AN ELF MAIDEN'S TALE

PART B

March 4, 5381 MS, Telchos, Southern Magnamund

Gwena opened her eyes, then blinked as the morning sun poured through the window of her small room. Jemma slept close to her, her arms wrapped around the elf girl's slender waist. Gwena slowly disentangled herself from the girl's grasp, which made her moan lightly in her sleep. The elf stood up and pulled on a black robe before she moved to the window and looked outside. Mannish guards patrolled the courtyard of Gate's compound, dressed in clean leather armor and carrying spears. The elf girl could hear the house's servants performing their duties just as the door opened and Rhoda, the headmistress of the servants, strode in and shook the young girl in bed awake.

"Wake up, you lazy bitch! Just because the Master fucks you all night doesn't mean you get to sleep all day!" shouted the fat woman as she slapped Jemma hard across the face.

The girl cried out in pain and covered the red flesh with her hand as Rhoda backed away from the bed and regarded the elf girl with a frown.

"That means you too, you little elf slut! Get dressed and help clean the dining room. The Master expects company for lunch," said the woman before she stormed out of the room.

Jemma cried softly as Gwena went over to sit next to her and hug her close. The elf helped the petite girl get dressed, then they both left to begin the day's labors.

Around noon, a black carriage entered the courtyard, and a black cloaked figure emerged from the vehicle and went inside the manor, where Gates welcomed him warmly. The two men talked softly as they traveled to the dining room, then they sat at opposite ends of the table as a nervous Jemma served them drinks. The young girl carefully gave the stranger a tall glass of warmed blood that the man drank eagerly. As Gates sipped his wine, the stranger pulled back his cowl to reveal the skeletal features of a Helghast. Jemma gasped in fright, but continued to serve the men until they dismissed her.

"That young girl is really quite delicious-looking," hissed the Helghast as he sipped a second glass of blood.

"Yes, I'm quite fond of her. She is very skilled in the erotic arts," replied the fat merchant proudly as he drank his wine.

"Fortunately, the need for sex dwindles when one crosses over to the Nether Realm."

"Hmm, I think I'll wait a while before I make that journey," said Gates glibly. "I rather enjoy the pleasures of the flesh."

"Yes, and that's why you'll never achieve true power," replied the Helghast smugly.

"Humph! What do you require of me, great one?" asked the merchant in an attempt to change the subject.

"I need to know what you'll be offering at the upcoming Convocation."

"I plan to offer a elf girl that I recently purchased, from Victoria as a matter of fact," replied the merchant with a evil grin.

"Ah, Victoria! I heard that the dark elf bitch has fallen on hard times. A shame," remarked the Helghast before it hissed with malevolent laughter.

Gates joined in the gaiety out of politeness, then the two servants of Darkness discussed other matters of the city.

The mage, Brandon, stood on a street corner as townspeople walked the streets on their business. Across the street stood a small temple of Naar, and a sacrifice delivery was scheduled to arrive. As a squad of Giaks walked past him, the man turned to stare at the display window of Tom Servo's Shop of Pleasure Golems. Beautiful, human and elf-shaped simulacrums stood on a display behind the window, dressed in lacy, black and red lingerie. When the patrol had passed, Brandon turned back to watch the temple, and witnessed a slave wagon roll into the temple compound.

The mage quickly crossed the street as the doors of the protective wall closed shut with a loud thud, then he motioned to a another man dressed in chainmail and armed with a sword and dagger. As the warrior ran to meet the mage, the robed magic-user began to chant words of power. As pedestrians moved to avoid the mage, the warrior reached his side, and they both hovered into the air and flew across the wall. Soldiers shouted as they watched the intruders fly across the courtyard and land on a balcony of the temple. They quickly broke open a window/door, and Brandon cast a low-power fireball into the milling guards. The spell exploded with a loud thump as the two rebels crossed the room to the far door and peered into the hallway beyond.

With no one around, the two men walked quietly down the passage till they heard chanting coming from the north. The rebels turned at another hall and walked quickly down its length until they reached a set of iron doors inscribed with the burning eye sigil of Naar. Brandon quietly opened one of the doors, then both men entered a foyer of a large round chamber lit by smoldering iron braziers. At the far end of the room, a dais of black marble was raised, and a struggling elf girl with long, red hair lay shackled to the Dark altar. A priest of Naar, dressed in flowing black robes inscribed with Naar's sigil, chanted in a deep voice as twelve robed acolytes knelt before a huge burning eye carving and chanted words of Darkness with the priest. A dark shadow flitted at the edge of the braziers' dim light, and the large, bulbous body of a Greater Crypt Spawn floated with its magic and its leathery wings to the top of the black dais.

As the Dark priest knelt before the Spawn and chanted his devotion, the brain-like creature floated above the screaming elf girl and unfolding slimy tentacles from its deformed body. As the two men watched in horror, the Crypt Spawn caressed the girl's creamy legs and arms with its limbs, then it ripped off her worn tunic. Large, round breasts heaved for breath as the girl panted and watched the creature with revulsion. Tentacles encircled her soft breasts and squeezed them tightly as it floated between her slim legs and forced her thighs apart. The elf girl screamed as the creature licked her pussy with a long, saliva-dripping tongue, then inserted it into her warm love hole and explored her vagina.

The girl moaned as the creature caressed her round tits and ran its slimy limbs across her stomach and thighs. A phallic-looking limb brushed across her red lips, then forced her mouth open and sank deeply into her throat. She moaned loudly as the creature revealed a sucker-like mouth and attached it to her pussy, sucking deeply on her cunt. Tentacles with little drills touched the sides of her head, then they buzzed to life and began digging into her skull. The Crypt Spawn spewed out a greenish vapor that somehow aroused the elf girl, making her suck eagerly on its cock as its mouth buried itself in her pussy and drank her cum hungrily.

Brandon stood up from the foyer railing and chanted a spell, then pointed at the Crypt Spawn, shooting lances of lightning at the foul creature. The Spawn screamed in agony as its bulbous head exploded in a cloud of ichor and brains, covering the naked elf girl and shrieking priest. The acolytes milled in confusion as the warrior charged down the stairs of the foyer and cut down the first robed man he saw. As the acolytes turned to face their attacker, Brandon cast a cloud of noxious gas in their midst, making them cough and choke on the vapors. The soldier cut and slashed his way to the naked girl, then cut her free of her bonds, and threw her slim, limp body across his left shoulder.

As the warrior ran back to the mage, the robed man cast several bolts of lightning at the acolytes, searing their flesh and forcing them to flee the room. The Dark priest stood up from the altar and cast black lightning at Brandon, who quickly erected a shield spell to block it. As sweat glimmered on his brow, the mage cast a swarm of greenish darts at the priest, who shrieked as they smashed into his chest and sent him flying into the far wall with Naar's engraved sigil. As the dead priest slumped to the floor, the warrior reached Brandon, who quickly cast a Teleport spell to send them to safety.

Gwena was shopping for vegetables in a small market square close to Gate's manor when Brandon approached her and grabbed her slim arm roughly.

"Come with me if you want to live," whispered the Man as he gazed deeply into her wide, blue eyes.

"My collar," replied Gwena as she lightly touched the leather strap around her throat.

"I'll take care of it," said Brandon in a tight voice.

"All right," replied the elf girl softly as the mage led her away from the market and down a maze of alleys until they descended a staircase to a basement and went inside.

Brandon walked down a long, stone hallway with several occupied rooms until he reached a room at the far end. He whispered a glyph of opening, then pushed the elf girl inside.

Gwena looked curiously around the room until she saw the elf girl lying on a pallet near the far wall of the chamber. She quickly went to the girl and saw that she was breathing heavily and sweating. The elf girl took the sick girl's temperature with her hand, then turned to face Brandon.

"Do you have any medicine?" asked the girl.

"Some healing herbs and some laumspur," replied the mage.

"Get it for me, please," said Gwena as she returned to examine her sister elf.

The mage quickly went to a table and retrieved a leather pouch, which he handed to the waiting elf girl. Gwena opened the pouch and carefully applied the herb to the sweating girl's chest and throat. She made the girl drink a portion of the laumspur salve, then applied a thin coat to the naked girl's pussy, light head wounds, and bruised breasts. Gwena whispered several words in Elvish as she caressed the girl's tits and stomach, then stood up as the girl began to breathe easier.

"Will she make it?" asked Brandon.

"Yes, I think so. I only have rudimentary healing skills though, just what most Elves know," replied Gwena as she turned to regard the mage.

"Thank you. I'm in your debt," said the mage as he bowed to her.

"What's your name, sir?" asked the elf girl.

"Brandon, the last of the magi," replied the Man with a grim smile.

====

March 4, 5381 MS, Telchos, Southern Magnamund

The mage Brandon led Gwena down the basement hallway into another small room. The robed Man set a small kettle in the fireplace and started a small blaze, then added water and tea leaves. The elf girl sat on a wooden stool and looked around the room, noting the small pallet, a pile of books, and a table in the corner covered with herbs, strange plants, and beakers of multi-colored liquid.

"Are you hungry?" asked the Mage as he went to another small table and began to cut bread.

"Yes, thank you," replied the girl as Brandon made each of them a sandwich, gave her one with a napkin, then walked to the fireplace to pour the now hot tea into two delicate cups.

Gwena took her tea with a smile, then inhaled the rich aroma as Brandon sat down across from her and began to eat. After the two had finished dining, Gwena sipped another glass of tea as Brandon stared into the fire and gathered his thoughts.

"Do you know anything about the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star?" asked the Man.

"No, I'm sorry," replied the girl.

"Don't be. Not many remember the Order these days. The Council of Left-handed magic was destroyed early in the days of the Darklord War. When Agarash had emerged from the Shadow Gate in Toran, he surprised the mages and killed many before they could escape. He used Toran as a staging area to send his dark armies deep into Sommerland and Northern Magnamund. The Darklords reclaimed the Darklands, then bred millions of Giaks to swell their ranks and fuel their advance to the South. Vashna returned, and he brought several of the Dark Demigods with him. They killed Magnamund's chief defender, Lone Wolf, and destroyed the Order of the Kai. The War raged for over two hundred years, and Darkness won. Now only a few pockets of resistance remain, and I do what I can to help them," said the mage as he stared into the fire.

"Unless you're older than you look, how did you become a mage of the Crystal Star?" asked Gwena.

"My master was Fromoah, one of the few to escape Agarash when he emerged from the Shadow Gate. He traveled south, and hid in a forest east of the Sadi Desert. He kept in contact briefly with the Isle of Lorn before they fell to the Darklords. He rescued me when Giak soldiers killed my parents and burned my village, then he took me on as his apprentice when he sensed the magic in me. As my skills grew, I became inpatient to go out and help defeat the Darkness. Fromoah told me to wait until I had finished my training, but I left and joined the Resistance against the Darklords. I've never been able to contact him since then, so I don't even know if he's still alive. I've been helping the resistance here for several months, getting intelligence about some Convocation that the Darklords will be holding here."

"Yes, my master, Gates, has been consulting with several agents of Darkness about this Convocation," replied Gwena as she finished her tea.

"If you could find out anything, the Resistance would be grateful. I could get you released from slavery," offered the mage as he watched her.

"I'll do what I can. I hate my master, and the weight of Darkness on me is getting heavy. I don't know how long I can resist it," replied the elf girl in a whisper.

"You must! If we give in to Evil, all is lost!" said the mage urgently as he grasped her small hands tightly.

"I'll try. It's easier now that I know I'm not alone," remarked the girl with a weak smile.

"Don't try, do. That's what Fromoah always told me," replied Brandon with a grin.

"Are you ready to go back now? Gates might be getting suspicious."

"Could I rest here for awhile? It's been so long since I could rest without worrying," said Gwena sorrowfully.

"Sure, you can sleep on my pallet for a few hours. Let me teach you a breathing technique so you can rest easier," offered the mage as he helped Gwena to her feet.

"All right," replied the girl as she leaned on his strong arm and let him guide her to the pallet.

Palace of Governor Bukhan, City of Telchos

"This is intolerable!" shouted the governor as he sat on his throne and slammed his fist against the armrest.

The Helghast standing before him did not react as the Man screamed curses and swung his arms in the air. He motioned to a naked slave girl who stood next to the throne in attendance. She quickly moved to stand before him, then let the Man push her to her knees before he undid his breeches. She removed his flaccid cock from his pants, then began to lick along the shaft and tip. Bukhan grunted with pleasure, then turned to regard the undead.

"Have you identified the rebels?" asked the governor.

"One of them. A human mage called Brandon. He flew himself and a warrior over the wall and cast several spells against the guards at the temple. He also slew the chief priest in attendance," replied the Helghast.

"Dammit to Hell! Nza'Pok is going to have my balls for this!" said the Man as he grabbed the naked girl's raven-haired head and pushed her mouth harder against his now erect penis.

"Most probably, unless you can apprehend the mage and execute him. It would make an excellent spectacle for the Convocation," remarked the Helghast with a cold smile.

"Yes, that would be best. Assemble the Elite Guard and have them comb the city for this Crystal Star mage. Use the Nadziranim if you have too."

"They won't like it. You know how they hate being interrupted from their research," warned the undead.

"Research? Hah! More like getting drunk and fucking whores all night! Get them off their pimply butts and make them work for once. Now, leave me!" commanded the Man as the naked girl before him sucked hard on his cock, taking it deeply into her throat.

The Helghast bowed, then quickly left the audience chamber as Bukhan pulled the raven-haired girl to her feet, then hugged her close so he could suck eagerly on her round breasts. The girl moaned loudly as he bit one of her nipples to hardness then rubbed her pussy with his free hand. He turned her till her shapely ass faced him, then he pulled her down onto his erect cock.

The girl gasped as he thrust his penis deeply into her warm love hole then hugged her to his body so he could reach her tits and squeeze them roughly. The girl moaned with pleasure as he fucked her cunt, pushing deeply into her womanhood. Her tight pussy sucked on his rod as he fondled her breasts and inhaled the rich perfume in her long, black hair. The girl panted as she sat on his crotch and pushed her throbbing pussy harder against his cock, wrapping her delicate hands around his as he pinched her nipples.

The Man grunted with effort as he probed into her wet snatch, then he licked the creamy, white flesh of her naked shoulders. The slave girl sucked on his fingers as he approached orgasm, and when he began to shoot his load, the naked girl jumped off of his cock and leaned forward to take his cum on the face and breasts. She giggled with delight as she licked his jism from her face, then sucked lightly on the tips of her breasts before kneeling down to suck the cum from his cock.

"Good girl," muttered the Man as he stroked the girl's sweat-slick hair.

The sun was just setting to the west when Gwena entered the courtyard of Gates' manor and entered the house from the kitchen. Rhoda, the headmistress, turned to regard the elf girl with disapproval.

"Where the fuck have you been all day, you little elf slut? You should have been home hours ago!"

"There was an attack at the temple of Naar. The city guard wanted to ask me some questions about what I saw," replied the elf girl calmly.

"But the market square isn't even in sight of the temple, what could you have seen?" asked the fat woman suspiciously.

"I didn't see anything, but the guard rounded up everyone anyway. I was just doing what they said," said the girl.

"Humph! Well, get the table ready for dinner. The master will be eating soon."

"Yes, ma'am," replied Gwena as she grabbed an apron and cleaning rag.

Gates sipped his wine as the slaver, Mitchell, finished stuffing his face with roast and washed it down with a mug of ale. Gwena stood nearby with a pitcher in case the slaver wanted a refill, which he called for often.

"Can you meet my needs for the Convocation, Mitchell?" asked the fat merchant.

"Yeah, I can get thirteen cunts for ya by the end of the month. Do they have to be Elven?" asked the scruffy Man.

"No, they can be human too. Although Elves are better," replied the merchant as he winked lewdly at Gwena.

"It's getting damn tough to find Elf bitches these day. The little cunts don't make enough kids to restock the market," said Mitchell as he took another swig from his mug.

"Yes, re-population can be a problem. I guess Men will have to help them along a little," remarked Gates as he sipped his wine again.

"Yeah, I wouldn't mind doing my bit to keep up inventory," laughed the slaver as he glanced at Gwena and grabbed his crotch.

"Well, enough banter. Just have those female slaves ready by the 29th," said the fat man sternly.

"Sure, Gates. You'll get your merchandise. Now how about some dessert before I go?"

"Of course, in the interest of re-population," said Gates as he snapped his fingers and pointed at Gwena.

The elf girl felt the mark of Naar on her left breast burn as she set the pitcher on the table and removed her tunic and panties. Mitchell licked his chapped lips and moved behind the elf girl as Gates stood up from his chair and walked over to the naked girl.

Mitchell stood behind Gwena and bent her over so her ass pointed at him. He caressed and squeezed the firm, creamy flesh of her behind, then began to rub her blonde snatch as Gates undid his silk pantaloons and grabbed his cock in his right hand. The fat merchant rubbed the tip of his penis across the girl's red lips, and she eagerly licked the tip of his member. She sucked lightly on the tip of his cock, then took the rod deeply into her mouth, sucking noisily on it.

The slaver rubbed her pussy firmly then stuck his finger into her warm cunt. She moaned as the Man probed deeply into her pussy, then stuck two fingers into her. The elf girl thrust her crotch wantonly on the slaver's digits as she sucked hungrily on her master's cock. She licked along the shaft of his rod, then sucked eagerly on his hairy balls. Gates moaned softly with pleasure, taking a handful of his slave's beautiful, long, blonde hair and pushing her face against his crotch. She took his erect penis into her mouth again and sucked deeply on it, pushing it far down her throat.

The slaver knelt down to lick the elf girl's wet love hole, then plunged his tongue deeply into her throbbing cunt. She moaned loudly as he tongue-fucked her warm pussy, exploring her sweet flesh with relish. The naked girl squeezed her round tits and pinched her nipples as she sucked eagerly on her master's cock, then licked along its length with her delicate, wet tongue. Gates pulled her upright, then kissed her roughly on the mouth, forcing his tongue past her slack lips. He fondled her creamy breasts, then bent down to suck on them hungrily. She moaned loudly and hugged him to her slim body as the slaver sucked on her pussy, then drank her warm cum as she orgasmed. As the girl's naked body shuddered with pleasure, the fat merchant sucked on her breasts then licked the sweet flesh of her neck and down the valley between her tits. He placed his left hand around her mouth, and she eagerly sucked on his fingers, moaning softly with pleasure.

The slaver stood up and swept the dishes from the table with a loud crash. He grabbed the naked elf girl by the hips and threw her roughly on top of the dining table. As the girl opened her legs and caressed her wet cunt, Mitchell undid his leather pants and pulled out his erect penis, then rubbed it against her hungry pussy. The elf girl moaned as she begged the slaver to fuck her with her wide, blue eyes. The Man smiled as he pushed his cock into her warm pussy and began thrusting deeply into her. She gasped with pleasure as the Man fucked her roughly, then leaned her head back as Gates seized the pitcher of wine and poured it over her open mouth and heaving breasts. She drank the sweet wine thirstily as the fat merchant bent down to lick the fluid from her warm flesh.

The prone elf girl moaned loudly as the scruffy slaver thrust his cock harder against her pussy until she orgasmed for the second time. Mitchell pulled out long enough to lick the sweet love honey from her pussy, then stuck his rod into her again and continued to fuck her. Sweat glistened on her slim, naked body as Gates inserted his cock into her eager mouth and let her suck deeply on it. Her wet lips caressed the penis lovingly as the fat man squeezed and pinched her round tits. The slaver grunted as he shot his load into her warm vagina; then Gates shot cum deeply into her throat. The elf girl drank his jism hungrily, then licked the remains from his shaft and cock tip.

Gwena panted for breath as the two Men sat down and rested from their fuck session. The naked elf girl stood up from the table and quickly pulled on her tunic and white, lace panties, then began to gather the wreckage of the dinner table from the floor.

That night, when Gwena returned to her small room, she found the girl Jemma already asleep in her bed. The elf girl walked to the small, barred window and sat down on the cold floor. A bright shaft of moonlight illuminated the girl's long, blonde hair as she sat in a lotus position and began to breathe deeply like Brandon taught her.

After several minutes, Gwena felt calmness descend over her. The fear and darkness that sat like a vulture over her heart faded away and she felt the peace of the forest enfold her in its warm embrace and welcome her home. She smiled as she sat on the ground and meditated for the rest of the night.

====

March 28, 5381 MS, Telchos, Southern Magnamund

Brandon slept fitfully on his small pallet as the fire in his fireplace died slowly.

As the mage rested, a black clothed man silently picked open the door to the basement rooms of the Resistance cell and quietly entered the hall. Four other men in baggy, black, bodysuits entered and unsheathed swords. The five assassins entered the closest room off the hall and silently slit the throats of the family living inside. The killers eliminated the residents of three more rooms before a woman cried out before she was killed.

The remaining inhabitants of the basement roused quickly and armed themselves with short swords and daggers, forcing the assassins to abandon stealth. The Guildsmen of Rhem slashed through the defenders like wheat, beating aside the blades of the defenders with childish ease.

Brandon woke up with a start, then quickly grabbed a pouch of spell components and looked outside his door. Men in nightshirts or just loincloths attempted to keep the assassins at bay while the women and children climbed through a small, hand-dug tunnel to the surface. Brandon chanted a spell, then hurled lightning at one of the killers, exploding his chest into a cloud of red mist. An assassin threw a shuriken at him, slicing his right cheek open, as the mage cast another lightning bolt, catching two killers and searing their flesh off. The remaining defenders fell under the blades of the two assassins, who advanced on Brandon as he quickly reached into his pouch and lobbed a metallic ball at them. As they dodged around the missile, it exploded, ripping their bodies apart, then collapsing the ceiling into the hallway. Before the mage could be crushed, he quickly cast a teleport spell and dematerialized from the hallway.

That same night, the elf girl, Gwena sat on the floor of her room and meditated. In her mind, she was in a sunlit forest, and the warm rays of the orb caressed her soft skin. She wore a thin, white dress that did nothing to hide the beauty of her round breasts and blonde snatch. She ran happily through the trees, feeling the muscles of her slim legs pump effortlessly across the soft grass. She emerged from the trees into a large clearing that contained a small pond and a leafy canopy that blocked the bright rays of the sun.

A lithe dark elf girl lay naked upon the grass under the canopy, rubbing her white-haired pussy and moaning with pleasure. The girl's tanned, round breasts heaved for breath as the girl stuck two of her fingers into her wet cunt and probed deeply. Gwena smiled at the dark elf's antics, and quietly moved closer to the masturbating girl. The dark elf moaned loudly as she opened her legs wide apart and finger-fucked her pussy. She licked the nipple of her left tit while she squeezed it with her free hand. The naked girl fell back as she thrust her crotch onto her slim fingers, pushing them deeper into her love hole.

Gwena sniffed the dark elf's musky scent, then knelt down next to the panting girl and kissed her deeply on the mouth. The two girls caressed each other's tongues as the dark elf ripped the young girl's dress apart and squeezed her round breasts eagerly. As Gwena moved to suck on the dark elf's creamy tits, an image of Brandon appeared near the edge of the pond.

"Ahem!" coughed the mage as Gwena quickly looked up from the naked dark elf.

"Am I disturbing something?" asked the mage innocently.

"Yes, you are," replied the elf girl coolly as she stood up and formed a green tunic and hose around her torn dress. The panting dark elf girl disappeared with a thought and Gwena crossed her arms across her breasts to await the mage's reply.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your 'meditation', but the Resistance cell I belonged to has been eliminated by the Rhem Guild. Don't go to the basement site again. I'll send you a message when I find a new safe house," said the mage urgently.

"What about the Convocation? It starts tomorrow," replied the girl.

"Don't worry, the other cells in Telchos have already developed a plan to crash that party. Just keep your eyes open when you get there."

"I'm afraid my eyes won't be the only thing open tomorrow," said the girl sarcastically.

The mage looked down at the spot where the dark elf had been, then looked at Gwena. "Then you should be right at home," replied the Man with a grin before he disappeared.

"Dickweed!" said the elf girl as she glared where the mage had been.

That evening, the fat merchant Gates dismissed the other servants after they had served him dinner, leaving Gwena alone with him in the dining room. He motioned for her to sit next to him, so she sat at a chair to his left.

"Have something to eat," offered the merchant expansively.

The elf girl gazed at him askance then gathered a plate of chicken, peas, cheese, and bread. The Man chuckled lightly as Gwena poured herself a cup of wine, then attacked her meal with gusto.

"You elves sure have good appetites, especially with such thin bodies," remarked the Man.

"I wouldn't be eating so much if you'd feed the slaves better," replied Gwena acidly.

Gates scowled at the elf girl hotly, then quickly masked it with a fake smile.

"You're probably right, Gwena," agreed the merchant. "I'll look into the matter later."

The elf girl looked at her master in surprise after he used her name, the first time he had ever addressed a slave with anything other than curses. He grinned at her discomfort, then waited for her to finish her meal. He allowed her chocolate cream pie and brandy after their dinner, then led her gently by the arm to the audience chamber. The fat merchant closed the door after the girl entered, then spoke the magic that activated the globes of light within the room. As Gwena stood in the center of the room, watching Gates, the fat Man sat heavily in his armchair and glanced into the shadows to his left. The cloaked form of a Helghast appeared from the Darkness, and gazed appraisingly at the elf girl.

"So, she is your gift to the Convocation?" hissed the undead.

"Indeed, she is," replied the merchant proudly.

"She'll do," agreed the Helghast as he approached Gwena and caressed her small chin.

She held her quivering body as still as possible while the undead fondled her breasts casually, then ran a gauntleted hand down her stomach and across her crotch. He grabbed her pussy roughly, making her gasp in surprise, then rubbed her cunt briefly before letting her go.

"She'll do very nicely," said the Helghast before he faded into a black mist and disappeared into the air.

"You see. You've got the Darklord seal of approval," remarked the fat merchant as he stood up from his chair and went to bed.

Thunder shook the small room as Gwena watched the rain pelting against the window glass. She slowly combed her long, blonde hair, letting it fall in golden waves past her round breasts and into her lap. The human girl, Jemma, sat in Gwena's bed and clasped the sheets to her slim body as she watched the elf girl comb.

"Are you going to meditate tonight?" asked the girl softly.

"No, little one. Not tonight," replied the elf with a smile.

"Do you know what's going on with the master?"

"Yes, I'm to be offered as a gift to the visiting Darklords during the Convocation tomorrow."

"Will they kill you?" asked the girl hesitantly.

"I don't know, but I don't plan to find out," replied Gwena glibly.

"What are you going to do?" asked Jemma.

The elf girl turned to look at Jemma, then shrugged her slim shoulders lightly.

"Something might come up."

Gwena stood up from her stool, then walked to the bed and lay down next to the human girl. Jemma hugged the elf girl close, then began to kiss her friend lightly on the chin and neck. When Gwena turned to regard the girl, Jemma smiled and said, "If I don't see you again, I want to thank you for being so kind to me."

The elf girl smiled before kissing the young woman passionately on the mouth. She inserted her wet tongue into the girl's yielding mouth, then caressed her small tongue. Jemma moaned as the elf girl pulled up her nightdress and began to suck lightly on her round breasts. Gwena bit the girl's nipples lightly, making them erect and hard. The elf girl licked around the tips of the girl's tits then licked the sweet flesh in the valley between her breasts. Jemma moaned loudly and licked her wet lips as Gwena sucked deeply on one tit, then moved to another.

The elf girl sat up, pulled her own nightshirt off, moved between the young woman's legs and spread them apart. Jemma looked down as the elf licked her warm pussy then plunged her mouth deeply into the girl's cunt. Jemma gasped with pleasure as the elf girl sucked deeply on her snatch, exploring her womanhood with her wet tongue. The girl's breasts heaved as she panted for air and grasped the sheets tightly. Gwena drank the young girl's cum hungrily as she thrust her crotch wantonly against the elf's mouth.

Jemma sat forward and pushed the elf back, then leaned forward to suck eagerly on her friend's breasts. Gwena moaned as the girl sucked deeply on her nipples then kissed her lustfully. They kissed for several moments, before Jemma leaned forward on her knees to suck on the elf girl's pussy. Gwena moaned loudly with pleasure and thrust her crotch against the girl's face, feeling waves of sexual ecstasy flood her naked body. Jemma licked the inside of the elf's thighs, then licked across the top of her throbbing cunt.

Gwena grabbed a handful of the young girl's long, black hair and pushed her mouth hard against the wet pussy, making her suck on the tender flesh. Jemma sucked eagerly on her friend's cunt, drinking the sweet love honey that flowed out as the elf girl orgasmed. The elf girl cried out in pleasure as her body trembled in sexual ecstasy, then she lay limply on the sweat-soaked bed. Jemma got up from the bed, then leaned under the mattress and pulled forth a rubber dildo carved to feel like a real cock. She licked the tip wantonly, then rubbed it lightly against the elf girl's warm pussy.

Gwena opened her legs wide to receive the cock as Jemma rubbed her slick inner thighs with it, then leaned forward to run it down the valley of the elf girl's breasts. Jemma dangled the rubber cock in front of the girl's face, and Gwena playfully licked the top of the rod until Jemma lowered it enough for her to suck on it. As the elf girl loudly sucked and licked the shaft of the fake cock, the human girl sucked earnestly on the naked elf's breasts, relishing the girl's sweet-tasting flesh. Gwena took the dildo deep into her throat, sucking lustfully on it. Jemma pulled it in and out of her wet mouth, letting the prone elf suck lightly on the tip and lick it with her warm tongue.

After sucking on both of her friend's tits, the girl sat back and placed the dildo on top of the elf girl's throbbing pussy. After teasing Gwena's love hole with the tip, the young girl thrust it deeply into the hungry cunt, making the elf girl gasp with pleasure. As the elf thrust her crotch on the rubber cock, Jemma pushed it in and out, watching the pussy lips caress the dildo lovingly. Gwena's round breasts heaved for breath as she fucked the rubber cock, her slim body covered with sweat. She pushed aside a strand of stray blonde hair as the young girl pulled out the slick dildo and hungrily licked the elf's pussy juice from the cock.

Gwena sat up and took the dildo from the naked girl, then pushed her lightly onto the pillows and opened her legs. The horny girl fingered her pussy as the elf sucked lightly on the rubber cock, then rubbed it against the dark, wet snatch of her lover. The elf girl pushed the dildo lightly into Jemma's pussy then began to plunge it in and out. The prone, naked girl moaned loudly with pleasure as she thrust her crotch onto the cock, squeezing her own round tits as she fucked the rod. Gwena leaned down to lick the girl's inner thighs as she pushed the dildo deeper into the naked slave's cunt.

Jemma fucked the dildo for several minutes before she orgasmed, covering the rubber cock with her warm cum. Gwena pulled out the rod, then eagerly licked the girl's honey off the erect member, sucking on the dildo like it was candy. Jemma panted lightly, her round tits rising and falling as she recovered her breath. The elf girl finished sucking on the rubber cock then threw it aside and leaned down to lay across the naked body of her friend. The two young girls kissed each other deeply for many moments, twining their wet tongues together lustfully. Gwena pulled away and smiled as she brushed dark hair away from the beautiful slave girl's face. Jemma kissed the elf girl's slim fingers lovingly, then hugged the naked girl close until she fell asleep. Gwena lay against the naked body of her friend; her wide, blue eyes filled with fear as she considered the dark fate awaiting her on the morrow.

====

March 29, 5381 MS, Governor's Palace, Telchos, Southern Magnamund

Governor Bukhan fidgeted as he stood upon the roof of the palace and watched several flights of blue dragons pass over the city. A huge, dreadnaught-class skyship thundered across the morning sky, blocking out the sun with its massive bulk. A huge, blue dragon hovered over the palace, then landed heavily on the roof, making Bukhan stagger from the aftershock. The black-armored form of Kekataag, Naar's champion, jumped nimbly from his dragon saddle and strode confidently to the waiting governor and his clutch of three Nadziranim mages. All four men bowed low to the undead warrior, and he saluted quickly to them.

"All is prepared for the Darklords?" inquired Kekataag in his resonant voice.

"Yes, my lord. The festivities are all ready," gushed the thin governor.

"Good. I'll go over all the facilities before the Darklords debark from the Sword of Naar," replied the dark knight as he pushed past the Men on the roof.

"As you wish," muttered Bukhan as he watched the undead descend into the palace.

Lightning flittered across the dark sky as the palace blossomed in light, admitting streams of Giaks, Drakkarim, and other evil servants of the Darklords. Inside the main audience chamber of the palace, high officials of Telchos and other southern cities gossiped and drank rich wines as black-robed Helghast stood along the walls and watched the mortals.

On the high dais at the far end of the room, Governor Bukhan sat pensively on his throne and clutched a half-filled glass of wine in his right hand. He gazed at the milling citizens of his city and dismissed them, dreading the arrival of his masters, the Darklords. He gulped down the rest of his wine, then motioned a scantily clad serving girl to refill it.

The fat merchant, Gates, entered the audience hall and nodded hello to several of his fellow merchants. The elf girl, Gwena, walked next to him, dressed in a long, black, silk dress with a plunging neckline and slits along the sides, revealing her creamy, slim, legs. The girl's long hair fell in waves down her bare back, and her lips were painted a deep red.

Gates grabbed two glasses of red wine, and gave one to Gwena. The nervous elf girl quickly drank her wine, then set the empty glass on a nearby table. Several dozen merchants and slavers sat at tables along the length of the room, swigging mugs of ale and eating sweetmeats. Three naked elf girls danced on a dais in the center of the room, caressing each other's slim bodies and fondling their pussies. Gwena recognized one girl from her village, but could do nothing as she was led to a table and pushed onto a bench.

The room quieted as Kekataag walked into the room, his black cloak billowing behind him. His iron boots clicked against the stone floor as he cleared a path to the throne and stood before the governor, Bukhan. The thin man quickly jumped out of the chair at a gesture from the knight, then the air around the dais grew cold as the Kunae materialized before the crowd.

The Kunae were twins. Their torsos resembled two mounds of glistening black jelly, studded with polyps and ulcers and sores that exuded a noxious grey slime. They had flat heads that were oval-shaped and shell-like, with puckered mouths and indented eye-slits that radiated an evil yellow light. From their rubbery sides protruded two snaky limbs ending in three-fingered hands colored a sickly, leprous green-gray. Each of them wore a glowing, golden ring that exuded evil magic. With a wave of their hands, two skull-encrusted, iron chairs appeared to replace the throne, and the Kunae sat heavily upon them. The Men within the room quickly knelt before the Darklords and chanted praises to Naar as the twins looked on arrogantly.

"The Will of Naar has been given to us," rumbled the twins in unison as they gazed at their followers. "The remaining armies of Light have constructed a fortress west of the Starn Mountains. At least five regiments of infantry garrison this fortress, and we believe that they may possess a Lorestone. The Archlord Agarash demands all loyal cities to provide one company of soldiers and the appropriate amount of supplies. You have one week to assemble your forces, or suffer the consequences."

"The Will of Naar shall be obeyed," replied Governor Bukhan as he bowed to the Kunae.

"Excellent. Now bring me tribute!" roared the twins.

Two robed Helghasts strode over to the table where Gwena sat and pulled her roughly to her feet. They dragged her silk-enwrapped body to the dais where the two reeking demigods sat and forced her to her knees. The elf girl looked up at the two slimy creatures with fright as they gazed lustfully at her graceful, slim body and reached forward with their three-fingered hands.

Gwena screamed as the twins tore the dress from her body and carried her over to stand between the two of them. The crowd of Men cheered the Darklords on as they made the naked girl bend down, where she faced one while the other could see her shapely ass. The Darklord before her extended a slimy, filth-encrusted penis, and grabbed her head with his claws to force her mouth on his cock. She gagged in revulsion as she was forced to take the foul-smelling cock into her mouth and suck on it, the creature pushing his tool deeply down her throat.

The Darklord behind her pulled her legs apart and leaned down to sniff loudly at her womanhood, then plunge a saliva-dripping tongue into her warm pussy. Gwena moaned as the creature probed deeply into her cunt, licking the walls of her vagina. His clawed hands cut shallow furrows into the flesh of her back as he tongue-fucked her throbbing snatch. The Darklord before her grabbed a handful of her long, blonde hair and thrust his cock deeper into her mouth, hissing with pleasure as she sucked hungrily on it.

The mark of Naar on her left breast burned with a scarlet glow as she pushed her crotch harder against the mouth of the Kunae. Her legs dangled in the air as the creature raised her waist with its claws. The naked girl's breasts dangled and jiggled as her head moved back and forth along the Darklord's rod. Slime dripped onto her naked skin as one Kunae ejaculated over her ass, and the other shot his load onto her face and breasts.

The naked elf girl licked the slimy, green jism hungrily from the creature's cock, then wiped the liquid from her face with her hand and licked the fingers clean. As she licked the cum off the tips of her breasts, the Kunae facing her picked her up and turned her around, so she faced the other Darklord. The leprous creature set Gwena on top of his cock then pushed her pussy down hard onto his stiff tool. The naked girl screamed with pleasure as the Kunae fucked her pussy with its scabrous, scaly meat. The penis filled her love hole, pushing against the sides of her vagina as she pumped up and down the creature's rod.

The elf girl's round tits rose up and down as she rode the monster's crotch. The Kunae facing her thrust his rod into the valley between her breasts, fucking her creamy mounds as she panted for air. Gwena sucked on the tip of the beast's penis when it moved within range of her wet mouth then thrust her tits forward so that the Kunae could fuck her breasts easier. The Darklord grabbed the girl's head by the hair and forced her mouth onto his cock, hissing with pleasure as she eagerly sucked his dick until he shot cum into her mouth. She drank his jism lustfully, then licked along the sides of his large, greenish tool as the twin fucked deeply into her pussy, filling her body with sexual rapture.

As the Rings of Power on the Kunae's hands glowed with a blood-red light, the two Darklords leaned down to feed on their limp, sexually sated prize. One Kunae bit into her slim neck and began to drink her sweet blood. The other twin bit her left leg and sucked eagerly on her flesh.

As consciousness began to fade from Gwena, a warm numbness began to flood her naked body. She smiled as the warmth embraced her. Gwena's eyes were fluttering closed, when one of the slavers drew his inscribed sword and impaled a Helghast in the chest.

Several dozen Men jumped up and drew out blades, slashing the undead and any Dark servant that got in their way. The Darklords hissed in annoyance as they dropped the elf girl's limp body and brought forth their Rings for battle. Bolts of eldritch, green flame leapt from the Rings and fried four rebels. The other soldiers stayed within the mass of merchants and slavers, attacking Helghasts who advanced on the mob. The Kunae cast fire on all the Men, killing their allies and the rebels without regret. Screams of dying men and hisses of undead filled the audience chamber as Light and Dark fought.

The mage Brandon cast several fireballs into groups of Helghast, exploding their skeletal bodies into fragments. The Darklords began to chant words of magic, forming a glowing red sphere around their bloated bodies. Brandon cast bolts of lightning against the mystic shield, causing it to buckle under the assault. The Darklords added the power of their Rings, and the shield grew strong again. The mage began to sweat as he poured his lifeforce into more lightning bolts, smashing against the unyielding shield to no effect.

Gwena moaned lightly as she awoke, hair plastered in front of her face. The elf girl coughed to clear her throat, then she slowly pushed her golden, sweat-damp hair from her heart-shaped face. She watched with wide, blue eyes as the Darklords repelled the Brotherhood mage's attacks. The Kunae hissed with laughter as they watched the futile efforts of the wizard.

The elf girl spied a black-bladed dagger on the floor, just beyond the dead grasp of a Helghast. She reached forward with her right hand, but the hilt was too far. The girl tried to crawl forward, but her body was weak from sexual exertion. The Kunae chanted in their evil tongue, and a bolt of mental energy flashed forward into Brandon's skull. The mage screamed in agony as his mind became awash with fire. The Man buckled to his knees, clasping his hands against the sides of his head as blood trickled from his nose.

The elf girl gasped with fear for her friend, then turned to regard the dagger. She closed her eyes and tried to find the spirit of the forest that she had felt during her meditations. The dagger vibrated slightly as Gwena concentrated on it then it began to drag slowly to the girl's outstretched hand. The Kunae roared with laughter as they fed on Brandon's pain, failing to notice the naked girl using telekinesis to pull the Dark weapon to her grasp.

Gwena grabbed the dagger's hilt tightly, then used the last of her strength to stab the nearest Darklord in the leg. The surprised Kunae squealed in pain, losing its concentration and letting the mystic shield fall. Brandon gasped as the fire in his mind faded away, and he quickly used his magic to hurl azure lightning at the exposed Darklords. The sorcerous energy ate hungrily at their flesh as the Kunae roared in agony.

Gwena staggered to her feet and sliced down with her dagger, cutting the hand off the nearest twin. The monster screeched in pain as green ichor spewed from its stump. Quickly chanting in Dark speech, the two injured Darklords faded into the air, leaving the bloody hand and its passenger, a Ring of Power.

Brandon staggered across the audience chamber to the dais where Gwena stood, holding the glowing Ring in her hand. She stared at it with awe and longing as the mage climbed the steps to the summit and grabbed her arm. She whirled to face him, clutching the bloody dagger in her right hand, but quickly lowered it when she recognized him. Shouts came from the chamber entrance as the rebels kept Giak reinforcements from entering the room.

"Come on, Gwena! We have to leave now!" urged the exhausted mage.

"All right," whispered the elf girl as she grasped the Ring tightly in her left hand and followed the wizard down the steps and across the floor to where the rebels blocked the Giak advance.

Chanting hoarsely, Brandon waved his arms to encompass everyone in the chamber, and a glowing blue fog engulfed the rebels and whisked them away to a place of safety.

March 30, 5381 MS, Governor's Palace, City of Telchos

Governor Bukhan knelt on the bloody floor of the audience hall and cried piteously to the Helghast Lord sitting on the throne.

"Please, lord! Have mercy on a loyal servant of Darkness! There were too many rebels. Hundreds of them! They had at least ten mages with them, and I thought I saw a Kai warrior as well," blubbered the thin man as sweat beaded his wrinkled brow.

"Ignorance does not excuse incompetence," hissed the Helghast as he aimed his right hand at the kneeling Man and chanted in Dark speech.

The thin governor screeched in fear as his lifeforce was sucked from his body into the skeletal form of the Helghast Lord.

"Humph! Even his soul is unsatisfying. Oh, well," shrugged the undead as he turned to regard the Nadziranim standing next to him. "Shouldn't we have let Kekataag trail the rebels and finish them off?"

"Oh, no, my lord," replied the robed figure. "I advised our Master's champion to hold back and let the rebels escape. They may try to enter the Rebel fortress, and if they do, we can use their entry to break its defenses."

"I hope you're sure about this plan. If you're wrong, we'll both be cast into the Giak pits of Helgedad," muttered the undead as it stood up from the throne and walked towards the chamber's exit.

"Don't worry, trust me," said the bearded wizard as he smiled at the Helghast's vulnerable back.

March 31, 5381 MS, Hills south of Bandor River, Southern Magnamund

Stars twinkled in the velvet night sky as Brandon started a small fire and set water to boil. Across the warm, crackling blaze, the elf girl Gwena sat on the ground and gazed at the Ring of Power wrapped snugly around a finger of her right hand.

"Are you sure you should keep it?" asked the mage with concern. "It's an artifact of Darkness. Its presence will corrupt you over time."

"As you are fond of pointing out, I'm already corrupted," whispered the elf girl acidly as she raised her head to glare at the mage.

"Not beyond the point of redemption. You can embrace the Light again if you wish."

"Maybe I don't want to. Maybe I don't want to be weak again," replied the girl darkly.

"You were never weak, Gwen. Life is always stronger than Death."

"So you say, but that won't bring back my father, or my village."

"Don't be bitter. Anger is a servant of the Darkness," admonished Brandon.

"Then I'll serve the Dark. Until I can destroy its Masters," promised Gwena as she glanced at her left breast and confirmed that the mark of Naar was gone. The stain had left her flesh and entered her soul, and only time would tell whether she embraced the Dark, or destroyed it.

====

Cold rain fell upon the cloaked forms of the elf girl, Gwena, and her companion, the mage Brandon. They had walked steadily across a great plain for over a week, and now they were approaching a branching of rivers that ran south of a city called Avalar. Gwena held her cloak tightly against her chest as fierce winds blew water in her face, and lightning lit the darkening sky. The duo trudged resolutely along the bank of a raging river, then came across a cave set upon a small hillock. The elf and Man quickly entered the cave and shook the water from their clothes. Brandon used his magic to light a small fire, and Gwena gratefully squatted down to warm her delicate hands.

"We should make Avalar by late morning," remarked the mage as he opened his satchel and removed some travel bread and cheese.

"That's good, I'm looking forward to a warm bed and a soothing bath," replied Gwena as she opened her own leather bag and produced fruit for her meal.

"If the Great Divide isn't too angry, we should be able to cross it in a couple of days, then we'll be in Northern Magnamund."

"Do you really think that we can find the last of the Kai?" asked Gwena skeptically.

"Yes! I've heard several reliable rumors placing him in far Northern Sommerland, near the ruins of Holmgard and the old Kai monastery," replied Brandon confidently.

"Well, O.K., if you say so," said the elf girl as she finished her fruit and laid out her sleeping blankets.

Brandon watched the beautiful elf girl as she leaned down to settle her bedroll, her firm, shapely ass thrust high into the air. When Gwena sat down on her blankets, the mage coughed then began to prepare for sleep. The elf girl smiled at the Man's furtive motions, then reclined on her side, letting her long, golden hair fall down her back. Brandon lay on his back upon the bedroll, staring hard at the rock ceiling. Gwena crawled over to the prone mage and gently pulled away the blanket that covered his body.

"What are you doing?" asked the Man in a panic.

"I haven't fucked anyone in awhile, and my blood's starting to boil from the restraint," replied the elf girl as she pulled up Brandon's blue robes and released his penis from its loincloth.

The mage's eyes bulged as the elf girl rubbed his cock up and down until it stood erect, then leaned down to suck hungrily on his rod.

Gwena moaned with pleasure as she sucked on the head of the Man's cock, then licked down the shaft till she reached his balls. The mage grunted as the elf girl sucked lightly on his nutsack, licked his tool up to the head, then plunged the erect member deeply into her warm mouth. She took the cock far into her throat, then sucked along its length till she reached the tip again. The blonde girl sucked lustfully on the head of the cock then kissed it lovingly. Gwena quickly pulled off her tunic and tight leather breeches, placing the cock between her round, creamy breasts.

Brandon reached over to caress her firm ass as she slid the penis up and down the valley between her tits, licking the tip when it came within reach of her moist, red lips. The elf girl tit-fucked the prone mage for several minutes, then moved to place her scantily clad body over the Man. She leaned down to suck on his cock again as he pulled aside her white panties and inhaled her musky womanhood. Brandon leaned his head forward to lick the horny elf girl's pussy, and she shuddered at the touch of his tongue. The Man buried his face in her warm cunt and sucked eagerly on her sweet flesh, tasting her love honey with relish as she moaned in sexual ecstasy and orgasmed in his mouth.

Gwena sucked deeply on the Man's penis until a stream of hot cum shot forth into her open mouth and throat. She drank his jism wantonly, then licked the remains from the tip of his rod.

The elf girl stood up and pulled off her panties, then she sat down on the Man's cock and began thrusting her crotch onto it. Brandon panted with effort as he used his magic to keep his penis hard and erect. Gwena smiled happily as she pushed the Man's tool deeply into her tight pussy and placed her small hands on his heaving chest. Sweat glistened on the naked girl's skin as she fucked the Man under her, her round breasts bouncing with her thrusts.

Gwena leaned down and kissed her lover passionately on the mouth, caressing the Man's tongue with her own. Brandon grasped her soft tits and squeezed them tightly as he pushed his cock deeper into her warm snatch. She moaned loudly as her long, blonde hair covered both of their faces and her breasts pressed tightly against the Man's firm chest. The elf girl kissed the mage on the lips, then leaned back, humping the hard cock under her with great effort as her hair poured down her naked back, and her breasts thrust forward, heaving with her gasps for air. Brandon reached forward with his hands and squeezed her round tits as he pushed his tool into the naked girl's sucking cunt. Gwena screamed with pleasure as she orgasmed again, then she sat forward, pushing her hands against Brandon's chest as she thrust onto his cock with her crotch. The mage pushed deeply into the girl's pussy before shooting his load into her, making her gasp as she felt his seed plunge deeply into her vagina. Gwena lay down limply over the Man's naked body, and he hugged her slim form tightly to him with his strong arms.

The stars twinkled in the clear night sky as Gates stood before the doorway to his manor nervously and watched the robed mage leave the black carriage and walk towards him. The fat merchant wiped his sweating forehead with a silk handkerchief as the man stopped in front of him and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings from the Darklords, Lord Gates. I have some important business to discuss with you," said the robed man.

"Of course, lord mage. Please, come inside and enjoy my hospitality," replied Gates with an expansive gesture towards the open door. The mage entered the large manor house, and Gates quickly followed the man towards the richly appointed audience chamber.

"I see that you survived the Convocation attack no worse for wear," remarked the wizard as he reclined upon a pile of cushions.

"Yes, Naar smiled upon me that day," replied the merchant nervously.

"Of course," said the mage as he pulled back his cowl and revealed his face.

"Vonotar!" exclaimed Gates in surprise. "I thought you were dead!"

"You jest of course, I'm indestructible, the whole universe knows that!" smirked Vonotar.

"Uh, right," replied the fat merchant. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Jemma! Some wine for my guest!" shouted Gates.

The young, raven-haired girl quickly entered the dimly lit chamber with a tray laden with a glass and a bottle of wine. She swiftly poured the reclining mage a glass, then carefully handed it to him. The bearded man regarded the slim, attractive girl lingeringly as he sipped his wine, then turned to regard Gates.

"I'll need access to Gwena's room so that I can find some trace of her. If I can find some hair or other body remnant, I'll be able to track the bitch with magic," said Vonotar calmly.

"Of course, whatever you need," gushed the merchant. "Jemma might be of use to you. She slept with the elf slut and I hear they fucked each other a couple of times too."

"Really?" remarked the mage as he gazed at the kneeling young woman, then ran one of his long fingers across her right cheek. "She will be very useful. I'm going to have to requisition her for my investigation, but the Darklord Empire will compensate you for the loss."

"Thank you, my lord. That is most generous," agreed the fat man eagerly.

"Yes, it is," muttered Vonotar. "You may leave now."

The merchant bowed low before leaving the round chamber and closing the double doors after himself. Jemma glanced up nervously at the mage as he stared at her with glowing violet eyes.

"Come here, girl," ordered the wizard.

Jemma rose to her feet and moved to stand in front of the man.

"Take your clothes off," said Vonotar.

The brunette pulled the shear white robe from her shoulders and let it fall to the floor, revealing her creamy, white flesh and round breasts.

"Suck my cock, whore," commanded the mage, who smiled evilly as the girl knelt down between his open legs and pulled up his black robe enough to uncover his penis, then began to suck lightly on the head.

Vonotar ran his hands through Jemma's long, soft, black hair as she sucked hard on his cock, then licked along the shaft to his balls. The man grunted with pleasure as she hungrily sucked on his testicles and kissed his cock until she reached the tip, where she resumed sucking strongly. The man grabbed her head tightly and pushed his rod deeply into her warm throat, then he began to fuck her mouth rhythmically. She moaned softly as her moist, red lips ran down his penis, then back up to the head. The girl sucked deeply on the mage's tool until he orgasmed and shot cum across her face and tits.

"Lick it off, slut," ordered Vonotar as he pulled roughly on her hair.

Jemma winced in pain, then slowly licked the salty cum off her lips with her tongue, then sucked lightly on her own nipples to clean them. The man smiled lustfully as she ran her delicate fingers across her large, round breasts to collect the jism on them, then raised the wet digits to her mouth and sucked on them with apparent relish.

"I bet you liked the taste of that, didn't you slut?" asked the mage as he pulled her naked body against his and roughly fondled her tits.

"Yes, master, I love the taste of your cum," replied Jemma in a husky whisper.

"Good," said Vonotar as he threw her to the floor and grabbed her firm ass with both of his hands. With her face pressed against a rug, Jemma gasped as the man leaned down, spread open her thighs, and licked across her pussy. The mage smiled with pleasure as he thrust his tongue deeply into the naked girl's cunt and probed her warm vagina. The brunette moaned loudly as the man squeezed her shapely ass and plunged his tongue in and out of her sweet womanhood.

Sweat began to glisten on her naked flesh as Jemma's crotch moved in time to the thrusts of Vonotar's mouth. The slave girl moaned as she orgasmed and shot a stream of warm honey into the man's eager mouth. He drank her cum like fine wine, then took one last quick lick across her pussy. As her snatch throbbed with lust, Vonotar licked the soft flesh of her inner thighs, then sucked lightly on the skin of her firm ass.

The mage pulled off his robes, then knelt down again as he grabbed a handful of the prone girl's hair and forced her to raise herself on her arms. With hands and knees supporting her slim, naked body, Jemma cried out as Vonotar pushed his erect cock into her tight pussy and began fucking her eagerly. The raven-haired girl moaned when the man pulled hard on her hair as he pumped his tool deeply into her cunt. Sweat dripped off her heaving breasts as Jemma's crotch moved in time to the mage's thrusts. Vonotar released her hair and leaned forward to squeeze and fondle the prone girl's tits as he fucked her snatch roughly. The mage pushed deeply into her as he shot his load, filling her warm vagina with his seed.

Jemma gasped in sexual pleasure as she orgasmed, mingling her cum with his jism. The man pulled out of her pussy, then pushed her onto her bare back and straddled her breasts. Vonotar rubbed his cum-coated penis across the naked girl's soft, red lips, then watched as she dutifully licked his tool clean, then sucked on it until it grew flaccid and calm.

"I'm going to enjoy your company as I track down your lover and bring her back to the Darklords. The violations I perform on you will be sweet love compared to what the Kunae plan to do to Gwena for maiming them and taking their Ring of Power. Consider yourself fortunate," said the mage as he leaned down to kiss Jemma hard on the mouth, his tongue forcing its way past her weak lips and down her throat.

====

Gwena and the mage, Brandon walked along a decrepit forest trail as thunder roared in the sky and rain fell heavily upon them. The Elf girl clasped her hood tighter against her head as water dripped from the dead trees around her and turned the barren earth to mud. Brandon staggered upon the shifting ground and clutched his crude staff tightly in his right hand as he struggled to follow the agile Elf who blazed the trail before him.

The Ring of Power on Gwena's right hand glowed with a warm golden light and kept the young woman from getting wet. Gwena smiled as she felt the dark power contained in the Ring coursing through her lithe body. Enhanced senses scanned the decayed forest for signs of the Kai warrior who reputedly lived in the area. Sensing nothing but death and desolation, Gwena sighed softly and reached down to clasp the hilt of her short sword, gaining a measure of reassurance from it.

Brandon cursed loudly as he slipped on a patch of mud, causing Gwena to turn towards him. During her distraction, a dark shape emerged from the ground and grabbed the Elf girl roughly around the neck. Gasping in surprise, Gwena slammed her right elbow into the Man's stomach, then quickly slipped out of his grasp as he struggled for air. The Ring of Power glowed with the color of blood as the Elf girl raised the Ring towards her unknown foe and invoked its evil might. An eldritch beam of ruby light flew from the Ring and smashed into the Man's torso, flinging him like a doll into the air until he landed in a pool of mud. The Man returned quickly to his feet and drew a long sword from his belt sheath. Gwena drew her own slim, short sword and prepared her fighting stance, when Brandon rushed between the two fighters and called their attention.

"Gwena! Wait! This is the Kai that we're looking for!" declared Brandon loudly.

The Elf girl lowered her sword slowly, then took measure of the mud-caked Man standing before her. He was tall, about six-foot, with short, brown hair and green eyes. His face was covered with stubble, and a thin scar ran down his left cheek. He was dressed in a green tunic and cloak, with chain-mail armor underneath. He had soft, leather boots, and wore brown, leather gloves over his hands. The Man gazed at Gwena with a mixture of distrust and desire then shifted his gaze towards the mage. Spying the wizard's robes, and his Crystal Star Pendant, the Man nodded briefly and sheathed his sword quickly.

"Greetings, mage. I see that you belong to the Brotherhood of the Crystal Star. Since I am the last Kai, I should welcome you and treat you as an ally," said the Man gruffly.

"Greetings, Kai warrior. My name is Brandon, and this is the Elf fighter, Gwena. We have traveled a long way to find you," replied Brandon with a short bow.

"My name is Ben Starblade, and as this mage might have told you, I am the last of the Kai Order," said Ben as he addressed the Elf girl.

"Yes, he did say you were the surviving Kai. It must have been difficult, surviving so long with the Darklords hunting your Order," responded Gwena soothingly.

"Damn straight it was hard! My father was one of the few to survive the Darklord War and find a relatively safe place to hide and regain his strength. He met a village girl and coupled with her, then left to aid the Resistance against the new Darklord Empire. He would visit mother from time to time, and when I was born, he passed the ways of the Kai to me until he died in a skirmish with some Giaks. But come, we shouldn't stand in the open like this," said Ben as he quickly turned to lead his guests through the skeletal forest towards a clearing to the north.

Within the mud-choked clearing stood the ruins of the Kai Monastery, its walls broken and scorched by flames until they ran like hot wax. Ben led the duo into the ruins and down a winding stone stairway until they entered a large, square chamber that had once been a guardroom. Opening a wooden door, the Kai walked down a dark hallway until he reached another portal, which he opened and passed through. Gwena cautiously followed the Man, then looked around the circular room that he used as his living quarters. Ben lit a small candle and set it upon a large, wooden table. He retrieved a jug and three cups, then sat heavily upon a wooden chair at the table and motioned for his guests to join him.

Gwena sat down tentatively across from the Man, then watched as Brandon sat to the right of the Kai warrior. Ben poured wine into the three cups, then set one before each of the travelers. The Elf girl sniffed the wine, then drank a sip when she was sure it was safe. Brandon drank without hesitation, then smiled reassuringly at Gwena.

"Have you been helping the Resistance in the area?" asked Brandon curiously.

"There is no Resistance around here," replied Ben darkly. "The Darklords destroyed everything north of Holmgard. The Brotherhood's academy is gone, and so is the capital of Sommerland. The entire region is a wasteland, I guess it's payback for Lone Wolf destroying Helgedad all those centuries ago."

"Then why do you stay here?" asked Gwena.

"Because the Darklords have given up on this area. Since no one lives here, there's no one to rule or collect tribute from. Nothing grows here, so people don't want to build towns nearby. I like the quiet and solitude," replied Ben as he drank deeply from his cup, then refilled it from the jug.

"What about your duty to the people? The last Kai should be organizing the Resistance or helping with the defense of the Fortress, not slumped in some basement with a jug of wine near his hand," said Brandon vehemently.

"Give me a break! The Resistance doesn't stand a chance and you know it! The Darklords control Northern and Southern Magnamund. There are more Darklords around now then there ever have been in our history, we're outnumbered and outgunned. Kai and Ishir haven't done squat for us, so why should I die for them?" questioned Ben before he drank noisily from his cup.

"Because you're the last Kai and you owe it to the memory of your Order and to the people," replied Gwena with conviction.

"That's rich coming from an Elf. Your kind doesn't have much reason to care what happens to Men one way or another," said Ben.

"We do care. Both races worship Kai and Ishir, that gives us a common cause to see the Darklords overthrown and Naar constrained from harming Magnamund," responded the Elf girl.

"Hummph! You should have been the Kai, not me," replied Starblade bitterly.

"Maybe that can be arranged, if you're willing to teach me," said Gwena resolutely.

"Teach you to be a Kai? That's original," said Ben.

"Will you?" asked Gwena.

"Yeah, why not? If it will get you two out of my hair," replied Ben as he lifted his cup and drained it dry.

The iron-hulled skyship, Black Heart, sailed through the air over the valley of V'Ka. Vonotar the dark mage stood arrogantly at the bow of the mighty warship and gazed north, towards his destination. Jemma, his slave girl, walked carefully across the cold, metal deck carrying a silver tray with a glass of wine as deckhands sent ribald suggestions in her direction. The young, raven-haired girl bowed briefly towards her master then awaited his pleasure. The tall, black-bearded wizard took the glass of wine and sipped it thoughtfully as his dark gaze remained fixed on the horizon.

"I can sense your one-time lover across all this distance," said Vonotar softly as he held the glass to his lips. "Her power is calling to me."

"If she meets the Kai, he may train her in the ways of his order. That would make capturing her difficult," replied Jemma cautiously.

"Ah, I see that you've been listening to my magical communiqués. Very good," said the mage with a cold smile.

"What will you do if she fights you?" asked Jemma with concern.

"I'll try to capture her intact, if possible," responded the mage thoughtfully. "But if she gives me too much trouble, I'm afraid that I will have to kill her. That would be a shame, of course. She really had an exquisite body."

Vonotar chuckled with amusement as he pondered his future encounter with the Elf girl. Jemma bit her lower lip with worry, then turned to watch the sky as night descended upon the earth and covered everything in oblivion.

====

Gwena wrinkled her brow in concentration as bolts of violet energy smashed against her mental shields. Sitting across the barren ground from her, the Kai warrior Ben Starblade frowned and hurled another psychic blast at his new student. The mental barrier around the Elf girl began to crack and fade as the series of assaults began to wear down her strength. Almost without thought, Gwena called upon the dark power of the Ring to protect her. Blood-red light surrounded the girl and reinforced her shield, repelling the Kai's blasts with ease.

"Don't use the Ring! You must master your own abilities and strengths!" reprimanded Ben.

Gwena pouted as she closed off access to the Ring and attempted to maintain the shield by herself. Ben began another mental attack, and after two blows, the girl's barrier collapsed and pain lanced into her brain.

"Stop it!" shouted Gwena as she pressed both hands against her temples.

"You're getting better," complimented Ben as he stopped his attack and allowed his pupil a moment to rest. "You lasted almost ten minutes that time."

"It still hurts like a bitch after you're done, though," replied the girl ruefully as she rubbed her forehead, then flapped her thin blouse to cool her sweaty flesh.

Ben tried not to notice as the Elf girl unconsciously bared her round breasts as she cooled herself. The Kai brushed sweat away from his own tanned brow and rose smoothly to his feet.

"Let me show you a cave where you can bathe safely. It's the least I can do for torturing you this afternoon," said Ben with a grin.

"Thanks. A bath sounds like heaven right about now," replied Gwena as she allowed the Man to pull her to her feet, then lead her out of the desolate clearing and down a earth-cracked path.

After walking for a score of minutes, the duo approached a series of foothills that began the long ascent into the Durncrag Mountains.

Ben entered a small cave entrance, and Gwena followed him. With her Elven sight, the girl easily navigated her way into the cave's entry chamber and down a descending tunnel that bore deeply into the earth. After several moments, the duo entered a large, natural cavern that contained a roaring waterfall. A small lake resided within the cave, with warm, clear water that invited both warriors. Ben knelt down near the edge of the lake and splashed water on his face and arms as Gwena marveled at the beauty of the cavern. Sighing happily, the Elf girl pulled off her white blouse then removed her skintight, leather breeches.

Ben drew back in surprise as the beautiful Elf girl ran nude to the edge of the lake and plunged into its warm depths. The Man smiled in admiration as Gwena resurfaced and sputtered out water, then waved cheerfully at her mentor. Ben stood up and walked to the tunnel entrance to keep watch as the girl swam lazily around the lake, letting the soothing water ease her cramped muscles and wash the dirt from her body.

Eventually, Gwena emerged from the lake and sat down on the smooth rock to dry. Ben admired her smooth, creamy flesh and slim, attractive body. The girl noticed his attention and smiled prettily for him.

"Still regret training me to be a Kai?" asked Gwena sweetly.

"No, of course not. With you gallivanting around and playing heroine, I can stay at the Monastery and live in peace," replied Ben pragmatically.

"Hummph!" retorted the girl before she shook out her long, blonde hair and began to comb it out with her delicate fingers.

The Kai warrior glanced briefly down the tunnel ascending to the surface then returned his gaze to the beautiful, naked girl sitting in front of him. Gwena lay down on the smooth, rock floor of the cavern and stretched out her arms above her head. Her large, round breasts rose with her movements, her nipples becoming erect and hard from the cool air around her. The Man's gaze traveled down her firm stomach to her shapely hips, then to the small mound of blonde hair that marked her pussy. The naked girl raised one of her slim, shapely legs slightly, then sighed softly with contentment.

Ben struggled to control the lust emerging from his loins, but a lifetime of deprivation was too strong to resist. He stealthily approached the prone Elf girl, then knelt down next to her and bent his head to suck lightly on her right breast. Gwena gasped in surprise, then smiled in triumph as the Man greedily squeezed her tits before sucking on them. The Elf girl moaned softly as the Man licked her warm flesh, then moved from her breasts to her slim neck. Gwena placed her arms around Ben's neck as he reached her moist, red lips and kissed her deeply. The lovers caressed each other's tongues as Ben slipped his right hand between her thighs and stroked her blonde pussy slowly.

As Gwena kissed the Man passionately, she opened her legs wide to allow the Man easy access to her warm snatch. Ben increased the pressure of his stroking fingers across her cunt, then he slowly inserted a finger into her wet love hole. The Elf girl moaned loudly as Ben probed her vagina with his digit while he resumed sucking deeply on her heaving breasts. Gwena rose quickly to orgasm and gasped with pleasure as she cummed. Ben removed his finger and licked her love honey with relish, then he knelt up and untied his breeches. The naked Elf girl slid forward on her stomach then rose slightly until she could reach the Man's erect penis. She inhaled his musky manhood, then softly sucked on the head of his member.

Ben grunted with satisfaction as the girl began sucking deeply on his cock, her warm, red lips caressing his flesh. The Man held Gwena's blonde head tightly as she sucked up and down his rod, then moved to suck eagerly on his balls. Ben stroked the girl's wet, golden hair as she licked up his cock to the head, then took the tool deeply into her throat until she began to gag. Ben fucked the Elf girl's mouth for several minutes, then he reclined back until he lay on the rock floor with the naked girl on top of him. Gwena wantonly mounted his hard cock and moaned with sexual pleasure as the rod plunged deeply into her pussy. Ben reached forward to squeeze and caress her round tits as Gwena pushed her crotch harder against his penis.

The Elf girl pressed her small hands against the Mans' hairy chest as he thrust his cock deeper into her hungry cunt. The girl's breasts heaved as she panted loudly and slowly sucked on one of Ben's fingers. The Man grunted as he orgasmed inside her pussy, then listened as the Elf girl moaned loudly and reached her own climax. Gwena leaned down to lay across Ben's chest, his softening cock still inside her wet love hole. The Elf girl smiled in satisfaction as Ben slowly stroked her long, blonde hair and breathed deeply with relief.

Several days later, as Gwena practiced her Nexus skills, she felt a dark presence approaching the ruins of the Kai Monastery. Black clouds began to form in the sky, followed by piercing thunder and flashes of lethal lightning. The Elf girl retrieved her brown cloak and wrapped it around her lithe body as she scanned the horizon for trouble. Within moments, she caught sight of a large, iron skyship escorted by a flock of Kraan. She quickly left the forest clearing she stood in and ran gracefully to the ruins of the Kai stronghold. As she approached the melted walls, the Elf girl saw Brandon the mage and Ben Starblade emerge from the underground entrance and gaze coldly at the approaching skyship.

"There's a Nadziranim mage with the skyship!" exclaimed Gwena as she halted in front of the two Men and gasped for breath.

"So much for my peaceful retirement," muttered Ben as he strapped on his swordbelt, then adjusted his gloves.

"Should we draw them into the trees, such as they are, or stay here?" asked Brandon.

"We stay here. The ruins are on high ground, and we can use them for cover," replied Ben as he turned to survey the rubble, then returned his gaze to his two companions. "We'll separate to give the Kraan and the mage more targets to worry about. I'll take the north wall, and you can take the south wall, Brandon. Gwena, you take the west wall."

"But that means the Kraan will go through you to get to me," said the Elf girl.

"What makes you think the Darklords are after you? I am the last Kai, after all," replied Ben proudly.

"Vonotar's on that ship. I know he's looking for me," remarked Gwena in a bleak tone.

"He'll have to go through me first," said Ben as he unsheathed his sword and began walking to the north wall.

"Good luck, Gwena," said Brandon before he moved to his own post.

Watching the advancing skyship with worry, Gwena began moving through the rubble until she stood next to the west wall. She unsheathed her short sword and held it resolutely in her right hand as the evil of the Ring of Power began to course through her blood. The Elf girl frowned in annoyance as she forced the Ring to contain itself. She closed her eyes briefly and entered the meditative state that Ben had taught her. She prayed softly to the god, Kai, and the goddess, Ishir for strength and courage.

Blue lightning leapt into the sky as Brandon killed several Kraan and sent them flaming to the earth. The skyship hovered near the edge of the ruins, then turned sharply to starboard, presenting a broadside towards the hiding trio. The flash cannons mounted along the port rail opened fire, shooting grapeshot rounds into the rubble. Brandon raised a blue shield of magic to repel the hundreds of metal shards hurling towards him. Gwena and Ben dived behind melted rock as explosions slammed into the ground around them.

After firing several salvos into the Monastery, ropes were lowered from the skyship, and a squad of Giaks slid down to the ground and began to advance on the trio. The dark mage, Vonotar levitated down from the warship, then began to advance towards Gwena. A large fireball exploded among a group of Giaks, sending charred flesh high into the air. Ben Starblade slashed and hacked with his sword, mowing down Giak warriors like wheat.

Two large Giaks armed with battle-axes climbed over some rubble and attacked Gwena, who deftly avoided their wide swings and slinked in close to them. She impaled one Giak through the stomach with her short sword, then grabbed the other creature by its arm and chanted words of magic. The Giak screamed in agony as eldritch power flooded his body, burning his organs to ash. The smoking husk fell limply to the ground as Gwena released him and knelt low to avoid Vonotar's gaze.

Brandon hurled lightning at the remaining Giaks, burning their flesh until it ran like wax. The young mage moved swiftly through the jagged stone remains until he saw the dark mage walking to the west. As Brandon began chanting another lightning spell, Vonotar spun to face him and aimed his right hand forward, with fingers spread out. Five glowing darts of power flew from his fingertips and slammed into Brandon's chest. The mage screamed in pain, then fell to the hard earth unconscious. Vonotar sneered with derision as Ben emerged from the rock and brandished his sword with both hands. The dark mage turned to meet his new foe and raised an eyebrow.

"You're the last Kai and the best you can do is a sword? I'm very disappointed with you," replied Vonotar mockingly.

"Then maybe this will get your attention," replied Ben as he concentrated with his will, evoking blue flames along the edge of his sword. With a shout of defiance, Ben cast a shaft of raging flame from the blade towards his enemy.

Vonotar raised his hand, summoning a blood-red shield to repel the fire. Ben focused on the flames and maintained their strength, hoping to wear the dark wizard down. Vonotar, however, was a practiced mage knowledgeable in many areas of evil magic. He chanted words of power, and with a wave of his left hand, the flames sputtered and died.

Sweating with effort, Ben charged the mage and raised his sword high to strike. Vonotar pointed a finger from his right hand, and violet lightning shot forth to smash into the Man's chest and send him hurling backwards into a stone pillar. Ben's body impacted with a wet thump then left a trail of glistening blood as he slid to the ground. The evil wizard smiled with satisfaction, resuming his advance towards Gwena.

The Elf girl had watched the mage cutting down her friends, but had done nothing to help them. Every time she looked at Vonotar, she remembered how he had raped her body and cast the brand of Naar on her creamy flesh. Deep down, part of her had enjoyed his sexual violation of her body, and that thought disturbed her, broke the peace of mind she needed to evoke the Kai disciplines. The beautiful girl watched helplessly as the dark mage came closer to her, then stopped to gaze into her wide, blue eyes.

"So everything comes full circle. What began with your capture in the Elven wood will now end with your capture in the ruins of the Kai stronghold. Now you see how weak the Light is compared to the Dark. I'll remind you how strong the Night is when you're stripped of clothing and kneeling before me in bonds. You liked that part, remember Gwena?" said Vonotar with a lustful grin.

"You're still as arrogant as ever, bastard," replied Gwena with a snarl.

"Gwena, your language!" retorted the mage mockingly. "You've fallen in with a bad crowd, but I forgive you."

"You won't be alive long enough to forgive anybody, you son-of-a-bitch!" shouted the Elf girl as she aimed the Ring of Power at Vonotar and evoked its power.

The dark mage frowned as a stream of molten fire flew towards him at the speed of thought. He barely managed to erect a shield, but he grimaced with effort as he focused all of his will to maintaining it. Gwena smiled wickedly as the evil magic of the Ring surged in her blood, feeding off her hate to strike at her foe. Vonotar staggered under the magical onslaught, falling to his knees as he struggled to keep the shield up. Gwena licked her full, red lips as she gave herself to the magic and let it use her as a conduit to escape into the world. The flames engulfed the kneeling mage, who had only the fading blue shield as protection. With a scream of frustration and defeat, the shield failed, and Vonotar was devoured by magical flame.

"You may have destroyed me, bitch, but the magic will destroy you. Once you surrender to it, you're its slave for eternity. You will rue the day that you rejected me, I would have been a kinder master!" shouted Vonotar before the fire consumed his flesh and reduced him to ash.

The flames died out, leaving Gwena weak on her feet and panting for air. Sweat plastered her blonde hair to her head, and her thin blouse adhered itself to her round, firm breasts. The Elf girl staggered to Ben, who lay limply on the ground nearby. She knelt down next to him and touched his neck softly to find a pulse. The Man's eyes fluttered open, and he smiled as he saw Gwena bending over him.

"Kai is truly kind to allow me to witness such a lovely sight before I die," whispered Ben.

"You won't die, Ben," replied Gwena softly as she brushed away some strands of hair from the Man's forehead.

"I'm afraid that I will, love," said Ben as he weakly grabbed the Elf girl's hand and squeezed it softly. "Don't give in to the Ring's power. You can be a powerful Kai if you want to be. Have faith in your own strength, not the evil power of an artifact."

"I'll try, Ben" agreed Gwena.

"You must! If you do not, your soul will be lost, and Naar will have dominion over you," replied Ben Starblade before his eyes slid shut and he breathed his last breath.

Gwena squeezed the Man's hand tightly, then bent forward to kiss him softly on the lips. The Elf girl at last stood up and then went to find Brandon, who was lying on the ground near the south wall. Sobbing softly, the slim girl knelt down next to the mage and placed her head on his chest. Finding that the Man still lived, she placed both hands on his torso and called forth the healing magic of Ishir. A golden glow appeared around the girl's delicate hands, as powerful magic entered Brandon's body and healed his wounds. The Man coughed roughly, then sat up with Gwena's help.

"Did we get him? Is Vonotar dead?" asked Brandon weakly.

"Yes, he's dead. See?" replied Gwena as she pointed to the retreating skyship.

"Good. How's Ben?" inquired the mage.

"He's gone, but the Starblade name will live on with me. I will bring back the Kai if it's the last thing I do," promised Gwena as she looked up at the cloud-draped sky with determination, challenging Naar's ambition with her own.

~~~~~~