be a crafter, thought Claire as she remembered the magic disciplines that Stephanie had taught her earlier. What if he can remove it? Then what?

All five prectorians stood silently waiting for her to answer. Not seeing any other way to proceed she agreed. She turned and swept her hair over her right shoulder to allow him easy access. She could feel his fingers on the metal, searching for clasps. She felt magical energies flow out of him, a snap and then he quickly drew back his fingers.

Claire turned in time to see him looking at his singed fingertips. He quickly hid his hands and stared hard at the medallion. She felt a wave of relief. When the medallion first attached itself to her she loathed it, now she wasn't sure who she would be without it.

"Wait here a moment," he said. Then with a gesture he and four of the prectorians walked behind the counter and disappeared through a door leaving her with the taller forgehawk.

As minutes passed by Claire forced herself to keep quiet and be patient and only asked the remaining silent prectorian a few questions in the hope to alleviate the tension.

"That's a lot of red you're wearing. I figured I would just go with only red hair today. You know, don't want to over do it." Inside she wished Quinby had his way earlier. I really should be wearing red.

"You like red? Is that your choice when not on the job?" She asked. "I like red better myself. Better than the boring browns of those other guys right? Though green is rather pretty." She realized her mouth was prattling on, but she couldn't stop.

"Want to come to Mugs and Jugs later? I'll buy you a cinnamon whiskey. Did you know they call them Firebolts? Do the others have their own speciality drinks? Like maybe an apple whiskey for the silverspirits and umm… what do you think the Stormriders would be into?"

Finally, the other four returned from the door they left from.

"The Magistratus will still see you, even with the medallion," said the Stormrider.

Claire flashed a smile. Everyone's serious demeanour was getting to her making it hard not to do something silly to break the tension. "Great news! Which way?"

"Follow me," said the taller forgehawk. He turned and headed up the flight of stairs. The shorter forgehawk joined them. The stairs went up three flights and then came to a foyer. The walls had large hanging tapestries depicting events that were filled with mages, royalty, dragons and armies. To the right was another set of double doors like the front entrance.

The prectorians took up position on either side of the door, standing at attention. "They will summon you when ready"

Great, more waiting. She looked between the two sentries. These guys are boring.

Claire positioned herself in front of the doors, mimicking the stance of the Prectorians and mentally rehearsed her story and answers that she and Quinby had worked on.

She was so lost in thought that she didn't hear any signal or call, but the prectorians announced that she could enter and opened the doors. Claire took a deep breath and strode in. The prectorians did not follow and closed the doors behind in her.

The room wasn't what she expected. To the back was a large crescent shaped marble table. She was surprised to see four individuals seated behind it. It wasn't just the forgehawk magistratus, but all of them.

Behind them, stood an attendant from each house, dressed in what she assumed was ceremonial garb based on the elaborate styling of their robes. To her dismay, they all wore masks. Not the bird-like version of the prectorian, but rather a flat nosed version. Still, she didn't like it and would have preferred to see their faces. She was completely outnumbered, but there was no turning back and she strode to the middle of the room and waited as Quinby had made it clear she was not to speak first to the magistratus.

"You're the one calling yourself, Claire Forgehawk?" asked the Forgehawk Magistratus she presumed was Logrith. His voice deep and severe.

"I am," she replied.

He nodded, and the waterbear attendant began to speak words of magic. She felt them swim through the air and warble through her ears. Next the stormrider did the same, casting a different spell that made her vision shift sideways before snapping back.

"This room now is sealed," said Logrith. "No sound or sight will escape these walls. Just as no ear or eye will be able to peer in by any means. Every word spoken will stay in this room."

"Now, who are you?" asked Logrith.

Claire squared her shoulders, and lifted her chin. "I am Claire Forgehawk."

Silence hung in the air.

"I ask you again, who are you?"

Claire measured her voice, and in no uncertain terms repeated herself. "I am Claire Forgehawk."

Logrith slapped his palm hard against the stone table. "Enough of this game girl. There is no record of any Claire Forgehawk in any guild ledger. What is your real name?"

"My Lord, the Forge Dragon named me. By your traditions my old name and life have passed. I am a Claire Forgehawk."

Logrith leaned back in his chair. "The guild does not recognize the forge dragon as a guild member. As such he has no position to name you forgehawk."

"The guild recognizes the dragons as the living embodiments of magic. I have witnessed the dragon's power first hand and who am I to deny the dragons status? It is between you and the dragon if he has no
authority to name me Forgehawk. I'm only a servant, and will not question my lord dragons decree."

Logrith shifted to lean on his right elbow. Claire kept her gaze level, shoulders back and jaw set. Sweat beaded across her body. She hoped that Quinby was right with the information and answers he provided.

She had to default to Trinkets authority, even though he was completely unaware of her claims the guild was not able to verify otherwise.

Without saying a word, Logrith reached under the table and then placed a case on the table. He leaned forward, unlatched it and flipped open the lid. He picked up the ring box and spun it around in one hand.

"Where did you get this?"

"Provided by the Forge Dragon."

"Of course, I should have guessed. Same with the dagger and the medallion?"

"That is correct Magistratus."

Logrith placed the ring box and dagger neatly on the table and folded his hands together. He adjusted the dagger so it was parallel with the box. "Tell me, this medallion of yours… are you able to sense your dragon?"

Claire didn't expect this question, but once it was asked she instinctively reached out and felt him. "Yes, he's a great distance to the north east."

"What is your skill in magic?"

"I have an intuitive ability," said Claire. "Yet it is not fully developed, which is why I seek your apprenticeship so that I may become a true forgehawk in your eyes as well."

"The dragon didn't want to teach you?"

"The ways of dragon magic is too different to pass on to a human."

"I see," said Logrith as he nodded his head. "Please exit the room. We need to discuss this matter before continuing."

"Yes, of course Magistratus," said Claire as she turned and left the room surprised to be dismissed so quickly.

Logrith watched her leave, and when the doors and magical seals were in place he motioned the elder chroniclers who were acting as attendants to gather around.

"This girl carries a second order forgehawk ring, and a dragon forged dagger," said Logrith as he waved at the item. "Yet, if it wasn't for the fact that we saw the dragon drop her off, I would have sworn she stumbled across them by pure chance."

"Agreed," said Athmor Waterbear. "All accounts points to that she is of no importance."

"Agreed," said Greta Stormrider. "If we continue to push with questions, she will flounder."

"Agreed. Then there is only one real question that we care about," said Logrtih. He turned to his chronicler. "Is that truly the bonding medallion?"

The forgehawk chronicler answered immediately. "Though there is very little record of it, it matches all the documents that we have remaining. She claims that she senses the dragon with it, which we cannot verify, but we all can feel it's magic. There was no mention of it in the last dragon age, so we believed it might have been lost. Though I cannot be completely sure, it seems it has surfaced around the neck of this young girl."

"If it is authentic," said Logrith, "which I believe it is, then we must have it."

"Agreed," said Jaya silverspirit. She stroked the back of her cat that was resting in her lap. "We can use it to reverse the bond, and enslave the dragon."

"Agreed," said Athmor. "There is risk, but the reward will be great."

Logrith's mask hid his smile. The dragon would be his. Everyone knew that. The dragon would be his.

He carefully picked up the dagger. The guild was in possession of a handful of other dragon-forged weapons, such as the sceptre that hung from his belt, but this dagger was beautiful and he could hardly wait to add it to his collection.

"Then we all agree," said Logrith. "We will take the medallion for ourselves, and control the dragon. I say we do it now. It'll be easy, barely an inconvenience. I'll tell her that we accept her. She'll be excited, and naively follow as we take her down below where she is parted from her head and the medallion."

"Disagree, we cannot do it right now," said Greta Stormrider. "Too many people know she's here. We wouldn't have plausible deniability if she disappeared right now."

"Agreed," said the Jaya. "Too many witnesses. Reginald Laris and Quinby are waiting outside, then we have a tavern full of followers waiting for her to return on top of that."

"Here is my suggestion," said Greta. "We accept her in, and agree to train her to become a full-fledged forgehawk. She will make it known to her colleagues that we accepted her, which will take eyes off us. A routine will be established where she comes here every day for her lessons. The routine will eat up her time, keep her under our watch, and people will lose interest. Then once she is out of the limelight, and the excitement settles she will disappear from the public eye."

"Why not tonight?" asked the Athmor. "We hire an assassin to kill her tonight in her room. She stirred up enough trouble that it could be anyone sending the assassin. We will make it known we have accepted her into the guild and are ecstatic with gaining such a prestigious member. No one would ever believe the Guild would ever harm their prized new member, Dragon Princess Clair Forgehawk."

"Agreed," said Logrith as he continued the thought. "Since she has no next of kin, and carries the forgehawk name, we would have the rights to the body and the magic articles she possessed. We will denounce the murder and demand justice, and get everything we want."

"I suggest we wait until tomorrow," said the Silverspirit Magistratus. "I for one am curious to see if she has some great ability. Perhaps the dragon saw something in her that we haven't. I would like to set her up with one of our intuitive mages to train with. Let's keep our options open and see what a day of careful observation yields. If she is incredibly talented, perhaps we can find other uses for her, otherwise a day delay for her death will hardly matter. This will also further make us above suspicion when she is killed."

Logrith thought it over. "I would just as soon finish her tonight. Why waste a day on this talentless peasant girl?"

The other two magistratus argued towards giving her the extra day to keep their options open. Logrith decided to yield. "Agreed. We will give her one day to prove something, then she will die tomorrow night in her room at the tavern."

Logrith picked up the ring box. It was common enough for mages to travel far and wide exploring the lands trying to discover artefacts or new secrets of magic. Nor was it unheard of that some of the wandering wizards never returned. He would have an audit performed to account the missing mages to see whom it once belonged to. In the meantime, he had more pressing matters to contend with.

"Everyone take your positions," said Logrith. "It's time to call her in and tell her the good news." Once everyone was settled back in their spots, he signalled for her return.

Claire entered and strode back to the exact spot at the center of the room where she had been standing. To her, everything looked the way it was.

"Young lady," said Logrith, he leaned forward resting elbows on the table.

"Yes Magistratus?"

"We have decided to accept you as a candidate to train and officially join the guild."

"Really? I mean, Thank you, Magistratus!" Claire could hardly believe it. Her eyes sparkled with delight.

"As a concession to your dragon, we will let you keep the forgehawk name, but you will need to come here every day to train your abilities to our standards."

"Of course, Magistratus," said Claire, her words gushing out. "Thank you Magistratus, I am humbled and honoured."

Logrith reached up and removed his mask to reveal a man with the kindest blue eyes, and the warmest of smiles. "Welcome to the Forgehawks, Claire."

Claire was so excited she could barely refrain from clapping and jumping for joy. This is the best day ever!

 

[Kris Wicker]

Chapter 27 - Congratulations

They quickly wrapped up the meeting. Claire was told what time to arrive the next morning and a few other few details. Then the prectorians were let in, updated and they were all dismissed.

Claire beamed as she glided down the stairs to the counter to retrieve her belongings. The Prectorians, for their part, were visibly more relaxed but kept their masks on. The taller one escorted her outside.

The doors opened, the remaining clouds had parted releasing the sunshine causing everything glisten from the light coating of morning rain. The auto-carriage was waiting in the same spot. Reginald and Quinby saw her immediately. Their concerned looks shifted to wary relief.

"I start training tomorrow!" she blurted as she jumped forward and threw her arms around Reginald giving him a big hug.

"Really?" he asked as he half returned the hug. He put his hands on her waist and set her down to create distance between them. His brows furrowed slightly. "I thought you were already a forgehawk?"

Claire realized he wasn't up to speed on the details and shrugged it off. "Long story, but everything is good now."

She turned to Quinby who looked lost in thought. She picked him and nuzzled him close between her breasts. "And I have you to thank the most!"

"I know," he replied as he slipped out her grip and scampered to her shoulder to be surrounded by hair, "but that seemed awfully fast."

"Very fast," echoed Reginald.

"Don't be so surprised. I told you everything would fine," she said.

"Okay, okay, but we gotta get going."

"Sure thing," she said as she quickly turned back to the prectorian who had already turned around and was heading back inside.

"Excuse me, can I get a quick tour of the courtyard?"

The Prectorian turned around and squared himself before answering. "No."

"Come on, I really want to see the silverspirit and stormrider monuments." Claire pointed at the black stones and blazing fire in front of the forgehawk keep. "See how incredible that one is? I have to see others!"

The prectorian crossed his arms over his chest. "I was instructed to escort you to the carriage and send you along your way. You can have your tour tomorrow."

"But no one said I couldn't have a tour right now?" She clasped her hands together, dipped her chin so she was looking up at him and batted her eyes. "Please."

"Tell you what, the driver will take a wide route past that corner where you just might be able to see one of the other monuments if you happen to look. The fourth one will have to wait until tomorrow."

Claire looked down the side of the building that he was pointing to. She had figured if she could get around the corner there would be a full view of one of the other keeps. She turned back to thank the prectorian, but the door was already closing behind him. She spun to Quinby and Reginald. "Come on guys, let's get going."

They piled in the auto-carriage and the driver got going. Just as promised he took a wide arc, and Claire craned her neck to see around the corner. As they cleared the corner she could see what must be the Stormriders keep. She couldn't identify what it was made out of, but the surface of the walls was smooth with sweeping crystal elegance. The fragile looking towers that spiralled into the sky were almost translucent. It was hard to tell what color it was supposed to be because it kept shifting depending on the angle she was looking at. Their monument could only describe as a ball of lightning. Or perhaps more like several lightning bolts chasing their own tails creating a large sphere.

How do they do that?" she asked no one in particular. Losing sight of the spectacle she sat down and squared herself on the seat. "Isn't this place wonderful? The magic. The mysteries. It's so beautiful and I can feel the power in the air. Think of all the fun to be had!" She let out a long satisfied sigh as she flopped back into her chair.

Reginald looked from Quinby, who was sitting next to him lost in his own thoughts, then back across to Claire. "Can you fill me in on the details?"

Claire complied, happily chattering away with the story she had rehearsed and told to so many people that it had become real. About how where she came from there is no tradition of magic, how the dragon ordained her, and now being officially accepted by the guild.

Reginald listened carefully, nodding a she went. "I see," he said at the end. "What's the name of your kingdom? I don't think I ever caught it."

Claire opened her mouth to answer, but her brows furrowed as she paused.

"That doesn't matter right now," said Quinby interjecting. "We need to figure out how we are going to deal with Red Band."

Claire threw her head back and groaned. "Now? Do we have to?"

"You already promised them you would."

Claire crossed her arms, disappointed that she couldn't revel in her recent success. "Fine. How are we going to do that?"

Reginald cut in. "I still would like to know the name of your kingdom. Where is it?"

Quinby stood up and faced the Guardsman. "Look buddy, that doesn't matter."

"Sure it does. Why won't you tell me?"

"Because we don't trust you humans not to attack us."

Reginald looked down his nose to the protesting Lutin. "Your dragon already attacked my city-state numerous times. That can be taken as an act of war."

"Humans kill humans all the time. How is that different?"

"Criminals are one thing, attacks from an outsider is another."

"Criminals? Criminals? I have seen humans war other humans," said Quinby pointing a claw at Reginald. "Fights wiping out entire villages over what? Stupid human politics. The Dragon kills for food."

"So using humans for food is okay?"

"You use sheep for food, is that okay?"

"QUINBY – REGINALD – STOP IT" shouted Claire getting their attention. "Reginald listen, I know the dragon made raids over the last several weeks, but since I have been here has there been any? I'm not saying it's right, but when the dragon wakes from their slumber they go on a feeding frenzy. That part is over, let's move on from it. And Quinby, simmer down. He's just looking out for his people."

Man and lutin set their jaws looking like they weren't ready to let it go.

"Now what can you tell me about the Red Band?" asked Claire. "Reginald?"

She could tell he didn't want to change the subject, but relented. "They're an off shoot of the main religious organization that specifically worships father forge, the creator of the foundations of the earth and the fires beneath it."

"Yes, I know the basics of the four gods," cut in Claire. "Let me guess, they see the forge dragons as the living embodiment of the forge god because they are endowed with fire and rock magic."

"Something like that," said Reginald. "I don't pay too much attention to them because they don't cause trouble. They have a chapel on the other side of the river where they gather." Then after moment he asked,

"Are you a worshipper?"

"Not really. I think the gods are probably out there, but I don't know if praying to them helps or not." It was her father's words she repeated.

"I'm surprised," said Reginald. "I would have thought the Dragon Princess would be…more dedicated."

Claire laughed it off. "I'm dedicated to my cause. I may pray on occasion, but, like my father always said, do what is at hand."

"I love the boss dragon," chimed in Quinby. His eyes had a distant look to them. "I love being around him, the power, the majesty. I get it why the humans would wanna worship him."

"Even though the dragon might kill them?"

"Pfft, humans are worse. Get over it."

"Guys," said Claire holding her hand up. "Can you not?"

"I will if he will," said Quinby. Seeing no protest from the larger human he carried on. "We gotta figure out how to do the meeting with the Red Band and their leader. What's his name? Burnanator Jim?"

"It was Renn," said Reginald, "his title is the Burnanator. He leads the local Chapel."

"He called me Priestess. Do you know what's that about?"

Reginald looked to Quinby who shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not familiar with their customs."

"I think you're big time to them," said Quinby. "Think about it, you were dropped from the skies by boss dragon."

"I'm a messenger from their god."

"I think we gotta set up the tavern for the meeting tonight," said Quinby, then continued on about using the back stage and arranging the seating. Claire started listening to the details, but then a thought came to her.

"I need to be wearing red," she blurted.

"Exactly," said Quinby. "Lots a red, and some black. That's what I was tryin to tell ya the whole time."

"Then let's stop over at Honey Threads."

 

[Kris Wicker]

Chapter 28


They asked the carriage driver if they could stop at the boutique on the way to the tavern and he complied. Upon arriving they jumped out. Quinby took off, wanting to talk to some of his faery friends about the red band to gather information. Reginald decided to keep watch outside, leaving Claire the only one to go into the shop.

Upon entering she saw that the shopkeeper, Laura was already attending other customers, but she made eye contact and gave her a polite smile. She called for an attendant and a Dryad flew over from the back of the store.

"My lady, how may I help you?"

"I'm looking for something in red," said Claire. She looked passed the small fairy. "Is Stephanie available to help?"

The Dryad looked to Laura, who gave approval and then flew back. Soon Stephanie came out. "My Lady, it is good to see you again. Have you come to check on Aeden's special?"

Claire noticed that Stephanie was polite and proper, with no hint that anything happened this morning. Claire glanced at Laura, who was still engaged with the other clients. "Thank you, but no. I'm in need of a new dress, something in red."

"In red? I'm sure I can find something that will please you."

"I'm sure you can, and I need it right away."

"Of course my lady. If you could tell me what you had in mind?"

In a low voice Claire told Stephanie of her meeting with the Red Band, how she want to wear something strikingly red. The two girls looked at several dresses of different cuts and styles before picking one. Then Stephanie took her in back to try it on to check on the fitting and to make any needed alterations.

Once in back Claire followed Stephanie into the change room. "You're smooth."

With the door closed behind them Stephanie kissed her on the mouth. "I told you I excel at keeping secrets. Now if you could undress for me."

"I would love to," said Claire feeling giddy and intoxicated by the morning's memories and their sudden closeness as she started taking off her clothes.

"I do like these long legs," said Stephanie as she let her hands slide along the outsides of Claire's hips and thighs as she helped remove the dress.

"Careful, you're getting thoughts in my head."

Stephanie chuckled softly and whispered. "We can put those into action later. For now, lets get this dress on. Mother dearest is never far."

Claire complied, trying not to feel oft put. She looked over her shoulder towards the front of the store, and couldn't help to bite her lower lip because of the question she had to ask. "This might sound strange, but...you're good with guys right?"

Even though Stephanie was behind her the smile carried on her words. "I'm good with many things. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I was wondering… I mean, that I need to find a man. A good one…who is open minded."

The brunette's soft laughter was playful. "Looking for a good man you say? Sounds to me like you're wanting some lower horn action."

That wasn't exactly what Claire meant, but her heated cheeks told another story.

"I do happen to know a fellow who knows how to properly take care of a lady, and I do mean properly."

What does she mean by that? Claire's mind raced down the path. She had thought Kantar was good, but then again she didn't have anything to compare to, and it was nothing compared to how Stephanie left her panting and trembling this morning. What exactly is the proper application of the lower horn?

Her body reacted with a certain ache of desire. She had intended to see about finding someone to fulfill her pervy dragon quest, but couldn't think of a way to outright ask, but knew she really needed to improve her ability with figuring out men in light of how bad it had gone.

"Soooo…. could we meet this fellow?" The heat in her cheeks, and across her flesh instantly increased.

Stephanie didn't answer right away. Rather she occupied herself getting Claire's dress on. Firm, but gentle teasing sensuality. The dress left her shoulders bare, but both arms were fully covered in sleeves. It was a deep vibrant red, with long straight lines running past her hips. The bodice was black, making her waist look thinner and swept upwards to a point between her breasts that were pushed up and out.

Stephanie slid in front to adjust how the dress held Claire. "I really like how this highlights your figure."

Claire looked at the mirrors. "You mean how it highlights my boobs?"

"That's the idea. They have power." She moved in close, pressing her body against Claire's and whispered in her ear. "You can meet this fellow, but..." She moved back and looked her in the eye, holding her gaze. "You would have to obey the rules."

Claire mouth went dry. Rules?

"Who is it?" her whisper was horse.

"Remember the blonde guitar player at the party? The hero."

"He's so pretty. Oops, that was out loud."

Stephanie softly laughed. "He's gorgeous, and so very good." her hand slid down front of Claire's body. "And don't worry, he has the control to prevent surprises nine months from now. You're also taking something right?"

Claire nodded. It was an odd conversation back in Arnzeville when her and Kantar were starting to go all the way. "You mentioned rules?"

That mischievous smile came across Stephanie's face as she pulled away. "The first two are mine," she held up a single finger. "One, we go together, and I will take him first so I can show you how it's done. Then I get to watch him take you."

Claire's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "We're doing it together?" Emotions flared. She was mortified at the idea of watching, and being watched. Yet there was a thrill and a touch of relief that Stephanie would be with her. Am I a pervert?

Stephanie lifted up a second finger. Then she leaned in to run hot breath and a hotter tongue along Claire's neck that made her knees tremble. "Rule two, I get to do whatever I want to you."

"Please do, I mean, that sounds reasonable."

"Good, because there is a feature on my magic rod I need to try out. Lastly, and this is his rule," said Stephanie as she pulled back and looked her in the eye. "You're not allowed to fall in love."

"What?"

"Trust me, you'll be tempted. He will make you feel special and sexy, and then give you good and satisfying dick. But under no circumstances can you fall in love with him. Is that clear?"

Claire looked at one brown eye then the other. She was absolutely serious, and though Claire didn't fully understand she agreed.

"What do you say Princess? Do you want to learn?"

The blood pounded in her ears, and her body was already aching and anticipating. "Yes, I do want to learn," the words came out on their own accord.

I didn't think I was a shameless perverted.

"Lovely, meet me tonight before dusk one block north from here and I will take you to his place."

"Tonight? That's fast."

She jumped when Stephanie's mom called out to see how they were doing.

"We're almost finished mother," replied Stephanie. Not a hint of sensuality was in her voice. It had been as if they were talking professionally about fabrics and fitting the whole time. "Just the final touches for our lady here."

She had turned and pulled out a finally cut black cloak. "Here, get this as well. It compliments that dress perfectly and can be used to give you a lower profile. Which you will need because you catch the eye so easily."

She swung the cloak over her shoulders and worked the gloss black clasp to secure it.

Claire's head spun at how quickly the conversation shifted from sexy to business in a single breath but wasn't ready to switch subjects so quickly. "How do you know if the guy is, well, knows what he's doing?"

Stephanie looked off to the distance to formulate her thoughts. "It's a mixture of a few things, and can't always be the same every time. He has to be fun and not all serious, but needs a streak of passion where he ravishes you but can hang back and let you do things as well. " A smile spread across the brunette's full lips and her dark eyes glittered as she slipped into a memory. "I really do like the getting ravished part. So you're coming tonight?"

"I absolutely will come," blurted Claire. I guess I am a lusty little pervert.

"I think you will multiple times," said Stephanie. "Now let's get you paid up and on your merry way. I need to make a few arrangements."

Claire laughed not believing what happened and felt giddy. She followed Stephanie out in her new red dress and black cloak. Her green dress was neatly wrapped in a satchel. She settled the bill and marvelled at how fast her purse was getting lighter. She couldn't believe the amount she spent already, and it just kept going.

After her polite farewells to Stephanie and Laura she left the shop. Outside Reginald was standing next to the carriage looking vigilant. He noticed her right away, and his brows knit together. "Are you okay? Did something happen?"

Half distracted she responded. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"

"You look flushed, is your dress too tight?"

Emboldened, she flung back her cloak so it hung like a cape fully exposing her dress. "I think it fits good. What do you think?"

She filled Reginald's eye. "It looks, I mean, you look amazing." He coughed and averted his gaze.

"Thank you, sometimes I wonder."

Reginald blinked a few times. "You really shouldn't doubt yourself."

Claire smiled, and this time she looked away. She called to the driver to take them to the Red Band chapel house instead of the Tavern before heading back. He agreed and they got on their way.

"I thought we were going back to the tavern," said Reginald.

"I decided I'll go to them. That should make them happy, and then I can leave when I want. Last thing I want to happen is to be stuck talking to them all night at the tavern because they won't leave."

"It could be dangerous," said Reginald. "Who knows what these people might have in mind."

"That's why I trust you as my body guard," said Claire with a smile. "Besides, would they really want to mess with me considering the dragon?"

"Very well, then," replied Reginald.


They got in the auto-carriage and Claire sat opposite of Reginald. The windows weren't fogged so she watched the city pass by while she collected her thoughts. Away from the influence of Stephanie she immediately wondered if she was being silly and should call off tonight. Just as quickly, the thrill seeking part of her reminded her how frail life could be.

We were one dragon bite from death a few days ago, so why shouldn't we have fun tonight? Her mind filled with the memory of the bathhouse. That turned out well and this will be better. Besides, how else will we learn?

As compelling as the argument was she thought it was silly, and maybe a little stupid to meet this man tonight. She didn't even know his name.

Her eyes focused on passed the window to the city passing by. The buildings had become wider and shorter. They travelled down a slight slope as they approached one of the bridges where the river came into view. It was wide and slow moving, with docks lining both banks with more boats than she ever imagined in style and quantity.

Sighing, she looked back over at Reginald. He was looking out the window, but she could almost feel the tension within him. It was subtle. A little more tightness around his mouth, and his hand clutched the fabric of his trousers. Yet, she asked herself if she should consider someone more like him, dutiful, resolute, and by all appearances, strong.

He turned to her and cleared his throat before he spoke. "I need to ask you something."

Inside her heart leapt a little bit. "Go ahead."

"What is your motivation?"

That was not what he expected. "What do you mean?"

"I mean your purpose. Not the upcoming meeting, but the whole purpose of why you're here. What keeps you doing what you're doing?

Claire folded her hands on her lap and crossed her legs.

"Sometimes I wonder the same thing. What's keeping me from buying passage on a riverboat and leaving all this behind? I think we both realize I'm in over my head." She paused for a moment to collect her thoughts and gauge his reaction. It was easy to tell he didn't disagree. "When I boil it down, the answer is simple. There are people depending on me."

Reginald nodded. "I respect that."

There was more he wanted to say. She could almost feel the words building.

He took a deep breath, looked down at her feet and started talking. "When I was very young, the coast wars begun. The city-states banned together with King City taking charge. My father was a top military official here, so I was sent to King City as a type of insurance that Port Amber would keep aligned with their plans. There were others like me." He paused remembering his redheaded friend Garrett and others.

"Things happened to me there…one of which was being trained as an elite soldier they called slayers. The coast wars lasted ten years before the invaders were pushed back. I was sent back to Port Amber and thought
I would be reunited with my father. We crossed paths as he was being sent to King City. We barely had a chance to speak, but I remember his last words. I may be a fool, but I do it for my people."

In the two days she had known him, this was the first time he spoke more than a sentence. His words were heavy, and she hung on every one of them.

"When I arrived at Port Amber I was appointed Captain of the Amber Guard. However, after a few years it became clear that my loyalties were not with King City as they had thought from…training me for so many years. Another that was loyal as they wanted replaced me. I stayed on as a Sargent and have been keeping the peace now for almost five years. It was a hard change, but I have persevered because, while I may be a fool, I still feel a responsibility to protect my people."

Now he was holding her gaze. "I suppose then, we have a few things in common."

He glanced out the window for a moment before continuing. "Over the years I have learned to listen. I mean really listen to what people are saying and not saying and have been able to put together small bits of information so I can see the whole picture. You would be amazed at the stories I know."

Alarm bells went off in her head. What is he getting at?

"Let me level with you," he said. "I don't think there is an eastern kingdom. I think that it's only you and the dragon. The dragon lives somewhere near the small village of Arnzeville, where you lived. That somehow you made a deal with the dragon to trade food, so that he won't attack your village, but the burden is too heavy for your village alone and that is why you're trying to have others join in."

Claire's mouth dropped and her eyes bulged wide.

"That was mostly speculation, but I can tell by the look on your face that I'm right."

"How did you know?"

"Like I said, I listen carefully and find information. On the first day here, you sent a message to Arnzeville. I do no not know what it said, but I know where it went. The rest I pieced together."

"You had me followed?"

"Of course I had you followed. A hostile dragon dropped you in the middle of my city and you started spouting on about a peace treaty. I wasn't about to let you go running around freely. I had to find out what you were up to and how much of a threat you are."

He lifted a palm showing he didn't intend to threaten. "Don't get me wrong, I respect you for putting yourself out there to protect your village. A part of me even wonders if this food tribute is the best option."

"Best option? There are options?"

He hesitated, weighing if he should ask the next the question.

"Are you better off with the dragon?"

"If it wasn't for the dragon, I would be dead."

Reginald blinked, surprised that any dragon would save a human.

"Why did he save you? What happened?"

She looked out the window, "I would rather not talk about it."

Reginald recognized the look on her face. "You were betrayed."

"I said I don't want to talk about it," she said. Claire's lips pressed together, and her brows furrowed as she stared hard out the window. He didn't say what the other option was, but he didn't have to. She knew exactly what he meant.

"I will not betray my dragon."

That's when she realized, if Trinket never arrived, then she would've never been offered up for a sacrifice. She would be still back home, on her farm and about to get married. It would have been a good life.
It was too late to change any of that. Dragon's slumber, they wake, they eat, and humans find ways to survive. Just as the sun rises and falls, or how the rains come every spring then ebbs away into the summer, the age of dragons come and go. It was inevitable that the dragon age would start in her lifetime.

Trinket saved her life, and it was his backing that created a new one. It was him who gave her clout, and though she didn't want to admit it, he was her protector and she needed him now.

"Listen, I just want you to think about your options."

"Stop talking," she shot back. "I said, I will not betray my dragon."

Reginald drew in a deep breath, knowing he pushed a sensitive button. He sighed and looked out the window on his side of the carriage and watched life pass by. His jaw muscles worked as words and ideas brewed up in his head, but he held firm and did not speak them. He knew it was a bad time to try. He still wondered what would be best for Port Amber and the settlements in its territory. He had always thought the dragons to animalistic hunters. Now he had to contend with this intelligent one, who saved a human and chose to spare a village. He felt the pressure from his mother, the captain, and his own sense of duty.

They rode in silence, each in their own thoughts.

"The air smells different," commented Claire needing to break the silence.

"It's the river you smell, and the refineries of south side. That, or the fisheries.

"I recognized the fishy smell. It's the other one."

"Port Amber started on the south side when rich amber deposits were found. Soon they discovered the hills are full of valuable ores and gems. Smelters and forges were built to process those. That's what giving that dirty metal smell."

Claire nodded. "So then north side started off as a fishing town to support the miners? And even further north farmers?"

"That's how it started, and they all grew large enough to connect and became the city we find today. The early settlers decided it was best to mine, and process the ores all here to keep most of the profits. A lot of people came and stayed because there has been a lot of good work available."

"That's why I see so many different types of people then?"

"They came for the work, and when they found the land was good, they stayed and raised families."

The wheels of the auto-carriage sounded different again as they transitioned from the steel reinforced bridge to the cobblestone road. She wished that the auto-carriage was more remarkable. There was no real difference compared to a horse drawn carriage other than the lack of hearing horse hooves.

Reginald cleared his throat again. "I have to say this. I think you would be better off, we all would be better off, if the dragon was no more and –"

"Shut up! By the four gods, shut up Reginald! How dare you ask me to betray my dragon."

"I had to ask –"

"You asked, and I'll never do it. Never. Is that clear?"

Reginald's face turned. His expression flat, save for his jaw muscles. "Understood."

They travelled in an uneasy silence the rest of the way. Claire decided that she would go see meet with Stephanie and that blonde fellow tonight. Why shouldn't she enjoy life?

The auto-carriage came to a stop and Claire had a question. "Who else have you told?"

"No one but you."

She gripped the door handle, and held fast. "Now what? Are you going to turn me in?"

"For what?"

"For lying about all the shit."

"The reason why you're here hasn't changed. You want to protect your people, just as I want to protect mine. In that, nothing has changed."

She stared at him hard, hand trembling as fear and anger twisted and boiled. She felt exposed and foolish and wanted to shout or cry. Instead, she asked a quiet question, not daring to meet his eyes. "Will you keep my secret?"

"I will not tell the red band, if that's what you're asking?"

"That's not good enough Reginald. I need you to keep it between us."

"That's all I'm willing to give you."

She let go of the handle and sat back down. She couldn't leave this loose end flapping in the wind. "Reginald," she said. "Can we agree that at the very root we both want our people to be safe. I believe peace with my dragon is the best way, you believe that killing my dragon is better. Let me ask you this, say if we went your way and killed my dragon, and I'm not even sure how we would do that, but let's say we did. You know there are other dragons out there right? That once they find out we killed the forge dragon this territory would be up for grabs, and they wouldn't spare a thought for attacking us because now we are a threat. For all I know, the other dragons would make a point to destroy us for what we did. My way, we make peace with the dragon who resides over this territory, which would keep us safe from him, and the other dragons."

"I remain unconvinced that the best plan isn't to kill every dragon," said Reginald. "That being said, I see the merits of what you propose."

He paused long enough to give his jaw muscles a work out. When he spoke there was no rage or anger, rather an underlying passion that captivated his singular audience. "I will agree to keep your secrets, if you stop lying. You must be honest with your negotiations with the primus when he gets here. No eastern empire, no childish stories, and I swear by the four gods and all the holy relics that I will not abide any threats to Port Amber or any of the towns or villages under its protection including Arnzeville."

Claire was taken back at the strength carried in his words. It took a moment to gather her wits. "Even Arnzeville?"

"It holds more water with me that you come from the eastern part of our territory than any foreign empire. If you're here protecting our people, then I will give you a chance."

A part of her got crushed because he ruined the fun she had been having. Sure, a lot of it wasn't real, but it was an exciting adventure that just got dashed against the rock known as no-fun Reginald. The embarrassment of being caught in the lies also stung. She thought she had been clever.

Though he did not move, he somehow felt bigger. Worse, she saw no way to change his mind. "Fine, I agree," she said. "I will present the peace treaty to the primus and will be honest with him."

"Very well then, it's agreed," said Reginald. "Shall we?"

She turned the handle and opened the door. "Thank you," she said as she stepped out the carriage and instantly was mad at herself for saying those words. Why am I thanking him?
They exited the auto-carriage, and the driver said his farewell as he needed to get back and drove off.

 

[Kris Wicker]

Chapter 29

Like the other buildings in the area it was wide and squat. The roofline and large double doors were gloss black. The front wall was painted a deep red, with artistic iron wrought silhouettes of the forge dragon that hung on the doors.

"Quinby was right about the red dress.," Claire said as she covered herself in her black cape and donned the hood.

"Are sure you don't want to wait for Quinby's report?" asked Reginald who came up beside her.

The sound of his voice annoyed her. "I'm ready now," she said as she stepped forward. She was in no mood to stop and think. It was time to act. For his part, Reginald followed her a step behind and to the right acting the bodyguard.

Claire pushed open both doors and strode in. As she crossed the threshold of the entrance she flung back her cloak, revealing her red hair, dress and dragon medallion. It's all about presentation and a grand entrance.

The auditorium was large with a red carpet going down the center aisle that matched the draped walls and the iron wrought benches. Heat and the smell of campfires enveloped her. Iron braziers burned along the sides creating a metallic smelling smoke that swirled around the intricate ceiling girders.

Up front, the near life size forge dragon statue took the bulk of the space. If she were to guess, she was say that it was made of metal plates lacquered in paint.

The few disciples in attendance froze as their new priestess strode in from the sunlight. She did not waver or falter as she walked to the front, straight at the dragon. In her peripheral vision she knew people watched, but she did not look. She strode up onto the stage and stood in front of the statue taking in the details. It was an expertly crafted piece of work with the one flaw being the empty eye sockets.

She could hear someone approach from the side, "Priestess, we are honoured by your presence."

Claire looked to the one who spoke, an elderly lady bowed deeply, head nearly touching the ground. "Please stand."

"Yes, priestess," said the older woman. She was a head shorter than Claire, with mostly grey hair and was wearing a red robe with large sleeves with black trimming. "How may we serve you?"

Claire looked back up to the dragon statue, not sure if she was comfortable with the woman's devotion. "Tell me about this statue"

"It's hundreds of years old, Priestess. Some claim a thousand."

"A rendition of the forge dragon of that age?"

"That's the legend, Priestess. A great and powerful dragon."

"Why are there no eyes?"

The old lady licked her lips. "They once held beautiful glowing orange eyes made from tangerite, a crystal that only forms in their lairs. I'm afraid they were stolen some time ago."

Claire pulled out on of the glowing gems. "You mean like one of these?"

The older lady's eyes opened wide, then she fell back to her knees. "You have truly come from heart of the dragon god. Where you birthed from him?"

Claire almost laughed at the idea, but held back to a smile. She reached out hand to help her up. "Do, stand up. Yes, I met the dragon, but I can assure you I wasn't born from him."

The old lady looked to the outstretched hand then to Claire's smile. "I cannot, you are touched by god, and next to godliness. I'm not worthy."

Next to godliness?

Despite her fun loving side, she was appalled at the notion of such praise. It could have been the farmer in her who witnessed seedlings grow with the seasons and helped birth livestock. That part knew she was no god, same with the part that just had been chastised by Reginald for being a foolish child. For his part, Reginald was pointedly not looking at her as he kept an eye on the room and the crowd, but she had no doubt he weighed every word.

"We were face-to-face, so close I could reach out and touch his nose. But, I am only human and would much rather talk to you like one. On equal footing."

The old lady looked up in disbelief, and then tentatively reached up and took the offered hand and nearly got hauled her to her feet. "That's better. I didn't catch your name?"

"I- I am Curator Elma, I oversee the upkeep of the Chapel."

"It's good to meet you. The chapel is impressive."

"Thank you Priestess," said Elma. She was about to drop to her knees but stopped herself. Others that were in the room had slowly drifted closer to listen and watch.

Claire made a point to sweep her eyes over the chapel in approval. It really was an impressive building. "Is Burnanator Renn available? I would like to speak with him."

"Of course Priestess. I have already sent for him. He should be here shortly."

"Excellent. Then let's sit down and talk about small things until he arrives."

It took a little convincing by Claire, but the two women ended up sitting in the front row bench and talked of life in the city, of family and siblings. Other members of the Red Band had migrated to listen in and marvelled at what was a normal sounding conversation.

Burnanator Renn arrived, and after they got past the initial reverent bowing and scraping he too ended up sitting and talking. First, she described how magnificent her dragon was, there was no need to embellish that part, but she avoided any mention of his gaps of knowledge, her original quest or how she named him Trinket. Silently regretting that she did. Then she explained the plan to live with the humans, and setting up the tribute of livestock, and how he would garner a level protection for those who lived in his territory.

Renn and the nearby members hung on every word. They enthusiastically agreed it was a wonderful plan and they would do everything in their ability to help facilitate it. During the conversation Claire was acutely aware of Reginald standing guard. She considered sending him away, but it felt like it would be an awkward confrontation and he was likely to refuse. It finally sunk in that he didn't work for her, but rather his city.

There was nothing doing but to carry on.

"Tell me Burnanator Renn, what does the Red Band want?"

Renn's eyes glimmered and look distant. "We want to be close to our dragon god, to serve and worship him. To bless his life in any way we can."

Claire's face was blank in disbelief. She had the mental image of the red band circling Trinkets cave, on their knees, chanting and worshipping the dragon. While comically absurd, she wasn't sure if Trinket would relish the attention, or get annoyed and turn them into crispy critters.

"You do realize the dragon is dangerous?"

"Yes, but we will be close to our god."

She glanced at Reginald, but he gave no hint of support and this felt more and more like a test. I really don't like him anymore.

Renn continued. "After the four gods created all that there is, they choose to split their essences into all living things. Father Forge gave the greatest portion to the dragon created in his liking, making him the forge god. All of us here have a small portion of the forge god, and are called to be close to him so that when we pass from the world, we may join with him in the next."

The other disciples murmured their agreement. "Forged from fire and rock, we will be one."

"Fascinating," said Claire. It was a remarkably close version of how she understood the creation of the world and how the gods interacted within them. For all she knew, Renn could be right.

Claire took a deep breath to collect her thoughts. "While I agree that the dragon is incredibly powerful, and does has the greatest portion of Father Forge, he is his own person with his own thoughts."

Renn leaned in. He and his disciples were filled with hope and expectation. "I will speak to the Forge Dragon on your behalf," she said and raised a palm out to curb their enthusiasm "I can't promise you anything. The dragon can be temperamental, but perhaps we can come to an arrangement."

Even with the warning they celebrated. Claire couldn't really believe people would want to live near a dragon. She wondered if Trinket would allow it if she set it up so that they become the caretakers of the livestock that would satisfy his hunger.

The day was sliding away Claire began to make her leave and said her farewells. They got outside where they continued with their prolonged final goodbyes.

Renn asked one final question. "Our dragon god, does he have a name that we can call him?"

Claire groaned inside. "His dragon name is not for us to know. You can call him, Great Lord Forge Dragon. He likes that."

"Of course Priestess, thank you."

They made their final bows and Claire and Reginald got on the open-air horse carriage that had been arranged for them.

"They sure make long good-byes," said Reginald as they rode away.

"They do," agreed Claire. She looked up to the sun that was making its way down to mark the end of the day. She sensed that he wanted to say something and cut him off. "I'm in no mood to talk because I'm mad at you. I just want to get back to the tavern, eat and study by myself for my lessons tomorrow."

Reginald swallowed what he was about to say. "Very well, but let me just say that you did well. You looked and sounded like the princess the dragon made you."

"I don't need your approval," she replied, though a small part of her appreciated the honest feedback that was tempered by the twinge of guilt of letting him believe the princess title came from the dragon.

"Yes, you do," replied Reginald.

She glared at him, but held her tongue. Fuck off. I really don't like you now.

They rode back only barely trading any words. Once they arrived Claire got a bowl of stew and fresh baked bread from the kitchen and headed to her room closing the door behind her. She ate at her desk as the sun kept falling to the horizon. She read a few passages of the fairy tale book, but had no intention of staying long. There was another adventure preoccupying her mind and she could use some fun.

 

[Kris Wicker]

Chapter 30


Claire found Stephanie as the sun dipped below the rooftops. She was wearing her green cloak with the hood up to hide her face, but the way she leaned against the wall with a certain… Claire couldn't explain what exactly, but recognized her immediately.

"See, I told you the cloak would come in handy," said Stephanie. She kept her chin tilted down, and was peaking from under the rim of the hood. The glitter in her eye was equally unmistakable.

Claire laughed, "It's almost like you can see into the future."

"Now that would be a fun skill. Come on let's go. He's waiting," said Stephanie as she turned to and led the way.

Though her nerves suddenly flared Claire fell into step. "Where are we meeting him?"

"His place."

Claire nodded and side stepped oncoming foot traffic. I'm still going through with this? I'm going to a place I have never been to be with a man I never met?

"Remember this morning?" asked Stephanie.

"How could I forget?"

Stephanie smiled and glanced sideways at Claire. "I know you're nervous, but trust me on this. Besides, what else were you planning to do? Go to bed early?"

Claire laughed quietly. "It was a thought. You know, a good nights sleep before class tomorrow."

"Class?"

"I start training at the guild tomorrow."

Stephanie stopped at grabbed Claire's hands "What? That's so exciting!"

"Surprise!" shouted Claire and together they jumped up and squealed in delight. The foot traffic nearby took notice of the jubilant girls and smiled with them. They didn't know what they were cheering about, but the joy was contagious.

"Wait," said Stephanie as she pulled back, a hand rose up and a finger tapped her lips. "Do you know who your teacher is?"

"I'll find out tomorrow," said Claire. "Why?"

"It's just that there aren't many intuitive types around to be mentors," said Stephanie. She shrugged. "No matter. Let's get going. I told Levi we will be there by sunset."

The sun started to dip below the roofline. Claire turned to her friend. "Lead the way then. I'm curious to see how mighty a lower horn can be."

Laughter burst out of Stephanie, "You'll soon find out!"

The two girls picked up their pace as they weaved past the remaining people who were still on the streets. Stephanie led the way. They came around to a building on a street corner and then up a flight of stairs to the second floor. Stephanie gave a quick rap on the door with her knuckles, and they waited. Claire's heart beat rapidly trying to escape her chest. She looked back down to the street. There's no turning back now.

The door swung open, behind it was that dashing blonde musician. His hair was cascading in waves around his face that wore the easiest of smiles.

That smile is going to be the end of me.

"Evening my beautiful ladies, come in," he said as he stepped aside to allow them in with a sweep of his hand.

"Hey there handsome," Stephanie said as she stepped into the room and flipped her hood back letting her chestnut hair fall freely.

Levi used his free hand and scooped it around her waist drawing her into him. "It's been too long Stephanie, and damn, you're looking better than I remember," he said as he swept his lips across hers. "Mmm, so soft, I want more," he whispered as he came back in for a deeper kiss that Stephanie fully greeted and responded to. She pressed her body against his, one hand resting on his chest.

Claire stepped into the room watching intently. Levi was slightly taller than she was and wore a cream colored tunic that folded across his front in several layers. His tan pants where loose fitting and looked comfortable.

Her eyes quickly swept the room behind him. It was growing dim with the dropping sun, but she spotted several beautiful glass vessels strategically displayed that shimmered with soft light. His string instrument rested on a plush chair.

He looked up from the kiss and spotted her. That smile came across his face again, his eyes crystal blue and full of joy. "You must be Claire. I knew Stephanie had exquisite taste in friends, but my goodness, am I ever excited to meet you in person."

Stephanie turned and smiled with him, one of her arms around his waist. Her expression saying "I told you so."

If Claire's heart was beating rapidly before, it was in full gallop now.

"I do love this dress," said Levi as he stepped over to her. "Especially this black corset. It accents your figure beautifully." He reached out and ran fingers down her side before it rested on her hip. His voice and movements were so graceful, so sure. Claire could feel her body temperature rise as she blushed. His hand lingered for a heartbeat and she wondered if he would draw her in for a kiss. Her lips parted as hot breath escaped her mouth.

"Where are my manners," said Levi as he pulled back. "Come on in, close the door and take off your shoes and cloaks. Stay awhile." He turned and headed back into the room. Claire lurched, wanting the touch of his lips that had been denied.

Stephanie laughed as she slipped the cloak down her shoulders. "Of course, all this clothing feels so restrictive." Underneath she wore a striking green dress that was cut so low she could have worked at Mugs and Jugs. Claire noted that even the skinnier version of Stephanie had larger breasts than herself.

Claire's cloak came off quickly and she hung it up. She let out a measured breath to calm herself as she bent to take off her boots. She looked over to see what Levi was doing. He was in the center of the room, picked up a wine glass from a low table that with situated by the comfortable looking chairs in the sitting room.

"What do you have there?" asked Stephanie as she had already kicked off her shoes and met him in the middle of the room.

"It would be rude of me if I didn't offer drinks," he said as he held out one of the wine glasses. He calmly gave it a playful swirl.

"Yes, very rude," said Stephanie as she took the offered drink. Even though her back was to Claire, she could hear the flirt in her voice and knew there was a mischievous smile across those soft lips. Claire tugged off her boot, silently frustrated at herself that it took so long.

"Guess what I did?" ask Stephanie as she took a sip. Claire marvelled how they appeared to be standing so casually when the sexual energy was practically crackling around them.

"Do tell," responded Levi as he picked up a second wine glass and began to fill it. His eyes flicked up to meet Claire's, and that flirtatious look almost made her miss a step.

"I charged up my magical rod this morning. She purrs like a kitten!"

"Congratulations! I didn't realize you had finished the build."

"Just barely, and Claire helped me charge it up. I even got the vibration mode to work."

Claire was about to ask why it had a vibration mode, but the thought left her head when Levi arched his brow ever so slightly, and that smile took on a lop sided grin. Claire knew, that he knew, exactly what Stephanie meant.

"It was, an insightful learning experience," said Claire as she walked over to the out stretched offering of wine. She was pretty confident her voice and stride were steady. She offered her own smile back to him.

"Oh my," said Levi, his voice low. "Stephanie was right, you do have the sexiest blush."

Claire laughed, feeling the heat rise. "Is that for me?"

"It is," replied Levi as he held out the glass. "Stephanie told me you have…a deep desire to learn new things."

This time the flush of heat to Claire's face caused her to pause as she took hold of the glass wine. Levi didn't let go right away, holding her gaze as their fingers touched on the transfer of the wine glass. She ached for more of his touch.

"Does she ever," said Stephanie as she raised the glass to her lips, smelling its aroma. She looked into the deep red liquid. "Claire was very eager and a quick learner. She's got talent."

"Well then, here is to new experiences," said Levi as put his glass out for a toast. The girls clinked glasses and everyone took a drink.

"Uh oh," said Levi, "I spilled some wine."

Claire looked from her drink, brows slightly furrowed. She couldn't see where he spilled anything, but then he dipped two fingers into his wine glass. He then reached out and touched Stephanie's neck with his wet fingers.

"My bad, let me clean that up," he said as he stepped into her, lifted her chin and carefully licked off the touch of wine he had placed. Stephanie lifted her face upwards and gasped. Levi didn't move quickly, but with purposed and lingered just long enough.

"Looks like you spilled some more," said Stephanie as she dipped her fingers into her wine and ran them between her breasts.

"Silly me," said Levi as he went in to clean up the new spillage.

Claire looked down into her wine glass. Maybe I should pour this down the front of my dress.

"Hmm, it's really getting hot in here," said Levi. "We should go to my bedroom. I left a window open and it will be refreshing to be in there."

"You're right Levi," agreed Stephanie. "And all these clothes are positively stifling."

Levi looked thoughtful and nodded his head. "You're probably right, let's go find out." He put down his wine glass, took Stephanie's hand and made eye contact with Claire.

Stephanie put down her glass and let him lead the way. She grabbed Claire's hand to bring her along. Claire found a spot to place her glass as she happily followed.

Candles that were arranged on furniture lit the bedroom with a warm dancing light. Sure enough the window was cracked open letting in a refreshing breeze. The bed was large and Levi stopped at its foot. He turned and drew both women into him, pressing their bodies together. Claire's pulse pounded in her neck, she looked up and Levi kissed her. A first soft touch of the lips, heat intermingling. Then it was longer kiss, her pulse quickened and he drew her tighter and kissed her with intensified greed. Claire felt Stephanie's lips run across her neck and she gasped as her mind let go of coherent thought and swelled with the sensations of pleasure.

"You're lovely," whispered Levi, and then ran his lips along the other side of her neck, breathing and tasting her in. "Your skin is divine."

Claire arched her neck up, exposing her flesh and shuddered as the other two took the offering. Levi turned and kissed Stephanie, and Claire noticed his clothes were gone. Her hand ran over his exposed back muscles. She pulled back and looked down to find he was completely naked.

"Where did your clothes go?"

He laughed. "Things happen."

With her night vision she could clearly see his lower horn, and it was mighty.

"Go ahead, touch it," encouraged Stephanie.

Needing no further prompts she reached out and gripped the thick, hot shaft and squeezed to feel its hardness. Levi grunted with pleasure, lust in his eyes.

"Why are you two still wearing clothes?" he asked. "Claire, lets help Stephanie undress."

"Good idea," said Claire as she let go, stepped in behind the brunette and quickly undid the drawstrings along the back of her bodice. Once loose the green dress fell, revealing her sensual dark flesh. Claire reached one hand around to the front to fondle a breast, and Levi took the offering and ran his tongue over the supple flesh and Claire's fingers. Her other hand reached down between Stephanie's legs and she found that Levi's fingers were already exploring her most sensitive and slick parts. Stephanie gasped, arced her back, and panted as both Claire's and Levi's fingers explored and slipped into her mingling together.

Levi looked over Stephanie's shoulder and caught Claire's eye. "She's right, you are a fun one," his voice was low, and the desire in his eye was intense. "Now you're the only one with clothing."

Stephanie spun around, her body shifting against the other two. "We need to do something about that. How else will we touch you in all the places we want to?"

Claire's head swam. The sensual pleasures and her own lusty desire to be lusted over had engulfed her. They began undoing the drawstrings that were over the abdomen of her dress. The tugging and yanking only served to increase her arousal. She swallowed hard as she watched her dress slip down exposing her breasts.

Levi smiled, and Stephanie purred as they took one each and suckled and fondled. Claire arched her back and gasped. Her flesh was so sensitive it almost hurt. Her dress ended up on the floor and she felt fingers slip into the waist band of her bottoms and slid them past her hips where they fell on their own accord. Two hands where soon exploring her nether regions, fingers slipping in and out of her. She gasped as her knees trembled. She reached out and took of hold the lower horn stroking it, wanting it.

Levi came up and kissed her full on the mouth, it was deep and consuming that her panting for air. "Claire," he breathed, "My desire to take and ravish you is nearly unstoppable."

There was that word. Ravish. His proclamation made her tighten up in anticipation, her body primed and aching in desire.

He kissed her, then Stephanie. "You said that she wanted to learn?"

"Yes," breathed Stephanie. "Claire has to see how it is done first, and I'm willing to teach by example."

"That's very brave of you," teased Levi. "So then Claire, pay attention. I am about to throw Stephanie on the bed. Then I will have her, deep and pleasurable, enjoying every movement."

"That's a good plan," replied Stephanie. "Then I will flip him over, straddle his cock, and show you how to ride for fun and pleasure."

Levi nodded and looked thoughtful. "I like the way you think, and I like your addition to the plan." He said as he put his hands on Stephanie hips and gently pushed her backwards so she bumped up against the bed. He looked over to Claire and said. "This way you will know what to expect."

Stephanie laughed and half jumped and was half tossed onto the bed. Then scooted up to the pillows.

Levi moved forward, taking up the space between her legs, spreading them apart with his thighs. "Fuck Stephanie, you're so fucking hot. I want you."

Claire climbed onto the bed next them, eyes focused on the action. She had the consuming perverted desire to see the moment of penetration, to see his shaft disappear into Stephanie.

"Claire, grab my rod and guide it in for me."

Stephanie laughed, "By the gods, you're a sexy pervert."

"I would love to," said Claire as she got her hand wrapped around him. She pushed it forward so the head was against Stephanie's body, then she moved it up and down over the slippery folds of skin. Stephanie began to pant, her hips writhing in anticipation.

"Stop teasing and put it in," Stephanie demanded.

"Hush," said Claire, "I'm learning."

The other two laughed, then Claire stuffed it in up to her fist and they grunted in in pleasure. She held tight, not letting Levi drive it in any further though he tried. Pushing the limits, he proceeded in short quick thrusts giving Stephanie just the tip. Claire was thrilled at their reactions and let go allowing Levi to thrust all the way in, right up to the hilt. They paused enjoying the depth of penetration. Then slowly their hips began to move, their body intertwined and passion ensued. They started slowly, but soon heat of intensity prevailed. Levi hooked an elbow under one of Stephanie's knees, tilting the angle of her hips and proceeded to drive into her hard and steady.

The sounds filled Claire's ears, grunts, groans and gasps of pleasure. Not knowing what else to do she watched and learned. This must be what it is to be ravished, she rationalized. Then after a few more moments of watching she came to a conclusion. I want a turn.

The sounds coming from Stephanie began to change, Claire recognized them as a precursor to the next event and soon her body clenched and grimaced as her pleasure peaked and exploded. Levi stopped his motion and stayed deep inside riding it out. "That's a good girl," he said. "I like it when you do that."

She laughed and slapped him on his ass. Catching her breath she said, "Okay, now be a good boy and roll over. I get to ride now."

"Yes dear," Levi replied, a playful tone in his voice like he was somehow suffering. He rolled on his back, and Claire's eyes went straight to his lower horn, it was still mighty and glistened. He reached down and had it pointing straight up, reaching for the sky.

Stephanie straddled over him, position herself that she could lower herself down and gobble him up. "Okay, Claire, pay attention. I'm going to show you how to ride now."

Claire's senses were on full alert. Her sex education was based on watching the various farm animals go at it. Which was how she it assumed it was done. She thought it was brilliant when Kantar first had them do it face-to-face. The notion of being on top of the man was revolutionary.

Meanwhile, Levi freed a hand to explore and roam Claire's body. Caressing thighs, shoulders, abdomen, and breasts. "Better hurry Stephanie. Looks like Claire is ready to start practicing."

"Pay attention now," said Stephanie as she lowered herself down, a pleasurable sigh escaping her lips. "Once you begin, you can move up and down like this. Which gives him a great view of the action." She kept bouncing up and down to illustrate her point. Her eyes were closed tight, but Levi had a wide grin as he watched intently.

"But if you really want to maximize your pleasure you get all the way down like this, and then you tilt your hips back like this so your back is arched. At this angle you can really get the best of everything." She paused as wave of pleasure crossed her face. "Now you just start grinding like this, and you will feel him inside and out." She paused to catch her breath. "Super sensual, and he won't be able to take his hands off of you."

"She's right," Levi said as both of his hands were on her. "Super hot and sexy, and I love watching a woman get off all over my hard cock."

"The only thing," Stephanie managed to get out as she gasped, "to be aware of," she let out a deep breath, "is that once I get going," she groaned, "I tend cum fast and hard." She gave up trying to talk, and just demonstrated. It didn't take long before she proved her point. "See. I will do one more then it's your turn."

Claire's own breath started to quicken even though she was only an observer, she knew it would soon be her turn.

"Looks like it is your turn red," said Levi as Stephanie got up and lay down next to him. "Do it just like she showed you." He held his lower horn straight up, ready for her.

Claire laughed. "Yes, dear," she said as she moved over and straddled him. She started to lower herself down stopping when she felt him press against her lips and gasped.

"Oh my," said Levi. "You're so wet and ready. I bet you will be cumming hard and fast as well."

Claire didn't say anything as she slowly went down enough for his tip to enter her. She stopped, sucked in breath and moved back up. Collected herself, but panted hard as she went down again. This time further before she pulled back. The pleasure was too much, too intense.

"Claire, lean forward," said Levi as hands came around her waist and pulled her towards him. Her face was next to his, she could feel the heat of his torso radiating against hers. He whispered in her ear. "Go all the way down, do it, and I promise I will flip you over and ravish you."

She did just that, sitting down all the way. She groaned, and then before she knew it, true to his word, Levi flipped her over so he on top of her kissing her passionately. The weight of his body pressed down on her. His greedy mouth all around her face, neck and shoulders, his hands exploring at will. There were no more thoughts of what to do because it was being done and she let herself live in the moment. Levi didn't disappoint and took her where she needed to go several times. When he couldn't hang on anymore, he had the good sense of pulling out and firing his dragon all over her.

When it was all over they lay in bed, arm in arm, and breathing hard. Levi got up and rolled out bed. "I'm hungry and need some water. You ladies interested in staying for some refreshments? If so, in about an half an hour there will be round two."

"I can't think of anywhere else I need to be," added Claire.

"I can go for a bite," replied Stephanie. "And I really want to show Claire the vibration mode on my magic rod."