Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Can we stop for a bit? I need to get a drink or I’m going to pass out.” Kal wiped his brow and adjusted the awkward weight of his traveling pack. The mid-day heat had made his dark skin shiny with sweat and his mouth and lips were gritty from the dust of the road.

Astra was walking a few paces ahead, which had at least provided Kal a pleasant view for the last few hours. The sight of her legs and ass, barely covered by her leather skirt, made the miles go by a little bit easier. The two had woken up a few hours prior and have been hiking ever since, headed towards the well-traveled Basalt Road, named for the black stones it was paved with. Kal had a previous engagement in the city of Ulthar, and Astra still needed a proper new blade.

“Feet a little sore, city boy?” She looked over her shoulder at Kal, smirking slightly at his discomfort.

“Bah! I’m on the road nearly as much as you.” Kal spat dirt from his mouth as he unshouldered his pack. “I just have the good sense to use a horse. Unlike some barbarians, I could name who don’t know the first thing about riding.”

“Hmmph. Horses are for those who can’t carry their own weight.” Astra sniffed contemptuously but didn’t seem eager to resume hiking either. Despite her mockery, he knew that she didn’t actually enjoy the warmth any more than he did. Oreads were creatures of snow-covered peaks and crisp mountain streams and even though it was still early Autumn the sky was clear and the sun was unseasonably warm. It didn’t take much convincing to get her to stop and rest beneath the shade of a nearby tree.

While they rested their aching feet Kal dug through his pack, searching for something to wet his parched throat. Buried at the bottom of the pack was his leather-wrapped traveling flask but a quick shake found it to be practically empty. Kal sighed, pouring the last few drops into his mouth, “Astra, could you pass me a drink. Seems I’m dry.”

There wasn’t any immediate response and, when Kal looked up from his pack, he could see that she was staring into her own pack with a rare, bashful look on her face. Astra was always the epitome of the confident, collected warrior-woman so seeing her embarrassed left Kal momentarily speechless.

“Ah...about that.” Astra broke the silence when she noticed Kal’s expression, “I may have...forgotten to pack anything to drink.”

“What?” Kal laughed in disbelief, “You? You always pester me about having a get-out-of-town bag ready at all times! How can you not have any water?” Astra opened the mouth of her pack, revealing several small wineskins identical to the one she had quaffed during the battle last night. “The place was a rathole, but I found a good distillery so I made sure to prepare a lot of firemead while I had the chance. I meant to buy some new travel flasks today, but then I met you at the inn…”

Kal couldn’t help but burst out laughing at her distress. Being self-reliant and ready for anything seemed to be part of her weird code of honor and the failure to pack an essential like drinking water clearly bothered her greatly. His dry throat turned the laughter into a fit of coughing, interrupted by the occasional wheezing giggle.

“Shut up, you fop! I don’t want to hear this from you!” She stared at the ground and tried to conceal the obvious embarrassment she felt, but her fair skin made even a light blush stand out clearly. “I’d been there for weeks and it’s not as though I planned to flee in the night like a thief!”

Kal managed to regain his composure after a few minutes. While Astra glowered at him he considered their options. He’d tried Astra’s firemead once, out of curiosity, and found its rough, spicy sweetness almost undrinkable and without the benefit of Erinye training it only gave him a headache and an erection. Astra might be able to make the hike on nothing but firemead but they’d end up stopping every half-mile to fuck in the bushes. He’d die of exhaustion before they reached the Basalt Road.

“Well...I guess we better find some water.” Kal said, stating the obvious. “But I’m just a foppish city-boy, do you have any suggestions, oh mistress of woodscraft?”

For a moment he thought Astra might punch him and wondered if he had stepped wrong around her touchy code of honor. Fortunately, she seemed more mad at herself than at him and she quickly packed her bags and signaled for Kal to get to his feet.

“About half a mile back we took a fork around a hill, I remember hearing the sound of water.” She got to her feet and hefted her pack. “Let’s get going.”

*****

After about twenty minutes of retracing their steps, Astra’s sharp ears picked up the distant trickle of running water. Signaling to Kal to follow she left the road and traveled into the stand of trees and underbrush just off the side of the road. These lands were wild and other than the rough dirt road cutting through the hills and woodland there was no sign of civilization.

Behind her, Astra could hear Kal swearing as he stumbled through the woods, thorns and twigs catching on his ridiculous doublet and soft breeches. His frustration brought a mischievous smile to her face and she intentionally steered her steps towards the thickest undergrowth, knowing that Kal wouldn’t have any choice but to follow. Despite her own bare limbs, she didn’t have anything to worry about. Although she was a mountain nymph rather than a wood nymph, all of her kind shared a talent for flitting through the wilderness in scanty clothes without harm.

The sound of running water grew louder as they hiked through the woods until the two of them emerged from the woods into a small clearing. The woods were flush against the flat, craggy face of the nearby hillside and a small waterfall of springwater flowed from the rocks, splashing into a deep, rock-lined pool before flowing away in a small creek. The water looked inviting after the dusty road and the dry hike back.

Kal wasted no time, dunking his flask into the water and taking several deep gulps. Astra was momentarily distracted admiring his profile, watching his Adam's apple bob as he drank deeply of the ice-cold spring water. Once his thirst was quenched he filled the flask again and moistened a handkerchief and dabbing off the dirt of the road. A warm, hungry tingle began to grow between her legs. Kal’s rich, dark skin and fine, aristocratic features always seemed to inflame her libido and after the heat and dirt, she felt the urge to relax for a moment.

Kal didn’t hear as she crept behind him, moving like a hunting cat. She silently unlaced her breastplate and set it on the ground. Her breasts were covered in sweat and her nipples immediately perked up as a light breeze chilled her damp skin. Kal was taking another long drink from his flask as she unbuckled her belt and dropped her leather skirt to the forest floor, idly stroking her bare, moist slit with one hand.

“Kal.” She called playfully and, before he could react, she gave him a solid shove between the shoulder-blades and sent him spilling face-first into the pool.

“Fuck, As-” Kal managed only a brief exclamation before he splashed into the water.

“What? I thought you were thirsty?” She laughed as he spluttered and struggled to stand, booted feet slipping on the mossy rocks.

“Damn it, woman, these clothes are expensive!” Kal wiped his eyes and noticed Astra’s nudity for the first time. She had one hand still working in small circles between her legs while the other absent-mindedly toyed with one of her nipples. “Ah...Of course. I should have known, I suppose. Couldn’t do me the courtesy of letting me undress first?”

Astra responded by sliding her legs into the cold, clear water. She shivered and gasped as the icy water met the heat between her legs and again when it lapped against her nipples. She half-walked, half-swam over to Kal, moving with the grace of an otter.

“Oh, dear Kal. Please don’t be cross.” She pouted mockingly, pressing her hands against the wet fabric of his shirt and feeling his firm, athletic muscles beneath. “I would never want to displease you! Please, please let me make amends!”

Kal snorted at her exaggerated and maidenly tone, but he didn’t resist when her hands moved lower and undid his belt. She felt him becoming hard as she pressed her hands against the cloth of his breeches and the heat of his body stood out in the icy water. She leaned in and Kal meet her mouth with an equally eager kiss and for a moment both devoured one another’s mouths, letting their lips and tongues stroke and flick against one another.

Kal kicked off his breeches and tossed them in a sodden heap by the shore. He pulled her close and she felt his dick pressing against her stomach, hard and ready despite the frigid water. A thought occurred to her and she pushed them apart, smiling at Kal and resuming her mocking imitation of an obeisant maiden.

“Oh, my lord! You must be suffering from the rigors of passion!” She crooned and pushed him back until he was seated on the rocks at the edge of the pool. “Please, let me soothe you!”

Astra stayed floating in the water, her head level with Kal’s chest. She ran her hands up Kal’s bare legs and then around his back and bare ass. Locking her green eyes with Kal’s brown ones she slowly lowered her head to his stiff cock, taking his wet, dusky head in her mouth. Kal groaned appreciatively as she sucked at the tip of his dick. He tasted of fresh, clean water tinged with the slightest tang of salt and sweat.

Astra felt her own loins glow with heat, banishing the chill of the pool, as she worked Kal’s shaft deeper, pushing against the back of her mouth. She did not often indulge men like this, although it wasn’t because she disliked it. On the contrary, she enjoyed the sensation of a warm cock twitching against her tongue and the sight of men squirming and gasping, devoid of dignity, as she pleasured them. The problem was simply one of patience as she rarely could wait when her own needs ached to be satisfied.

But this time she made herself wait, savoring Kal’s pleasant surprise as she continued to press her lips further down his shaft until they were brushed by the black curls of his moist pubic hair. She held him there for several seconds, feeling him tremble as she sucked on his cock. She pulled her head back, releasing the head of his cock with a loud pop.

“Wow…”He gasped, a dazed expression of pleasure on his face. “That’s...that’s a hell of an apology.”

Astra smiled and, keeping eye contact, she trailed her way down his shaft, flicking her tongue back and forth. The cold water had caused his testicles to retract and tighten against his body but she cupped them in her fingers to warm them. She ran her tongue from the bottom of his balls up to the base of his cock and then began to suck gently at the skin of his sack.

“Ohhh, that feel’s-” Kal’s voice was slightly breathy as he struggled to control himself. “I don’t think I can last much longer if-ooooooohh fuck!”

His last words were lost in a moan as Astra raised her head and took him deep inside her mouth again, shoving face down over his trembling cock. She was becoming light-headed as Kal’s thick dick cut off her breathing but she kept coaxing it deeper until she finally felt him jerk and tremble with orgasm, filling her mouth and throat with hot, salty cum. She kept her mouth wrapped around Kal until his cock finished jerking and spurting cum, completely spent.

Astra finally pulled back, letting his half-soft member pop from between her lips and wiping stray droplets from her face. She fingered herself under the water, thinking about the different ways she could get him hard again so that he could fill the aching need between her legs. “So, my lord, are yo-”

Her words were cut off by a loud splash as a limp form fell from the rocky cliff face above and crashed into the deep pond. Astra reacted instinctively, pushing herself away from the rocks and into the deeper waters, swimming towards the sinking shape.

The figure was concealed in the folds of a large, white cloak but Astra managed to snag a fluttering edge and quickly towed them to shore. Kal stumbled awkwardly to his feet, still a little weak in the knees and helped Astra pull the figure from the water and peeled away the sodden cloak.

“A girl!” Kal exclaimed when he revealed the figure, a black-haired and slender young woman dressed in fine clothes decorated with gold and silver threads. She was a slight thing, probably barely over five feet tall and slender of chest and waist, although her wet, clinging clothes made it clear she was an adult. Her hair was bound with jeweled bands into a pair of ponytails, one on each side of her head.

“An elf.” Astra corrected as her hand traced a red, swelling lump at the woman's temple. She pushed back the girl’s damp ponytail and revealing gently pointed ears. They were rare this far south, even rarer than Astra’s people. She had only ever seen elves once when attending a festival in the capital of Oneiros. They were likely diplomats or merchants and, like this girl, they dressed in fine silks decorated with gold and silver.

Astra pulled her hand back as the elf maiden jerked suddenly and gasped, her eyes fluttering open. She reached out, grabbing Astra’s arm and pulling herself halfway to a sitting position.

“Please….” The elf gasped. “We were attacked…”

She was pointing weakly at the cliff she had just fallen from. The splashing of the waterfall had covered the sounds before, but now Astra could faintly hear the clash of metal on metal and the sound of voices raised in battle.

“Astra,” Kal’s admonished. “We don’t have to get involved.”

She rolled her eyes at Kal’s caution and didn't bother to respond. She knew the man could be brave when needed, but he hated sticking his neck out when no reward was on the table. She had long ago learned to ignore his quibbles. In a surge of motion, she launched herself towards the far end of the pool and pulled herself out of the water. She snatched her dagger from the pile of discarded clothing and clenched it between her teeth. Still nude and dripping she hurried to the cliff wall and began to scramble straight up.

“Astra?!” Kal cried, still cradling the semi-conscious elf. “Seriously? I am not climbing that! You’ll be on your own!”

She knew better. He might not care to risk his skin for strangers and he might whine like a cheated merchant but he wasn’t one to let a companion rush into danger alone either. Although given the route she had chosen he might not be able to follow her for a while.

The cliff face was dotted with numerous hand- and foot-holds and she was able to scramble up the sheer rock as easily as a child climbing a tree. As she approached the top of the cliff the sounds of battle intensified. She could hear deep, frog-like rumbles: the battle cries of kabirii.

Kabirii were foul creatures, a dwarf- or gnome-like race that dwelled underground and emerged periodically to steal meat and iron before vanishing into their caves and tunnels once more. Although she knew they had the wit to craft weapons and plan ambushes, she’d never heard of anyone actually holding a conversation with them.

She felt a twinge of relief when she recalled it was Autumn, still several months before the kabirii’s annual rut. Even she would rather not fight a lust-crazed pack of kabirii if she could at all help it.

Just as her hands gripped the ledge overlooking the forest below and began to pull herself up she could hear a sudden, pained cry. It sounded bad: the wet gurgle of someone trying desperately to breathe through a lungful of blood.

Climbing over the lip of the cliff, Astra took in the scene. A small, one-horse carriage had apparently been navigating an overgrown and unused dirt road that lead over the hill and past the cliff. The horse had probably been the reason why the kabirii attacked. The beast already lay dead, a pool of blood spreading from numerous wounds left by kabiri throwing hatchets. The carriage itself had been toppled by the horse’s collapse, one wheel slowly spinning.

Numerous dead kabirii lay scattered around the carriage. The attack had probably been catastrophic for the tribe and with this many dead warriors they were unlikely to survive the winter. However, kabirii seemed incapable of understanding the concept of a ‘sunk cost’ and would gladly throw themselves into the jaws of death rather than beat a sensible retreat. She had seen a village invaded, leaving kabirii dead by the dozens, all for the sake of stealing two skinny cows.

The source of the dead kabirii seemed to be an elven man, dressed in an outfit much like the young woman who had gone falling off the cliff. He had clearly fought bravely and with great skill, but sheer numbers must have been his undoing. It looked to Astra like he had been surrounded, pulled down and had his throat cut.

There seemed to be about a dozen kabirii still standing. Most were gathered around the corpse of the elven warrior, beating his still body with clubs and hatchets, letting out their croaking battle cries. They were squat creatures that looked like nothing so much as a human figure that had been compressed. Their heads were wide and flat, with bulging, wall-eyed faces and huge, gap-toothed mouths. Their limbs were short, fat and wrinkled and they did not cover their grotesque bodies with any clothing other than a belt or harness to hold weapons or satchels.

Several kabirii appeared to be trying to enter the toppled carriage, hooting and croaking as they tried to pull the door open. Someone, unseen inside the carriage, was fighting against them and holding the door shut from within. This stalemate wasn’t likely to last very long.

It was too late for the elvish warrior but Astra knew she might still have time to save the person inside the carriage. She pulled the knife from between her teeth and drew in a deep breath and visualized her inner fire.

The inner fire was the key to the ability of the Erinyes. It burned in the core of one’s being and provided strength to the body, courage to the soul and heat to the blood and loins. It was intensity, passion, rage, lust, joy and ferocity. Firemead could fuel it, whipping it into a raging inferno, but even without the drink, the inner fire was always burning inside of her.

Which was good, because she hadn’t had the opportunity to retrieve any firemead before scaling the cliff.

She took another deep breath, visualizing the world’s primal energies flowing into her with each breath and fueling the fire. As her inner flame burned brighter strength and vigor filled her, washing away the exhaustion of the day’s travel and the rapid ascent up the cliff face.

She allowed some of that fire to fill her lungs and released her breath in a single, mighty roar of challenge. Her teacher had called this technique the Predator’s Roar, filling her enemies with the same terror a rabbit feels when face-to-face with a wolf. Every kabiri suddenly stopped what it was doing and looked at her, their goggle-eyes wide with shock and their mouth’s slack.

Astra fell on them like a thunderbolt, taking advantage of their momentary shock. The group surrounding the dead elf scattered as she leapt into their midst, but they were too late. A bare heel snapped one kabiri’s jaw while her knife lashed out in a series of quick slashes, leaving two kabirii short several fingers.

The wounded kabirii thrashed and croaked in distress, unable to fight. Astra spared them no pity, she had seen what kabirii did to women during the rut and maiming was a better fate than they deserved.

The Predator’s Roar was wearing off and the other kabirii regained some fight in their belly. Before they could swarm her Astra flicked her wrist, burying her knife in one kabiri’s eye. She snatched up the small spears dropped by the now-fingerless kabirii and twirled them in her hands like batons, batting aside the other kabiri’s weapons and plunging one spear into the throat of a kabiri attempting to sneak up behind her.

Only a few seconds had passed and already almost half the kabirii were dead or crippled. But before Astra could press her advantage one of the surviving kabirii unlimbered a rough leather lasso from it’s back and managed to catch its loop around her left arm. The kabiri tugged the lasso tight around her arm and, with the help of a comrade, it attempted to pull her off her feet.

Astra’s inner flame burned bright as she dropped the spears and grabbed ahold of the rope. With a surge of strength, she spun and simply yanked both kabirii off their feet. They were too stupid or shocked to let go of the rope, allowing Astra to twirl them around, keeping the other kabirii at bay for a moment. She slammed them both into the pack of kabirii still perched on top of the carriage, sending the entire group sprawling.

With a croaking battle-cry, another kabiri leapt at her and caught Astra’s palm on its broad chin. The blow drove it’s jawbone backwards, dislocating it hard enough to crush the kabiri’s windpipe. As it choked on its own throat she snatched up the hatchet it had wielded.

She took a cautious stance, twirling the hatchet in a figure-eight pattern. The initial shock of her attack was wearing off and the kabirii had taken the measure of her strength. They weren’t smart by any means but like any predator, they had a certain amount of animal cunning. Their strength lay in numbers and while Astra was strong, she was also alone, naked and armed with a crude, undersized weapon.

The kabirii formed a circle around her as she prowled left and right. They tested her defenses, lunging and feinting to try and find an opening to swarm her. For her part, Astra weighed her options, searching the battlefield for a better weapon that might help even the odds.

That’s when she spotted an opportunity. Near the cliff lay a four-foot staff topped with a foot-long, single-edged blade. The weapon clearly belonged to one of the elves, it was far too fine to be kabiri-make and the design was unfamiliar. But it looked like it would serve to turn the tide, extending her already significant reach advantage and allowing her to keep the kabirii at bay so they couldn’t overwhelm her.

She drew another breath and envisioned the glow of her inner fire suffusing her legs. She crouched down, one hand holding the hatchet and the other on the ground. The kabirii saw the momentary stillness as an opportunity and began to close the circle around her.

Before they could attack, she threw herself forward with the speed of an arrow loosed from a bow. Velocity alone made it difficult for the kabirii to stop her. One tried to raise its club to stop her but instead of attacking it she simply leapt on top of it, balancing for a split-second on the surprise kabiri’s head. Then she launched herself off with another burst of speed, driving the kabiri’s skull into the dirt with the force of her kick-off.

She landed about ten yards away in a crouch. The elvish sword-spear was almost within reach so she took the opportunity to toss her hatchet at one of the kabirii that attempted to rush after her, catching it in the face.

However, before she could reach for the sword-spear there was a rustling of leaves above her and a kabiri dropped from the tree-branches onto her shoulders. The thing was gripping a thick rope which it wrapped around her neck like a garrotte.

Astra stumbled with the sudden weight as the kabiri yanked backward like a horseman trying to control a rebellious steed. The rough hemp of the rope scratched at her throat and her breathing was cut off. Denied fuel, her inner flame flickered as she struggled to get the smaller creature off her back.

Clawing at the rope would be useless with it wrapped so tightly around her throat and the kabiri was too far back and down for her to grab. It croaked triumphantly as she wobbled, almost dropping to one knee. Astra regained her footing, positioning herself to slam backwards into the tree in an attempt to crush the unwanted passenger.

But then one of the other kabirii caught the trailing lasso still looped around her arm. It yanked hard, pulling her off balance again. Then it was joined by a second kabiri and together both tugged her almost completely off her feet. Without fresh air, she couldn’t gather the strength to send them flying like the first time.

Overconfident, one of the remaining kabirii tried to come in with a broad-bladed knife, looking to end her the same way they had slain the elven warrior. But Astra managed to grab the kabiri’s wrist with her free hand and twisted, sending the knife to the ground and then snapping the kabiri’s arm with a vicious jerk.

Astra reached for the fallen dagger. If she could get it then she could cut the lasso on her arm, freeing her to slice through the rope that was cutting off her breathing. But then the kabirii tugged her again, pulling her away from the prize. There were only three of them left, but her vision was starting to go dark as her inner flame guttered, dying without fuel.

*****

Casshern struggled desperately to hold the carriage’s door shut as the kabirii outside croaked at him in whatever awful language they spoke. He had heard Edleghard’s death-cry just a few seconds ago and he had no idea what happened to Noradella after the carriage was knocked over. He thought he might have hit his head because he couldn’t clearly remember the next few minutes, he only came to when the carriage door had been yanked open, revealing the flat, drooling face of a kabiri.

He had managed to catch the creature unaware with a sharp kick, although it left his ankle smarting, and slammed the door closed again. Now there were several of the horrible little monsters trying to pull it open and he was desperately holding it down with all the strength and weight in his slight frame.

He looked desperately for some type of weapon, but everything inside the carriage was in total disarray. He knew he had a carnelian stone somewhere in his gem pouch and if he could get ahold of it he’d at least be able to create a protective ward. But everything was jumbled into a pile at his feet and if he let go of the door for even a moment the kabirii would seize the chance to swarm the carriage. But if he did nothing then eventually his arms would give way and he’d find himself helpless.

Casshern was no warrior and he could already feel the muscles in his slender arms burning with fatigue. He decided to take a risk and let go of the handle with one hand, reaching down and tugging at the sash of his silk kimono. If he could tie the handle shut then perhaps he’d have time to locate something to defend himself.

While he was undoing his sash the kabirii outside gave a tremendous tug that nearly pulled him off his feet. Casshern had to grab the handle with both hands again and plant his feet against the seat for leverage as the kabirii outside croaked and slammed their flat, wrinkled hands against the walls of the carriage.

“Mulberries!” He swore as the thrashing pulled his kimono open, causing his sash to flutter to the ground and out of his reach. His fingers ached and his arms felt like they might pop from their sockets. Any minute now his grip would give way and the kabirii would pull him from the carriage. There was nothing left but prayer, “H-High Lord, Father of the People. Please...please look kindly on my service and my deeds. Accept me into the halls of my ancestors and write my name in the-”

His desperate prayers were interrupted by a bone-shaking battle-cry that shook him to his core. It was primitive magic of some kind, some kind of crude spiritual assault. Fortunately, the People were not easily susceptible to such barbaric mysticism and his initiation as an Eremite provided him further protection. He was still shaken by perfectly ordinary, mundane fear but managed to keep his head clear.

The kabirii had not been so lucky and they finally stopped trying to wrest the carriage door open. Casshern blinked in confusion, still clinging to the door handle. Was the sound from some new enemy? Or an ally?

His question was answered by the renewed sounds of battle outside. Someone was fighting the kabirii and it sounded like they were winning. A few seconds later there was a tremendous crash above him and the carriage door no longer sagged beneath the weight of the kabarii above.

For a moment, Casshern considered just staying the carriage and hoping that whatever was outside would slay the kabirii and move on. But if the kabirii proved victorious then he’d be trapped all over again. He needed to take the opportunity to slip away. He hoped that Edleghard or Noradella might still be alive...perhaps he could help get them to safety while the kabirii were occupied.

He caught a glimmer out of the corner of his eye: the glint of light off a jewel. He snatched it up but his heart fell when he saw it was merely a polished fire agate. It was a feeble gem, a traveling convenience, useful for starting campfires and not much else. But he didn’t have the time to search for anything more useful, like a carnelian or an onyx.

“High Lord, your servant will not fail you.” Casshern murmured to himself, making the symbol of the tower over his heart. “I will be brave for you....”

Comforted by his prayer, he took a deep breath and pushed open the carriage door and pulled himself up, balancing unsteadily on the overturned carriage. One of his sandals had fallen off and the carved wood dug into the tender skin of his bare foot. As he climbed out the folds of his kimono were caught on the door handle, nearly pulling it off his shoulders and baring his chest.

Fumbling with the robe his jaw dropped as he took in the scene before him. A tall, shapely and entirely nude woman was battling the diminutive monsters. He gaped, dumbfounded, as she spun and impaled an oncoming attacker with one of their own spears. She looked human but her aura identified her as a fey spirit, perhaps some kind of naiad or dryad. Wild fey were common guests in the grand palace of the People. They were a simple, sensual folk concerned mainly with pleasures of the flesh and he had seen many fey consorts hanging off the arms of elvish lords.

But Casshern had never seen any fey woman who acted like this. She was tearing through the kabarii like they were nothing and she fought with the ferocity of a wolf and the speed and skill of one of the High Lord’s elite guards. She was almost as fast as Noradella and while she didn’t have the grace of an elvish warrior, her punishing strength was obviously more than enough to make up for it. He found his eyes caught by the shine of sweat on her skin, the movement of her lithe muscles and the sway of her breasts: large, bare and glistening.

He felt an involuntary stirring and winced at his wickedness. He made the sign of the tower once more, forcing the unclean desire from his mind. “High Lord, protect your servant from temptation and foul thoughts.”

His chastisement was interrupted when he saw a small form drop onto the warrior-woman’s back, wrapping a rope around her neck. She fought fiercely but the other kabarii closed in, ready to pull her down.

For a moment Casshern considered fleeing. The woman might be able to hold the kabiri’s attention for a few more minutes while he escaped on his own. He was on a sacred mission in the service of the High Lord and surely if this savage fey-woman spent her last moments aiding him then her soul would be granted passage to the Golden Fields. Saving one of the People and aiding the revival of the High Lord would be an honor that few of her folk could aspire to.

But he felt hollow as he saw the woman stumble, fighting for air. Less than a minute ago she had been glowing with life, like a hawk taking wing in the open sky. Her savage, brilliant energy had been a thing of terrible beauty. Letting a few fat, croaking fiends tarnish that beauty seemed wrong, even in the service of the High Lord.

Casshern’s gaze fell on the body of Edleghard, lying still in his blood-stained battle garb. The elf warrior was beyond saving, his throat cut by one of the small monsters. This seemed wrong too. Edleghard had been one of the High Lord’s elite Spatha warriors for almost 200 years. Now he would never fight again or regale Casshern with boring accounts of ancient plays or share stories of his young daughter’s successes at the Academy.

Casshern looked down at the round fire agate in his hand, rubbing the stone nervously between its fingers.

*****

Astra’s vision was fading to a fuzzy point of light. She wobbled as the kabarii tugged her again, falling to her knees. She felt blindly on the ground, hoping to find a weapon or at least a sharp rock. She would not allow these creatures to slay her without paying with at least one more life. The kabiri clinging to her back let out a triumphant, gurgling chuckle and tugged the rope tighter. Astra’s head pounded in time with her heartbeat and she struggled to stay conscious under that unbearable pressure.

Suddenly, a new voice cut through the sound, a melodic tenor that Astra didn’t recognize. “Tešiam!!”

There was a sudden flash of light and a wave of heat across her back. The imp clinging to her back shrieked and suddenly the weight and pressure were gone. She gasped, feeling her head clear with a rush of air into her lungs. The darkness faded from her eyes and the smoldering embers of her inner fire began to burn once more.

The kabiri tugged on her arm again, but this time she didn’t resist. Instead, she rolled towards them and let their own momentum send them both toppling to the ground. She wrapped the leather strap of the lasso around the first cave-dweller’s throat and pulled it off its feet. She planted a knee on the neck of another, pushing her full weight down to crush its throat.

“Not so fun when it’s your neck in the noose, is it?” She hissed, her throat was sore and her voice raspy. The kabiri kicked its short legs against her stomach but it lacked the strength to inflict any damage. Moments later it went still.

Astra tossed the kabiri’s limp body to the ground and took in the scene once more. The kabiri who had been strangling her lay on the ground, a smoking crater blown in its back. Sorcery of some kind.

A young man stood a few yards away, near the topped carriage, wisps of smoke rising from his fingertips. Astra ran her eyes up and down her rescuer’s body. He was a slender little thing, barely any taller or broader of shoulder than the girl who had fallen from the cliff. His hair was long, straight and pitch-black and the tips of his ears peeking through his locks identified him as another elf. He was wearing a fine kimono which had come undone, revealing a slim frame underneath, with only a folded loincloth beneath. He had a soft, cute face and large, nervous eyes which reminded her of a frightened deer.

She let her eyes linger appreciatively on his torso. The elf was willowy but not bony and his delicacy was appealingly exotic. A series of unusual, spidery tattoos across his pelvis peeked out from above his loincloth, standing in stark contrast to his golden-beige skin. Astra decided to find out what was hiding below his waistband.

The near-death experience just a few minutes before was already a fading memory and instead, Astra was remembering the interrupted dalliance with Kal. And she’d never been with an elven man before.

“Were you the one who killed this monster?” Astra approached, kicking the still-smoking corpse as she passed.The elf-lad looked at his fingers, an expression of slight disbelief on his face, “I...I overloaded the gem. I didn’t know it would be so...messy.”

He looked queasy but Astra quickly stepped between him and the corpse. She grabbed him by the chin and gently, but firmly, pulled his face towards hers. His short stature put her chest at face-level and she could see his eyes flicking over her bare breasts before hesitantly meeting her gaze with his beautiful amber eyes.

“Tell me your name,” Astra commanded, keeping his eyes locked with hers. “Um…” The elf swallowed nervously, “Maelenon Ordus Casshern”

Astra frowned, “That’s a bit of a mouthful. Shall I just call you Mael?”

“Actually, Maelenon is my clan name. Casshern is my given name.”

“Cass then.”

“Ah, well the full pronounc-”

“Cass.” Astra interrupted, “My name is Astra, daughter of Cyllene. You saved my life and I owe you a great debt.”

Astra spoke in a firm, formal tone as though pronouncing a great oath. But on the inside, she was only imagining what she might find when she removed the elf’s loincloth. Were elves hairless like nymphs, or would he have short curls like human men and women? She smiled as she imagined weaving her fingers into that long, black hair.

“Oh, well...you honor me..uh, “ Casshern stuttered, “But I swear, it was nothing. You surely saved min-”

He fell silent when Astra moved her thumb from the side of his jaw to cover his lips. She let a playful edge slip into her tone as she continued. “No. If it weren’t for you the battle would have been lost. The debt must be repaid.”

She slipped an arm over his shoulder, pulling him slightly closer, and ran her hand down his neck, slipping it into the open front of his kimino. "I think I have an idea how we could settle accounts.”

“What? I don’t really know whaaaa-”

His voice rose in pitch when she found his small, hard nipples and circled it with one finger. She almost burst out laughing when his eyes popped open, but she managed to keep her tone solemn and level. “As you can see, I don’t have any worldly goods to offer as compensation. All I have to offer is my body. I hope it doesn’t displease you.”

She slipped her arm further into the elf’s kimono and wrapped it around his slender waist, pulling him fully against her. His face was buried between her curvaceous breasts, muffling his attempted response. His skin was notably cooler than a human’s and the sensation was pleasant against Astra’s chest and stomach, like laying on a cool stone table on a hot day.

Casshern struggled between her firm breasts and finally gained enough space to speak, his voice desperate and strained, “No! I-I can’t soil your honor in such a way! Please, just let me go!”

“My honor would be far more soiled if I could not repay you. As a warrior, having my life saved by a bystander is the greatest of shames.” Astra decided to change tactics, still holding him against her. “ Or...perhaps you don’t find me to your liking, Cass? I suppose I must seem like a horrific ogre compared to elvish women.”

Astra allowed a slight pout to spread over her face. Of course, her words were ridiculous. She knew that her body was a sight to behold and the thought that anyone would prefer a wispy elf maiden like the one that had tumbled off the cliff was simply ludicrous. She had barely had any curves to speak of and probably could have been knocked over by a light breeze.

“No! No!” Casshern protested “You’re truly a beauty! It’s just...I can’t indulge in such-”

“Get your filthy paws off of him, you towering slut!” The voice rang through the trees, catching Astra and Casshern by surprise. She instinctively released his waist and he pulled back, wrapping his kimono tighter to cover himself. He gripped the fabric defensively, face flushed a bright red.

Astra had been so focused on her new conquest that she hadn’t heard the sound of Kal approaching, carrying the elvish maiden in his arms. He was still dressed in his soaked clothing and seemed none too pleased to be carrying the girl up the steep forest path. The girl was the one who had shouted at Astra, glowering at her from her cradle in Kal’s arms.

“Noradella!” Casshern cried, upon seeing the pair. “You’re alive!”

“Of course!” The elf maid’s tone was haughty, at odds with her situation. “And a good thing I am! What is going on here!?”

Astra looked down at Casshern, pondering a stray thought. She leaned down, wrapping her arms around the elf’s lithe form and brought her lips to one pointed ear. “Ah, I think I see. Perhaps women like this have made you seek other partners? Well, I can assure you that my friend Kal there is quite well endowed in his own way. Perhaps, to repay my debt, I could convince him to pleasure you. I could watch...and perhaps join if you wish?”

Noradella’s face turned bright red at the sight of Astra embracing Casshern again. She struggled, forcing Kal to lower her to the ground. She limped towards the two of them, favoring her left leg. “I said keep your hands off him you great sow!”

Astra glowered from over the top of Casshern’s head and pulled him closer, squeezing his head between her breasts. She snapped at the girl, “Watch your tongue, or I’ll remove it.”

To her credit, the threat didn’t seem to faze Noradella in the slightest and she raised her hands. Astra didn’t recognize the fighting style, but from the girl’s attitude and stance, she didn’t doubt that she knew a thing or two about battle. For a moment she considered pushing Casshern aside and having some fun giving this stuck-up elf a good thrashing but decided that it would hurt her chances of having fun with Casshern afterward.

Before Noradella could spew more fiery invective, Casshern managed to pull away and held up his hands. “Please! Noradella, Astra! Please just calm down. I’ve already lost a friend today, I don’t wish to see any more violence!”

Noradella’s eyes went wide as she spotted the body of the dead elven man, tears starting to brim at the corners. “No! Edleghard!”

“I’m afraid so,” Casshern nodded solemnly, “His soul will rest in the Golden Fields, as the High Lord wills.”

“As the High Lord wills.” Noradella echoed, kneeling next to his body and shutting his eyes. Both made an odd sign over their hearts with their index and middle finger extended.

Astra sighed and looked over at Kal, who shrugged. The reminder of their companion’s death had definitely put a damper on the mood and she doubted she’d be able to press him into a romp while the elf warrior’s blood was still wet. Perhaps sensing that it was safer now, Casshern approached her and bowed slightly.

“Please, let me explain. I would never offer you an insult but I’m afraid I cannot indulge in any...uh...carnal delights. Regardless of your charms.”

“I suppose I can understand.” A sly smile spread over Astra’s face as a cunning plan occurred to her. “Maybe there’s something else I can do for you…”

Casshern’s eyes went wide and he raised his hands defensively, “No, please! There’s no nee-”

“Protection.” Astra interrupted. “This Edleghard was an escort? A bodyguard?”

“Oh, yes. How did you know?” Astra smiled and rubbed the collar of Casshern’s kimono between her thumb and forefinger. “It’s not hard to see. The clothes. The carriage. The fierce little minx behind you. You’re some kind of elvish noble or lord, yes?”

“Not exactly, but I suppose you aren’t wrong either. I am on an important mission for our High Lord.”

Astra nodded, this sounded perfect. “Yes, and now you’re down one protector. So let me take his place. I could travel with you, maybe even guide you now that your carriage is ruined.”

Casshern gazed forlornly at the wrecked carriage but she could tell he was considering her offer. All it would take is a night or two for him to relax, perhaps some wine to ease the rigors of the road and then Astra would have her chance to seduce him. But before he could respond the girl cut between them, waving her finger up at Astra.

“Absolutely not! We cannot have a brazen, thick-headed strumpet like you along for this journey! Find yourself some rags to cover yourself and be gone!”

Astra imagined backhanding the smaller woman, sending her head over heels off the side of that cliff once more. But she kept her temper, telling herself that kicking the girl’s pert little ass would be far more satisfying after she’d already had her fill of Casshern. Instead, she leaned down, looming over the shorter girl and forcing her to take a step back to prevent Astra’s breasts from batting her in the face. “Really? Because if it weren’t for me I think you’d have drowned in that pool and Cass would have been devoured. So you hardly seem equipped to protect him by yourself, especially when you two obviously know nothing about traveling through the wilderness.”

“What!?” Noradella’s twin ponytails shook as she trembled with fury, “How dare you!?”

“Even the greenest city-rat should know better than to take a cart like that along these backroads.” Astra gestured at the dead horse and overturned carriage, “And this road only leads deeper into the Old Lands, either you’re completely lost or your journeys will be getting much tougher from here.”

“We know exactly where we’re going!” Noradella snapped, but Astra could see her words had struck home. Most of the fire had left the smaller woman’s voice and she looked uncertain now. But before Astra could press her verbal advantage, Casshern walked up and placed a calming hand on Noradella’s shoulder. The elf maiden’s face softened immediately and her cheeks flushed slightly.

“Noradella, please.” He said gently, “As much as I don’t like to admit it myself, Astra is right. Even Edleghard admitted he knew little about traveling this far south and we were already discussing trying to hire a guide. Our mission must come before our pride.”

He turned to Astra and bowed. “Please, if you would be so generous as to escort me and Noradella for a time, your help would be most appreciated.”

Astra smirked down at Noradella while Casshern’s head was bowed, enjoying the elf-girl’s hostile glare as she replied with her own bow, “Of course, Cass. On my honor, I will guide you safely to your destination.”

Kal rolled his eyes at the production. No doubt, he had already guessed what Astra was about. This was usually how the two ended up parting, once Astra found some new fancy to chase.

“Of course, I will honor your wishes Casshern,” Noradella’s voice was taut with subdued annoyance, “But she absolutely must find something to wear! Parading before your eyes like this is shameful and indecent!”

“Oh?” Astra made a show of stretching, baring herself fully. “Why shouldn’t he look where he likes? I certainly don’t mind.”

Both elves turned bright red, Casshern with embarrassment and Noradella with barely-contained fury. Astra smirked and ran her hands up her body, enjoying the way both flushed even harder.

“I’m sorry!” Casshern squeaked, “But...but I’m afraid Noradella is right! I can’t...I can’t be around such...um...temptations.”

“What’s wrong with a few temptations,” Astra purred, leaning closer, “Surely you’re curious what a woman with some flesh on her bones is like?”

“No!” Yelped Casshern, “I mean, not like that! You don’t understand...I am an Eremite. I have sworn a vow of purity and celibacy in service of the High Lord. I cannot indulge in...baser urges.”

Astra’s mouth hung open as his words sank in.

Celibate.

She had just agreed to travel with a celibate priest and a bitchy little runt.

Kal was smirking ear to ear from the side of the road as horror spread over Astra’s face as she imagined spending weeks or months traveling through the Old Lands with a cock she couldn’t have. He approached and handed her the traveling pack she had abandoned at the base of the cliff, her armor and clothes stuffed into it.

“I guess you’ll be needing these,” She could hear the teasing laughter behind his words, “Can’t have you offending the gods, can we now?”

She very badly wanted to hit him.