Chapter Three: Curses and Quests

I know this is irrelevant here and probably not the right place but would anyone be willing to read the first three chapters of my fantasy novel? I finally finished it after 2 years and have been looking for an agent. Be nice to get some opinions from others

Cant wait to read chapter three @granthor ^^

Also @voidshadow if you post it I will most likely read it so go-ahead

Ok, I am posting two parts now, with a 3rd coming later today, I hope. lol, Voidshadow, I will read your work tomorrow, and I will post what I think. But I will tell you now, just by you posting it, you're don't a great job. So keep it up. So I hope everyone is being safe, and please let me know how this next part is shaping up. I am trying something new. I would like to know if it's working thx again everyone for your support.

Her name is Shelur, a half Orc of great beauty by any race standards, but she is also very strong by many others. She sports a tightly presses padded chain mail just exposing a low V-cut, with her midsection exposed showing off a very tight muscle grouping. Her armor is press firmly against a muscular body of greenish skin, acting as a second natural layer of skin to buff her hardened body. Her hair is jet black and tied in a short tail, that sports a long red ribbon and a matching pair of short red tassels hanging from both wrists. From her mouth are a pair of short tusks poking out from the corners, that barely draw attention to them due to the pointed shape of her face. Even when she finds time to smile, the tusks don’t extend out like other fully blooded Orcs
She matched her people, along with her brother, into the dwarf city of Kel Daruhl, under the orders of King Rodagog, her orders were to defeat whatever monsters and hold the city. The unit she commanded had the honor of marching ahead of the main battle forces, who were lead by the king himself. An honor she didn’t take lightly, as her forces moved quickly to face what was to come. She took her brother along to earn him points of honor too, for he was treated as an outcast within the clans, and no one but her would let him fight by their side, or give him a seat at the table of feasting. He was like his sister, a half Orc, but he didn’t share in her beauty, as he was deformed badly in the face and body. Parts of him looking to be Orc, but others took on a more human side. It showed more in his arms, as his left was of Orc build, but on his right was human in size. He still worked his body to be as strong as he could make it, but the clans still saw him as a freak of nature, and never treated him as an equal. But his sister never looked down on him, and if not for her, who knows what his life would have been like.

Shelur leads her forces into the old city, and to her surprise, a small group of humans and one elf beat them to the prize. The battle was long over before her people could begin it, now watching them with a heavy heart, as they stood over a battlefield of broken bodies. So much planning was put into place, she even was gifted a prized ax-staff type weapon, a weapon given to only a select few in the tribe. But after the failure to calm the treasure for her people, the weapon was taken from her and broken in half, then tossed at her feet in shame. Along with her title in the official ranking, as her command was stripped away. If the king must be put into a shameful position of losing the treasure with the humans, then the one that leads the troops to the city must answer to this failure. It doesn’t matter she battled the best of the tribe to win her post or silenced many a voice against her. No, this was a blow to the pride of the clans, and she, not the king, had to answer for this failure. Not many in her tribe dare to challenge her authority within the command ranks, before that day, not until the troubles at the dwarves' treasure hold.

Many months have passed since that day in the mines, with spring in full bloom now, and many races coming and going within the town of Widerock. Trade is very good with the mine now in full operation, as the town has grown a level with all the new traffic. Also, the newly found Dwarf city of Kel Daruhl as come back to life, thanks to a clan of Dwarfs who came down from the far north. Word found its way to them, and they came to claim the old city for themselves. Of course between the guild of Ravenslight and the underworld clans run by King Rodagog, they both voiced objections to the new invaders, but after the leader named Lorrus Goldhood said they could keep all the treasure of the one vault, and offered other gifts of the Dwarves wealth, all parties agreed without question to the new ownership of the old city. Plus the fact no one wanted to go to war over the old city, so a deal was made to keep the peace.
As time went by, whispers did go around town about there being far more treasure vaults within the city, even some adventures went looking for it, but the Dwarfs limited their access to the deeper parts of the city. Keeping all eyes from what they claimed were Dwarf only areas, and they had to stay within the local trade and logging sections only. So no one was able to confirm that rumor, and it was left just like that a rumor.

So with the coming of spring, jobs were plenty for all who needed work, and Shelur found herself working for a local blacksmith with her brother The smith shop is called The Lucky Sword, a simple smith shop, that sales both armor and weapons to anyone that needs it, or even offers a few repairs if it can be done. It has the standard forge for getting metal from ores, and anvil to shape it well, along with the variety of tools and grinding wheel needed to get the job done right. The place is run by old man Morgan, an older man with a bald head and very little edging of grey going around the sides. He wears a pair of short rimmed glasses and a standard brown leather apron. From the neck up he has the face of someone who has aged a long time, but from the heck down he has the body of one of the strongest men in town.
He also has two sons named Finley and Jasper, he trained them to work in the smith shop, but they also like to go out and find their own ores. There was a time when supplies were low, and the cost of buying from others was just too much. They figured it would be best to do it on their own, as it was the best they could do to keep the business running at the time.

The family treats Shelur and her brother as one of them, as they have shown to be loyal and a hard worker. They are paid a fair wage in good coin, and the old smith even gave them a place to stay above the shop, as they were shamed from their tribe months earlier. Shelur keeps to herself these days, not going out into town much, and only going out to get things they need. She doesn’t speak much to anyone, only keeping an eye on her brother’s care, and even Morgan found it hard at first to deal with her. But he was still glad to have the extra help these days, with his two sons now working in the mines. Plus the bonus of Shelur’s work being of very good quality, he did good work of his own, but she wasn’t too far behind what he could do with different armors. She was even better at some weapons like the mace and staff types, but with simple blades, she outshined even his best work. He found himself watching her strike the hot metal with a huge force, and after a few grinds on the wheel, they had a very sharp edge. Her blades sell the best in his shop, and these days business has been good with all the new people in town.

One day after selling out most of his inventory, Morgan stands to look out the from the window of his shop, and with a sigh and smile, he tells the clerk to closed up shop early and calls out for Shelur to come up from the back. He looks down at a package he has hidden behind the counter, as she walks in from the back of the shop. She wears a headband around her head and a standard smiths apron with an old shirt and pants and heavy leather boots. She gives him a questioning look, as he picks up a large coin bag, then he presses it hard into hers with a big smile.
“ You do very good work, my dear, very good work indeed. Now, I gave you a little extra there. So you and your brother go out and have a good time. “, says Morgan
She looks down at the larger bag she normally gets, plus the fact it’s not payday then looks back at the man who has been more than fair to her.
“ I can’t take this, it’s not time to be paid.. “, says Shelur now trying to return the coin.
“ Oh, I am closing the shop up for a few days my dear, I have made more than enough coin this week. Now I am giving you time off from work, so go enjoy yourself these next couple days. “, says Morgan with a big smile.
Shelur doesn’t know what to say, then thanks him, as she turns to leave the shop. But old man Morgan calls her back with a quick wait.
“ Hey. I almost forget I went out I got you something. I know you keep to yourself and don’t buy much to look nice. But here, it would mean a lot to me, if you wear this and try to go out and make a few friends. “, says Morgan now holding out a package of brown wrapped paper tied in a cross by a simple string. he had behind the counter.
“ You are too kind to me, I can’t take……….”
“ No, you listen to me ok, you’re a pretty girl, and you need to go out from time to time. Not locked in your room with your brother, and only coming down to work. I want you to take this, and go out and have fun. Please, just try, it would mean the world to me to see you happy and a smile on your face. “, says Morgan now placing the package on the counter.
She stands there staring at the package, not looking at Morgan, and he walks out from behind to counter to head out the shop's front doors. He watches her for a bit, and he can see she has a small conflict over his gift, and with a smile, he speaks to her once more now moving to her side.
“ I don’t know what happen to you my dear, but whatever it was, you can’t keep living that out forever. Life goes on, and the past is the past. You have to move on with your life. Now get out of her and live. “, says Morgan with a whisper to her ear.
She can only watch him leave for the day, as she opens the package given to her. With a few careful rips of the paper, she can now see a nice dress. It’s a simple one, but one she now can see will fit her, as she extends it out, and presses it against her body to see how long it is. The dress almost touches the floor, and she can its reddish color with white trim. It’s very soft to the touch, and a small smile crosses her face, as she calls out to her brother in the back room.
“ Yam, go get cleaned up, we are going out tonight. “
“ Aw, Shelur do we have too? “, says Yam from the back room.
“ Yes brother, it’s time we went out, so go get cleaned up.”, says Shelur now stretching the dress against her body.
There is a mirror in the front of the story, to let buyers see how the new armors look on them, and she moves to see how the dress looks against her body. As she turns from side to side, the dress looks to be fine, old man Morgan was great at guessing people's sizes. But her face, was full of coal dust and dirt, she can’t go out looking this way, so a good bath as in order. With the shop now closed, she was free to use whatever she needed for the night. Morgan keeps an old tub in the back of the building for extra water, and it would be great for bathing in. She wastes little time, as she goes into the back of the build, and gets ready for a long night ahead of them.

Elsewhere, Crystal an Arch-wizard walks with her brother Luke a healer through town, a daily excuse she does to help keep her mind off things. Her jet black straight hair flows down her back, and her nicely chiseled face can be seen by all. Her big round blue eyes are set high within their sockets, now watching over passing strangers, as they give her a friendly look in return. She also wears a dark blue dress with gold trim, with shoulders almost fully, and flows down into a tasteful sweetheart neckline. It's a close fit which makes the dress look comfortable, yet elegant and stylish. Her arms are only covered at her shoulders. Which not only helps accentuate her gorgeous skin, it also keeps the focus on other parts of the dress. The dress's waist is wide, but it's a tight fit. It's not decorated with anything in order to create a graceful, flowing look. Below the waist, the dress fits snug around her and has a draped style. The dress reaches to just above her ankles and is the same length all around. She's wearing peep-toes, an ideal match for this dress. To top it all off she's wearing a gorgeous wide hat that matches the color of the dress and an ornate bracelet.
She tries to keep in good spirits these days, but after Richard, a warrior professes his undying love to her, then getting what he wanted and running off. She has been in a very bad mood these last few months, letting her guard down that night, and letting that fool in to just hurt her. It wasn’t like her at all, how could she let him get away with it? How did she get so stupid? No, one of these days she will make him pay, but for now, its time to visit the pub named the Pink Pirate.

From the outside, it looks folksy, enchanting, and homey. Large stones and wooden pillars make up most of the building's outer structure. Large stained glass windows line the outside walls, and the cheerful sounds come from within and can be felt outside. She gives pause before entering, looking at her brother once more. Seeing he still wears simple healer robes and keeps his face covered so no one can see his face. She gives a slight sigh as she speaks to him.
“ Dear brother, when we get inside, go find us a nice table in the back. I will go speak with Zack behind the bar.“
He gives a small nod to his sister, as they enter the tavern through the heavy wooden door. Inside they welcomed by excitement and clapping hands. The bartender is buried in orders but still manages to welcome them with a short wave. It's very nice inside as it is on the outside. Wooden beams support the upper floor and the rows of small lights attached to them. The walls are clear of anything, though signs do show plenty of things used to hang on the walls, though they've probably been knocked off by customers who had too much to drink. The tavern itself is packed. Tourists seem to be the primary clientele here, which is probably the best clientele for the owner. Several long tables are occupied by, what must be separate groups who have bonded over great food and conversation. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who are playing games and, judging by their laughter, are either telling jokes or great, perhaps embarrassing tales. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company. Crystal sees a table in the too the far back, and points it out to her brother, as he now moves to quickly take it for their own. With the smells of grilled and cooked food coming from the kitchen, she moves to the bar to find an open seat. She manages to find a seat and prepare for what will undoubtedly be a great evening.

Sometime later on the other side of town, Hayden a knight sits on the side of the road pondering his life, as tears roll down his face. How could someone like him, so beautiful, so strong, and so rich be shamed to the point of lost honor? He had the best in weapons and armor, he put together one of the best parties money could buy, but yet he still failed to finish the job, and over half of his party got killed in the process. The guild leader wasn’t too kind to him after that day and marked him as a failed leader, and no one within the guild will team up with him again. It’s a hard life in the guild to be branded a solo adventurer, but if he wants to regain his honor, then he needs to prove himself again within the guild. But how can he if no one will give him the chance, not even on simple hunts. The only job he can get is a simple escort for caravans, and killing bandits wasn’t the best way to climb up within the guild. If it wasn’t for the failure in the mines, with the creature that surprised them, life would be far better these days. But what is life as a rich man, when you have no friends? When people only pretend to like you, as long as the money is there. More tears roll down his face, as he now takes out a small flask.
The salesperson said it works fast, and you will feel no pain. A poison to end the life of whoever you didn’t like, or if you wanted to past from this life in a peaceful way. He wondered how someone of their nature could sell something like this in town, then he remembers he didn’t by this from within the town. He got it from some passing alchemist on the road leading from town, and it seems like they knew he would be on the road that day. Hayden never questioned who they were or how they came to that place at the same time as him. Maybe someone in town told the person of his state of mind, maybe it was a blind chance. No matter what it was, now he is holding the tool to end it all within his hands. He looks deeply at the greenish liquid, and turns the flask from side to side, watching a small bubble journey within the fluid. Now placing two fingers on the cork, and readies himself to open the potion of death. Then from the corner of his eye, he sees a familiar face.
He turns slightly to see a beautiful Orc girl, walking down the street with a large hood figure, and he knows that face. It’s the Orc that enters the mines so many months ago, he heard she killed herself over the shame of losing the treasure and her ranking. But here she was walking down the street fully alive, and looking to be in great health. Hayden looks back at the death in his hands, then grips it hard as he looks up at the Orc women now vanishing into the crowds on the road. If she can face life after her shame, then why can’t he? So Hayden puts the flask away deep into his travel bag and moves to a horse trough to wash the tears from his face. Then as quick as he can, he rushes to find the Orc women, if for nothing else, to thank her for saving his life.

To be continued...

Damn. Really enjoyed Hayden's part the most. Unliked just so i could like it again.

I really need to step up my game to keep up with you both

Are you writing too? look forward to seeing it if you are

I've posted a bit of a story before on the forums but I didn't really like it

Only way to grow is to keep writing. It took me two years to complete my novel. I actually started from scratch after finishing the first draft because of how disgusted i was with it. Its been a great learning experience for me.

voidshadow wrote: »

Damn. Really enjoyed Hayden's part the most. Unliked just so i could like it again.

Thx, I had an author tell me to try adding a little conflict to the story, so I did. Glad it worked out so far.

Nagash wrote: »

I really need to step up my game to keep up with you both

Well, I will try to keep it coming as fast as I can. But, I still have to share one computer, which makes it hard to keep writing. lol

Makinoji

Great to see you still motivated. Loving the story.

Makinoji wrote: »

Great to see you still motivated. Loving the story.

Thx, I was wondering if people are still reading, guess I go tan answer to it. lol

No one really pays her any attention, as Shelur walks with her brother through town. But why should they, as many Orcs, Humans, and Dwarfs come and go with their own business at hand. She even sees a few elves doing business at the local shops that are still open. But night has come, and really the only places that are very busy now are the local travelers and pubs. That lights from the street post-dance in the night air, joined by the lights that are hung from nearby buildings. As she walks the streets, her brother stops to look into the window of one of the local pubs, they can hear the sounds of laugher and singing, as the place is pack with people. Shelur looks at her brother, as he continues to peek into the window with drool hanging from his mouth, and a bit of sadness crosses her mind. Look at him she thinks, ‘ He still hide well under his hood and cloak, all you can really see of him are his hands from under his coverings. But this place has far too many people in it, and he still hides his face from public view. No, we can’t go in there, he wouldn’t like it.’
But to her surprise, her brother turns to her and says.
“ Let’s go in. I want a drink. “
“ Are you sure Yam? We can go find another place, one that’s not so busy.”
“ No, I want to go in there, it‘s my choice tonight. “, says Yam now taking hold of his sister's arm with his human arm.
He leads her through the heavy wooden doors, as she feels someone is watching them from across the street. Was she being followed, or is it just her feeling out of place? No, when she turns to look at them, they quickly turn away and walk off with the movement of people outside. Whoever they were, she hopes it doesn’t bring trouble this night.
As they enter the place is full of loud talking and laughter. Someone is playing music, as others sing the night away, even a couple of dwarfs are dancing on one of the larger tables. The drinks flow heavy and the smell of good food floats through the air. Yam seeing an open table leads his sister to the middle of the large room, where he takes a seat and motions for her to sit across from him.
“ This is a great spot for us, don’t you agree? I mean it’s in the middle of everyone, and we get to be in the center of all this fun. “, says Yam now calling to a barmaid with his human hand.
“Yes, it’s nice, but don’t you want too……”
A barmaid comes over cutting off her words and places a tray of hard bread and cheeses on the table, mostly very sharp cheese with a couple of other milder types.
“ Well if it isn’t good old Yam. You come to pay me a visit love, or do you want your usual? And who might this lovely be with you? You be on a date? “, says a large barmaid with reddish long hair.
“ No, she is my sister, we are just out for a night of fun. Just bring us the special, and two mugs of honey ale. “, says Yam peaking out at the barmaid from under his hood.
The barmaid looks at his sister with a bit of a smile and gives her a very slight bump with her hip.
“ Oh you better keep on eye on that looker, the girls will be after him. He is so shy but very strong. If I wasn’t taken, I would be all over him, I love me a strong man. “ says the barmaid with a wink.
Shelur can only watch the large woman walk away to the back, then she turns her attention to her brother Yam.
“ Why didn’t you tell me you come here a lot? All this time I thought you stayed home like me.”, says Shelur with a slight frown.
“ I didn’t want to worry you, so when you went to bed, I shuck out at night. It was hard at first, but most of the townspeople don’t care about my looks. “
“ Then why do you still cover your face in public? If they don’t care, I don’t care as well. “, says Shelur with concern.
“ Most might not care, but some do. “, says Yam now pointing at a table full of Orcs.
Shelur turns slightly and overhears them speaking about what race of Kaivek orc is the best. Most of the table of orcs say it’s the Ren’kai, as they focus on power and honor, they make the best fighters. While others say the Vek is great, due to the fact they are great thinkers, who look to the stars and try to find what is best for the people as a whole. One Orc looks up to see Shelur looking their way, then gets the attention of the others while speaking aloud.
“ So brothers. What type of Orc would you say soiled themselves to makes a half-blood? I mean they would have to be the very lowest form of Orc to do something of that nature. “
With those words, the table of Orcs burst out into loud laughter, as Shelur turns to look back at her brother, as he now looks down at the table.
The sound of many chairs can be heard sliding on the floor, and footsteps come up from behind Shelur, as another Orc speaks.
“ I don’t know Grung, but I hear that half-blood makes the worst type of leaders. Being born from a whore like they were.”
Shelur puts a hand on a small blade she carries with her, then grips it very hard., but Yam reaches out to grab hold of his sister's freehand with his orc arm to keep her in place. More laughs go up, as the room grows a little quiet, with the Orcs now the focus of most attention. She wants to cut the tongues from these fools mouths, how dare they speak to about her in this way. But she quickly remembers, she no longer holds rank over them, so of course, they will trash her to the point of action.
She feels a hand push hard against her shoulder.
“ Naw, this little one is just worthless, they were given a simple task and failed to do it. Isn’t that right half-blood? “, says an orc as they push her again from behind.
Shelur can’t take anymore, as the bartend yells for them to take it outside, and she quickly pulled away from Yam too stand and face the Orcs. But to her surprise, a female mage stands between her and them. How did she move so quickly in the room, and to get between the two parties without her feeling any movement of air? But here she stands with a staff in one hand, and a book of magic in the other. The pages flip as the mage woman speaks to the group.
“ Now, now boys. Let's play nice, why don’t you go back to your business at your own table, and leave these people to theirs. Or do I need to change some of you into something unnatural? “
The Orcs watch the mage closely, as the room as gone completely quiet, and they see the pages of her book have stopped. That can only mean the mage has picked a spell, and one by one they all turn to return to their table, with one giving off a snort before he joins the others. The tavern grows loud again, as the show is over, and everyone returns to whatever they were doing. She looks at the mage, as she smiles back at her.
“ I didn’t need your help, but thank you anyway. “, say Shelur now taking her hand off the hilt of her blade.
“ Oh, those Orcs are always starting something in here. Why last week they got into a huge fight with a bunch of Dwarfs. “, says the mage
“ Oh, I heard about that. It was them to got the town into a twist? “
“ Yes indeed, so they are under town watch at all times, but tonight the town's guards were off with other business, so I stepped in. I don’t think they will trouble you again. ”
The mage paused for a moment for example the two Orcs then continues.
“ By the way, my name is Crystal. You are Shelur, right? “
“ Yes, that’s my name, and this is Yam, my brother. But how do you know my name so freely? “
“ I was part of the group you encounter in the mines that day. We never got a chance to talk, and I heard what happened to you later that day, I am so sorry. No one should be treated in such a manner. “, says Crystal with sad eyes.
“ What’s done is done, so what is it too you anyway? You got the treasure and the fame of it all. So why do you care what happened to me? “
“ I can’t change what happened, the gods only know we all had our troubles following that day, .but, for now, let's enjoy the night, and I will leave you two for now. We can talk more in the morrow. “, says Crystal now tipping her hat to leave.
Shelur can only watch her return to the back of the room, as a new face now crosses her view. A handsome man in worn-out clothes steps in from of her, as the barmaid returns with her food and drinks. Then he reaches out to slowly take her hand, and bends down to kiss it, and looks back up to her with tears in his eyes.
“ Thank you for saving my life milady. I am forever in your debt. My sword is your sword from this day forward. “
Shelur pulls her hand away and glares at the man.
“ Who are you! I never met you before!”
“ Why I am Hayden milady, and I will be your humble servant from this day forward. Please, allow me to explain myself to you, and then you will see why you saved my life. “, he says now sitting with them at their table.
All Shelur can do now is listen to his words, as she looks over to Crystal in the back of the room. Things will be changing very soon, but should she take this new road that is starting to be mapped out for her? She takes a deep drink of ale, as Hayden continues to speak of his life. Yes, things will be different going forward, she only hopes what is to come is worth the risks.

To be continued…..

Heads up, I will be dropping a new part tonight. Thx

granthor wrote: »

Heads up, I will be dropping a new part tonight. Thx

Looking forward ^^

A dark hooded figure slogs along the long hall of a castle with a slow limp, with staff helping support their weight, and footsteps echoing off the walls with each step. Guards stand to each side every few feet apart, dressed in silvery armor and unmoving, but they all watch this person with a careful eye. The shadowy figure steps quicken a bit as they drag their left foot, now reaching the main doors at the end of the hall. But they are stopped by a pair of large guards, who cross their staff weapons at the door. The figure can only stand and wait, as a voice calls out to let him enter from inside, and they quickly return to a ready position as the doors slowly open.

Inside, massive golden braziers half encompassing each of the ten travertine columns light up every part of the throne hall and engulf everything in a flickering radiance yellow flame. The illustrations of a kingdom in the mountains on the layered ceiling dance in the flickering light while stone effigies and sculptures look down upon the marble floor of this lavish hall. A magenta rug runs from the throne to the doors and is matched by smaller ones on either side of the hall while embattled banners with gilded quilting swing gently from the walls. Extensive, colored glass windows are framed by curtains colored the same magenta as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with jewels and burnished corners. A stately throne of silver, gold, and ivory sits below a grand chandelier and is adjoined by three smaller and less elaborate seats for visiting dignitaries. The throne is covered in divine marks and fixed on each of the ornate legs is a gem-encrusted demon wing. The dense pillows are a dark magenta and these too have been adorned with ornate tips.
To each side of the hall is plain-looking sandstone benches, all of which are facing the throne in a wide V-shape. Those of higher standing can instead take a seat in the embellished balustrades overlooking the entire hall. On the throne sits a pare white face man, dressed in fancy black wear with reddish trim, who sports greasy hair tight in a ponytail revealing a round, wild face. Gentle hazel eyes, set dreadfully within their sockets, watch wearily over the dark figure, as they now kneel before the man on the throne with a silvery sword on their hip, and the staff now resting on the floor to his right.
This is the face of Lucian, a true necromancer in the dark magic circles. He stands seductively among others, despite his scraggy frame. There's something ambiguous about him, perhaps it's a feeling of anguish, or perhaps it's simply his painful past.
He watches the figure while swirl a red liquid in a glass he holds, then he drinks in down slowly savoring every drop. Returning his gaze upon the hooded figure, he watches them slowly remove their hood with snaky hands, ones that look to be lacking flesh to barely cover the bones. Now with his hood slowly uncovering his head, an aged face of a very old man looks up at Lucian, who wears black scaly armor. They have silvery white short hair, and their face is like cracked old worn-out leather. There are a couple of scares on their left face, but with the wrinkles of time, they are hard to make out over the many lines of wrinkles.
“ I live to serve my master. “
Lucian smiles at the man, then claps his hands a couple of times, as a female servant quickly rushes out in a fancy white dress. It leaves her shoulders mostly uncovered and flows down into a deep v-neck. It's a snug fit that emphasizes her breasts in an elegant and dignified manner. Her arms are only covered at her shoulders. Which not only helps accentuate her gorgeous skin, it also keeps the focus on other parts of the dress. The dress's waist is wide, but it's a slim fit. A cloth red ribbon has been wrapped around her and is tied on one side.
Below the waist, the dress widens and has several asymmetric layers towards the bottom. The dress reaches to just below her knees and is longer at the sides and back of the dress. She's wearing platforms, a perfect choice in combination with this dress. To top it all off she's wearing a gorgeous gold necklace and large jeweled red earrings.
The old man's attention is drawn to a few small cuts on both her arms, but he sees she has tried to cover them with bits of makeup. She walks toward him, now extending out a small box he didn’t notice before, as he turns his attention back to his master.
‘ My, my Lord Chandler Grimsbane, you haven’t been taking the medicine I gave you. If you’re going to be of any use to me, you must continue your treatments. If you don’t continue them, well……….. Do I have to explain what will happen to you again? “, says Lucian now raising a hand toward the servant.
Grimsbane can only look at the servant, as they remove one blue vial from the box, and holds it out to him. With shaky hands, he takes the vial in both being careful not to drop it, then looks over at his master. Who in return, only smiles wide watching him greedily drink down the potion. Within moments, his body begins to get younger, and he stands from the ground feeling much stronger.
“ Good, good, now that is much better Lord Grimbane. I would hate to lose you now, not when we are so close. Now, I need you to go to Elmwood and wait for my orders. I have a new target for you to deal with. “, says Lucian now waving his servant closer to him.
The emotionless servant girl pushes the box into Grimbane hands, then walks over to join her master.
He begins to examine her bare arms, then pats the left seat next to him, as he looks over to Grimbane once more.
“ Take whatever resources you need, but do not move without my orders. Do you understand me? “, says Lucian as he takes the right arm of the servant girl as she sits next to him.
“ Yes my lord, it will be as you say. “
He bends over to pick up his staff, but is told to leave it, then with a bow he turns to leave, as he sees the flash of a small blade in Lucian's hand. There isn’t a scream, or yell, or any sound from behind him. Only the sound of Lucian speaking to the girl, as he overhears.
“ So, where shall we start today my love.”
He leaves the throne room quickly with his new supply of potions, and the doors close quickly behind him.

It’s been a few days from the time at the bar, and Shelur is busy making a new sword while old man Morgan watches not far behind. She started on it two days ago, picking a good grade of the metal, then heating and shaping it to what she wanted. More heat then shaping and back into the fire, and when she was done hammering, she gave it a few grinds on the wheel. Only this was going to be the best sword she made to date, even old man Morgan was impressed with her work. But this was the day she was going to finish it, as the hot metal is ripe for shaping, now gripping the cooler end in her left hand while striking the hot red-orange tip of the other end with a large hammer. Sweat drips down her face and arms, as she hammers the meat into the shape she wants.
Smack, smack, she swings down hard, sending small glowing arcs off to each side with every hit. She can do this work in her sleep, it’s come as a second nature like when she learned to walk so many years ago. She gives it a few more smacks of the hammer, then a quick cooling I a bucket of water next to her. The steam shoots up high into the air, as the meat quickly cools. Again into the fire, bringing it red hot once more, and again under the hammer, it goes, then back into the water to cool. She repeats this step a few times. Until it's tempered to the level she was looking for, then one finally cooling in the bucket.
Old man Morgan walks over to look the new sword over, and with a couple of chuckles, he grins wide at her.
“ You really do nice work. I must say, this is a fine blade. I don’t think I could make one better. “
He looks it over with a deep example and flips it over to see a fine edge she hammered into the side of it. Then he turns to her once more to speak.
“ If you wouldn’t mind, I would love to finish it off for you. I will give it a good polish and find a good hilt to add to it. “
“ I don’t mind, after all, this is our place. I am just a worker in your employ, plus you have been very kind to us. “
She watches as Morgan begins his special touch on the blade she crafted, as he spins the grinder to take off the rough parts, and add a sharp edge to the blade. She doesn’t get to watch too much longer, as a voice calls to her from the front of the store.
Grabbing a rag from the table nearby, she wipes to sweat from her forehead and walks over to see who has called to her.
It’s Crystal, the mage, she met her the other day at the bar. The mage that got between those Orcs looking for a fight. She watches her closely wonder what she wants with her, as Crystal takes a few steps her way.
“Hello again, I have need of your service, and I would like to hire you. “, says Crystal now walking around the shop.
“ I have a job. “, I don’t need the money.
Crystal turns to look back at her a bit, then looks around at all the different swords and armors. Then slowly walks over to Shelur with a big smile.
“ What I have to offer is just a quick job. When we are done you can return here, and do whatever you want. I am just looking for people to join m party. I figured with your reputation and all, you would like to regain some good standing with the Orcs. I know about your history, and I know we can help each other. “, say Crystal now picking up a small sword off the counter.
Shelur looks at the well-dressed mage woman, how she fumbles with something so simple to handle like a sword, but after all, she is only a mage. A mage doesn’t waste time using melee weapons, they are range fighters, and if something gets to close, they pop out of danger, only to strike out from a different area of the battlefield.
“ If I agree to go with you, can I bring along anyone I wish with us? “
“ Of course, of course. You can bring your brother along, so do we have a deal? “, says Crystal now extending her hand.
Shelur pauses a bit, then takes her hand to seal the agreement to meet. Crystal then explains she will return in the morning with all the details, and that she will not be sorry to join her. With that Crystal quickly leaves the shop as Hayden, the knight enters,. Shelur can only shake her head at the sight of him, as he now expresses his happiness at seeing her once again. Hayden might be a good guy deep down, but he has been a pain in her side since the night at the bar. But maybe this new job is something she can use to finally be free of him.

To be continued…..

I have not forgotten about you guys, I will try to drop a couple of parts tomorrow on the 11th. I would do it tonight, but a lot of storms in the area, it's playing with the power. Thx again for your support.