Chapter 20
Portarius
START A WAR - KLERGY, VALARIE brOUSSARD?
Iguide Emmie toward the secret project I have been working on.
Things I have collected from across my lands.
Steve told me what I would need to make it, but I haven't had time to try it yet.
Standing next to the white sheet, I nod my head for her to take it off.
She reaches out slowly, peeking her head under the cloth before flinging it off completely, the sheet floating to the ground somewhere behind us.
“You made a bath!” She yells in elation, her smile wide across her face. “This is amazing, thank you! How did you even? When–how–what!? I would have gotten used to the bucket Portarius, you didn't have to do this for me.”
She moves to throw her arms around my waist, and I lean down to pick her up, bringing her mouth to mine to take more kisses.
“I have collected the water, and we just need to light the fire to heat the copper coil. I've followed Steve's instructions, so everything should work correctly, but there is always room for failure,” I say, kissing all over her face and neck.
“Can we light it now? I have to say, I'm relieved we're not lighting a fire beneath the bath, I'd start to think you were trying to eat me or something.”
Her laugh is so carefree as I place her back on the ground, I'm reluctant to let her go, even if it's only to walk a couple of metres away from her.
“I am always hungry, Emmie. I can eat your cunt whenever you like.”
Her cheeks blush as I look at her over my shoulder, a gasp coming from her as I move to light the fire.
“The fields are dry at this time of year, so we will need to keep the fire low. I grow wheat for all the realms to use, so we need to be careful.”
I have a make-shift rock barrier that should stop any embers from getting close to the dry fields. It's a simple design where the heated water is forced into the bath. An endless hot tap until the fire burns down and goes out.
??????
“I think it might be time to get out. I've turned into a prune,” she says, holding her fingertips up in the air, allowing me to inspect the wrinkling skin.
Fascinating. I lift her naked body from the bath.
The small fire I lit was enough to keep us warm for well over an hour.
“Tell me what will happen tonight. I want to know what to expect.” Her gaze doesn't waver, a newfound confidence radiating from her.
“When the moon flames first appear in the sky, I will meet you at the edge of the jetty. I will wait all night if I need to, Emmie. There is no rush or pressure, and you can change your mind. This will only work if you choose to bond. Otherwise, nothing will happen. We will exist as we are now.”
“What if I don't know what I want? Will it confuse the bonding?”
Her body is so small next to mine, a stark reminder of how different we are as her worries flood to the surface. I must leave her soon, not for long, just enough for her to have solace and come to her decision without the pressure of my presence.
“The bond we share, in your soul. It will know if this is right. If you come willingly, despite any fear you may have, our bond will know your true desire.
Taking her hand, we walk naked toward the cottage, the poison tendrils having spread further across her abdomen and chest. The red sun is low in the sky, the warm breeze blowing the sweet smell of warm grass, and … and… blood.
Within a second, I have Emmie against my chest, a dagger extended from my hand while the other holds her. My warrior marks have returned to the darkest of black.
“What's happened?” She breathes heavily, darting looks all around.
I sense no one, though, nor does the Gate.
It's frantic vibrations checking for miles all around us.
Which means only one thing. Whoever came here, whoever spilled blood, wished me no harm while they were on my land, and have since departed.
Emmie and I are not yet bonded, so our connection does not spread to those who wish to harm her.
“Whatever happens, do not let go.”
My steps are steady as I round the cottage. We were facing the Gate as we bathed, so anyone could have crept up behind us to attack. That was not what they wanted, though. Their intention is to play with us. A slow game, they think they are in control of.
At first glance, there is nothing out of place.
Then I see the dark stain across the grass, alongside it, the mutilated body of a Minotaur lies bloated and swollen.
The unmistakable stinger of an Ananea sticking out of its chest. This is not a Minotaur that I'm familiar with.
However, that means nothing given the vastness of this realm and the variety of creatures who live within it.
“Do not look, Emmie,” I say, holding her head against the crook of my neck.
Nothing will happen in the next few hours, I suspect they wish us to dwell on this message.
Become afraid. This weakness in their plan will work to our advantage.
We will be safe in the Gate, and as soon as we are bonded, she can not die.
This was nothing more than a crudely delivered message, and one that is too little too late.
Tonight we will bond.
Tomorrow we will fight a war.