Herald of Shalia
Author: Tamryn Tamer
Date: 2019-07-22T18:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Fantasy; Romance; Adult
Description: A village full of gorgeous elves desperate to be loved? There had to be a catch. Sebastian Frost’s most recent memory was waking up in a field naked, in a body that wasn’t his own, in a world that definitely wasn’t his own, and three stunning pointy-eared women staring right at him. He also remembered hair as white as starlight, eyes like amethysts, and the name Shalia. Fortunately, it was the right name to know. Shalia was the elves’ goddess and that made him her herald. If that wasn’t enough of a blessing, he was in a game world, he was high level, he had hundreds of ability points to spend,
Publisher: smirkpublishing

Contents

Let's Have Some Fun!

More from Tamryn Tamer

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Acknowledgements

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Copyright

Let's Have Some Fun!

That's our goal here. On it's surface it sounds good, right? Everybody likes fun! Well, it's important to clarify that when we say fun we're not talking about family board game night. We're talking over the top explicit content. Now, once again you're probably thinking that sounds good, right? Well, we really want to emphasize over the top really means over the top. This book is meant for adults. You've been warned.

Other Series

Herald of Shalia Series

Herald of Shalia Book 1

Herald of Shalia Book 2 (Coming Soon!)

Forbidden Arcana Series

Jinx (Book 1)

Ariel (Book 2)

Mirage (Book 3)

Theia (Book 4)

Sable (Book 5)

Luna (Book 6)

Talia (Book 7)

Morgana (Book 8)

Valaria (Book 9)

Arcana Slice of Life Series

Animal Magnetism (After Sable)

Rank Zero (After Morgana)

CHAPTER 1

“I don’t see why you’re fighting me on this Sebastian,” the beautiful elf said. “You seem to want it as much as I do.”

“That’s my point,” Frost growled. “I want this. You should question why I want power. You need to get them somebody reliable or heroic. At the very least they should be a good person.”

“I think you’ll make a great herald Sebastian,” the white-haired goddess laughed. “You need to have a little more faith in yourself.”

“Listen here,” Frost would have stepped toward her but the fact he was floating helplessly through the cosmos prevented any stepping. “I have complete faith in myself. I know the type of person I am through and through. That’s why I’m warning you.”

“If you were really a bad person you wouldn’t be warning me about you Sebastion,” the woman who called herself a goddess floated toward him and poked his nose. “A bad person would never warn me.”

“I told you to call me Frost,” he grumbled as the goddess effortlessly floated away. “And you’re wrong Shalia, it’s exactly what a bad person would do. Because that way, when I do exactly what I tell you I’m going to do, you’ll have nobody to blame but yourself.”

“And what exactly is it that you’re going to do Sebastion?” Shalia smiled.

“Frost,” he corrected for at least the tenth time. “Whatever I want. That’s the problem and that’s why I’m going to be an awful herald. I’m telling you right now, I’ll abuse the hell out of my power. Is that the type of herald you want?”

“Sebastian,” Shalia grinned wickedly. “I’m afraid we’re out of time. The portal will be opening momentarily and if I’m going to beat my sister to it, you need to make a choice. Yes or no.”

“Fine,” Frost answered. “I’ll do it. But I bet I’m going to be an awful herald.”

“I’d take that bet,” Shalia said as a burning white portal appeared in front of them. “What are we wagering Sebastian?”

“You know what Shalia,” Frost scoffed. “If you’re right and I’m wrong I’ll…”

An orange haze illuminated Frost’s closed eyes as he reached for a blanket to hide himself from the rising sun. Unable to find a blanket, Frost opened his eyes and found himself laying in a field with three pointy-eared women staring at him.

“Nice cosplay,” Frost chuckled while trying to figure out what was going on. His body was hurting all over and something was wrong with his vision. It was too sharp but that wasn’t his biggest concern. There seemed to be small flickers of light popping up everywhere like he was watching a screen rapidly fly through menus. The influx of information made his head throb so he closed his eyes.

“Cosplay,” a woman said cheerfully. “Do you think that’s a compliment or an insult? He did say nice.”

“It doesn’t matter,” one of the women said calmly. “What matters is what we do now.”

“I have some ideas of what we could do,” the first voice replied playfully.

“I’m sure you do Renna,” one of them laughed. “But Ena’s the one training to be a priestess. This situation is good practice for her.”

“He’s a human,” the third voice said with clear disdain. Based on the pointed ears and the derisive way she said human, he figured they were roleplaying. “And he’s naked.”

“Naked?” Frost laughed nervously as he opened his eyes and looked down to verify it wasn’t a joke. Sure enough, he was completely naked. Or at least somebody was because it sure as hell wasn’t his body he was looking at. “What the hell?”

“Renna, Fayeth, run back to the village and inform the high priestess,” the one named Ena snapped authoritatively as the other two sprinted away faster than he thought was possible.

Frost tried to get a better look at the women before they ran off but the influx of bright lights forced him to immediately close his eyes again. Their cosplay was unbelievably detailed, but that was all he really noticed.

He tried to recall what’d happened the night before but the only thing he remembered were flashes of talking with a woman and his memories of her were slowly fading away. He reached out to grasp onto whatever he could, anything.

He vaguely recollected agreeing to be something, but he had no idea what it was. It was definitely something important and he didn’t want to do it for some reason. He tried his best but before long everything faded away like a distant dream.

“Was I drugged?” Frost asked himself while rolling onto his stomach to cover up as best he could. Being drugged would explain the headache and flashing lights, the body not so much. He moved his fingers and toes to check that he was in control of it.

“Don’t move,” Ena said harshly. “Who are you and what are you doing here?”

“Sebastian Frost,” he replied while trying to open his eyes again. “As for why I’m here, I don’t know. I remember a woman and…we were talking…I think she might have drugged me.”

He wondered if he agreed to be some extra in their roleplaying adventure. Or maybe he was on the set of some porn. The women looked the part and his body was certainly porn worthy. His body, that was the problem. There wasn’t really a way to explain that away. His body was average and the body he was in exceeded average in every way.

“A woman?” Ena said suspiciously. “Describe her.”

“Everything’s a bit fuzzy still,” Frost said as he tried to focus again on his fragmented memory. He couldn’t recall her exact appearance but he remembered features. “Shoulder length white hair, violet eyes, and…pointed ears?”

“White hair and violet eyes?” Something about the tone in Ena’s voice made Frost believe she had somebody in mind. “What was her name?”

“Shalia,” Frost answered as the name popped into his head. He wondered why the name was so easy to recall while everything else was fading away.

“Shalia?” Ena clearly recognized the name but from her tone he couldn’t tell if that was a good thing.

He decided to try opening his eyes again to see if the strange colors had subsided. They hadn’t but they were no longer causing his head to throb and he was finally able to look at the woman he’d been talking to.

She was so beautiful that Frost found himself staring and turned away. He focused on his surroundings and realized he was in a small clearing within a forest and wondered how he got so far from the city.

His thoughts immediately gravitated back to his current situation and the cosplaying woman in front of him. She obviously knew that Shalia woman so maybe she’d know what was going on. He stole another glance of her.

She had long golden blonde hair and her eyes were an impossibly bright cerulean. He imagined they were contacts of some sort because eyes like that didn’t exist in nature. She was also wearing extremely well-crafted ear prosthetics to complete her elf costume. Based on her looks and the quality of her cosplay, she was definitely a professional cosplayer.

His eyes reflexively roamed down to her ample chest, wide hips, and long legs. He didn’t want to give her any more reason to think he was a pervert, but her nearly transparent white gown made that impossible. He looked away before something happened that’d make being naked in the field even more problematic.

“I don’t believe your story,” Ena irritably. “You’re lying.”

“My story? All I said was a name,” Frost replied while trying not to get distracted by the various glowing numbers and symbols floating around. They were certainly the side-effect of whatever drug he was given. He started to think he should probably find the nearest hospital and get checked out. “Where am…”

“I’m asking the questions human,” the pointy-eared woman said angrily. “Shalia sent you? Just because we’re elves doesn’t mean we’re stupid.”

“My head is throbbing and I’m not involved in your damn elf roleplay. I’m telling the truth,” Frost insisted while glancing at her. The material of her white gown was so thin he could see her lacey white underwear and wondered if she realized what she was wearing. She was obviously out roleplaying or doing a photoshoot with her two friends and forgot how she was dressed. He supposed it could still be a porn shoot but he’d never seen porn with such high-quality costumes. Maybe he was on an actual movie set of some sort. “Listen, I get you’re mad that I interrupted whatever this is, but...”

“You’re a terrible liar,” the blonde elf sneered as he turned away from her again. “You must think I’m an idiot.”

“No,” Frost said irritably. He was getting a annoyed that the woman wasn’t letting him get a word in edgewise. But, given the fact he was the one naked in the field, he decided to be diplomatic. “Can I have some clothes or a blanket? Maybe a towel?”

“No,” Ena answered without a hint of empathy. “You have yet to tell me the truth. I’m not going to believe that nonsense about Shalia so stop lying.”

“I’m not lying!” Frost insisted while glancing at the woman. Her gown clung to her curves like it was painted on and it was driving him insane.

“Then why do you keep looking away?” Ena asked smugly. “You’re a terrible liar. You can’t even make eye contact.”

“Because of the way you’re dressed,” Frost answered irritably.

The pointy-eared woman looked down at her outfit and her face turned red. She adjusted her gown and crossed her arms to cover herself slightly while glaring furiously at him. It didn’t help much since he could still see virtually everything but he wasn’t going to push the topic.

He wondered if he was involved in some weird sex roleplay scenario. But, once again, his brain was still avoiding the question of the body. He wouldn’t put it past himself to agree to some freaky roleplay party with a sexy woman, but he still couldn’t explain the body. He pinched himself to confirm it was real, and it certainly was.

“This is a prank of some sort, right? That Shalia woman drugs guys and leaves them naked in a field then sends her friends to blackmail him or something,” he said knowing that blackmail didn’t explain the body. “Is this some Island of Dr. Moreau type thing?

“Adding unintelligible nonsense to your lies won’t make me believe them,” Ena said contemptuously while shuffling uncomfortably. “And I don’t believe your Shalia nonsense.”

“I don’t know what to tell you,” Frost said while trying to think of plausible scenarios to explain his body. So far, the theory that he was drugged, kidnapped, and experimented on was winning. “What do you want from me?”

“I want you to be honest,” Ena blinked and he saw a small symbol pop up above her head. It’d appeared several times before but he was so distracted he didn’t really pay attention. He wondered what the symbol meant and the words Scan Lvl. 3 appeared. The symbol vanished and she looked even more irritated. “What are you really doing here?”

He ignored her question and started focusing on the various numbers and symbols he was seeing. He began realizing that they weren’t simply random numbers and symbols but actual information. If he was understanding it correctly, Ena was a level twelve cleric. He could see her level, her class, and her strength levels. Both her physical and mental strength appeared as grey slivers. He was started to entertain two new theories. The most likely was that he’d suffered a mental break and gone insane.

“You’re not going to believe anything I say, are you?” Frost said while trying not to entertain his second new theory on what’d happened to him. It was too implausible.

“Not as long as you keep telling ridiculous lies,” Ena answered cynically. “Now, what are you hiding?”

“What am I hiding?” Frost laughed as he jumped to his feet leaving himself completely exposed. He was momentarily shocked by how easily he was able to literally jump to his feet. He’d done kip-ups before but never so perfectly, the movement came as naturally as breathing. That was another point supporting his most implausible theory. “Where am hiding something?”

“Not that kind of hiding,” Ena said as her face turned red. “I can’t scan you. You’re scanning me so I decided to scan you back, I can’t.”

“I scanned you?” Frost asked somewhat confused. “I don’t even know what that means.”

“That’s another lie,” Ena said angrily while reaching behind her back. She pulled a large wooden cudgel from her leather belt and Frost took several steps back as she pointed the cudgel at him threateningly. Scan popped up above her head again. “Now, why can’t I scan you?”

Frost glanced at the Scan Lvl. 3 above her head and text popped up. He quickly read the description and the ability was supposed revealed the level, class, and estimated strength of the target. The only real limitation he saw on the ability was the target’s mental strength needed to be within a certain range of your own. He found himself once again entertaining the most implausible of his theories.

“What level am I?” Frost asked while staring at his hand. He waited for numbers or symbols of some sort to appear but none did. He knew the fact he was even considering what he was considering was a sign he’d in fact gone insane but it was also the only thing that made sense. Everything around him appeared real, he was in an entirely new body, and Ena was a level twelve cleric attempting to use a magical ability on him.

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out by scanning you,” Ena said while pulling out what was obviously a potion. She drank it and her scan ability gained a level. “Still nothing. What are you hiding? What level are you? What class are you? How did you get here? Are you from Zira or Rilia?

“Zira? Rilia?” Frost shook his head. “I don’t even know how to answer that. I have no idea where I am, who you are, or what’s going on. From my end it looks like I’m in a game world of some sort. Which would be a dream come true if it were possible, but it’s not. So, I don’t know.”

“Are you trying to say that you’re from another world?” Ena’s face contorted. “You really intend to stick with the ridiculous lie that Shalia sent you here?”

“Ena,” the calm sounding elf from earlier emerged from the forest. Her blonde hair was tied into a long ponytail that hung halfway down her back and she had unnaturally bright green eyes. She wore a leather corset that she was practically popping out of, leather shorts, and knee-high boots. Naturally, Frost couldn’t help but stare. “Lysandra is on her way. She said not to do anything rash before she arrived.”

“Rash?” Ena grumbled. “Fayeth! We have a human in our forest.”

“Nothing rash,” the elf smiled politely while pulling out a large wooden bow and nocking an arrow. “As long as he doesn’t attack, we are not to attack.”

“This is your last chance to give an honest answer,” Ena said malevolently. “The high priestess is merciless. She’ll torture you for days without breaking a sweat. She once starved a child for five days just for looking at her wrong.”

“Ena, please don’t make up lies about me,” a beautiful voice echoed from a shadowy path. “I sent you to bed without dinner because you kept making rude faces and that was decades ago. Now, let’s get to the bottom of this.”

“It’s you!” Frost said as the woman emerged from the woods. He turned to Ena. “That’s the woman I told you about, Shalia!”

It was undeniably her. Her hair was a bit longer but it was still as white as freshly fallen snow, her eyes were like amethysts, and her skin was unnaturally perfect. Her gown was white and transparent but covered in gold embroidery. It looked like an upgraded version of the one Ena was wearing. He was positive it was her because she was also the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

“Shalia?” Lysandra smiled excitedly at Frost while aggressively adjusting her hair. After taking a moment to compose herself the pointy-eared woman smiled impishly at him. “While I find the comparison flattering, my name is Lysandra. What might yours be?”

“Sebastian Frost,” Frost said while taking a few steps back. “But I think you know that.”

“He claims he’s from another world,” Ena said. “And that he was sent here by Shalia. But he’s lying and he keeps acting nervous, like he’s hiding something.”

“He appears to be revealing everything,” Lysandra smirked lecherously while staring at Frost’s naked body. Scan Lvl. 7 popped up above her head and she tilted her head as scan vanished. “What if we assume he’s telling the truth?”

“Shalia has never sent a herald before,” Fayeth said. “She doesn’t have enough followers.”

“Herald,” the word rang in Frost’s head like a gong. He’d definitely heard it before and he remembered the woman from his dream saying it. Frost stared at the white-haired elf and smiled as politely as he could. “Lysandra is it? I would like you to confirm something for me if possible.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Lysandra said while bowing politely.

“Are you an elf?” Frost asked.

“Yes,” Lysandra blushed as she answered basically confirming he was in another world. She gave him a suspicious glare. “I have a question for you. Does it bother you that I’m an elf?”

“It does,” Ena interrupted with a smug grin. “Earlier he said I was so repulsive that he couldn’t look at me.”

“Bullshit,” Frost replied defensively. “I never said that!”

“Don’t try to lie. You said you couldn’t even look at me,” Ena sneered. “Or are you going to deny it?”

“I said that,” Frost confirmed while stifling a laugh. “But that’s not what I meant!”

“Oh?” Ena said haughtily as if she had him cornered in a lie. “Then tell us. What did you mean?”

“Really?” Frost looked at the gorgeous three elves as they waited for an answer. He couldn’t believe they were going to make him spell it out for them. “I didn’t want to pop wood while naked in a field!”

“Pop wood?” Fayeth asked. “What’s that mean?”

“Goddammit,” Frost groaned while gesturing toward his cock. “I did not want to get an erection.”

“Frost,” Lysandra covered her mouth as the beautiful elf tried not to laugh. “Are you saying that you were worried about becoming aroused?”

“Yes,” Frost said while shaking his head. “Obviously.”

“By Ena?” Fayeth asked while pointing at the blue-eyed elf. “Ena?”

“Y-y-you liar!” Ena snapped furiously. “He’s lying!”

“Ena,” Lysandra giggled and placed her hand on the elf’s shoulder. “Take a deep breath Ena. It doesn’t seem to me that he’s lying. Although, this is an interesting development. I must say, I never knew Shalia had such a sense of humor.”

“High Priestess?” Fayeth glanced pensively at Lysandra. “Do you believe he was sent by Shalia?”

“It doesn’t matter what I think,” Lysandra said while turning toward him. Her smile made him feel like he’d just arrived home. “What do you believe Frost? Do you believe you’re Shalia’s herald?”

“I don’t know,” Frost couldn’t help but smile back at the beautiful woman. “The word rings a bell.”

“But he’s a human,” Fayeth said inquisitively. “Shalia’s an elf goddess? Why would she send a human?”

“That’s even more evidence he’s lying,” Ena grumbled. Frost shot her a lecherous smile and she quickly averted her gaze. “He’ll put everybody in danger.”

“I’ve decided to take him back to the village,” Lysandra’s smile looked almost predatory as she stared at him. “Would you like to return with us to our village?”

“I’ll follow you anywhere if it means I get some clothing and some explanations,” Frost chuckled. He was surprised at how well he was taking everything.

“Wonderful,” Lysandra beamed as she clapped her hands excitedly. “But, before that. May I approach you Herald Frost?”

“Sure. And just Frost is fine,” he answered as the snowy-haired elf walked toward him. She circled him while looking him up and down, mostly down. “What?”

“Are you really attracted to us?” Lysandra asked as she wrapped her arm around his. Her silky white gown was the only thing separating her ample breasts from his naked flesh and he desperately tried not to think about it. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

“There’s no point in denying it,” Frost chuckled nervously as the gorgeous woman pressed her body against him. “You must know you’re gorgeous.” He found himself staring at her long pointy ears. “But, can I just check something. For my own sanity?”

“You can check anything you want,” Lysandra smiled seductively.

“Well,” Frost cringed a little. “I don’t know if this is rude or not. But here it goes. Can I tug your ear? I’ll be gentle. I just want to see if it’s actually real.”

“If it’s real?” Lysandra looked almost disappointed. “If it’ll put you at ease. Go right ahead.”

“Thanks,” Frost said as she pulled her hair back so he could get a better look. Everything seemed real but he needed to be absolutely sure. He ran his fingers along her ear looking for a seam of some sort and gently tugged in several different areas. Finally, as he reached the tip, he took it in two fingers and carefully pulled on it.

“Oooh!” Lysandra giggled as Frost released the tip.

“I’m sorry,” Frost blushed as he realized that the ears were definitely real. “I just wanted to be sure. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome to touch my anytime,” Lysandra laughed while squeezing his arm. “Now, let’s get going.”

The forest path was distractingly vibrant and small bits of information were still popping up whenever he focused on something. The more he looked around, the surer he became that he was actually in another world.

Fayeth was listed as a level nine archer and Lysandra was a level thirty-five priestess. Information on their weapons and armor was also popping up whenever he looked at something a little too closely but without a frame of reference it was meaningless. It also seemed that any attempt to focus caused more detailed information to appear.

If he was in a game world, he needed to start figuring out what all of the information meant. He also needed to find ways to compare the information. A level is irrelevant if he doesn’t know the level cap.

“Do you always keep your scan active?” Fayeth asked while quickly stealing a glance of his naked body. The emerald-eyed woman blushed and quickly turned back toward the path. “Doesn’t it give you a headache?”

“Is that why I’m seeing all this?” Frost asked. “How do I turn it off?”

The entire group stopped and stared at him. Ena looked somewhat irritated by the question and Fayeth appeared intrigued. Lysandra, on the other hand, was attempting to mask her excitement.

“Your scan is level ten. Do you really expect us to believe that you don’t know how to use it?” Ena scoffed and stomped ahead. He remembered her scan was only level three and Lysandra’s was level seven.

“Close your eyes and think of turning off scan,” Lysandra said without judgment. Frost did as she directed and when he opened his eyes the numbers were gone. “Better?”

“Yeah, thank you,” Frost said somewhat surprised. “I didn’t think it would be so easy.”

Without the distractions of the stats and information popping up everywhere he could finally just see them as people. Unfortunately, he was seeing them as particularly beautiful people and quickly started thinking of chairs, sports, and anything else to keep himself under control until he got some pants.

“Can we hurry up and get those pants?” Frost chuckled anxiously.

“Are you sure you want them right away? Don’t you want to take a bath and get some rest first?” Lysandra asked as they continued walking. The white-haired woman flirtatiously stroked his arm. “I could always keep you company.”

“Don’t tempt me,” Frost said while trying to avoid staring at any of them.

“Don’t worry,” Fayeth said politely. “The village is right up ahead.”

CHAPTER 2

Frost realized it was no use denying that he was in another world as he gazed at the small village.

The village was surrounded by a roughly five-foot-tall stone wall covered in vines and had two small wooden gates on either side. In the center of the village there was a good-sized garden filled with gorgeous flowers and a well in the center. Frost could see brightly dressed elven women waiting in line with buckets to access the well.

At a glance, there were around twenty wooden houses the size of small cabins and two large buildings made of stone. One of those buildings was probably a temple based on the carving of a goddess decorating it. But he wasn’t quite sure about the other building, maybe a storehouse of some sort.

“That’s where we keep the animals,” Lysandra said as if reading his mind. “Would you like to get a closer look of the village?”

“Yeah,” Frost said while coming to terms with his situation. “One second.”

“Why?” Ena glared at him suspiciously. It seemed no matter what he said or did, she was intent on distrusting him. “Are you trying to memorize the layout of our village?”

“I just need a second,” Frost grinned. He was in a strange world with no friends, no money, and no clothes. That Shalia woman didn’t even have the courtesy of giving him a tutorial. “It’s just kind of hitting me that I’m really in a different world.”

“We don’t have all day,” Ena said irritably.

“Ena,” Lysandra chided the blonde elf. “He can take as long as he wants.”

“Right,” Frost laughed and shook his head. If he was going to have to walk through a village naked at least it was in a well-built body. Not that his old one was anything to be ashamed of, but the new one was ridiculous. “Let’s go.”

Frost re-activated his scan ability as they entered the village and looked around. It seemed the average villager was somewhere between level three and level fifteen with most being in the lower end of the range. Several of the elven women moved to hide behind each other as they saw him approach with the others.

“Stop that!” Ena snapped while getting in his face. The anger behind her piercing blue eyes sent a chill down his spine. “It’s scary enough for a human to be in our village without him measuring us up!”

Several of the onlookers tensed up as they watched the scene unfold and a few even clasped their hands together nervously. From the look of things, they weren’t concerned for him, but for Ena. In their eyes, he was the danger.

“I’m sorry,” Frost said as he quickly stopped scanning. “I didn’t now,” he glanced at Lysandra who was stifling a laugh. All of the villagers were staring at him like he’d just walked into the women’s bathroom and he was more than a little bit embarrassed. “Should I apologize to everybody?”

“You would apologize to elves? You certainly are interesting,” Lysandra said while squeezing his arm. Several of the elves relaxed as they noticed her holding onto him and he realized why she’d insisted on holding him. “If you’d like to apologize, apologize. But it’s not necessary.”

“I didn’t know I was being rude,” Frost said loudly. “Sorry about that. Won’t happen again.”

The onlookers’ fear quickly faded as confusion took hold. He looked down at Lysandra and the white-haired elf was once again covering her mouth while attempting not to laugh. She looked giddy with excitement and he wasn’t sure why.

“Come on,” Ena groaned as she and Fayeth moved to block the front of him with their bodies. “Let’s just get home.”

By the time they reached the front door of the temple it seemed the entire village was watching. As far as first impressions went, being paraded through the streets naked like some type of degenerate probably wasn’t the best. But he was relieved that none of the elves seemed to be terribly offended.

“I’m really sorry everybody,” Frost said reflexively as the elves stared at him in disbelief. “I promise I’m not some weirdo.”

“Isn’t that exactly what a weirdo would say?” Fayeth asked while opening the door to the temple.

“Don’t listen to her,” Lysandra said playfully while finally releasing his arm to walk inside. “I think given the situation you’re doing quite well.”

“Going inside or do you prefer to be gawked at?” Ena said while gesturing to the entrance.

“Going,” Frost answered as he practically sprinted through the doors.

The temple looked more like a tavern or lounge than a place of worship. There was a sort of stage-like platform at the far side of the room but between the entrance and the stage were sofas, tables, a bar, as well as doorway leading to a small kitchen.

“This is a temple?” Frost asked for confirmation.

“Yes,” Lysandra answered while walking toward the kitchen. “Would you like anything to eat or drink?”

“No thanks,” Frost answered as his stomach growled.

“I’ll fetch you something,” Lysandra said excitedly as she rushed off to the kitchen.

“I’ll find you some pants,” Fayeth said while sneaking another curious glance at him. He couldn’t blame her. He’d snuck about fifty of them on the way there and it was apparently his. And it was only fair considering the number of glances he snuck of them.

“You captured him!” a green-haired elf said from a second-floor banister. The voice sounded like the one from earlier, Renna. At least he was pretty certain it was her from the voice. “So, what’s the plan? Execution?”

“Execution?” Frost chuckled nervously.

“She’s joking,” Lysandra said while coming out of the kitchen with two large bowls of vegetables. “You’re a guest.”

“A guest? But he’s a human!” Renna jumped down from the second floor and landed without a sound. Frost reflexively turned on scan and saw she was a level ten thief. Although he could have guessed by the tightly fitted clothing and lean body. “Oh? Hasn’t anybody told you that if you’re curious you can just ask?”

“I told you not to do that!” Ena said aggressively.

“Sorry,” Frost replied while turning off the ability. Then something clicked with him. “How do you know I’m scanning you if you’re not scanning me?”

“What kind of question is that?” Renna laughed as she stepped toward him. She was tan with short spring green hair and eyes that matched. She was a bit leaner than the others but still unnaturally beautiful with the same long pointy ears. “Don’t you know how to just look at somebody?”

“I don’t believe he does,” Lysandra said cheerfully as she set the vegetables down on the table. “Heralds are sent from other worlds so it’s not unusual for them to be ignorant of this one.”

“Lysandra believes Shalia sent him,” Fayeth said while tossing him a pair of pants. He blushed as he looked for a pair of underwear to put on first. “What? Are they not to your liking?”

“I don’t suppose you have any underwear?” Frost asked politely.

“Are you into wearing women’s underwear Frost?” Lysandra said teasingly. “If you are, I have plenty to choose from up in my room.”

“No thanks,” Frost smiled at Lysandra. He wasn’t sure if she was just a tease or legitimately interested in him. “The pants will be fine.”

Frost quickly put on the slacks and was surprised by how soft the material was on the inside. He was also caught off guard by how perfectly they fit him. He paused and wondered if it was like in games where all armor fit all races.

“Did these pants magically change to be a perfect fit?” Frost asked Fayeth who gave him a confused look. “Did I say something stupid?”

“While there are items of clothing that magically change size and style based on the wearer, those pants are just ordinary pants. Fayeth altered them so they would fit,” Lysandra said while gesturing at the food she placed on a small dining table. “Please, have a seat.”

“Alright,” Frost said. He was so happy to finally be wearing pants he probably would have done anything they suggested. “Huh.”

“Is everything alright?” Lysandra said while taking a seat next to him. Fayeth and Renna quickly grabbed the other seats while Ena sat at the bar. He looked down at the strange pile of vegetables. “Would you like something different?”

“No,” Frost gulped while resisting the urge to scan the bizarre vegetables. He picked up his fork and took a bite. They weren’t that different from those he’d eaten growing up although they were slightly sweeter and stronger in flavor. He finished the plate and felt a little better. “Thank you.”

“Would you like a drink?” Lysandra asked as the other three women stared at him. Renna and Fayeth with curiosity and Ena with distrust. “We have water, juice, and wine.”

“Wine,” Frost said almost reflexively. “I could use a drink.”

“Ena,” Lysandra smiled. “If you wouldn’t mind.”

“I’m not serving him,” Ena said while jumping over the bar to grab a bottle. She tossed it to Renna who caught it without looking and handed it to Lysandra. “He can pour his own drink.”

“Sorry about her,” Lysandra said while filling his glass. “It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a human as a guest.”

“We’ve never had a human guest,” Fayeth said.

Frost took a drink of the wine and while it tasted fantastic, it was pretty weak. He imagined he’d need to finish at least two bottles to feel anything.

He slowly drank as he reflected on what he knew so far about his situation. He could put together that he was in a new world but he had no idea if the elves were trustworthy or tricksters of some sort. Additionally, based on Ena’s tone, humans were their enemy.

“You seem uncomfortable,” Lysandra said politely. “May I ask why?”

“Sorry,” Frost said as he looked around the room. “I’m obviously having a strange day. I woke up in a strange world surrounded by gorgeous women and I’m still coping.”

“I see,” Lysandra smiled.

“Gorgeous?” Renna asked with what sounded like genuine curiosity. “We’re completely average looking for elves. And humans find elves repulsive.”

“Repulsive?” Frost laughed out loud at the absurdity of the statement. There was fundamentally no way that could be true. He could have believed that the humans viewed them as inferior, but ugly, it wasn’t possible. “No, I don’t believe that for a second.”

“Why do you find that so unbelievable?” Lysandra asked while smiling at the other elves as if he was about to prove a point for her.

“How could anybody find you repulsive?” Frost laughed as he thought about a few of his college courses that talked about societal standards of beauty. “Beauty doesn’t work like that. And I’m not talking about the variance in beauty standards there are between cultures throughout history. There is a point where perfect symmetry combined with flawless features must be recognized as beautiful. You are all undeniably beautiful and any man would be lucky to marry any one of you.”

“Do you think we’re stupid?” Ena said slamming her drink on the counter. “Stop making fun of us! No human would ever marry an elf!”

“Herald Frost,” Lysandra stifled her sweet laugh as her face turned red. “I didn’t expect you to be so forward. The truth is, humans don’t find us beautiful. At least not in that way. They might find us beautiful like they would a bird. And yes, there have been many instances of elves and other demihumans sleeping with humans but it’s rare. But, as for marriage, Ena is right. Humans occasionally bed sheep as well but that doesn’t mean humans are about to wed them.”

“So, they view you as cattle?” Frost scoffed and took another drink of wine. “That’s crazy. You’re messing with me.”

“It’s the truth,” Fayeth said calmly while leaning forward. Frost was positive her large chest was going to pop from her top but they stayed secure as if held in by magic.

“I need a moment to think,” Frost said as he pieced together the situation. The woman he remembered was definitely an elf and the world herald rang a bell. But why would she choose him? He definitely wasn’t going to run around proselytizing for her and he certainly wasn’t the heroic type. It didn’t make sense.

“Take your time,” Lysandra said while eating some of her vegetables. “Ena, Renna, Fayeth, I believe you have chores to do.”

“But we haven’t had lunch yet you evil hag,” Renna objected while staring at Frost.

“Fine,” Lysandra rolled her eyes. “Eat first. And then chores. I intend to get to know more about Herald Frost.”

“I bet you do,” the petite elf scowled as she got up to walk toward the kitchen. “Dusty old crone.”

“Aren’t you around the same age,” Frost asked as the other elf women went to the kitchen.

“We’re not,” Lysandra blushed. “I’m ninety-eight, Ena is thirty-five, Renna is twenty-six, and Fayeth is twenty-one. But thank you for the compliment.”

“Ninety-eight?” Frost said while staring at the youthful woman. “You’re joking?”

“I am not,” Lysandra smiled bashfully. She looked undeniably youthful and Frost figured elves must age slowly. That meant that all of the elves he saw in the village could be anywhere from twenty to at least a hundred years old even if they all looked twenty-five.

“So,” Frost pointed toward the kitchen. “Are they your daughters?”

“No,” Lysandra burst out laughing at the suggestion. “Thank the goddess. There isn’t a lot of space in the village so we share residences.”

“I see,” Frost said as he tried to further wrap his mind around his situation. If he was in a game world, his ignorance of the world worried him. He needed to know the mechanics before he ended up in some type of boss battle. “Right. How are you able to see me using scan without using scan yourselves?”

“Scan isn’t that different than general observation skills,” Lysandra answered. “The more you focus on a person, the more you notice about them, right? Just think about the information you want and you can get it without scanning. Scanning is, well, a little more invasive.”

“Do you mind if I try?” Frost asked while staring at Lysandra. A dish clattered from the kitchen and yelling ensued. “Do you need to check on them?”

“They’re fine,” Lysandra smiled and rolled her eyes. “They’re probably fighting over the fruit. There wasn’t much left which was why they were out gathering when they found you.”

“Okay,” Frost smiled while focusing on Lysandra. “I’m going to start, is that okay?”

“Please,” Lysandra beamed while waiting patiently. “Just focus on me the same as you did while using scan.”

Frost calmly stared at Lysandra but immediately became preoccupied as his mind wandered to how gorgeous she was. He found himself distracted by her smile and focusing on her soft luscious lips. It was as if tiny invisible tendrils were pulling him in.

“Is there a reason you’re staring at my lips?” Lysandra grinned impishly.

“Sorry,” Frost said while still finding himself unable to stop staring.

“Frost,” Lysandra said while taking his hand in hers. “You never have to apologize for looking at me like that.”

“Focus,” Frost said to himself as if compelling himself. The scan symbol appeared over her head along with her level. But even though he was finished with the test, he couldn’t stop staring at the gorgeous elf. Her violet eyes, snowy white hair, and pink lips were like an oasis to a thirsty traveler.

“I’m not complaining,” Lysandra blushed while stroking his hand. “But are you going to look at me all day?”

“Sorry,” Frost said as he was jolted back to the reality.

“I already told you that you never need to apologize for looking at me like that.” Lysandra smiled while staring at him. “Frost, would you like to lay with me?”

“Is that a trick question?” Frost smiled nervously. The answer was obvious but he still wasn’t sure of her intentions. She seemed to believe he was Shalia’s herald and he wondered if it was a test of some sort.

“No,” Lysandra laughed. “Your expression reminds me of Ena’s. I swear that girl believes everybody in the world is up to something. I’m simply asking because I would be happy to lay with you if you want.”

“Really?” Frost said while staring at the beautiful elf priestess. He was entranced by her before but knowing that she was actually interested made focusing a little harder. Although he still wondered if she was actually interested or if it was something else. “Why are you helping me?”

“I suppose I shouldn’t avoid the topic,” Lysandra smiled politely. “You are the Herald of Shalia and I’m her priestess. Not only that, but this entire village consists of those who worship her. You are the first herald Shalia’s ever sent and I’m really excited because…”

“I’m sorry I’m going to have to stop you there,” Frost interrupted. “Before you get too excited, I’m not a religious person and I’m not even a good person. Don’t get your hopes up because I’m not about to spread the word of Shalia throughout the world.”

“Oh,” Lysandra laughed. “That doesn’t surprise me in the slightest Frost. As for your concerns about your title, that isn’t really the priority right now, is it?”

“You’re right,” Frost nodded while chugging down his wine. “Is there a list of abilities somewhere I can reference. And a way for me to find out what my level is?”

“Right,” Lysandra got up from her seat. “I’m curious about that as well. Follow me.”

“Where are you going?” Renna yelled as the women rushed out of the kitchen. The three looked like they’d been in a brawl of some sort and various colorful berry stains covered their clothing. “You probably shouldn’t be left alone with him you corpse.”

“She’s right,” Ena said while glaring suspiciously at Frost. “We should come with.”

“We’ll be fine,” Lysandra said calmly. “And if you three are done eating, clean up your mess and start helping around the village. Understood?”

“As you wish high priestess,” Fayeth said.

“Annoying old cunt,” Renna said clear as day.

“Excuse me?” Lysandra growled while raising her hand malevolently. “I didn’t quite hear that.”

“As you wish high priestess,” the three women said simultaneously before sprinting off.

“Good,” Lysandra caressed Frost’s arm. “Now, let’s go fine out a little more about you.”

CHAPTER 3

Lysandra brought Frost to a large bedroom on the second floor of the temple. It about twice the size of the typical master bedroom and filled with flowers. On one side of the room were doors leading to a large balcony overlooking the temple’s courtyard and on the other was a large bed. In the corner was a small reading nook complete with about a dozen book-filled shelves.

“Stand right over here,” Lysandra gestured for Frost to join her in front of the mirror. “What you’ll want to do is use scan on yourself. You can do that, right?”

“Right,” Frost said while staring at himself in the mirror. He was a completely different person. His muscles looked like he’d spent a lifetime perfecting them and his face could get top billing in a movie franchise. His hair was short and dark and he had some well-trimmed stubble shaped to perfection. The idea that he’d woken up in the forest that morning was absurd. He scanned himself but without a frame of reference the numbers were meaningless. “What’s the maximum level?”

“Maximum?” Lysandra asked. “Powerful heroes reach levels as high as fifty-five. But there have been heralds and monsters that have reached higher levels.”

“Monsters?” Frost asked as he stared at the number in front of him. “What’s the highest level of a monster?”

“Monsters?” Lysandra repeated. “There are legendary monsters rumored to exceed level one hundred. But most monsters will die before they reach level fifty. Although there are exceptions. Dragons, for instance, regularly exceed level seventy. There was also a demon that was rumored to have reached level sixty-five before he was defeated but that may have been exaggerated.”

“What was the level of the person that defeated him?” Frost asked.

“It was a band of heroes but I imagine to have a chance against a level sixty-five they’d each need to be over level fifty,” Lysandra said. “Which is why I believe the level of the demon was exaggerated. What level are you?”

“I’d rather not say,” Frost answered while staring at the sixty in front of his face. It seemed he was high level but not the absolute highest. It was likely that skills and equipment also played important roles in the world so it was a bad idea to overestimate how much his level meant. Additionally, it didn’t take a high level to slit somebody’s throat in their sleep. “What level are heralds normally?”

“That’s difficult to say,” Lysandra answered. “A herald is a representative of a god or goddess but the level can vary greatly. The weakest herald ever summoned was level five. I’m not sure about the strongest but maybe eighty?”

“Okay,” Frost nodded while staring at the level. Although his level was impressive, he wasn’t quite sure how much of a power differential there was between levels. But it did explain why during his scan Ena’s strength appeared to be a grey sliver.

“Frost,” Lysandra smiled politely while staring at him. “If you don’t wish to tell me your level, I understand. But I would like you to trust me as I’ve been trusting you.”

“You have been trusting me, haven’t you?” Frost sighed.

“It’s fine if you don’t trust me yet,” Lysandra pouted manipulatively. “But, based on your facial expressions I already know that your level is over fifty.”

“It’s that obvious?” Frost chuckled.

“Will you trust me?” Lysandra said while staring in his eyes. He didn’t know if she was just masterfully manipulating him or if her stare was genuine, but he actually believed he could trust her with anything.

“Sixty,” Frost answered the beautiful elf. “But I’m still not sure what that means.”

“Sixty,” Lysandra nodded while attempting to hide her excited smile. “Frost, do you want to be Shalia’s herald?

“I don’t know,” Frost scoffed. Any interaction he had with Shalia faded from his memory almost as soon as he woke up. “But I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t want me to be the herald.”

“Why’s that?” Lysandra asked. “Because you’re human?”

“No,” Frost grinned lecherously at the elf. “Because I’m not a good person.”

“But you’re not a bad one,” Lysandra smirked.

“What makes you so sure?” Frost asked while leaning close to the violet-eyed elf. “You barely know me. Let me guess, it’s because Shalia sent me.”

“No,” Lysandra said confidently. “It’s because you called us beautiful and it’s the way you’ve been looking at me. I don’t believe a bad person could look at me the way you do.”

“Lustfully?” Frost scoffed. “Clearly you haven’t met very many bad…”

“Lovingly,” Lysandra interrupted causing Frost’s hair to stand on end. He definitely wouldn’t have called the way he was looking at them loving. “My eyes, my hair, my lips, and even my ears. Tell me, what about those inspire lust?”

“Dammit,” Frost defiantly glared at her ample chest. She was right, he had been focusing on her face instead of her body.

“Stare all you like,” Lysandra smiled while jutting her chest out. “Would you like me to undress for you?”

“Maybe later,” Frost sighed the bitter sigh of defeat. He wanted to take her up on her offer but he’d never be able to focus if she were naked. He needed to at least get the basics down before he took a break. And he still wasn’t sure if the woman was serious or just manipulating him. “For now, I need you to teach me more.”

“Of course,” Lysandra smiled victoriously while running her hand up and down his arm.

It took a while but eventually Lysandra managed to explain to him how to navigate his menus. Their stat system didn’t include specific stats like strength, agility, intelligence, or any of the classics. It was a simple physical and mental power rating.

Physical power included things like strength, agility, and stamina while mental power included things like charisma, magical capacity, and mental fortitude. None of them could be measured individually since they interacted with each other and in fact the physical and mental even influenced each other. A tired person didn’t only have a diminished physical capacity, but a diminished mental one as well.

Frost dug deeper and found physical statistics. He was exactly six feet tall, had six percent bodyfat, and was pretty muscular despite his relatively slender build. On Earth he could be a celebrity, but he wasn’t on earth.

“Question,” Frost said curiously. “It may be a little strange.”

“I won’t judge,” Lysandra said politely.

“How do I compare physically to other people in this world?” Frost asked while making a gesture like a vertically sliding scale. “Am I above average? Below average?”

“I’m sorry?” Lysandra turned away laughing. “Are you asking if you’re attractive?”

“Yeah,” Frost said while shaking his head in embarrassment. “Sorry, I know it’s a bit of a strange question.”

“You’re extremely attractive,” Lysandra managed to compose herself enough to answer. The way she looked at him suggested she wasn’t only telling the truth but was willing to prove it if necessary. “Although, some women might find you unreasonably tall.”

“Excuse me?” Frost laughed at the irony that after finally meeting the six-foot minimum he was in a world where that was a bad thing. “Are you joking?”

“No,” Lysandra smiled. “Although, I will say you are handsome enough where your height wouldn’t matter.”

“Thanks,” he grinned. “Sorry, I know prioritizing my appearance is probably odd…”

“I’m not judging,” Lysandra grinned seductively.

They continued searching and finally got to his abilities. There were far more than he thought was reasonable but at least their maximum level appeared to be ten. He also had several abilities that appeared to be maxed out which was interesting.

Scan was just the tip of the iceberg. There were abilities relating to languages, reading, writing, mathematics, and other general use skills. Apparently, it was thanks to those abilities that he was even able to communicate with those around him.

There were also memorization abilities that revolved around crafting, cooking, and magic. In essence, for every level in those abilities he could instantly commit formulas, recipes, or spells to memory. Level one allowed him to memorize ten recipes, level two allowed him to memorize twenty more for a total of thirty, and at level ten he was able to memorize five hundred and fifty full recipes.

“Try this one,” Lysandra opened a book and showed him a recipe for a fruit pie.

“Memorized,” Frost said as the recipe became as easy to recall as the alphabet. Although the recipe was useless without the skill to apply it, it was there. “It’s so strange.”

“A master crafter might reach level four or five in their lifetime,” Lysandra said. “Not that they need more. Most crafters keep a recipe book and only commit their most popular recipes to memory.”

“I assume it’s the same for spell books?” Frost said.

“Exactly,” Lysandra rushed to her wardrobe and pulled out a large tome. “This contains all of the spells I’ve learned. There are over two thousand spells. Although most of them are variations of the same spell or extremely situational.”

“Those make absolutely no sense to me,” Frost said while memorizing the first few pages of the tome. It seemed the same basic principles of crafting applied. If he didn’t have the skill necessary to perform the spell, the formula was meaningless. “I don’t understand any of this.”

“Of course not. You’d have to train to be able to cast them. These particular spells are priest spells,” Lysandra said. “Although, what class are you?”

“Where do I find that?” Frost asked while staring at himself in the mirror. “The spot where I see class is blank when looking at myself.”

“Have you unlocked any classes?” Lysandra asked.

“Unlocked?” Frost gazed at himself and focused but nothing showed up. She mentioned unlocks and as far as he knew there were a few possible systems the world could be using. He just needed to figure out which one. “How do I know that?”

“Oh no,” Lysandra laughed and walked to grab a chair. “You might want to grab one as well.”

Lysandra explained the interactions between classes and abilities to Frost as if he were a child. She began by discussing abilities and their very nature. Every ability began at level zero and some had various prerequisites to unlock.

Once unlocked, he could allocate ability points into the abilities which seemed to be the primary way to gain power. There were two different types of ability points, Restricted and Free.

Restricted ability points were earned by doing a specific activity and could only be assigned into abilities associated with that activity. A swordsman could earn ability points by practicing with a sword but the ability points earned that way could only be assigned to swordsmanship.

Free ability points were primarily earned by leveling up but could also be earned in other ways. There were even legendary potions, artifacts, and ruins that were rumored to give free ability points. The points could be assigned in any ability a person desired. So, even if a person never touched a sword in their life, in theory they could become a master swordsman.

“Understand?” Lysandra asked after finishing the explanation. “Or should we go over it again?”

“I understand,” Frost nodded while listening. It was similar enough to game mechanics that he didn’t have any trouble comprehending. In fact, much like tutorials in games he was finding himself wishing she could explain it more quickly. “You can keep going.”

Lysandra continued by explaining that once the prerequisite skills were learned, he’d be able to unlock a class. Most of the classes revolved around standard combat, magic, or crafting. Although there were also classes that didn’t fit neatly into any of those categories.

She used herself as an example. She began by learning heal, cure poison, cure disease, cloth proficiency, and staff proficiency. Once she unlocked each of those abilities, cleric was unlocked. By assigning her job as cleric, she received additional passive bonuses and was able to learn abilities unique to the class.

Over time she increased her level in her healing abilities and added several new ones like cure paralysis, dispel curse, dispel fear, and many others. Once she’d acquired the necessary magic, she was capable of becoming a priestess.

Apparently, there were also other classes available to her such as shrine maiden, exorcist, and scholar. Each of them came with their own respective benefits and pitfalls. Additionally, the rate ability points were earned was normally enhanced for the abilities within that class. This was the primary reason she remained a priestess. She was attempting to become a saint and the prerequisite abilities were all part of the priest class.

“Okay,” Frost smirked at the simplicity. Apply skill points in abilities to unlock the class, train the class to earn more skill points, eventually evolve to better classes. “I think I get it. Is there a list somewhere of all potential classes and their benefits?”

“There are lists,” Lysandra nodded. “But don’t assume they are complete since most people try to keep the prerequisites for powerful classes secret. For example, the wolf rider class was discovered around eighty years ago when a soldier retreating from battle happened to jump on a dire wolf. As it turned out, he had all of the necessary abilities to become a wolf rider except wolf riding. Now the Kingdom of Balar in the far north has a powerful army of wolf riders.”

“I see,” Frost said. “There’s still a basic list, correct?”

“I’m embarrassed to say that my list isn’t particularly extensive,” Lysandra sighed as she walked to her bookshelf. She handed him the book. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be,” Frost said while taking the book. It may have taken a while, but he was finally starting to get excited about the world he was in. Knowledge made all of the difference and even if he didn’t know the prerequisites, he felt like he might be able to figure them out. “You’ve been amazing.”

“Amazing?” Lysandra beamed. The white-haired elf’s happy smile made his heart skip a beat. “You can’t possibly mean that.”

“I do,” Frost said earnestly while looking away before he became distracted again. The gorgeous woman really did look like a goddess. “Now, let’s see what we have here.”

She wasn’t kidding about her book being basic. Learning basic armor and weapon skills seemed to give the options of soldier, squire, fighter, archer, hunter, and thief. Other classes like cleric, priest, monk, exorcist, shrine maiden, scholar, sage, and saint required more work but not much. She was also surprisingly lacking on offensive magic users although scholar and exorcist seemed to have a few spells listed in the margins.

“Do you have any combat magic classes?” Frost asked while looking over the available list and their prerequisites. He also assumed they weren’t even all of the basic classes. “And you mentioned there were also crafting ones.”

“I don’t have any combat magic classes,” Lysandra said as she walked to the bookshelf. “I’ve assembled my records with the help of the elves in the village and they don’t know much offensive magic. But I do have some crafting ones.”

Chef, blacksmith, carpenter, tailor, leatherworker, jeweler, and various other professions were listed in the book she pulled from the shelf. Once again, the book was rather lackluster in details. In fact, as far as crafting went, his basic knowledge carried over from his world might have been more than theirs.

“These types of classes work differently in that you can become a blacksmith simply by crafting nails,” Lysandra said. “But that doesn’t mean much in terms of the quality. There are also variations on those classes as well. There’s a holy blacksmith in the Capital City Solara on the main continent who’s capable of crafting weapons and armor available nowhere else.”

“Interesting,” Frost said while memorizing a few pages for easy access. Much like the cooking recipe from before, he could see the formula but that didn’t mean he had the ability to make it. “So, I don’t see where or how I can allocate ability points.”

“Oh,” Lysandra said. “You can only allocate ability points if you’ve discovered an ability. Remember when I told you about the wolf rider? He only had access to wolf riding when he attempted it. Similarly, if you wish to have the option to put points in swordsmanship, you need to pick up a sword and swing it.”

“Got it,” Frost smiled at the simplicity of it. But he wondered if the system was truly that simple or her knowledge of it was only elementary. It didn’t seem that the elves had an academy of some sort and it was likely they were simply ignorant of the more complex aspects of the system. He stared at himself while mentally cataloging what he’d learned. “Do I need to do it in front of a mirror every time?”

“Well,” Lysandra smiled politely. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but this is just how we teach small children to do it. After a while, you’ll be able to visualize yourself and do it naturally.”

“Ah,” Frost nodded somewhat embarrassed. “I don’t suppose you have a weapon of some sort I could hold onto for a moment?”

“I do,” Lysandra walked toward her nightstand and pulled a dagger from a drawer. She walked it over and handed it to him. “This should unlock daggers for you.”

As soon as Frost touched the dagger the option lit up in his scan interface. It was currently level zero and one ability point was needed to bring the ability to level one. But he definitely didn’t want to waste any ability points on a weapon skill yet.

“Now you should lunge it at me,” Lysandra said. “Gently please.”

“Lunge it at you?” Frost asked. “Why?”

“Just trust me,” Lysandra smiled.

“Okay,” Frost nodded and gently lunged the dagger at her which she narrowly managed to avoid. He had no idea why he went so fast, he was positive he was being gentle. “Oh my god! I’m so sorry!”

“It’s fine,” Lysandra said nervously. She clearly hadn’t expected it either. “I should have been more aware of your physical power. Now, prepare to defend yourself.”

“What?” Frost asked as Lysandra unleashed a flurry of quick punches at him. He managed to block one of the attacks but the rest of them connected. Although, it was like getting pawed at by a kitten. “What was that about?”

“Look at your abilities,” Lysandra pointed to the mirror.

“Oh!” Frost walked up to the mirror and dozens of abilities were unlocked. Simply holding a dagger unlocked the dagger ability but various other combat abilities required him to attempt them. Parry, dodge, block, unarmed, cloth armor proficiency, and several others popped up. He grinned excitedly. “I get it!”

“Are you happy?” Lysandra beamed.

“You have no idea how much I appreciate this,” Frost said while sorting through the abilities. “You’ve been really wonderful.”

“Really?” Lysandra blushed. “I’m happy to hear that! Does that mean you think you’ll stay with us?”

“Well, at the very least I’m in no hurry to leave,” Frost smirked. “But just for my own peace of mind, elves don’t go around murdering children, plotting to destroy the world, or anything weird like that, right?”

“The followers of Shalia don’t,” Lysandra said with a nervous grin.

“So, you’re saying there are elves that do things like that,” Frost nodded. It made sense. Just like not all humans are evil, not all elves could be good.

“But we don’t,” Lysandra said cheerfully. “I promise.”

“Okay,” Frost grinned. “Lysandra, do you really want me to stay?”

“Yes,” the white-haired elf said reassuringly. The way she stared at him suggested she had something in mind. “I’ll do anything you ask if it means you’ll stay.”

“Lysandra,” Frost chuckled at the beautiful white-haired elf. Her thin white gown left little to the imagination but obstructed his view just enough to make him desperate to see her without it. “You’re driving me a little crazy here. Do you really want to sleep with me or is this a game?”

“Are you asking me right now?” Lysandra’s face turned pink and she looked at the ground. “If you insist, I’ll…”

“No,” Frost said defensively. “I’m not insisting on anything. I’m asking what you want. If I wanted to jump in that bed right now, would you want to join me?”

“Yes,” Lysandra said timidly as she blushed. She looked around like she wanted to escape. “But also no.”

“Then no is fine,” Frost said reassuringly. “Listen, I’m not going to…”

“No!” Lysandra interrupted as her entire body turned pink. “I mean, yes, I want to. If it must be now, then we can do it now. Goddess, I want to do it now. It’s just, I’m not entirely prepared, physically.”

“Physically?” Frost asked.

“Yes,” Lysandra pointed to her downstairs. “I really wasn’t expecting this and…do I really have to explain? I’d just need thirty minutes to get ready. Can you just wait here?”

“I’ll wait as long as you want,” Frost laughed as he realized why the gorgeous elf was so nervous. “Or are you under the assumption I have somewhere else to be?”

“Good, stay here,” Lysandra rushed to a dresser and pulled out several colorful garments before hiding them from his view. She smiled excitedly at him and rushed out of the room. “I’ll be back in thirty minutes but if I’m not, just keep waiting.”

Frost laughed as she ran out of the room. He was a little concerned about whether or not he was taking advantage of the beautiful priestess. She obviously thought he was a herald of her goddess. But, in fairness, he did warn her that he would be and awful herald. And technically he hadn’t agreed to it yet.

Frost laid back on the soft king-sized bed and focused. A phantom version of himself appeared in front of him and he began sifting through the skills again. He was surprised with how easy things were once he figured out the basics of them.

“Right,” Frost said. “I forgot to look for my ability points.” He focused on the ability menus and as soon as he wondered how many points he had available a box popped up showing six hundred. “Okay…”

CHAPTER 4

There was a brief knock on the door to warn Frost before it slowly opened. Lysandra quickly came inside and turned to shut and lock the door. She was wearing a shimmering white bathrobe with a violet floral print and her skin was slightly shinier than before.

“I don’t want the others to barge in,” Lysandra said as if to justify the locks. “It’s not to keep you locked up.”

“I wasn’t thinking that at all,” Frost grinned. “But now I kind of am. Not that I’d mind.”

“Now,” Lysandra walked toward him seductively. Her robe swayed back and forth with the deliberate motion of her hips. Frost’s heart throbbed so hard he started to worry that something was wrong with him. “Is this something you really want to do?”

“Yes,” Frost was surer of that decision than anything else in his life. Lysandra smiled at his response and stared to untie her belt as an invasive thought popped into his head that could destroy everything. “Wait.”

“What?” Lysandra said with a disappointed look. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No,” Frost assured her. “Um, I keep forgetting I’m in a new world and there might be some cultural ramifications for this.”

“Like living a life of mockery for having slept with an elf,” Lysandra sighed while starting to tie her belt back up. “It’s understandable. You’d be looked at no differently than a man who sleeps with livestock.”

“I don’t care about that,” Frost waved his hand as if he were brushing the words aside. As long as he could have sex with beautiful women, he didn’t really care what people called him. “Other men can say what they want.”

“Then what do you mean by ramifications?” Lysandra gave him a puzzled look.

“Things like,” Frost paused to think of how best to phrase it without offending her. “Will I be expected to marry you?”

“Um,” Lysandra covered her mouth to hide her laughter. “Would you like to marry me?”

“No,” Frost answered quickly. Probably too quickly. “Well, not no. I don’t really know you. It’s just you seem to be checking in with me a lot on whether or not I want to sleep with you and it made me think there might be some greater commitments involved.”

“Oh,” Lysandra said as if she finally understood. “I’m sorry for giving you that impression. I was just worried that I was taking advantage of you.”

“That you’re taking advantage of me?” Frost tried not laugh at the ridiculousness of the statement. “Okay, how? How in the world do you think you’re taking advantage of me?”

“You’re completely ignorant of the world,” Lysandra blushed. “You don’t realize how people will look at you for sleeping with an elf. They will mock you for your entire life.”

“Will elves mock me and laugh at me?” Frost asked.

“No!” Lysandra was obviously appalled at the suggestion. “Some might look down on you for laying with me in particular but never for laying with elves in general.”

“Why you in particular?” Frost asked wanting to get to the bottom of the beautiful woman’s insecurity. “You’re smart, kind, and beautiful beyond words.”

“And you say things like that,” Lysandra sighed while shaking her head. “Which if you knew the world, you’d know isn’t true.”

“Lysandra,” Frost smiled. “If humans are going to mock me for sleeping with elves, then I’ll just live around elves. If elves are going to mock me for sleeping with you, then they’re not worth associating with. You’re not taking advantage of me, if anything I’m taking advantage of you.”

“How so?” Lysandra said almost defensively.

“Your world operates on a ridiculous premise,” Frost said. “That you’re not good enough. You are. If you understood how beautiful you are to me, you’d understand how lucky I feel right now. I can’t believe how lucky I am. I feel like I must be doing something wrong to be so lucky.”

Lysandra’s eyes went wide and her mouth opened slightly as she stared at him. She slowly loosened the belt around her robe revealing a set of lacy violet lingerie. Her bustier was transparent on the waist portions while the bra portion lifted her ample breasts. Her violet thong matched her bustier perfectly and was transparent in the front showcasing her extremely short white bush.

Frost found himself unable to speak as the ivory-haired woman walked toward the bed and climbed in. She stared at him as if she was trying to make sense of some strange object she never knew existed and after several seconds of observation, she placed a hand on his chest.

“Do you really think that?” Lysandra asked while moving toward his face. Her pink glossy lips enticed him to move forward as well. “Do you really think you’re lucky to be with me?”

“Yeah,” Frost answered. “I’d need to be insane to think otherwise.”

Lysandra climbed on top and shoved him down onto the bed before practically mauling him. Her lips were sweet like sugar coated strawberries and her hands were softer than silk as they explored his chest. She ran her tongue across his lips and slipped it into his mouth. He was in heaven as she expertly massaged his tongue with hers.

Frost found his hands moving on their own to her soft delectable thighs. The moment he touched them he was in love with them. The unbelievable smoothness and perfect thickness had him yearning to burying his face between them. Instead, he had to settle for running his hands up and down them as they continued to kiss.

Lysandra started slowly grinding her hips against Frost’s waist as his cock gradually grew. The perfect fit of the pants they’d given him quickly became imperfect as his thick cock pressed against them desperate to escape.

Frost found his hands sliding up Lysandra’s thighs toward her plump ass. His heart pounded as he squeezed the soft cushiony flesh. Her grinding intensified as they continued to kiss while exploring each other’s bodies.

He moved his hands upward where he enjoyed her wide elegant hips before traveling to her well worked abdomen. He continued to slide his hands up past her narrow waist until he reached her large chest. He allowed her tongue to do most of the work while they kissed so he could focus all of his attention on her chest.

“Frost,” Lysandra moaned as he cupped her breasts. The fabric of her lingerie was soft but didn’t compare to her delicate flesh. He desperately wanted to pull her breasts from the bustier and play with her nipples but there would be time for that later. Instead, he continued moving upward to her collarbone, her shoulders, then further still until he reached the tips of her ears. He gently stroked them with his thumb as she let out a delighted moan. “How did you know…”

“You seemed to respond positively in the forest,” Frost said while sitting upright. Her large chest pressed against his as he continued to gentle stroke her pointed ears. “So, I thought you might like this. Do you?”

“Yes,” Lysandra moaned while kissing his shoulder. “I like it.”

“Good,” Frost said while leaning in to lick the tip of her ear. Her body trembled and she let out a soft moan. “You’re really beautiful Lysandra.”

“Frost,” Lysandra moaned while slowly grinding her hips. She moved her hand down until she reached his cloth pants and began unbuttoning them. Frost quickly adjusted to help as the snowy-haired elf pulled them down far enough for him to kick them the rest of the way off. His large cock immediately flicked upward and smacked against her plump ass. “Oh goddess. That feels nice.”

“I am so lucky,” Frost said while grabbing the beautiful elf’s chin. Her violet eyes sparkled like precious gems and her lips carried the sheen of forbidden fruit. He leaned in and kissed the elf again.

Frost let out a surprised moan as he felt Lysandra’s palm on the shaft of his cock, pressing it between her ass cheeks while she moved her hips up and down. Her skin was so smooth it was as if he was already inside of her as his cock slid against her ass.

The flavor of fruit began to overwhelm him as her tongue once again swirled in his mouth. The taste of her tongue and lips were so rich and unique that his mind wandered to her other lips. He wanted to be inside of her but he wanted to taste her even more.

“Frost!” Lysandra squealed as he quickly flipped the elf over. Frost leaned down and gave her a peck on the lips before starting his long journey downward. As he reached her bustier, he tugged it down allowing her large breasts to fall out. She quickly moved to hold them as the large breasts fell naturally. “Sorry, they’re a little too…”

“Perfect,” Frost interrupted as he leaned down and licked her nipple. Her tit was as soft as the rest of her flawless flesh. He circled it with his tongue while kneading her other breast. They had the same sugary flavor as her lips and he found himself engrossed in her body as he moved back and forth between them. “You are perfect.”

“I can’t believe you actually mean that,” Lysandra looked away. She was ridiculous, the world was ridiculous, what kind of warped world wouldn’t recognize how unbelievable she was. “I’m far from perfect.”

Frost continued to lick and squeeze her velvety tits as he slid the bottom of her silky bustier upward revealing her surprisingly defined abs. They weren’t overly muscular but they had just enough definition to know they were there. He traced the lines with his tongue as he moved closer to his desired destination.

“What are you doing?” Lysandra whimpered as she reflexively rolled her hips. He circled her bellybutton with his tongue as he slipped his fingers around the waistband of her violet thong. Frost slowly pulled it down revealing her immaculately trimmed white bush. He couldn’t help himself as he nuzzled into the soft fine hair. “Oh, Frost!”

He was captivated by the softness of the hair decorating Lysandra’s beautiful mound but even more so by her dripping pink pussy. The way the pink stood out against the elf’s pale flesh hypnotized him like a bee drawn to the petals of a beautiful flower. He kissed the delicate flesh surrounding her pussy and gradually worked inward.

“Please,” Lysandra whispered so quietly that Frost barely heard it. She desperately wanted to ask for more but it was like a little voice inside of the elf was preventing her from asking for it directly. “Please.”

“Lysandra,” Frost said as he kissed her inner thigh. “Would you like me to lick you?”

“Mmm,” Lysandra’s hips tilted upward, answering without answering.

“I want to hear it from you,” Frost said while kissing so close to her pussy that her subtle fragrance bathed his senses. If her kiss was like fresh fruit, he believed those lips would be a winery. He was desperate to kiss these new beautiful pink lips. “Say it.”

“Yes,” Lysandra moaned while lifting her hips. “I want to be licked.”

Frost panted as he admired her flawless pussy one more time. His heart throbbed in his chest as the excitement of running his tongue along her perfection excited him almost as much as the act. He leaned down and placed his tongue on the soft flesh at the base of her pussy. With one long lap, he traced the inner lips, gathering up every bit of her delicious flavor on his tongue as he ended on the clit.

He then restarted in the same spot as before, this time tracing the other side of her beautiful pussy, once again ending in the same location, her beautiful button. He continued the process, slowly working inward as he gathered every bit of her flavor until finally his tongue had touched every glistening pink fold. Finally, he closed his eyes and savored her before swallowing. Her strong flavor pervaded his tongue like a sweet blackberry brandy.

“Ooooh,” Lysandra let out a long sexy whine as Frost’s tongue made another lap around her dewy pink petals. Her body writhed and the whining intensified with each subsequent lick.

Frost’s cock throbbed against the mattress as he buried his face between her thighs. He told himself that he had all of the time in the world and that there was no rush. He wanted to enjoy Lysandra and at the moment that meant relishing in her flavor.

He turned his focus to her clit, a beautiful pink button poking out as if begging to be pressed. It glistened like a wet pearl on a flower’s petal. He kissed it, as if offering tribute to the most perfect pussy he’d ever laid his eyes on, then proceeded to lightly lick it.

“Frost, Frost, Frost,” Lysandra huffed as if she were coming down with a fever. Her head lashed back and forth while his tongue circled her clit. Her only reprieve came when he moved to lick up more of her dripping nectar before going back to the button. “Too much. I’m going to…”

Frost continued exactly as he was going, careful not to change a single thing as the gorgeous elf climaxed. Thick syrupy fluid slowly dripped from her pussy as her thighs clamped down on his head. With several long deliberate licks he gathered up all of her delicious flavor and swallowed.

“Oh goddess,” Lysandra whimpered while relaxing. He kissed each of her soft thighs before moving back to her flawless pink folds. He gave her several long gentle goodbye licks before traveling upward. “That felt amazing.”

“That makes me happy to hear,” Frost smiled as he nuzzled into her white bush. He gave her mound a quick kiss as he moved up her body. Before long the tip of his cock was pressed against her drenched pussy just waiting for her approval. “I think I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anything.”

“I’m yours,” Lysandra panted as she moved her hips up and down, as if beckoning Frost’s cock to enter. “It’s been so long.”

Frost gently pressed the tip of his thick cock against her slick opening as she accepted him. Lysandra wrapped her arms around him as he took his time going deeper. He gradually delved into her soaked pussy until he reached the back and the gorgeous elf winced.

“Are you okay?” Frost asked while letting her pussy adjust to him. Her warm walls compressed on his thick cock like she was trying to milk it.

“Yes,” Lysandra answered while running her hands down his back until she reached his waist. She gently pushed on him signaling to pull out slightly. After a few inches she pulled on him directing him deeper. “Just give me a minute to get used to it.”

“Fuck,” Frost panted out as the walls of her pussy massaged his cock. He didn’t know if he had a minute. His knees were trembling as he desperately tried to think of something other than the beautiful elf in front of him. “This feels too good.”

“I know,” Lysandra whined as she started signaling him to increase his speed. Not that he needed much signaling as his hips started to move on their own. He thrust himself deep inside and rested for a moment savoring the sensation of her walls trembling against his throbbing cock before preparing for another thrust. “Frost,” Lysandra whimpered as he reached her deepest recesses. “Oh goddess. I don’t know how much of that I can take.”

“Lysandra,” Frost leaned down and kissed the snowy-haired elf. “You’re amazing,” he said earnestly while kissing her cheek and then moving to the tip of her pointed ear. “Can I cum inside of you?”

“Yes,” Lysanda’s voice trembled as Frost gently licked the tip of her ear as he thrust his cock into her drenched pussy. She wrapped her legs tightly around his waist while lifting her hip into him and he felt the warm splatter of her juices against his pelvis as he continued to fuck the violet-eyed elf. “Please, cum inside me.”

Frost ran his tongue around the edge of her ear while stroking the other. She let out a variety of moans, whimpers, and squeals as he teased her ears while his large cock plunged deep inside of her. Her legs tightened around him and her body tensed up, even her drenched cunt tightened to the point Frost had trouble thrusting. Her hands moved to his ass and pulled him like she was trying to lock him in place.

“I’m cumming,” Lysandra squealed as she squeezed him with all of her strength. Her legs wrapped around him tighter than he thought possible as her hands gripped his bare ass. Then, out of nowhere, he felt a warm splatter against his pelvis as her quivering pussy clamped down on his cock. “Oh, my goddess!”

“Fuck,” Frost groaned as his cock spasmed inside of her soft soaked pussy. He pulled away from her ear and took her mouth again, the taste of sugar and fruit danced on his tongue as his thick cock filled the elf with his warm seed.

“Frost,” Lysandra panted while moving her arms to his back. She hugged him tightly while burying her face into his muscular chest. “I’m so happy.”

“That was amazing,” he agreed while gently kissing her neck. “You’re amazing.”

“This feels so nice,” Lysandra said while wiggling her hips against him. “Let’s just stay like this the rest of the day.”

“No arguments here,” Frost chuckled as his cock spasmed again. The way Lysandra continued to wrap her legs around him as he came felt amazing, like she wanted to collect ever bit of his…panic set in. “Lysandra, I probably should have asked this earlier but what’s the birth control situation in this world?”

“Are you asking if I’m going to get pregnant?” Lysandra smirked mischievously at him.

“Yes?” Frost started to slowly pull back only to feel her legs tighten around him. “Lysandra?”

“What?” Lysandra laughed. “You’re the one that asked if you could cum inside of me.”

“Lysandra,” Frost chuckled nervously. “I wasn’t thinking straight. I didn’t mean…”

“Shh,” Lysandra said while wiggling her hip. “It’s too late now anyway. Might as well enjoy it. We’re going to have beautiful babies.”

“Lysandra,” Frost half whined as he started to freak out.

“Frost,” Lysandra whispered while stroking his face. Her amethyst eyes were so beautiful he actually started to stop caring. “I’m just teasing you.”

“What?” Frost glared at the smiling elf. “Then why are you locking me in place with your legs?”

“Because I enjoy the sensation,” Lysandra said as she rolled her hips. “And I haven’t had sex with a man in nearly eighty years.”

“So, there’s no chance you’ll get pregnant?” Frost asked to confirm. He wondered if maybe humans weren’t compatible with elves.

“Frost,” Lysandra laughed as she finally released her legs from his waist. “Do you really believe we’d have spells that cure any ailment but not one for that? I cast the infertility spell on myself while getting ready for you. Although, if you intend to be so free with your seed, I should probably teach it to you as well.”

“Yes,” Frost nodded. “Absolutely.”

“But first,” Lysandra pulled Frost down next to her and turned away from him before scooting into the small spoon position. “Do you mind laying with me for a while?”

“Can I play with your cute ears while I do it?” Frost asked as Lysandra pulled the blanket over them. He wrapped an arm around her and kissed her neck while gradually moving up to her ear. He was still somewhat shocked that he was actually in bed with an elf.

“Mmhm,” Lysandra nodded as Frost held her tight. The two cuddled under the weight of the heavy warm blanket. “Frost, thank you.”

“Lysandra,” Frost kissed the tip of her ear. “Thank you.”

CHAPTER 5

Frost and Lysandra cuddled for quite a while before they decided to get dressed. For Frost that meant putting on the same pair of cloth pants he’d been wearing. For Lysandra that meant a beautiful white gown with violet accents instead of gold. He almost immediately wanted to rip it off of her and go another round.

They remained in her room for privacy as Lysandra continued her explanations as best she could. They discussed abilities and the importance of carefully selecting what to enhance because of the scarcity of ability points. It also turned out that while level one of an ability only cost one ability point, each subsequent level increased by one for a total of fifty-five ability points to master. He wondered how far his six hundred points could get him.

At first it seemed like six hundred would be plenty but then Lysandra explained how nearly every spell was considered a different ability. There were abilities that served for general enhancements and other abilities that were more active.

Anatomy was a good example. While mastering daggers would make him extremely effective while using a specific type of weapon, anatomy would increase his potency with all weapons as well as healing abilities and poisoning abilities.

“How do I access the specific skills,” Frost asked.

“Oh,” Lysandra nodded. “Hm, I’m not sure how to explain it without you putting points in an ability.”

“Okay,” Frost nodded. “I have some to spare. What would you recommend?”

“I feel like dodge is always good,” Lysandra said cheerfully. “Mine is level seven and I was barely able to move out of the way of your basic attack.”

“Sorry again,” Frost said recalling how he nearly impaled her. “Okay, how do I do this?”

“Most of the scan navigation is about intent,” Lysandra said. “Sometimes you’ll think about something you might want to do but you’ll notice nothing happens. That’s because it requires you to be absolutely sure it’s something you want to do. But remember, spite counts!”

“Spite counts?” Frost tilted his head. “What’s that mean?”

“It’s something you see a lot when you live with competitive young women,” Lysandra grinned. “They occasionally want to beat each other so much that they allocate points in the moment to win and regret it immediately after winning.”

“Got it,” Frost laughed while staring at himself. He accessed dodge and started allocated points, he decided that avoidance abilities were universally beneficial so he went straight to level ten. “Damn.”

“What?” Lysandra asked with a concerned expression. “Is something wrong?”

“No,” Frost shivered. “It’s just. I don’t know. Something’s different. I have this sudden confidence that I can…can you hand me that dagger?”

“Here,” Lysandra handed him the simple blade. He immediately spiked it into the ground and hopped on the handle, balancing perfectly on the handle. “This is weird. Shouldn’t this be like acrobatics or something?”

“Well,” Lysandra grabbed a different knife from a drawer and copied Frost. She was shockingly elegant as she balanced on the handle. “Balance is a key component of dodge. Without balance, you’d fall over. But Acrobatics are something completely different. If you remember we were supposed to be looking at minor abilities.”

“Right,” Frost started focusing on his newly mastered dodge and there were dozens of minor abilities related to it. Air maneuvers which enhanced his ability to dodge mid-air, tumbling reduced his fall damage, and acrobatics unlocked new maneuvers. There were several more but sifting through them while Lysandra was waiting would have been rude. “Is that all of them?”

“No,” Lysandra smiled. “Much like classes, some abilities won’t appear until you master the prerequisites. Overall, there are potentially infinite abilities to master. Also, do you see air maneuvers?”

“Yes,” Frost said staring at the ability. “Why? Is it good?”

“No,” Lysandra said. “It’s useless. Dodge already allows you to avoid projectiles and attacks mid-air. Do you really think you can balance on a knife but not twist mid-air?”

“Fair point,” Frost said as a term popped into his head. “Diminishing returns.”

“Excuse me?” Lysandra seemed intrigued by the term. “What’s that mean?”

“Well,” Frost smiled at the curious elf. “Hm. This is a tricky one. It’s the point where further mastery costs far more than the effort required to master.”

“Yes!” Lysandra said. “Diminishing returns! That’s exactly it!”

“Good to know,” Frost found himself staring at the beautiful elf again and smiled. “You are so beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Lysandra blushed. “But focus!”

Frost intuitively understood the system of abilities after all of Lysandra’s explanations. It seemed to be a combination of several systems which made sense. Like her story about the wolf rider, simply learning to ride a wolf wouldn’t make sense. There were probably different breeds of wolves and different riding styles to master. Similarly, if he learned a weapon there were millions of ways to fight with a weapon so naturally there would be an infinite number of alternative abilities.

While there were obvious abilities he should master because of their universal application like anatomy, there were plenty of wasteful abilities that served little purpose other than a point sink. He thought six hundred points would be plenty but given the near infinite number of skills, it might not be enough. He hadn’t even unlocked a class.

“Open up!” Ena yelled while pounding on the door. “We have an emergency!”

“Emergency?” Frost asked as Lysandra opened the door. Ena came barreling in with a cudgel drawn and tried to crush Frost. Thanks to his newly acquired dodge ability she hit nothing but the air. The furious blue-eyed elf unleashed a series of swift attacks but it felt no different than walking down the street. It wasn’t so much that he was actively avoiding the attacks as much as he was naturally moving around like a leaf on the wind. “Why are you attacking me?”

“I told you! He’s a spy! Or a thief! Or an assassin!” Ena yelled as she continued to swing. “Look at how he moves! He’s a soldier of the Zira Kingdom!”

“Paralyze!” Lysandra said as a static charge blasted the rampaging elf. Ena’s hate-filled eyes fixated on Frost as she stood frozen mid-swing but all he could think about was that he’d just seen real magic. “Now, Ena. I’m going to release you but if you keep attacking, I’m going paralyze you again. Understood?”

Lysandra moved in front of Ena and stared at the blonde elf as if waiting for a response.

“Cure paralysis,” Lysandra said calmly while touching Ena’s shoulder. Ena quickly backed away from Lysandra while keeping her eyes on Frost. “Now, explain yourself?”

“Ziran soldiers have entered the forest!” Ena said furiously. “They’re coming straight toward our village! The only way they’d know we’re here is if he told them!”

“I’m sorry,” Frost looked at Lysandra for guidance. “Would you mind explaining the situation to me?”

“Technically our village is on Zira’s land,” Lysandra said somberly. “If they find us, they’ll kill us.”

“Why?” Frost asked. “Because you’re elves?”

“Don’t play dumb,” Ena growled. “You know exactly why they’re here!”

“Because we’re followers of Shalia,” Lysandra sighed. “But we don’t have time for this. Ena, I assume Fayeth and Renna are gathering the villagers?”

“Of course,” Ena pointed her cudgel at Frost. “But as long as he’s with us running and hiding won’t matter. He’ll just tell them where we are.”

“Frost,” Lysandra gave him a pained look. It was obvious what she was thinking. His arrival followed by theirs was too much of a coincidence. But she desperately didn’t want to think it. “I have to…”

“How strong am I?” Frost asked Lysandra as she packed. “You asked me before if I was here to protect you. Am I even strong enough to protect you?”

“Protect us?” Lysandra glanced at Ena.

“Is that something you want?” Frost asked unsure of the politics of the world. “Will protecting you make things worse for you?”

“It’s a trick!” Ena said furiously. “He’s trying to convince us to stay so they can kill us!”

“Lysandra?” Frost looked at Lysandra and her eyes confirmed that’d be the case. “Am I strong enough to fight them?”

“Yes,” Lysandra answered. “Unless they sent a group of heroes, you’re strong enough.”

“Do you want me to protect this village?” Frost asked.

“No,” Lysandra said while looking away. “There’s no reason for you to become an enemy of Zira. It’s better to run away. We’ll make a new home. We should gather our…where are you going?”

“To protect you,” Frost said while looking through his abilities. He quickly mastered anatomy, unarmed, and block. He figured that those abilities would be the most useful regardless of what he decided to be.

“I said not to protect us!” Lysandra panicked. “We’re going to run!”

“Yeah,” Frost nodded. “That’s what really put the last nail in the coffin. Had you asked for me to protect you, I might have let you run. But the fact you thought of my safety first, it’d leave a bad taste in my mouth if I didn’t help you.”

“Frost!” Lysandra yelled as he walked down the stairs. Unarmed was a good decision given his lack of equipment. Lysandra chased after him. “You don’t have to do this! This isn’t your fight! We’ll be fine! We run! We hide! It’s what we do!”

“Do you plan on leaving me behind if you run?” Frost stared into her violet eyes.

“Yes,” Lysandra answered quietly. “Even if I trust you, the others won’t. The timing is too much of a coincidence. If we’re running, I need them to feel safe and trust me.”

“If I protect you, will you stay?” Frost asked.

“Yes,” Lysandra replied while looking away. “But it’s wrong to ask…”

“Why?” Frost looked at the anxious elf. “Because I’m a human?”

“Because you’re ignorant of this world,” Lysandra snapped. “You don’t realize what you’re doing! You’re a human siding with followers of Shalia! You’re offering to fight your own kind for us!”

“My own kind?” Frost laughed. “Lysandra, I’m human. One of the defining features of humanity is we hate our own kind.”

“What?” Lysandra said as he stepped out of the temple. The elves were packing sacks as others pulled wagons and strange looking animals from the large stone building. They were operating with insane efficiency and he realized that the elves were probably always prepared to run.

“Frost!” Fayeth trained her bow on him as Renna pulled out a pair of daggers. “What did you do with Lysandra and Ena?”

“I don’t have time for this,” Frost said. “What direction are the soldiers coming from?”

“The east,” Fayeth blurted out while jerking her head in the direction. “But you already know that!”

“Where do you think you’re going?” Ena yelled while attempting to catch him off guard by jumping from a second story window. He reflexively side stepped her and grabbed her weapon. Suddenly the disarm ability became available under unarmed combat and Frost put a point in it. He easily pulled the cudgel from the elf’s hand and tossed it aside. “You bastard!”

“Ena!” Lysandra yelled as she exited the temple. “I warned you once already!”

“High Priestess,” Renna glared at Frost. “Are you being held hostage?”

“Just say the word and he’s dead,” Fayeth said casually while training her bow on him.

“He says he’s going to protect us,” Lysandra said. “And I believe him!”

Ena, Renna, Fayeth as well as several other elves stopped what they were doing to stare at him. Frost found himself suddenly feeling more naked than he felt before he’d acquired pants. The elves didn’t have a consistent look among them. The looks ranged from suspicion, anger, confusion, disbelief, and hope.

“Really?” a small elf started to say as her mother quickly covered her mouth.

“You said they were to the east,” Frost said while looking at the forest bordering the clearing. “I’m going.”

“Frost,” Lysandra started to object but stopped herself as she realized there wasn’t a point. Frost was going to go no matter what she said.

Frost couldn’t help but roll his eyes at himself as he walked toward the forest. He wasn’t a good person and had no desire to be one but he couldn’t just abandon them. More specifically he couldn’t abandon Lysandra. He wanted to lay in bed with her again.

“I’m pathetic,” Frost laughed at himself as he wandered through the woods. “You barely know her and you’re already wrapped around her finger. You fucking idiot.”

“What’s that mean?” Renna asked popping out of the woods next to him with Stealth Lvl. 3 over her head. “Who’s finger?”

“None of your business,” Frost said irritably. He didn’t like being snuck up on and definitely didn’t like the emerald-eyed elf listening in on his embarrassing conversation with himself. “Go back to the village.”

“That old hag trusts you,” Renna said cheerfully. “That makes you interesting to me. Also, somebody needs to keep an eye on you just in case you decide to betray us. So, whose finger are you wrapped around? Shalia’s?”

“No,” Frost grumbled while stomping ahead of the green-haired elf. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Refusing to answer,” Renna said mockingly while vanishing into shadows and reappearing from other ones. “Maybe Ena’s right and you can’t stand being around elves.”

“Yeah,” Frost rolled his eyes. “You got me. I hate elves so much. That’s why I fucked one.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? What elf have you…” Renna gasped. “The high priestess! You fucked her! That’s why that hag trusts you!”

“And it’s her finger I seem to have wrapped myself around,” Frost sighed. “Satisfied?”

“No!” Renna said furiously. “That’s not satisfying at all! You shared a bed with Lysandra! That’s disgusting! What’s wrong with you! She’s nearly a hundred years old!”

“She doesn’t look a day over twenty-five,” Frost smirked.

“I can’t believe it,” Renna grumbled. “The village is filled with women who’ve never had a man and you go for the one who’s older than the forest itself.”

“You sound jealous,” Frost teased.

“Obviously,” Renna said catching Frost completely off guard while fading into another shadow. “Most of us have never had the opportunity to lay with a man and that old hag took you for herself.”

“Never…” Frost stopped and suddenly realized he didn’t see a single male in the village. “There are no men in your village?”

“Elf males scorn followers of Shalia,” Renna grumbled. “All of us in the village were either abandoned or orphaned.”

“I’m going to need to learn more about the history of this world,” Frost said as he heard the clank of iron approaching. He pushed Renna behind a tree. “Hide.”

“Don’t tell me…” Renna stopped herself as Frost gave her a stern look. “Fine.”

The elf activated Stealth and didn’t so much vanish as find perfect locations to move between. Frost was extremely interested in that ability and would need to ask about it later. But, for the moment, he needed to turn his attention on the approaching footsteps.

“We’re getting close to the location so be on your toes,” an older voice yelled. “The orders are to capture if possible.”

“Let’s hope they put up a struggle then,” another voice bellowed as several soldiers laughed.

Frost moved closer to the oncoming troops and started scanning them as they came into view. The only one over level thirty was their commander who was thirty-one knight. The rest of them ranged between level ten and twenty-two with most of them on the lower end of that range. Frost counted about forty in the troop.

He was massively outnumbered but as he scanned the individual soldiers in the troop he realized how weak they were. They were almost all showing up as grey in terms of power. A vast majority of them were squires while the higher-level ones were listed as knights. He was positive he could take them.

“Hey,” Frost yelled as the soldiers simultaneously pulled out their weapons. He didn’t really have an idea on what to say but ideally he wanted to diffuse everything without making enemies. If he killed soldiers, they’d send more. He needed to find a way to convince them to leave peacefully. Although based on their previous excitement about hoping the elves would struggle he wasn’t sure if that was possible.

“Halt,” the commanding officer held his hand up to the troops. “He’s human. Lucky we found you out here son. There are elves in these woods.”

“This is going to be awkward,” Frost chuckled. “I have a proposal for you if you don’t mind listening to it.”

“A proposal,” the commander attempted to scan him but based on his irritated expression, he failed. “I’m a little bit confused son. But I’ll hear you out.”

“I want you to leave the elves in this forest alone for today,” Frost said politely. “I would also like you to send a diplomatic delegation to the village so we can discuss things further.”

“I recognize and respect that you exceed my strength,” the commander said while attempting to scan him again. His troops momentarily murmured but the commander silenced them with a gesture. “I also see that you are completely unarmed and alone. I feel you may be overestimating yourself here son. Do you intend to throw your life away for some demis?”

“I’d pose a similar question to you,” Frost said confidently. “How many lives are you willing to throw away because you hate elves?

“Son,” the commander shook his head. “First off, I don’t hate elves. I hate my brother-in-law. I hate my neighbor. Hell, I hate a lot of people. But I don’t hate demis anymore than I hate a wild dog. But I’ve been ordered to clear them out.”

“You said first off,” Frost said. “What’s the second reason?”

“These aren’t just elves,” the commander said. “They’re rumored to be followers of Shalia. So, we’ve been orders to bring them in. And orders are orders.”

“Orders are orders,” Frost nodded while wondering why being a follower of Shalia was pertinent. He was going to have to remember to ask Lysandra about it later. “Whoever gave you the order probably didn’t realize they were sending you to your death.”

“Excuse me?” the commander glared at Frost. “Are you saying you intend to kill us all?”

“I’d rather not,” Frost answered while holding out his hands. “Commander, I’m standing here unarmed and look at my hands. Still as stone. Now, you can roll the dice or you can walk away from the table. The choice is yours.”

“Hm,” the commander glanced back at his troops. “Men, we’re falling back.”

“You can’t be serious,” a soldier said angrily as several others voiced their displeasure at the decision.

“I have a bad feeling about this guy,” the commander said. “I’m not willing to risk the lives of my men to kill some demis. We’re heading home.”

“Sir,” an officer stepped forward. He was a level twenty-eight knight and appeared to be the second highest level in the group. The disdain behind the man’s voice made Frost uncomfortable. “I object to this course of action. I must insist…”

“I’m the commander here,” the commander growled at the officer. “As long as I’m the commander, you will obey my orders. Understood?”

“Sir,” the officer said with contempt. “You will either follow orders or I’ll be forced to relieve you of command for dereliction of duty. It has recently been suspected that your daughter’s involvement in the pro-demi movement has influenced your judgment in…”

“Listen here son,” the commander growled. “My judgment is sound as a songbird. That man over there, I don’t need scan to realize he’s a monster. If your stupid ass wants to face him, go right ahead. But you’re fucked in the head if you think I’m letting you take the rest of my soldiers with you.”

“Listen to your commander,” Frost said irritably. He was so damn close to a peaceful resolution too. “He’s trying to save your lives.”

“Like hell,” the officer sucker punched the captain and followed up with a baton to the side of the head knocking him unconscious. The other soldiers looked on uncomfortably as even they realized how cowardly the officer’s actions were. “I’m taking command. Now, somebody take the commander into custody. If any of you have problems with my conduct, you can feel free to file a report.”

“Yes sir,” several soldiers responded as others grumbled uncomfortably.

“As for you,” the officer smirked. “If you love demis so much, you can share their fate. Kill him.”

“You should have taken me up on my offer,” Frost sighed as they rushed toward him. Several arrows flew by his head but completely missed their marks. Frost wasn’t entirely sure if it was dodge that caused it or poor aim, but it didn’t matter. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

The first squad of soldiers to reach him was fortunately led by a knight. He was a little bit relieved because he wasn’t sure how much force to exert and the plate-clad knight would serve as a good test subject.

Frost dodged a sword strike from the knight and noticed a new ability become available, counter. He recognized it as an extremely valuable skill so naturally he maxed it out. The requirements to activate were a successful dodge and the enemy being open to attack, both of which were met when the knight missed his wild swing. Frost’s fist smashed into the soldier’s steel cuirass and crushed it, smashing the body within it.

“Shit,” Frost said as he tried to pull his punch at the last second. He saw he was still alive but coughing up blood. He was thankful his first opponent was heavily armored as several of the soldiers backed away at the sight of the convulsing knight. Frost gestured at the knight. “Take him before he dies.”

Two soldiers quickly grabbed the knight and dragged him off toward a cleric in the rear as the others nervously surrounded Frost. They were hesitating. They likely realized that while the knight was wearing plate armor, they were in chain and it wasn’t looking good for whoever attacked him first.

“Fire,” the officer shouted as the archers loosed a volley of arrows at him.

He realized it was his dodge ability allowing him to evade the arrows as he quickly moved three steps evading the entire volley. The enemy soldiers weren’t so lucky as one of them took an arrow to a shoulder and several others barely managed to avoid them.

“What are you doing!” a soldier yelled at the archers. “Are you trying to kill us!”

“Shut up and attack!” the officer screamed at the soldiers. Frost underestimated the psychological effect that crushing a knight with his bare hands would have on the group. They were terrified and panicking. The archers weren’t thinking and the melee units were practically tripping over each other. “I’ll have you thrown in prison!”

“Prison is probably better than losing your lives,” Frost said while glaring at the low-level squires desperately trying to avoid jumping into the fray. He could probably kill most of the group but if he did then peace was off the table. “You need to decide which officer you’re going to listen to. The commander who ordered you to fall back, or the guy who violated those orders and attacked the commander.”

“Don’t listen to him,” the officer screamed while gesturing for the ranged units to prepare another volley. “He’s the enemy! Kill him! That’s an order!”

“Listen guys,” Frost said calmly as the soldiers trembled. “My original offer is on the table. Turn around, send a diplomatic delegation. You know, if you’re smart, you could also probably pin everything on that officer over there.”

Several of the soldiers immediately understood what he was suggesting and backed away slowly while nodding at each other. If they played everything right, they could all probably walk away unscathed.

“The way I see it,” Frost stared at the ones still trying to decide. “If it were me, and I witnessed an officer sucker punch my commander before blindsiding him with a baton like a coward, my priority would be capturing that traitor and getting my commander medical attention.”

The remaining soldiers all nodded and even the archers lowered their bows. They turned toward the officer and simultaneously decided the best course of action. The archers quickly kicked the officer’s legs out from under him and bound him with ropes as the others continued to put distance between themselves and Frost.

“Hey,” Frost pointed at one of the squires. The young man looked like he was about to piss himself. “I expect advance notice before a delegation is sent. That means a messenger first to announce the delegation. Understood?”

“Yes,” the squire stuttered out. “Advance notice before a delegation is sent.”

“Delegation,” the officer laughed. “Do you think we have ambassadors that talk to demis! Sure, once the ambassador to the maggots is back from his trip, we’ll just send him right over! Delegation? We’re going to send heroes to slaughter you!”

“Send them,” Frost’s fixed his eyes on the officer. “See how they match up against the Herald of Shalia.”

“Herald of Shalia?” the officer muttered out. “That’s impossible…you’re not even an elf!”

“If the elves don’t mind, then neither do I,” Frost said as he turned back toward the village. “Also, if you do send heroes, be sure to send enough to kill me or you’ll regret it.”

Frost immediately regretted adding that last part as turned to walk away. The highest level was the captain and he was lower level than Lysandra. If they sent a group of heroes in their fifties he was probably in trouble. Additionally, he’d already burnt through over half of his ability points and had no idea of how hard they were to earn.

“Let’s go,” the next highest level said as they retreated. “Double time before he changes his mind.”

Frost took his time enjoying the walk back to the village and about halfway back Renna appeared next to him. The green-haired elf’s face contorted like she was struggling with a series of difficult math problems. She glanced up at him momentarily before turning her gaze back toward the path.

“Huh?” Frost glanced down as the elf wrapped her fingers in his. “What’s that about.”

“What? It’s okay for that old hag to touch you but I can’t?” Renna asked with a playful grin. “Are you really our Herald?”

“No idea,” Frost answered.

“Then why did you say it?” Renna asked.

“It seemed like a good decision at the time,” Frost laughed. “Let’s just get back to the village.”

CHAPTER 6

When Frost and Renna arrived back in the village the wagons were packed and the elves were all loaded up. The only person who wasn’t packed was Lysandra who sitting at a table in front of her temple having a drink and reading as if everything was fine. Ena and Fayeth were so engrossed in trying to force Lysandra to hop on a wagon they didn’t even notice Frost and Renna enter the village.

“What are you fighting about now?” Frost asked as he approached. Ena and Fayeth reflexively reached for their weapons before realizing there was no reason to. Both of them fixed their eyes on Renna’s hand in his.

Frost tried to pull his hand from Renna’s but the petite elf had a surprisingly firm grim. Any attempt to tug or twist his hand away resulted in her going with the flow to avoid losing the connection. Her ability to read his movements would be impressive if it weren’t so annoying.

“They were insisting we leave while we have the chance,” Lysandra stood up and smiled politely while glancing at Frost’s hand. “So, things went well then?”

“The Zirans withdrew,” Renna answered while making a show of pulling on Frost’s hand as if she were declaring war with Lysandra. “Would you like a full report?”

“Yes,” Lysandra gestured at the elves listening in on the conversation while ignoring Renna’s attempt at baiting her. “I would like the others to know exactly what happened.”

Renna explained in nearly perfect detail what had occurred down to exact quotes. Although she was strangely detailed when describing his appearance and movements during the conflict. Maybe it was nothing but he felt her choices of descriptors were rather flattering and he couldn’t help but smile.

“Really?” Frost grinned. “You think my smile is roguish?”

“Mmhm,” Renna nodded.

“He called himself our herald?” a red-haired elf looked at Lysandra for guidance.

“Are you really a herald?” a hopeful elf woman asked. Frost found himself a little tongue tied as the bright-eyed elves eagerly waited for a response to the question. As he looked around, the entire village appeared to be waiting for a response and it was rather unnerving.

“About that,” Frost smiled nervously. “I don’t really...”

“But you said that you were,” one of the elves chimed in. “Right?”

“In the heat of the moment,” Frost said defensively.

“Have you really met Shalia?” another elf said excitedly before turning to Lysandra who appeared completely calm. “If he met Shalia then he must be a herald, right Lysandra?”

“Maybe it’s a trick?” another volunteered.

“If it’s a trick we should run,” an azure-haired elf insisted. “When the Zirans come back, they’re going to be furious about being deceived.”

“Frost?” Lysandra stepped toward him and took his free hand in hers. Renna uttered several profanities under her breath while possessively tugging on the hand she was holding. Lysandra rolled her eyes at the petite elf before turning her attention back to Frost. “What do you think? It’s up to you after all.”

“Up to me?” Frost shook his head. “I already told you that I’m not really…”

“Frost,” Lysandra interrupted before he could respond. “We’re not asking you to be anything other than yourself.”

“He already said he’s not,” Ena objected. She turned her cerulean eyes on Frost and pointed her cudgel at him. “And he’s a human. It’s obvious he’s some imposter.”

“Ena’s right,” another elf said. “He’s a human. We should hurry and leave.”

“Whatever you decide,” Lysandra smiled lovingly. “But, if you choose to be our herald, I’ll stay with you.”

“I’ll stay with you too!” Renna agreed loudly in an obvious attempt to one up Lysandra.

“This is ridiculous,” Ena grumbled.

“She’s right you know,” Frost gestured at Ena as he looked around. The way the bright-eyed elves hopefully stared filled him with guilt. He didn’t really understand what it meant to be a herald and he certainly didn’t want the responsibility but it was obvious they were desperate for one. Hell, they had to be if they wanted him. “I’d make an awful herald. I don’t want to be responsible for anybody but myself. I’m a human and the defining factor of humans is we’re selfish, greedy, narcissistic bastards who’d drag ourselves to the bottom of the ocean if it meant hurting somebody we hated. I’m no different.”

“There’s something we agree on,” Ena smirked.

“Then whey did you protect us?” Fayeth asked smugly.

“Because I’m a greedy, selfish, narcissist,” Frost retorted. For the most part it was true. He knew damn well if he’d fallen into a village of hairy dwarves they would have been on their own. “I don’t expect you to understand but I assure you, I’m the last person you want to follow.”

“Frost,” Lysandra laughed while lovingly stroking his arm. “It’s fine if you want to be selfish. It’s selfish of us to ask this of you. But you’re worried about things that don’t matter. The only prerequisite to being a herald is to love your followers. Can you do that? Or do you find us unlovable?”

“Oh, that’s some manipulative shit and you know it Lysandra,” Frost laughed while trying to pull his hand away. She quickly latched on to him while burying her face in his arm and he leaned to make eye contact with the violet-eyed priestess smiling mischievously at him. “Do you really want this?”

“Please,” she whispered. “Love us.”

“Dammit,” Frost groaned as he looked around the village. “Fine! I’ll be your herald! But I warned yo…”

Frost was interrupted by the excited cheers of the elves as several ran to the carts to unload their satchels. He’d never seen so many joyful smiles and he noticed a few of them were crying. It would have been exciting for him if it weren’t so damn off-putting.

“I don’t get it,” Frost shook his head. “I really don’t get it.”

“Shalia is an elven goddess of love,” Renna said cheerfully. “And you’re her herald. It’s only natural that people are happy.”

“Don’t think this means I’ll trust you,” Ena said irritably. “You’re still a human and humans are all the same. Being the herald doesn’t change that.”

“But,” Fayeth walked past Ena and nodded politely at Frost. Her emerald eyes appeared to be filled with a healthy skepticism as she measured him up. “As far as heralds go, you’re doing a good job.”

“I really don’t get any of this,” Frost sighed as the elves continued to celebrate around him. “I can just say I’m the herald and you all believe me? Do you know how insane that is? Shouldn’t Shalia have given me some type of brand or holy mark or something? Why are you so happy?”

“We’re happy that you chose us,” Lysandra said as if it answered his questions. Lysandra turned him toward the elves celebrating. “You willingly chose us. Not because Shalia commanded it, not because of some mark, and not because of some sense of obligation. But because you love us.”

“Love’s a strong word,” Frost mumbled.

“Herald Frost,” Lysandra lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it gently. “Us followers of Shalia are hated even by our own race. The fact you don’t seem to hate us is more than enough.”

“Hated? Who could ever hate you?” Frost asked while remembering that the commander also pointed out that they were followers of Shalia. They seemed peaceful enough but he was starting to wonder if he’d walked into something.

“Followers of Shalia are believed to be cursed,” Lysandra said. “Some of us were left for dead, some of us were orphans of war, some of us lost everybody to plague or famine. It’s believed that wherever we go, suffering follows. We are normally either chased off or killed, not only by humans. Even other elves hate us and no males will have us out of fear of poisoning their bloodline.”

“Not even cursed males?” Frost asked while looking around the village and noticing the village was mysteriously lacking.

“Elf females outnumber elf males four to one,” Lysandra answered. “While it’s rare, a cursed male is still normally able to find a family willing to accept them. A cursed bloodline is better than no bloodline.”

“Economics,” Frost scoffed. “Good to know those rules apply in this world.”

“Hey,” a tiny voice said from below him. Frost looked down to see a small elf girl tugging on his pants. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Frost said awkwardly. He’d never really liked being around kids, they always seemed to want something and he never quite knew how to respond. Half the time he’d end up looking around for an adult as if he were a child himself. It was just awkward.

“I’m Emmy,” the girl said while holding up a worn-out doll. “This is Lucinda.”

“Hi Emmy,” Frost nodded at the happy girl and there it was, the strange sense that she wanted something. And sure enough, he ended up looking at Lysandra as if he were a child himself. Lysandra gestured at the doll and Frost realized what she wanted. “Nice to meet you Lucinda.”

“Lucinda says nice to meet you too,” Emmy replied as her blushing mother, or sister, or guardian tugged her arm. Regardless, she was a stunning elf with bright blue hair and matching eyes.

“I’m so sorry Herald Frost,” the blushing elf bowed politely. “It won’t happen again.”

“It’s not a problem,” Frost said as the woman walked Emmy to a pink haired elf. She immediately started chiding the other elf woman for celebrating instead of watching the child.

“Families that are willing to adopt orphans do so,” Lysandra said after noticing Frost’s interest. “Also, before you run around sowing your seed, some of the women here are married and take their vows very seriously.”

“Lith and Aila are a particular couple you should avoid,” Renna said. “Ena once flirted with Aila and found a dead rabbit in her bed. I once flirted with Lith and woke up covered in animal urine. They’re a very jealous couple and both skilled thieves.”

“Although we’re not all jealous,” Lysandra smiled at Frost. “Some of us are more open to sharing than others.”

“Frost,” Renna tugged on his arm while glaring at Lysandra. “It’s about time somebody told you the truth about that evil woman. Lysandra is old, tired, on her last leg. The decrepit old whore only has a few more years in her. Seriously, she has maybe fifty to a hundred good years left. If you stare at her long enough, you can actually see the life fading away. She’s very old. She’ll dry within the next decade. There are deserts younger and wetter than the old hag. That’s why you should choose somebody young. But not too young. Preferably somebody between the age of twenty-five and twenty-seven would be ideal. Those are also ideal child bearing years for elves.”

“There are deserts younger?” Lysandra growled. “That’s a new one.”

“Ideal child bearing years?” Fayeth stared at Renna’s small chest. “Are you sure you want to use fertility as a measurement with proportions like yours?”

“I can’t believe you all,” Ena sneered. “I don’t want a human anywhere near me! I’m saving myself for a noble elf who realizes how amazing I am!”

“You’ll be saving yourself forever,” Renna said sarcastically. “Before you know it, you’re going to be alone and all dried up like Lysandra.”

“Dried up?” Lysandra smiled while staring malevolently at Renna.

“Shut up!” Ena snapped. “I have plenty of time to avoid ending up like the high priestess!”

“Rania, Sumina,” Lysandra gestured at two rustically dressed elves to come over. “Renna has volunteered to not only help you put away all of the wagons and animals but to help clean the stables as well! Isn’t that kind of her?”

“Monster,” Renna said while turning to Frost for salvation. “You’re the herald. Protect me.”

“Don’t look at me,” Frost shook his head at the pleading elf. “You’re the one that called Lysandra a bunch of names. Personally, I love her. She’s been amazing.”

“Love?” Lysandra’s face turned bright red as she excitedly pulled on his arm.

“Shit,” Frost stopped himself. It wasn’t the first time he’d awkwardly blurted it out but normally it was during sex. “Not that kind of love! I love being with you! I loved sleeping with you! But I don’t love you! It’s not love-love. You get it? I like you but I don’t love you! I just met you! I don’t even know you…”

Frost stopped himself as he realized over half the elves in the vicinity were staring at him. Most of them were red-faced and several covered their mouths to hide their embarrassment. He wasn’t entirely sure what part of his insane string of nonsense caused the reaction since it could have been any of it.

“You slept with the high priestess?” an elf whispered. “But she’s so old.”

“Really?” Frost looked back at Lysandra as if to confirm he wasn’t going crazy. Sure enough, she was probably the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, pointy ears and all. As gorgeous as she was, she could have been a thousand years old for all he cared, he’d have to be blind not to want her. “I don’t get it. She’s gorgeous.”

“But her hair lost its color,” a violet-haired elf said.

“And she’s not very shiny,” another volunteered.

“Don’t forget about the wrinkles,” an energetic blue-haired elf said.

“Wrinkles?” Frost stared at Lysandra as the gorgeous elf looked down bashfully. “She doesn’t have a single wrinkle! And her white hair is beautiful! And her skin is blindingly shiny! I don’t get it!”

“Really?” Lysandra clasped her hands together. “Do you really think so?”

“Oh!” Renna snapped her fingers. “I know! The herald has poor vision!”

“That’s right,” Fayeth nodded in agreement. “Human vision isn’t nearly as good as ours.”

“Herald Frost,” a tall slender elf approached him. She smiled anxiously while pushing her long red hair behind her ears to give him a better look at her face. “How do you think I compare to Renna?”

“Don’t use me as a comparison Mira,” Renna said through clenched teeth.

“You look the same age to me,” Frost said as he glanced at them both. Sure, the redhead was a lot taller but her face was just as youthful. The redhead laughed and clapped her hands excitedly. “So, I guess I was right that elves don’t really age past twenty-five.”

“That’s wrong,” Fayeth said politely. “We age but humans won’t necessarily notice outside of our first twenty years when the changes are most prominent.”

“I guess I understand,” Frost sighed as he looked out at the sea of youthful faces. Even if they could see more wrinkles or a variance in color, he still didn’t quite understand how they could believe Lysandra looked anything but amazing. “But I still don’t really get it

“Oh,” Lysandra smiled while squeezing his bicep. “You’ll be getting it Herald Frost. Plenty of it.”

“Frost,” Renna’s voice turned surprisingly sweet. “I’m feeling a little tired. It’s been such a long and stressful day. Do you think you can help me up to my room?”

“I can’t believe you!” Lysandra chuckled at the petite elf. “Already?”

“So…tired…Frost,” Renna legs buckled forcing Frost to slip his arm from Lysandra’s grasp to catch Renna before she hit the ground. “See…so tired. Help me to bed?”

“You sneaky little whore,” Lysandra grumbled.

“Damn,” Frost laughed while helping Renna to her feet. “Cute, but it’s not going to work.”

“What if I just ask you?” Renna quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his naked chest. She pressed her soft skin against his and immediately his mind went elsewhere. Several elves watched in awe as Renna rubbed up against him. “I’ve never cuddled with a man before, this is nice. It’s almost nighttime anyway. Join me for the evening? Please?”

“Seriously?” Frost grimaced as he tried to resist the urge to carry the beautiful elf to her room.

“Herald Frost,” a blue-haired elf he didn’t know grabbed his arm and pressed her chest against it. “I’m Lyra. If nobody’s offered yet, would you like to join me for dinner? It’d mean a lot.”

“Frost,” Renna glared at the rival. “Lyra is a notorious whore and can’t be trusted. She’s slept with nearly every woman in the village.”

“Including you?” Frost joked.

“Yes,” Renna answered as she glared at Lyra. “Several times. She’s a filthy untrustworthy whore who cheats on all of her partners.”

“I’ve never cheated,” Lyra said defensively. “I always break up cleanly before I move on.” Lyra looked up at Frost and licked his arm. “Herald Frost, they always take me back. Even Renna would take me back. Think of how talented I must be for them to always take me back.”

“Well it’s not like there are a lot of options in the village!” Renna snapped.

“God,” Ena grumbled. “Will you all just shut up! The way you’re fawning over him is ridiculous!”

“Ena is right. Herald Frost is probably tired and this isn’t helping,” Fayeth smiled politely while pushing Lyra out of the way. “Come up to my room and rest. I have a bed we can share.”

“Lysandra,” Frost stared hopelessly at the laughing priestess. He kind of thought she’d be mad but the beautiful snowy-haired elf seemed to be enjoying the scene. “What is happening?”

“Sorry,” Lysandra stifled her laughter. “It’s just nice to see everybody so cheerful. They want to get to know you, some more than others. And right now, they’re all being a little competitive. It’s natural given how you’re behaving.”

“How I’m behaving?” Frost looked around at the beaming elves. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re being too kind,” Lysandra said while wiping away a happy tear. “In case you’ve forgotten Herald Frost, there are no men in this village and we’re hated. Humans view us as cattle and even elves view us as cursed. Now, a handsome powerful herald arrives and expresses interest, what did you think was going to happen?”

Frost looked up as the sky darkened. It was a pretty long first day in a new world and realistically he should eat dinner, get to bed, and prepare for whatever the Ziran’s send their way. And he still had so much to learn. He’d already used half of his ability points and had no idea how to earn more.

“Okay,” Frost said while staring at the elves. “There aren’t that many of you so I’m going to try to spend some time with you. That does not mean I’m going to be sleeping with all of you. It’s not that I don’t want to…”

“You’re doing it again,” Lysandra chided. “You just indicated you wanted to sleep with all of them.”

“I don’t even know how to respond to that,” Frost sighed. It was obvious that he wanted to sleep with all of them but he also didn’t want to risk getting killed in his sleep. “Anyway, for now I’m going to be staying with Lysandra. I need to learn more about this world, the politics, the geography, and all of that. I need to prioritize that before…”

“You don’t like us?” Lyra pouted. “You can just say it.”

“It’s not that,” Frost chuckled as he looked at the sea of bright hair and pointy ears. “I mean, you’re all so beautiful…”

“You’re doing it again,” Lysandra interrupted while tugging his arm.

“Dammit!” Frost said as the elves giggled. “I can’t help it! You don’t get how hard this is!”

“Everybody!” Lysandra held her hand up to the crowd. “Herald Frost wishes to get to know this world better before he makes any decisions. As of right now he sees you all as viable candidates for mates but will not be deciding today. Understood?”

“All viable?” Frost tilted his head.

“Aren’t they?” Lysandra glanced at the group of women. “Are there some that aren’t viable?”

“I guess I should probably clarify what mates means,” Frost chuckled nervously. “Are we talking marriage or…”

“Marriage?” several of the elves repeated excitedly.

“Frost,” Lysandra laughed and shook her head. “We were just talking about sharing beds, why’d you have to bring up marriage.”

“I mean, I didn’t know!” Frost glanced at the group of women. “I mean, is it just me or does this feel really wrong? I feel like I’m taking advantage of the situation. You all could have any man you wanted…”

“Does that mean we can have you?” an elf asked enthusiastically.

“You really need to stop saying things like that,” Lysandra continued to laugh as the women’s faces all lit up. The white-haired elf was laughing so hard she was crying. “You’re just making them want you more.”

“And you,” Frost stared at Lysandra. “Where do you fit into all of this.”

“I’m the high priestess,” Lysandra said. “Obviously I’ll be attending to any and all of your needs.”

Some mild grumbling and huffing occurred in the audience as all of the elves scowled at Lysandra. Frost wasn’t entirely sure what he was going to do but he knew that Lysandra was a safe bet until he learned more about the world.

“Ladies,” Lysandra glared at the crowd. “The herald already said he wanted to learn more about the world before choosing a mate. I imagine that women who don’t respect that won’t be selected.”

Frost had never seen a crowd disperse so quickly in his life.

“That was awfully manipulative of you,” Frost grinned.

“They would have hung around all night,” Lysandra smiled. “Now, let’s eat and go to bed. It’s been a long day and I imagine tomorrow will be longer.”

“Sounds good,” Frost nodded as the elves went back to unpacking their wagons while others celebrated. He kind of wanted to watch them a little longer. The nervous air from when he entered the village had vanished and everything felt like so much fun.

CHAPTER 7

Frost woke up to Lysandra on top of him insisting that she needed to care for his needs so he could remain focused throughout the day. He certainly wasn’t going to argue with her offer and she probably had a point given the way the elves acted around him. But there was no denying by the look in her eyes as she rode him that it was just as much for her benefit as it was for his.

He knew that if he wasn’t careful, he was going to really fall head over heels for her and every other woman in the village.

It wasn’t as if he’d never had women interested in him but the elves were on an entirely different level. Not only where they all unreasonably attractive but they were literally throwing themselves at him. The only thing holding him back was a little voice in the back of his head telling him he was taking advantage of them.

“If you have difficulty focusing anytime today don’t be afraid to say so,” Lysandra said while sliding a pair of white lacy panties over her gorgeous ass. “I’ll be more than happy to help.”

“Same goes to you,” Frost laughed while wrapping his arms around Lysandra’s waist from behind. He leaned down and kissed her neck before moving up to the tip of her ear. “As many breaks as you want.”

“I wish I could take you up on that,” Lysandra moaned while playfully pushing him away. “But there’s too much to do today. Besides, Mira stayed up all night sewing you that outfit so you could be walk around town. How would she feel if you spent the entire day naked instead?”

“Right,” Frost sighed while grabbing the clothes laid out for him. He’d need to thank Mira at some point. Apparently, the tall slender redhead was the village’s seamstress. “So, how many villagers are there exactly?”

“Fifty-seven if you include the children,” Lysandra answered while slipping into her robe. “Don’t worry. Ena will introduce you to everybody.”

“Ena?” Frost asked while getting dressed. The outfit itself looked surprisingly nice for something they’d crafted in a day. There were black cloth pants that tucked into black leather boots and a white tunic style shirt with short sleeves. While it wasn’t fancy, the fit and craftsmanship were amazing. “You aren’t going to show me around?”

“I can’t,” Lysandra sighed. “I’m behind on my responsibilities.”

“I see,” Frost nodded. Spending the entire day with him must have been the reason she was behind on her work. “But Ena? Renna would probably…”

“Renna can’t,” Lysandra interrupted. “She’s going to be busy for a while.”

“Is it because she compared you to a desert?” Frost laughed as Lysandra scowled at him. He smirked playfully. “You know I don’t see it.”

“I know,” Lysandra said huffily as she glanced at herself in the mirror. “Are you sure my age doesn’t bother you?”

“Absolutely not,” Frost answered. “Does mine bother you?”

“Of course not,” Lysandra turned and gave him a peck on the cheek. “But back on topic, Ena will be your escort today since she’s my apprentice. She’s also the least likely to try to sleep with you and most likely to keep you on task.”

“Really?” Frost grinned mischievously. “I guess it’s probably for the best. I’ll see you tonight?”

“I hope so,” Lysandra smirked while offering a playful curtsy. “Herald Frost.”

“High Priestess,” Frost grabbed her ass and pulled her toward him as he leaned down to kiss her. He loved that her lips always tasted like fresh fruit. “Tonight.”

“Tonight,” Lysandra giggled as he left the room.

Frost sighed disappointedly as he went looking for Ena. While he was eager to meet all of the elves of the village, he wished he had a different guide. Although that was really the least of his concerns.

He couldn’t help but wonder what to do about the Zirans. In most situations it’d make sense to attempt diplomacy, but this was just as much a religious dispute as it was political. The commander had said that the villagers being elves was secondary to them being followers of Shalia. If the Ziran’s hated followers of Shalia enough, they might just burn down the forest with them in it.

He tried not to worry too much about it. He did everything he could to avoid escalating the conflict when they engaged him in the forest in hopes of establishing some trust between them. Although, he was also concerned that identifying himself as a herald was a mistake.

Frost knew he needed to learn more combat abilities and select a class. He’d already mastered some of the necessary requirements for the combat classes and taken them to level ten. Since it seemed he could transition to specialized classes later he’d start by picking one that was versatile like soldier or fighter.

“Herald Frost!” Mira said excitedly as Frost arrived on the ground floor of the temple. About half of the elves in the village were in the temple waiting for Frost to come downstairs. “Do you like the outfit?”

“Yeah,” Frost said as the elves stared at him. He’d hoped that their excitement would die down after a good night’s sleep but apparently it was wishful thinking. “I was planning on stopping by to thank you but it seems you beat me to it.”

“To thank me?” Mira blushed. “Really? Should I go back home and wait for you? What would you like me to wear?”

“Not like that,” Frost chuckled as the other elves stared daggers at the tall slender redhead. “Like Lysandra said the other night, I’m going to try really hard to control myself.”

“I notice you used the word try,” a blue-haired elf teased as several other elves laughed.

“That’s because he’s a lowlife,” Ena said judgmentally. “Or did you all forget we found him naked in the forest? Or that he’s perfectly content being branded as an elf-fucker.”

“I’m sure that’s supposed to be an insult but it really has no effect on me,” Frost shrugged as Ena glared at him. “Anyway, I thought you were going to show me around and introduce me to everybody. If half the town is here that kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?”

“I only have off in the morning,” a green-haired elf said. “I was worried that you might not make it to me before I had to go out gathering.”

“Same here,” an elf with astonishingly gold eyes said. “I have to hunt monsters with Fayeth so I won’t be back until later. Sorry, did we mess everything up? We didn’t know what order you were visiting people.”

“Sorry,” Mira said bashfully. “I just really wanted to see you before I started work.”

“Okay everybody,” Ena said sternly while composing herself. “I’ve allocated ten minutes for each person today so I promise every one of you will get at least ten minutes with Herald Frost before I allow him to finish out the day. I’ve also organized my schedule based on the times people are normally available so there won’t be any issues.”

“Um,” one of the elves raised their hand. “You know we’re not available from…”

“Yes Lith,” Ena snapped angrily. “Everybody in the village knows you and Aila’s sex schedule. And while we’re on the subject let me remind you both again, there are children in this village. Please do us all a favor and scream into a pillow.”

“But I don’t like the pillow…” Lith mumbled while crossing her arms.

“What about…” another elf started to speak.

“Yes Floria,” Ena growled. “I’m aware. I’m aware of all of your schedules!”

The room fell silent as Ena’s icy glare instantly quieted them. Several of the elves snuck out silently before Ena could further chastise them while others pretended to have remembered something before rushing out. Ena looked around the room one last time as the remaining elves to filed out and once they were alone, she let out an exhausted sigh.

“Alright imposter Frost,” Ena said while glaring at him. “You have until I finish explaining the ground rules to eat breakfast. Then we’re leaving. So, you better hurry up because we don’t have time for lunch today.”

“Seriously?” Frost said while looking at the picked over table of food.

“You have nobody to blame but yourself,” Ena smirked contemptuously. “You’re the one that chose time with the high priestess over breakfast.”

“I stand proudly by that decision,” Frost said while grabbing a bowl and filling it with some of everything as Ena explained the rules.

Just like the previous day, he wasn’t allowed to use scan since others might consider it invasive. The only exception to the rule was if he asked permission first and the other person agreed.

The other rules mostly revolved around dozens of things he wouldn’t do anyway like insult them or make them feel inferior. In fact, a vast majority of the rules could have been covered by telling him to be nice.

But as Ena’s rules became more and more specific, Frost started to get depressed. The fact Ena had rules for various specific situations meant that humans had done those things to the elves. Admittedly, it killed him a little to think about them getting mistreated.

“And finally,” Ena took a softer tone. “Elf children are children. They will sometimes be loud, annoying, rude, and impulsive. Please don’t beat them publicly for interrupting you, annoying you, or otherwise acting like children. If you insist on punishing them for it, please take them to a private…”

“I’m going to stop you right there,” Frost pushed away his food as he suddenly lost his appetite. “I’m not going to beat a child for acting like a child.”

“I hope that’s the truth,” Ena said in a tone that suggested she didn’t believe him. “But in the event you do, please don’t make an example of them publicly.”

“Fine,” Frost nodded somberly. “Are we ready?”

“Yes,” Ena said while heading for the door. “Come on.”

Frost followed Ena around the cozy village. Each of the small cabins were identically designed and basically the size of small apartments. That meant they had a kitchen adjacent to the living room, a small counter, and a single bedroom and bath. Despite the small size, at least two elves lived in each of the small houses, sometimes three or four.

While the village was quiet and obviously lacking in amenities, he still found himself falling in love with it. The entire area was lush with vegetation and the central garden was amazingly colorful. And because of the large number of flowers throughout the village, the entire area smelled like a flower shop.

The elves were lined up at the well with large empty buckets. He watched as the women would simply hold their buckets near the edge of the well and water would flow into them. He smiled and started to wondered how hard it would be to get magically powered plumbing running everywhere.

“First house,” Ena said while knocking. “Stormi and Erissa live here.”

“Coming,” a sweet voice said excitedly. The door opened and an overdressed blonde elf opened up. She was wearing what almost appeared to be a wedding gown and possessed beautiful gold eyes that almost matched her hair. The eager elf curtsied. “Welcome Herald Frost. Ena.”

“This is Stormi,” Ena sighed.

“Wait,” Erissa rushed out of the bedroom nearly tripping over herself. Frost’s jaw dropped as the lingerie clad woman hurried to the door. She was wearing one thigh-high legging clipped to a sexy black bodysuit. Her large chest was practically popping out of her lacy garment as she fixed her azure hair. “I’m sorry, I was trying to think of what to wear.”

“Sorry,” Frost said while trying to politely look away. “I’m sure we can wait if you wanted to change.”

“Oh,” Erissa said while gesturing at her outfit. “No! This is what I decided to wear! It’s just I can’t find the other legging.”

“You decided to wear that?” Ena looked like she was about to strike the blue-haired elf. “You thought that was appropriate?”

“Sorry,” Stormi bowed apologetically. “I told her that she should try to look more elegant.”

“It’s fine,” Frost laughed to himself. “As long as you’re comfortable you can wear whatever you want.”

“In that case,” Erissa started to undress and Frost’s eyes immediately fixated on her large breasts. Lysandra had either massively underestimated the appeal of her villagers or overestimated his resolve. Either way, he was going to be in trouble if Erissa stripped naked.

“Don’t you dare,” Ena snarled threateningly at the blue-haired elf before turning to Frost, “And don’t encourage them!”

“Fine,” Erissa said huffily before turning to Frost. “Do you really find elves attractive?”

“Yeah,” Frost sighed while wondering how many elves were going to ask him that same question. He was starting to get a little bit worried about their self-worth which made him even more concerned about whether or not he was taking advantage of them. “Is that so strange?”

“Yes,” Erissa nodded. “But I think it’s a good kind of strange.”

“Oh!” Stormi said gesturing at their small dining table. There was a small stack of cold vegetables. “I put together snacks. Are you hungry?”

“Not re…” Frost paused as the elves looked at him hopefully. “I’d love some.”

Stormi and Erissa weren’t married or related, just roommates. Most of the elves in the village had similar living situations until they could get around to building more homes. Each of the houses were furnished with one large bed, a single loveseat, and a small dining set. As a result, most of the elves didn’t care much for personal space. Which he discovered when he was offered a spot on the loveseat and the elves crammed in next to him.

Although the furniture was small and sparse, Frost found himself impressed by the craftsmanship. Maybe it was just the fact he was used to seeing a lot of particle boards and veneer but everything was solid wood and build to last a lifetime. In his world the coffee table alone would go for a thousand dollars.

There wasn’t much room in the cozy house, but the room that was there was being used well and the environment put him at ease.

Frost spent twenty minutes with the two elves learning about their interests, likes, dislikes, and responsibilities in the village. Although a good portion of the discussion was spent with them interrogating him about his likes, dislikes, and what he was looking for in a mate.

It turned out that Stormi was the village baker and one day a week she spent an entire day baking so everybody could have bread. Other days she’d still bake but she made more specialized goods that she traded with the other elves.

Erissa was one of the village gatherers so she spent most of her time looking for fruit or other things of value. There was less stability in being a gatherer but it also allowed her to fight monsters which helped her gain ability points for her combat class.

“A lot of us younger elves are gatherers,” Erissa said. “Lysandra says we need to prioritize our combat abilities so we’ll level faster. Eventually I plan on learning medicine from Robin.”

“I see,” Frost nodded. “Would you mind if I scanned you?”

“Not at all,” Erissa said anxiously. “But it’s a little bit embarrassing.”

“I won’t judge,” Frost said as he scanned the elf. She was only a level seven archer at the age of twenty-four. Fayeth was younger and higher level so he figured there must be ways to level more efficiently.

He started thinking that if killing monsters was how they gained levels then children would obviously remain low level until they were around fifteen or sixteen. Additionally, depending on how many monsters were in the area and how often they were hunting, they might only kill a single beast a week.

Frost wanted to spend more time thinking of a process to optimize experience and ability point gains but that would have to wait for another time.

“Thank you,” Frost nodded politely.

“Your welcome,” Erissa said nervously. “I know I’m a little bit behind everybody else. I’ll try to do better.”

“You’re doing fine,” Frost smiled. “And I’ll try to think of a way to help.”

“Time’s up,” Ena said coldly. “We have other homes to visit.”

“It was nice talking to you Herald Frost,” Stormi said while jumping to her feet. The polite elf curtseyed. “I hope you’ll come by again.”

“Yeah,” Erissa said enthusiastically. “You can visit whenever you want,” she winked at him. “Even in the middle of the night.”

“Let’s go,” Ena practically shoved Frost out the door and dragged him to the next house.

As he made his rounds, he found that many of the elves were in similar situations as Stormi and Erissa. They were under-leveled and lacked the necessary ability points to learn new abilities. Most of their education consisted of reading, writing, and basic math. He probably should have been thankful for that given how little there was in the village.

Even though everything had gone wonderfully in the previous homes, Ena looked nervous as they approached the fifth house. It didn’t take long to figure out why she was concerned.

“Frost!” Emmy wrapped her arms around his leg as soon as her parents opened the door. Her mothers stared at him completely panic stricken as the blue-eyed elf girl squeezed his leg. He glanced around and noticed several villagers watching anxiously as if something bad was about to happen.

“Hi Emmy,” Frost said while patting her head. “Are you having a good day?”

“Mmhm,” Emmy nodded. “Want to meet my moms? My blue mom is Marina and pink mom is Robin”

“Sure,” Frost laughed as Emma tugged on his pant leg while pointing to the blue and pink haired elf women. “Nice to meet you both.”

“I’m so sorry Herald Frost,” Marina said while trembling. “Please forgive her.”

“We’ll take whatever punishment you deem necessary in her place,” Robin volunteered. “Just please don’t…”

“I’m not punishing anybody,” Frost said as Ena glared at him. “Robin, Marina, it’s nice to meet you. And Emmy didn’t do anything wrong so there’s no need to punish her.”

“But,” Marine looked down at the smiling elf child. “Aren’t you upset that a demihuman child is treating you disrespectfully?”

“Disrespectfully?” Frost said while staring at Emmy. The elf child’s excitement was starting to fade as she looked around the room and realized something was wrong. “It’s just a hug. It’s fine.”

“You’re really not angry?” Robin looked like she was going to cry. “And you’re not going to hurt her?”

“No,” Frost sighed. “I’m not going to hurt a child.”

“Hurt? Did I do something wrong?” Emmy said nervously as she picked up on her mothers’ reactions and tears started welling up in her eyes. “I’m sorry if I did something wrong.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Frost smiled reassuringly while rubbing her head. “So, how’s Lucinda?”

“You remembered!” Emmy said while wiping away her tears. “Let me go get her.”

“Both of you stop that,” Frost growled under his breath as soon as Emmy was out of earshot. “I’m not going to punish anybody for hugging me. Got it?”

“Yes, Herald Frost,” Marina nodded bashfully. “We apologize.”

“We apologize,” Robin took a deep breath to compose herself. After a second Marina elbowed her. “Please come inside. We made snacks and refreshments for your visit Herald Frost.”

Outside of the awkward introduction Frost actually liked Emmy’s moms. Both of them obviously doted on the girl but Marina seemed to be the authority figure while Robin let her get away with everything. It was an odd dynamic given the fact that Marina was half Robin’s age and far lower level.

Robin used to be a wandering physician and came across Emmy and Marina when their village was stricken with plague. With Robin’s help the two women survived the plague. Afterward, she continued to care for them when nobody else would.

“And Robin took me as a wife and adopted Emmy,” Marina blushed. “Emmy’s really my cousin’s daughter but we raise her as my own.”

“Are you concerned about sharing a village with plague survivors,” Robin asked while staring at the untouched food. “It’s fine if you do. I’d just like to know so we can accommodate you by keeping our distance.”

“No need,” Frost said as Emmy bounced on his knee. He grabbed some of the fruit and ate it despite being completely stuffed. “You two and Emmy can stop by whenever you want.”

“No, they can’t,” Ena turned to Marina and Robin, “Frost and the high priestess are,” Ena glanced at Emmy while wondering how to phrase her statement, “rather indiscreet with their intimacy. You should announce yourself well before you visit.”

“Oh,” Marina blushed. “I see.”

“Thank you for the warning Ena,” Robin stifled a giggle.

“Time’s up,” Ena said while nodding at Frost. “Let’s go.”

“Nice to meet you all,” Frost said while following Ena out.

Frost continued working through the village as household after household welcomed him. He was met with varying degrees of anxiety as well as romantic interest. One of the married couples even proposed that he could enjoy them both if he wished.

“Right there,” Aila squealed from inside of her home as they passed. “Goddess yes! You’re the best! I love you Lith!”

“It’s two already,” Ena sighed while pulling out a piece of parchment. “Okay, we’re still on schedule.”

Frost smiled as he passed their house. He’d met the two elves earlier and learned that as children they worked for a cruel bastard and barely managed to escape with their lives.

The entire situation infuriated him. If you want to train children as thieves, fine. Hell, it’s a rough world out there and there are worse things to be than thieves. But the bastard they worked for recruited demihumans specifically because nobody would give a damn what happened to them.

“Try not to look so annoyed. You won’t have to keep pretending much longer,” Ena said snidely.

“Pretending?” Frost looked at the irritated cleric.

“They might not notice it but I do,” Ena said. “The mild signs of anger and disgust you show while listening to them. It’s obvious you can’t stand being around us.”

“This again?” Frost said while thinking back on how she’d misinterpreted his other comments. She seemed intent on believing the worst of him and it was admittedly infuriating. “You don’t know what you’re talking about you…” He stopped himself before he said something he couldn’t take back. Frost wanted to tell her off but the truth was Ena’s hatred and distrust was completely reasonable. “Never mind.”

“If you have something to say, say it,” Ena said angrily as several anxious elves looked on.

“You wouldn’t get it,” Frost sighed while glancing at the onlookers. “And you’re not wrong. Maybe it’s a human trait. I’m filled with hate, frustration, and most of all wrath. I’m doing my best to hide it but I guess I can’t. Yeah, I’m angry and disgusted by all of the horrible things that have happened to you all. The worst part is there’s nothing I can do about it and it makes me furious.”

Frost looked down and laughed contemptuously at himself. The things he’d do if he met any of the men the elves told him about would make those men look like saints in comparison. His capacity for evil, he knew how infinite it was. Ena was completely right about him.

“What?” Ena looked like she was struggling to process what he’d said..

“I’m saying that you’re right,” Frost reiterated as elves looked on. “I’m all the bad things you think I am. Satisfied?”

“Ena!” Renna interrupted while rushing toward them. The emerald-eyed elf was completely covered in filth as she leaped at Ena trying to hug her. Ena deftly dodged and created some distance between herself and the manure-covered elf. “When are you going to visit Rania and Sumina? I haven’t gotten to see Frost all day!”

“The animal shelter is last,” Ena said irritably. “That way I can take a bath right after.”

“You should trade with me,” Renna said. “You don’t even like Frost. Let me show him around while you help Rania and Sumina. Come on.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Frost said while stepping away from the filthy elf. “At least not until you’ve had a long bath.”

“Huh?” Renna looked at herself. “Oh! Right! I can’t go into people’s houses like this. Come on Ena! Want to trade? I’ll go wash up and we can trade!”

“No,” Ena answered sternly. “We’re already running behind schedule. Maybe if you apologize to the high priestess she’ll let you spend time with him tomorrow.”

“I’m not apologizing to that corpse,” Renna said defiantly. “I’d rather take the punishment than apologize! I’ll see you when you get to the shelter!”

“Right,” Ena stood next to him and shot him an angry glance before turning toward the next house on the list. “It’s not only a human trait. It makes me angry too.”

“Huh?” Frost responded as Ena walked past him.

“Let’s get to the next house,” Ena said authoritatively. “We’re behind schedule.”

Frost and Ena managed to avoid discussing their previous conversation for the rest of the day as he visited the remaining homes as well as the animal shelter. As sunset arrived, he’d met all fifty-seven elves in the village and although he didn’t remember all of their names, he knew it wouldn’t be long before he did.

“Frost!” Fayeth said while rushing toward him from the forest. “Humans are coming!”

“Humans?” Ena growled while gripping her cudgel. “How many?

“Three,” Fayeth said apprehensively. “All of them are much higher level than me.”

“Everybody get inside!” Ena gestured at the elves still wandering around the village. “Hurry!”

The elves rushed inside as Frost walked to the small wooden gate at the village entrance. He wanted to tell them to remain calm but he figured he shouldn’t get in Ena’s way. The elves obviously had a system in place so it was better not to mess with it.

“What are you going to do?” Fayeth asked as she gripped her bow. The blonde elf swatted her ponytail out of the way and stared at the tree line.

“That depends on them,” Frost said while taking several deep breaths. He’d been in stressful meetings before but never one where people’s lives depend on him. It was a different type of pressure. “We’ll see.”

“Frost,” Lysandra rushed out next to him in time to see three soldiers on horseback emerging from the forest. “What do we do?”

“We fight,” Ena said while pulling out her cudgel.

“Both of you put your weapons away now,” Frost said to Ena and Fayeth. “I mean it.”

“Do it,” Lysandra said. The two immediately obeyed. “Do you have a plan?”

“Good to see you back on your feet commander,” Frost said as the tall old knight approached the front gate on horseback. “I guess on your feet isn’t exactly accurate.”

“Herald,” the older officer glared at the elves beside him. “I’m Commander William Grey of the Ziran Army and I’ve come to deliver a message.”

“How did you get stuck on messenger duty?” Frost chuckled. “Don’t tell me they’re blaming you for what happened.”

“I volunteered,” Commander Grey answered. “Needless to say, you left an impression.”

“Yeah,” Frost chuckled while activating scan on the commander’s guards. One of them was level forty-one and the other was forty. Both of them were holy knights and were attempting to scan Frost. He was fine with that but then they started glancing at the elves. “Commander, it’s fine if they scan me but if they keep scanning my friends, I’ll tear off their heads and shove them up their assholes.”

“Hold,” the commander held out his hands as the knights prepared to draw their weapons. “If you boys were going to get anything from him, you would have already got it. Deactivating your scans now doesn’t effect anything but drawing your weapons does.”

“Thank you,” Frost said. “So, what happened to that officer that sucker punched you?”

“That’s a military matter Herald,” the commander answered. “I’m only here to deliver a message.”

“Frost,” Frost said. “You can call me Frost. Or Herald Frost if you’re worried about formality.”

“Herald Frost,” the commander glared at him suspiciously. “Your audience is requested at the consulate in Zira where you can…”

“No,” Frost interrupted. “As soon as I leave this village for the consulate, you’ll send in soldiers to kill everybody and burn it to the ground. Not to mention you’ll probably wait until I’m somewhere out in the open and attempt to kill me.”

“Impudent little dog,” a holy knight growled. “If it weren’t for our orders, I’d…”

“You wouldn’t do shit,” Frost said haughtily. “You’re level forty-one. Be happy I don’t beat you to death with my cock in front of your friends.”

“Fuck,” the commander stifled a laugh as the knights glared at him. “You’re the one that requested a diplomatic solution Herald Frost. Are you even sure you know what diplomacy is?”

“I’m in a bit of a mood,” Frost smirked. “I just spent the entire day talking to women telling me about all of the bad shit that’s happened to them.”

“I could see where that might upset a man,” the commander nodded.

“They’re elves,” a knight said with disgust. “Not women.”

“You boys need to understand,” the commander said while gesturing toward Frost. “That man views elves no differently than humans. In his eyes, he’s talking to men who beat, rape, and murder innocent women and children. At least that’s how my daughter explains it.”

“Right,” the knight chuckled. “No wonder you volunteered for this. Your daughter’s one of those malcontents.”

“Watch your tongue,” the commander said. “That’s still my little girl even if she is a bit of a troublemaker. And I volunteered for this because I don’t trust the rest of you not to fuck it up.”

“I’ll host a delegation of up to ten guests here,” Frost said stoically..

“Fifty,” the commander said massively overbidding in hopes of getting Frost to immediately jump to thirty. “You have at least fifty villagers here after all.”

“Fifteen,” Frost said. “Otherwise we’ll have to put level stipulations on the delegation and I’d rather not.”

“Thirty-five,” the commander replied. “I imagine levels aren’t a particularly big concern for you since these two can’t scan you.”

“Fifteen,” Frost repeated his previous offer. “The village is small. We’ll be unable to entertain more than fifteen delegates. In fact, ten would be much more reasonable.”

“Twenty-five,” the commander said. “If space is a concern you should accept the invitation to Zira.”

“Twenty,” Frost said. “As an apology for being unable to accept the invitation to Zira. Although we have no room for them to spend the night and our food is limited to…”

“They won’t be staying or eating with elves,” the commander chuckled. “I mean no offense Herald Frost, but I’d be shocked if they even accept the invitation. When do you want them to meet?”

“When’s a good time?” Frost turned to Lysandra standing silently beside him. “How many days do we need?”

“It depends on whether the delegation is traveling from,” Lysandra said timidly. “If we’re getting a real delegation it’d take weeks but…”

“We’re coming from Blackwater,” the commander said. “It’s about two days on foot but about half a day’s ride.”

“Four days from now should give them plenty of time if they’re coming from Blackwater,” Lysandra answered. “They’ll be able to deliver the message and organize travel with plenty of time to spare.”

“That works,” Frost turned to Commander Grey. “Four days from now.”

“Alright,” the commander nodded. “We’ll send a messenger in a couple days if they accept the meeting. Agreed?”

“Agreed,” Frost nodded as the commander and his knights turned back toward the forest.

“Think they’re going to send an army instead?” Frost asked Lysandra as they watched the soldiers leave.

“I imagine if they planned on sending an army they wouldn’t have sent messengers,” Lysandra answered. “But you never know.”

“Well. I’ll have to prepare,” Frost said. “I’m going to have to pick a class.”

CHAPTER 8

The evening was surprisingly active with most of the village showing up at the temple for dinner. Several of the elves helped in the kitchen while others delivered food to tables as if it was a restaurant. Since the temple served as a communal space Lysandra let everybody come and go as they pleased but normally it was pretty empty. The newfound popularity was obviously due to Frost.

Eventually the elves all left but not before several tried to entice Frost to come with them. He probably would have taken them up on their offers if Lysandra hadn’t attached herself to his arm. Not that he was complaining, as far as he was concerned, she was the most beautiful woman in the village.

“Be careful,” Lysandra smiled as Frost turned down a rather appealing offer from Mira. The amethyst-eyed priestess didn’t seem jealous as much as cautious. “They can get rather attached.”

Finally, as the evening came to an end, Lysandra took him upstairs and he wrapped his arms around her. As he kissed her neck, he laughed at the irony of Lysandra warning him about the elves becoming attached. As he made love to her, it became undeniable to Frost that he was becoming attached to the white-haired elf.

His lips traversed every inch of her body as he immersed himself in her. It wasn’t the lust he’d felt the previous day but something different that he’d never felt before. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and never let go as he thrust himself inside of her.

“What was that?” Lysandra asked as she laid next to him. “It was different.”

“Good different or bad different?” Frost asked as he pulled her close. It was embarrassing to think he was getting attached to a woman he met the day before. He wasn’t the guy who got attached. He was the guy who got dumped for being too distant and he was always fine with that.

“Good different,” Lysandra cuddled into him and yawned. “Very good different. Very, very, very good different. I’d like to do it again if that’s okay.”

Within minutes the beautiful elf fell asleep and Frost followed shortly behind.

“Mmm,” Frost groaned as he felt Lysandra’s lips on his cock. He smiled as he laid there with his eyes closed while her tongue swirled around the tip. Her saliva slowly lubricated him as her soft hand stroked his thick shaft. “That feels amazing.”

“Shh,” Lysandra chided as she continued to lick him. It was different than her previous blowjobs. It was more deliberate, as if she was taking her time to worship every inch of his cock. The way she licked his balls while gently stroking his long shaft felt incredible. “Be quiet or she’ll wake up.”

“Uh-huh,” Frost moaned while slowly moving his hips while she kissed the sides of his cock. It was like he was caught up in some fantastic pleasurable dream. And as her words finally registered in his mind, the dream ended. “Huh?”

Frost resisted the urge to react as he slowly opened his eyes and saw Renna’s emerald eyes staring up at him. The petite short-haired elf smiled as she slowly licked every inch of his long shaft while he laid there motionless.

“Mmm,” Lysandra moaned next to him while gripping his muscular arm like a body pillow.

He bit his lip hoping to force himself to remain quiet as Renna continued to worship his cock, completely undeterred by Lysandra’s presence. He noticed a Stealth Lvl. 3 buff above Renna’s head and while glancing at the door saw a lockpicking set on the floor.

“Renna,” Frost moaned as the petite green-haired elf continued her service. “We shouldn’t.”

“Shh,” Renna glanced at Lysandra again and made the universal gesture for slitting one’s throat followed by the one for hanging and finally crossed both hands on her chest while rolling her eyes into the back of her head as if mimicking a corpse. Then she mouthed the word Stealth while pointing to herself and nodded.

“Fuck,” Frost turned his head away from Lysandra as he groaned. While Lysandra was definitely much more skilled, Renna’s slow deliberate pace as she sought to study every inch of him was an experience of its own. Not only that, the fact that Lysandra was sleeping right next to him made it all the more exciting, and wrong.

“Mmm,” Lysandra tightened her grip as he tried to gently slip his arm away. “Frost.”

“Damn,” Frost clenched his teeth as Renna made her way back to the tip of his cock. The playful elf took the head of his dick into her mouth and began sucking on it. She definitely had no idea what she was doing but she seemed to learn fast as she continually tried new things while gauging his reaction.

At first, she simply placed his cock into her mouth and used her lips. When she saw that had little reaction, she added her tongue into the mix with positive results. Not long after she figured out that intensity played a role as well.

“Renna,” Frost whispered away from Lysandra while hoping the sleeping priestess wouldn’t wake up. He planned on telling her to stop but hearing her name caused the elf to suck with even more intensity and Frost’s conscience began warring with itself. “Fuck.”

“That’s nice,” Lysandra moaned in her sleep. “Right there.”

Renna took his cock further into her mouth and let out a soft moan as she ran her hands up and down on his abs. The emerald-eyed elf stared at him timidly as if she were waiting for praise. And he wanted to praise her, she was trying so hard to take his massive cock deep into her tiny throat.

“That feels so good,” Frost quietly moaned. He knew he shouldn’t have said it but the part of himself that wanted her had basically clubbed his sense of propriety into a coma. Renna excitedly increased her pace as Frost gently thrust his hips. “Holy fuck.”

“Mmmm,” Renna exaggerated her moan as she pulled his cock out of her mouth and started stroking it.

She climbed up to her knees so Frost could see her clearly in the moonlight as it shined through the window. She was wearing a long white transparent camisole. It stretched just below her hips but not far enough as Frost stared between her legs. She wasn’t wearing any panties and he found himself staring at her beautiful hairless mount and dripping pussy.

“Renna,” Frost bit his lip while staring at her tight athletic body. He glanced at Lysandra nervously and then back at the green-eyed elf looking down on him. Everything about the situation was wrong as Renna stroked his cock while gradually moving her pussy closer to it.

“Hm?” Renna waited with her pussy hovering over his cock. It took him a moment to realize she wanted permission. She slowly swayed her hips back and forth as she waited for him to give her approval. Approval he simultaneously did and didn’t want to give. He was already complicit enough without asking her outright.

She momentarily released his cock and slowly lifted her long camisole. Frost’s heart pounded so hard he thought it might wake up Lysandra as the athletic elf slowly revealed her abdomen followed by her small pert breasts. She threw the top on the floor and winked at him while waiting for an answer.

“Hmmmmmm?” Renna grinned while sliding her fingers in her pussy.

Frost nodded approvingly before he had time to think. That was all Renna needed as she started to lower herself down on his hard cock. He was immediately met with resistance as Renna’s tight went pussy wouldn’t budge. The short-haired elf growled and began aggressively fingering herself to loosen up. Frost’s hips moved on their own as he watched the sexy elf masturbate.

“Uhhnn,” Renna covered her mouth as she moaned. Frost’s cock twitched uncontrollably as he grew desperate to be inside of her. She must have read his mind as she once again attempted to take his cock. “Fffffffmmmm!”

“Slow,” Frost whispered as Renna continued to struggle. He could feel her tight pussy gradually stretching to accommodate his cock and after an eternity on the cusp it slid inside of her. The two of them simultaneously exhaled as if they’d finally gotten what they desperately wanted.

Frost’s lingering reservations washed away as Renna smiled. She looked so genuinely happy as she stared at him. The playful elf reached down to grab his free hand and immediately guided it to her chest. She nodded excitedly as Frost stroked her hard nipple while she tried to take him deeper.

“Ahhh,” Renna sighed pleasantly as she slid further down his cock. The entire time refusing to break eye contact. She placed both of her hands on his abs for balance as her legs started to tremble. She let out a quiet squeal as he slid deeper inside. “Oh, goddess please.”

“You’re so beautiful,” Frost said so quietly he wondered if she heard it. Her face immediately turned red confirming she had.

“Frost,” Renna whispered as she finally took his entire cock. The small elf slid her hands up his abs and chest as she slowly leaned down. Frost’s heart was pounding and he felt her pussy tightening on his cock as she leaned down to whisper, “This is my first time with a man.”

Frost felt her pussy tensing and relaxing as his cock twitched in response. Renna rested her chest against his and he felt her heart pounding just as powerfully as his. As committed as she was to sneaking in and being with him, she was still nervous.

“Are you okay?” Frost asked quietly as Renna rested on him. He ran his free hand up and down her back reassuring the slender elf as she panted.

“Yes,” Renna replied while slowly moving her hips. Her soft inner walls slid against the tip of his cock causing a shiver to shoot through him. She adjusted so her face was hovering an inch above his. Her green eyes sparkled with a pure love for him as she nervously asked, “Can I kiss you?”

“Yes,” Frost answered while bending his neck to meet the elf’s lips. Renna’s lips were softer than the sound of feathers landing on the forest floor. The way the gorgeous elf masterfully slid her tongue into his mouth sent a chill down his spine. Although she might not have been skilled in sex with a man, she was an unbelievably talented kisser.

“This feels so good,” Renna gasped for air as she gradually increased her pace. Frost found breathing difficult himself as he attempted to control himself to avoid waking Lysandra. He glanced over and her eyes were still closed. “Frost.”

“Yeah,” Frost whispered as his cock throbbed inside of her. Renna’s soft pussy relaxed as she moved down and tightened as she lifted up, as if the elf was trying to milk him. “Is it okay to cum inside of you?”

“Yes,” Renna answered while kissing him. “If you want, you can cum inside of me. Please. Use me.”

“Fuck,” Frost thrust his hips up, timing himself with Renna’s movements so they didn’t work against each other. After a few gentle movements they were in synch and the pleasure filling Frost was intensifying. He wanted to fill her up more than anything in the world. “I’m going to cum.”

“Frost,” Renna whispered with a trembling voice. Her entire body tensed up. “Cum now. Please.”

“Renna,” Frost panted as his cock throbbed. Even if she hadn’t asked, he was going to cum. He couldn’t hold it any longer as she took his cock to the base and waited there. A wave of euphoria overtook him as his legs trembled and he began to fill her pussy.

“Oh goddess please,” Renna whimpered while squeezing Frost. Her pussy clamped down on him as her entire body shivered. “I’m cumming.”

Renna rolled her hips against him allowing her to prolong her orgasm as Frost continued to fill her tight pussy. She grabbed his face with both hands and tears filled her eyes as she leaned down and kissed him until their orgasms subsided.

Frost gently stroked her short soft hair as the slender elf rested on his chest. He felt a little guilty about being her first male partner but also happy. Guilty because he felt the beautiful elf should be able to do better than a guy like him but happy that he was able to please her.

“Was I okay?” Renna whispered. “I mean, if I did anything wrong…”

“You were perfect,” Frost answered while kissing the top of her head.

“Was I better than Lysandra?” Renna asked sweetly.

“Don’t you dare answer that,” Lysandra yawned while squeezing Frost’s arm. His entire being filled with terror as his heart pounded harder than he thought possible. He turned toward her and her eyes were closed just as they were earlier.

“I…” Frost froze. He couldn’t speak as his brain was overloaded with a million different options all leading to a bad ending. He’d just fucked another woman while in bed with Lysandra and she knew. He managed to squeak out the only response he could think of. “I’m so sorry.”

“For what?” Lysandra asked while rubbing her eyes. “Frost, the only thing to be sorry for is waking me up. And that’s Renna’s fault more than yours.”

“It’s fine,” Renna said while slowly grinding her hips on him. “If she wanted us to stop, she would have told us when she woke up.”

“When she woke up?” Frost’s heart pounded faster as he stared at the elf priestess. “How long have you been awake?”

“Since right before she got on top of you,” Lysandra said while running her hand down Renna’s back. “And it’s rude to ask him to compare us like that Renna.”

“I just want to know if I did a good job you evil crone,” Renna grumbled.

“He already told you,” Lysandra aggressively smacked Renna’s ass. “He said you were perfect.”

“Fine,” Renna lifted her head and smiled at Frost. “Do you want to go again?”

“No,” Lysandra pushed Renna off Frost and proceeded to adjust her own positioning. The ivory-haired elf stared menacingly at Frost while pulling him closer to make room for Renna. She stared at him threateningly and it was the first time she’d ever shown him genuine anger. He was admittedly nervous. “I’m tired. Now, go to sleep. Both of you. If either of you wake me up again, there will be consequences. Understood?”

“Understood,” Frost said as Lysandra pressed her body against his. She adjusted several times trying to get comfortable as Renna giggled while touching herself on the opposite side.

“Renna,’ Lysandra growled like she was one second away from turning into a monster. “Stop playing with yourself and go to bed.”

“But it feels weird,” Renna said. “It’s all squishy.”

“Yes,” Lysandra said. “Cum is all squishy.” Lysandra paused for a second and then shot up and stared at Frost with panic-filled eyes. “I never taught you the infertility spell!”

“Renna said it was okay,” Frost said while gesturing at the giggling elf. “Wait, was it not okay?”

“Of course, it’s okay,” Renna laughed. “I don’t mind having your baby.”

“Shalia’s cunt!” Lysandra practically jumped over Frost to get at Renna. “Get over here I’m going to suck it out.”

“No!” Renna clenched her legs shut. “He asked me if he could and I said okay!”

“I thought you were using the Infertility spell!” Frost said equally panicked. “That’s why I asked if it was okay! You said it was!”

“It is okay,” Renna said while moving away from both of them. “I want to have a baby!”

“Frost!” Lysandra pointed at Renna. “I don’t even know what to say about this!”

“What’s going on?” Ena and Fayeth came rushing into the room. “Why are you yelling?”

“Lysandra’s jealous that Frost gave me his seed,” Renna said smugly.

“He what?” Ena snapped. “She’s only twenty-six years old!”

“I thought she was using the infertility spell!” Frost held up his hands helplessly.

“Okay, let me think,” Ena said pensively. “Okay, I’ll go talk to Hestia. I’m sure she knows how to make one of those potions to handle this.”

“I’m not taking it!” Renna said angrily.

“The hell you aren’t!” Ena yelled.

“Are you all serious? You’re all panicking for nothing,” Fayeth said irritably while turning to leave the room. “Did you really forget what month it is? Now keep it down. Some of us are trying to sleep.”

The other three women all paused and while Ena and Lysandra both sighed in relief, Renna started kicking the bed like a child throwing a tantrum.

“Huh?” Frost looked at the women. “What’s she talking about?”

“None of your business,” Ena said before turning to leave the room. “And if you’re going to sleep with the entire village learn the Infertility spell!”

“Frost,” Renna grabbed his arm pleadingly. “We’ll do this again after this life cycle ends and the new one begins, right?”

“Life cycle,” Frost said as the dots all connected. He suddenly remembered he was in a village full of women and the entire village was likely on the same cycle. “Question. Does the life cycle for elf women impact them similarly to human woman?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lysandra asked defensively. “It sounds like you’re accusing us of something.”

“Are you going to leave us during the purge week?” Renna grabbed his arm.

“Purge week?” Frost was extremely uncomfortable with that name. There was no possible way women named that their purge week. That meant that male elves at some point in their history decided that purge week was the best description and nobody argued. “Is that what you call it?”

“Frost,” Lysandra said irritably. “You should be thankful. If not for the purge week you’d likely be having a child.”

“Praise the purge,” Frost said jokingly. “But, just for my own benefit, when exactly is it going to start?”

“You are going to leave!” Renna said accusingly.

“In the next couple of weeks,” Lysandra answered.

“Okay,” Frost nodded. “And how many days between purges?”

“It happens every year,” Renna grumbled. “It’s awful.”

“Good to know,” Frost said as he laid back down while trying to think of a plan to escape the village for that week. Once a year, there was no way it wasn’t going to be terrible.

“Lysandra?” Renna whispered as the three of them settled back in.

“What?” Lysandra asked irritably.

“Do you still want to suck it out?” Renna giggled.

“I suppose I’m awake anyway,” Lysandra sighed as Frost’s cock immediately became hard again.

CHAPTER 9

First thing in the morning Frost had Lysandra teach him the infertility spell. At its base level it was only eighty percent successful but with three levels it reached a hundred percent. After that, it simply lasted longer. It started with a one-day duration and each subsequent level added one until the tenth which added two.

Apparently, most of the elves in the village didn’t have any points in it because there weren’t any men around. Lysandra and a few of the older elves had three levels in the spell but it was universally agreed to be a waste of points as long as you cast it every day.

Frost went ahead and maxed it for the full ten-day duration. He could also recast it anytime and it’d restart the duration so as long as he remembered at some point, he’d never have to worry about it. As for casting itself, it was astoundingly easy once he understood the core premise.

He needed to memorize the runes necessary to cast, the flow of the spell which was a visual representation, understand the core concept of the spell, and say a trigger word while concentrating on his desired outcome. It wasn’t that different from applying ability points except for the memorization aspects which, thanks to his level ten memorization abilities, was a non-issue.

“I can’t help but feel a little offended,” Renna grumbled. “Is the thought of having a child with me so disgusting?”

“Disgusting?” Frost glanced at the pouting elf. “No. Just give me a few years to think about it, okay?”

“Fine,” Renna said while walking off in a huff. He was a little dejected that she didn’t want to stick around and try out the spell but he understood.

The rest of the day was spent with Fayeth. Lysandra assigned the young elf to teach him whatever combat abilities he asked for and while she started off being able to teach him quite a bit about acquiring skills, she quickly found herself falling behind as Frost’s knowledge of games kicked in.

“Wait,” Frost said while holding two different types of daggers. “These daggers feel different. Can you learn different abilities with different types of the same weapons?”

“I don’t know,” Fayeth said in a tone that sounded more like a question than an answer. “Do you think we should ask somebody?”

“Who would we ask?” Frost looked around at the young elves watching. They were practicing in a large field right outside of the city wall and while they stayed in their section, a bunch of elf children were being trained in another area. “Lysandra?”

“She can’t be bothered,” Fayeth said. “She’s behind on her counseling sessions.”

“Counseling,” Frost paused. “Like therapy?”

“I don’t know about that,” Fayeth said as her face turned pink. “She’s the high priestess so we just talk about how we’re feeling and how to handle those feelings. Sometimes we talk about what we want to do or what we’re struggling with and sometimes we just laugh about things.”

“Frost!” Emmy interrupted as she ran up to him with a bunch of elf children in tow. “Shael says that I’m not allowed to use a cudgel but she’s letting Vasati use one! Tell her it’s unfair!”

“Herald Frost,” a tan fit redhead before bowed politely. He’d noticed her on the first day and actually chatted with the impressive woman while doing his rounds. Frost found out that she was officially in charge of teaching all the children basic combat skills and the children liked her so much that she was also used as the village babysitter. “I apologize for the interruption. Everybody, come back to our side of the field. We can’t interrupt the herald’s training.”

“Oh,” Frost held up the two daggers. “Shael, you’re really knowledgeable about weapons and combat, right?”

“Yes,” Shael’s eyes lit up. “Is there something you want to know?”

“Well,” Frost held up the two daggers. The two blades were not only different lengths but one of them had a single edged while the other was double. “Will I be able to learn different abilities depending on the dagger I use?”

“What possessed you to ask that?” Shael panted as if he’d touched her inappropriately. “Nobody in the village asks questions like that. Do you really want to know or are you just making conversation?”

“I want to know,” Frost chuckled as the children looked on eagerly waiting to find out as well. Shael stared at him while nodding excitedly. “So?”

“Yes,” Shael said enthusiastically. “The longer double-edged dagger is from the stiletto family and by using it you’ll learn abilities associated with that family. The other is considered a combat knife and the knife fighting style is completely different.”

“Really?” Frost stared at the two and it made sense. “Will the fighting styles carry over between them?”

“That’s a good question,” Shael clasped her hands together like he’d just answered her prayers. She glanced judgmentally at Fayeth. “Why didn’t you ask these types of questions during your training? If you’re really going to learn to be a combat instructor you need to be asking questions like this!”

“Does it matter?” Fayeth asked. “Besides, I’m an archer.”

“I imagine it applies to bows as well,” Frost said. “There are short bows, long bows, crossbows, not to mention arrow variety which likely…”

“Frost!” Shael practically tackled him as she wrapped her arms around him. The brawny redhead mercilessly squeezed him while pecking his cheeks. “Finally! Somebody I can really talk to about weapons and combat!”

“Shael,” Frost laughed nervously as he stared at her large tan breasts pressed against him. He glanced at the children covering their eyes. “The children.”

“Oh,” Shael released him and smiled nervously at the children. “Alright children. I’m going to discuss combat with the herald for a little while. In the meantime, everybody under ten practice blocking and dodging. Everybody over ten should take turns striking the dummy, understood?”

“Yes ma’am,” the group ran off to their respective side of the field. The older kids lined up with wooden weapons in front of a dummy while the younger ones appeared to be playing dodgeball with beanbags and shields.

“So,” Shael turned back to Frost. “You asked about whether the fighting styles carried over. The answer to that question is part of combat theory. In theory, any weapon ability can potentially be used with a similar weapon and sometimes a different one. For example, is the cleave ability different while using a two-handed axe versus a two-handed sword? The answer is no! They’re the same! Even if it’s a horizontal cleave or vertical cleave! But there is one important difference!”

“The blade and grip,” Frost nodded. “The axe will strike with more force but it’s harder to land the attack. And what if you use the ability with a two-handed mace?”

“Frost,” Shael stepped toward him but held herself back. She smiled while tugging down her loosely fitted top to showcase her breasts more better and began gently twisted as if trying to entice him. “I would make very strong babies, don’t you think?”

“Shael,” Fayeth chided. “We are here to learn about weapons!”

“I know,” Shael blushed. “Maybe after training you could visit my home for private lessons? I’ll send Phyrra away and we can really delve deep into the subject. Very deep.”

“Shael!” Fayeth stomped her foot authoritatively. “The herald doesn’t have time for nonsense!”

“But he hasn’t said no,” Shael insisted. “And…”

“Another time,” Frost smiled at the tan woman although he definitely wanted to take her up on it. He didn’t know if it was pheromones in her sweat or what, but he found Shael’s tan and fit form absolutely captivating. “Definitely another time.”

“Definitely?” Shael blushed. “When do you…”

“Shael!” Fayeth snapped.

“Right!” Shael said snapping back to the present. “I’m sorry. It’s just, having somebody who shares my interests…”

“Shael,” Frost chuckled. “We’ll have plenty of time to talk about combat and weapons in the future. I know how you feel and will make sure to set aside some time to talk to you about these things. But as Fayeth says, let’s focus.”

“I hope soon,” Shael beamed. “Anyway! You asked the mace question! Yes! cleave works with hammers but the ability becomes smash! The really interesting part is…”

“The points carry over,” Frost nodded as he put two and two together. In most games they’d be considered two different abilities but he could feel it while holding the knives. He just knew that a lunge attack would be the same for either weapon.

“Yes!” Shael jumped up and down. “In combat theory we call that the invisible hierarchy! Two-handed weapons share certain abilities so mastering those abilities gives greater versatility than others. The same goes for one-handed weapons, ranged weapons, but these schools even go deeper!”

“Right,” Frost nodded. “Overlaps. A two-handed sword is both a sword and a two-handed weapon. So, if you use one-handed swordsmanship certain abilities would carry over to the two-handed sword but others wouldn’t and vice-versa. Are there enchanted weapons?”

“I’m afraid you’re about to start asking questions I’m unable to answer,” Shael said apologetically while swaying her hips as if still trying to entice him. “I never got that far in my studies. My training was at an elf academy and we couldn’t afford enchanted weapons. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” Frost placed his hand on her bare shoulder and the elf’s face lit up. “You’ve been a huge help. But, do you know if there are weapons enchanted with fire in this world? Something like that?”

“Yes,” Shael nodded. “There are knights who use flaming swords, axes, and spears. How did you know that?”

“Fire is terrifying,” Frost said while thinking about flaming arrows landing on wooden houses. “It causes panic and chaos. At night especially. People won’t think, they’ll run. They’ll be forced to choose between putting out the fires or fighting. It’ll prevent them from organizing. Because of that, if you could enchant weapons with anything, you’d enchant them with fire.”

“Did you really think about that just now?” Fayeth said while staring at her bow. “I’d never even considered something like that. A bow in itself is scary enough, isn’t it?”

“No,” Frost chuckled while thinking of guns, cannons, and bombs. “A bow isn’t scary in the slightest. Does this world have guns?” The two women looked at each other confused. “A small metal handheld weapon that shoots metal at high speed?”

“I’ve never heard of anything like that,” Shael said. “But there are magic users that are able to fire metal at high speed.”

“Got it,” Frost was relieved. He was fairly certain a maximum level dodge would matter against a rifle. “Okay. Thank you Shael. I think the kids probably need your attention. I might come talk to you again if that’s alright.”

“Absolutely,” Shael said happily. “If you wish to talk about weapons, combat, or anything my bedroom is always available! Home! My home is always available!”

“Either works,” Frost said flirtatiously causing Shael’s tan face to turn as red as her hair. Fayeth glared at him judgmentally as Shael skipped back to her students. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m finding you difficult to understand,” Fayeth rubbed her head. “Why do you say things like that?”

“I like her,” Frost smiled. “Is it really that strange?”

“No,” Fayeth sighed. “Shael is very beautiful and fun to be with. It’s just strange that you feel that way. And you’re so, well, playful about it. Anyway, we should return to our studies. What weapon would you like to master?”

“Swords,” Frost answered. “I’ve mastered anatomy, dodge, block, counter, and unarmed. I also have a point in disarm. I think for the soldier job I needed to level a weapon and armor to unlock it.”

“Parry as well,” Fayeth said. “Are you sure you wish to become a soldier?”

“I can always change later,” Frost answered. “Let’s do this.”

Fayeth handed Frost a sword and as he swung it the Swordsmanship ability unlocked. He leveled it once along with parry. He needed to be cautious with his points since he’d already overspent. Frost just needed to learn how to wear a specific armor type. He’d unlocked cloth already with his pants and was a bit curious as to how putting points in armor would impact him.

“Here,” Fayeth presented him with four varieties of glove. The first was leather, then chain, then scale, and finally plate. He’d already unlocked cloth from the pants he’d worn. “Try them all on and make a fist.”

“Thanks,” Frost said as he unlocked leather, chain, scale, and plate. He wondered if there were other types of armor as well. Some games had bone armor and it was possible that various enchanted armors existed. “Give me a minute to look through these.”

He examined the various armor abilities he’d unlocked to gain a better understanding but was finding their descriptions lackluster. From what he was gathering, leveling different types of armor increased his ability to transfer magic and strength to them. But different armor types also had different proficiencies.

“Tell me if I’m understanding this right,” Frost looked at Fayeth. “Cloth armor has a higher tolerance to accept mental energy which will increase magic resistance. Plate armor has a lower tolerance to accept mental energy but a high tolerance for physical energy increasing physical resistance.”

“That’s correct,” Fayeth said. “Other abilities will also become available depending on the armor class you choose to master. Although the abilities aren’t really useful to all classes.”

“What do you mean?” Frost asked while trying to decide what he should do.

“Renna and Ena both wear cloth armor but they have completely different abilities,” Fayeth answered. “Ena is leveling magic enhancement abilities while Renna is leveling stealth and speed enhancement abilities.”

“Ah!” Frost said excitedly. “Because cloth is used by mages and assassins! Alright, this is all coming together. So, in reality plate is probably used equally by knights and paladins but they level different abilities!”

“Paladins?” Fayeth looked confused. “Is that a class?”

“Maybe,” Frost said. “It’s just a theory based on what I know but they’d combine healing, support, and defensive magic while also wearing plate armor. They’re similar to a knight except their primary purpose is to defend and heal.”

“I’ve never heard of that,” Fayeth’s eyes lit up. “Is that really a thing? We should tell Ena before she puts too many points in cloth! She chose cleric because she wanted to support the people but she always wanted to be a knight!”

“I don’t know if it’s an actual job,” Frost said anxiously. “Anyway, we can talk to her about it later. Right now, I need to figure out what I want to do.”

The idea of wearing plate armor did not appeal to him. It just sounded horribly uncomfortable and realistically plate was most effective on cavalry units. It made you slow and clumsy on the ground and if somebody pulled you onto your back, you were as good as dead.

Scale armor was a good compromise between Chain and Plate but there would be similar comfort issues. In the end, he’d prefer either cloth or leather but was concerned about his defensive capabilities and the types of classes it’d lock him into.

In the end, he decided on leather since it seemed like the most widely used among the classes. Even if he decided later to master plate or cloth armor, leather would always be useful simply because of its versatility.

“Whoa,” Frost said as he leveled his leather ability to one. That single level made the glove he was wearing instantly more comfortable. He didn’t want to spend a lot of points but armor was probably at least as important as dodge so continued to level it and with each level the armor felt more malleable. By the time he reached level ten it felt like he wasn’t even wearing armor anymore. “If I were to level plate would it feel like this? Like I’m not even wearing armor.”

“We don’t have any plate wearers in the village,” Fayeth answered. “Plate armor is very expensive and difficult to craft. But I know that Shael can wear scale armor and that she finds it extremely uncomfortable compared to leather.”

“Good to know,” Frost said while staring at the glove. “My guess is that there are limits to the comfort. Now that I think about it, this feels like wearing a cloth glove. So, at level ten you’re probably at the comfort level of the previous tier.”

“I couldn’t say,” Fayeth said with a frustrated expression. “Maybe I should help the children and Shael should help you.”

“Sorry,” Frost looked at the busty blonde elf. “Did I do something to upset you?”

“No,” Fayeth pouted. “You didn’t do anything.”

“Something’s wrong,” Frost said while staring at the frustrated elf. “I’m only asking so I can avoid doing whatever I did in the future.”

“It’s not you,” Fayeth said irritably. “It’s just that out of Shael’s students I was considered exceptional. But you are thinking about things I never even considered and I’m having trouble keeping up.”

“Oh,” Frost said pensively as his mind flashed to the many times his efforts were overshadowed. People are told there’s always somebody better and they understand it as a concept, but it’s completely different when they actually experience it. “I suppose that’s a good thing.”

“A good thing?” Fayeth stared at him suspiciously. “How is it good?”

“If you’re having trouble keeping up that means you’re pushing yourself,” Frost said. “If you push yourself, you’ll get stronger. Anyway, I can choose a job now. Do you happen to know the difference between soldier, squire, and fighter? I can choose any of them.”

“There isn’t one that I’m aware of,” Fayeth answered politely.

“There has to be one,” Frost grinned while activating the classes he’d unlocked. Swapping between them was as easy as leveling abilities. All he needed to do was focus on his class and select the one he wanted. “Hm.”

“What?” Fayeth asked while staring at him.

“I’m not sure,” Frost said. He was cycling through the classes and while looking at his abilities and power levels and they were identical. The only problem was each job felt distinctly different. “Can you attack me for a few minutes?”

“If you want,” Fayeth said while picking up a wooden sword. “Will a sword work? The only other weapon I’m skilled with is a bow.”

“A sword works,” Frost said while swapping to squire. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“Yah!” Fayeth yelled while swiping at Frost. He easy sidestepped the attack and Fayeth followed up with numerous others. While her swings lacked speed and power, her precision was impressive. He realized that abilities allowed less powerful individuals to bridge the power gap in levels and it was something he needed to make note of. “How long?”

“Just keep going,” Frost said while swapping to soldier. “Interesting.”

“I feel like you’re toying with me,” Fayeth grumbled while unleashing a flurry of attacks. It was true it probably seemed that way to her since he was level ten dodge but he was actually impressed by how close she was getting given their massive difference in level. “And it’s embarrassing.”

“Huh?” Frost glanced over and saw the children, Shael, and several other elves watching. “Don’t worry about them. We’re conducting a test.”

“Gah!” Fayeth swung like she was trying to take his head with the wooden sword. “What are we even testing?”

“Classes,” Frost answered while swapping to fighter. He smiled as rather than dodging Fayeth’s next swing he stepped forward, grabbed her arm, and flipped her onto her back while disarming her. “Oh! This is the difference!”

“Ouch,” Fayeth whimpered as Frost hovered over her.

“Shit!” Frost said. He immediately covered his mouth as several children started laughing and he quickly moved to help Fayeth up. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”

“I’m okay,” Fayeth blushed while adjusting her top to keep her large breasts from popping out. “But you should have warned me!”

“Right,” Frost nodded. “I’m really sorry. It just happened when I swapped to fighter.”

“What do you mean?” Fayeth asked as Shael came running toward them.

“Are you okay Fayeth?” Shael asked. “Do you need to see Robin?”

“No,” Fayeth answered before turning back to Frost. “So, are you going to explain what happened?”

“Yeah,” Frost said excitedly. “The difference between the classes! The abilities are the same but the way they used them is different! A squire can block, dodge, and parry but the fighting style itself leans toward blocking. Then the soldier job felt really balanced. But fighter, oh, fighter has to evolve into berserker or something because there was no desire to block or parry. I wanted to dodge, counter, and disarm.”

“Show me,” Shael said while standing across from Fayeth with a wooden sword in hand. “Fayeth, attack me please.”

“You better not throw me,” Fayeth grumbled while standing across from Shael.

Fayeth started swinging and Shael easily parried the blonde elf’s attacks. After deflecting several strikes Shael switched to an awkward combination of blocks and dodges and appeared to struggle. A few moments later the redheaded elf dodged several attacks before attempting a counter.

“I said no trying to throw me!” Fayeth snapped while throwing down her sword.

“I didn’t mean to,” Shael said excitedly. “Um, Emmy, come here for a minute.”

“Yes ma’am,” Emmy said rushing to Shael’s side.

“Can you go ask your mom for a notebook for me?” Shael pleaded. “Pretty please.”

“Okay!” Emmy said while running off toward the village.

“A notebook?” Frost asked. “What for?”

“To write this down!” Shael said. “This is completely new information for us. I’m sure the human academies already know this but this information can help us a lot. Herald Frost, we have squires in this village attempting to learn two-handed weapons when they should either be soldiers or using swords and shields. This is very important information.”

Frost stared at the excited elf. He thought it was only natural to check for those types of differences. It was probably the difference between a real education versus simply learning to read and write. Serfs during the middle ages probably weren’t big on tests and experiments either.

“Alright,” Frost nodded as he picked up a wooden sword. “Since I’ve decided on fighter, I should start learning some actual swordsmanship abilities, huh? How do I go about that? Do I just need to swing?”

“Yes,” Fayeth nodded. “That’s how you begin. Then you’ll attempt more advanced techniques and eventually hunt monsters. There will also be specific abilities that unlock based on level while others will become available once you perform them.”

Frost found himself naturally fall into a fighting stance with his free hand in front of him and his sword hand behind him. While it felt safe it didn’t feel quite right for practicing attacks. He intuitively shifted his position so his sword hand was in front of him and felt more at ease.

“Just slash,” Frost said while performing a downward slice. An explosive crack resounded and all of the elves around him fell down as a shockwave of air burst forth tearing into the grass and dirt for a good five feet. “Holy…”

“Shit,” Fayeth finished his thought and quickly covered her mouth. Fortunately, the children were so shocked by the blast they didn’t even notice. “What was that? Why would you use a dangerous ability like that with children around! What if one of them were in range of that attack! What were you thinking?”

“It was a normal overhead strike!” Frost said defensively while looking through his swordsmanship abilities to be sure. “It says downward slash and I don’t even have any levels in it.”

“Herald Frost,” Shael said while checking on the children. “Are you saying that was just a normal downward slash?”

“Yeah,” Frost said knowing full well that a downward slash should not have looked like that. He glanced at his wooden sword, or more accurately, the handful of splintered wood where his sword used to be. “I shouldn’t have been so reckless.”

“It’s fine,” Fayeth sighed. “Shael, I think if Herald Frost is going to train the children should probably leave the area.”

“Aww,” the children simultaneously groaned.

“Come on,” a teen elf grumbled as she stomped away.

“I want to watch!”

“Me too!”

“Absolutely not,” Shael said commandingly. “Fayeth is right.”

“What if we watch from the wall?” an older elf child said while pointing at some adult elves watching from the stone wall surrounding the village. “If we’re behind the wall it should be fine, right?”

“I don’t know,” Shael grumbled. “You know what, ask your parents. If your parents say it’s okay you can watch from behind the wall.”

“Yay!” the children rushed off to the village.

“As for you,” Shael playfully poked Frost’s chest. “You owe me a wooden sword. In the future, look at how much strength a weapon can handle before you go overfilling it.”

“Strength a weapon can handle?” Frost asked.

“Frost,” Fayeth covered her face. “How can you understand advanced concepts like combat theory but not even know weapons have strength limits for what they can take? It’s the same as armor. You need to infuse the weapons with strength or magic.”

“If you push weapons or armor beyond their limits they will eventually break,” Shael stared at the splinters everywhere. “Or instantly break if they’re pushed to this degree.”

“Hm,” Frost scanned Shael’s intact wooden sword and saw several important pieces of information he wished he’d known earlier. “I see.”

Frost compared Shael’s wooden sword to the handle he was holding as well as the daggers from before. The handle didn’t register as anything which made sense since it was shattered. The metal dagger was massively higher in both strength and durability suggesting materials used in crafting significantly impacted those metrics. The strength and durability stats were the core components but there was also an affinity, enchantment, and enhancement section.

“What’s affinity?” Frost asked since he understood the other two.

“Affinity?” Shael smiled as she looked at her wooden sword. “I’m afraid you’ve asked another question I can’t answer Herald Frost. I’ve never seen a weapon with an affinity.”

“I understand,” Frost sighed as he wondered how he was going to acquire the information. It wasn’t something he needed to immediately investigate anyway. “I don’t suppose I can use your wooden sword to practice?”

“Don’t break it,” Shael said handing it to him. They all turned to the stone wall and half the villagers were waiting for him to do something. Emmy was sitting there as well waiving around the journal she’d brought for Shael. “It’s alright if we watch, right? I want to take notes.”

“I don’t mind,” Frost smiled while scanning the sword as he imagined infusing it with his strength as if he were allocating ability points. The numbers gradually rose and around eighty percent they turned yellow, at ninety orange, and at ninety-eight they turned red. He wasn’t going to swing it so he pushed it over the top and the red numbers began filling the durability meter. Once the durability meter was filled the numbers kept going but turned black. He pulled back until the numbers were in the green again. “I think I get it. So, durability only decreases if you go beyond the maximum strength.”

“Or if it’s struck by a significantly more powerful blow,” Fayeth said. “So, as long as you don’t use too much strength it should be fine. But just to be safe I’m going to wait on the wall with everybody else.”

“You don’t trust me?” Frost asked the blonde elf.

“Trust is earned,” Fayeth bowed politely while gesturing at the slashed ground. “Show me you can control yourself and I’ll come back out.”

“Fine,” Frost laughed. “I’ll show you.”

Frost practiced safely swinging the sword and unlocked dozens of abilities. He was looking at potentially tens of thousands points if he wanted to really master things. He reminded himself of his conversation with Lysandra about diminishing returns and decided that the key skills weren’t as important as the core ability.

He also thought about how effective Fayeth’s strikes were despite their level difference. If an ability’s level could potentially bridge that type of level gap, it was important to have at least one maxed out. He thought about spears, axes, and other weapons but swords were the most versatile. He decided to bring swordsmanship to level ten.

“Wow,” Frost said to himself as various muscle memories activated. It was similar to balancing on the dagger, he simply knew he could do certain things that he previously couldn’t. He glanced at the dummy on the other end of the field and it felt so much closer than before. Everything did. “Okay. Let’s try it.”

It happened in a single breath. Frost launched off his back leg while drawing the wooden sword behind him. He sprinted and within a few seconds the dummy was in range and Frost swung for it, but the swing was completely different from before. As naturally as breathing, Frost’s blade pivoted, twisted, and a follow up strike came from the other side of the dummy creating an illusion of two blades slashing, then a third, fourth, and finally a fifth as the dummy fell to pieces.

“You owe me a dummy!” Shael screamed from the wall while jotting down notes.

Frost looked into his abilities and saw five-point slash become available as an ability. It must have been one of the abilities that became unlocked level ten swordsmanship. He also noticed something else as he stared at the ability, a tiny sliver. He started looking at his other abilities and under counter an ability called throw had a sliver. Disarm also had a sliver under one-handed disarm.

“That’s it,” Frost said excitedly as he realized the abilities with slivers in them were ones he’d actually used on opponents. He’d thrown Fayeth, he’d disarmed Ena’s cudgel, and even five-point slash was used on the dummy. Restricted ability points were likely earned each time he leveled the ability. Although he started wondering about the experience curves.

He needed to try again on another target. It was obvious he needed to strike the target so practicing on elves wouldn’t work. He wondered what qualified as a target.

“Frost,” Lysandra appeared to have joined the crowd watching him. In fact, he noticed that almost the entire village was now watching him. “What are you doing?”

“Stand back for a second,” Frost said as he looked around for a suitable target but the only things in striking distance were rocks and trees. He focused in on a tree in the distance and smiled to himself. “I guess it’ll have to work.”

Frost sprinted toward the tree with the same speed as before. He wasn’t moving impossibly fast as much as he was moving with incredible conviction. As each footfall landed, he knew a dozen ways in which he could attack, dodge, block, or parry if he needed to. He had a new awareness of his surroundings and how best to attack or defend.

But he didn’t need to worry about attacking or defending. His target was a tree and his weapon was a simple wooden sword infused with his power. He decided to use a little more strength and the sword was instantly in the red.

He arrived in front of the tree and it was strange how comfortable he was as the starting slice began. Thanks to the mild increase in power, it was much faster than before. In fact, so fast that something was wrong. He was holding the blade as if he’d completed the five slashes but he was still watching the five slashes take place in front of him. He quickly dashed away as the phantom blades left behind from his technique vanished.

“Huh?” Frost heard an ominous creaking sound from the forest and a second later not only did the tree he sliced fall, but so did another that was positioned behind it. He glanced at the wooden blade and it was still in the same condition he’d gotten it.

He quickly looked at the five-point slash ability and sure enough, the sliver increased slightly. It turned out that training required him to actually strike things but didn’t require those things to be living. Then again, he wondered if live opponents increased the rate of growth.

“Frost!” Lysandra snapped while grabbing him by the ear like a disobedient child. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Ow,” Frost said while escaping her grasp. He rubbed his ear as the villagers stared at him. “I was testing my abilities.”

“Do not use your full power in front of the villagers,” Lysandra chided. “We need to ease them into…”

“That wasn’t my full power,” Frost said defiantly while holding out the intact wooden sword. “That was swordsmanship ability.”

“Excuse me?” Lysandra glanced back at the fallen trees.

“I mean,” Frost pointed at the sword. “I can only put a tiny bit of power into this wooden sword without breaking it. With a metal one, I can really increase the power.”

“You absolutely will not use a real sword!” Lysandra said irritably. “Did you expect to slice into that second tree?”

“No,” Frost said guiltily. “But it was just a wooden sword! How I was supposed to know that would happen?”

“Exactly,” Lysandra said while crossing her arms. “What if one of those two trees fell on a child? What if you accidentally used too much power and struck somebody playing games in the woods? You’re having issues controlling yourself with a wooden sword. You’ll have even more difficulty with a metal sword.”

“How am I supposed to learn to control myself if I’m not allowed to practice controlling myself?” Frost asked even though he knew she was right. He’d nearly killed that knight in the forest the other day without even trying.

“I’m not saying you can’t train,” Lysandra sighed. “And honestly I can’t tell you what to do. You’re the herald and if you wish to practice with a metal sword you can. But I am asking you to trust me and take it slow. Are you willing to do that, for me?”

“I mean,” Frost grumbled as Lysandra stared at him lovingly. The violet-eyed priestess grabbed his hand and began stroking it sweetly as she waited for a response. “Fine. I’ll take it slow.”

“Thank you,” Lysandra chuckled. “And don’t worry, it’ll only be for a while. I promise I’ll look for a safe area for you to train.”

Lysandra dispersed the crowd of elves and directed everybody back to their daily tasks before pulling Fayeth aside to lecture her. After a while, Lysandra’s lecture was complete and Fayeth walked toward Frost with an impish grin.

“Lysandra I should take you out hunting with me,” Fayeth said. “You interested?”

“Absolutely,” Frost said.

“But you only get to use the wooden sword,” Fayeth said. “Is that going to be a problem?”

“Do you think it’s going to be a problem?” Frost grinned while holding up the sword.

CHAPTER 10

“Holy shit,” Frost said while dodging a boar rushing from the bushes. At least he thought it was a boar but the damn thing was covered in stones from head to toe and about four feet tall. Frost scanned the beast as it twisted around to face him and was surprised to see it was only level six. “What is that?”

“Granite boar,” Fayeth answered while loosing an arrow. The boar shifted slightly causing the arrow to miss its flesh and land on one of the stones instead. “The woods are lousy with them. But there are other monsters as well. They tend to avoid the village but if we don’t clear them out regularly then the gatherers could get attacked.”

“Let’s see,” Frost smiled while staring at the boar as it rushed him. He performed a simple dodge and countered with an overhead slash decapitating the raging hog. He looked at his abilities and overhead slash’s experience bar moved up another sliver but more than what the dummy had given. He imagined the level of the opponents made a big difference in his ability development. “Okay. This is pretty straightforward.”

“If you kill everything that easily this is going to be a quick trip,” Fayeth said. “But next time wait for me to land a shot so I get credit as well.”

“Credit,” Frost said realizing she was talking about shared experience. “Does it reduce the amount I gain?”

“Slightly,” Fayeth answered defensively. It was obvious she was concerned that he was going to hog all of the experience. “But the overall amount gained is more which is why we should share.”

“Fayeth,” Frost chuckled. “How many monsters do you normally kill a day?”

“It averages to about a dozen or so,” Fayeth answered after taking a second to think. “Some days are a lot, others not as many. And we divide up the forest by areas and split the work.”

“How fast do they respawn?” Frost asked while thinking about how to optimize the process.

“Respawn?” Fayeth asked.

“Sorry,” Frost chuckled. “How fast before the monsters come back?”

“It really depends,” Fayeth answered. “The ones that are dangerous to the gatherers only show up once a day. Smaller ones that the gatherers can handle come back four or five times a day.”

“What was that granite boar?” Frost asked while pointing at the stone covered boar.

“Twice a day,” Fayeth said while walking to the boar. She held up a crystal and Frost’s jaw dropped as the boar magically separated into a pile of bones, meat, and rocks. “They need be cleared out.”

“What was that!” Frost asked excitedly as he pointed at the three piles and then at the crystal. “How did you do that?”

“I used a harvesting crystal,” Fayeth said holding up the gemstone. “Don’t you know what this is?”

“No,” Frost said excitedly. “Can I get one?”

“Here,” Fayeth reached into her pack and handed Frost a dozen of them. “If you run out you have to deconstruct the monsters the old-fashioned way and that gets messy. Just talk to Hestia and she can always make you more, but you have to gather her stuff in return.”

Fayeth shoved the large pile of bones into a tiny pack resting on her waist and Frost realized it must have been enchanted. He was about to ask her about it but quickly shifted focus as she started to stand up.

“What about the meat?” Frost said pointing at the pile of fresh pork laying on the ground. “We’re not going to leave it are we?”

“Oh,” Fayeth’s face contorted as she leaned down and placed it in her pack. “I forgot that humans eat this.”

“That explains all the fruit and vegetables,” Frost chuckled as Fayeth pulled out a canteen and dumped water on her hands. “You don’t like the taste of meat?”

“The flavor is too,” Fayeth made claws with her hands and started wiggling her fingers like she was imitating spiders. “You know, ack!”

“I do not know,” Frost laughed. “Meat is delicious to me.”

“Well it’s all yours,” Fayeth shuddered. “But then I get all the fruit we find.”

“Deal,” Frost said enthusiastically as they continued hunting.

Frost quickly adopted the role of tank as they explored the forest. He would rush the monsters while only putting a fragment of his strength into the wooden blade before he struck. The monster would become disoriented allowing Fayeth to easily land her shot, then he’d finish it off.

Using the harvesting crystal was a somewhat surreal experience though. Using scan, he could see what it would separate into and then he just needed to infuse the crystal with magic by thinking of his mental flow. After that, it was basically point and shoot.

He looked at his mental strength after performing the action and realized it depreciated slightly, much like mana. Similarly, even though he wasn’t using much of his strength, it was also lower than before. While both his strength and magic regenerated, the process was slower than an actual game.

“Hey Fayeth,” Frost glanced at the busty elf. “Do you mind if I scan you quick?”

“Yes, I mind,” Fayeth said to his surprise. “If you wish to know something, ask a question. Scanning is something you do when you don’t trust a person to answer honestly or view them as an enemy.”

“I’m sorry,” Frost said while looking away embarrassed. “I’m wondering how you’re doing physically. How much energy you’ve used so far compared to when we started. But I always wanted to scan you now and after your next fight to…”

“I understand” Fayeth nodded. “You’re trying to quantify strength. The rate of exhaustion and recovery varies from person to person. If I take time to recover a little between fights, I can hunt monsters all day and be recovered by the next morning. But people are different. Ena is talented both physically and mentally while Renna and I don’t have much magical talent. So, scanning me won’t do you much good. Your own strengths and recovery rates are your own.”

“I see,” Frost said as he recalled that Erissa was lower level than Fayeth despite being older. He wondered how much of the differences were based on natural talents and how many were determined by effort. But it gave him something to think about as they continued their hunt. “Will you gain mental strength if you train it more? Or only when you level?”

“Level is the primary factor but everybody is different,” Fayeth answered confirming his theory that different people were probably more suited to different classes. “But if you’re training as an archer all of the time, you’re not going to have time to practice magic so if you switch your abilities will be under leveled. Can I ask you a question?”

“Yeah,” Frost smiled at the blonde. “Sorry, I realize this has been pretty one sided, hasn’t it?”

“I know to some extent you need to know these things to get more powerful,” Fayeth said. “But a good portion of what you’re asking isn’t really useful to somebody as powerful as you. Even the Ziran soldiers couldn’t scan you so you must be extremely powerful. So, why are you so worried about these basic things?”

“Oh,” Frost chuckled. “Honestly, I think it’s just natural to want to know how things work. But if I’m being honest, I’m looking to the future. There’s always somebody stronger. On top of that, I don’t want to come off as too judgmental or cocky but I think I can probably come up with some ways to help you all level faster.”

“What?” Fayeth smiled excitedly. “How?”

“Don’t get excited yet,” Frost chuckled. “I’m still theory crafting.”

“Theory crafting? What’s that?”

“I’m just thinking of better ways to do things.” Frost gestured at the forest. “For example, you could probably hunt and recover longer with a cleric in the group. Also, just having me here to tank has probably helped you, right?”

“Yes,” Fayeth said while considering his words.

“Have you heard of party formations with a tank, damage dealer, and support?”

“Tank?”

“Like a squire or a knight,” Frost said while gesturing at his arm where a shield should have been. “They block and hold the monster while you fire it. Afterward, the cleric heals you before the next fight.”

“Wait,” Fayeth’s eyes lit up as his words registered. “But we earn less experience in a group of three.”

“But you’ll kill a lot more,” Frost answered. “And based on what I’m seeing in abilities, they don’t appear to take an experience penalty.”

“What?” Fayeth appeared to be scanning herself. “So, even if we’re leveling more slowly our abilities will level just as fast.”

“Faster,” Frost answered. “And if your abilities are leveled, you’ll kill things faster and be able to hunt more powerful things allowing you to level faster.”

“I hadn’t considered that,” Fayeth said pensively. “But there aren’t really any powerful monsters in the woods.”

“Yeah,” Frost nodded. “I’ve noticed. But let’s not worry about that now. You asked what I was thinking about, it’s things like that.”

“You’re really thinking about all of those things?” Fayeth stared at him in disbelief. “Even while we’re out here hunting?”

“Yeah,” Frost answered. “Speaking of hunting. Let’s keep going. I want to practice more.”

“Right!” Fayeth said excitedly. “Let’s do it!”

Frost and Fayeth hunted until nearly sundown and it paid off nicely in the form of meat. He also gathered a bunch of bones from wild animals and various parts from plant monsters. Fayeth said he’d be able to trade them to Hestia for more harvesting gems. The plant monsters also dropped a large amount of fruit which seemed to excite Fayeth more than anything else.

He was a little surprised by how many different beasts there were in the forest but overall none of them were much of a threat. Their attack patterns were predictable and if the elves formed parties, they could probably clear the woods in half the time they had been. That would leave additional time for them to practice magic abilities.

Frost grabbed a notebook from Lysandra’s library and immediately started jotting down math as he sat in a corner eating. He was thrilled that meat was back on the menu but it turned out he was the only one who knew how to cook it. The elves all burnt it horribly.

He was also surprised when cooking a single piece of meat unlocked the chef class and dozens of abilities with it. Several of the abilities were partially leveled along with a few recipes. Although if he wanted to make anything like a cheeseburger, he’d need to figure out how to properly grind up meat.

Fayeth excitedly hovered over his shoulder as he scribbled rough math while scanning himself. He estimated the number of monsters they killed, the number of times he’d used horizontal slash, and his recovery speed.

“Are you going to do this all night?” Fayeth asked while gesturing outside. “It’s nearing midnight.”

“Just a few more minutes,” Frost said while also considering that having elves face off and practice disarming each other would likely help them with those abilities. “I just want to finish up some thoughts.”

“Okay,” Fayeth paused at the stairs. “Just so you know, my room is the last one on the left.”

“Your room?” Frost glanced up from his paper as the blonde elf undid her ponytail and let her hair fall naturally. “Um.”

“Just so you know,” Fayeth blushed as climbed the stairs to her room.

Frost put down his book and quickly followed her up but quickly got distracted by the noise coming from Lysandra’s room. He walked in to check on everything saw Lysandra trying to force a half-naked Renna out of her bed.

“Frost!” Renna laughed while gripping a corner of the mattress while Lysandra pulled on her. “Tell Lysandra I can stay in here!”

“Tell her to go to her own room,” Lysandra said while releasing the petite elf from her grasp. “She moves around too much at night!”

“You do move around a lot,” Frost said remembering the night before. He glanced back at Fayeth’s open door and realized that if he added more fuel on the fire he could be in trouble. He turned back to the bed and saw Renna staring at him like a sad kitten. “Lysandra, I am between you two.”

“Fine,” Lysandra said through clenched teeth. “But this is not going to be an every night thing. Are we clear?”

“We’ll see about that you howling old harpy,” Renna said as Lysandra threw a pillow in her face.

“Well?” Lysandra gestured at the spot in the center of the bed. Frost undressed and hopped in as the women immediacy fought for his attention. Lysandra’s hand stared to slowly move south. “So, did all of that hunting tire you out?”

“Did it?” Renna asked while running her hand along his abs. “Or do you have some energy left?”

“Unless I’m dead I’ll always have energy for that,” Frost grinned as the women pounced on him.

CHAPTER 11

For the next few days Frost spent most of his time theory crafting, training, or educating himself on the politics of the region in preparation for the meeting. A messenger from Zira confirmed the ambassador’s arrival day and time and wanted to be as prepared as possible.

It turned out the elf village was located in Pluma forest on the shared border of the kingdoms of Zira and Rilia. The forest was assumed uninhabited and although there were roads surrounding it, nobody ever really had a reason to investigate it. It wasn’t even a good place to level because of how out of the way it was and how weak the monsters were.

After talking to Lysandra, Frost also learned that Rilia was an aggressive country ruled by a merciless warlord that killed the previous royal family and took the throne. The first thing he did when he took the throne was kill all the nobles as well as anybody loyal to the previous royal family. He also was rumored to be unbeatable on the battlefield with strength rivaling that of a dragon.

Zira was also militaristic but it wasn’t bloodthirsty. Zira’s military primarily functioned as a peacekeeping force. Each territory had its own military which operated based on the needs of that territory. Some fo them would spend their time rounding up bandits in the countryside while those in larger cities meant most of their time keeping the peace within the walls.

As for the territory they were located in, the primary city was Blackwater and their military spent their time traveling between villages collecting taxes, punishing criminals, and killing bandits. So, there was no reason for them to ever enter the Pluma Forest.

Naturally, the elves to choose to live on the Ziran side of the border rather than the one being led by a bloodthirsty tyrant.

Those little details were why Frost had gathered all of the elves to the central garden. There was no reason for the Ziran’s to be anywhere near that village but he didn’t only know the elves were there, but also that they were followers of Shalia.

He was positive none of the elves purposefully betrayed them but he wantd to solve the mystery of who informed on them before the delegation arrived.

“So, nobody ever passes through?” Frost asked the large group of elves standing in front of him as he watched them for any nervousness or changes in behavior. “No traveling merchants? Lost travelers? Hunters?”

“No,” Lysandra answered. “Nobody is supposed to know we’re here.”

“The only village we even have contact with is Filan,” Sumina volunteered. “But we always travel there. And we always disguise ourselves.”

“Do you think somebody saw through our disguises?” Rania asked worriedly. “We wear hoods, hats, and scarves to cover up as much as possible. The only thing people can see is our eyes.”

“Seriously?” Frost was in shock. Not only would the coverings make them even more suspicious, but their eyes were their second most noticeable trait. “There’s no way that works!”

“Really?” Mira, the redheaded tailor asked. “Whenever I go to Filan to buy cloth nobody ever says anything.”

“I can’t believe this,” Frost mumbled while looking at the bright-eyed elves. He realized the villagers in Filan likely knew they were elves and simply ignored it since they were customers. “Who’s gone to Filan recently?”

He looked out at the crowd and a dozen elves raised their hands. asked what they were doing, how long they were there, and if they had any issues. He was starting to think he was barking up the wrong tree until he noticed Robin looking apprehensive.

“Robin,” Frost glared at the pink-haired elf. She averted her golden eyes while slowly stepping forward like a guilty child. “What happened?”

“I don’t think I did anything wrong,” Robin said uncertainly. “It’s just, the children were sick and the local physician was giving them the wrong medicine.”

“Explain,” Frost said. “Be as detailed as you can.”

Robin described entering the village and seeing dozens of sick children wandering the streets with their parents. One of the parents agreed to let her look at her child and she quickly realized the illness was easily treatable. After spending several hours in the village, and with the help of some local herbalists, she was able to make enough medicine for all the children.

“But,” Robin paused and looked around. “I think the local physician may have been angry with me.”

“What makes you say that?” Frost asked.

“Well, he was already giving them medicine for their illness but he must not have known there was a cure because he was only giving them the herbs that reduce the symptoms,” Robin said.

“Oh,” Frost said as a workable theory popped into his head. “Robin, do you really think he didn’t know the cure?”

“Huh?” Robin looked confused. “He must not have or else he wouldn’t have used the herbs he was using.”

“Robin,” Frost shook his head at her naivety. “Was the treatment common enough that a physician should have known it?”

“Yes,” Robin answered. “But the illness wasn’t native to this region so it’s possible the doctor wasn’t familiar with it.”

“But he was familiar enough to know how to reduce the symptoms,” Frost proffered.

“I suppose,” Robin said while thinking about what Frost was saying. “But that would mean he was purposefully giving them the wrong medicine. Why would a physician do that?”

“Money,” Frost answered. “There’s more money in treatment than there is in a cure.”

“But,” Robin paused. “But they were children. And they were suffering. Sure, the disease wasn’t fatal but it caused extreme discomfort and could make them susceptible to worse illnesses. It’s a physician’s job to…”

“Robin,” Frost interrupted. “You don’t need to explain it to me. I understand. But my guess is the physician reported you because he was angry that you messed up his scam.”

“Scam?” Lysandra asked as the crowd of elves murmured. “Are you suggesting he had a role in the spread of the illness as well.”

“Probably,” Frost said. “But I think that’s the best working theory of how Zira discovered the village. This is good.”

“Good?” Ena said angrily. “We may have to leave our homes because some human wanted money! How is that good?”

“That’s obviously not good,” Frost said. “But it’s good because it means they don’t know much about this village. They only know its location and that villagers occasionally travel to Filan. Although I’m curious as to how they knew you’re followers of Shalia.”

“That might have been our fault,” Sumina said anxiously while glancing at Rania. “We like to sing when we travel and if they overheard some of our songs…”

“Got it,” Frost nodded. He wanted to lecture them about their lack of discretion but it wasn’t the time for that. “Now, since that’s out of the way and everybody is here, let’s go over the rules for the visit.”

Frost started explaining to the elves that while it was possible that the humans were going to negotiate in good faith, it was unlikely. They would try to bait the elves into attacking or offending them in order to justify some sort of reprisal and gain an upper hand.

While the elves were impressed with his line of thinking, he knew it was lacking. He’d never engaged in a negotiation with dignitaries and he wasn’t much of a mediator.

“Herald Frost,” Renna and Fayeth came running from the forest. “They’re here!”

“How many?” Frost asked wondering if they’d kept their word.

“Twenty,” Fayeth answered. “One of them is the messenger from before. But Frost…”

“They’re all way too high level for us to scan,” Renna said.

“I figured as much,” Frost said while turning to the villagers. “Remember what I told you.”

“Yes Herald Frost,” several elves said while others nodded.

Frost scanned the delegation as soon as it emerged from the forest while they did the same to him and the elves. The troop consisted of four holy knights in their forties, four Saints in the high thirties, four level forty assassins, two hunters in their high forties, and two Assassins in the low thirties.

The remaining four members were a level forty-seven sage, Commander Grey, a level twenty-two Knight, and a level twenty-nine elementalist. The sage was obviously the leader but he was most interested in the elementalist.

“Ahem,” the sage gestured at Commander Grey.

“Yes sir,” Commander Grey rode toward the village gate. “Herald Frost. May I present to you Duke Vincent Raullon, Ambassador of…”

“That’s enough,” Raullon interrupted while riding forward. His entourage quickly matched his pace while the lower level Knight and elementalist came last. “Herald Frost. Do you care to explain to me why I am here? I am not entirely sure myself.”

“Bad luck?” Frost joked.

“Ha,” the elementalist laughed while the rest of the soldiers all tensed up.

“Hansel,” Raullon said authoritatively. “Here, now.”

“Yes father,” the young elementalist rode to the front to join Raullon.

“Herald Frost,” Raullon gestured toward Hansel. “Let me introduce you to my son Hansel Raullon. It seems you both share a similar sense of humor. I do not. I wish to finish this as soon as possible.”

“Hansel is it,” Frost nodded while seeing an opportunity to acquire some information. “Elementalist, huh? I’m more of a hands-on guy myself. Never really bothered learning the prerequisite abilities for elementalist. Can’t even remember them honestly. What were they again?”

“Oh,” Hansel said excitedly. “You just need to learn…”

“Hansel that’s enough,” Raullon glared angrily at Frost. “Herald Frost. I request that you do not attempt to trick any of my attendants.”

“Trick?” Hansel glanced at Frost. “I don’t…”

“Herald Frost doesn’t know the perquisites of elementalist,” Raullon said. “He saw an opportunity to acquire that information and took it.”

“Hm,” Frost smirked while continuing to scan Duke Raullon. Raullon’s scan ability was level ten and Frost wondered what he could see. He also wondered if Raullon being sent was a good sign or a bad one. It likely meant they were taking negotiations seriously but also mean they were being treated as a serious threat. “Alright. I suppose I should introduce…”

“I don’t need to know their names,” Raullon interrupted. “They’re elves. Not only that, but they’re followers of Shalia. While I understand you have a strange affection toward them, they are no different to me than wild dogs.”

“Frost,” Lysandra blushed as Frost hooked his arm into hers. “We discussed this. You should avoid displays of affection while…”

“I don’t recall agreeing to that,” Frost smiled while lifting her hand and kissing it. Raullon and several others appeared disgusted. Even Commander Grey looked away.

“What!” A high-pitched squeal emanated from the plate helm of the low-level knight. “What!”

“Commander Grey,” Raullon hissed while gesturing toward the knight.

“Priscilla,” Commander Grey lightly punched the helm causing a gong-like sound to resonate.

“Ow!” Priscilla whined. “Dad! That hurt!”

“My apologies Duke Raullon,” Commander Grey sighed. “I’m afraid I don’t have much control over my daughter.”

“Don’t apologize for me,” Priscilla snapped. “I’m doing you a favor by being here!”

“You’re here in lieu of a cell,” Raullon said coldly. “You’d be wise to remember that.”

“Is she a prisoner?” Frost said as he noticed she was the only one not carrying a weapon. He clicked his tongue at the commander. “Commander Grey. You didn’t strike me as the type of man to raise a criminal.”

“Priscilla Grey is here for her unique insight on demihumans,” Raullon said. “In exchange for a reduced sentence she offered her assistance in these negotiations.”

“Hello,” Priscilla said as she removed her plate helmet and nodded politely. “Priscilla Grey. Nice to meet you Herald Frost.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Frost nodded.

“Can we move this farce along?” Raullon said while staring at Frost with visible disgust. “Why are we here Herald Frost?”

“If we’re going to begin discussions, I’d like you to dismount and come inside,” Frost said. “We can…”

“Our horses will stay out here,” Raullon said while gesturing toward Commander Grey, Priscilla, Hansel, and three high levels. “You six will come with me while the rest of you make camp out here. Sir Frederick is in charge.”

“Yes sir,” the highest-level holy knight said.

Raullon and the other dismounted as the soldiers remaining outside of the village began pulling out large items from satchels on the horses. As one holy knight pulled out several massive posts meant to assemble a tent, Frost realized he’d forgotten to ask Lysandra about bags.

“Do we have any extra ones of those?” Frost asked Lysandra while gesturing at the bags.

“Of course,” Lysandra said. “It’s a simple spell that tailors and leatherworkers learn.”

“Herald Frost,” Raullon said as he and his entourage entered the gate. “Let’s get started as soon as possible. I wish to leave this disgusting place.”

“Right,” Frost said while gesturing toward the temple. “This way.”

Several of the elves stared nervously while others went to their homes to hide. Shael and a few other fighters stood guard near the wall of the village to keep watch but all of them were told to avoid fighting. They were only there to keep watch and inform Frost of any strange behavior.

“Welcome,” Lysandra said while opening the door to the temple. Raullon and the others walked by her without a word. Priscilla looked like she was going to stop but her father quickly pushed her along. Frost came in behind them.

“Is this your entire delegation?” Raullon glanced at Lysandra, Robin, and Mira.

“Yes,” Frost answered politely. Robin and Mira had the most experience talking with humans so Frost figured they’d be best suited to fill out their side of the table during the discussions. “Duke Raullon. Welcome to our village.”

“It’s not your village,” Raullon said coldly while pulling out some papers from his satchel. He slid them over to Hansel along with a pen. “Hansel, transcribe the meeting.”

“Why are they doing that?” Lysandra said as Hansel began rapidly writing.

“Raullon is a representative of his country,” Frost said while sitting down. “As a representative he’s been granted a certain amount of authority but only as long as he acts in the best interest of his country. By keeping detailed records his superiors can make sure he’s acting in the country’s best interest.”

Frost had gotten used to the elves giving him strange looks when he said something but the humans’ reactions were entirely unexpected. Hansel had stopped writing and both Commander Grey and his daughter expressed shock.

“Herald Frost,” Raullon gave him a suspicious look. “That is a very scholarly way of thinking. Is it fair for me to assume you’re well educated?”

“Lysandra,” Frost waived at her while taking his seat. “Am I considered well educated?”

“I apologize but Herald Frost has difficulty answering questions like that,” Lysandra said while avoiding making eye contact with the duke. “I believe you would consider him well educated.”

“I see,” Raullon said while signaling Hansel to continue documenting the meeting. “Herald Frost, as you’ve noted I’ve been granted limited authority to deal with this matter. But, as mentioned previously, I am unsure of why I am here and wish to get this over with as soon as possible. It is my understanding that I am here at your request.”

“Oh,” Frost glanced at Commander Grey. “That’s right. I completely forgot that I requested this meeting.”

“Frost,” Lysandra said nervously.

“Pfft,” Hansel chuckled while writing everything down.

“Hansel,” Raullon said coldly. “Please be sure to note your behavior in the records as well.”

“Yes father,” Hansel said as his face turned pale.

“Robin,” Frost pointed at Hansel. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to keep records of the meeting?”

“Oh,” Robin nervously jumped from her seat. “I’m sorry, I don’t have any paper. I can go…”

“Here,” Raullon pulled out a pile of paper and shoved it toward Robin while glaring at Frost. “I don’t wish to waste anymore time with preparations that should have been made earlier. Although I’m curious as to why you wish to document the meeting if you’re truly a herald.”

“You mean because I don’t have anybody to report to?” Frost said as Robin set up.

“Yes,” Raullon replied. “It calls into question your authority.”

“Hm,” Frost said pensively. “I wish to keep a record of the meeting for elves in the village to reference.”

Robin and Hansel both stopped writing and everybody stared at him.

“I see,” Raullon said completely unfazed by the revelation. Hansel and Robin returned to documenting the exchange. “As long as you have the authority you claim to have it doesn’t matter to me.”

“If I may,” Priscilla stared at Raullon. “Duke Raullon, am I to understand that the people of this village will have access to this information but the people of Zira will not?”

“Yes,” Raullon answered.

“That’s it?” Priscilla said angrily as Commander Grey sighed. “Just yes? No explanation.”

“Priscilla,” Commander Grey placed his hand on his daughter’s pauldron. “Please be quiet.”

“Lady Grey,” Raullon glared at the aggravated knight. “I am neither your parent nor your instructor. I will not spend this meeting educating you on the difference between governing a village and governing a large country.”

“Fine,” Priscilla said while crossing her arms.

Frost knew that Raullon wasn’t entirely wrong. There were likely humans who would be upset that he’s even negotiating with elves. Additionally, there were likely demihumans that didn’t even realize they could negotiate. If records were available to the public, things could become difficult.

“Herald Frost,” Raullon gestured at his side of the table. “We’re still waiting for a response on the purpose of this meeting.”

“Peace,” Frost said like it was obvious. “I don’t want the elves to be attacked and I don’t want to have to hurt anybody.”

“I see,” Raullon said pensively. “I don’t see how that is possible. The Pluma Forest is an important buffer between Zira and Rilia. If we were to permit this village to exist it would only serve to antagonize Rilia. Additionally, this land is owned by Prince Erik. Even if he were willing to permit the cursed worshippers of Shalia to inhabit this land there is the matter of taxes and governance. Based on our investigation the elves have lived on this land for years without paying taxes making them criminals.”

“I understand,” Frost said while thinking over Raullon’s words. Unfortunately, the sage was making a lot of sense. “But I do see a possible solution that ends in little to no bloodshed.”

“Really?” Raullon said somewhat intrigued. “I’d be pleased to hear it.”

“Sell me the land,” Frost said. “The land is useless to Zira because of its proximity to Rilia and it would create a true buffer between Zira and Rilia. As a bonus, we get to avoid a conflict.”

“The veiled threat aside it’s an interesting suggestion,” Raullon smirked. “But do you even have the means to purchase the land? And how much land do you intend to purchase? If the prince is even willing to part with the land.”

“Well,” Frost glanced around. “Anybody have a map of the region?”

“I’ll get it,” Lysandra jumped up and rushed to her room as Raullon growled. After an awkward minute she came rushing down the stairs with a large parchment and unfolded it on the table. “Sorry.”

“Okay,” Frost pulled out a pen and began marking the map. The Rilian border was marked by a small gully in the west that cut through the forest. They were located about five miles from the gully. Frost started there. “Here is the land I’m interested in.”

Frost started just south of the road that bordered the northern part of the forest and followed the gully until it met the southern road. He continued past the southern road for another two miles and then began tracing east until he reached the Wenrose river. He followed the river north by northwest until he once again reached the northern road and then traced west to connect with his starting point. In the end, the territory contained the entire forest, the southern road, and Filan since it resided on the western side of the river.

“The village of Filan lies in this territory,” Raullon said. “Do you expect to claim ownership of the people in that village?”

“I’m not sure how fond of the idea they’ll be,” Frost said. “But I can’t really leave the village unattended. Regardless of whether or not the village transfers to me I have some business I need to handle there at some point.”

“I don’t suppose you’d explain?” Raullon said.

“Well,” Frost turned to Robin. “Robin, tell Duke Raullon what you told me.”

Robin nervously explained her situation with the physician in Filan and over the course of the explanation both Raullon and Commander Grey came to the same conclusion he had.

“I see,” Raullon turned to Commander Grey. “If I’m not mistaken the physician was our informant, correct?”

“That’s correct,” Commander Grey said through clenched teeth.

“Herald Frost,” Raullon said. “Commander Grey will investigate the situation in Filan and if necessary, punish the physician. You have no authority in Filan.”

“That depends entirely on how the negotiation goes, doesn’t it?” Frost smirked.

“Assuming the prince agrees to the sale of this land how would you intend to pay for it?” Raullon smiled like he had something in mind.

“I think he’d have to agree to the sale first,” Frost smirked. “But if I’m not mistaken, you have a proposition.”

“Tell me Herald Frost,” Raullon said thoughtfully. “If there were a service you could provide in exchange for this land, would that interest you?”

“Duke Raullon,” Commander Grey said as the entire room stared at the sage. “We can’t…”

“Be quiet,” Raullon snapped at Commander Grey before turning back to Frost. “I believe that Prince Erik may be inclined to trade this piece of land in exchange for solving the giant problem. And, if Herald Frost is unable to solve the giant problem, that solves the herald problem. But as Commander Grey was about to point out, I’d need to confirm it with the prince himself. This is well outside of my authority.”

“Lysandra,” Frost looked at the high priestess. “How powerful are giants?”

“I’m unsure,” Lysandra answered. “They usually keep the mountains so I’ve never seen one before.”

“The ones in question are a tribe in the north that have come down from the mountains,” Raullon smirked. “They have destroyed two villages, taken the people of those villages hostage, and are currently eating over a dozen people day. There are twelve of them in total and their average level is forty-five.”

“Their average level,” Frost knew full well why Raullon was using the average instead of a range. “What level is the highest level?”

“Unknown but over level fifty,” Raullon smirked. “What are your thoughts?”

“Hm,” Frost stared at Raullon. He couldn’t help but feel he was getting screwed over. At the same time, the idea of sitting around and negotiating while people were being eaten didn’t sit well with him. “I will eliminate the unknown giant in exchange for this territory but the other eleven will require you pay me whatever your standard rate is for giant killing.”

“Herald Frost,” Lysandra said softly. “I don’t want to be impudent but I believe you are undervaluing your services.”

“Why you…” Raullon bit his tongue but his reaction only confirmed what Frost was already thinking. Eliminating a level fifty giant was an enormous ask on its own.

“I’m aware,” Frost said as the other side of the table collectively tensed up. “But as Raullon said the giants are eating over twelve villagers a day. Which is why I’m agreeing to these terms. Every day the prince considers the proposal, people will die. Every day we spend negotiating, people will die. We’re not just negotiating for land and money.”

“I see,” Lysandra smiled politely. “I apologize.”

“How noble,” Raullon grinned derisively. “It will take a half a day for me to travel to Blackwater and half a to return. The prince will discuss the situation with the capital and seek approval for the sale of land under the terms discussed.”

“How far away are the giants?” Frost asked.

“It takes me over two days to ride there,” Commander Grey answered. “I’m level four.”

“I can make it in a day and a half,” the hunter at the end of the table said. “My riding ability is level seven depending on the horse.”

“So, it’ll probably take me a day,” Frost wasn’t going to underestimate the importance of traveling quickly. Leveling his riding to ten was a no-brainer even if he was starting to get low on ability points. He turned to Raullon. “Well, I suppose everything depends on how long it takes the prince to decide. But, this will probably cost about forty lives.”

“I understand,” Raullon said irritably while standing up. “Commander Grey, I’m leaving you in charge while I’m away. Hansel, keep detailed records of everything that happens while I’m away. Sir Frederick, Sir Cameron, and Sir Rowan are the fastest riders and will be escorting me back to the capital. The rest will remain here.”

“What about me?” Priscilla said. “Am I free to go?”

“No,” Raullon glared at Commander Grey. “But I’ll leave you to your father.”

“You’re still arrested,” Commander Grey said without flinching. “We’ll see if we can negotiate a probation when we’re back in Blackwater.”

“This is completely unfair!” Priscilla said angrily as Raullon and his guards rushed out. She struck her father several times as Hansel wrote down her actions. “Unfair! Unfair! Unfair! What kind of father are you?”

“A good one,” Commander Grey answered while rising out of his seat. “Herald Frost, we’re going to return to our encampment, I believe it’s in everybody’s best interest to keep the elves and the humans separated. Do you agree?”

“I agree,” Frost nodded. Although Commander Grey seemed relatively indifferent to elves, the general dislike shown by the other humans was concerning. “But, feel free to stop in if you want. And do you have food?”

“We have plenty of supplies,” Commander Grey said. “Hansel, you coming?”

“Right!” Hansel said while jumping to his feet. He paused and nodded toward Frost as he walked past. “Herald Frost.”

“Hansel,” Frost nodded back as the humans left the building. Frost turned to Lysandra. “So, think I can kill a giant?”

“Not with a wooden sword,” Lysandra said. “I’ll ask Shael for some proper ones.”

“Okay,” Frost looked at Robin. “Robin, make a copy of your notes and give them to Lysandra to keep. The other copy should be made available to anybody who wants to read them. Alright?”

“Yes Herald Frost,” Robin paused. “Herald Frost. Do you really think the prince will let us keep this land?”

“I think after I kill those giants the prince isn’t going to want to try taking it,” Frost grinned.

CHAPTER 12

Frost was wandering through the village anxiously as they waited for the response from the duke. He hoped it wouldn’t come in the form of a military strike but he was preparing himself for anything. In the meantime, he was gathering supplies and equipment to hopefully use against the giants.

“Psst,” Frost turned to see Priscilla hiding in a bush outside of the temple. The short-haired knight was wearing a clearly stolen oversized men’s tunic and boots. “Psst! Psst! Psst!”

“Priscilla,” Frost said while staring at her surprisingly thick thighs. “Is there a reason I shouldn’t go get your father?”

“Hey!” Priscilla tugged the tunic down. “Don’t look pervert!”

“It’s a reflex,” Frost said defensively. “And you’re the one running around with no pants.”

“That’s because I escaped,” she said. “I need you to hide me until everybody leaves.”

“No,” Frost said before turning to walk away.

“Hey! Hey! Hey!” Priscilla said while chasing after him. She grabbed his arm hoping to keep him from escaping. “Hey! Stop!”

“Priscilla,” Frost tugged his arm away. “Here’s how sheltering you plays out for the elves. First, we’ll get accused of kidnapping. If that doesn’t stick, we’ll get accused of harboring a fugitive, which will technically be true. And depending on what you’ve been jailed for we could be declared enemies of Zira. Regardless, I can’t risk the lives of the villagers to hide you.”

“But I’m in trouble for helping demihumans!” Priscilla stomped. “I thought you would understand! I released indentured servants that were being abused.”

“Which was a good thing for you to do,” Frost said. “But you’re also not in any danger. Your father is keeping you from…”

“I know he’s protecting me!” Priscilla said angrily. “But my friends aren’t getting that same protection! They’re sitting in prison because their parents aren’t dogs of the nobility! I will not let my father get away with this! I’m escaping!”

“Your poor father,” Frost grabbed Priscilla and threw her over his shoulder. He grinned lecherously as the back of her tunic flipped forward revealing her white satin panties hugging her athletic ass. “Come on.”

“What are you doing?” Priscilla yelled as Frost carried her toward the encampment. It seemed they were already rushing around searching for her. “Let me go! What are you doing? Stop it! I’m on your side!”

“Dammit Priscilla,” Commander Grey yelled as he came charging through the gate like an enraged bull. The elder warrior was shirtless and bootless which explained who she’d stolen them from. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“She was hoping that I would help her escape,” Frost said while handing her over as she struggled to run away. “I’m returning her.”

“Frost!” Shael approached from the wall. “Is something the matter?”

“It’s fine,” Frost said as the commander bound his daughter’s hands. “But if you see the commander’s daughter sneaking into our village again please alert me.”

“Yes sir,” Shael nodded while glaring at the girl. “I apologize for not noticing her.”

“It’s not your fault,” Commander Grey said grumpily. “The girl probably should have been an assassin instead of a knight. Thank you, Herald Frost. I realize you could have chosen to assist her.”

“It’s fine,” Frost sighed. “But you know commander, she’ll try again. Can I offer a suggestion?”

“I’ve tried everything with the girl,” Commander Grey grumbled. “If you have a way to get her to act right, I’m all ears.”

“Oh,” Frost laughed. “No, never going to act right.”

“Hey!” Priscilla snapped. “What’s that supposed to mean!”

“It means you’re stubborn,” Frost said. “And you’re a good ten years away from realizing what a dense brat you are. Your father’s trying to keep you from screwing up your life before you’re old enough to realize it.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” Commander Grey growled. “I should just lock her up for ten years.”

“Well at her current rate she’s either going to spend ten years locked in a cell or ten years locked in her room,” Frost shrugged. “At least if she’s locked in a cell you don’t have to pay to feed and clothe her.”

“I shouldn’t have been arrested to begin with!” Priscilla yelled as one of the holy knights approached. Commander Grey nodded at the man as he hovered. Frost could sense that the holy knight was eager for a fight and noticed several others already armed outside of the village. “I was trying to help demihumans being abused.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Frost answered while cautiously watching hunters fiddling with their quivers. They were waiting for him to give them a reason to fight. They definitely wanted him to offer Priscilla shelter. “Those other people aren’t your father’s responsibility, you are. They’re not his problem.”

“The villagers in the north aren’t you’re problem but you’re still worried about them!” Priscilla argued while completely obviously of the hornet’s nest she was stirring up. “You’re going to fight giants to save people you don’t even know.”

“And I’d let them all die without losing a wink of sleep to save a single one of the elves under my care,” Frost replied as Priscilla’s jaw dropped. Frost grinned wickedly at the holy knight standing near them and then turned to Commander Grey. “You have good instincts Commander Grey. What do you think I would do if you harmed one of the elves in this village?”

“You’d probably kill me,” Commander Grey answered while glancing back at the eager soldiers. He raised his voice. “I don’t think you’re so rash as to kill me for smacking an elf. I imagine it really depends on what I did. But if I shot one with an arrow I imagine you’d kill me.”

“I’d definitely kill you,” Frost said.

“Yeah,” Commander Grey nodded. “After that, one of the guards here would do something and you’d do something. I imagine me hurting an elf ends with not just me but every one of these men being dead.”

“That’s right,” Frost said for the benefit of the soldiers before smiling at Priscilla. “You see Lady Priscilla,” Frost gestured at the elves around them. “These elves are my responsibility and I care about them. I don’t care about your father or the holy knight standing there. I’ll kill them all and sleep like a baby. Let me ask you this Priscilla, if I gave you a choice between your father’s life or a hundred elves, who would you choose?”

“That’s a ridiculous question,” Priscilla said angrily. “it’s not relevant! Nothing I’m doing is going to get my father killed!”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Frost looked down at the young woman. “Did your father tell you he was nearly killed by his own men because of you?”

“What?” Priscilla looked at her father. “What’s he talking about?”

“Nothing,” Commander Grey shook his head. “He’s exaggerating.”

“Your father ordered a retreat when he came across me,” Frost said coldly. “His officer accused him of being a demihuman sympathizer like his traitor daughter. He then blindsided your father. Could have just as easily killed him.”

“Dad,” Priscilla said angrily. “Why didn’t you tell me? Or mom? Mom’s going to be furious!”

“You see,” Frost said. “You are in fact choosing between a hundred demihumans and your father. Now, personally, I’ll trade your father for ten demihumans any day of the week. But you’re his daughter.”

“I imagine ten is being generous,” Commander Grey said loudly as a warning to the soldiers not to screw around.

“Priscilla,” Frost patted her head. “I’m not telling you that what you did was wrong. I’m telling you that what you did was stupid. You didn’t think of the consequences of your actions. Stop and think of the consequences, not just for you, but for others as well. For example, the consequences of escaping for your father and his men. Do you know what would have happened if they decided to do something stupid like search the village and in the process hurt even a single elf? I would have killed them all.”

“I didn’t…” Priscilla looked down.

“Decisions have consequences,” Frost growled loudly as the holy knight took several steps back. “That’s why I’m attempting to negotiate peace. Even if I’m capable of defending the elves I wouldn’t want one to die because I didn’t try to find a peaceful resolution first. Now, I have better things to do than babysit.”

“Right,” Commander Grey said as he dragged Priscilla back to the tent. “Come along.”

“Frost?” Lysandra grabbed his arm as the commander walked off. “What was that about?”

“Something is off about all of this,” Frost grumbled. “I think one of the knights released Priscilla as an excuse to search the village. They were armed too quickly, like they were planning it. But they wouldn’t do something like that on their own. Soldiers follow orders.”

“Are you saying the duke told them to?” Lysandra asked.

“I think we need to be careful,” Frost answered. “Make sure everybody in the village is on their best behavior. Also, have Shael and the others watch the wall from a distance.”

“Alright,” Lysandra nodded as she walked off.

Frost had an uneasy feeling about everything that was happening. As he understood it, killing the giants was worth far more than the land he was purchasing. But that assumes the prince actually cares about the villagers being eaten. But it was also possible he was being paranoid and Priscilla did simply escape.

“I fucking hate politics,” Frost grumbled as he wandered off to prepare.

CHAPTER 13

Raullon came back with a favorable response and delivered it with such disgust that Frost believed it to be legitimate. It was a signed royal decree giving Frost the land in exchange for his assistance in eliminating the giants.

He’d prepared quite a bit of equipment and mounted up. As soon as he hopped on the horse Sumina and Rania prepared his horse-riding ability became available. He used fifty-five points to max it and suddenly felt a deep bond with the beast he was riding. He intuitively understood its limitations and realized he could offer it some of his own strength.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Frost nodded at Lysandra and the elves that’d gathered to see him off. He was worried that they’d react poorly to him running off to fight giants but instead they were filled with excitement. It made him happy.

“Be safe Herald Frost,” Lysandra said while double checking his bags. “We’ve packed food, several replacement swords, a spare set of armor, and all of the other things you asked for. Just be sure to come back to us.”

“I look forward to your return,” Raullon lied

“Good luck Herald Frost,” Priscilla said as Commander Grey nodded.

Frost rode off as the elves waved and before he knew it the trees were rushing past him. It was surreal how natural it felt to ride a horse. Even at an obviously high speed, through a dense forest, it felt as thought he were running in an open field.

Raullon had brought him a map with the location of the giants and marked what he considered to be the fastest path to the encampment. For the most part Frost stayed on the path and pushed his horse to its limits while infusing it with his strength. He only avoided areas that looked like they might be good places to ambush him.

Although they said it would take him a full day’s ride, he realized if he should have asked if they meant a full twenty-four hours because he couldn’t push the horse that hard. He pulled out the map while looking for landmarks and before long he saw one. From there he estimated the remaining distance, although that was assuming the map was to scale.

It was probably about a hundred and fifty miles away, a distance that no normal horse could have ridden in a day. But as he infused the horse with his power, he knew it could handle it. It was going to be a difficult eight-hour ride but they could do it. He ran his hand along the horse’s neck reassuringly.

“You can do this,” he said. “I’m counting on you.”

They rushed past several strange druidic circles, the village of Greenshire, and eventually came to a village named Stonehaven and turned to the east. The two villages that had been destroyed were both northeast of Stonehaven and had nearly two thousand villagers between them.

Frost imagined some of the villagers died in the initial assault a month ago and another three to four hundred were eaten by the giants. He couldn’t imagine there being over a thousand people left but he just hoped he could actually help them.

Even though he was confident in his abilities given his level and his practice, he was still aware of his own mortality. None of his abilities made him immortal and multiple opponents would take a toll on his strength. And if a giant managed to cleave him, he was probably going to die.

“Holy fuck,” Frost said as he saw the first giant on the horizon. It was still easily a couple miles away but their encampment was enormous. He expected them to be maybe twenty-feet tall, these were clearly twice that and there were three that were probably pushing sixty-feet tall. He activated scan to figure out which were most dangerous but he was still out of range. “Dammit.”

Frost continued to ride as he watched black smoke billow from the encampment while the lumbering creatures paced back and forth. As he got closer, he heard the nightmarish wails of hundreds of people begging and pleading for their lives. Screams of mommy and daddy mixed with the chilling screams of parents that watched their children get eaten by the titans.

They were enormous skeletal men that reminded him of Neanderthals. But their proportions were all off. Their arms and legs were too long for their torsos and their heads looked too large for their bodies. They wore large patchwork tunics made of leather and their skin was white as the snow topped mountains they came down from.

He kept riding and the smell of burning flesh permeated his nostrils and he could feel his horse fighting him as they rode closer. It wanted to turn and run but forced itself forward. Frost imagined that any ability level under ten would have resulted in that horse bucking him off and running for its life.

Finally, he was close enough for the giants to notice him and he stopped the horse as the twelve giants rushed to the front of their encampment. They were still about a half mile away but he could practically smell their putrid body odor. Clearly the carcasses they wore on their body weren’t washed, or worse, the putrid smell was their body.

“Kill!” A giant said while pointing a large wooden club made from an entire tree at him. The others picked up their own clumsily crafted weapons consisting of large rocks and trees.

Frost reached into the satchel and pulled out the longbow Lysandra had given him and the arrows he’d asked for. In preparation he’d learned archery and gained the precision skill but he only leveled them to four. He pulled out an arrow and began Scanning the giants. The largest one, the next was fifty-three, and the next was forty-nine. After that, they continually dropped but forty-one seemed to be the lowest level.

He nocked the arrow and drew the string as far as he could pull it without breaking it while watching the giants rush toward him. He imagined a single arrow wouldn’t hurt much on creatures that size. It wasn’t more than a prick of a pin. Sure, they’d notice it, but it wasn’t going to impact them while they were rushing toward him. Unless it landed in their eyes.

He released his first arrow and quickly nocked the next before the first even landed. The second and third arrows flew to new targets. He was right that mastering archery wasn’t necessary. Each point allowed him to fire faster and hit smaller targets accurately, but giant’s eye wasn’t small.

Frost suddenly felt like something had changed and realized that mounted archery was its own ability but he couldn’t let it distract him. He had to stick to the plan.

The fact was, he’d had plenty of time to think of strategies and the one he’d settled on was partially blinding them with arrows and then finishing them with swords. He didn’t think he’d have time to completely blind them and decided twelve half blind giants were better than six blind ones. After the last arrow landed and the giants were nearly on top of him, he knew he’d made the right call.

He drew his sword and forced the horse forward. It was his first attempt at fighting with a steel sword since Lysandra wouldn’t allow him to use one and he was eager to see what it could do. He started infusing it with is power while being careful not to push it past the orange.

Frost’s eyes fixed on the level fifty-two as it lifted its club over his head. Frost drew back his sword as he approached and pushed the horse to move even faster as the monster prepared to swing. Before the giant could bring his cudgel down, Frost slashed his blade into its leg as he rode past creating a shockwave of air that dug so deep it nearly tore through the entire leg. The level fifty-two tumbled to the ground like a falling tree and mounted combat unlocked as an ability.

He added ten points to mounted combat while pushing the horse to run past the giants and toward the encampment. They chased after him as he pulled away and turned around to face them again as if he was simply jousting. He rushed toward another giant and pulled back his sword again. This time, something felt different thanks to the four levels, his cadence.

He felt each gallop as he approached and sought to time his swing for the exact moment after the horse pushed forward. The feet would be on the ground, the energy to push forward would be released, and that force would increase the strength and accuracy of his swing.

“Grraah!” The giant roared as this time Frost sent a slash that sliced through the entire leg. He continued past to the fifty-two attempting to climb to its knees and cleaved its skull, instantly killing it.

He wasn’t having too much trouble but he noticed his power decreasing at an accelerated rate. He also noticed that for the first time his experience was increasing. On top of that, mounted combat, archery, and several sword abilities had gained restricted points. He was getting excited.

“Come on!” Frost yelled as he rode toward them. They might have been powerful but they were slow, clumsy, and terrified. Two of the weaker ones began positioning themselves behind the larger one but that was going to work against them. Frost rode forward once again at top speed and sent the next giant tumbling. The two lower level giants hiding behind it, being in his direct path as he rode by, quickly fell as well.

Frost swung back around to finish them off while the others began to flee. Unfortunately for the giants, the agreement was for all twelve of them so he gave chase cutting them down one after another until none of the them remained.

“Fuck,” Frost panted as he checked himself out. It was over but his strength was significantly depleted.

Frost had never used that much energy in a single sitting, not that there was reason to. During his hunt with Fayeth it was all low-level monsters. About half of his strength was depleted so he pulled out some food and took a few bites. While it definitely moved the needle, it basically like refilling one ounce of a thousand-gallon tanker. Rest was the only way he was going to recuperate but there would be plenty of time for that when he was back in the village.

He rode to the encampment and saw hundreds of villagers locked in metal cages. With a few quick strokes of his sword he unlocking them and the people began rushing out.

“I can’t believe it,” a woman cried while gripping her child.

“It’s too late,” another one cried refusing to leave the cage.

“Are they gone?” a terrified man asked.

“We should run before they come back!”

“Quickly!” another said.

The villagers rushed to leave the encampment and stopped dead in their tracks as they saw the field filled with dead giants. Blood and brains spilled from the giants’ cleaved skulls into the grass. Frost watched as they turned their eyes toward his bloody sword.

“Oh,” Frost shook his head. “I’m not going to harm you. I’m here to free you.

“Who are you?” a villager asked. “Did the king send you?”

“My name’s Frost,” he answered while shaking his head. “I’m the Herald of Shalia.”

“The Herald of Shalia?” a woman backed away from him. “That cursed goddess! You’re lying! Stay away from me! I never asked for your help! I’m not cursed!”

“I’m not cursed either,” another villager backed away.

“Citizens of Zira,” an ominous voice said from above. Frost looked up to see an enormous warrior in dark armor carrying a two-handed axe. Frost’s scan revealed he was a level fifty-one unholy knight. “There’s no need to be afraid.”

“That’s right,” a laughing man said from on top of one of the tents. He was tall with dark hair and wore a black robe. He was a level forty-nine Elementalist. “We’re here to take care of the cursed Herald of Shalia just like he took care of the giants.”

“Not just as he took care of the giants,” a white robed saint appeared within the crowd of people. She had long blonde hair and a tall silver staff with a golden star adorning it. She was level forty-five. “We’ll use more finesse.”

“That’s right!” Two level forty-seven snipers appeared at the far side of the encampment. They looked like a pair of brown-haired blue-eyed siblings. “We’re not so foolish as to exhaust ourselves like that.”

“Somebody really should have taught you to conserve your energy,” a level forty-nine assassin chuckled. “You could have killed them using far less energy.”

“Although we can’t complain,” a level fifty-one holy knight laughed. “Taking on a level sixty would be difficult for anybody. Even if he’s only a fighter.”

“It’s going to make killing you so much easier,” a level forty-six Dragoon said while twirling a spear.

“Heroes!” the villagers said excitedly. “Praise Ziralia!”

Frost clenched his teeth so hard he thought he might shatter his skull as he realized he’d been tricked. He should have seen it coming. He knew it was too easy. Negotiations take days, weeks, months. Countries go to war for decades over small land disputes.

He trusted that prince wanted to avoid casualties but he’d forgotten the most important fact, the prince wouldn’t be the one fighting. There was no risk to them, only their soldiers. If he escaped with his life, he was going to remedy that.

“He looks upset Sir Vance,” the saint laughed.

“He certainly does Lady Filara,” the unholy knight grinned wickedly.

“Vance, Filara,” the elementalist snickered mischievously. “Come now, show some respect. He is a herald after all.”

“A cursed herald, Sir Thomas,” the dragoon corrected.

“A dead herald,” the snipers said in unison.

The faces of the elf villagers flashed in front of him. He wondered if the soldiers in the south were smart enough to wait for confirmation of his death or if they considered it a done deal. If they were waiting the elves might still be safe. If they assumed he’d already be dead, he didn’t want to think about that.

“The elves,” Frost managed to force out.

“Aw,” Lady Filara laughed. “He’s worried about his pet demihumans!”

“They’re not your problem anymore,” the holy knight growled.

“You’re all so cruel,” Sir Thomas laughed. “He’s going to die anyway. At least let him die knowing the truth. Your pets are going to be dragged to the town center in Blackwater and sacrificed to Ziralia. Nothing the people love more than watching cursed followers of Shalia being cooked alive.”

“Really too good of a death for those disgusting monsters if you ask me,” Lady Filara said.

“Don’t forget,” Sir Vance laughed. “Some might put up a fight and get killed on the spot.”

“Are you ready to join them?” the snipers asked as they drew their bows. One was using a longbow while the other was using some modified short bow. As Frost scanned around him, he realized that on top of being high level, they were all wielding powerful armor and weapons. “It’ll be easier if you go peacefully.”

The villagers were moving away from all of the warriors but staying close enough to see the action. It was entertainment to them. Frost gritted his teeth. He rushed north and left his people undefended to save them, they circled him waiting to be entertained. He clenched his teeth. He should have known better.

“I’ve made a mistake,” Frost said more to himself than the others. “I forgot that you were humans.”

“Yes,” Sir Vance laughed. “And humans will never lose to demihumans.”

“You’ve made a mistake too,” Frost grinned while staring at the villagers.

“What might that be Herald Frost?” Lady Filara asked smugly.

“Who cares,” the assassin prepared to attack. “Let’s just kill him.”

“You forgot that I’m human too,” Frost answered while dashing toward the crowd of villagers. They screamed as he wove himself into their ranks before the heroes could attack.

“Gah!” a villager beside him fell as an arrow landed in his chest.

“Do you think hostages worry us?” Sir Thomas held up his staff and a fireball began to grow above his head. “These villagers were already written off. They’re commoners from mining towns. They’re hardly better than demihumans.”

He wasn’t using them as hostages but shields as he searched through his abilities. He had plenty of ability points to use. He just needed to use them correctly. His first target needed to be the saint. A healer couldn’t be allowed to live. The elementalist would need to come next.

“What!” Lady Filara gasped as Frost dashed out from the crowd and launched himself toward her. He twisted his blade preparing to unleash five-point slash as a thick golden barrier appeared in front of her.

“Lady Filara!” Sir Thomas roared. “Look out!”

“Quiet Thomas!” Lady Filara laughed as the barrier shattered. Lady Filiara flashed for a moment as another barrier instantly appeared. “See?”

“Filiara!” the dragoon roared furiously. “Heal yourself!”

“What?” Filara looked down to see a stiletto in her heart and collapsed before she could cast another spell. Frost didn’t even need to level his throwing ability. Anatomy and precision were all he needed at that range in the split second before she put up the second barrier.

For some reason they were all out of position. Had they approached in a group the tanks could have protected her. He looked around and realized why they were spread out. They were attempting to surround him like he was some sort of monster.

They were high level and they should have known better. He wasn’t some monster that would rush after the tank just because he was supposed to. Obviously, he’d target the healer first, then the other cloth wearers.

“Filara!” the dragoon lunged forward as Frost dodged backward.

“Sigmund!” Sir Thomas screamed. “Move you idiot!”

“Shit,” the dragoon yelled while rushing out of range. Frost looked up at the enormous fireball and realized he wasn’t going to be able to dodge it. He didn’t even bring cloth armor in his inventory, not that it would have been high level enough…

Frost dashed toward Lady Filara’s corpse as the fireball came barreling down. He used her like a shield as he infused her cloth armor with enough magic power to bring it into the black. Frost escaped unscathed as the fireball crashed down turning Filara’s corpse to ash and the surrounding earth to molten slag.

Under the cover of smoke and fire he rushed toward the giant’s tent and sliced one of the supporting beams. The tent quickly toppled and Sir Thomas with it.

“Thomas,” the assassin appeared and saved Thomas from Frost’s slash before vanishing.

“Bastard!” Sir Vance roared while bringing down his axe. Frost easily dodged the powerful blow but was nearly caught off guard by the corruption spreading from where the massive axe landed. “Fucking bastard!”

Frost dashed back toward the nearest crowd as arrows came flying in. Sir Vance followed behind him but due to his plate armor he was too slow to catch up. Frost looked around for the elementalist and found them hiding behind the holy knight along with the snipers. They finally had the sense to look for a tank.

“Fuck,” Frost mumbled to himself as the people screamed all around him. Since Lady Filara turned to dust any chance of blocking another powerful fire attack was gone. He needed to kill Sir Thomas before the elementalist could compose himself.

Frost was a fighter. He could be kited all day just as he was kiting Sir Vance and the dragoon that kept trying to find an angle to attack from. He decided to try something different.

“Archer,” Frost mumbled while changing classes. Just like fighter, an archer could use leather armor and his combat skills carried over. When he’d leveled bow and precision while preparing for the giants he was given access to the class.

He dashed out of the crowd of people and pulled out his bow while twisting his body. He was faster, more accurate, and more aware of the elements. As a fighter he treated a bow no differently than he would a rock. He was just aiming and firing.

As an archer, everything changed. He wasn’t just aiming and firing but anticipating his targets movements. He could see the various paths available to them and with his first three shots he began guiding their paths.

The holy knight deflected the central arrow as the assassin and elementalist took shelter behind him to avoid the ones coming from the sides just as he’d planned. Frost was already rushing to the crowd but rather than weaving into them he picked out a sturdy looking villager and used him as a springboard to launch himself upward.

The assassin and elementalist were hiding behind the large holy knight. Their lines of sight were momentarily blocked delaying their reactions and the holy knight was a plate wearer making him slow. Frost was already airborne and drawing his bow but then he could feel it. Six arrows coming toward him.

That was right, snipers. If he could predict movements, so could they. Thanks to his dodge ability he could sense it but no matter how well he twisted and contorted at least a couple of those arrows were going to hit him.

“I just need an inch!” Frost snarled as he accessed his dodge tree and put a point in air maneuvers. It wasn’t enough, even the next level wasn’t enough, but at level five he could do it. Frost contorted his body almost like a spring as he pushed off against the air launching himself a few inches higher. “Fuck!”

“Lookout!” the snipers screamed in unison as Frost infused his bow with enough strength to destroy it ten times over.

“Die,” Frost said while nearly twenty feet in the air and upside down. He loosed his arrow causing the bow to shatter as the arrow flew through the assassin’s forehead and landed in Sir Thomas’ chest.

“Dominik?” Sir Thomas patted the assassin’s shoulder while staring at Frost through the hole left in the assassin’s head. His eyes traced the route as he looked down and saw the arrow in his heart. “Oh, this isn’t funny…”

The two collapsed as Frost landed on the ground and moved to evade the incoming arrows. The crowd was rushing away desperate to keep him from merging back with them but they didn’t need to worry about that. His next targets were the snipers.

“Danni! Danny! Run!” Sir Vance yelled as he, the holy knight, and the dragoon chased after Frost.

“Fuck,” the snipers said in unison while dashing away from each other.

Frost immediately focused on the one with the longbow while shifting his class back to fighter and pulling out a new sword. The one he didn’t follow already joined up with the others but if the longbow user wanted to join them, he’d need to go through Frost.

If the sniper stopped for a moment, he was dead but if he didn’t stop the others wouldn’t catch up with him and Frost. In a moment of clarity, the sniper must have known he was going to die but also realized he could still help his friends. He threw away his bow and turned to face Frost.

The mistake he made was throwing away his bow too early. It triggered a dodge response in Frost that caused him to leap upward just in time to avoid the perfectly performed tackle. Before Frost knew what was happening, he was using aerial maneuvers offensively to adjust his body midair and came crashing down on the sniper. His sword landed in the sniper’s head as Frost’s feet crushed his fragile body.

“Danny!” Danni screamed while firing off several arrows in a second. Frost pulled out a small buckler and swapped classes to squire before the arrows arrived allowing him to deflect them. Whatever he couldn’t block he dodged as he dashed backward.

The dragoon, holy knight, unholy knight, and sniper were left and he was nearly running on empty. He was becoming painfully aware of his own mortality as his body began to burn like he was being cooked alive.

His options were running out. Ranged weapons weren’t going to be useful against the plate wearers and if he attempted to fight close range it would be him versus three melee and a ranged support.

“Choke!” Sir Vance roared as Frost felt his esophagus close. “Now!”

Another mistake. An unholy knight was a magic using knight, he knew that. Sure, the exact type of magic used changed depending on the game. But they always used magic. The holy knight as well, he could likely use protection or recovery magic.

“Now die!” the dragoon roared as he came crashing down.

CHAPTER 14

Commander Grey was pissed. In fact, he was fucking pissed. He was just a simple soldier that protected his country and put bastards in cells. Every now and then he needed to knock some heads but those heads deserved knocking. This wasn’t that. This was shit.

As far as Ziran officers went, Commander Grey didn’t rise to his position because he ran around acting like an asshole. There were thousands of soldiers that were higher level than him, better fighters than him, and more capable than him. But he had something they lacked, sense.

While other officers raised their levels by engaging in battle every chance they got, Commander Grey had a tendency to only battle when absolutely necessary. In his experience, an enemy surrender was the best possible outcome as it meant no losses on either side and no bad blood.

Unfortunately, politicians hate people who have sense and after a while his attempts to prevent loss of life caused nobles to question his loyalty. His career stagnated and he settled into his position as a commander in Prince Erik’s army.

It wasn’t the position he desired but it allowed him to raise a family in Blackwater, a relatively peaceful city located in the southwest of the Zira Kingdom. He just had to patrol small villages, take care of bandits, and return home safe to his family.

If only he weren’t surrounded by a bunch of senseless shits.

“I refuse,” Commander Grey said as the holy knight held a sword to his neck. “Listen here son, if you cut my throat, you’ll be the man who killed Commander Grey. While some nobles might suck your cock for it, you’ll be dead in a month by the hand of your fellow soldiers.”

“It’s an order,” Raullon said furiously. “And you are a soldier Commander Grey.”

“I wish to speak with the prince,” Commander Grey said.

“The prince gave the order,” Raullon said disdainfully.

“That’s why I need to talk to him,” Commander Grey replied. “I’m telling you right now that this is a mistake. On the off chance that man lives, you’re bringing death to Blackwater.”

“He’s not going to live,” Raullon sneered. “If the giants don’t kill him, the heroes will.”

“You’re vile,” Priscilla said while spitting on the ground in front of Raullon. “The villagers had a deal with you.”

“A deal with elves is no deal,” Raullon growled as Hansel silently documented everything. “They’re no different than wild dogs. We allow them to live as long as they’re obedient but if they bite, we put them down. And these ones follow that cursed goddess.”

“They’re not wild dogs!” Priscilla said while struggling to escape the clutches of the soldiers holding her back. “They’re elves! They’re intelligent! They’re no different than us!”

“Sir Frederick,” Raullon gestured at Priscilla. The large holy knight punched her in the face immediately knocking her unconscious. Raullon turned back to Commander Grey. “No different than us? Disgusting. Now listen here Commander Grey. You’re going to follow your orders or your daughter will be executed for treason. Am I being clear?”

“Duke Raullon,” Commander Grey knew he was powerless to prevent the situation but he could mitigate the damage. On the off chance that monster herald survived, he needed to at least make sure that none of the elves died. “I’ll collect the elves, I will deliver them to Blackwater, but I’ll do it my way with soldiers selected by me. Understood?”

“You’re in no position to make demands Commander Grey,” Raullon said with disgust. “But fine. As long as the vermin are brought to the square for extermination. But if they’re not, I’ll have your daughter humiliated and killed instead. Understood?”

“Understood,” Commander Grey said while pushing the blade away from his neck. He nodded at one of the holy knights hiding behind the others with his hand on his blade ready to strike if need be. “Sir Malcom, get me a dozen or so good men.”

“I expect you there in two days,” Raullon smirked knowing full well that two days was cutting it close.

“Three would be better,” Commander Grey said. “The elves will be on foot and there are children amongst them.”

“Kill the slow ones then,” Raullon said snidely. “It’ll encourage the others to move faster. I expect you in Blackwater in two days. If you’re not, your daughter will suffer. Am I being clear?”

“Clear as the summer sky,” Commander Grey answered.

“Sir,” Sir Malcolm stepped forward with twenty armed men. “We’re ready.”

“That was fast,” Commander Grey smirked as Raullon glared at the well-armed squad. Raullon was likely surprised by how many volunteers there were from within his own trusted soldiers but he shouldn’t have been. Serving with him was a right of passage for many men and although he was a bit of a cunt, he was a cunt that kept them alive. That earned him their trust which was more fucking valuable than a title.

“Ready for anything,” a soldier grinned while glancing at Raullon. “Just like you taught us sir.”

“Well,” Raullon sneered as his remaining guards loaded Priscilla onto a horse. “Better hurry commander. Your daughter is counting on you.”

“Yes sir,” Commander Grey scowled as he gestured toward the horses. “Let’s go men. We have some elves to round up.”

Commander Grey hoped that the elves would be rational. All of his knights and archers were in the high thirties and capable of destroying that village in a matter of minutes. If they decided to fight, there was no doubt some of them would be injured.

That was his biggest worry. If he knew the herald, and was pretty sure he did, it didn’t matter if one elf were injured or all of them, he’d kill them for it. The man terrified him in a way he hadn’t felt in nearly twenty years.

“Commander,” Sir Malcolm rode next to him. “Some of the men are expressing concern over the situation. Specifically, your order not to harm a single elf.”

“What’s the confusion?” Commander Grey asked as they arrived at the edge of the forest.

“Well,” Sir Malcolm sighed. “They’re elves. And you want us to prioritize their safety over our own. Specifically, there was that one comment.”

“The one where I told you if you have a choice between losing your balls or harming an elf, say bye-bye to your boys?” Commander Grey asked.

“That’s the one sir,” Sir Malcolm said. “And then there’s the matter of your daughter’s affiliations.”

“Halt,” Commander Grey turned to stare at the soldiers. He glared at them. He didn’t like it when the men talked about his little girl. “I want to make sure you all understand my point of view but more importantly this herald’s point of view. First and foremost, I’m not my daughter. I don’t give a rat’s ass how many elves die any given day of the week. Are we clear?”

“Yes sir,” several soldiers said loudly.

“My loyalty is to humans and humans alone,” Commander Grey said proudly. “Sure, elves are cute like bunnies but I’m not about to fuck a bunny or marry a bunny, am I?”

Several of the soldiers laughed.

“At the same time, I’m not going to go around torturing bunnies, kicking bunnies, and spitting on bunnies,” Commander Grey snapped. “What type of sick son of a bitch behaves like that? Sir Drake, your little girl has a puppy, right?”

“Yes sir,” Drake answered.

“How would you react if some surly bastard came and kicked your daughter’s pup?” Commander Grey asked. “Hell, what would any of you do if you came across a group of boys beating on a stray in an alley? Would you join in? Or would you knock those little bastards upside the head?”

“Knock ‘em,” a soldier said.

“Exactly,” Commander Grey said. “To me, the demis are a punch of pups. I don’t like seeing guards kicking and mistreating pups. And sure, if a wild dog bites a guard that dog needs to be put down. But the type of man who kicks pups for fun isn’t the type of man I want to be around.”

The soldiers nodded in agreement.

“So, I want you to think about the elves as pups. As for why I’m prioritizing these pups over your safety, I’m not.” Commander Grey gestured toward the woods. “Those elves in there are pups that belong to a fucking herald. He crushed a knight in his plate cuirass with his bare hands. You all weren’t there when we had to carefully peel the plate from that man’s crushed chest. If the herald hadn’t held back, that knight would have popped like an overfilled sheep’s stomach. Put a sword in the hands of a man like that, he’s no longer a fucking man. He’s a fucking monster. You dense fuckers think you understand, but you don’t. He nearly crushed a knight on accident, what do you think he’s going to do to the stupid cunt who kicks one of his pups?”

“We understand sir,” Sir Drake nodded along with the others. “But the eight slayers of Blackwater…”

“I know,” Commander Grey interrupted. “But what if they fail? That man, he attempted to make peace even after we tried to kill him before. He wasn’t scared either. I’ve sat across the table from a man like that before and I’m telling you, he’s not the type of cunt you fuck. And I imagine he’s already going to be pretty pissed off about us trying to kill him again, don’t you?”

“Yes sir,” Sir Drake nodded.

“So,” Commander Grey shook his head and gestured toward Pluma Forest. “The way I see it, there’s a chance if he finds his pups alive and uninjured, he doesn’t kill us.”

“Sir,” Sir Malcolm interjected. “If we truly believe he’s going to come back alive, shouldn’t we use the elves as hostages?”

“Hostages only buy you time,” Commander Grey said while thinking of what he was going to do Raullon once his daughter was safe. “You can’t hide behind them forever.”

“Point taken,” Sir Malcolm said. “So, how are we taking these elves alive?”

“I want you boys to surround the forest,” Commander Grey answered. “Move in slow. They have scouts that’ll report to their priestess. I’m going to go in alone while you all maintain a perimeter. I’ll try to convince them to go peacefully.”

“Commander,” Sir Drake gestured at the group. “Wouldn’t it be smarter for one of us…”

“Nope,” Commander Grey answered. Sure, they were all higher levels than him but the elves knew him the best. If he was going to convince them to come quietly, he was going to need them to listen. “I’m going. Any more questions?”

“No sir,” Sir Malcom answered as the other knights formed a line.

“Then let’s go,” Commander Grey said while gesturing at the forest.

The soldiers quickly moved to establish a perimeter while Commander Grey made his way through the forest alone. It wasn’t long before he saw an elf run back to the village to notify their leader of his presence. By the time he arrived his men already had it surrounded and the high priestess was outside waiting.

“Commander,” the high priestess nodded politely. “I assume you’re here to take us captive.”

“That’s right,” the commander answered. “I’d like you to come as peacefully as possible, for your own well-being.”

“I believe it’s just as much for your well-being,” Lysandra said surprising him.

“Fair enough,” Commander Grey grinned. The high priestess was surprisingly savvy for an elf. “So, will you?”

“Of course,” the elf priestess answered while walking to the temple. She opened the door and shouted inside. “Everybody, please assemble yourselves immediately. We are going to be escorted to Blackwater by Commander Grey to be sacrificed to their goddess.”

“Like hell,” a voice yelled from inside of the temple. “I’m not being sacrificed.”

Commander Grey sighed as the high priestess rolled up her sleeve and marched into the temple.

“Don’t you dare paralyze me!”

“Ena! If you don’t want to be paralyzed then line up with everybody else,” Lysandra shouted back.

“I’m not going to go peacefully like a lamb to the slaughter!” Ena yelled furiously.

“Get in the line before I make you!”

Sir Malcolm looked at Commander Grey hoping for approval to handle things, but the commander shook his head no. It seemed that the elves might come peacefully so Commander Grey was willing to wait a few minutes for the high priestess to sort things out.

Sure enough, after about five minutes of fighting everything was silent and Lysandra exited the temple with the other elves in three orderly lines. One of the elves was bound, gagged, and being carried by the others like a large package.

“Commander Grey,” Lysandra gestured at the bound elf. “Would you mind if we took the time to prepare a wagon and couple horses. It would help in transporting Ena and the children.”

“I don’t mind,” Commander Grey answered somewhat relieved by the suggestion. Lysandra nodded at two elves who rushed to the animal shelter. After a few awkward minutes a wagon being led by a pair of strange looking horses rolled out of the shelter. The elves quickly loaded up the children and the bound elf. “Is there anything else?”

“No,” Lysandra answered as several elves loaded up food and water onto the cart. “I believe that’s everything.”

“You seem awful calm about all of this,” Commander Grey said. “I sort of expected a fight.”

“We would lose a fight,” Lysandra said politely. “Besides, our herald will save us.”

“You seem awfully sure about that,” Commander Grey grumbled despite feeling the same way..

“As do you,” Lysandra nodded as the commander’s officers took positions beside and behind the lines to ensure none of the elves tried to escape. “That’s why you’re choosing to handle this peacefully, is it not?”

“I suppose,” Commander Grey answered.

“Don’t worry Commander Grey,” Lysandra smiled politely. “I will be sure to let him know you were kind enough to allow us the wagon for the children when transporting us to be sacrificed.”

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t phrase it like that,” Commander Grey sighed. “I also want you to know this wasn’t my decision.”

“Obviously,” Lysandra said while looking around at the soldiers accompanying them. “I suppose we should get moving then?”

“Right,” Commander Grey nodded at the soldiers. “Let’s move out!”

CHAPTER 15

Frost wasn’t completely sure what happened, but he didn’t have time to question it as he dashed away from the toppled heroes before they stood back up. One moment they were about to crash down on him and the next it was as if they were hit by an invisible hammer.

“Where do you think you’re going sexy?” A young woman dressed as a butler appeared in front of him. At least he was pretty sure it was a woman based on the sound of her voice. She was short, slim, completely lacking in curves, and had a boyish haircut. But based on the sexy comment he really hoped it was a woman. “Turn that ass around and go get them pretty boy.”

“What?” Frost turned toward the soldiers.

“Shit,” Sir Vance growled. “It’s that fucking bard! Fall back!”

“Like hell!” Danni screamed. “I’m not falling back! That piece of shit killed Danny!”

“Don’t worry,” the butler grinned. “I don’t intend on letting you escape now that I’ve finally come this close to killing you.”

“What’s going on?” Frost asked as the butler twirled a flute. “Bard?”

“That’s right handsome,” the butler said while slapping his ass with her free hand. “The one,” she posed with a finger in the air. “The only,” she said as she twirled. “Black bard of Falion! Brynn the Butler! And you are Frost, the Herald of Shalia.”

“You know me?” Frost said while attempting to scan her but failing. “Should I be concerned?”

“Absolutely not,” Brynn said. “The eight slayers of Blackwater should be concerned though. They killed my family. I’ve been following them for some time hoping for the opportunity you’ve provided today sexy. So, if it’s not too much trouble, I need you to kill them.”

“I’d love to but I’m pretty worn out,” Frost said. “Think we could…”

“No,” Brynn smiled. “We cannot retreat and come back later. Now, get your cute ass back in there and kill them for me Herald Frost.”

“Alright,” Frost sighed realizing he didn’t have much of a choice. His opponents weren’t likely to let him just run away. “What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to provide support,” Brynn smirked. “Just go with the flow and you’ll be fine.”

“I’m trusting you,” Frost said as the butler placed the flute to her lips. “Don’t let me down.”

“I’ll try not to handsome,” Brynn played a note and Frost felt the wind behind him. “Let’s begin.”

Brynn began playing the flute as Frost drew his sword and rushed forward. He realized the magical wind wasn’t just blowing from a single direction but any direction he shifted to. If he moved to the left the wind shifted to increase his speed and as he jumped it even blasted up beneath him giving him extra height.

“Die already,” the dragoon said meeting Frost midair as Danni fired off a volley of arrows. The arrows shifted direction missing him completely as a wall of wind shot up.

“Get the bard,” Sir Vance said as he and the holy knight rushed toward Brynn. She quickly dashed away like a leaf being carried by the wind and her playing gradually grew more complex. “Danni! Bard first!”

“They’re leaving you to me,” Frost grinned as the dragoon attempted to leapt backwards. He quickly shifted his focus to the bard as well and Frost saw an opportunity. He acted like he was going to chase the dragoon while pulling out a pair of knives from his satchel but turned toward the sniper.

“Danni!” the dragoon shouted but it was too late. As Danni changed his focus toward Brynn, Frost threw the dagger as hard as he could landing it square in his back. It didn’t kill the sniper but caused him to fall allowing Frost to approach and as soon as he was in range, he threw the other knife into Danni’s skull finishing the job.

“Shit!” the dragoon watched as the two plate wearers chased the bard. Sir Vance attempted to use dark magic but Brynn was continually out of range. The butler was jumping around while being carried away as the plate wearers attempted to lock her down.

“Do you have time for that?” Frost said as he slashed at the daydreaming dragoon. He knew what the dragoon was thinking, his party members were idiots. They realized that the support needed to die but they didn’t have a way to reach the support.

“Stop chasing!” the dragoon yelled as he attempted to parry Frost’s attack. “Get over here and help me!”

“Too late,” Frost said while using his bucker to smack the dragoon’s spear to the side. He rushed in and plunged his sword into the dragoon’s stomach and turned the handle like a crank tearing up his guts. “Don’t worry, they’re next.”

Everything was easier with Brynn backing him up. The wind made his movement faster and he imagined she was also debuffing the enemies to slow them down. He pulled his sword from the dragoon’s stomach and rushed toward the warriors.

“Fuck!” Sir Vance glanced at Frost rushing toward them and then back at Brynn. The knight made an immediate decision to fall back and ran toward the villagers. The holy knight took a few seconds to realize he was being left behind and decided to run at the worst possible time.

“Now!” Brynn yelled as a smashing wind came crashing down on the holy knight. He quickly created three separate barriers which Frost slashed through as the knight raised his shield. “Do you have this?”

“Yeah,” Frost nodded as Brynn chased after Sir Vance.

“Fool,” the holy knight said as his mace came crashing down. Frost dodged the blow as well as the attempted shield bash. He may have lost the wind at his back but even in his exhausted state he knew he could handle the equally exhausted knight. “Divine Judgment!”

“Dammit,” Frost said while jumping out of the way. He narrowly avoided the golden hammer as it came crashing down. A series of subsequent hammers came down and Frost avoided them while keeping an eye on the holy knight. He was still grossly underestimating the mental strength and subsequently magical power of his opponents. “I don’t have time for this!”

Frost dodged another hammer and rushed toward the knight as a series of barriers popped up again. He shattered them as the holy knight’s shield came up to defend against his attack. Frost jumped and as the knight lifted his shield to defend from above Frost landed on top of it and propelled himself higher before smashing back down causing the knights shield to fall.

“Now just die,” Frost said as he slipped his sword between the neck of the helmet and the plate cuirass. As he felt the blade pierce the rear of the knight’s neck, he pulled it out while slashing causing the head to fly off as if he’d been decapitated by a propeller. Frost looked around for Brynn but only saw terrified villagers. Then he saw the bard jumping around in the distance he chased after her. “I shouldn’t be wasting my time here.”

It didn’t take long for Frost to catch up with Sir Vance since Brynn had been slowing him down. As soon as he was in range he felt her supportive magic take hold increasing the speed of his approach.

“Shit, shit, shit,” Sir Vance attempted to deflected Frost’s strike with his axe. Frost immediately dropped his sword swapping to unarmed combat, grabbed the axe, and propelled himself around catching Sir Vance’s head with his boot knocking him on the ground. “No, no, no, please, stop!”

“Whose gave the order?” Frost asked while stepping on the knight’s chest.

“What?” Sir Vance asked. “The prince of course! We only answer to the prince! I was only following orders!”

“If you’re thinking about sparing him…” Brynn started to say as Frost picked up his sword and sliced off Sir Vance’s head. “Oh, never mind.”

“Are we good?” Frost asked while glancing south. “I really need to go.”

“You need to rest sexy,” Brynn said while playfully poking his chest. “My, that is hard, isn’t it? Anyway, if you try to do anything in your current condition…”

“I need to go,” Frost repeated while gripping his sword. “You saved me, I killed them. Are we good?”

“Afraid not,” Brynn answered. “Not by a longshot handsome. I saved your life. You don’t owe me their lives. You owe me your life.”

“I suppose right now is your best chance to collect then,” Frost said while taking a defensive stance.

“Don’t misunderstand handsome,” Brynn grinned. “You owe me your life, not your death. There’s a difference. I own you, not your corpse.”

“Good luck with that,” Frost scoffed while walking toward the soldier’s horses.

“Hold it,” Brynn commanded as he felt a gust of wind slow him.

“Are we doing this?” Frost asked as he turned to face Brynn. The bard was smiling and shaking her head at him. “What?”

“You’re lucky you’re pretty because damn you’re stupid,” Brynn said while pointing at the corpses. “You need better gear than flimsy iron swords and low-quality leather, right?”

“Right,” Frost said suspiciously as he approached the corpse of Sir Vance and used a harvesting gem to separate his loot from his body. “Thanks.”

“Don’t thank me yet handsome,” Brynn said. “I can’t have my property dying.”

“Property?” Frost scoffed.

“Yes,” Brynn smirked. “Property. You are mine. A life for a life.”

“I gave you eight,” Frost said while looting the items. Not much of the gear was likely to fit him but the gloves and boots might, even if they were a little snug. He rushed toward the other corpses with Brynn casting her support magic. “We’re more than even.”

“You gave me eight corpses,” Brynn said smugly. “None of which equates to a life.”

“Okay,” Frost said while ignoring the fleeing villagers as he looted the dead heroes. “So, I guess I have to save your life?”

Brynn followed him as he walked from corpse to corpse accumulating weapons, armor, and accessories. Every one of the eight heroes he killed was holding onto several swords, daggers, maxes, bows, and even a few weapons he hadn’t seen. He was actually concerned his pack was going to run out of space but fortunately, the dead heroes had extra packs.

When he got to Sir Thomas’ corpse, he found a spellbook full of elemental magic and wished he had time to thumb through it. He also wished that the priestess hadn’t turned to ash along with all of her items.

“I can’t agree with that trade,” Brynn said. “My life isn’t as valuable as yours. So, I’ll be keeping yours.”

“We can talk about this another time,” Frost said as he headed toward the horses. The one he’d ridden there had already run off and even if it hadn’t, it was exhausted. “Right now, I have to save my friends.”

“Your friends?” Brynn grinned. “The way I heard it, you’re a little more than friendly with them Herald Frost.”

“Do you have a problem with that?” Frost asked while climbing on a horse. He immediately felt his riding ability kick in and the horse was his. It was faster and stronger than his previous mount and would easily make the trip to Blackwater.

“Of course I am,” Brynn jumped up and landed in his saddle. “I don’t mind if you’re a deviant as long as you know you’re mine.”

“Why don’t you take one of the other horses?” Frost said as she wrapped her arms around him. “You’re going to wear this one out.”

“I’m light weight,” Brynn said smugly. “And my riding skill is only level three. We’ll make better time sharing the horse.”

“Fine,” Frost said as he sensed the horse could still easily make the trip. It probably was faster to share the horse and he might still need her assistance rescuing the elves. “Just so you know I sleep with the elves.”

“And?” Brynn said while squeezing him. “You can bed whoever or whatever you want as long as it doesn’t interfere with your marital duties handsome.”

“Marital duties?” Frost laughed. “You think I’m going to marry you?”

“I’m afraid you don’t have a choice,” Brynn said. “You owe me your life. As I’ve been saying, I intend to collect it.”

“We’ll talk about this later,” Frost said while focusing on his riding. He hoped he could make back in time to protect them. As he looked at his strength, he was also concerned about whether or not he’d recover enough by the time they arrived. “The priority right now is saving the elves.”

“Of course,” Brynn said. “Now, let’s see. Oh, you’re going to want to turn two degrees that way.”

“I’m heading toward Blackwater,” Frost said. “I need to…”

“You need to free the elves,” Brynn interrupted. “Which is best done before they reach the city. They’ll be traveling to Blackwater by foot making them slow. So, maybe we can intercept them at Nemisol Bridge and avoid invading Blackwater.”

“Will we make it there in time?” Frost asked while slightly shifting direction.

“I don’t think that’ll be the issue,” Brynn while pulling one of her hands from Frost’s waist. She played a few notes on her flute and the horse started moving faster. “Now, aren’t you happy we decided to ride together?”

“I suppose,” Frost said while focusing on the road in front of him. He could sense both the horse’s excitement and concern as it galloped faster than ever before.

“So,” Brynn said cheerfully while wrapping her hands back around his waist. “Since we have almost a full day’s ride ahead of us, let’s talk about the wedding.”

“I said we’d talk about it…”

“I heard you before sexy,” Brynn said. “But you’re a captive audience now. So, we should probably discuss the Shalia thing. Technically, I’m a worshipper of Ziralia but I’m non-practicing so I suppose I’m willing to become a follower of Shalia but I’d have some conditions.”

“I don’t care what religion you are,” Frost said. “And now’s not the time for this. The elves are…”

“Not going to be rescued any faster by avoiding the conversation cutie,” Brynn interrupted. “Do they have a temple in their village? I’d like to be married as soon as possible. You kind of seem like the type of person who’ll die an untimely death so I’d like to…”

“I don’t want to marry you,” Frost argued. “And I don’t want to talk about this!”

“It’s so cute that you think you have a choice,” Brynn teased. “But unless you have a good reason to oppose the marriage it’s happening.”

“You’re too young,” Frost replied.

“I’m twenty,” Brynn said. “And some people get married disturbingly young so it’s not really an excuse. Try again.”

“You’re twenty?” Frost said while staring at the boyish bard. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t know you.”

“That’s common in arranged marriages,” Brynn said. “Consider this an arranged marriage. I own you and I’ve arranged it.”

“I’ll sleep with other people,” Frost replied hoping it’d get her to drop the subject. “I’m not loyal.”

“Good one,” Brynn nodded. “But no woman marrying a herald expects them to remain loyal.”

“You’d let me sleep with other people?” Frost asked.

“I don’t see how I could stop you,” Brynn answered. “But most heralds have several wives so it’s not as though I didn’t expect it.”

“I wouldn’t want you sleeping with other men,” Frost said. “How do you feel about that?”

“Aww,” Brynn squeezed him. “You’re already being possessive! I know you’d come around.”

“I’m not coming around,” Frost argued. “I don’t want to be married and I’d make an awful husband.”

“That’s for me to decide,” Brynn said teasingly.

“I refuse,” Frost said.

“You can’t,” Brynn said smugly.

“I just did.”

“Doesn’t matter. It’s up to me. I can accept the proposal in your place.”

“You’d just be marrying yourself,” Frost said as he pictured her at an alter doing all of the work. “Might make for an interesting honeymoon.”

“You have to marry me before I’ll let you bed me,” Brynn said. “And you want to bed me.”

“Elves are prettier,” Frost said. “I’d rather bed them.”

“Now you’re just being mean,” Brynn said. “You should be nicer. You need me after all.”

“Need you?” Frost scoffed. “You’re helpful but I don’t need you.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Brynn said. “I’m Brynn the Butler, The Black Bard of Falion, but most importantly I’m a princess of Zira.”

“A princess?” Frost asked while resisting the urge to stop the horse, tie her up, and hold her hostage in Blackwater.

“Don’t get any strange ideas sexy,” Brynn chuckled. “The king’s second wife only had boys, but she’d always wanted a girl and begged the king to allow her to adopt me. He gave in and I was raised with four brothers. Of course, none of them liked me because my mother doted on me and when she passed away, they cut my hair and made me a servant. I suppose it was their way to get back at me. If I’m being honest, I was a little bit spoiled. But, the fact I looked like a butler is also what saved me when the eight slayers came to kill my family.”

“That’s why you wanted to kill them,” Frost said. “But shouldn’t you be killing the one who gave the order?”

“Why do you think I’m so willing to help you kill Prince Erik?” Brynn said. “You see, my stepbrother…is he my stepbrother? He’s my adopted mother’s husband’s fourth wife’s son. Whatever that makes him. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is he has been rather aggressively eliminating any potential threats to him inheriting the throne. That includes me. Hence why I maintain the butler persona. But, if you were to marry Princess Brynn Hilde of Zira, that would make your goal of running your own territory pretty legitimate.”

“How do you know so much about me?”

“Spies,” Brynn answered as if it were obvious. “I paid servants for information and Erik doesn’t exactly inspire loyalty.”

“What’s in it for you?” Frost asked suspicious of anybody from the royal family.

“Several reasons,” Brynn said. “The first is that by marrying and bearing the children of a herald, even a cursed one who lays with elves, I solidify myself as a candidate to inherit the throne.”

“I don’t plan on having children anytime soon,” Frost interrupted.

“You are just adorable when you think you have a choice,” Brynn said cheerfully. “Anyway, the second reason is that there are very few members of the royal family arrogant enough to go to war with a herald, even a cursed one. Once I marry you, I can declare myself without fear of being assassinated.”

“Or make yourself a bigger target,” Frost grumbled. “And put the elves in danger.”

“Trust me when I say it wouldn’t,” Brynn said. “The only reason you’re in this predicament is that you appeared in Erik’s province. There are only two other princes arrogant enough to war with a herald and both are smart enough to avoid it. A herald married to a princess of Zira would be nearly untouchable.”

“So, you’re proposing a political marriage,” Frost grinned.

“Not exactly,” Brynn said. “I refuse to have a marriage like my adopted mother’s. You will spend time with me. You will lay with me. You will confide in me. And you will love me.”

“Do I have a say in any of this?” Frost asked as they continued to ride. “You seem awfully confident.”

“You lost your say when I saved your life cutie,” Brynn replied. “Let me ask you a question Herald Frost. Is it really so much to ask?”

“Excuse me?” Frost was confused by the question.

“I saved your life and by saving your life I’ve saved your elves’ lives,” Brynn said while squeezing his waist. “Also, I’ll bring a legitimacy to your territory that it desperately needs. I’ll be able to negotiate with my stepfather for you. If I inherit the throne of Zira, I’ll be able to protect you. If, when you were about to die, I stopped and gave you the choice, would you have chosen death instead? So, I’ll ask again, is it so much to ask that you spend time with me, lay with me, confide in me, and love me?”

“Brynn,” Frost sighed as he realized she was right, he would have agreed to it in order to save both his life and those of the elves. But he just couldn’t do it. “It wouldn’t be fair to you. I know how humans in this world view elves, but I love them. You want me to lay with you, but I intend to keep laying with them.”

“What if we both did?” Brynn asked. “Laid with them I mean. I think I understand what you’re trying to tell me. You’re saying that you’d feel guilty leaving me to sleep with the elves. So, what if we invited them into our bed?”

“You don’t mean that,” Frost said.

“I do mean that,” Brynn replied. “You owe me everything but I’m only asking for a little and promising you more. You will marry me. You will lay with me. You will love me.”

“I’ll consider it,” Frost sighed as he realized that he did ow her his life. If she was going to let him continue as he wanted with the only stipulation being a ceremony, it wasn’t much of a price. “But I want to see how you and the elves get along first. I’m the Herald of Shalia and they’re her followers. I won’t marry a woman…”

“I’ll love them if it means you love me handsome,” Brynn answered. “Our wedding will be one month from today. We will practice sharing a bed with the elves. Except you’re not permitted to make love to me until we’re married.”

“You make it sound like…” Frost paused. “Are you a virgin.”

“Of course,” Brynn answered. “I may disguise myself as a butler, but I’m a princess.”

Frost contemplated the awkward situation he was in as they continued to ride toward the bridge. He also really hoped that Brynn was right and they’d be able to make it in time.

CHAPTER 16

“How are you all doing?” Commander Grey asked as they approached the crossroads.

They were still about half a day’s march from the city and Commander Grey was already starting to get anxious. If he didn’t reach the city in time with the elves, his daughter was as good as dead. But if he did reach the city in time the elves were dead and then he’d just have to pray the heroes did their job. He wasn’t in a good position.

“We are doing fine,” the elf priestess answered politely. “What about yourself? You seem to be struggling with something.”

“Don’t ask questions,” Sir Malcolm said while positioning his horse between Lysandra and the commander. “Your only concern is reaching Blackwater.”

“It’s fine,” Commander Grey chuckled. It wasn’t uncommon for prisoners to attempt to endear themselves in hopes of negotiating an escape, but he didn’t think that’s what she was doing. “Why do you ask?”

“I suppose out of habit,” she answered as their march continued. “I’m a high priestess. When I see people struggling with a burden, I offer assistance. Is that so strange?”

“Yes,” Commander Grey said while thinking of the priests in the temples dedicated to Ziralia. Ziralia was a goddess of laws, order, and judgment. He learned after his third paddling as a boy not to tell those priests and priestesses anything if he could help it. “I’m a follower of Ziralia, as a priestess of Shalia you shouldn’t be too worried about me.”

“Shalia wouldn’t mind,” Lysandra said without hesitation. “I’ve always gotten the distinct impression that she doesn’t really care what I do.”

“You’ve talked with her?” Sir Malcolm eyed the elf suspiciously and rightfully so. There was a big difference between a high priestess and a prophet. Commander Grey scanned her and she was certainly only a high priestess. “You have that ability?”

“No,” Lysandra answered. “Which is how I know she approves of what I do. When was the last time you heard of a god or goddess telling their followers they were doing a good job? They only really get involved when things go horribly awry. Anyway, I was asking about you. You’re worried about something. I always find that talking about things helps.”

“Talking doesn’t help anything,” Sir Drake scoffed.

“I beg to differ,” Robin chimed in as several soldiers glared at her. “If I don’t know a patient’s symptoms, I’m unable to treat them. Similarly, if Lysandra doesn’t know your troubles she’s unable to assist.”

“I didn’t ask for her assistance,” Commander Grey scoffed at the elves’ persistence and their complete lack of concern over their situation. “And if you really have time to help others you should probably be chatting with each other.”

“Are any of you worried?” Lysandra asked the elves as they all shook their heads no and the bound one in the wagon growled excitedly.

“No,” Fayeth said.

“Not a bit,” Shael followed up.

“What’s there to worry about?” Renna asked while smirking at one of the soldiers. “The only ones with something to worry about are the poor bastards escorting us.”

“Shael,” Lysandra gestured at Renna and Shael quickly smacked the small elf upside the head. “Thank you.”

“Violent old hag!” Renna snapped at Shael.

“My pleasure,” Shael smiled at Lysandra.

“I apologize,” Lysandra said as the guards became more irritable. “I assure you she didn’t mean it as a threat.”

“I didn’t take it as one,” Commander Grey said while glancing at his men.

His men were anxious but it wasn’t because of the elves. They were getting close to Blackwater and even if they brought the elves, Raullon wasn’t likely to forgive his impertinence. If Raullon decided to act against the commander, his men would have a difficult choice to make. It was that knowledge that had them on edge.

“Are you concerned that Raullon will have you all killed?” Lysandra asked as the entire troop turned toward her. “Oh, was I right on the first guess?”

“You’re an annoying little…” Sir Malcolm reached for his baton.

“Malcom,” Commander Grey shook his head as the commander answered her question. “We’re worried about a lot of things priestess so it’s not wise to antagonize us.”

“I’m not trying to antagonize you,” the high priestess said completely unshaken by the angry glares aimed at her. “I simply think it would be healthy for you to state your fear out loud. If you can’t even give voice to your fears, how do you intend to face them?”

“We’re knights of Zira,” Sir Drake scoffed. “We’re not afraid of anything.”

The elves collectively stifled their laughter causing Sir Drake to reach for his club.

“Drake,” Commander Grey sighed. “You elves are an annoying bunch. Know your place.”

“I used to be scared of humans,” Emmy interrupted from the cart. “But then Herald Frost came and now I’m only afraid of some humans.”

“I’m afraid of dying alone,” Mira said cheerfully. “That’s why I’m doing my best to seduce Herald Frost.”

“Good luck with that,” another elf said angrily. “Lysandra’s keeping him all to herself!”

“Selfish old hag,” an elf near the back of the line yelled. “Learn to share!”

“She knows she can’t compete with us younger ones,” another elf shouted.

“Oh, you’re all crazy, that explains it,” Commander Grey laughed as the elves rambled. “See what happens when you talk things out?”

“The feelings are there regardless,” the priestess said in a tone that reminded Commander Grey of his mother. “Although I’m still not sure how we’re going to deal with that particular issue. What about you Commander Grey? You don’t seem to be the type of man who’d be concerned about dying.”

“If I die, that’s alright by me. But my daughter,” Commander Grey glanced at his men and they nodded back him. They knew where their priorities were. If they had a choice to save her or him, the order was to save her. “Duke Raullon is holding onto her and if I don’t escort you to Blackwater he’ll kill her.”

“I see,” the priestess said pensively. “Don’t worry. Everything is going to be okay.”

“A little odd coming from a prisoner that’s going to be dead by the end of the day,” Commander Grey said.

“Oh,” Lysandra smiled and pointed at the horizon. “We’ll be fine. Herald Frost is going to intercept you before you reach the city and you will agree to escort us back to our village in exchange for your daughter. On that note, we should probably hurry to Nemisol Bridge before things get out of hand.”

“Excuse me?” Commander Grey turned toward Lysandra to see her staring into the distance. He wanted to see what she was seeing but an elf’s vision was far better than a human’s. Commander Grey turned to the Sir Malcolm. “Malcolm, keep the pace and don’t let anything happen to the elves. I’m riding ahead.”

“Yes sir,” Sir Malcolm answered. “Do you want somebody to ride with you?”

“No,” Commander Grey said knowing full well that his entire troop could ride with him and if Frost was up ahead it wouldn’t make a difference. It was better they stay back for their own safety. The cursed herald was bound to be pissed off and out for blood. “I’ll be fine. And if I’m not, leave the elves and run. Got me?”

“Yes sir,” Sir Malcolm replied as Commander Grey rode toward the bridge.

There were two guard posts at Nemisol Bridge and between them was a stone arch with a portcullis meant to keep intruders out. It wasn’t particularly fortified but there was normally a good twenty men there at any given time. If that pissed off monster somehow arrived already, there was a fair chance those twenty men were already dead.

“Faster you damn horse!” Commander Grey growled as the bridge neared. The portcullis was raised which he’d normally consider a good sign, but as he got closer, he noticed a line of guards bound and laying beneath the steel gate as if it were a massive guillotine. Commander Grey yelled out hoping somebody could hear him. “No! Wait!”

He rode over the last hill and two figures were standing in front of the bridge waiting for him. He was positive that the one was Herald Frost but had no idea who the small one was. It looked like a young man in a black suit, sort of the kind hired help would wear.

“Commander Grey,” Frost’s tone sent a chill through him. “I hope you’re not alone.”

“Your elves are fine,” Commander Grey said while slowing his approach. He glanced at the bloodied men laying beneath the portcullis waiting for it to drop. “Can I say the same for these men?”

“I don’t care about these men,” Frost said. “Remember our talk in the village?”

“You’d trade every human in that city for one of your elves,” Commander Grey nodded. “I know. It’s why I made sure not a single hair on their heads has been plucked.”

“You’ll forgive me if I don’t take your word for it,” Frost said while nodding at the young butler. The boy pulled out a flute, played a few notes, and ran up the stone guard tower like it was a small hill. He gripped the lever and looked at Frost. “If a single elf says they were so much as shoved, she’s pulling the lever.”

“Alright,” Commander Grey nodded while glancing at the butler. After a closer look the boy did seem rather feminine but it was odd for a young lady to be running around dressed as a man. He wondered if she were on the run from somebody or a criminal of some sort. “Let’s just wait then.”

“Hey Frost,” the butler shouted while glancing toward Blackwater. “Not sure why but a few soldiers are heading this way. Should I pull the portcullis?”

“No! It’s probably just a guard change!” Commander Grey objected. “I’ll ride ahead and…”

“No,” Frost answered. “Let them come. If they decide to cause trouble, I’ll add them to the lineup.”

“Fine,” Commander Grey said while glancing back. The elves and soldiers stopped at the top of the hill until the commander flagged them down. They continued their descent and the commander prayed that none of the men did anything stupid in the ten minutes since he ran ahead.

“They’re getting awfully close,” the butler said. “The highest level is only level nineteen. Oh, they seem to have noticed the line up and are rushing for the bridge. Want me to take care of them?”

“I’ll handle it,” Frost said.

“No,” Commander Grey objected as Frost turned toward the bridge. “Let them come to the bridge and I’ll tell them to stand down. It’s probably just the guard change. I don’t want to risk them doing something stupid.”

“No,” Frost replied to his surprised. The man had previously been aiming for peace but it somehow felt that the ship had sailed. He wanted to hurt people. But at the same time the man went out of his way not to kill the guards at the tower.

The herald walked away and a few minutes later came back and tossed three bloody unconscious bodies next to the bound men beneath the portcullis. Fortunately, they were all breathing. All that was left was for the elves to come down the hill.

CHAPTER 17

Frost believed Commander Grey when he said that the elves were unharmed, but he wasn’t going to make the mistake of blindly taking him at his word. He made that mistake with Raullon and it nearly got him killed. There was the matter of treatment.

Even though Commander Grey didn’t seem to have an issue with elves that didn’t mean his soldiers didn’t. Maybe they beat them, pulled their hair, tortured them, humiliated them. Just thinking of all the different things that might have happened to the elves in his absence caused his blood to boil.

He took a deep breath to calm himself as he envisioned all of the horrible things he’d do if they were harmed.

“Frost!” Lysandra waived excitedly as she came down the hill surrounded by solders. Several elf children jumped up in the rear of the wagon. That was also a good sign but could have just as easily been because he didn’t want to deal with transporting slow children. “Can I?”

“Commander,” a knight nodded a Commander Grey.

“Let them go,” Commander Grey said in disbelief. “Are you boys fucking mental? Why’d you even ask?”

The soldiers scattered to the sides like a group of children eager to distance themselves from a broken vase. None of them even inched toward their weapons and several went as far as to hold their hands in the air.

Frost watched carefully for any tricks, but it seemed that none of them wanted to be involved in the situation. In fact, most of them even looked relieved to be done with it.

“Frost,” Lysandra said while pointing at the line of soldiers beneath the portcullis. “Explain yourself.”

“I was worried,” Frost said defensively. “Are you okay? Did any of them hurt you?”

“No,” Lysandra said irritably. “Commander Grey insisted that none of his men so much as touch us if they could help it. The only trouble was Ena who we bound up and tossed in the cart.”

“I’m so sorry,” Frost said while grabbing and squeezing his beautiful white-haired elf. “I shouldn’t have trusted them to keep their word.”

“Ahem,” Brynn tapped his shoulder. “Excuse me handsome. But are you going to introduce me?”

“Oh,” Frost wondered how to explain Brynn to the elves. “This is Lysandra, a high priestess.”

“A pleasure,” Lysandra bowed politely while glancing at Frost. “Ahem.”

“Lysandra, this is the Black Bard of Falion, Brynn the Butler,” Frost said. “Now that we’re all introduced…”

“And?” Brynn grabbed him by the collar and glared at him. The commander and several soldiers looked on nervously as the young woman handled him. “Say it.”

“Can we discuss this…”

“Say…it…” the petite butler said authoritatively. They’d spent almost the entire ride coming to the agreement and in the end, he gave in. As she pointed out, it was because of her that he was even alive to save the elves. The least he could do was marry her.

“My fiancé,” Frost sighed as the elves collectively gasped and profaned. “I can explain it later but right now…”

“There’s another matter to attend to,” Lysandra interrupted. “The commander’s daughter.”

“Excuse me?” Frost asked while looking around the group. Sure enough, she wasn’t there which begged the question, where was she.

“Commander,” Lysandra flagged Commander Grey to come closer. The old man hesitantly came toward the small group as his soldiers nervously looked on. “Did you wish to ask for the herald’s assistance?”

“What’s going on?” Brynn asked while tugging Frost’s arm. “We have places to be and people to kill sexy.”

“Raullon took my daughter,” Commander Grey said somberly. “The high priestess here seemed to think you’d be willing to help if we offered to safely escort the elves back to the village and protect it until you get back.”

“Lysandra,” Frost glared at the high priestess. “If they only tried to kill me it’d be one thing. But they were planning on killing you.”

“No,” Lysandra reached for Frost’s hands and stroked them delicately. She looked up at him with her beautiful cerulean eyes and smiled. “I will not allow you to hold all of them responsible for the actions of a few. The commander has never raised a hand to any of us…”

“That one reached for his baton,” Renna said while pointing to a knight on horseback who looked like he was considering sprinting off.

“So did that one!” Lyra pointed to a knight on the opposite side.

“But they didn’t!” Lysandra growled threateningly at the elves before turning back to Frost. “I know what you’re thinking, and don’t you dare.”

“But…”

“But nothing,” Lysandra said authoritatively while stroking his hand. “They didn’t hurt anybody and they were all very polite. We could eat, drink, and talk. They didn’t bind our hands or necks or do anything that they normally do.”

“I suppose,” Frost glanced at the commander waiting patiently. “Tell me commander. What are you willing to sacrifice for your daughter?”

“Frost!” Lysandra objected.

“Lysandra,” Frost silenced the high priestess with a glance. There were several pounds of flesh he still intended to collect and nobody was getting off easy. “What are you willing to give me in exchange for your daughter?”

“Everything,” Commander Grey answered. “Even my life.”

“Your life?” Frost glanced at Brynn. “I don’t suppose you’d accept…”

“No,” Brynn answered before he could finish his sentence. “Yours is the life I want handsome. Just accept it already.”

“Fine,” Frost turned to Commander Grey and stuck out his hand. “Your daughter’s life for yours. Do we have a deal?”

“Commander you can’t,” one of the knights objected.

“Your daughter wouldn’t want this,” another yelled. “We’ll think of another…”

“Done,” Commander Grey nodded and took his hand. “I only ask that you allow me to get my affairs in order before you kill me.”

“Oh,” Frost grinned while glancing at Brynn. “I think you’ve misunderstood. I want your life, not your death.”

“What?” Commander Grey’s eyes darted around confused. Even his soldiers seemed to have no idea what Frost was talking about. “I don’t understand.”

“You’re going to serve me until the day you die,” Frost answered. “Your life is mine to do with as I please. But we can discuss that more once I save your daughter.”

“You should have hired somebody to negotiate for you,” Brynn grinned. “We were about to head to Blackwater to kill Raullon and Erik anyway.”

“Erik?” Commander Grey stepped back and several of the soldiers looked at each other unsure of what to do. “It’s one thing to go after Duke Raullon but we can’t allow you to…”

“Ahem,” Brynn pulled out a ring and placed it on her finger before flashing it in Commander Grey’s face. “Commander William ‘Southern Spider’ Grey, can you tell your men what this is? I believe you’re the only one who’d recognize it.”

“That’s a seal of King Valagnar Leaucault,” Commander Grey said while gazing at the piece of jewelry. “How do you have that?”

“My name is Princess Brynn Hilde Leaucault of Zira, daughter of Henrietta Leaucault,” Brynn said proudly. “Prince Erik Leaucault ordered the assassination of my brothers. I bore witness as the eight slayers of Blackwater butchered my siblings. The eight slayers of Blackwater have been dealt with and all that remains is Prince Erik. Now, do you really want to interfere in a royal matter?”

“How do we know this isn’t some elaborate hoax?” Commander Grey asked.

“Hm,” Brynn tapped her chin. “No clue. But I have my name and my ring.”

“What was Queen Henrietta’s favorite food?” Commander Grey asked.

“Commander,” one of the soldiers objected. “Everybody knows…”

“Chocolate cake with a side of strawberry ice cream,” Brynn interrupted. “Although everybody thinks it’s pomegranates because of that stupid painting the king commissioned. He also had the painter bring in her waistline and increase her bust size. There’s a reason mother moved to the countryside.”

“Okay,” Commander Grey glanced at his soldiers. “I’m not saying you couldn’t have found that information anywhere but it’s better than nothing. I believe you, your highness.”

“Good,” Brynn said before turning to Frost. “Now, are we ready to go Frost?”

“Just give me a minute,” Frost said while looking at the elves waiting in the wings. Frost rushed over to the group and began patting their heads. “Are you all okay?”

“Are you really getting married?” Shael asked suspiciously. “Does this mean you’re not going to come and visit like you promised?”

“How many wives do you intend to take?” Mira followed up while pushing ahead of some others.

“If you really love us why are you marrying a human?” Renna said angrily.

“It’s because he’s a human obviously,” Ena said while unwrapping her bindings. “Maybe he’ll sleep with elves but it’s not like he’s going to marry one.”

“Is that true?” Fayeth asked calmly. “If it is, you should let us know.”

“It’s wrong to get our hopes up,” Erissa stomped while dragging Stormi with her. “Stormi and I have been waiting for you to come and visit!”

“Don’t involve me,” the blonde elf baker blushed.

“It’s complicated,” Frost sighed. “I’ll explain it all later.”

“Explain it now,” Lyra said angrily. He was used to seeing the young elf looking confident and cocky but at the moment tears were filling her eyes. “You haven’t even slept with me and you’re marrying a human! That’s not fair! You were supposed to sleep with me and fall in love!”

“You said you wanted all of us but you only lay with Lysandra!” another chimed in.

“You could at least spend the night with others,” Marina yelled. “Robin and I can always have Emmy spend the night with Shael’s.”

“Yay!” Emmy yelled. “Sleepover!”

“Herald Frost has yet to spend a night with me!” Shael objected. “I’m only playing babysitter if I get him first!”

“Herald Frost,” Lysandra approached him from behind while holding her hand up threateningly causing the elves to become silent. “I’m afraid time is up. If you intend to save the commander’s daughter, you should leave. It’s my understanding that they intend to execute her if we don’t arrive by this evening.”

“Right,” Frost nodded and turned toward the elves. “When I get back we’ll figure something out with the whole sleeping arrangement thing.”

“Herald Frost,” Lysandra sighed. “I’m sure Lady Priscilla wouldn’t be thrilled to find out you spent these precious minutes discussing sleeping arrangements rather than saving her.”

“Right,” Frost walked back to Commander Grey and Brynn. “Brynn, get the horse. Commander Grey, do you happen to have a map and an idea of where she’s being held?”

“She’s likely being held in the keep,” Commander Gray answered as Brynn ran off. “She’ll be treated as a guest of Prince Erik. Both he and Raullon will most likely be there since the sacrifice was scheduled for the evening.”

“Is there anything I should know?” Frost stared at Commander Grey. “Anybody I should look out for in particular?”

“Prince Erik’s personal guards,” Commander Grey answered. “They are both level fifty heroes. One is a holy knight and the other is a spellblade. I doubt anybody else would give you much trouble but those two are servants of the king himself.”

“A spellblade?” Frost smirked as he reminded himself to watch out for magic. “I can’t wait to meet them.”

“Ready handsome?” Brynn said while riding up next to him. Frost nodded and tried to climb in front of her but she quickly blocked his path. “No, behind. It’s more comfortable to lean back into your chest. And it makes playing easier.”

“Fine,” Frost said while hopping up and grabbing the reins. Brynn leaned back into him while holding the saddle with one hand. “Ready?”

“Of course,” Brynn said while pulling out her flute. “Just say the word sexy.”

“Commander Grey,” Frost turned to the old man. “I expect the elves to be sitting happily in the village without so much as a twisted ankle. Understood?”

“Just keep up your end of the bargain and I’ll keep up mine,” Commander Grey gestured at his men to turn around the caravan. “I’m trusting you to rescue my daughter.”

“Don’t worry,” Frost grinned. “Unlike you and yours, I keep my word.”

Frost rode off toward the city and Brynn played her flute increasing their speed. He was concerned about the level fifties. He was still recovering from the exhaustion of the previous battles but he didn’t have time to think about that. His priority would be Priscilla. Even if Raullon or Prince Erik escaped, he could always kill them later. But if Priscilla died it wasn’t like he could bring her back to life.

“Hey Brynn,” Frost glanced down at his pretty butler. “Are there resurrection spells?”

“Yes,” Brynn answered. “But they require massive amounts of power and need to be administered within an hour of the person’s death. They’re only useful to high level heroes adventuring in a party. Why?”

“Just wondering,” Frost nodded. Every bit of knowledge he could gather had value. If he knew what others were capable of, he knew what to watch out for. Healing spells, protective spells, and resurrection spells were all traditionally usable by paladins. Holy knights seemed slightly different in that he’d only seen them use protective and offensive magic. In fact, everybody he’d met didn’t seem to have a skill set that he found particularly traditional. “Can holy knights heal?”

“It depends on if they bothered to learn it,” Brynn answered. “It’s not as though they can’t. It’s just that certain abilities work better. Even if a holy knight learned healing, he’d never heal as well as a priest, his time is better spent learning magic that’s useful for fighting on the frontlines.”

“I see,” Frost understood a little bit more of the world he was in. It wasn’t as though they couldn’t learn all of the abilities, but they focused on the ones that were clearly beneficial. At the same time, experimentation was likely time consuming. That explained why nobody had heard of paladins. A holy knight would literally need to risk falling years behind his comrades to experiment with healing magic. It wasn’t like games where you could reallocate your points to try for the best build. “After this is all over, I’m going to want to talk more about what you know about classes.”

“Anything you want handsome,” Brynn said cheerfully. “Once we’re married, I’ll tell you everything you wish to know.”

“Once we’re married,” Frost groaned.

“So,” Brynn grinned. “Let’s go over the wedding details again. I believe we were still discussing color themes.”

“I said I don’t care,” Frost growled. “And we’re heading toward…”

“You say you don’t care handsome but I can tell you do,” Brynn said. “Besides, I’d rather you think about this than whatever it is you’ve been thinking about. You’re too pretty not to smile.”

“Are you serious right now?” Frost laughed.

“There we go,” Brynn said. “That’s what I like to see. So, back to the wedding, what do you think about soft blues and creams?”

CHAPTER 18

The city of Blackwater emerged in the distance as Frost and Brynn galloped over a hill. It wasn’t a particularly large city by Frost’s standards but was easily big enough to house over twenty or thirty thousand people.

A river ran through the center of the city and circled the central keep before flowing back out. The far side seemed to be the luxurious end while the western facing side they were heading toward appeared to be the slummier area. The northwest in particular looked to be the roughest area.

The organization of the city made sense given what he’d learned about the geography of the area. The capital of Zira was in the northeast so the nobles would want to be on the side nearest the capital. Being located on the eastern side of the city also ensured that if Rilia ever attacked they’d be the first to escape the city.

There were six entrances to the city that Frost could see. One on either side of the river in the south, one on either side of the river in the north, a single eastern entrance, and a single western entrance. They’d need to ride through the western entrance which from what he could tell was still open.

“I’ll take the reins when we enter the city,” Brynn volunteered as they began to get close to where the road turned from dirt to stone. “That way you can focus on defending us.”

“Alright,” Frost said as they neared the gate. From what he could tell, all the roads led directly to the keep in the center of the city. There were areas that branched off to other large buildings and estates, as well as roads leading to the cathedral on the eastern side of the city but the only one of importance was the main street. “Take the reins.”

“Halt!” several guards yelled as they rushed to defensive positions. “I said halt!”

“Frost?” Brynn asked as Frost pulled out the longbow he’d looted from Danny, or was it Danni? It didn’t really matter. Both Dan’s were both dead. “What are you doing?”

“Making sure they don’t close the gate,” Frost said as he took aim at the guard rushing toward the lever. He loosed the arrow which landed in the guards shoulder. He fired two more as other guards attempted to rush the lever as well. Both fell as the arrows landed in their torsos. Frost was fairly certain none of the shots were fatal but he wasn’t entirely sure.

“What about them?” Brynn said as two dozen guards began setting up with spears and shields.

“I got it,” Frost said as he swapped bows to the short one. He pulled out a handful of arrows and handed them to Brynn. “Hold these for a second.”

“Um,” Brynn smiled nervously while holding the reins with one hand and the arrows with the other. “Okay.”

Frost swapped classes to archer and began firing the arrows as quickly as he could. Each shot passed through the crevices between the amateurish shield wall and after around the tenth arrow landed the guards must have decided they weren’t paid enough. The soldiers quickly moved to drag their comrades out of the path of the horse as Frost and Brynn rode through.

“Alert the captain,” a guard yelled as they rode by.

“You’re showing an awful lot of restraint,” Brynn said while handing him back the remaining arrows and securing her grip on the reins. “Did you not pick up quiver from either of those snipers?”

“I’m already on it,” Frost said while searching his enchanted satchel. The bag was surprisingly impossible to navigate. It was like shoving your hand blindly into a box full of junk and hoping to find what you’re looking for. “Finding stuff is impossible.”

“Use scan,” Brynn said. “I can’t believe you don’t know that.”

“Goddammit,” Frost said as he scanned the bag. An entire listing of items popped up in his vision and as soon as he fixated on the item he knew exactly where it was in the bag. “This would have made my life much easier before.”

“Yeah,” Brynn laughed as a sea of screaming Blackwater citizens moved to avoid them. “I imagine so. Get ready, the keep’s up ahead.”

“Right,” Frost stared at the large stone mansion. While it had the reinforced stone walls of a keep it was also covered in balconies and gardens like a palace. There was also a secondary wall surrounding it and the gate was closed. “Archers.”

“Don’t worry about them,” Brynn said while blowing into her flute. A whirlwind of air swirled around them. “How are we getting through that gate?”

“I have a thought about that,” Frost said while staring at the large iron gate. He pulled out a hammer he’d taken from the holy knight. Its power and durability were easily ten times greater than anything else he’d held yet. A volley of arrows was redirected by the wind barrier as Frost prepared to throw the hammer. “Be prepared to stop if this doesn’t work.”

“If what doesn’t…” Brynn was interrupted by the thunderous sound of the hammer crashing against the gate. The hammer instantly shattered into pieces as the steel gate broke from the stone wall holding it and crashed to the ground. “Showoff.”

The guards struggled to organize as they rode through gate and directly toward the front doors of the keep. Brynn blew into her flute and a powerful burst of wind blasted the wooden doors off their hinges allowing Frost and Brynn to ride right into the main hall and dismount.

“See,” Brynn said smugly as they walked toward the giant double doors protecting the throne room. “I can blast doors open too.”

“Good job,” Frost smiled while pulling out one of the swords he’d looted from the eight slayers’ inventories and advanced on the screaming guards. He scanned and saw none of them were over level thirty, so he adjusted his power accordingly and started attacking with the flat of his blade. Within moments they were flat on their backs. He needed to conserve as much energy as he could. He probably shouldn’t even have used as much as he did on the gate. “Think they’re behind that door?”

“We can only hope handsome,” Brynn said while playing another powerful series of notes on her flute forcing the enormous doors open. “Jackpot.”

“Did we interrupt a party?” Frost asked as he looked around at the anxious nobles. He was a little surprised they weren’t running away in terror and then he noticed the two high-level guards glaring at him. Behind the guards was a young dark-haired man on a throne and standing next to him was Duke Raullon. “Oh, Raullon, just the person I wanted to see.”

“Herald Frost,” the duke said with a sickeningly familiar tone. “We weren’t expecting you back so soon. I assume…”

“Save it,” Frost interrupted while looking around the room. Several of the nobles seemed to be inching toward the side exits while others attempted to move closer to the prince’s guards. None of them seemed to be particularly pleased to see him. “Your eight assassins are dead.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Raullon said convincingly. “Are you saying you were attacked?”

“Hello brother,” Brynn said cheerfully. “Glad to see you in good health.”

“Brother?” Erik stood up to get a closer look of the butler standing next to Frost and after a few moments his face contorted in disgust. “Brynn Hilde.”

“Princess Brynn Hilde?” Duke Raullon winced.

“Yeah,” Frost nodded. “It seems your eight assassins weren’t nearly as effective as you imagined.”

“Herald Frost,” Duke Raullon stepped forward. “I assure you that I have no idea what you’re talking about. You can ask anybody in this hall, we were celebrating a peaceful…”

“Your eight heroes sold you out,” Frost sighed. “Don’t get me wrong Raullon, I don’t blame you for trying to have me killed. Hell, I don’t even blame Prince Erik for trying to have Brynn here killed.”

“Hey!” Brynn objected.

“It’s nothing personal,” Frost shrugged. “Prince Erik wants the throne. Eliminating the competition is a straightforward method to achieve it. Additionally, bargaining with me makes him look weak. Allowing the Herald of Shalia to take a piece of Zira’s territory doesn’t reflect well on him.”

“I assure you that…” Raullon stopped himself. “I suppose there’s nothing I could say to change your mind, is there?”

“Afraid not Raullon,” Frost answered.

“In that case I admit that I ordered the heroes to execute you,” Raullon said. “I also ordered the eight slayers of Blackwater to kill threats to Prince Erik’s ascension. But Prince Erik had no knowledge of such arrangements, I acted alone and I alone should be punished.”

“Good form,” Frost grinned while glancing at Prince Erik. He could imagine Duke Raullon ordering his assassination but ordering the assassination of rival princes, that was a bit above his paygrade. “I believe that executing me was your idea. It was a smart move and if not for Brynn here, it would have worked. That’s how good of an idea it was. I respect that Raullon.”

“Respect?” Raullon smirked derisively.

“Yeah,” Frost said. “You saw a potential threat and instantly crafted a brilliant strategy to eliminate it. I should have realized it during our negotiation. It was too sudden and I completely forgot that I was dealing with a noble. Obviously, you didn’t care about the villagers! I underestimated you and overestimated myself. But I’ve learned my lesson. That’s how I know you weren’t foolish enough to order the assassination of Brynn’s family.”

“I’m afraid you’re mistaken,” Raullon said confidently. “I did in fact order the execution of the prince’s step-siblings. There is no evidence proving…”

“Duke Raullon,” Frost grinned wickedly. “It doesn’t matter what you say because I’ve already made my decision. Now, all that’s left is for everybody else to choose a side.”

“Choose a side?” Prince Erik said with disgust.

“I have no intention of killing anybody in here other than Duke Raullon and Prince Erik,” Frost said while staring at the prince’s guards. “Step aside and let me exact my revenge or die with them.”

The nobility murmured for a moment before unanimously deciding to step back towards the walls of the great hall while the two bodyguards to the prince drew their weapons. Raullon pulled out an ornate gem encrusted staff and took position behind them as support.

“Really?” Frost sighed.

“I will offer you the head of Duke Raullon,” Prince Erik said while nodding at the duke. “He’s admitted to acting on his own. But if you wish to take mine, Sir Adamus and Sir Isaac will protect me with their lives. And they were assigned to me by my father himself.”

“Afraid that’s not going to work for us,” Frost said while pushing his blade into the red. He had a hell of a lot of durability in his new sword and as far as he knew, he didn’t earn a bonus for saving it.

“Suit yourselves,” Prince Erik smirked while gesturing toward the door behind the throne. “Then you get nothing. Let’s go.”

“Your majesty,” Duke Raullon nodded while following the prince toward the exit along with his note-taking son.

Sir Isaac and Sir Adamus shifted themselves to remain between the prince and Frost as the group left the main hall. Several other nobles sought the nearest exists as well.

“Frost sweetie,” the petite bard said irritably. “I’m going to be very upset if he escapes.”

“I know,” Frost said while rushing toward Sir Isaac. Sir Adamus instantly created dozens of small barriers layered in front of his shield and moved to intercept Frost. The holy knight’s barriers shattered but reduced his power enough to easily deflect the blow with his shield. “This is going to be tough.”

“Above you!” Brynn yelled as Sir Isaac covered himself in lightning and launched himself over Sir Adamus. Frost jumped backward avoiding the electrified strike by the spellblade as Sir Adamus followed up with an attempted shield bash.

The two fighters worked in complete harmony. As soon as Frost dodged the attack from one, the other would already be in motion. Adamus was trying to stun, disorient, or slow him while Isaac was attempting to capitalize on the opportunities Adamus was creating. Unlike the pervious heroes, these two worked in complete harmony.

“Brynn,” Frost moved to intercept Isaac as he rushed toward her. “Get out of here.”

“No,” Brynn answered while practically floating to a far corner of the room past a congregation of terrified nobles trying to escape. Isaac shifted toward her as Adamus kept Frost occupied. It was a smart move since Brynn couldn’t handle either of them head to head.

“I could handle them better if you were safe,” Frost said as Adamus’ protective barriers blocked another attack. The holy knight was practically a paladin already with the way he was layering the barriers to absorb the attacks. He was even adding flexibility to them to increase the amount of force they could withstand. “Dammit.”

“I said I’d be fine!” Brynn yelled while creating a piercing shriek from her flute causing half the room to fall and staggering Isaac. “Just focus on your own fight!”

She was right, he couldn’t risk looking away from Adamus and there was a good chance that Isaac was only attacking Brynn to draw him in. So far, he was doing a good job avoiding Isaac’s electrified strikes and wearing Adamus down. The problem was the longer it took to defeat Adamus the less likely it was they’d catch up with the prince and duke.

Adamus’ blocking was without a doubt level ten allowing him to easily negate any of Frost’s attacks. It was also likely that his barrier spell was maxed out and he was choosing to utilize smaller barriers for efficiency. A five-point slash was probably fast enough that he couldn’t block it required a lot of strength. Additionally, the holy knight would probably just swap to a larger barrier like Lady Filara had used.

“Isaac!” Adamus yelled as four barriers closed in around Frost. He quickly shattered them, but they delayed him enough for Isaac to come charging in with his electrified blade. He hadn’t anticipated that Adamus would use the barrier spell offensively. In games, it was primarily defensive but, in this world, it was more versatile.

“Shit,” Frost said as he jumped to avoid the attack. “Brynn!”

Brynn played a powerful note launching Frost to the far side of the room and allowing him to escape the attack. He was lucky she didn’t listen to him and decided to stay.

“Hey handsome,” Brynn said while watching Frost struggle. “Maybe we should fall back after all.”

“No,” Frost said while searching through his abilities. His level surpassed theirs, but he was making the same mistake he’d made with the giants. He was relying on brute force rather than finesse. The way Sir Adamos used those barriers reinforced that. He was also still thinking in terms of game mechanics, not real world applications. “I’m not going to let Raullon and the prince escape.”

“We can always get them later,” Brynn said. “You’re still…”

“It’s fine,” Frost said. “I have you to support me. If I can’t trust my future wife to have my back, who can I trust?”

“Oh-okay,” Brynn blushed while returning to her flute. The nobles had all but cleared out leaving the room to the four combatants.

“You’re strong, herald,” Isaac said respectfully. “But you should listen to your comrade.”

“Isaac,” Adamus shook his head. “We can’t let them escape.”

“Ah,” Isaac smirked. “You’re right. Sorry about that.”

Frost didn’t have enough abilities. Maybe if he knew some type of dispelling magic or even had his own barriers. Or even something as offensively powerful as Isaac’s electrical attack. He didn’t have anything that could break through the combination of Adamus’ blocking and Isaac’s electrical attack would fry him if it so much as touched his sword.

“Oh,” Frost nodded to himself. “There’s an idea.”

Frost rushed toward Isaac and Adamus moved to intercept as before. Frost instantly shattered the barriers as the electrified Isaac launched himself overhead like before. It was going just as Frost planned as he dropped his sword.

“What?” Adamus looked on in horror as the sword landed on the ground and Frost moved to grab his shield. The holy knight seemed to instant realize what Frost was going for but it was too late. “Isaac! Stop!”

“Huh?” Isaac said as Frost dodged his attack and grabbed his wrist. “Shit!”

The electricity from Isaac’s attack surged through Frost dealing damage but not nearly as much as what was dealt to Adamus at the end of the chain. The holy knight flew backward into the wall like he’d just been struck by a lightning bolt and fell to the ground as Frost dashed away. His entire body tingled and spasmed randomly.

“Ho-holy sh-shit,” Frost said as his arm twitched. Isaac rushed toward him and he moved to dodge but found his body a little bit difficult to control. He barely evaded the series of strikes and as he tumbled away his leg randomly gave out causing him to fall. “F-fuck.”

“Hands off my fiancé,” Brynn said as she blasted Isaac away with a powerful gust of wind. The petite bard helped Frost to his feet as Isaac positioned himself for another attack. “Frost?”

“I’m fine,” Frost said as his arm spasmed. He reached into his bag and pulled out Sir Thomas’ staff as Isaac rushed toward him at full speed. Frost gripped it with both hands and infused it with power well beyond its limits and swung right before Isaac reached him.

“Wha…” the force of the swing caused Isaac to launch backward into the wall knocking him unconscious as the staff shattered into shards of metal. Frost dropped to his knees exhausted and looked inward to gauge is power. It felt like he could collapse any second but he still appeared to have some power left.

“Let’s go,” Frost said while walking toward the door.

“You need rest,” Brynn grabbed his arm. “You’ve been at this for days.”

“If they escape, they won’t come after me directly,” Frost said unfazed by her grip as he dragged her toward the door. “They’ll go after those I care about. I’m not letting them escape.”

“Fine,” Brynn said irritably. “But I’m taking the lead this time. Got it handsome?”

CHAPTER 19

Frost followed behind Brynn as the nimble bard rushed through the hallways until they reached the rear exit of the keep. A dozen low level guards were waiting for them but found themselves wanting as Brynn knocked them all to the ground with a single screeching note.

“Which way?” Brynn said while stepping on the neck of a downed guard.

“East,” the guard answered as Brynn increased the pressure. Frost mounted one of the horses and pointed it east.

“Come on,” Frost said lifting Brynn into the front of the saddle before riding off. There were a few dozen horse tracks indicating that they had reinforcements with them but no wagon tracks. “We’ll catch up.”

“Oh,” Brynn smirked while lifting her flute to her lips. “I know.”

Between Brynn’s playing and Frost’s horse-riding ability they managed to catch the group just before they arrived at the city gate. Frost’s biggest concern was them closing it after the prince and his cohorts passed through.

“Hold the reins,” Frost said while handing them over. He pulled out his longbow and infused it with strength that surpassed its durability. He was going to have hardly anything left. “I have an idea.”

“Take it easy,” Brynn grumbled. “If you collapse, we’re going to be in trouble.”

“I know,” Frost said while eyeing his target. The guard was already ready to pull down the gate once the prince passed through, but he wasn’t going to allow it. He loosed the arrow.

“What are you aiming at?” Brynn said as the arrow launched past the soldiers in front of them, nowhere near the actual gate operator. The arrow pinged against a chain shattering it. Brynn realized his target as the portcullis dropped before the prince could pass through. “Nice shot!”

“I know I said I wouldn’t collapse,” Frost said leaning over his petite companion. “But it’s okay if I just lean on you a little, right?”

“Lean on me all you want cutie,” Brynn laughed while handing back the reins. The prince and his cohorts turned toward the north and began riding as hard they could as Frost and Brynn closed in. “Just don’t let them escape.”

“Priscilla,” Frost said while pointing at one of the guards riding in the middle. “We have to save her.”

“No problem. Watch this,” Brynn said while blasting her flute. A powerful screech echoed throughout the area as if a horde of harpies were flying overhead. Frost felt their horse trembling in terror and if not for his riding skill they would have been thrown off. The same couldn’t be said for the guards in front of them struggling to control their own terrified steeds. “Get ready.”

“Ready,” Frost said as they neared the soldier carrying Priscilla. The beautiful knight was bound and gagged on the back of the horse but that made everything easier. Brynn played another series of notes and a powerful gust of wind tossed Priscilla into the air allowing Frost to catch her as they rode past. “Shit.”

“Yeah,” Brynn said while leaning forward due to Priscilla being crammed between them. “Horses aren’t really meant for three riders.”

“Mmffmfmf!” Priscilla yelled as Frost pulled the gag from her mouth and began cutting her bindings. “The elves! They’re going to…”

“Already taken care of,” Frost said as they struggled to find a workable position. In the end, Priscilla wrapped her legs around Frost’s waist and arms around his neck as her back pressed against Brynn.

“Getting a little comfortable there handsome,” Brynn said while glancing over her shoulder. “Make sure you keep your head where it needs to be.”

“Huh?” Priscilla blushed as she realized the intimacy of their position.

“Don’t worry Brynn,” Frost smirked as the bouncing of the horse caused Priscilla to continually rub against him. “My head is where it needs to be. Although the other parts aren’t fully within my control.”

“You know, you’re right. You’re going to be a terrible husband,” Brynn laughed as she played more notes causing the horses around them to buck off their riders. They were almost to the front of the pack and Hansel, Raullon, and Prince Erik were finally in their reach.

“Hansel!” Raullon yelled as his son started chanting.

“Wall!” Hansel yelled causing a large wall of earth to burst from the path.

“Don’t stop,” Brynn said while blowing on her flute and shattering the wall. “No matter what, I’ll handle it. Just catch up. Priscilla is it? Hold up my husband to keep him from passing out, will you?”

“Husband?” Priscilla said clearly shocked.

“Not yet I’m not,” Frost winked at Priscilla as her white panties pressed against his groin. “So, if you’re interested…”

“I said to keep your head where it needs to be handsome,” Brynn said as they galloped through another shattered wall. “Plenty of time for that when this is over.”

“Hope so,” Frost joked while trying to hide how close to passing out he actually was. “I’m going to push the horse after the next blockage. You ready?”

“Absolutely,” Brynn said as she shattered the next wall.

“Hiya!” Frost roared while infusing his horse with a large amount of energy allowing it to push forward. The wind behind them roared and within moments Brynn was finally in range. She blasted her flute as a nightmarish wail pierced their ears.

“Wha!” Prince Erik yelled as he was bucked completely off his horse. Hansel and Raullon barely managed to hang on but it didn’t matter. Neither could possibly leave without the prince.

“Hansel! Get the prince! Blessing of Speed,” Raullon turned around and pulled out a staff while rapidly casting spells. “Blessing of Defense. Blessing of Strength. Blessing of Magic. Barrier. Come unto me White Fairies!”

A sea of light immersed Raullon as dozens of tiny orbs rapidly circled his glowing body and Frost found himself somewhat in awe of the display. Raullon rushed toward them casting spell after spell without an ounce of fear or hesitation. He intended to fight to the death for his prince and somehow, it just made Frost hate him more. All of that power and conviction, wasted.

“Herald Frost!” Raullon yelled as an enormous fireball formed over his head. “Die! Fla…”

All of the spells vanished as Frost’s spear pierced Raullon’s chest and launched him off his horse. It wasn’t a lot of power, but it was more than enough to pierce Raullon’s barrier and his chest killing him instantly. If he’d mastered barrier like Adamus he probably could have stopped it.

“Jack of all trades,” Frost mumbled as Priscilla held him up. His world was spinning, and he felt like he might vomit. His strength was almost completely depleted. Even Hansel could probably kill him if he tried.

As soon as Raullon decided to use all those different abilities Frost knew what he was. He was an all-rounder meant to pivot into any role as necessary. He could alternate between healing, support, and damage at will giving the edge where it was needed. It was a great job for a strategist, but it was never meant for head to head combat. He belonged on the backline.

“Move one more inch and you’re dead,” Brynn said as Hansel tried to lift the prince onto his horse. Hansel looked at his father’s corpse and then back at Frost.

“Don’t think about it kid,” Frost said while trying not to show how tired he was. Hansel couldn’t scan him so he just needed to appear strong. “He tried to kill me, I killed him. He and I are square and I’m sure he’d say the same thing.”

“Kill them,” Prince Erik said while hiding behind Hansel’s horse. “That’s an order!”

“Hansel,” Priscilla shook her head as the elementalist stared at his staff. “Just drop it.”

“Hansel is it?” Brynn said. “I, Princess Brynn Hilde Leaucault, potential heir to the throne of Zira. I am ordering you to stand down.”

“I’m ordering you to kill them!” Prince Erik said. “Kill them you idiot or I’ll have your entire family killed!”

“Fine,” Hansel said while glaring at Brynn. “But I want it made clear that neither my father nor my family had anything to do with the assassination of the other princes.”

“Obviously,” Frost said. “It was a stupid risk and the duke wasn’t stupid, just arrogant.”

“Right,” Hansel glared at Frost as he dropped his staff on the ground and backed his horse up. “My father was not stupid.”

“What are you doing!” Prince Erik yelled while struggling to pull out his sword. “You have to protect me, you traitor!”

“You’re one to talk,” Brynn said as Frost jumped off the horse and began walking toward Prince Erik. Brynn quickly jumped off and ran after him, leaving Priscilla to tend to the horse. “What are you doing? Get back on the horse. I’ll handle…”

“No, you won’t,” Frost said while blocking Brynn with his arm.

“It’s my right!” Brynn said angrily. “He killed…”

“I know,” Frost said. “But he’s your brother too. Or something like one at least.”

“That’s right!” Prince Erik said while looking for a place to run. They had an audience now, both citizens and soldiers of Blackwater wondering what they should do. “I’m still your brother Brynn Hilde! You can’t let me die! Right? Order the herald to stand down! Order him! Somebody! Stop him!”

Several soldiers in the audience anxiously reached for their weapons while others faded into the background.

“Citizens of Blackwater!” Brynn was speaking more to the soldiers than anybody else. “I am Brynn Hilde Leaucault! This is a dispute between royals! Anybody who interferes better be prepared to suffer the consequences of their interference!”

If any of the soldiers were thinking of doing something, they weren’t anymore. The ones that would have been moved by their sense of duty to Zira were just given the out they desperately wanted and the remainder never intended to act unless they were forced to.

“What are you all standing around for!” Prince Erik yelled. “He’s the cursed herald of those filthy followers of Shalia! He’s a cursed herald! He’s nothing!”

“He’s my fiancé,” Brynn said smugly. “If anybody raises a hand to him, they will be acting against the royal family.”

“Fiancé?” Prince Erik looked at her with disgust. “You’d marry a disgusting elf-fucker!”

“I like to think I’m marrying the man who in only two days killed twelve giants, the eight slayers of Blackwater, rescued hundreds of villagers, and avenged my brothers,” Brynn said. “Even if he is an elf-fucker, the Herald of Shalia is the type of man any future Queen of Zira would be lucky to have.”

“Please,” Prince Erik begged. “Please don’t…”

Frost removed his head with a single clean slice of his sword without expending much energy. Unlike the others he’d faced until then, the prince wasn’t really anything of note. There were elves in the village who could probably have bested him in a fight.

“My sexy, handsome, adorable, beautiful, fiancé,” Brynn smiled while grabbing his arm. She was trying to make it look like she was being affectionate, but she was really preventing him from falling over. It wouldn’t be good if the onlookers realized exactly how tired he was. “Now that we’ve finished our task we should head back to your villagers.”

“What about the city?” Priscilla said while jumping down from the horse. She helped Frost and Brynn up and as soon as they were mounted, she ran to get a separate horse to ride. “Shouldn’t Princess Brynn Hilde stay…”

“Hansel was it?” Brynn glared at the young elementalist. “Send a message to my father that the city needs a new governor. I will be returning to my future husband’s territory with him. In the meantime, I imagine you can ensure the city continues to function, correct?”

“You would trust me with the city?” Hansel glanced at them. “What are you scheming?”

“Scheming?” Brynn said irritably. “I’m not my brother nor am I your father Hansel. If I wanted you dead or punished, you would be. Now, I’ve given you an order. Carry it out.”

“Yes, your highness,” Hansel stuttered out.

“Let’s go,” Frost said while turning the horse toward the west. “How fast do you think we can get there?”

“In your condition?” Brynn laughed. “Maybe by morning if you’re lucky. But don’t worry, when we get there, I’ll play you a nice lullaby. You’ll be asleep for a day.”

“I don’t think I’ll need the lullaby,” Frost chuckled as they started riding toward the west with Priscilla riding behind them. She seemed to be carefully watching in case Frost fell over. “But I didn’t know you could put people to sleep.”

“There’s lots you don’t know about me handsome,” Brynn said smugly. “But Lullaby’s effectiveness varies so it’s not really reliable. But as weak as you are, I imagine it’ll work just fine.”

“Shit,” Frost said as Sir Isaac and Adamus came speeding down the road on horseback. They were both a little worse for wear but still in better condition than him. He reached into his satchel to pull out a weapon as Brynn grabbed his hand.

“No,” Brynn said as the two injured riders approached. “The fight is over.”

“Princess Brynn Hilde,” Sir Isaac and Sir Adamus stopped in front of them. They both glared at Frost while gripping their hilts but neither drew on him. “What is the condition of the prince?”

“Dead,” Brynn answered. “I am returning to my fiancé’s territory with him and I’ve left orders with Duke Raullon on what to do until my father can assign a new lord to Blackwater.”

“Duke Raullon’s still alive?” Sir Adamus said while staring at Frost.

“Hansel Raullon,” Brynn corrected.

“Oh,” Sir Adamus nodded. “That makes more sense.”

“Your highness,” Sir Isaac glanced at Frost and then back at her. “Respectfully, it would be better to kill the herald now before he has a chance to recover. Your father may be upset if we don’t take this opportunity.”

“Smart man,” Frost chuckled while mentally preparing himself for a fight.

“Herald Frost!” Priscilla snapped.

“Prince Erik and Duke Raullon were considered smart men,” Brynn said in a way that sounded more like a threat than an observation. “Would you consider yourself a smart man Sir Isaac?”

“No your highness,” Sir Isaac bowed his head. “Would you like an escort to your fiancé’s territory?”

“I should be fine with Lady Priscilla,” Brynn said. “And as you know I’m quite formidable myself.”

“That you are your majesty,” Sir Adamus chuckled and bowed. “We’ll leave you be then. Happy journey.”

“Oh,” Brynn said as if she remembered something. “Herald Frost, you’ll probably want to meet with the new lord of Blackwater when they arrive, correct?”

“Just have them send a delegation,” Frost waived his hand indicating to move along. He just wanted to ride back to the village and get some sleep. “We’ll talk about it later.”

“You heard him,” Brynn said as they started riding away from the two knights. “Have them send a delegation. Oh, they’ll probably want to bring apology gifts as well. Just a suggestion, they don’t have to take it.”

“Whatever,” Frost yawned. “Can I lean on your back again?”

“I don’t know,” Brynn said. “You’re kind of heavy and it’s a long trip. I hate to admit it, but I’m struggling to hold myself up.”

“He can ride with me,” Priscilla offered while flexing her bicep. “I’m pretty strong.”

“Brynn?” Frost asked.

“Fine,” Brynn said reluctantly as Priscilla moved her horse next to theirs. Frost quickly shifted over draped his arms over Priscilla’s shoulders. “Don’t get too comfortable handsome. You’re mine, remember.”

“Uh-huh,” Frost yawned again while resting his head on Priscilla. “But if it’s alright with you two I’m just going to rest my eyes a little. Is that alright?”

“Rest them all you want,” Priscilla said cheerfully.

“Try not to look so happy handsome,” Brynn said crossly. “By the way, I have no idea where the village is.”

“Just go west,” Frost gestured. “Priscilla knows how to get there, right?”

“Yes,” Priscilla chuckled and stroked Frost’s head. “So, you just rest your eyes and we’ll wake you up when we get there. Okay?”

“Okay,” Frost said while falling asleep.

CHAPTER 20

Frost experienced a profound sense of déjà vu as he woke up in bed naked and no memory of how he got there. He glanced around the room and it was undoubtedly Lysandra’s but she wasn’t anywhere to be seen although he could hear shuffling downstairs and outside. He looked out the window and it was probably around noon.

“Well that explains why there’s nobody here,” Frost said as he tried to climb out of bed. Every part of his body felt like it weighed ten times more than usual but otherwise he felt surprisingly fine given everything he’d been through. “Everything.”

Frost let the images and feelings of the last few days catch up with him. The face of Lady Filara popped into his head. The priestess was just doing what she was ordered, and Frost killed her without a second thought. The screams of Danni the sniper echoed in his ears and the blank look on Sir Thomas’ face when he’d realized he was dead popped into his thoughts.

The thing that terrified him the most though was how little impact it seemed to have on him. He wondered if he wasn’t seeing the people as real because he was in another world. Was he viewing it like a game because of the similarities? Or was he a psychopath?

He started looking into his abilities for anything empathy or communication related or mental fortitude. As soon as he thought of mental fortitude his stats shifted to his physical and mental power. His physical was still shockingly low but that wasn’t entirely surprising giving how he felt.

His mental strength was also surprisingly low and something clicked with him.

According to Lysandra his physical power was comprised of all things physical. It wasn’t simply his strength but how his strength, agility, stamina, and other attributes came together. His mental power was similar.

Things like his ability to cope with the tragedies around him were likely part of the mental strength stat. Even if he was coping, it was taking a toll and both physically and mentally he was exhausted. He continued to scan himself and noticed he had several restricted ability points. They were fairly dispersed between his combat abilities with sword earning five. He dispersed the points evenly across his secondary abilities like overhead slash, horizontal slash, and lunge. Since they were restricted to sword there was no harm in simply using them.

His other abilities had similar gains in restricted ability points and he assigned them in the secondary abilities thought would be most useful. Air maneuvers was surprisingly useful both defensively and offensively despite Lysandra saying it was useless. He looked into other dodge related abilities like acrobatics and added a few restricted points. He was pretty pleased with how many he’d gained, especially since he was running so low on free ones.

He mentally did the math on the skill points gained versus the number of high-level opponents he’d faced and began theory crafting again. He checked his level and it’d only moved up a quarter of a bar. Apparently gaining a level past sixty would require nearly dying four to five times.

His stomach growled and he decided to grab something to eat. Afterward, he figured he’d rest some more.

He yawned as he looked around for something to wear and found some underwear, cloth pants, and a nice tunic to wear. After he was dressed, he slipped into a pair of sandals and walked downstairs.

“Herald Frost!” Lysandra said excitedly as Frost joined her and the others in the main hall. Priscilla, Commander Grey, and Brynn were sitting across from Lysandra and several other elves. “You’re awake!”

“How are you feeling handsome?” Brynn smiled. “Did you sleep well?”

“I’m tired,” Frost yawned as he reached the bottom step. “Do we have any meat left?”

“Of course,” Renna jumped up from her spot and rushed toward the kitchen. “It’s not like we eat it.”

“I’m going to make sure she prepares it right,” Stormi said while getting up from her seat. “Would you like some bread, fruits, and vegetables to go with it?”

“Whatever we have,” Frost sat down at the table next to Lysandra and before he knew it, his hand was around her hip. He had the irresistible desire to be held and wondered if it had something to do with his mental state. Lysandra must have realized it because she quickly wrapped her arm around him and began stroking his back reassuringly. “I’m so hungry. I don’t think I’ve eaten in three days.”

“Six days cutie,” Brynn said while glaring jealously at Lysandra. “You should have sat by me.”

“You should have sat on the elf side of the table,” Frost said judgmentally as Brynn looked to her left and right. It must not have dawned on her that she’d surrounded herself with an old man and his daughter. “Did you say six days?”

“You’ve been asleep for three days,” Priscilla said. “The pink-haired elf said that you were just exhausted and to let you sleep.”

“Robin checked on me?” Frost looked at Lysandra who nodded politely while snuggling into him. “Was I that bad?”

“Just worn out,” Lysandra said in a soothing voice while stroking his chest. “But everything is fine now. We’ve been handling everything. All you need to do is rest.”

“Everything?” Frost asked. “Six days, what’s happened?”

“I think she means it in the sense that everything’s fine,” Commander Grey answered grumpily. “Nothing’s happened. Blackwater hasn’t sent so much as a messenger and my men are patrolling the outskirts while your elves are patrolling the forest.”

“It’s only been three days since we left Blackwater,” Brynn said to Frost. “An interim ruler probably won’t be assigned there for at least a week or two and after that who knows when they’ll send a messenger and delegation.”

“It’s actually been pretty dull,” Priscilla said. “There’s nothing to do in the encampment and with Sir Malcolm leading patrols there’s not a monster within ten miles alive to hunt.”

“But on the bright side they’ve hunted plenty of boars,” Stormi said while carrying two large trays of food. One of them covered in bread and cooked pork while the other filled with fruits and vegetables. Renna followed behind the busty blonde with a jug of freshly squeezed juice. Stormi quickly moved to sit down next to him as Renna looked on in horror.

“I was sitting there!” Renna objected as the blonde baker set the plates down and leaned into Frost. Stormi’s ample chest pressed against him as she matched Lysandra’s gentle strokes. Renna kicked the bench angrily and pointed at Stormi. “That was my spot you hag!”

“Renna,” Stormi said teasingly. “Herald Frost is tired. Don’t cause a scene.”

“But,” Renna looked like she might cry out of frustration. “That was my spot…”

“Fine,” Stormi said reluctantly. “Only because you were going to cry.” The blonde elf stroked Frost’s hair several times before moving away.

“I wasn’t going to cry,” Renna objected as she quickly squeezed in next to Frost. She set the jug down in front of him and pushed her petite body against him. “It was just my spot.”

Frost chuckled while making himself a sandwich out of the meat, bread, and some vegetables. He took a bite and despite being completely unseasoned it might have been the best tasting sandwich he ever had. He looked up and caught Brynn smiling at him.

“What?” Frost said while glancing around the table. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You look relaxed. It’s cute,” Brynn said. “I wish you would relax like that with me.”

“Maybe later,” Frost nodded as he continued to eat like a starved animal as others looked on. He was so hungry he didn’t even care about the awkwardness of it. He reached for the juice and gulped it down before going back to the plates. “So, Commander Grey, about our deal.”

“It’s in effect,” Commander Grey answered. “My life belongs to you.”

“Dad!” Priscilla objected. “We talked about this. I’ll take on your debt.”

“And I said no,” Commander Grey said. “You can tell your mother…”

“You’re going to be my ambassador to Blackwater,” Frost interrupted. “So, most of your time is going to be spent there.”

“Ambassador?” Commander Grey looked at Lysandra. “You’re okay with that.”

“If it’s what the herald wants,” Lysandra nodded.

“But it’s a prestigious position,” Commander Grey said.

“You’re the ambassador of a territory that includes one village of fifty and another village of a few hundred,” Frost said. “Which reminds me. Did you happen to pick up that physician that spread the disease in Filan?”

“We never had time,” Commander Grey grimaced. “The duke had other priorities.”

“You’ve had three days commander,” Frost said irritably. “Get on it.”

“I’m not sure we have the authority…”

“You have my permission,” Brynn said while patting the commander’s shoulder. “Will that suffice?”

“Yes, my lady,” Commander Grey said while standing from his seat. “I’ll get on it imminently. Out of curiosity, should I bring him back here or?”

“Take Robin to help search his office and question him,” Frost said. “I want a good relationship with the village so make sure they know it was Robin who discovered the deceit.”

“But how do you want us to punish him?” Commander Grey asked. “Purposefully spreading a disease to make money…that’s a new one.”

“Probably not as new as you think,” Frost sighed. Even in his own world physicians committing fraud was rampant. He could only imagine how they acted in one with minimal training required and zero accountability. “He was after money, so take all of his. His home, his practice, his possessions, everything. I’d suggest imprisonment as well but I have no interest in building a prison. Just send him off toward Blackwater and ahead of him send messenger to declare to the citizens what he’s done.”

“Hm,” Commander Grey nodded. “I was just going to suggest executing him on the spot. But I suppose that works. I’ll take my leave then.”

“Thank you,” Frost glanced at Priscilla. “Aren’t you going to go with him?”

“Oh,” Commander Grey shook his head. “She wants to stay here for a while if that’s alright. At least until things die down in Blackwater. She’s still technically a fugitive.”

“Understood,” Frost nodded while looking down at his empty plates wishing there was more food.

“On it!” Stormi said as if reading his mind. The elf jumped up and rushed back to the kitchen.

“So,” Frost said while catching Brynn directing an angry glare at Lysandra. “What’s going on with you two?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Lysandra said cheerfully while shooting Brynn a threatening glance. “Lady Brynn and I have been getting along wonderfully.”

“Just as you requested,” Brynn said unconvincingly. “The elves are important to you, so they are important to me.”

“Then what’s with the hostility?” Frost said while glancing at them both. It was obvious neither was going to say anything, so Frost turned to somebody who’d be more than happy to tell him everything. “Renna?”

“Well!” Renna grinned wickedly at Lysandra, clearly intending to use the opportunity to settle some score between them. “Lysandra…”

“Ensured that nobody disturbed your sleep,” Lysandra interrupted while scowling at Renna. “Lady Brynn has been wonderfully understanding that your rest is important. But there have been disagreements on sleeping arrangements. Nothing for you to concern yourself with.”

“He’s my fiancé,” Brynn said irritably. “I should have been able to lay down with him.”

“It’s my bedroom and my bed and I won’t be displaced from my own bed,” Lysandra said sternly.

“You tried to kick her out of her own room?” Frost said. “That’s not…”

“I never tried to kick her out,” Brynn said defensively. “That’s a lie!”

“What?” Lysandra scoffed. “You said that you intended to share a bed with your fiancé. Where was I supposed to sleep then? On the floor? Oh, you weren’t going to kick me out of my room, just my bed! How noble!”

“Lysandra,” Frost sighed. “I don’t…”

“It’s a large bed!” Brynn said while gesturing toward the room. “It can easily fit three people!”

“That’s right!” Renna said angrily. “Even if you didn’t want her in your bed, I still should have been allowed in there!”

“You would have woken him up,” Lysandra glared at Renna. “We both know what you were after!”

Frost closed his eyes and focused, reapplying the infertility spell before he forgot.

“That doesn’t excuse you not letting me lay with him,” Brynn growled. “I have no intention of doing that with him until we’re married!”

“And I told you I won’t be kicked out of my own bed!” Lysandra objected.

“I want to sleep with my fiancé!” Brynn said angrily. “What good is marrying somebody that attractive if I can’t even enjoy it!”

“Stop!” Frost said angrily as Stormi brought out more food. The elf smiled nervously as she set the plates and moved to a far end of the table away from the fighting. “Lysandra, I think there’s been a miscommunication here.”

“What do you mean?” Lysandra said while glancing at Brynn. “She’s been very clear about…”

“Brynn,” Frost sighed. “Did you tell Lysandra you were sleeping with me or did you ask her if you could sleep with us?”

“Us?” Lysandra blushed.

“I want to sleep with you,” Brynn said angrily. “It’s my right!”

“But,” Frost sighed. “Do you intend to kick Lysandra out of her bed?”

“I already said that’s a lie!” Brynn said.

“Okay,” Frost nodded. “Brynn, Lysandra assumes since you’re a human that you don’t want her in the bed. When you said you intended to sleep with me, she took that to mean only me.”

“But I never said that!” Brynn objected.

“Lysandra,” Frost stared at the white-haired elf. “Brynn doesn’t expect you to leave the bedroom or the bed. She wanted to lay with me, with you.”

“With me?” Lysandra’s expression suggested she was performing a series of complex equations in her head. After a moment she appeared to come to her own answer. “Herald Frost, you’re mistaken. She’s a princess of Zira so she would never…”

“Gah!” Brynn stood up and pointed at Lysandra. “See! See what I’ve been dealing with! Even after you explained it clearly, she’s not listening!”

“Just give her a moment,” Frost said while shoveling down more food. “She’ll get there eventually if you stop getting angry. The problem is you two are talking at each other, not to each other.”

“Huh?” Lysandra retreated into her head as she ran through her formula’s again. After a good minute in silence she turned to Brynn. “Lady Brynn, were you suggesting we share the bed?”

“Yes,” Brynn said in disbelief.

“But you’re a…”

“I know what I am,” Brynn said irritably. “And Frost has already told me how much the elves mean to him and that if our marriage is going to work out, I have to be okay with that.”

“Well,” Lysandra blushed. “This is somewhat embarrassing. I’m very sorry for the misunderstanding.”

“What about me!” Renna objected. “If you’re going to let her sleep in the bed then I should be able to sleep in the bed! And he’s awake now so there’s no excuse!”

“There’s not enough room in my bed for four people,” Lysandra said defiantly.

“Listen here you old hag,” Renna said while grabbing the empty juice jug threateningly. “You’ve been cuddling with him for three days on your own and I’m about finished…”

“Renna,” Frost patted the green-haired thief’s head. He slid his fingers through her soft hair and made his way to her ear. She immediately calmed down and went back to snuggling with him as he stroked the tip of her long pointy ear. He’d only intended to come down to get some food and drinks but it was obvious he couldn’t just run off back to bed on his own. “I’m going to go upstairs to nap a bit more. Want to come with?”

“What!” Brynn jumped up from her seat. “Why her?”

“I imagine you and Lysandra are going to want to lay down with me tonight,” Frost said. “I figured it’d…”

“I’m coming too,” Brynn insisted. “I don’t have anything to do in this village anyway.”

“Renna,” Lysandra said politely. “You have chores.”

“Have Priscilla do them since she’s staying here,” Frost grinned at the knight as the petite elf hugged him. Lysandra pouted jealously as she looked on. He imagined the intimacy would also help his mental state a little bit. “Is that okay?”

“I suppose I am a guest,” Priscilla said.

“Is it okay?” Renna asked excitedly.

“Fine,” Lysandra said as she cuddled against him. “But Herald Frost, are you getting bored of me by chance?”

“What?” Frost laughed at the amethyst-eyed elf. “Never. But somebody needs to turn the village and I have all night to lay with you.”

“You still intend to lay with me tonight?” Lysandra blushed. “Even though you have Lady Brynn, Renna, and Lady Priscilla?”

“What?” Priscilla choked on the juice she was drinking.

“Priscilla?” Frost laughed and shook his head. “I’m not sleeping with the commander’s daughter.”

“The commander’s daughter?” Priscilla said indigently. “I’m my own person.”

“I know,” Frost reassured her. “And you’re a great person. But, I’m not about to sleep with his daughter. Especially when I have Brynn, Lysandra, Renna, and at least another two dozen elves willing to lay with me.”

“At least,” Stormi giggled.

“Fine,” Priscilla said angrily. “It’s not like I intended to lay with you anyway. It’s just a little offensive is all.”

“Lysandra,” Frost smiled at his gorgeous white-haired elf. “I intend to sleep with you as long as you’ll let me.”

“Herald Frost,” Lysandra’s face turned bright red.

“Come on sexy,” Brynn tugged his arm. “And by the way, we’re going to have a long talk about how romantic you are toward the elves compared to me. All I get are objections and reluctance while they get romantic overtures? I don’t think so. I don’t care how handsome you are, there are limits to my tolerance.”

“The elves make it easier to be romantic,” Frost said as Renna turned and stuck her tongue out at Lysandra.

“Try not to fade away while we’re gone you ghoul,” Renna said mockingly.

“Most of them anyway,” Frost said.

“Is Lysandra old?” Brynn said with a wicked grin.

“She’s ancient,” Renna said cheerfully as they walked up the stairs. “Find the oldest mountain on the continent and she was probably there when it was only a hill.”

“Renna,” Lysandra said sweetly. “I just remembered Rania and Sumina need extra help in the stables since we’re caring for so many horses. I’ll let them know you’ll be available to help all day tomorrow.”

“What?” Renna said. “That’s not fair!”

“You really should know better,” Frost laughed as he pulled Renna into the master bedroom. “She really doesn’t like being teased about her age.”

Frost removed his shirt and pants before crawling beneath the covers of the bed. His head found a pillow and he turned to watch as Renna quickly stripped down to her white underwear. But the petite elf didn’t stop there as she removed her tight tank top and panties.

“Is that how you sleep?” Brynn watched with a nervous look as the naked elf shamelessly crawled into bed with Frost and pressed her body against his. She looked toward the windows for any sign of curtains in hopes of dimming the room but quickly realized that unless she could put out the sun, the room would remain well lit.

“You don’t have to join us,” Renna said while snuggling into Frost’s chest. The slender elf lifted a leg to wrap around him and he felt her soft warm pussy press against his hip. “I can comfort him on my own.”

“I’m fine,” the short-haired bard said while taking a deep breath. She tossed off her coat and started unbuttoning her shirt revealing a surprisingly feminine pink camisole. She folded her clothes neatly and placed them on a chair before unbuckling her pants.

“Wow,” Frost said as Brynn slid her pants down revealing her lacy pink panties and athletic thighs. Even though her hair was short, her femininity was undeniable as she stood in front of him. “I wouldn’t have guessed pink.”

“I like cute things,” Brynn said while timidly playing with the bottom of her camisole. If Frost had ever viewed her as boyish those thoughts washed away as he stared at her in her undergarments. Her facial features were soft and although her chest was smaller it fit her athletic frame nicely. She had a surprisingly defined abdomen and her waist tapered in just enough to give her hips a sexy curve. “I am a princess after all.”

“Are you coming to bed princess?” Frost said while staring at her athletic thighs. His cock was getting hard just thinking of having them wrapped around his head. He smiled as he she anxiously fiddled with her top, clearly trying to decide whether to remove it or not. “Just wear whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“But she,” Brynn tiled her head at Renna as she noticed the movement of her hips beneath the sheet. “Is she doing what I think she’s doing?”

“Uhh,” Frost guilty smiled as he felt Renna’s pussy sliding on his thigh. “Yes?”

“You understand that there are things I can’t do handsome,” Brynn said while stepping toward the bed. “Even though I really want to do them, I need to be pure for our union. Does that disappoint you?”

“Brynn,” Frost stared as she walked to the opposite side of the bed and waited for an answer. “You don’t disappoint me at all. Although you’re a little bit possessive.”

“Well,” Brynn climbed into bed next to him and wrapped her arm across his chest. “To be fair, I do quite literally own you.”

“I suppose,” Frost said as Renna licked his chest. His thigh was completely covered in her juices as the petite elf pushed against him harder. Renna’s hand slid down his abdomen until her fingers touched the base of his cock causing even more blood towardit. “Renna. I’m supposed to be resting.”

“Hm?” Brynn looked down and watched as the covers rose. Frost may have wanted to sleep a little longer but Renna seemed to have other plans entirely. Brynn peaked under the covers as Renna wrapped her fingers around Frost’s thick cock and began slowly stroking it. The cute bard let out an audible gasp.

“Since Lady Brynn can’t help you, I’ll just have to take care of you all by myself,” Renna moaned teasingly while grinding on his thigh. “Isn’t that right Lady Brynn? Unless you want to…”

“I can’t,” Brynn bit her lip as she watched Renna slowly stroke him. Frost could feel Brynn’s heart pounding as she watched Renna leisurely stroke his cock and grind on his hip. Brynn kissed his shoulder as she pressed her body against him. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry,” Frost said while giving her a peck on the lips. “You can still kiss me, right?”

“Yes,” Brynn said while parting her lips to accept his tongue. “Kissing is okay.”

Frost invaded Brynn’s mouth as Renna stroked his cock. As hungry and thirsty as he’d been, he was finding himself equally ravenous in other ways. His cock was already throbbing incessantly.

“Frost,” Renna moaned slowing her movements. The petite elf kissed his chest as she prepared to climb on top of him. “I’ve missed you. Can we?”

“Brynn,” Frost pulled away and smiled as he got an idea. “Do you want to be involved?”

“Don’t be mean handsome,” Brynn whined as she slid her chest against him. “You know I can’t. But I promise once we’re married, I plan on breaking you like a wild horse.”

“I look forward to it,” Frost chuckled while biting her lower lip. “But there are other ways to be involved. Maybe if you ask nicely, Renna could act as your surrogate.”

“Huh?” Brynn glanced at the green-haired elf and realized what he was talking about. In truth, the two of them were similar. Petite but athletic bodies and they both had short hair. Although Renna’s hair was green and her body was tan.

“Is that okay with you Renna?” Frost asked as Renna smiled playfully. “If Brynn gave you instructions?”

“Hmm,” Renna kissed her way across Frost’s chest and then began moving upward. She stopped less than an inch from Brynn’s blushing face. “It might be fun. But I want something. A kiss.”

“A kiss?” Brynn said confused.

“I want to be kissed by a princess,” Renna said assuredly. “It’ll make everybody jealous.”

“You want a kiss from me?” Brynn glanced at Frost. “You’re okay with this?”

“I mean,” Frost shrugged. “I’ll be a little bit jealous but it’s not like you’re going behind my back having a secret relationship.”

Frost chuckled to himself as he realized that his ability to cope with his jealousy was probably linked to his ability to cope with killing. He was somehow secure and well-balanced despite being in situations that would have normally given him a heart attack.

“So,” Renna reached toward Brynn’s face with her free hand and stroked her cheek. “Have you decided? Or is kissing an elf too much?”

“I’m not kissing an elf,” Brynn said while running her hand through Renna’s short silky hair. “I’m kissing Renna.”

“Lady Brynn,” Renna parted her lips as Brynn leaned in and kissed her. Frost watched as the two almost made a show of it. Eventually Brynn pulled away and smiled at Frost as if she were proving a point of some sort. Renna on the other hand, smiled as if she’d just discovered a treasure-filled chest. “So, what do you want me to do?”

“I,” Brynn blushed as she stared at Frost’s cock. “Can you put it in your mouth?”

“Put what in my mouth?” Renna teased while grabbing Frost’s finger and licking it. She grabbed Brynn’s hand and licked her finger as well. “I need clear instructions.”

“Oh,” Brynn stared at Frost’s engorged cock beneath the covers. “His manhood?”

“Is that a question?” Renna laughed. “And I don’t believe Frost is wearing a man’s hood. Be…more…clear.”

“His cock,” Brynn panted. “I want you to suck it.”

“Was that so hard?” Renna giggled while as she pulled the covers off him completely exposing his thick dick. Renna smiled while grabbing him roughly. “Speaking of hard.”

“Brynn,” Frost pulled Brynn close and began running his hand up and down her abdomen while Renna kissed her way down his. Gradually, he moved his hands beneath her camisole and toward her small breasts. “How much am I allowed to do to you?”

“You just can’t,” Brynn glanced at her legs, “It’s safest if you just don’t touch me down there handsome. If you do, I might allow something I shouldn’t.”

“Alright,” Frost said while sliding her camisole up until it exposed her hard nipples. He leaned in and flicked the hard tip with his tongue as Brynn let out a soft moan. Her hips moved on their own as he traced her areola with his tongue. “So, this is okay?”

“Mmhm,” Brynn panted while wrapping her arms around Frost’s head as if she intended to lock him against her chest. He felt the pounding of her heart through her chest and might have fallen asleep like that if not for the massive jolt of adrenaline he felt when Renna took the tip of his cock into her mouth. Brynn squeezed him tighter. “Does that feel good?”

“Yes,” Frost groaned as Renna rapidly stroked his dick while suckling on the tip.

“Say it,” Brynn said while hooking her leg around his. Her silky panties were already damp against his thigh as she started to move. “I want details.”

“Renna’s mouth feel’s amazing,” Frost said while licking her sensitive tit. “Do you like watching her suck my cock?”

“Yes,” Brynn panted. “I like watching Renna suck your cock. Can she take it deeper?”

“Mmmm?” Renna looked up at them like a sad puppy. After a second of deliberation she inhaled through her nose and took Frost’s cock halfway down in a single go. She held herself there, sliding her tongue against the shaft of Frost’s cock while trying to push herself further. Her eyes began to water and she pulled away and gasped for air. “Like that?”

“Deeper,” Brynn gasped while grinding her damp panties against Frost’s thigh. “I’ve heard some women can, you know.”

“All of it?” Renna pouted. “Really?”

“If it were me, I’d try. Can’t you try for me beautiful?” Brynn asked sweetly while releasing Frost’s head from her grip. “What if I promised another kiss?”

“Another kiss?” Renna grinned impishly and Frost immediately realized her intentions. “Do you promise?”

“Brynn…” Frost tried to warn her.

“Uh-huh,” Brynn agreed instantly leaving Frost guiltless in the inevitable outcome.

“Ahem,” Renna cleared her throat and took several deep breaths. She focused on his hard cock while continuing to stroke it then smirked at him knowingly. “Be sure not to hold back, alright?”

“Fuck,” Frost said as Renna bent down and took his cock in her mouth. Her tongue slithered against the base as he felt the tip press against the opening of her throat. It felt like his entire cock was being squeezed and stroked as she took him deeper into her throat. He watched as the cute elf forced herself to take it to the base. Her eyes watered and drool dripped from her mouth as she finally reached her goal. “Holy fuck.”

“Oh goddess,” Brynn began shivering against him as she watched. Her hand slid down her body and between her legs as Frost felt her finger on her clit as she continued to grind on his thigh. “Tell me how it feels. Frost. Tell me.”

“Fucking amazing. Every inch of her throat is squeezing my cock,” Frost kissed Brynn as his cock throbbed in Renna’s throat. The petite elf gagged as she gently bobbed her head on his cock waiting for him to release. “I’m going to cum.”

“Oh goddess,” Brynn squealed as her body tensed. “I’m cumming.”

“Renna,” Frost said while running his fingers through Renna’s short green hair. “I’m going to…”

“Mmffph!” Renna’s eyes rolled into the back of her head as Frost’s cock began releasing inside of her. Every pulse filled the slender elf a little more and she held herself there as his warmth flowed down her throat. “Mmm!”

“Frost,” Brynn panted as her body relaxed while continuing to touch herself. “We need to be married as soon as possible.”

“Right,” Frost trembled as Renna slowly pulled his sensitive cock from her throat. She gasped for air while licking up every bit of fluid on and surrounding his cock. Each stroke of her tongue sent another jolt through him.

“Lady Brynn,” Renna smiled impishly at the relaxed princess. “Did you forget about your promise?”

“What?” Brynn stared at Renna’s glistening lips and let out a soft moan. “Now?”

“Yes,” Renna crawled up Frost’s body until she reached Brynn. “Kiss me.”

“Frost?” Brynn bit her lip as she glanced back and forth between the two.

“I tried to warn you,” Frost smirked. “But you agreed before I could. And it’s technically not against your rules, is it?”

“But,” Brynn looked down guiltily. “Aren’t you worried about what people may say if they find out?”

“Brynn,” Frost stroked Brynn’s short black hair as he leaned in to kiss her neck. “I don’t care what people say about me. And if they say anything about you that I don’t like, I’ll make them regret it.”

“I won’t tell anybody about this,” Renna smiled. “I’ll only tell them that I kissed you. Even if you wish to climb on Frost yourself, I won’t tell a soul.”

“Don’t tempt me gorgeous,” Brynn panted out as Renna leaned in and kissed her. Brynn moaned loudly as she swirled her tongue inside of the elf’s mouth gathering up his flavor and Frost felt her hand against his thigh once again as she touched herself. “I want to see him make love to you.”

“Make love?” Renna grinned at Frost.

“Lay on your back Renna,” Brynn commanded while pulling Renna toward her. The elf rolled onto her back between them and Brynn ran her hand down Renna’s leg. “Spread your legs for him.”

“Okay,” Renna said excitedly as she spread her athletic legs apart. Her inner thighs were already drenched with her juices as she waited eagerly for Frost’s cock. “I’m waiting to be loved.”

“Waiting?” Frost climbed to his knees and moved between Renna’s legs. He lifted her right leg and delicately kissed her calf as he looked down at Brynn stroking her other leg. With his free hand he ran his palm up her well-defined abdomen toward her small chest and squeezed one of her small breasts. “You’re already loved Renna.”

“Frost,” Renna looked away as her face turned red and found herself staring at Brynn. The raven-haired bard grabbed Renna’s face and quickly moved in to kiss the embarrassed elf. Brynn pulled away and smiled as the green-haired elf anxiously stared at her. “Is it okay for him to say that?”

“I may own him but I don’t own his heart,” Brynn said as she ran her hand through Renna’s hair. “You elves seem to have gotten to it before me. I just have to accept that.”

“Oh goddess,” Renna whimpered as Frost pressed his thick cock against her tight opening. It didn’t take much effort before the tip was inside of Renna and he started to burrow deeper. “That feels so good.”

“Can you describe it?” Brynn said while rubbing her hand on her panties. Frost looked down to see her pull her panties to the side and slip two fingers inside of herself. The fact he couldn’t yet half that tight pink pussy made him want it even more. “Tell me how it feels.”

“Tingly,” Renna whined as Frost thrust deeper into her drenched cunt. She lifted her hips and wrapped her legs around Frost’s waist intending to lock him in. “Like my entire body is being filled by him and could burst any second.”

“How does she feel handsome?” Brynn asked while turning her gaze to Frost as he watched her masturbate. She must have noticed because she slowly spread her legs out for him to get a better view. “Frost?”

“Soft, wet, tight, perfect,” Frost said as he gently thrust his cock until he was completely inside of her. He leaned down and kissed Renna as the elf wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re so beautiful Renna.”

“Frost,” Renna squeezed him as tight as she could and started rolling her hips. With every roll of her hips her pussy pulsated as if she were trying to pull the seed from his cock. She buried her face into his neck and began kissing her way up to his ear. “Is it okay for me to love you?”

“Renna,” Frost chuckled as Brynn nodded approvingly. “Of course, it’s okay.”

“I love you,” Renna whined as he felt her pussy squeezing his cock. Her juices started spilling out of her as she came. Frost continued to thrust as his heart throbbed. He didn’t anticipate hearing the worlds would have so much impact on him. “I love you so much.”

“Say it back,” Brynn panted as she used both hands to ravage herself. “Say you love us.”

“Renna. Brynn,” Frost stared at the two petite women sharing his bed. “I love you.”

“I’m cumming,” Brynn’s body arched.

“Fuck,” Frost thrust his cock deep inside of Renna as he started to cum. Renna’s pussy gripped his cock as her arms and legs similarly squeezed him. The beautiful elf locked onto him as if she never intended to let him go and he didn’t want her to.

“I love you,” Renna began barraging him in kisses. “I love you, I love you, I love you.”

“Renna,” Frost tried not to laugh as every attempt to break free was met with her tightening her grip on him. “You don’t have to…”

“Five more minutes,” Renna interrupted as she wiggled her hips on him. “Five more minutes like this.”

“It’s fine,” Brynn panted while slowly pulling the blanket up to cover the soaked spot she’d left on the mattress. “She needs to leave when Lysandra comes, I don’t.”

“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Frost asked as he pulled Brynn’s fingers to his mouth.

“It’s okay,” Brynn panted as Frost licked her flavor off her fingers. Brynn smiled as he savored her on his tongue. “Goddess! We need to be married already.”

“Five more minutes Renna,” Frost yawned while rolling over so she was on top. The petite elf rested against his chest as she continued wiggling on his cock. “But after that I need to get some sleep.”

“Sleep all you want handsome,” Brynn cuddled up next to him and began stroking his hair. “We’ll be here.”

CHAPTER 21

Frost woke up with Lysandra’s naked body pressed against one side of him and Brynn’s against the other. He didn’t even remember Lysandra coming to bed and felt a little guilty about it.

He felt significantly better than the previous day and scanned himself to confirm. His mental strength was completely refreshed but it seemed that recharging mentally was much easier than recharging physically.

While he was massively improved, he was far from back to normal physically. It made sense since he pretty much relied entirely on his combat capabilities and as several of his opponents pointed out, he lacked finesse. His stomach growled again reminding him how important food was for his physical condition.

Frost carefully slipped his arms out from under his two bedmates and climbed out as quietly as possible.

He grabbed his underwear just in case he ran into an early riser but figured he didn’t need to get fully dressed. He only intended to grab more food and then maybe slip back into bed for a few hours. He wanted to take more time writing down and theory crafting after everything he’d learned.

Frost moved as stealthily as possible as he unlocked Lysandra’s bedroom door and slipped outside the room. He quietly walked downstairs as to not wake anybody and then headed to the kitchen.

He hadn’t really thought of the temple as a holy place since it seemed more like a communal living area for the elves, but as he walked around alone, he felt differently. It might have had dining tables instead of pews and a small stage instead of a pulpit, but it made him feel safe and loved.

“A sanctuary,” Frost said to himself as if it were obvious. It wasn’t a place for preaching, it was a sanctuary where all the elves could socialize. He paused to appreciate the quiet for a moment before walking into the kitchen. “Huh?”

“Huh?” Ena’s eyes went wide as she stared at Frost. “Wha…wha…”

“Good morning,” Frost said while staring at Ena. The cerulean-eyed elf was wearing a transparent white negligee that failed to cover her underwear, which were white and surprisingly lacey. He decided to pretend he didn’t see anything even though the image of her thick beautiful backside would be forever emblazoned in his mind. “Are you hungry too?”

“You…” Ena mumbled as tears began to fill her eyes. “You’ve seen…”

“I haven’t seen anything,” Frost yawned as he walked right past her. “I’m tired and everything is blurry.”

“Liar,” Ena whispered with a trembling voice. “Why are you lying?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Frost said while grabbing a large platter. He began filling it with fruit, bread, and sliced meat as if Ena wasn’t there. He turned to return to the bedroom and Ena grabbed his arm. “Ena?”

“Look at me you liar,” Ena said while breathing heavily. “I won’t be insulted in my own home.”

“Insulted?” Frost turned to stare at the blushing elf. Her face was flush and her tear-filled eyes were full of anger. “How did I insult you…”

“Am I so worthless to you?” Ena said through clenched teeth. “You can just look away as if I were nothing? Everybody else is precious? Everybody else is beautiful? Am I nothing to you?”

“Do you want me looking at you?” Frost asked in disbelief while trying to stay quiet as to not wake up anybody else. It seemed Ena was on the verge of screaming at him and he wasn’t exactly sure why.

“No,” Ena whispered as her entire body trembled. “Of course not. I hate you. That’s why I’m so humiliated I want to run up to my room and cry.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Frost said. “I’m trying to...”

“You’re not supposed to hate me back,” Ena interrupted while touching his chest. “Do you hate me? Is that why you don’t want to look? Am I hideous to you? Do you hate me? Why are you looking at me like I’m nothing?”

“Like you’re nothing?” Frost was confused. The way Ena was stroking his chest suggested she wanted him but her stare screamed that she was furious with him. “Ena, you’re not nothing to me. I don’t hate you. In fact, it takes every ounce of my willpower not to throw you on the countertop and have my way with you. Is that what you want to hear?”

“Then why don’t you?” Ena asked as her cerulean eyes seethed with rage while pushing him aggressively. “Because you’re a liar. Admit it, you hate me. You hate me because I’m the only one that doesn’t throw themselves at you. If I threw myself at you, would you love me? Is that what I have to do? Do you want some little pet elf that chases you around? I’m not going to be that. Is that why you hate me?”

“I don’t hate you,” Frost said as Ena gripped his arm without any intention of letting go. “What’s going on? Are you okay? You don’t look well…”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ena pressed her body up against his while staring at him. “Don’t you want me? If you want me, take me. Unless you’re a liar.”

“Fine,” Frost lifted up Ena, threw her on the counter. He was trying to be polite but if she wanted him to prove he wanted her, he wasn’t going to hold back. Frost aggressively pushed her legs apart as she glared at him and grabbed her waist, pulling her closer as he stood between her legs. “Is this what you want? If you want me, just say so. Make up your mind. What do you want?”

“I…” Ena froze as tears streamed down her face. She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Frost’s neck. “I just want to be loved. Why doesn’t anybody love me?”

“Goddammit,” Frost growled as he wrapped his arms around the elf. He wondered if she was feeling sick or something because it was definitely not the Ena he knew. “Seriously?”

“Don’t hate me,” Ena cried while squeezing him. “Please don’t hate me. I can hate you but you can’t hate me.”

Frost stood there hugging Ena as she cried into his shoulder. He wondered if she’d been drinking or something because she was off the rails. At the same time, he wondered how much of what she was saying was how she really felt.

“I know nobody will ever want me,” Ena continued crying. “I know a handsome elf will never come and sweep me off my feet. I know that the world hates us. But it still hurts to be unwanted. Even you don’t want me.”

“I absolutely want you,” Frost said while patting her head. “Although you could stand to be a little nicer.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ena snapped angrily as she stopped squeezing him and swapped to shoving again. “Are you saying I’m not nice? I’m nice to you all the time! I showed you around the village!”

“Sorry?” Frost started to step back as Ena changed gears again and pulled him back in while wrapping her legs around him.

“No,” Ena said fearfully while pulling him close and kissing his chest. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, love me. Love me like you do Lysandra. That’ll make everything better. I didn’t mean to yell…”

“Maybe I should get Lysandra,” Frost said nervously.

“Why?” Ena said angrily. “So you can fuck her instead of me? That’s it, isn’t it? You think it’s funny to lead me on? To make me feel like this? Do you enjoy toying with my feelings?”

“Ena?” Frost tried to pull himself from her grasp but she refused to release him.

“I’m so sorry,” Ena said frantically. “I didn’t mean to yell, please, don’t be mad. Don’t get Lysandra. It’ll be fine. Just keep hugging me. Don’t look at me like that!”

“What’s going on,” Frost said apprehensively.

“Frost!” Brynn ran into the kitchen wearing his tunic which looked like a dress on her and her boots. “We have to go, now!”

“Get back here Brynn!” Lysandra screamed. “It’s your fault he didn’t stay in bed to cuddle, isn’t it! Paralyze!”

“Shit,” Brynn shifted out of sight to avoid the spell. “Now, now, now. Let’s go, go, go!”

“Go?” Ena glared at Brynn with murderous intent. “Do you think you can just take him from us you human whore? I heard about you! Walking around telling everybody you’re going to be his wife! Just because you’re human you think you can come and steal him from us? He’s the Herald of Shalia! He belongs to us!”

“Uhh,” Frost tried to break away.

“Frost?” Ena kissed his chest. “It’s her fault, isn’t it? It’s her fault you won’t ravage me right now, right? Should I take care of her?”

“Frost,” Brynn gestured to the door. “We need to go now, before more of them wake up.”

“What’s going on?” Frost asked while trying to decide what to do. “Is this some kind of spell?”

“No, it’s their purge week!” Brynn said frantically. She pointed at Ena. “That’s just the beginning and there are fifty of them!”

“Wait,” Frost said while finally managing to break from Ena’s grip. “How bad does it get?”

“Elf purges make my cycle look like a royal celebration,” Brynn said while moving toward the kitchen’s back door. “Sorry handsome, you can stay if you want but I’m going to disappear and won’t be back for five to seven days. Elves are fucking crazy during their purges.”

“Liar!” Ena yelled while grabbing a knife and throwing it across the kitchen. “I’ll kill you!”

“Holy fuck,” Frost rushed after Brynn.

“Herald Frost!” Ena yelled. “Don’t go! I’m fine! Look, smiling! Just don’t leave and I promise I’ll be happy! Don’t you dare leave me! This is all that whore’s fault isn’t it?”

“Lysandra was right!” Fayeth, Renna, and Lysandra burst into the kitchen naked holding weapons. “That human bitch plans to steal him from us!”

“Herald Frost!” Lysandra said through clenched teeth. “Do you intend to abandon us? And you! Even after I let you lay with him in my bed!”

“Do you think we’ll let you take him?” Fayeth said while nocking an arrow and aiming at Brynn. “You’re not stealing the herald!”

“Frost,” Brynn smiled at him. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” Frost asked as Brynn pushed him into the room and rushed out the back door on her own. “Shit!”

“Get back here Frost!” Renna yelled while rushing after him naked. An arrow from Fayeth’s bow narrowly missed his leg as he rushed out the back door of the kitchen in his underwear.

“Oh shit,” Frost said as he slammed the door behind himself and looked around. Brynn already had a head start and she was heading straight toward the horses tied outside of Commander Grey’s encampment. He sprinted after her as Renna came rushing out the door behind him. “Wait for me!”

“Please don’t go!” Renna cried. “I love you! I’m sorry if I upset you!”

“Herald Frost!” Fayeth yelled as she came barging out. Any other time he would have loved to admire her gorgeous curves but there wasn’t a chance in hell he was staying in the village while they went crazy. “I wasn’t trying to hurt you! I promise! I’m so sorry for shooting! I don’t know what came over me! Are you even listening?”

“What’s the commotion?” Sir Malcolm came barreling out of his tent with a sword in hand. “Lady Brynn, why are you stealing one of our horses?”

“Frost!” Brynn reached out and helped Frost up and handed him the reins. Brynn turned to Sir Malcolm and grimaced. “Where’s Commander Grey?”

“He went to Filan to deal with the physician, remember?” Sir Malcolm asked. “That doesn’t answer what’s going on here.”

“Okay,” Frost nodded. “When you see the commander tell him we’re borrowing a horse. We’ll be back after their purge week is over.”

“Whose?” Sir Malcolm asked gesturing at the two elves running toward him. “You’re running from them? Sure, purges are bad but it’s only a few…”

“Women’s cycles sync up you idiot,” Brynn yelled as they started to ride away. “The entire village is probably on the same cycle!”

“The entire…what the fuck did you just say?” Sir Malcolm yelled while stumbling back to his tent. “Everybody up! Now! Now! Now! We’re leaving! Double time!”

The commotion faded quickly as Frost and Brynn rode through the forest. He had no idea what they were going to do with him only in his underwear and Brynn in his tunic and some boots. But he figured they only needed to hide for five or six days.

“Think we should go to Filan?” Frost asked.

“Little bit close,” Brynn answered. “Blackwater?”

“Do have friends in Blackwater?” Frost asked as they rode off. “Since we don’t have any weapons, money, or clothes. And they won’t kill us on sight, will they?”

“It’s fine,” Brynn said cheerfully. “We’ll figure it out.”

“Are the elves going to be okay?” Frost said timidly. “They’re not going to hurt each other, are they?”

“They’ll be fine,” Brynn said. “I’m mostly worried about Priscilla. The knights can all escape but she doesn’t really have anywhere else to go.”

“Oh, shit,” Frost laughed as he realized that Priscilla’s fugitive status prevented her from wandering around freely. “Poor Priscilla.”

“You sound amused,” Brynn laughed with him. “But as long as it’s not us, right handsome?”

“Absolutely,” Frost chuckled. “I’m such a bastard. They won’t hurt her, will they?”

“Nah,” Brynn answered. “I mean, probably not. They’ll probably scream at her a lot, apologize, scream at her some more.”

“But Ena threw a knife at you,” Frost said.

“More of a toss really,” Brynn smiled nervously. “I’m sure Priscilla will be fine. They’ll probably just spend the entire week alternating between screaming at her and crying at her. Don’t know what she’s going to do for the tail end of it though.”

“Tail end?” Frost asked. “What do you mean?”

“I probably shouldn’t say,” Brynn said hesitantly. “But they get insanely lustful during the tail end of the week after their purging is done. Like, crazy lustful. The elf servants at the mansion I grew up in, I swear it went on for like a full day. Frost, what are you doing?”

“Huh?” Frost looked down and realized the horse had stopped as he considered turning around. He got his mind back in the game and started riding toward Blackwater again. He figured it was about a day’s ride there so they’d arrive on day two which left about three or four days for the remainder of the purge. “So, does it normally last…”

“You’re awful,” Brynn said judgmentally. “I know what you’re thinking and you’re awful.”

“I don’t want them to feel abandoned,” Frost said defensively. That’s right, they had abandonment issues, so it was important for him to return as soon as it was safe. He just needed to avoid the worst of it. “They’ll feel…”

“I see right through you sexy,” Brynn sighed. “And it normally lasts five or six days but it’s probably safe to return around day four. You know, you could at least try to make me feel wanted.”

“I do want you,” Frost said wrapping one of his arms around her and burying his face in her neck. “But you won’t let me have you until we’re married.”

“Stop it,” Brynn laughed while pushing him away. “We’ll just have to make the wedding happen as soon as possible then handsome. But first, we need to get through the next couple days.”

It wasn’t long before they arrived at Nemisol Bridge where the soldiers immediately recognized them. Frost was impressed that despite being absolutely terrified they stood their ground and insisted on questioning them on their reason for heading toward Blackwater.

Once Frost explained their reason for heading to Blackwater the soldiers relaxed a little and several struggled not to laugh. In the end, they let him pass without issue but suggested he not cause any trouble.

A short ride later and they were at the gates of Blackwater where once again, Frost was immediately recognized by one of the guards who rushed to get reinforcements. Rather than attempting to break through, Frost waited patiently, and a familiar face eventually arrived.

“Herald Frost,” Sir Adamus nodded as he approached. He smiled as he glanced at Frost in his underwear and Brynn in his oversized tunic. “I somehow doubt bandits did that. And if I’m not mistaken that’s Sir Drake’s horse. Mind explaining yourselfs?”

“The elves are purging,” Brynn said as if nothing else were needed.

“Oh,” Sir Adamus said. “All of them?”

“Yes,” Brynn nodded

“Bwahaha!” Sir Adamus burst out laughing as several of the soldiers joined in nervously. “Caught you off guard, did it?”

“A little,” Frost sighed.

“He knew ahead of time but didn’t say anything,” Brynn gestured at Frost. “Apparently he thought it’d be like a human’s cycle.”

“Not even close,” Sir Adamus continued to laugh. “I don’t suppose either of you have any money?”

“Afraid not,” Frost said. “Don’t suppose I could…”

“We’ll be fine,” Brynn interrupted. “Blackwater bank has a direct line to the bank of Falion and I have plenty of rel in my account there.”

“Good,” Sir Adamus nodded. “We don’t really like letting beggars into the city. No offense. Also, that’s probably not going to be your biggest issue.”

“What do you mean?” Frost asked as Adamus scratched his neck. “Just spit it out.”

“Well,” Sir Adamus chuckled. “Most inns and shops aren’t going to deal with you.”

“Because I killed the prince and duke?” Frost nodded.

“Nah,” Sir Adamus waved his hand like it was no big deal. “There were a lot of witnesses to that and the people decided it was a dispute between nobles. It’s actually the elf thing.”

“The elf thing?” Frost asked.

“You know,” Sir Adamus leaned forward and lowered his voice. “In the bedroom.”

“Oh!” Frost laughed. “You’re serious? People won’t serve me because I have sex with the elves?”

“Eck!” Several soldiers simultaneously looked away as if they were going to be sick.

“I don’t get it,” Frost sighed. “Are you all blind?”

“You’re not going to change anybody’s mind on this,” Sir Adamus said. “I’ve traveled a lot so it’s not the first time I’ve come across a degenerate and I understand you’re just kind of odd folk.”

“Degenerate?” Frost looked to Brynn for some guidance but all she did was shrug.

“I don’t mean any offense,” Sir Adamus said. “All I’m saying is that I understand that there are people in the world who don’t necessarily care what they stick their cock in.”

“For fuck sake,” Frost sighed. “Whatever. So, you’re saying that nobody is going to do business with me because I’m a degenerate.”

“No respectable business anyway,” Sir Adamus said. “Maybe the demis in the northwestern part of the city or some of the street gangs. But even they aren’t too fond of followers of Shalia. But I imagine they’ll still probably take your rel. The princess of course will be accepted anywhere, as long as it’s not with you.”

“Don’t worry handsome,” Brynn said teasingly. “I won’t be leaving you on your own.”

“Anyway,” Sir Adamus sighed. “If you’re insistent on entering the city I can’t stop you. But everybody’s still reeling from the death of the prince and Hansel is doing his best until the replacement arrives. So try not to cause any trouble. Alright?”

“You got it,” Frost grinned as Sir Adamus moved to the side to let them enter. “See you later.”

“Let’s hope not,” Sir Adamus said.

As they rode down the street looking for a bank the citizens of Blackwater pointed and stared. Frost wasn’t sure if they were pointing because he was in his underwear or because they recognized him, but he was feeling a little exposed.

“Bank should be here somewhere,” Brynn said as the road widened to cover a large area. Frost didn’t notice much during his last visit but at the time he wasn’t sightseeing. She pointed to a large building that looked almost like a fortress. “There it is.”

“Great,” Frost said as they approached the bank and tied their horse up. “Should I stay here and watch the horse?”

“No need,” Brynn pointed at several guards watching them. “They’re not going to let anybody steal a horse from a bank.”

Frost followed Brynn in as she walked up to the counter. It was oddly like the banks in his world except there were no tables or office areas. It was simply a bunch of bank tellers behind counters.

“Welcome to Blackwater Bank,” the teller said cheerfully as they approached. Frost scanned the teller and several of the others quickly moved into a defensive formation. Similar to how it was when he tried to scan Brynn, he couldn’t scan the tellers. He turned off his scan and they all went back to work. “How may we assist you today?”

“I need to make a withdrawal,” Brynn said while placing her hand on the orb. “Five hundred rel should be enough.”

“Rel?” Frost asked confused. He’d heard the term used a few times before but never really stopped to ask about it. “I just realized I haven’t needed any money.”

“Of course not sexy,” Brynn said as a light shot from the orb and coursed through her body before returning. “Country folk typically barter. But in cities they’re not really interested in that. Rel is the standard currency and its value is regulated by the banker’s guild.”

“We’ll have your funds shortly Lady Brynn,” the banker said while placing her hand on another orb. A moment later the teller turned around and pulled a handful of strange looking coins from a drawer. The coins were different sizes, colors, and each had unique markings. “One, two, three, four hundred. Fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety. Five, six, seven, eight, nine, and five hundred.”

“Thank you,” Brynn said while taking the coins and handing them to Frost. “I don’t have a bag to store them so hold onto them until we can buy a satchel.”

“Okay,” Frost said as he tightened his grip on the small coins.

“Will that be all today Lady Brynn?” the teller asked politely.

“Yes, thank you,” Brynn said.

“In that case have a wonderful day and thank you for using Blackwater Bank,” the teller said as they turned to leave.

“How did they know you have money in your account?” Frost asked as they stepped outside and climbed on their horse. “Do you have an account there?”

“They utilize communication orbs,” Brynn answered but quickly realized that might not be clear enough. “So, a communication orb is basically a precious gemstone infused with magic. You can use them to communicate with other orbs that have been connected to it but the range is limited by the strength of the magic user making them fairly useless to most people. The bankers guild though, they established a network of orbs allowing them to communicate long distances. All the banks report to the central bank whenever a deposit or withdrawal is made, and the central bank keeps a record of everything. Although there are various fees incurred which is why most commoners don’t use it.”

“Got it,” Frost said pensively. “I noticed I couldn’t scan her.”

“Oh,” Brynn smiled. “The bank employs obscenely powerful magic users. It’s one of the most prestigious jobs there is. Can you scan me?”

“No,” Frost answered. “I was going to ask about that.”

“I’m a level fifty-two bard,” Brynn smiled. “But I have an ability that’ll negate any scan unless the person exceeds my mental strength by double. The tellers have the same ability.”

“Good to know,” Frost said as he looked around the large market area full of stores. “Where we going next? Adamus said these stores weren’t likely to sell to me.”

“If we go to the northwest part of the city we should reach the demihuman area,” Brynn said. “Every city has one since they need people to do jobs like cleaning, sewer maintenance, and other tasks nobody wants to do. They should also have stores up there that’ll sell to you.”

“Do you want to shop here?” Frost asked as he noticed several nice storefronts. “I’m sure they’ll still sell to you.”

“Any establishment that won’t sell to my handsome fiancé isn’t an establishment I’ll be visiting,” Brynn said. “But I appreciate you offering cutie.”

Frost climbed on the horse and turned it toward the nearest road heading north.

CHAPTER 22

The roads heading north were a lot narrower and not nearly as well kept as the main road, but they were serviceable. While leaving the main road they passed a lot of houses which he’d probably describe as middle class but before long they started getting smaller. Then the small multi-family homes started popping up and beyond that they started seeing houses that were a little nicer than the elves’ cottages in the forest except crammed together.

“Looks like we’re here,” Brynn said while gesturing up ahead at the demihumans wandering in the street. Frost wasn’t sure what he expected but he certainly didn’t expect what he was seeing. “We can ask somebody where their shopping district is.”

Frost ignored Brynn as he glanced down at a tailed man with green lizard scales covering his skin chatting with another lizard man. Elsewhere in the area he saw people he’d normally describe as orcs except they were somewhat smaller and their faces were fairly angular.

“Hobgoblins,” Brynn said as she noticed Frost staring. “And you shouldn’t stare at people. It’s rude.”

“I can’t help it,” Frost said as his eyes caught the familiar sight of several elves walking together. A ridiculously handsome elf male was being escorted by four elf women who he imagined were his wives. Five elf children followed behind the adults pretty much confirming his theory. “This is just strange.”

“Really?” Brynn laughed. “You’re calling this strange? You live in a village with elf women throwing themselves at you.”

“There are just so many different types of people it’s jarring,” Frost said while noticing a bunch of dwarves at a picnic table drinking. Basically, any creature he could have imagined were represented there in some way. “I honestly didn’t expect an area like this to exist in Blackwater.”

“Well,” Brynn gestured at several human guards wandering around as if they were looking for a fight. “They’re heavily policed and for the most part their movements are regulated through licensing. So, in a way, this is sort of a separate village. There are other villages throughout Zira as well. I mean, we’re not monsters.”

“Well,” Frost said. “They were going to kill the elves in the village.”

“That’s different,” Brynn said. “The followers of Shalia aren’t well liked. I know you love them, but everybody else believes that bad luck follows them. Plagues, famine, war. Raullon thought they were bad luck and less than a week later he’s dead.”

“I see your point,” Frost chuckled. “But it’s kind of ironic. They’re viewed as bad luck but I’ve never felt luckier. I’m even going to be marrying a princess.”

“Aww,” Brynn said teasingly. “I make you feel lucky?”

“Help!” a rat man yelled as several hobgoblins pushed him to the ground and began kicking him. “Help! Somebody!”

“Learn your place rodent,” a hobgoblin growled while kicking him in the kidneys. “If I see you lurking around my sister again, I’ll cut you up and throw you in the sewers where you belong.”

“I wasn’t!” the rat man cried as the guards pointed and laughed. Clearly, they weren’t there to protect the people, but just to ensure the people didn’t leave the area. The other demihumans simply walked past while giving the combatants a wide breadth. “Crink! I swear I wasn’t…”

“You calling me a liar?” Crink said giving him another kick as his friends held him down. “This is your last warning vermin. Next time, I won’t let you off so easy!”

“That’s rather dark,” Frost said while using scan on the area. Most of the citizens ranged from levels five to twenty but it varied greatly by race. There were also outliers like the level thirty hobgoblin that was beating on the rodent guy. “So, the demihumans don’t really get along with each other?”

“It really depends on the demihumans,” Brynn answered as they watched the rodent man stand up and limp toward one of the smaller multi-family homes. “There are some demihumans like the dwarves who are respected because of their strength and durability but Rodens are universally viewed as pests. They’re weak, they tire easily, and Roden women breed like…well…vermin.”

“I see,” Frost nodded as he realized that the hierarchy was build around manual labor. Rodent people in games were never really known for their brute strength and stamina. They were traditionally rogues, archers, and tinkers. The classes they’d do well in were likely ones that required dexterity and finesse but instead they were probably used as sewer cleaners. “I imagine most crafting classes are reserved for humans. Am I right?”

“The guild only allows humans but the demihumans can learn crafting on their own. Naturally, without the resources of the guild they don’t get very far.” Brynn pointed at a small clothing shop. “Maybe I spoke too soon. Those look like an artisan tailor made them.”

Frost wanted to visit the topic again later but figured clothing was still their priority. They needed clothing, a place to stay, and something to eat. They only had a few more hours of daylight and he wanted to find an empty bed and a warm meal.

“Come on!” Brynn jumped off the horse and rushed into the building as Frost tied the horse to a post. He followed her inside the dimly lit shop.

“Um,” a nervous looking robed woman rushed up to them while avoiding eye contact. “Greetings my lady. And you too sir. May I ask what you are doing here? No, that’s not right. I’m sorry. That sounded rude. I assure you it’s not my intent to sound rude. I’m somewhat confused as to your presence in my store. Although I humbly welcome you if you truly intended to be here.”

“Calm down,” Brynn said while gesturing at Frost. “That one’s a degenerate that fucks elves so nobody in the main part of the city will sell to us.”

“Really?” Frost scoffed and wondered if she was going to announce him like that to everyone.

“I’m sorry?” the woman lifted her head, and Frost almost jumped as he stared into the most terrifying eyes he’d ever seen. There were six jet black eyes organized in triangular clusters of three on either side of her face staring right at him. As she spoke, he noticed her two prominent fangs and several smaller ones. “I apologize but I think I may have misheard you.”

“You didn’t,” Frost said as he noticed more oddities about the woman including the fact that she was hunching herself over to appear smaller. Her dark cloak was obviously thrown on for their benefit when she realized she had customers. “If you don’t want to sell to us because of it…”

“No,” the woman bowed politely. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to be rude. Welcome to my shop, my name is Lishri and I’ll be happy to assist you. I apologize for my rudeness.”

“Nice to meet you Lishri,” Frost said while scanning the pants, shirts, and dresses hanging around the shop. The durability was far higher than anything the elves crafted with equally high mental tolerance. “I’m Frost and this is Brynn. We’re looking for some proper clothing obviously.”

“Yes,” Lishri said while glancing at Frost, her six eyes were extremely unnerving and bordered on terrifying. “Um, I hate to ask but seeing as you don’t have any clothing…”

“We have money,” Frost said while opening his clenched fist.

“Um,” Lishri gulped while staring at the coins. “How nice of clothing are you looking for?”

“I’ll decide that,” Brynn said smugly. “I’m the one paying after all.”

“Right,” Lishri turned to Brynn. Frost couldn’t quite put a finger on it but something was off about the woman. Something other than the six eyes. “I apologize. I should assist the lady first.”

“LIshri,” Frost tilted his head. “Are you uncomfortable?”

“I’m sorry?” Lishri asked anxiously. “I am perfectly comfortable serving you sir. I apologize profusely for my earlier assumptions.”

“No,” Frost shook his head. “I mean with what you’re wearing.”

“Oh,” Lishri trembled and tightened her cloak. “I’m sorry. Did you see one of them? I’m so sorry. It won’t happen again.”

“Um,” Brynn elbowed Frost. “She’s an Arachne.”

“Is that supposed to mean something to me?” Frost shrugged. “Spider woman, right?”

“I’m so sorry,” Lishri backed up into a dark corner. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable sir.”

“I’m sorry,” Frost sighed. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I just thought that cloak looked uncomfortable for you if you wanted to take it off. I should have kept my mouth shut.”

“I don’t understand,” Lishri looked at Brynn. “I’m very sorry for offending you sir. I can make myself unseen while you look around.”

“Dammit all,” Brynn grumbled. “Miss Lishri, he’s saying he doesn’t care if you’re an Arachne. I told you, he’s a degenerate that lays with elves. Looking at an Arachne isn’t going to bother him. If you’re more comfortable without the cloak, feel free to take it off. Nobody will mind.”

“Really?” Lishri looked to Frost for approval. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” Frost nodded. “This is your shop. You should be comfortable in it.”

“If you’re really sure,” Lishri reached for the clasp on her cloak. “Sir, I have no issue wearing the cloak if you’d prefer it. Please don’t feel obligated to…”

“Just remove the damn cloak so we can buy some clothes,” Brynn snapped causing Lishri to quickly unsnap the clasp.

Frost’s entire body started to itch as Lishri removed the cloak and rose to her proper height. She had unnaturally pale skin and elegant long red hair. As for the rest of her, she looked pretty much how he imagined an Arachne looking except her entire spider body was red instead of black. But as he really looked at her, he realized she must have put a enormous amount of time and effort into her appearance.

“Are those skirts?” Frost pointed at the custom transparent white skirts she’d made for each of her spider legs. The skirts matched a lacey white tip she wore with red accents in it. “That’s a really beautiful outfit.”

“Really?” Lishri said while lifting one of her spider legs. Frost resisted the urge to jump as he gradually acclimated himself to the woman. “I thought maybe if I covered my legs, I could make myself less disgusting.”

“Disgusting?” Frost said almost offended by her use of the term. Admittedly, he understood people’s discomfort. She was a little terrifying but he wouldn’t call her disgusting. Interesting would be more accurate. “Do people call you disgusting?”

“Frost,” Brynn laughed. “We’re just here for clothes.”

“I’m sorry,” Frost said as he realized he might be making Lishri uncomfortable. “That was rude of me to ask. I shouldn’t be prying.”

“No apology is necessary Sir Frost,” Lishri bowed politely again. “Talking to you makes me very happy.”

“I’m happy to talk to you as well,” Frost said while staring at the red-haired woman. “But Brynn is right. We’re going to need clothes and then we’ll need to look for a place to stay.”

“You’re staying here?” Lishri asked excitedly. “For how long?”

“Two days probably,” Frost said as Brynn looked at the dresses. “Then we need to head back to my territory.”

“Your territory?” Lishri froze. “Are you a noble by chance Sir Frost?”

“No,” Frost gestured at Brynn. “But she is.”

“I’m only a princess,” Brynn smirked at Lishri. “Comparably, the cute one there is the Herald of Shalia.”

“Herald of Shalia?” Lishri pointed at Frost and then gradually moved her finger toward Brynn. “That makes you Princess Brynn Hilde who ordered the execution of Prince Erik…”

“Does the entire city know about that?” Frost asked the anxious Arachne.

“Yes,” Lishri whispered. “You’re not going to hurt me, are you?”

“What have people been saying about me?” Frost chuckled while shaking his head. “Lishri, can you come here for a second?”

“Yes,” Lishri rushed to him as if being dragged by an unknown force. The poor Arachne woman was probably seeing him as some sort of monster. “I’ll do whatever you ask. Just please don’t.”

“Pat my head,” Frost said.

“What?” Lishri looked at his head. “I could never…”

“You said you’d do whatever I asked,” Frost crossed his arms. “Just pat my head.”

“Frost,” Brynn chuckled.

“Okay,” Lishri nervously placed her hand on Frost’s head. He was pretty tall in this world but the Arachne was definitely taller. He might have found her intimidating if he hadn’t already seen sixty foot tall giants. “Now what?”

“Now,” Frost smiled. “You can do that as much as you want while I’m here.”

“I don’t understand,” Lishri said as she nervously stroked his hair. “Why?”

“Are you still scared of me?” Frost asked.

“I’m not sure,” Lishri answered.

“Well,” Frost grinned. “If at any point you think you might be scared of me, feel free to pat my head. I figure it makes me less intimidating.”

“Are you sure?” Lishri asked. “This seems wrong.”

“He’s sure,” Brynn groaned while looking at a shirt. “Now, I’ve been wearing nothing but men’s clothing for over a year! I want a dress! Something like that one behind the counter!”

“Right!” Lishri jumped up anxiously. “My deepest apologies your highness.”

“Brynn,” Brynn corrected Lishri as the Arachne rushed behind the counter to grab the dress Brynn liked. “Just call me Brynn. And handsome there prefers to be called Frost.”

“Really?” Lishri looked at them both and Frost realized he was already used to the six eyes. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” Frost nodded. “So, I’ll let you help Brynn and then afterward you and Brynn can pick something for me. So, let’s get to it.”

Frost was impressed with Lishri and the more he watched her crawl around the more comfortable he became with her. Brynn had her running around to every corner of the store grabbing different styles of dresses to try on and after a while, it became kind of entertaining. Brynn would describe some item of clothing and Lishri would be crawling up a clothing wrack to find something similar.

Eventually, Lishri turned to him and quickly found several suitable items of clothing but nothing in his size since he was larger than most humans. Hobgoblins and orcs were around his size but they wouldn’t be caught dead shopping at her store.

In the end, she needed to actually need to get his sizes to either make or alter clothing. She was practically trembling as she took his sizes and continually looked to Brynn for permission, especially when she got to the inseam. After a couple hours of work, both Brynn and Frost had five outfits and several sets of undergarments.

“Are you sure it fits well,” Lishri said anxiously as Frost rotated his arms. The outfit he was wearing was surprisingly formal for something he was planning in wearing around town but still comfortable. He’d thought the clothing the elves gave him fit great, but her clothing was amazing. “I was in a bit of a hurry.”

“It fits fantastic,” Frost said as he scanned the outfit. The durability was about ten times greater than any of the cloth pieces he’d previously owned and it also have both earth and poison resistance. “Did you use your own thread for this?”

“Frost!” Brynn looked shocked. “That’s not polite!”

“What?” Frost asked. “I think it’s a reasonable question. The clothing has both earth and poison resistances.”

“Huh?” Brynn scanned her dresses. “Mine too.”

“I’m sorry,” Lishri asked. “Is that bad? Only some of the clothing I make is like that. We can find outfits that I don’t use my thread on.”

“It’s great,” Frost reassured her. “I was just thinking that it’s really high quality. Do you get a lot of business?”

“No,” Lishri said politely. “But I’m thankful if I make enough to eat.”

“Right,” Brynn said. “How much do we owe you?”

“Is fifty rel too much?” Lishri asked as if she were unsure of the price. “If not, whatever you think is fair.”

“Lishri,” Frost shook his head. “How much were the materials and how long did it take you to craft the items?”

“What are you doing?” Brynn asked.

“Math,” Frost said irritably. Lishri quickly estimated the price of the cloth she used and the time she spent. “What about your thread?”

“That’s free,” Lishri said. “Since I make it.”

“Okay,” Frost grumbled. “I’m just going to double the price of cloth to account for it then.

“But it’s free,” Lishri objected.

Frost ignored the Arache’s protests as he asked Brynn how much an apprentice tailor made for a week’s work. After everything was worked out on the costs Frost aimed for a fifty percent margin which would be standard for a shop like hers that didn’t get much business.

“Well,” Frost grimaced as he finished the math in his head. “Brynn, how much are you comfortable paying?”

“We need money for food and shelter for the next couple of days,” Brynn said irritably. “Maybe some entertainment. We can probably get by with two hundred rel.”

“Then we should probably pay three hundred for the clothing,” Frost said.

“That’s far too much!” Lishri said without hestitation. “I’m not an apprentice tailor or member of the guild and my silk is free and you’re even adding lots of rel at the end for some reason!”

“I’ll do two hundred and fifty,” Brynn glared at Frost. “And Frost, you didn’t tell me you were a trader.”

“Two hundred and fifty?” Lishri hesitantly accepted the rel. “Do you really believe my clothing is worth so much?”

“Actually,” Brynn sighed while putting the extra clothing in the enchanted bags Lishri crafted. “I believe Frost values them somewhere around two thousand rel.”

“T-Two thousand?” Lishri laughed. “You’re very funny your highness.”

“Two thousand one hundred and fifty,” Frost said while tapping his head. “If we properly priced out your silk, I imagine the real value is somewhere closer to three thousand but I’d need to do more research.”

“But,” Lishri fixed her six eyes on Frost. “You’re wrong. My clothing isn’t worth much.”

“I’m not wrong,” Frost said as an idea popped into his head. “You know Lishri, if you ever decide you don’t like it here you can always come to our village.”

“You’re joking,” Brynn said in disbelief. “Are you seriously trying to entice people to join you?”

“Talented ones, absolutely,” Frost said while pointing at his shirt. “Having Lishri in the village would help everybody.”

“I’m a devout follower of Ziralia,” Lishri said. “Although I like you very much, I could never become a follower of Shalia. Her followers bring famine and plague wherever they are found.”

“That’s just a rumor,” Frost gestured at himself. “Look at me. No plague, no famine. I just kill nobles and heroes.”

“I suppose,” Lishri chuckled nervously at his joke. “But I’m still a follower of Ziralia.”

“I don’t care if you follow Shalia or not,” Frost said. “I just think that the elves would be excited to have such a talented tailor in the village. I certainly would. I don’t know how Mira would take it but she could honestly learn a lot from you and being the only tailor in the village is probably rough on her. And you could wear what you want.”

“Do you really mean that?” Lishri asked timidly. “Is it alright for a herald to accept the servant of another goddess? I feel that you must be joking.”

“He’s not joking,” Brynn sighed. “And he’s pretty strange as far as herald’s go.”

“May I think about it?” Lishri asked pensively. “If you mean it, I’ll give it very real consideration.”

“I mean it,” Frost answered. “I can’t promise the elves won’t be a little scared of you at first. But I can promise I won’t be.”

“Thank you,” Lishri said politely. “I’ll let you know.”

“Good,” Frost smiled. “In the meantime, I don’t suppose you know a good inn around here and a place to eat? I haven’t eaten anything all day and I’m starving.”

“Um,” Lishri blushed. “We don’t really have inns in this part of the city since people do not come to visit.”

“That’s not good,” Brynn said. “But it makes sense.”

“I don’t want to be rude,” Lishri whispered. “But there is one place that rents out rooms. But it’s not really an inn.”

“Oh,” Frost grinned as he realized what Lishri was talking about.

“Don’t look too excited handsome,” Brynn said. “I’m the one with the money.”

“You’re talking about a brothel, right?” Frost asked.

“Yes,” Lishri nodded. “It’s about three blocks to the north and two to the east. It’s one of the larger buildings in the area. It’s very difficult to miss.”

“Fantastic,” Frost said excitedly.

“I should warn you, there are only demihumans working there,” Lishra said.

“Hear that sexy?” Brynn smacked Frost’s ass. “Sounds like your kind of place.”

“Frost,” Lishri managed to squeak out as she walked them to the door. “I had a lot of fun, thank you.”

“I had a lot of fun too,” Frost said. He reached up and barely managed to pat Lishri on the head and the Arachne’s ghostly face turned pink. “I hope you decide to come to the village.”

“Can I hug you?” Lishri blurted out. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean it. That was so impertinent. I’m so sorry. Please don’t be…”

Frost hugged Lishri and she quickly felt silent as she wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. She felt surprisingly normal, albeit a little warm. It was a little strange that she seemed to have two heartbeats. Given her size that shouldn’t have been too surprising. It was certainly relaxing.

“Thank you,” Lishri said releasing him. “And I’m so sorry, that was inappropriate of me to ask.”

“If she comes to the village, she’ll be in for a rude awakening if she finds that inappropriate,” Brynn mumbled as they exited. She turned back and waved. “Thanks for all of your help Lishri.”

“Thank you for coming!” Lishri said before quickly ducking back into her shop.

CHAPTER 23

Frost double checked the small black enchanted satchel attached to his belt to make sure he had everything. Despite being about half of the size of the elves’ enchanted packs, it had just as much storage capacity. He as impressed by the difference in quality.

“You two,” a soldier approached them while holding a small halfling boy by the back of the neck. “This halfling boy was trying to steal your horse while you were inside.”

“I wasn’t,” the halfling said. “I was just petting it!”

“Boy was going for the reins,” the soldier said. “Saw it myself.”

“Let him go,” Frost said practically ignoring the soldier as he walked past. The halfling boy wasn’t exactly his problem but he didn’t want to be the reason he was punished. “If kids see a horse, they’re going to pet a horse.”

“I’m telling you he was going for the reins,” the soldier said while pulling out a piece of paper. “Now, sign the paper saying the boy was trying to steal your horse, and I’ll be hauling him off.”

“What’s your name soldier?” Frost stepped up to the guard.

“That’s none of your concern,” the soldier responded. “The only thing you need to concern yourself with is signing the paper.”

“You’re right,” Frost nodded. “It’s not my concern. It’s the concern of Hansel Raullon, the interim governor. The thing about Hansel, is he’s a big stickler about paperwork. Transcribes everything accurately. I’m sure he’ll be very interested to know that city guards are falsifying paperwork.”

“Interim governor,” the guard spit. “A worthless little bookworm. Besides, I’m not falsifying anything. I told you what I saw,” the guard stepped toward Frost and placed his hand on his sword. “Now, I’m left wondering what a human is doing in this part of the city. I’m also wondering why he’s covering for some halfling horse thief. Maybe you need to be taken to the guard outpost and questioned? You and the little lady there?”

“You were asked not to cause trouble handsome,” Brynn smiled grabbing Frost’s arm. “We haven’t even been here a day.”

“Do you honestly think that Sir Adamus expected me to last a day?” Frost grinned.

“You’re damn right he didn’t you arrogant cunt,” an absurdly handsome silver-haired man stepped out of nothingness and Frost quickly stepped in front of Brynn. The only thing more staggering than his good looks was how amazing his voice was. He could easily be on staging wooing millions of fans, if not for his demeanor. “You stupid fuck. You were about to get into a fight, weren’t you? Stupid elf-fucking son of a bitch.”

“Baron Slade,” the guard stuttered out. “What are…”

“And you,” Slade scoffed while grabbing the guard by the back of the neck. “You must be the luckiest son of a cunt alive. You, stupid, fuck. This is Herald Frost, the fucking cunt that killed a dozen giants, the eight slayers, and still had enough energy to give those stupid assholes Adamus and Isaac a rough fucking. And as I understand it, it wasn’t a gentle sweet fucking either. He didn’t even give them a little spit when he fucked those assholes.”

“The mouth on you,” Frost laughed while quickly scanning the man. He was a level fifty-five ninja which made his manner of speaking even more confusing. He was anything but a silent assassin. The man was a foul-mouthed pretty boy. “What the hell is up with this guy?”

“Baron Slade,” Brynn said. “I see you’re still the same asshole you’ve always been.”

“And that brings us to that little lady there?” Slade pointed at Brynn. “She’s not much to worry about on her own but you put her behind a fucking monster like him, even I’m going to have some fucking problems. So, what do you think is going to happen to a soppy cunt like you?”

“I’d…”

“I’ll tell you what’d happen,” Slade said. “You’ll end up like every other soppy cunt, fucked. You hear me? Now, you can either stay here and get fucked, or you can run along and get fucked. Get me? Scurry off you soppy fucking cunt.”

“Yes sir,” the guard started walking off with the halfling boy as Slade grabbed his hand. “Sir?”

“Leave the boy,” Slade commanded. “I was here, he was only petting the fucking horse you blind fuck.”

“Yes sir,” the guard cut the halfling child loose and ran off.

“Thank you,” the halfling said while wiping tears from his eyes.

“Nobody gives a fuck,” Slade said as the halfling child ran off. “More like a fucking halfwit than a halfling.”

“You know him?” Frost gestured at Slade. “Because he’s interesting.”

“He’s a cousin,” Brynn said. “I think. What are you again?”

“I’m your step-sibling’s wife’s brother’s son,” Slade grumbled. “Nobody knows what the hell that is but everybody knows what a baron is, which is what I am. Just assigned to this little fucking shithole city in the middle of fucking nowhere. So, I guess I’m the Baron of Blackwater. At least it fucking sounds nice.”

“If you’re here then that must mean Isabelle is being placed in charge of Blackwater,” Brynn smiled at Frost. “You’ll like her. She’s the complete opposite of Erik. She’s a great ruler.”

“Right family, wrong daughter,” Slade said coldly. “I’m here to keep an eye on the brat.”

“Fiora?” Brynn said through clenched teeth while grabbing Slade’s collar. He was sure that Slade could easily dodge the maneuver but wasn’t worried enough by Brynn to even bother. “Why?”

“Same reason you stupid fucking nobles do all of your stupid fucking bullshit, marriage,” Slade said. “If Fiora has a city she’s more saleable. You know how it goes. Or maybe you don’t. The only surviving daughter of a murdered family, lots of people suggesting you did your brothers in and then went after Erik to defle…”

“Watch your mouth Slade,” Brynn warned. “You might not be scared of me, but my fiancé…”

“Right,” Slade grinned. “I heard you had to run out and really scrape the bottom of the barrel for a husband. Not surprised given the rumors. Don’t worry, my mistress doesn’t believe them or else I wouldn’t be here.”

“I wouldn’t call myself the bottom of the barrel,” Frost said defensively. “I’m a herald.”

“You’re an elf fucker,” Slade said. “Just saying herald, nobody’s ever going to call you the giant killer or hero slayer. You’re Herald Frost, the elf-fucker.”

“You know,” Frost said thinking about the various title’s he’d earned in videogames or read about in history books. The elf-fucker was a pretty great title. “I don’t mind it. Frost the elf-fucker. I can work with that.”

“You’re fucking kidding me?” Slade scoffed. “Fucking hell. You really are as fucked in your cunty noggin as people say, aren’t you?”

“Elves have gorgeous faces, perfect skin, they basically don’t age past twenty-five, they’re fucking perfect,” Frost said defensively. “Would you prefer to fuck some old human heifer than a sexy young elf?”

“Huh?” an elf stopped dead in her tracks while walking past.

“See,” Frost pointed right at her. “Sexy blue hair, perfect skin, eye’s as golden as the sun, and look at that waist to ass ratio. Are you telling me that does nothing for you?”

“Huh?” the elf blushed as she stood there.

“No! She’s an elf!” Slade gestured at her. “I’ve seen beautiful eyes on a cat! I’m not going to fuck it! And cows have tits but I’m not going to stick my cock between them! She’s an elf!”

“She’s fucking gorgeous!” Frost said getting more irritated by Slade’s inability to admit it. “The only difference between her and Brynn here is some pointed ears!”

“She’s…an…elf!” Slade said. “So, if I made a goat pretty enough, you’d fuck it?”

“She’s…an…elf!” Frost said pointing at the girl as a crowd of demihumans looked on. “She’s not a goat! She’s a sexy fucking elf!”

“Huh?” the elf covered her mouth while looking around as if trying to figure out whether she was hallucinating.

“Fuck,” Slade said while gesturing angrily at Frost. “This is what I’m talking about Brynn. Bottom of the fucking barrel! He’s not only an elf fucker, he’s proud of it!”

“Okay,” Frost said hoping to clarify his argument. He walked toward Slade and pointed at the elf while adjusting his hand to cover her face. “Let’s say you didn’t know she was an elf and all you saw was that part of her. You’re telling me you wouldn’t fuck her?”

“I know she’s a fucking elf!” Slade smacked his hand away.

“Um,” the elf shuffled nervously. “C-can I go?”

“Of course, sorry about these two,” Brynn said apologetically as the red-faced elf sprinted off.

“Okay,” Frost held out his hands for another example. “Not the girl that just ran off. But, let’s say you walk int a room with two masked women. You can’t see their faces or anything.”

“I don’t like where this is going,” Brynn said.

“Right? So, nothing,” Frost set the scene. “Now, one of them has just huge breasts, great ass, just perfect milky skin. The other woman, let’s say she’s a little more athletic but an equally beautiful body. Tan, glistening, gorgeous. Now, both of them are wearing masks, and one of them is an elf. You’ll also never find out which one and nobody will ever know which one you fucked. Which woman would you fuck?”

“So,” Slade crossed his arms. “Neither.”

“Okay,” Frost nodded. “So, two men…”

“I’m not into men,” Slade snapped. “You stupid cunt. I’m saying that I’m not going to risk fucking an elf.”

“Nobody’s saying you’re fucking an elf,” Frost said defensively. “Unless, are you saying that you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a human woman and an elf so you’d have to walk away?”

“What did you say you elf-fucking bastard?” Slade said threateningly. “I could tell the difference if they were real! You’re talking about two imaginary women you cunt!”

“Then pick one,” Frost said smugly. “The big breasted pale woman or the athletic tan woman? I already said, nobody will ever know which is which.”

“I’d fuck the one that’s human,” Slade said angrily. “How’s that?”

“So,” Frost nodded. “You’d fuck the human?”

“That’s what I said you stupid cunt,” Slade sneered.

“They were both elves,” Frost grinned mischievously. “You fucked an elf.”

“What did you just say?” Slade reached for his sword. “You take that back you elf-fucking bastard.”

“What?” Frost shrugged. “You said you’d fuck one of them. I thought one was human but it turned out the human one took the day off and a second elf filled in. Sorry, they were both elves.”

“I said I’d fuck the human one,” Slade yelled. “If neither of them was human I’d have walked away you lying elf-fucker.”

“Dammit,” Brynn climbed on the horse while laughing hysterically. “Slade, just let it go. Frost let’s get to the brothel. It’s pointless arguing with him.”

“I can’t believe you’re marrying this elf-fucker,” Slade said as Frost climbed on the horse. “And I wouldn’t be tricked by some fucking hood. You can put a hood on a fucking pig and it’s not going to trick anybody.”

“Tricked your father,” Frost said reflexively as Slade tightened his grip on his sword. “What? You’ve called me all sorts of names.”

“You’re lucky I’ve been told not to kill you,” Slade said. “You sick elf-fucking whoreson.”

“I just don’t get it,” Frost said in disbelief as Slade vanished into the shadows. “That really pissed him off, didn’t it?”

“What did you expect?” Brynn said. “But you need to understand that most people see elves as an entirely different species. Imagine walking down the street calling somebody a horse fucker. That’s what you did.”

“What about you?” Frost asked as they rode toward the brothel. Frost was positive that Slade was still watching from the shadows to make sure they didn’t get into trouble. “What do you think?”

“Well,” Brynn looked up pensively. “It’s not really a matter of debate that you’re an elf-fucker handsome. And I’m marrying you.”

“That doesn’t really answer the question of whether or not you view me sleeping with elves as wrong,” Frost said.

“It’s definitely wrong handsome,” Brynn winked. “But that’s what makes it so sexy.”

CHAPTER 24

Frost noticed the houses were getting even worse as they traveled toward the brothel. They were no longer as nice as the ones in his village and many of them were in desperate need of repair. Everything was practically built on top of each other and it was obvious overcrowding was an issue.

Frost wasn’t sure if it was because it was getting late or because of the area but there were fewer people roaming the area. Eventually, they turned onto a street with a lot of people walking around and Frost saw the brothel.

Lishri wasn’t kidding when she said they couldn’t miss the brothel. There were colorful lamps lighting up the entire area and a group of demihumans running around attempting to convince men to come inside. Not that the men needed much convincing based on the traffic patterns.

“Is that,” Frost’s jaw dropped as he gawked at a voluptuous fox girl in a beautiful red dress. Brynn jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow while shooting him a jealous glare. He wanted that fox girl, but as he looked around there were other women he wanted as well. There was a petite cat girl in a similar red dress, a bunny girl with pin-up proportions, a happy chubby girl with floppy ears and a wagging tail. “Wow.”

“I’m the one with the money handsome,” Brynn said threateningly. “You keep ogling like you are and I’ll be getting a room for one.”

“Why didn’t we see any of these women wandering through the streets earlier?” Frost asked.

“The demihumans kind of create their own little groups within their part of a city,” Brynn explained. “The area we were in was mostly elves, dwarves, and hobgoblins. Stronger workers, higher status, nicer area. Now we’re getting into the lower status area. The Myrran, Florenne, and Durra are viewed as lesser. They’re generally smaller, weaker, less useful. Durra males are strong enough to be higher status but they stick with their own since they all used to share a common homeland in the south before it was destroyed.”

“You mean those three are low status?” Frost said as stared at the gorgeous cat girl trying to get people’s attention. “They are gorgeous.”

“Frost,” Brynn rubbed her head. “I’m just letting you know that if you like the title of elf-fucker, keep to the elves. Because if you start sleeping with Durra you’re going to get a different title that isn’t nearly as flattering.”

“But look at how excited and happy she looks,” Frost pointed at the plump dog-eared woman with the cute face eagerly wagging her tail. Her proportions were obscene enough without the added benefit of her tight fitted black dress. “You don’t want to just grab her and cuddle up with her?”

“It’s not the cuddling part that causes problems,” Brynn said judgmentally as they jumped off the horse and grabbed their packs. “Tie up the horse and let’s find the madam.”

“Hey you two,” the Myrran woman was the first to notice them tying their horse and rushed over. Her long wild orange hair looked like a mane and her striped tail was reminiscent of a tigress. Her body was slender and muscular like a gymnast while her face was fierce like that of a predator. Her bright green eyes especially made him feel like he was being hunted. “Are you here for a performance by chance?”

“Performance?” Frost looked the gorgeous cat girl up and down before turning his gaze to the bunny-eared Florenne. The timid bunny-girl made eye contact and quickly looked away like she’d been caught doing something wrong.

“Oh, oh, oh!” the Myrran said excitedly as she noticed Frost staring at the white-eared beauty. “Iris and I do a wonderful rabbit hunt if that’s what you’re interested in. If you’re looking for something more playful Zinnia and I do an entertaining show where she chases me around.”

“Fun,” Frost smiled wickedly at an exasperated Brynn. He glanced back at the Myrran. “And what’s your name?”

“Jasmine,” the Myrran said while bowing politely. “Do you think you’ll be purchasing a show tonight? If so, I can take care of all the arrangements.”

“Jasmine,” Brynn smirked at Frost. “Just so you know, my handsome fiancé doesn’t have any money. I do. So, you’re very much meowing up the wrong tree.”

“Fiancé! Congratulations!” Jasmine turned to Brynn. “I was unaware my lady! What did you have in mind for the evening? Maybe something more romantic? Stone and I do a wonderful mating ritual if that’s what you’re interested in.”

“Stone,” Brynn grinned impishly at Frost. “With a name like that he must be very strong.”

“Oh,” Jasmine blushed. “I’m afraid Myrran men don’t get very large my lady.” Jasmine said nervously. “My lady, would you by chance be looking for something rougher? For instance, me hunted and pinned by somebody powerful? If so, Basalt is a rather large Durra who may be to your liking.”

“I’m not interested in men other than my fiancé,” Brynn shook her head.

“Jasmine,” a sexy elf woman with green hair down to her waist approached. “What have we told you about bothering potential guests? Clearly, they’re not interested in one of your silly shows. Why don’t you run along with the other beasts and let us proper courtesans work with human customers?”

“Rose,” Jasmine quickly lowered her head and backed away. “I apologize for overstepping.”

“Are you in charge?” Brynn glanced at the elf. “If so, my fiancé and I are looking for a room for the night.”

“For the entire night?” Rose smirked wickedly at Jasmine. Frost realized that the elf likely felt that she snagged a large fish from the eager Myrran. Jasmine attempted to force a smile, but it was obvious to Frost that she was covering her frustration. “I will talk to the madam about accommodations. I’ll be happy to dance and play for you all night if that’s your wish. I know several songs, dances, and acrobatic feats.”

“We’re only looking for a room,” Brynn sighed. “Not companionship or a show.”

“Excuse me?” Rose grinned apprehensively. “Why wouldn’t you stay at an inn?”

“Can we just talk to the madam?” Frost asked. “I don’t want to keep explaining this.”

“Of course,” Rose nodded while guiding them inside of the building. “Follow me.”

The inside of the building was dimly lit like a nightclub and Frost noticed several booths with drinking patrons and demihuman women pouring drinks. It seemed that it wasn’t simply a brothel but also a sort of gentleman’s lounge combined with a traditional tavern. Three separate stages had elf women dancing in their underwear while a fourth near the back without many patrons seemed devoted to the beast girls.

“Wait here,” Rose said while rushing off toward a backroom.

While Frost looked around the room taking in the sights of various scantily clad demihumans, Brynn focused her gaze at the floor while slowly moving closer to him. The topless women on the stages seemed to be making her somewhat uneasy. It reminded him of his first time in a strip club and he resisted the urge to laugh.

“Interesting,” Frost said as he noticed a topless blue and white skinned elf woman walk past. Her skin glistened like she’d just been in the bath for hours and sort of reminded him for an eel. “What is she?”

“Lily is an Elraken,” a red-haired fox woman with two tails approached. “Welcome, Herald Frost.”

Frost was so distracted by her fluffy tails he didn’t even think to ask how she knew who he was. The entire room paused what they were doing to stared at him for a moment before going back to what they were doing. Many of them continued to peak every few seconds as if he was some strange creature. Which, he supposed he couldn’t judge them for since he was looking at many of them the same way.

“I’m honored that you and Princess Brynn Hilde decided to visit my establishment,” the fox woman bowed. “I’m Madam Gardenia.”

“Madam,” Brynn smiled politely. “Since you know who we are, do we have to explain why we’re here?”

“Rose said you wanted a room,” Madam Gardenia said. “But I’m admittedly a little confused as to why you’d choose to stay here. Unless, I thought that was just a rumor. Is it by chance true that you actually lay with elves? Oh! Apologizes, I shouldn’t ask that here.”

“It’s fine and yes I do,” Frost chuckled as several patron’s jaws dropped. He noticed a few of the elf dancers turn their eyes toward him as if they’d just found a potential mark.

“Oh,” Madam Gardenia seemed momentarily surprised by the response but quickly regained her composure. “I’m sorry, I was a bit surprised by your candor Herald Frost.”

“He’s completely shameless,” Brynn offered.

“And proud of it,” Frost corrected with a smug smile.

“So,” Madam Gardenia glanced at Rose. “Please don’t be offended, but if you wish for a room you understand that you’ll need to pay for service as well.”

“What if we don’t plan on using the service?” Brynn glared at Frost.

“Ah,” Frost interrupted before Madam Gardenia could respond. “You need to think about the opportunity costs.”

“Opportunity costs,” Brynn tiled her head.

“If we’re in the room it can’t be used for other services,” Frost explained. “She loses the opportunity to make more on the room. Hence, opportunity costs.”

“Exactly,” Madam Gardenia nodded while smiling. “I’m very happy you understand it. I was concerned that you might feel it was unfair.”

“How much would that be per night?” Brynn asked while fiddling with her pouch.

“Fifty rel per night,” Madam Gardenia said. “Since you’re taking the entire night.”

“A normal inn would only cost ten,” Brynn said judgmentally. “That seems awfully steep even with the opportunity cost.”

“Since we’re paying the full rate does that mean,” Frost gestured at the women around him. “You know?”

“You will have access to all of our services,” Madam Gardenia nodded. “The fifty rel is for the master suite, food, beverages, and entertainment.”

“Brynn,” Frost nodded excitedly while gesturing at the fox-eared madam. “We’re staying here right?”

“Not like we have much choice handsome,” Brynn sighed while pulling the money from her wallet. “Here’s for two nights. We may stay a third depending on when we decide to leave.”

“Wonderful,” Madam Gardenia didn’t bother holding back her covetous smile while counting the rel. “It’s a pleasure to have you in my establishment. But I must warn you. While I can promise the complete discretion of my girls, the same cannot be said of the customers.”

“I understand,” Brynn nodded. “It’s not as though our presence here is a secret.”

“Thank you for understanding,” Madam Gardenia said politely. “Rose would be happy to show you to the suite.”

“I don’t suppose Jasmine is available,” Frost asked politely earning him a surprised expression from Madam Gardenia and a suspicious look from Brynn.

“Jasmine?” Rose clenched her teeth. “Herald Frost, it was my understanding that you were a lover of elves…”

“I am,” Frost nodded. “Which is why I have an entire village of gorgeous elves.”

“Cursed elves,” Rose said as Madam Gardenia stepped in front of her and gave her a threatening look. “I apologize for my rudeness.”

“Herald Frost,” Madam Gardenia smiled politely. “Please don’t take offense to this but I must ask Lady Brynn what she would like. She is the purchaser of the room after all.”

“Brynn?” Frost looked at her hopefully. “You’re already paying for the services. It’d be a waste not to use them. And don’t forget, we’re getting married soon and I haven’t officially had a bachelor party. The only men I know mostly want to kill me so this is really my only chance at a bachelor part…”

“Just stop talking sexy,” Brynn smiled amusedly as she sighed. “I already told you I know what I signed up for. And I suppose that rabbit hunt show she talked about sounded interesting.”

“Rabbit hunt?” Madam Gardenia tilted her head. “Oh! That silliness with Iris! Really? Hm, maybe it’s not a ridiculous idea after all? We can send them both up.”

“We also need some food and drinks,” Frost said. “I haven’t eaten all day.”

“I’m pretty hungry as well,” Brynn looked at the madam. “Can you send some food up?”

“Absolutely,” Madam Gardenia said. “Jasmine and Iris will bring plenty.”

“You know,” Frost glanced playfully at Brynn. “That Durra girl is probably going to feel left out.”

“Is that too much to ask?” Brynn looked Madam Gardenia for approval. “All three?”

“Normally we limit guests to two women at a time,” Madam Gardenia smiled politely. “But I’ll happily make an exception for your highness and the herald.”

“Thank you,” Brynn glared at Frost. “Are you happy now?”

“I cannot put into words how happy I am,” Frost answered while smiling so much it hurt. “I’ve never loved you more than I do right now.”

“Your declaration of love the other night was better,” Brynn smacked his ass.

“Hm,” Madam Gardenia raised an eyebrow at the two. “Rose will show you to your room.”

“Of course,” Rose forced a smile as they gestured toward the stairs. “This way.”

Frost and Brynn followed Rose up the stairs of the brothel and down a long hallway until they reached a red door. Rose opened the door and walked away quickly without a word. The elf was obviously insulted by the fact Frost choose a bunch of beast girls over her.

“This is not what I expected,” Brynn said looking around the surprisingly nice room. At a glance, it looked rather luxurious but on closer inspection the quality of the items was rather low. Frost did some scans and most of the items were cheaply made but painted to look nice. A little tacky, but not horrible. “Interesting.”

“It’s not that bad,” Frost said while testing the mattress. He scanned the sheets and durability was a hundred percent so he hoped that meant they were also clean. The mattress was probably the nicest thing in the room which made sense given how the room was probably used. He looked up at the canopy of the king-sized bed and noticed several hooks meant to attach things. “Uh, mind checking the armoire over there?”

“For what?” Brynn asked as she opened the doors of the massive wooden armoire revealing ropes, collars, whips, and various instruments Frost hadn’t entirely expected to find in this world. She quickly shut the doors of the armoire and scowled at him. “No.”

“I wasn’t planning in using them,” Frost laughed. “It’s been a long day. I’m exhausted.”

“And yet you’re not too exhausted to order up three women,” Brynn said while tossing their bags of clothing in one of the storage chests. She climbed up into bed and crawled over to him. “You really know how to make a woman feel inadequate.”

“I told you I’d make an awful husband,” Frost said while stroking her hair. “It’s not too late for you to back out.”

“I suppose you did warn me handsome,” Brynn sighed while resting her head against his chest. “And it’s not that I’m such a catch. The princess who everybody believes killed her brothers. Slade even said it, they think me killing Erik was part of a cover up.”

“You’re an amazing catch,” Frost reassured her while running his fingers through her short hair. “And it doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks.”

“An elf-fucker would say that,” Brynn teased.

“Still not an insult,” Frost laughed.

CHAPTER 25

After a while several quiet knocks echoed off the door.

“Come in,” Brynn said loudly.

“Coming in,” the orange-haired cat girl timidly poked her head through the door. “Madam Gardenia said you requested us.”

“We did,” Frost confirmed as Jasmine looked back and nodded excitedly. “Are you going to come in?”

“Right,” Jasmine said as she excitedly rushed inside with a bottle of liquor. Iris and Zinnia slowly entered behind her, each carrying large bowls of breads and fruits as well as bottles of liquor. Zinnia clumsily closed the door with her foot and lined up with the other two. Both Iris and Zinnia looked at Jasmine for guidance. “So, what would you like my lord and lady?”

“That’s a good question,” Brynn smirked at Frost. “You’re the one that wanted them, you can take the lead.”

“You wanted to see the rabbit hunt, didn’t you?” Frost smirked while glancing at the women.

Jasmine was muscular and elegant in a long red gown that hugged her petite tan body. While she was shorter than the other two, she had a way of carrying herself that indicated she was in charge. Maybe it was just her predatory green eyes and sharp canines, but she looked like she had all the confidence in the world.

Iris was taller and quite a bit curvier without any semblance of muscle. Rather than a tight red dress she wore a fitted pink top that showed off pale midsection and a knee-length matching pink skirt. Her long hair, ears, and cotton ball tail were white and all looked unbelievably fluffy.

Zinnia on the other hand, her appearance bordered on profane. Her breasts and ass were lasciviously large and her waist was just a tad chubby. Then there was her outfit. The auburn-haired dog-eared woman was wearing a yellow bikini top and a floral skirt that made her tan skin pop. But then there was her face, he’d never seen somebody so genuinely happy.

“Stop that,” Jasmine said under her breath as Zinnia’s wagging tail smacked her for the tenth time.

“Rabbit hunt?” Iris blushed as her large rabbit ears bent down to cover her eyes. “It’s so embarrassing.”

“Maybe after we eat,” Brynn said while patting the bed. “Or are you three going to just stand there holding the food?”

“Sorry my lady,” Jasmine said while gesturing at them. Zinnia and Iris practically tripped over each other as they simultaneously darted to the bed. Jasmine looked around the room as if something was missing. “I’m sorry, we forgot the glasses.”

“It’s fine,” Frost said while grabbing a bottle from Iris and taking a swig. It was flavorful wine but didn’t seem to have much in terms of alcohol content. It reminded him of sangria except maybe slightly more flavorful. “Not bad.”

“Let me try,” Brynn said as Frost handed her the bottle. She took a swig and made a face. “That is strong.”

“No, it’s not,” Frost laughed.

“This one’s a little weaker,” Zinnia said excitedly. Her tail wagged as she handed Brynn the bottle. “We didn’t know which one you’d like.”

“Much better,” Brynn said while handing Frost the bottle to try.

“This is practically juice,” Frost laughed as he handed her back the bottle of weak liquor. “It’s all yours.”

“If you’re prefer something stronger, I have this,” Jasmine rushed forward and held out the bottle she brought. Frost grabbed the bottle and took a swig of what was unmistakably a fruit brandy. “Do you like it?”

“It’s good,” Frost nodded. He considered drinking it but didn’t want to risk impacting his evening. Maybe they could use it for shots. “But I’m pretty sure if I finished this bottle I’d pass out.”

“I’d think so,” Brynn rolled her eyes at him while grabbing some fruit from the bowl. “Oh, my goddess, I’m so hungry.”

“You’re telling me,” Frost said while grabbing some of the grapelike fruits and snacking on them. It was funny to him that he basically avoided fruits and vegetables in his previous life but in the last few days they made up ninety percent of his diet. “I’m still recovering.”

“Would you like us to do anything while you eat?” Jasmine asked as the three stood at the end of the bed. Zinnia’s tail wagged as she stared at one of the strangely shaped yellow fruits. Frost grabbed it from the bowl and held it out to her. “Want this one?”

“Yes!” Zinnia said excitedly as Jasmine smacked her hand. “I mean no.”

“It’s fine,” Frost said placing the fruit in the auburn-haired Durra’s hand. “Do you like this type of fruit?”

“Jasmine?” Zinnia looked to the cat-eared woman for approval. “Can I have it?”

“If the lord insists,” Jasmine nodded to Zinnia and followed up with a bow. “You’re very kind my lord.”

“The formality is unnecessary,” Brynn said while eating a slice of melon. “And honestly a little bit weird, right?”

“It really is. You can just call me Frost,” he said while taking a bite of fruit. He patted the bed while staring at Zinnia and the curvaceous woman practically jumped into the spot. He pointed at her lap. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all!” Zinnia said as her tail wagged bag and forth rapidly. Frost rested his head on her lap and picked at the grapes as she ate her strange yellow fruit. She was pleasantly warm and her thick legs made for a fantastic resting spot. The woman hummed and stroked his hair several times before randomly stopping. “I’m so sorry! I should have asked first! It was a reflex?”

“What’s wrong?” Frost asked confused. “I liked it.”

“Of course you did handsome,” Brynn shook her head.

“You did?” Zinnia said excitedly as her tail pounded on the bed. “I can keep petting you?”

“Petting? Sure,” Frost said as he ate his food. He glanced at Jasmine and Iris standing stoically while occasionally exchanging glances. Jasmine looked excited while Iris looked extremely nervous. “Okay, what’s going on?”

“We’re waiting for you to finish so we can start our show,” Jasmine said excitedly. “You said you wanted to see the rabbit hunt, right? We’re looking forward to finding out what you think about it!”

“It’s so embarrassing,” Iris said while shifting uncomfortably.

“You are just too cute for words,” Frost said while smiling at Iris causing the bunny to blush even more.

“I swear you compliment everybody but me,” Brynn grumbled while eating a berry. “You’ve never told me I’m too cute for words.”

“Well if I say it now it feels empty,” Frost smirked.

“You better say something,” Brynn glared at him. “I can always send them away.”

“You’re beautiful,” Frost hopped off Zinnia’s lap and practically tackled Brynn. He buried his face in her neck and began kissing it as she laughed. “And wonderful, generous, smart, did I mention beautiful?”

“Okay handsome!” Brynn laughed as he ran his hands up and down her slender waist. “Okay! Stop it that tickles!”

Frost turned and smiled at the three animal girls. Zinnia happily continued eating fruit from the bowl while taking the occasional drink as the other two stared at Frost and Brynn. Frost turned back toward his pinned fiancé and guided her hands toward his shirt.

“Really?” Brynn sighed as she started unbuttoning it. “This is so unfair to me you know.”

Brynn made quick work of the buttons and he removed it before turning to her dress. Brynn’s face turned red as she looked away as if not making eye contact would temper her embarrassment. Frost started sliding her skirt up.

“Goddess help me,” Brynn sighed as he removed her dress revealing her white lace panties and naked chest. “What’s the point of doing this if I don’t get to have the fun?”

“I like to look at you,” Frost leaned down and kissed Brynn’s naked chest. “And touch you.”

“But you can’t touch me where it counts you bastard,” Brynn moaned while running her fingers through his hair. “And I thought we were going to watch a show, not put one on.”

“Right,” Frost said as he moved toward the pillows. He leaned back against them and kicked off his pants while Brynn grabbed her bottle of wine and a bowl of fruit. He smiled at the bestial women staring at him. “Okay, Frost smiled. You said something about a rabbit hunt?”

“R-right!” Jasmine said while shifting her eyes toward Iris. The white-haired rabbit woman’s pale face turned pink as she looked around as if intending to escape. Jasmine must have noticed Frost’s concern and immediately moved to ease his concerns. “Oh! Don’t worry! She’s just preparing for the hunt! You see, she’s going to do her best to escape me and I’m going to do my best to subdue her.”

“Oh,” Brynn laughed while immediately putting everything together. “And once you catch her you…you know?”

“Exactly!” Jasmine said as her striped tail swayed back and forth excitedly. “She’s going to keep trying to fight me off and we keep going until she passes out.”

“Until she passes out?” Frost asked somewhat concerned. “Isn’t that a little much?”

“That’s what makes it fun though!” Jasmine’s emerald eyes were enlarging at the thought of hunting her Florenne friend and she was all but salivating. Clearly it tickled some dormant desire of hers to dominate the bunny-girl. “She eventually gets so exhausted that she can’t keep going and just goes limp! Then I deliver her to you like a present!”

“Oh,” Frost turned to Isis. “And you like this?”

“It’s scary,” Iris said timidly. “But that’s what makes it exciting. But I do have a question but I’m not sure if it’s okay to ask.”

“Iris,” Jasmine shook her head. “I know what you’re thinking and there’s no point in asking. We know the answer.”

“But…” Iris glanced at Jasmine. “Okay.”

“I’d prefer if you asked,” Frost said out of curiosity. “It’s also not really nice to assume you know how I’ll answer without asking me.”

“Okay,” Jasmine shook her head. “But remember you said it was okay to ask so please don’t get mad at her. Iris?”

“Well,” Iris shuffled her feet. “Normally after Jasmine presents me, you’d have me. So, I was wondering if you intended to have me?”

Frost paused since he really didn’t see the appeal of sleeping with her if she was passed out. And since he had Zinnia and Jasmine as options it wasn’t like he had to sleep with her. At least not that night since he was there for a couple days.

“See,” Jasmine said while gesturing at Frost. “You’ve made him uncomfortable.”

“I’m not uncomfortable,” Frost turned to Iris. “I’m just not really comfortable having sex with you while you’re passed out. It’s kind of a turn off for me. And honestly, it can’t be that much fun for you either if you don’t know it’s happening.”

“Um,” Iris turned to Jasmine as the two shared a puzzled look. “Are you saying that if I weren’t passed out you would mate with me?”

“Of course,” Frost said reassuringly. He didn’t want Iris to get the mistaken impression he wasn’t attracted to her because bunny-girls were easily in his top ten fantasies. “You’re absolutely beautiful. I wouldn’t have asked for you if I didn’t want you.”

“Uh,” Jasmine nodded slowly. “Oh, okay.” She nodded her head, clapped her hands, and turned to Iris. “So, how do you want to do this? Pass out or no?”

“N-n-no!” Iris said while rapidly bouncing in place and clapping her hands. “H-h-he says he wants me awake.”

“He didn’t actually say that,” Jasmine said. “He said…”

“Awake!” Iris said enthusiastically.

“But that ruins the show!” Jasmine stomped. Clearly pushing the bunny to pass out was her favorite part of the act. “It’s called the rabbit hunt not the rabbit capture!”

“Let’s go!” Iris dashed across the room surprisingly fast as Jasmine moved to corner her. The rabbit propelled herself off the wall with her legs allowing her to launch herself over Jasmine as the Myrran attempted to jump and grab her. “You missed!”

“The more you mock me the worse it’s going to be when I catch you,” Jasmine laughed as she chased after the quick Florenne. “I can do this all night.”

“This is interesting,” Brynn chuckled as Jasmine chased Iris around and gradually the rabbit began to wear out. Jasmine, on the other hand, only seemed to get faster. “She doesn’t have much endurance, does she?”

“It’s those legs,” Frost said while staring at Iris’ sexy legs. On top of being extremely long, they were surprisingly thick given her slender waist. All of her movement revolved around launching herself forcefully like a rabbit leaping which probably enormous energy. It was sort of like a bullfight. “And Jasmine isn’t really trying. She’s just feinting to trick Iris into using up her energy.”

“That’s right!” Zinnia said excitedly from her corner of the bed. She smiled and wagged her tail while watching like she wanted to join in. “But that doesn’t work when Jasmine and I play.”

“You don’t have to sit all the way over there if you don’t want,” Frost said while patting the spot next to him. “If you want you can cuddle with us.”

“Really?” Zinnia said. “Can I take my clothes off too?”

“Absolutely,” Frost nodded as Zinnia removed her bikini top revealing her massive tan breasts. She removed her skirt revealing her skimpy black panties which appeared too small for her plump ass. Frost realized she meant all of her clothes as she lifted her ass to slide her panties off revealing everything. Frost found himself gawking as the erotically proportioned Durra crawled next to him. “You are just, wow.”

“Really?” Zinnia practically tackled him as her ample breasts pressed against his chest. His hands naturally slid down her hips to her plump ass where he couldn’t help but squeeze. “My lord!”

“Sorry,” Frost smiled impishly as Zinnia cuddled next to him. Her tail wagged as he slid his hand up and down her curvy body.

“You need to watch the show or else they’ll feel bad,” Zinnia insisted. “Jasmine works really hard to think up good shows so we can earn our keep.”

“Really now?” Frost said as Jasmine seemed to finally have Iris cornered. She moved in for the kill and Iris jumped over her narrowly escaping. “Oh!”

“Nope,” Brynn pointed excitedly as Iris stumbled on her landing. “She’s going to get her!”

“Gotcha!” Jasmine said as she tackled Iris and took her to the ground. Immediately Jasmine went to work stripping Iris of her clothing as the rabbit-girl struggled to escape. It seemed removing her clothing without losing her was probably the most difficult task but Jasmine managed to get the top and skirt completely off and as she moved to get Iris’ white panties the bunny-girl twisted and escaped. “Dammit!”

“Good job!” Brynn clapped as Iris continued to dart around in hear underwear. Frost found himself staring at her adorable white fluffy tail attached to her large athletic ass. “Don’t let her get you!”

“I’m trying,” Iris panted as she failed to juke Jasmine. This time Jasmine went for the bra and quickly removed it before twisting to sit on Iris’ back. “No fair!”

“It’s not about fairness,” Jasmine growled aggressively while pulling off Iris’ panties. After Iris was completely stripped Jasmine released her so she could hunt her again. The cat-girl licked her lips as she stared at the naked Florenne in front of her. She was completely hairless except for the fluffy tail and Frost could see the slit of her pink pussy as she prepared to avoid Jasmine. “You know what I’m going for this time and I’m not going to stop until you wet yourself.”

“No,” Iris whimpered. “It’s embarrassing.”

“Oh fuck,” Frost sat upright. His hands naturally gravitated down to his boxers as his cock hardened. He watched as Jasmine moved to capture her prey, hoping to get a good angle when she did. He was singularly focused on the beautiful fluffy-tailed woman avoiding capture. He wanted to see her captured. “Get her!”

“Frost,” Zinnia gestured excitedly toward his cock. “Would you like me to handle that?”

“Zinnia,” Brynn smiled at the woman. “If you wish to do something for Frost, you need to ask me.”

“Oh,” Zinnia blushed. “I’m sorry. Can I take care of that?”

“Can you take care of what?” Brynn smirked as if she were channeling Renna. “Be clear.”

“Um,” Zinnia leaned forward and whispered. “Can I take care of his cock?”

“How do you intend to?” Brynn asked as her hand moved between her own legs. “Be specific.”

“Well,” Zinnia gestured at her body. “I can use my hands, my mouth, my breasts, my pussy, or my butt. Is there something he prefers?”

“Your butt?” Brynn blushed. “You’d let him? Do you know how large he is?”

“Huh?” Zinnia looked back at Frost’s boxers and wondered why Brynn was shocked at the offer. Frost slipped off his underwear and revealed his massive cock causing both Jasmine and Iris to stumble as they glanced over. Zinnia became a little more apprehensive. “Um. I probably can but I need to warm up. Is that what you’d prefer?”

“Why don’t you suck his cock,” Brynn smiled. “But I want to watch you take it all the way down to the base. Over and over again. Understood?”

“I understand,” Zinnia said as she bent over Frost’s cock and began kissing the tip. Frost gripped her ass and began pulling it toward his face to get a better view of her generous proportions and dripping pussy. Her brown fluffy tail wagged excitedly as he slipped his fingers into her cunt while she eagerly licked his cock. “Oh!”

“Fuck you’re gorgeous,” Frost said as he fingered her pussy. If he had to describe Zinnia in a word, it’d be fertile. Everything about the woman screamed she could pop out as many children as he wanted on command and her drenched cunt practically begged to have him inside of her. Suddenly she took his cock all the way to the base with no effort. “Holy…”

“…shit,” Brynn gasped while finishing his sentence. She pressed her petite body against him and stared as Zinnia’s head rapidly moved up and down like an animal devouring a feast. “How?”

“Don’t care,” Frost groaned as he felt her throat rapidly stroking his cock. The way she brazenly let her saliva fill her mouth and drip down his shaft without a care in the world was one of the sexiest things he’d ever seen. And her profanely sensual body swayed, wiggled, or bounced with every fast-paced bob of her head. “She is amazing. Hey!”

Zinnia let out an apologetic whimper as her rapidly moving tail smacked Frost. Apparently, the compliment to her efforts pleased the Durra a little too much. Not only her tail but her entire ass was wagging and Frost found it bordering on hypnotic. He just wanted to bury his face in her.

“Ahh!” Iris yelled pulling Frost from his trance. He turned to see Iris pinned on her back as Jasmine sat side saddle on her chest. Jasmine held one hand on Iris’ slender throat restraining her while the other hand slowly stroked her pussy. “Jas-mine!”

“Be a good little bunny,” Jasmine bounced several times as if she enjoyed tormenting her prey. She caught Frost staring and smiled excitedly while slipping her fingers inside of Iris. “You know what I want to see.”

“Jas-mine,” Iris panted out as Jasmine increased her pressure on Iris’ throat while simultaneously increasing her movement inside of her pussy. Iris gripped Jasmine’s arm with both hands as she struggled to break free. Her thick legs flailed helplessly and body writhed as Jasmine fingered her pussy. “T-to…em-bar-ass-ing.”

“That’s what makes it fun,” Jasmine’s tail flailed back and forth as she laughed while tormenting her captive. “Come on, he’s watching, he’s watching you. They’re all watching you. Can you feel their eyes on you? Can you feel my fingers inside of you? Are you going to do something embarrassing?”

“Jas-mine!” Iris squealed as her hips arched upward and she began to squirt on the floor. Jasmine laughed and started rapidly rubbing Iris’ clit as she came all over. Her face was red and she looked away completely humiliated as Jasmine loosened her grip on her neck. “You always make me embarrass myself.”

“That was…” Brynn tilted her head in confusion.

“…so fucking sexy,” Frost said as his cock throbbed. He couldn’t hold it in anymore and began releasing directly into Zinnia’s throat as the Durra took him to the base and held herself there to receive every ounce of his cum. “Holy fuck. Don’t stop.”

“Round two!” Jasmine jumped up excitedly and hovered over Iris. “I’ll give you a ten second head start this time!”

“Only ten?” Iris stumbled to her feet as Frost remembered that Jasmine said she hunted Iris until she passed out. Iris huffed as she quickly moved away from Jasmine and almost as soon as she’d reached a safe distance Jasmine was after her again. “That wasn’t ten seconds!”

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” Frost said as Zinnia continued to suck his throbbing cock. He found himself imagining each subsequent capture of the Florenne by the Myrran and how it’d play out. Iris would be dominated until she came and then released again only for Jasmine to catch her. And they intended to repeat the process until Iris could no longer stand. Frost felt Brynn’s lips on his shoulder and turned to see her smiling at him. “What?”

“You know what I like about you sexy?” Brynn chuckled. “You seem to be up for absolutely anything.”

“Oh,” Frost grinned impishly. “Do you have some embarrassing kink that you want to explore?”

“You’ll find out when we’re married,” Brynn smirked while sliding her hand downward. She reached her panties and slowly stroked herself. “Until then, I suppose I just have to take care of myself.”

“Jas-mine!” Iris screamed as she squirted again. As she stood up, she turned to see Zinnia sucking on Frost’s cock and continuously hopped in place while pointing. “J-J-Jas-mine!”

“Huh?” Jasmine laughed as she turned back to Iris. “You just noticed?”

“No fair, no fair, no fair, no fair, no fair, no fair,” Iris repeated while hopping and pointing. “I’m the one doing the show! It should be me, me, me, me, me, me, me!”

“Oh?” Jasmine grinned wickedly. “Then maybe we should get to the finale so I can deliver you!”

“Jasmine!” Iris dodged as the cat-eared girl rushed her. “The finale is so embarrassing!”

“That’s what makes it fun!” Jasmine said as she chased her around the room. Frost’s cock was throbbing again as Zinnia relentlessly sucked. Apparently, she had no intention of stopping despite him already cumming once. The Durra woman only came up for air every few minutes before returning to work on his cock.

“Finale?” Brynn turned to watch the chase while touching herself. Frost noticed that while he enjoyed the hunt, Brynn opted to watch Zinnia take down his massive cock. To Brynn, watching the two women go at it wasn’t nearly as impressive to her as Zinnia’s deep throating abilities. Which were admittedly impressive. But, the idea of a finale clearly piqued her curiosity. “I wonder what they’re going to do.”

“No!” Iris yelled as Jasmine tackled her. “The finale is too embarrassing!”

“Come on!” Jasmine grunted as she moved Iris into a yoga position. Iris was on her back with her ass in the air while Jasmine forced her down and Frost quickly realized the humiliating intent of the finale. “Alright. Ready?”

“Jas-mine!” Iris whined as Jasmine pushed Iris’ long sexy legs behind her head. Immediately afterward Jasmine dove into Iris’ pussy, but with her tongue instead of her fingers. “Oh g-g-goddess!”

“Fuck,” Frost’s cock throbbed as Zinnia forced her head down as if sensing he was close. He felt her throat relaxing and contracting on his cock. She was patiently waiting as he watched the finale. “This is so sexy.”

“Uh-huh,” Brynn said as her eyes fixated on Jasmine eagerly licking Iris’ pussy. The athletic Myrran buried her face in Iris’ pussy as she thrust her tongue inside of her. Whenever Iris appeared like she was going to orgasm, Jasmine backed off to prevent it. Brynn’s was rubbing her panties like she was going to burn a hole in them. “Oh goddess. I want to be married already.”

“Ready for the finale?” Jasmine smiled excitedly as she hovered over Iris’ pussy. Jasmine lapped at the damp lips like she was licking honey from a plate while carefully squeezing the fluffy bunny tail on Iris’ lower back. “Say ah.”

“Jas-mine,” Iris blushed. “Can’t we just…”

“No,” Jasmine said commandingly while aggressively squeezing the tail. “Now be a good Florenne and say ah.”

“Ah,” Iris said as Jasmine moved from licking Iris’ soaked pussy to her asshole. The cat-eared Myrran aggressively licked at Iris’ ass while massaging the Florenne’s clit with her thumb. It didn’t take long for the finale to begin as Iris orgasmed and squirted on her own face. “Jas-mine! Mer-cy! Mer-cy!”

“That’s right,” Jasmine growled as she ravenously licked Iris’ asshole. “Beg for mercy! Beg you little Florenne whore.”

“Fuck,” Frost groaned as his cock pulsed in Zinnia’s mouth.

“Oh goddess,” Brynn bit her lip as her body arched and a wet spot emerged on her panties. After a few seconds her body relaxed and she rested her head against Frost’s chest. “Oh goddess…”

“Zinnia,” Frost rapidly massaged the curvaceous woman’s insides as the juices from her pussy poured all over his knuckles. His cock to spasmed as he continued to release inside of her tight throat. “You’re such a good girl.”

“Hmmm!” Zinnia’s hummed on his cock while excitedly wagging her tail. Her pussy clamped on his fingers and he felt her push back on them as if trying to take them deeper. The compliment clearly prompted something in her no different than how Jasmine was triggered by hunting and something inside of Iris was activated by being hunted.

“Fuck it,” Frost gently pulled Zinnia off of his cock and rose to his knees. He couldn’t take anymore of her gorgeous plump ass wagging back and forth in front of him. He removed his fingers from her drenched cunt and lined up his cock. Almost instinctively Zinnia pressed her face into the mattress and raised her plump ass into the air for him and he quickly thrust his cock inside.

“Yes!” Zinnia howled as he began fucking her drenched cunt while running his hands over her luscious ass. “Yes, yes, yes!”

“Oh goddess that’s so wrong,” Brynn blushed while reaching down between her legs again. “You’re fucking a Durra.”

“My lord,” Jasmine nervously approached while carrying the drenched Iris like a princess. Her eyes dilated as she stared at Frost’s cock penetrating Zinnia from behind as the tan Durra happily moaned. “I brought you a present.”

“Fuck,” Frost said as he felt Zinnia clamp down on his cock. He squeezed her large ass and thrust himself to the base. Her tail stopped wagging and her entire body tensed as he looked down to see her nectar overflowing onto his cock. “You’re such a good girl. Such a good girl.”

“Goddess,” Brynn whined as her body arched and she orgasmed again.

“Thank youuu!” Zinnia cried out as her body shivered. He gave her ass a powerful smack as she fell forward off of his cock, leaving it covered in her juices. Zinnia closed her eyes and smiled happily a Frost. “Am I really a good girl?”

“You are,” Frost said while slapping her fertile backside. He desperately wanted to finish inside of her but he was already pushing his limits as he stared at the other two. “Set her down.”

“My lord,” Jasmine said setting the exhausted and embarrassed Iris on the bed. The Florenne was filthy with her own juices but that just made him want her more. “I brought you a present.”

“Take off your clothes,” Frost said while staring at Jasmine. He didn’t escape him that the Myrran had avoided stripping. “Now.”

“Yes, my lord,” Jasmine blushed as she pulled off her red dress revealing her red bra and panties as well as her toned body. “Everything?”

“Everything,” Frost said as she unhooked her bra revealing her perky breasts and pulled down her underwear revealing a black and orange bush. “Come here.”

“My lord,” Jasmine nodded as she climbed into bed and knelt next to Iris. Frost pulled her close and kissed her. He tasted Iris’ decadent flavors as he slid his tongue into her mouth. He gripped her waist and lowered her onto her back next to Iris. “Are you sure my lord?”

“Iris,” Frost grabbed the filthy bunny and rolled her onto Jasmine. He smiled as the Florenne’s chest pressed against the cat-girl. “Kiss her.”

Iris nodded as she instantly moved to kiss Jasmine. Frost enjoyed watching the two as he reached down and stroked Iris’ ass. Slowly he moved his hand until he reached the fluffy rabbit tail that had him so curious. He gave it a squeeze and Iris let out a soft moan.

Frost’s large cock throbbed as he ran his fingers across Jasmine’s pussy and continued past Iris dripping cunt. He lined his cock up with Jasmine’s pussy and found an astounding amount of resistance. Suddenly her apprehension outside the establishment when Brynn mentioned something large made sense. Her pussy was unreasonably tight.

“Um,” Frost leaned down to look over Iris’ shoulder. “Is this going to be okay?”

“Yes,” Jasmine panted. “I’ll be fine after you start.”

“Okay,” Frost said as he increased the force of his thrust. Her pussy was already covered in Iris’ slippery juices so there wasn’t much more he could do to make her more comfortable. As his cock popped in her eyes went wide and her teeth clenched. “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” Jasmine said through clenched teeth. “Everything is fine my lord. But, if you don’t mind, could you wait a few moments before you start pushing?”

“Absolutely,” Frost said as he allowed her tight pussy time to adjust to him. Iris continued to kiss, lick, and nuzzle Jasmine as if attempting to comfort her while she accepted his massive cock.

“I’m just going to,” Brynn crawled closer to get a better look. She stared at Jasmine’s tight pussy wrapped around his cock and then her eyes shifted to Iris’ pink lips. Brynn stared at Iris’ dripping cunt as she reached between her legs to touch herself again. She inhaled as if she were taking in the smell of their sex and slipped her fingers inside of own pink slit. “I’m just going to watch a bit.”

As Frost waited for Jasmine to get comfortable, he slipped his fingers into Iris’ wet pussy and swirled them around. Iris’ small fluffy tail started rapidly shaking as he found her sensitive spot and began massaging it. He couldn’t wait to ravage the sexy beast girl. But his desire was nothing compared to Brynn’s.

“Brynn?” Frost asked as Brynn’s face moved closer to the action. She was obviously tempted and he couldn’t blame her. She’d been forced to watch him with other women while she had to sit back and watch. It was probably torture. “You know I don’t mind if you…”

“I can’t,” Brynn panted as she fingered herself. “I’ve made it too far. Just one more month. Just let me watch. Go deeper.”

“Okay,” Frost shook his head. He was going to have to be sure to show the girl the time of her life on their wedding night. “Jasmine?”

“I’m fine,” Jasmine panted even though it was obvious she could have used another minute. Frost started to slowly thrust deeper as she groaned like she was lifting something heavy. The poor Myrran spread her leg wider hoping it’d help as she whined. “It’s fine, it’s fine, it’s fine.”

“I want you inside of me so bad,” Brynn whined as she watched his cock vanish into Jasmine. “I bet that feels so good.”

“So good…” Jasmine growled while digging her nails into Iris’ back. Frost slowly stretched her tight cunt until he was completely immersed in her. After a bit, she loosened her grip on Iris but continued to growl as if she blamed the gentle bunny-girl for her predicament. “Finally.”

“You okay?” Frost asked as Jasmine gently bit Iris’ collarbone and growled. “Is that a yes?”

“Mhm,” Jasmine nodded while staring at Frost like she intended to kill him. Her teeth still sat on Iris’ collarbone as if it were some makeshift biting stick. She watched Frost carefully as he gently pulled his cock before carefully thrusting it back in. Gradually she relaxed and eventually released Iris completely.

“Does it feel better?” Iris asked Jasmine as the orange haired Myrran nodded. The bunny-eared woman leaned down and gently pecked Jasmine’s neck before moving to her lips. “A lot better?”

“Yeah,” Jasmine squeaked out as Frost slowly increased his speed. Her soaked pussy had become surprisingly accommodating and with each thrust it became easier. “A lot-lot better.”

“Good,” Iris said as she kissed Jasmine. Frost grinned and gave Jasmine a slightly more powerful thrust causing the cat-girl to growl and shoot him an angry glare as she kissed Iris.

“You’re both so beautiful,” Frost said while running his hands up and down Iris’ back as he fucked Jasmine. He was falling into a comfortable rhythm and could feel Jasmine adopting it as her dripping pussy tensed and relaxed until finally it clenched down on him like a vice. “What the fuck?”

“Ziralia’s cunt,” Jasmine said through clenched teeth as she began squirting all over his cock. She let out a guttural growl as she forcefully grabbed Iris’ ass and squeezed like she was bracing for impact. “I’m cumming!”

“Fuck,” Frost said as he removed his cock from her pussy before she tore the thing off. A deluge of fluid poured onto the mattress like he’d just uncorked a bottle of wine. He laughed nervously as Jasmine embarrassedly clamped her legs shut. “What was that?”

“I’m sorry my lord,” Jasmine said as her face turned red. “I can go get some towels…”

“I’m not talking about that,” Frost laughed as he moved into position with Iris. “I mean, you got so freaking tight at the end.”

“Myrran men aren’t very large,” Zinnia volunteered. “So Myrran women get very…” Zinnia clenched her fist to convey her message. “Get it?”

“Oh,” Frost chuckled. “I get it. It just caught me off guard.”

“I’m so sorry,” Jasmine started to slither out from under Iris. “I’m so embarrassed. Normally I don’t…”

“It’s fine,” Frost reached down and patted Jasmine’s head. “Stay there. It’s Iris’ turn and she needs somebody to kiss.”

“Really?” Jasmine blushed. “But the mess?”

“I don’t mind,” Frost said as he ran his hands up and down Iris’ soft ivory back. The white bunny-eared woman was the one he was most looking forward to. He lined his cock up with her drenched pussy and effortlessly slid it in. Her warm wet walls immediately caressed him as he gently thrust. Then out of nowhere her entire body began to tremble. “Are you okay?”

“Y-y-yes,” Iris said as her legs and toes curled. “D-d-deeper.”

“Okay,” Frost said as she thrust himself all the way inside of the sexy Florenne.

“S-s-so g-good,” Iris moaned while smiling. Jasmine leaned in and started gently licking Iris as the bunny-girl began moving back and forth on her own. She slowly pushed herself away until only his tip was inside and then forcefully brought herself back down on his cock. “Y-y-yes! H-h-harder.”

“Mm,” Frost bit his lip as he grabbed Iris’ ample hips. If she wanted harder, he intended to give it to her harder. He thrust himself forward while bringing her hips down with quite a bit of strength. “Harder?”

“H-h-harder, d-d-deeper,” Iris squealed as her body quaked. Her pussy was producing so much lubricant that he didn’t need to hold back. His hips clapped against her backside as he powerfully fucked her warm pussy. Each thrust sent her head and long ears jerking forward like she was going to get whiplash. “H-h-harder.”

“Rougher,” Jasmine suggested. “She’s a Florenne. She’s prey.”

“Prey,” Frost looked down as Iris stretched her head forward and tilted it to the side exposing her neck. He realized that Jasmine hadn’t been holding Iris down by the neck simply for her own amusement, but because that was the fastest way to make her cum. Frost hooked his hand around her neck and pulled as he thrust his cock into her. “Is this what you want?”

“Y-y-yes,” Iris moaned as her body convulsed and she orgasmed. Her fluids overflowed and drenched the bedding as he continued to thrust. “G-g-goddess.”

“Fuck, you’re sexy,” Frost said as he smacked her ass causing her vibrating to increase and her pussy to grip him slightly tighter. He gave her another powerful smack causing her to yelp. “Cum for me again. Don’t stop.”

“I-I-I’m g-g-going t-to,” Iris whimpered as he gave her another smack and she came again on his cock. His cock was pulsing uncontrollably but Zinnia’s previous efforts gave him the restraint necessary to keep going as he plunged deep into the vibrating bunny-girl. “M-m-more?”

“Yeah,” Frost growled as he increased his grip on her neck and pulled her tighter. “Now be a good bunny and keep going.”

“Y-y-yes! I-I-I’ll b-be g-g-good,” Iris said as her she squirted two more powerful blasts against him. He released her neck and grabbed her hips, thrusting himself inside of her as he started to fill her up. He felt her cum again almost as soon as his warmth began to fill her. “Y-y-you c-c-came i-i-inside…”

“What! Oh no,” Jasmine slithered out from under Iris and rushed to a dresser and pulled out a strange looking potion. She looked up at Frost. “Are you using the infertility spell?”

“Yeah,” Frost nodded. “Of course! I’m sorry, I should have asked.”

“What level?” Jasmine asked panicked. “Is it over level three?”

“I’m level ten,” Frost said. “And it’s active!”

“Oh thank the goddess,” Jasmine sighed and put the potion back in a drawer. “I’m so sorry,” Frost turned Iris over to check on her and her head swayed back and forth like she was listening to a song only she could hear. “Are you okay?”

“I’m going to be a mom-my,” Iris said in a sing song voice while rubbing her stomach. “Have lots of ba-bies-raise a big fam-ily-be super hap-py!”

“Uh?” Frost looked to Jasmine as the Myrran tried not to laugh. “What’s going on?”

“I’m going to be a mom-my-have lots of ba-bies…” Iris said while drifting off to sleep.

“I’m sorry my lord,” Jasmine started laughing and Zinnia joined in. Brynn shrugged at Frost, just as confused about what was going on. “Florenne’s are very easily and quickly impregnated. They’re so fertile the infertility spell doesn’t work on them. Even the potion doesn’t always work to stop it. That’s why they say never stick your dick in a rabbit hole.”

“That’s a saying?” Frost laughed.

“Still,” Jasmine held her hand on her chest. “I was really worried there for a moment. I thought I was going to lose Iris.”

“Oh,” Frost said. “Is childbirth really dangerous for Florenne?”

“Um,” Jasmine glanced at Brynn. “No, but the only way to stop a Florenne from having unwanted children is to…well…”

“You’re joking,” Frost looked at Zinnia and Jasmine. “That’s insane. How could anybody hurt somebody so beautiful.”

“You know handsome,” Brynn rested her head in her hand as she stared lovingly at him. “You’re really soft for a guy who’s killed a dozen giants.”

“…be super hap-py…” Iris mumbled as Frost stroked her soft ears.

“Killed a dozen giants?” Jasmine laughed nervously while staring at him. “B-by yourself?”

“Yeah,” Brynn answered for him. “Although I helped him with the eight slayers afterward.”

“Eight slayers?” Zinnia tilted her head. “The Eight Slayers of Blackwater?”

“Mmhm,” Brynn nodded.

“That makes you…” Jasmine pointed at Frost. “The H-herald of Shalia? Madam Gardenia didn’t say anything. Why didn’t she say anything? Are you saying…did I? I f-fucked with a herald?”

“Is that a bad?” Frost glanced at Brynn.

Jasmine rushed to the bedroom door like the room was on fire and opened it.

“Hey everybody!” Jasmine yelled at the top of her lungs. “I fucked a herald! Take that you snobby bitches!”

“Jasmine!” Madam Gardenia screamed from downstairs. “Discretion!”

“To hell with discretion!” Jasmine laughed. “I fucked a herald! And his cock was huge!”

“Don’t smile too much about it,” Brynn laughed while shoving him. “Jasmine! While you’re over there we need new bedding!”

“Right,” Jasmine looked back at the room. “Madam Gardenia! We need new bedding and sheets! Because Iris came like a dozen times when she fucked the herald!”

“Discretion!” Madam Gardenia yelled furiously.

“I fucked the herald too!” Zinnia yelled.

“Do you idiots understand what discretion means!” Madam Garden screamed. “Somebody bring those idiots some new bedding!”

“And some spare sets!” Frost yelled loudly as Brynn laughed.

“I can’t believe I’m marrying you,” Brynn sighed.

CHAPTER 26

Frost woke up to the unmistakable sound of soldier’s boots stomping through the building beneath them. He could hear some arguing and a moment later a few footsteps coming up the stairs. After a brief delay there was a polite knock at the door.

“Come in,” Frost said as the door opened. He assumed if they were there to kill or capture him, they wouldn’t have knocked. “It’s open.”

“Frost?” Brynn rubbed her eyes as she woke up. She tried to move but found herself immobilized by the three randomly sprawled out beast girls. She hiked the blanket to cover her naked chest as Baron Slade came wandering in. “Slade? Get out!”

“I’d love nothing more than to leave,” Slade sighed while gesturing at the door. A young blonde woman with long blonde perfectly spiraling hair walked in. She was wearing an extravagant red dress and long white gloves as she looked around the room in disgust. “I present Princess Fiora Leaucault.”

“Brynn Hilde,” Fiora scowled as she stared at the bed. She turned to Slade. “Should demihumans be sleeping in my presence?”

“No,” Slade rolled his eyes. “But I suggest you be merciful. The herald seems to have left them exhausted.”

“You seem different Slade,” Frost grinned. “You sound so much more refined.”

“What does he mean Baron Slade?” Fiora scowled at the irritated ninja. “Have you been speaking indecently again? How long will it be before you start acting like a noble instead of a criminal?”

“I have no idea what they’re talking about my lady,” Slade said politely while glaring at Frost. “I’ve been nothing but dignified. Regardless, I politely ask we allow the women to sleep.”

“Oh?” Fiora glanced at Frost. “Does this dog-fucker scare you Slade?”

“This dog-fucker terrifies me my lady,” Slade answered without reservations. “Additionally, I couldn’t fight him while protecting you and Princess Isabelle sent me to…”

“You don’t need to remind me,” Fiora grumbled. “I’m not an idiot like Erik.”

“That’s fantastic news,” Frost said as he carefully slid out from under the sleeping women. He climbed out of the bed and stood up as both Slade and Fiora’s eyes shifted toward his cock. “So, why are you here?”

“I heard you were in my city and decided to save myself a trip to that nest of elves you call home,” Fiora held up a scroll. “The bill of sale and proper recognition as your own sovereign territory.”

“Couldn’t you have just sent Baron Slade with it?” Frost smirked. “You wanted to meet me, didn’t you?” Frost held out his hands and did a turn so she could admire him in all his naked glory. “What do you think?”

“How far you’ve fallen,” Fiora looked disdainfully at Brynn as Frost started getting dressed. “You used to be one of father’s favorites. Then you killed your brothers and vanished for years only to come back as what? Some dog-fucker’s whore?”

“I didn’t kill my brothers,” Brynn growled.

“You know,” Frost feigned indignation. “It hurts when you call me a dog-fucker.”

“Oh,” Fiora said condescendingly. “Does it now? Maybe you shouldn’t fuck dogs then.”

“That’s not what I mean,” Frost chuckled and gestured at the women beneath the blankets. “I mean I’m not just a dog-fucker. I’m also an elf-fucker, a cat-fucker, and a rabbit-fucker. When you call me dog-fucker, I just feel like you’re really not giving me as much credit as I deserve.”

“You’re disgusting,” Fiora scowled. “And I want you out of my city immediately.”

“We’ll leave in a couple days,” Frost said smugly. “Also, while we’re in town we should have a proper sit down.”

“Why would we do that?” Fiora asked contemptuously. “You will be treated as a separate territory. You and your people will stay in your territory and we’ll leave you alone. That was the agreement.”

“There’s also the matter of the payment for the other giants,” Frost reminded. “I killed their leader for the territory, I was supposed to get paid for the others.”

“Fine,” Fiora said smugly. “Slade, make sure he receives his payment. Is that all?”

“No,” Frost shook his head. “That deal was made before Zira tried to have me assassinated.”

“Zira did not try to have you assassinated,” Fiora corrected. “Prince Erik did. And you took his head for that.”

“No,” Brynn interjected. “Frost was acting as my agent when he took Prince Erik’s head. It was revenge for having my brothers killed. Technically, Frost hasn’t been compensated for the attempted assassination.”

“The dog-fucker’s been given a princess of Zira as payment,” Fiora gestured Brynn. “That should be plenty of compensation.”

“Nice try,” Brynn smirked. “But technically it’s the other way around. I own the dog-fucker so I’m the one that gained a herald, he did not gain a princess.”

“I’d say it’s more mutually beneficial,” Frost smiled. “And you should rotate the insults a little. Start mixing in some cat-fucker, elf-fucker, rabbit-fucker. Really mix it up.”

“So,” Brynn smiled while ignoring Frost. “The assassination matter is not resolved. If you give us a time, we can come to the keep to discuss…”

“Let’s just do it now,” Fiora clenched her teeth as she turned to Frost. “Obviously you want something. What do you have in mind?”

“We want open travel and trade between my territory and Blackwater,” Frost interjected. “That’s all.”

“That’s all?” Fiora stomped while holding up the scroll. “The entire purpose of this agreement was to keep you and your cursed followers out of Blackwater! I don’t need plagues, famines, or wars throughout my territory. And if it gets around that I’m dealing with a cursed territory my marriage proposals are going to dry up faster than a sandworm’s corpse!”

“Huh?” Jasmine yawned and rubbed her eyes. “What’s all the yelling about?”

“Jasmine,” Iris moaned as she started to climb up. “I had the nicest dream. I had a house full of babies running around and…were we expecting visitors?”

“Visitors?” Zinnia said excitedly as her tail smacked the bed.

All three women covered themselves with the bedding as they stared at Fiora and Slade. Their eyes darted back and forth as they tried to make sense of what was happening.

“It’s my step-sister Princess Fiora,” Brynn said covering herself as she climbed out of bed.

“You look and it’ll be the last thing you see,” Frost said to Slade as the ninja turned his head toward the door. Brynn climbed out and slipped into her dress. “Okay, it’s fine now.”

“P-princess?” Jasmine looked around for something to wear then looked at Frost for some guidance. “My lord?”

“Stay,” Frost said while gesturing to keep themselves covered. He smiled politely at Princess Fiora. “I hope that’s alright.”

“Hmm,” Fiora smirked malevolently. “It would set a bad precedent. I suppose I could forgive them not showing me the proper respect if you were to take their place and kneel before me.”

“My lord,” Jasmine said as the others looked down. “We’re courtesans, we are fine being seen naked, there’s no need for you to…”

“Nah,” Frost smiled at the three embarrassed women and took a knee in front of the princess. “Your highness. We’re honored.”

“My lord,” Jasmine blushed and buried her face in the blanket.

“Not entirely unexpected,” Slade sighed. “The man clearly has no dignity.”

“You’d kneel so easily for the sake of some demihuman whores?” Fiora scoffed and turned to Brynn. “This is the man you wish to marry? He’s so weak willed.”

“Really?” Brynn said while standing next to him. “I find the fact he cares for those around him to be one of my handsome fiancé’s most endearing traits. Anyway, I assume the demihumans are fine then?”

“They’ll be permitted to remained covered,” Fiora smiled delightedly. “I believe we are finished then?”

“No, but nice try,” Brynn said as Frost rose to his feet. “You’re trying to avoid resolving assassination attempt.”

“There’s nothing to resolve. That had nothing to do with Zira,” Fiora insisted. “It was Prince Erik alone who…”

“Prince Erik was assigned to the position by the king of Zira,” Brynn looked larger than life as she stood before Fiora. Even in her plain dress, it was obvious who the more regal of the two was. “The giants were disposed of and hundreds of Ziran citizens were saved. Then, an agent of the king attempted to assassinate an ally of Zira and execute his people. My handsome fiancé sounds willing to overlook it for free travel and trade. Do we have a deal or not?”

“Do I even have a choice?” Fiora scowled at Brynn.

“There’s always a choice,” Brynn said cheerfully while grabbing Frost’s arm. “But a trade and travel agreement between our territory and Blackwater would be mutually beneficial.”

“You say mutually beneficial,” Fiora said. “I’m not seeing how being able to sell goods to impoverished demihumans benefits us.”

“Baron Slade,” Brynn clapped her hands to get the handsome ninja’s attention. “Have you explained to Fiora the current condition of the Blackwater military? Or don’t you know? I mean, I know the state of the military because I’ve been trying to get at Erik for so long, but do you?”

“What’s she talking about?” Fiora asked while clenching her fist. “You said the military was functioning fine.”

“It is functioning fine,” Slade nodded apprehensively. “The chain of command has not been heavily impacted and day to day operations are continuing as normal.”

“Slade, I arrived this morning,” Fiora glared. “I wasn’t born this morning. What aren’t you telling me?”

“I’m working on a solution with Sir Isaac and Sir Adamus,” Slade scowled at Brynn for ratting him out. “But we didn’t want to concern you before we had a solution. Everything is functioning, but dealing with sporadic monster attacks could be difficult without the eight slayers.”

“You see Fiora,” Brynn said haughtily. “In the event giants come down from the mountains or a chimera decides to make his home in a village, you have nobody to deal with the problem. The few dozen soldiers in a village aren’t equipped to handle a chimera or even a griffin really. And if you think the followers of Shalia bring famine, wait until a flame wyvern starts burning crops. The eight slayers were normally dispatched to deal with those problems since normal soldiers couldn’t.”

“What about the monster elimination force?” Fiora asked Slade. “Or the holy knights. Surely…”

“Oh, the eight slayers were the monster elimination force. And the holy knights are trained to fight soldiers,” Brynn interrupted. “If you send them up against monsters, they’ll win but not without casualties. And then you’ll have fewer holy knights for the next monster leading to an accelerated rate of casualties. And then what will you do? Start sending peacekeeping forces? Then who would protect the citizens from, well, the citizens?”

“Slade?” Fiora growled.

“Lady Isabelle suggested…”

“I don’t care what my overbearing sister suggested,” Fiora said furiously. “You will either give me accurate reports or I’ll chop out your tongue and you won’t be reporting to anybody. Am I clear?”

“As the summer sky,” Slade scowled.

“So,” Fiora turned to Brynn. “Your suggestion is free travel and trade and in exchange your cursed herald will assist us in the dispatching of monsters?”

“I’m saying that if we’re on good terms he’s much more likely to hear your requests,” Brynn corrected. “Not to mention pretty soon my sexy fiancé will be your brother-in-law dear sister.”

“Disgusting,” Fiora sneered. “Fine, open trade and travel. Slade, the costs of hiring the cursed herald will be absorbed by the military.”

“Excuse me?” Slade chuckled. “You’re joking. I’m barely managing to…”

“I don’t care,” Fiora said coldly. “It’s expected that a military maintain a monster elimination force. Ultimately, they decided to rely on the eight slayers rather than establish a proper force. Now that I think about it, I want a full accounting of all military expenditures for the last five years. I’ve noticed that several officers assigned to my brother recently found wives in noble families. In fact, let’s go back ten years.”

“You don’t intend to…” Slade glanced at the demihumans. “Let’s discuss this later.”

Frost smiled at Fiora. He’d underestimated her because she came off as spoiled and bratty, but she was also savvy. In an instant she realized that the money earmarked for a monster elimination was going somewhere and deduced several likely suspects. Although he wondered if she knew enough to look through purchase orders, businesses hired, and even material outsourcers. There was a reason that forensic accountants existed in his world.

“I believe we’re finished. Your territory, your payment for the giants, open trade and travel,” Fiora said as she reluctantly held out her hand. “Agreed, Herald Frost?”

“My lady,” Slade leaned over. “You don’t know where those lips have been.”

“Agreed,” Frost said politely kissing her hand.

“I plan on burning the glove,” Fiora smirked at Brynn. “It’s been interesting. We’ll draft up the paperwork on the trade and travel agreement for you to review before you leave.”

“Sister,” Brynn bowed politely.

“Sister,” Fiora returned the polite bow.

“My lady,” Slade bowed to Brynn and turned to Frost. “Dog-fucker.”

“Still not an insult,” Frost shrugged as the two left the room. He turned to Brynn. “So, did that go well?”

“Very,” Brynn said. “It seems Fiora is taking this seriously, at least for her. The fact she wants to look through the military’s budgets means she intends to weed out corruption.”

“Or find leverage to compel obedience,” Frost offered as an alternative insight.

“Ah,” Brynn nodded. “Yeah, that’s more likely. It’s good that you’re not underestimating her. Fiora might be pompous and selfish but she’s not stupid.”

“Um,” Jasmine stared at the two of them as the other two hid their heads beneath the blanket. “Did she call you sister?”

“Huh?” Brynn laughed and clapped her hands together. “Right, I don’t suppose I ever formally introduced myself. I’m Princess Brynn Hilde Leaucault. But I prefer Brynn if it’s all the same.”

“Your majesty,” Jasmine pressed her head against the mattress. “Please forgive us! We’ve been…”

“You’re fine,” Frost laughed while adjusting his clothing in the mirror. “Right Brynn?”

“Right,” Brynn said while shuffling through the bag of clothing they purchased for an alternate outfit. “Are you going to wear the same thing you wore yesterday?”

“I wore it for like an hour,” Frost said smelling the outfit. “It’s still clean.”

“Fine,” Brynn laughed as she slipped into a black flowing dress that fell to her calves. She pulled out a pair of thigh-high white tights and matching white panties and slipped them on beneath the skirt. She twirled while looking in the mirror as if making sure nothing would show. “This should work.”

“You look beautiful my lady!” Jasmine said jumping out of bed with the other two women and rushing around gathering up brushes and makeup. Zinnia set a chair in front of the mirror and Jasmine forced Brynn on it as Iris instantly began brushing her hair. The naked Myrran rushed off. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

“Hm,” Brynn smiled as Iris brushed her messy short hair. The naked bunny-girl grabbed some wax from a small case she’d pulled from a dresser and slid it across Brynn’s hair allowing her to style it further. “It’s been a while since I’ve been waited on. It’s kind of nice.”

“Back!” Jasmine said rushing in with a bucket of soapy water and several white clothes. She rushed over to Brynn and began scrubbing and drying her arms, neck, and face. After everything had dried Zinnia offered her a selection of perfume.

“I always put on the perfect amount,” Zinnia said as she lightly dabbed perfume in a few key regions. “I’m sorry if it’s not too your liking.”

“It’s fine,” Brynn smiled politely as Zinnia’s massive naked breasts hung in front of her face. “It’s really wonderful, thank you all.”

“Your welcome your highness,” Iris said while trying to decide whether to slick Brynn’s hair back or to the side. In the end, she decided to slick it back making Brynn look like some malevolent lord. “Is this okay?”

“A little different from what I’m used to,” Brynn said questioning it. “Frost?”

“I think you look beautiful,” Frost answered as she stared suspiciously at him. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m being honest.”

“Okay,” Brynn said as she stood up. The black dress fit her small chest perfectly and the way the white stockings contrasted the dress drew his gaze to her athletic legs. “So, we have two days before we go back to the village. What do you want to do?”

“Breakfast and then I want to look around,” Frost said as the three courtesans smiled politely. “Don’t suppose Madam Gardenia would let you three show us around?”

“Really?” Zinnia said excitedly as her tail wagged.

“Can we, can we, can we, can we, can we, can we?” Iris rapidly hopped in place while tapping Jasmin’s shoulder.

“I’ll ask Madam Gardenia,” Jasmine blushed as she ran out of the room. Frost heard a bunch of commotion downstairs and a minute footsteps rushing up the stairs.

“Please, please, please, please, please,” Iris closed her eyes and clasped her hands together as Frost and Brynn finished getting dressed. “Please, please, please, please, please.”

“She said okay!” Jasmine said grinning maniacally as she entered.

“Yes!” Iris and Zinnia screamed as the three scurried about grabbing their clothing and rushing out of the room.

“We’ll meet you downstairs!” Jasmine said excitedly as the three rushed off.

“They’re just the cutest things ever,” Frost said as he stared at their naked asses as they rushed out of the room. “Aren’t they?”

“They’re cute,” Brynn agreed while slapping his ass. “But you’re the cutest thing ever. Let’s get some food downstairs.”

CHAPTER 27

Frost and Brynn walked downstairs and sat at the bar as several courtesans stared at them anxiously. He was surprised by how crowded the brothel was so early in the morning. It wasn’t only women he’d seen the night before but if he wasn’t mistaken their families.

They seemed uncomfortable with Frost and Brynn but it could have equally been due to the guards that’d barged in earlier. He heard several of them mumble the world princess under their breath while trying to discreetly point at Brynn.

Madam Gardenia obviously knew as well as any of the women around the night before. But it seemed there were a lot of people just finding out that the Herald of Shalia and a princess of Zira were staying in a room upstairs.

After a while the women became more comfortable and began chatting as if Frost and Brynn weren’t even there as they ate. The breakfast was basically some type of potato hash, bread, and fruit. It was clearly made to be inexpensive while serving as many as possible.

Frost felt something tug on his shirt and looked down to see a young lizard person. The only thing indicating gender to him was the fact they were wearing a dress. Her face reminded him of a snake and the forked tongue that flickered out solidified that image.

“Who are you?” the girl asked.

“Omari!” the serpent woman at the other end of the long counter rushed over and grabbed the girl. She protectively hid the girl behind her and bowed. “I’m so sorry. Please allow me to take punishment in her place.”

“Right,” Frost sighed as he was reminded that humans regularly beat demihuman children for not knowing their status. Frost glanced at the green-scaled woman and shook his head. “I’m not going to punish anybody.”

“You’re not?” the lizard woman asked.

“No,” Frost waved at Omari. “Omari is it? I’m Frost, I’ll be staying her for a couple days.”

“Hi,” Omari waved back and turned to the other lizard woman. “Mom, I’m hungry.”

“Oh, sorry pet,” the lizard woman rushed behind the counter and made the girl a plate. “Now go sit down and eat.”

“Ready!” Jasmine said as she came rushing down the stairs with Zinnia and Iris. The three of them were dressed in matching yellow sundresses which made Zinnia and Jasmine’s tan skin stand out. As for Iris, she reminded him of a warm summer day. As he looked around the room, he noticed a lot of the women wore a similar style although different colors. He wondered if the madam bought in bulk.

“Ouch,” Frost said as Brynn jabbed him in the arm with her fork. “What?”

“You didn’t look at me like that,” Brynn smirked wickedly. “I’m your fiancé. You should only look at me like that.”

“First off, I definitely looked at you like that. Second, I told you I’d make an awful husband,” Frost said as he jumped out of his seat. He reflexively grabbed their empty plates and began walking toward the kitchen as everybody stared at him. In the kitchen he saw a dark-haired Myrran male and a blonde elf cooking. The two stopped what they were doing as he walked the dishes to the sink and left. Brynn was staring at him as he came out. “So, I did something weird again, didn’t I?”

“How did you guess?” Brynn asked. “Did the fact that everybody’s staring at you like you’re doing something weird give it away?”

“That’s exactly it,” Frost laughed.

“You don’t need to clear your own plate my lord,” Jasmine said embarrassedly. “We could have done that for you.”

“It’s fine,” Frost said as he gestured at men and women getting their own food and clearing their own tables. “I was just doing what everybody else was doing. Anyway, let’s head out. I want to look around.”

“Alright,” Jasmine said excitedly. “We’ll take you to all the best shops! At least the best shops in this part of the city.”

“Right,” Frost nodded. “I want to learn as much as I can about Blackwater. If possible, I’d like to meet as many crafters as possible as well.”

“Crafters?” Brynn looked at Frost suspiciously. “I thought we were relaxing.”

“I am relaxing,” Frost smiled. “I relax by learning new things. Let’s go.”

The three courtesans led him around the demihuman part of the city while introducing him to different types of crafters. There were tailors, blacksmiths, leatherworkers, alchemists, jewelers, and other crafters as well. None of them were permitted to learn their crafts from the proper guilds and instead learned themselves.

While there were crafters in the elf village, none of them were even close to the level of the demihumans in the city. The human part of the city probably had even better crafters although he wouldn’t get to see them.

Whenever he met a new crafter, he asked them to teach him the most basic item to craft and just as Lysandra had explained to him he unlocked the abilities relating to that crafting job. Fortunately, several of the crafters were more than eager to talk about their respective professions and much like Shael had been with his combat training, they were impressed with the quality of his questions.

Similar to combat classes, adding points in something like blacksmithing would unlock new abilities while increasing his overall technique. But if he wanted to improve the quality of an individual item, he needed to spend points mastering that specific item. It seemed they mostly progressed by gaining restricted ability points and allocating them in items.

“Do you gain levels from crafting?” Frost asked while scanning a large Durra blacksmith. He was level nineteen and his job was set to blacksmith but Frost didn’t get the impression he’d seen any combat. “Or do you have to go kill monsters?”

“You’re a strange man,” the Durra boisterously laughed. “You ask such complex questions but you don’t know something like that? There are as many ways to gain experience as there are leaves on the trees. I imagine if you’ve only ever hunted monsters for experience you wouldn’t really notice though.”

“Wouldn’t notice?” Frost asked.

“The amount is small compared to killing monsters,” Brynn said. “Additionally, there’s no point in a crafter gaining a lot of levels. The ability points are more important.”

“It’s as the lady says,” the muscular dog-eared man nodded. “Sure, there are advantages to leveling up like having the stamina to craft faster or for longer periods, but none of that matters if you turn out a poorly made product. And leveling up only earns you ten free points. That’ll get you nowhere in crafting when you have thousands of things to craft.”

“Really?” Frost scanned his blacksmithing ability and sure enough, there were about a hundred different recipes to learn and they were basically all common sense components to make a larger item. Things like armor probably required instruction of some sort to learn. “I see. So, how fast do you earn restricted points?”

“I earn about an ability point per day,” he answered. “Others earn less and those in the blacksmith guild earn more.”

“Why do they earn more?” Frost asked.

“Well,” the blacksmith stroked his chin. “They have more materials on hand, proper instruction, more recipes, things of that nature.”

“I see,” Frost nodded as he thought about the materials in particular. In games, if he purchased thousands of components at an auction house he could level quickly.

Most of the day shaped up to be the same with Frost wandering around learning about crafting abilities. The more he learned the more he thought about how they all intersected and started creating a mental assembly line. If he thought about it enough, he was sure he could create his own optimized crafting guide.

It was likely possible to level several crafts simultaneously as he’d done in games if he thought about the specific recipes and items necessary. He was sure that the various guilds utilized a similar thought process and worked with each other to provide materials. The alchemist’s guild most likely provided essential oils to tanners, blacksmiths, and even cooks while blacksmiths might make high end equipment for them.

Even if the guilds weren’t working in tandem, they at least knew the best items to craft to increase their abilities. They also had the connections to quickly sell the items for a profit to purchase more materials. Based on his conversation with vendors in the demihuman part of the city, they didn’t sell very much so they didn’t craft very much slowing their progress.

They returned to the inn and Frost had another wonderful night with the women. He thought about having different ones join them but the look on the three’s faces when they asked if he was finished with them broke his heart. He decided right then that he didn’t need anybody else.

Brynn also seemed to like that idea since she was already comfortable with the women. Although, he could tell by the look in her eyes that she was almost in pain at her inability to join in the fun.

The routine the next day was similar to the previous except this time there were several more demihuman children in the brothel. They were running around like, well, he didn’t want to make the comparison but wild animals.

All of the girls were dressed in similar dresses to what Jasmine, Iris, and Zinnia wore the previous day and the boys wore identical pants and long tunics. He was positive that they were all buying in bulk to get a discount.

“I apologize for the disturbance,” Madam Gardenia said as they ate their breakfast. “It’s a school day so…”

“It’s not a problem,” Frost smiled at the madam as the children shoveled down food while several of the courtesans washed the children’s faces. “So, do they all live here?”

“Goddess no,” Madam Gardenia laughed. “Although I could see why you might think that.”

“The madam provides food for all the workers and their families,” Zinnia said while shoveling down her food. “And she buys large clothing shipments in bulk whenever she can find deals. She’s really good with money! Like, really, really good! She taught me a lot about saving money and spending smart.”

“Most of the employees with children bring them here for breakfast,” Jasmine said. “She also negotiates for clothing for the children. She gives a lot back to the community.”

“Hello Madam Gardenia,” a tan golden-haired Florenne walked in and a dozen similarly aged Florenne children rushed in behind her. Frost was suddenly very thankful for the infertility spell. “Sorry we’re running a little behind this morning.”

“Stone!” Madam Gardenia yelled to the back group. “Hyacinth is here! Speed it up!”

“You got it,” the Myrran male in the kitchen yelled back. “Could use a little help though.

“Jasmine, Zinnia, Iris,” Madam Gardenia stared at the three judgmentally. “Go help him.”

“But…” Jasmine started to object but was silenced with a stare. “Yes ma’am.” Jasmine and the others got up and rushed to the kitchen. “We’ll be back in a little bit. Don’t leave without us!”

Frost watched as the Florenne woman methodically directed the children to line up to have their hands and faces wiped before directing them to seats. Once they were in their seats, she cheerfully skipped past them and headed toward the kitchen.

She was slightly pudgier than Iris in the waist but her chest was almost the size of Zinnia’s. Additionally, she had a glow to her that reminded her of the elves. To top it all off, her tail, ears, and hair all looked so soft and fluffy he just wanted to touch them. The more he stared at her, the more he thought she might be the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.

“Huh,” Frost shook his head as he suddenly felt like he was being pulled into a dream. He wondered if it was love at first sight. Then he felt a growing tightness in his pants and figured it might only be lust at first sight. “Um.”

“Oh,” Madam Gardenia smiled while looking over the counter. “That is interesting.”

“Frost,” Brynn glared at him. “Really?”

“Sorry,” Frost said while pulling his collar. “Is it hot in here?”

“Herald Frost,” Madam Gardenia grinned wickedly. “Hyacinth! Come here for a moment!”

“Yes madam,” Hyacinth rushed out of the backroom. The Florenne smiled as she stared at the fox-eared madam. “What do you need?”

“Can you stand next to the herald for a moment?” Madam Gardenia pointed at him as he took a drink of water. His heart was pounding like he was in battle and the room was getting uncomfortably warm. But all he could think about was how happy he’d be if Hyacinth stood next to him.

“Herald?” Hyacinth’s eyes went wide and she bowed several times before rushing around the counter to stand by him. His heart pounded faster. “Like this?”

“Yes,” Madam Gardenia nodded. The fox-woman leaned forward and smirked. “How are you feeling Herald Frost?”

“I don’t know,” Frost said while glancing at his wine and food. Everything felt tingly and soft. Tingly. Soft. Warm. He realized he was smiling but couldn’t stop himself.

“Frost?” Brynn asked while pointing at his hand squeezing Hyacinth’s fluffy tail. “What are you doing?”

“It’s not a problem!” Hyacinth said cheerfully. “It’s my fault! Completely my fault! I was out running this morning! I should have bathed before coming here!”

“What’s going on?” Frost asked as he resisted the urge to pull Hyacinth onto his lap. But her tail was beyond fluffy, it was unnaturally fluffy. He wanted to use her backside as a pillow.

“Pheromones,” Madam Gardenia laughed and shooed Hyacinth off. The bunny-woman blushed and bowed while rushing to the kitchen. “Florenne women start exuding pheromones after giving birth to encourage males to care for them. You seem to have a rather extreme sensitivity to them. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Pheromones?” Frost said while splashing some water on his face. Hyacinth smiled at him as she walked out of the kitchen and delivered food to her children. She was definitely the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. There was no way it was just pheromones. “You said to keep their men around, so Hyacinth has a…”

“Mate?” Madam Gardenia grinned. “No, she’s a single mother. A very good mother and a hard worker. I’m sure she would do anything to please a strong caring man who wanted to care for her and her family.”

“Fuck,” Frost smiled as he started thinking about inviting her back to the village. “I mean, I suppose she’s only interested in a human…”

“I believe calling it an extreme sensitivity may be an understatement,” Madam Gardenia laughed as she reached behind the counter and pulled out a bottle. She poured some red liquid into his water and pushed it toward him. “Drink this.”

“Ack,” Frost said while making a disgusted face as he guzzled it down. It tasted like cough medicine mixed with coffee grounds but almost immediately he felt like he was waking up from some wonderful dream. “Oh, that stuff tastes foul.”

“That it does,” Madam Gardenia said. “It’s primarily used to sober people up. Even when mixed with water it’s effective.”

Frost still found Hyacinth unbelievably beautiful but he couldn’t believe he was about to consider taking her back to the elf village. Although, as he stared at her, he wondered if it would it really be that bad. She was still beyond beautiful, he would be lucky to have her. He could cuddle up next to her every night and care for her…

“Pour me a shot of that,” Frost gestured at the disgusting red liquid. After taking it both down he started to think more like himself. Yes, she was beautiful and fluffy, but Iris was just as pretty. Although he wouldn’t say prettier, the way Hyacinth glowed. “Fuck, that is potent.”

“Yeah,” Madam Gardenia said while staring at the empty shot glasses. “Normally you just add it to water. I can’t believe you drank it straight.”

“I wasn’t talking about the shot,” Frost said looking back at Hyacinth. He couldn’t get her out of his head. She was downright dangerous. “Damn.”

“Lady Brynn,” Madam Gardenia said mischievously. “You are marrying him soon, correct?”

“That’s right,” Brynn sighed. “As embarrassing as he is.”

“I can make a special perfume you may be interested in,” Madam Gardenia grinned while gesturing at Hyacinth. “For your wedding night of course. And the proceeds would go to help a single mother care for her children. Only ten rel for a bottle.”

“I’ll take three,” Brynn nodded while sliding her the coins. “Have them ready before we leave.”

“Of course,” Madam Gardenia said while wandering off. “Hyacinth, I need you in back for a moment.”

“Coming!” Hyacinth rushed off with the Madam.

“Okay,” Frost laughed. “I know what you two are plotting and don’t you think it’s a little wrong to take advantage of my sensitivity like that?”

“Don’t you think it’s a little wrong to sleep with other women?” Brynn countered.

“Not the same thing,” Frost argued.

“If you don’t want me to wear it…”

“I didn’t say that,” Frost interrupted as his cock pressed against his pants. He definitely loved the feeling it gave him. “You just have to let me know when you’re wearing it. And if you try using it before our wedding night, no promises of how I might react. Got it?”

“Works for me handsome,” Brynn rubbed his leg. “I just want you to look at me like you looked at that Florenne. Lysandra and the others will be so jealous.”

“Speaking of,” Frost said. “We should probably start making preparations to go back.”

“Go back?” Jasmine said as she came from the kitchen. “Really?”

“We were only staying a few days,” Frost said. “You knew that.”

“But,” Jasmine pouted and tears started welling up in her large green eyes. “I’m sorry. I guess I let my imagination run a little wild again. Madam Gardenia’s always telling me...”

“Don’t look at me like that,” Frost said defensively. “It’s not like I don’t like you. If I could take you and the others back to my village I would in a heartbeat.”

“What?” Brynn’s eyes widened.

“Really?” Jasmine said excitedly. “Do you mean it?”

“Frost?” Brynn glared at him. “Madam Gardenia…”

“Right,” Frost nodded at Brynn. “Madam Gardenia…”

“I’ll go ask!” Jasmine rushed off to the back room. He expected to hear angry screaming but after about thirty seconds he heard a bunch of excited laughter.

“I don’t think that’s a no,” Frost said.

“Really handsome?” Brynn said judgmentally. “You don’t think that’s a no? Clearly the madam has more mouths than she can possibly feed. Did you really think she was going to argue with three fewer?”

“I mean,” Frost grinned nervously. “They’re really good girls.”

“I’m going to tell the others!” Jasmine sprinted from the back room to the kitchen and a moment later there was more excited screaming.

“That reminds me,” Frost smiled guiltily. “We should check in with Lishri.”

“I suppose you did warn me that you’d make a bad husband,” Brynn sighed as the three excited beast girls ran from the kitchen. “And they are good girls.”

CHAPTER 28

Frost decided it was best to leave a little before sun up after their third night in Blackwater. Fiora had all the final documents pertaining to their agreement delivered to him and he figured he’d look them over when he arrived back in the village. Brynn said Fiora wasn’t dumb enough to try tricking him so he was pretty confident everything would be fine.

Unfortunately, the return trip to the village was going to be unexpectantly long since he had a wagon full of passengers and Lishri. Although, traveling with people was kind of nice and Madam Gardenia was nice enough to sell them the wagon at cost.

“Are you sure this is okay?” Lishri asked while glancing around anxiously. “Maybe I should cover up?”

“It’s up to you,” Frost smiled at the crimson Arachne. He was actually somewhat impressed with the outfit she’d crafted for the trip. Each one of her red spider legs were in laced up black leather covers and on her torso was a black fabric corset with a red floral pattern. In her free hand she carried a large black umbrella to protect her pale skin from the sun. “I think you look nice.”

“Are you sure Lysandra and the elves are going to be okay with this?” Brynn said while glancing at the cart. Jasmine, Iris, and Zinnia were happily chatting amongst themselves. “Lishri’s one thing but the courtesans, I’m not sure how the elves are going to feel about that.”

“I’ll figure it out,” Frost said as he helped Brynn into the wagon and grabbed the reins. He found that driving a wagon was a completely different ability than riding but opted not to level it. “Just so you know, if you don’t like it in the village, Madam Gardenia said she’d welcome them back.”

“Why wouldn’t we like it?” Jasmine asked.

“Well,” Frost glanced around the city. “It’s mostly small cabins, fields, gardens, and trees. There’s not really a lot to do.”

“It sounds nice,” Iris said excitedly.

“Yeah!” Zinnia said. “Let’s go!”

“Alright,” Frost laughed as he thought about the hell that was going to break loose when the elves found out he brought a bunch of courtesans back with him. They were already pretty annoyed that all of his time was spent with Lysandra and Renna. And then there was his upcoming marriage to Brynn. Now three beast girl courtesans that planned on sharing his bed, he was in trouble.

They rode to the front gates of the city where Slade was waiting to ensure he actually left as well as double check that he had the paperwork.

“Good riddance you dog fucking cunt,” Slade smirked. “Maybe now we can get back to some fucking semblance of normalcy around this shit-soaked city.”

“I see your back to your normal self,” Frost grinned.

“Fuck right off you piss bucket,” Slade said. “Because of your cunty ass I’m stuck reforming the worthless shit eating military of this shit hole. Going to be spending weeks tracking down a bunch of fucking cunt drip thieves and criminals. Fucking rabbit-fucking son of a bitch.”

“Always a pleasure Baron Slade,” Frost said smugly.

“Fuck right off,” Slade said while double checking they had all the proper paperwork. “And you can expect to hear from me when we have some fucking monsters to kill. Fucking incompetent piss drinkers filled their army with useless fucking holy knights. No fucking elementalists, no fucking snipers, just a bunch of slow-moving buckets of shit. How the fuck is a holy knight going to catch anything other than a fucking golem. Stupid fucking cunts!”

“Is that everything?” Frost looked at the terrified demihumans actively avoiding Slade’s line of sight. “Oh, you can all relax. That’s just how he talks.”

“Isn’t he the new Baron of Blackwater?” Jasmine asked quietly.

“I’m not fucking deaf you mumbling fucking cat,” Slade snapped before turning back to Frost. “I suppose I should thank you for taking the beasts and bugs off our fucking hands. Fucking bug-fucking degenerate.”

“I mean,” Frost grumbled. “I’m not a bug-fucker, at least not yet.”

“Yet?” Lishri blushed. “While I would be honored and more than willing Herald Frost, I’m not actually capable of mating with humans.”

“Nobody fucking cares, you bug,” Slade said as he flagged Frost through. “Just get the fuck out of my city.”

“With pleasure,” Frost said as they rode out.

The trip back to the forest was relatively uneventful outside of some travelers gawking and saying things about Lishri or the others. When they finally arrived at the forest, they unsurprisingly found that the knights had moved their encampment to the outskirts to avoid the worst of the purge.

As they road down the bumpy dirt path he started thinking about roads, trade, and the general needs of the village. He’d acquired Lishri as a tailor but he’d need skilled tradespeople. Then there was the matter of Filan which he hadn’t even visited yet. He needed to integrate them with the elves somehow.

He didn’t really have intentions to grow the village into a metropolis or anything but wanted it to be a comfortable place for the elves and really anybody else that wanted to live there. Also, he had a pretty solid foundational knowledge of the world and had a few ideas on how to use that knowledge.

Unfortunately, as far as city planning went, his only experience was basically from games and he was pretty sure those wouldn’t all apply. Even if he was in a world that had levels and ability systems, it also seemed that time, effort, and ability mattered.

But the one thing he was positive they’d be needing was more housing. Maybe a proper inn and a proper tavern in case they actually do get guests. They also needed a school for the children in the village. He figured he could probably optimize a better training regimen than what they currently had.

“Guh,” Frost groaned. “Now that things are settling down there’s so much to do.”

“We can help!” Jasmine said excitedly. “We’re really useful!”

“Yeah,” Iris said timidly. “I don’t want you to regret bringing us along.”

“We’re super hard workers,” Zinnia added.

“I’ll do everything I can,” Lishri said nervously. “But are you really sure it’s okay that I’m…”

“It’s fine Lishri,” Frost laughed. “Don’t worry. I’m sure everybody will love all of you.”

“We also need to plan a wedding,” Brynn said cheerfully.

“I thought we already finished planning that,” Frost sighed while looking at the trees. Although they left before sun up it was nearly nightfall. Although he probably should have been happy that they arrived as early as they did. Lishri in particular looked exhausted. Unfortunately, the wagon was too small so there was nowhere she could really ride. She’d basically ran the entire way.

“Frost!” Renna screamed while dropping from a tree and wrapping herself around him. “I’ve missed you so much! We’ve all missed you so much! Why did you leave us?”

“Just had some things to take care of in Blackwater,” Frost patted her head as she grinded her hips against him. She aggressively explored his body and then slid her hands down the front of his pants and immediately began massaging his cock. “Renna, not until we’re back in the village.”

“But that’s so far,” Renna panted while gripping his cock. “I don’t care if everybody watches. I need you inside of me. I need you inside of me so bad.” Renna tried guiding her hand between her legs. “Just touch me, I’m burning up.”

“Renna,” Brynn grabbed the short-haired elf by the collar and yanked her off Frost. “Wait until we’re back in the village.”

“Then go faster,” Renna said while grinding up against Brynn. “I missed you too Lady Brynn. Want to kiss again? If you go faster, I’ll do so many fun things with Frost for you. What would you like to see?”

“Oh!” Jasmine clapped as she realized what was going on. “It’s the end of a purge! The elves at the brothel all get super crazy at the end of a purge. It’s so much fun.”

“Oh dear,” Lishri blushed as they approached the clearing where the village was. Frost could hear moaning coming from the open windows of pretty much every small house.

“You’re a real bastard Frost,” an exhausted Commander Grey said stepping out of his tent. Apparently, he was the only one that opted to stay in the area. “I was in Filan with that elf Robin when she began going all crazy. Didn’t take long before I figured out why. Next thing you know Robin’s holding a knife to that physician’s throat demanding we execute him for poising the villagers. Drags him out in the middle of the square in front of the village while he begs for mercy and admits his crimes. Well, anyway, the villagers seem to like her at least so that turned out okay. But then I came back yesterday to find my men sitting outside the forest and hear that my poor daughter was left with a bunch of crazy elves.”

“I’m sure it was fine commander,” Brynn smirked. “You look no worse for wear.”

“I suppose not,” Commander Grey said. “But poor Priscilla spent the entire time here alone dealing with their crazy and is sleeping it off. Then earlier today this nonsense started and it hasn’t stopped.”

“We should have arrived earlier,” Frost grumbled.

“I’m sorry,” Lishri said while taking a drink of water. She was obviously exhausted. “It’s my fault.”

“Do I even want to ask?” Commander Grey glanced at the Arachne and the courtesans. “Nope. I don’t. Anyway, now that you’re back, Priscilla and I are going to go join my men on the outskirts. I’ve had about enough of this. Gah. Nope, I have to ask. Question will keep me up at night. Answer might though. Nope, don’t want to know. Have a good evening Herald Frost.”

“Thanks for keeping watch commander,” Frost laughed. “You’re also free to go back to Blackwater for a week or so if you like. We came to an arrangement with Fiora while we were there.”

“Princess Fiora’s in charge now? Good to know,” Commander Grey nodded. “I’ll take you up on that. Still have to explain to my wife that I’m not the ambassador of some nameless territory full of elves. Hope she’s not too pissed.”

“I’ll think of a name eventually,” Frost said. “It seems everybody kind of names their country’s after their gods, doesn’t it?”

“I mean,” Commander Grey shrugged. “This isn’t a country yet. This is a territory. Sort of like how Blackwater is just a territory within Zira. But you do what you want.”

“I’m thinking,” Frost looked around. “It’s the Pluma Forest so Pluma Village works for a village name. Pluma territory. Then eventually for country, Shalia or Shalian. I don’t really like either. Maybe I’ll name it after me.”

“I don’t give a damn,” Commander Grey grumbled as he walked toward his tent. “I’m getting out of here.”

“Good, go. Frost, we’re home,” Renna moaned while grabbing at Frost’s leg as Brynn tried to pull her off. “You said once we get home.”

“Where are we going to stay?” Jasmine asked excitedly.

“This is a really pretty village,” Zinnia said happily. “It’s really clean and there’s plenty of space to run around.”

“Herald Frost,” Lishra looked around anxiously. “Should I set up a tent?”

“I mean,” Frost gestured at the temple. “I think you can all stay at the temple for now. I’ll have to chop some wood tomorrow to get started on a house. Ah, shit. I’m going to need nails as well. I should have thought about that. I can probably craft some though. But dammit I’m going to need ore. You know what, I’ll figure it out tomorrow. I’m sure that I can handle things.”

“Who are these women,” Renna whined while tugging at his pants. “You’ve had them, haven’t you? While I’ve been all lonely you’ve been having fun with other women. I bet it felt so good. It’s no fair. Take out your cock and let me punish you.”

“Renna,” Brynn growled while stopping the cart in Front of the temple. She pulled the green-haired elf off of Frost and pushed her off the cart. “Go inside already you horny slut. He’ll be in momentarily.”

Frost hopped out of the cart and looked around. As many thoughts as he’d had about how it’d play out, as he heard the women moaning in their homes, he suddenly had no idea of what to do. Sure, he could have walked up and knocked but was it appropriate? Would he be interrupting? Sure, Erissa said to join her and Stormi whenever he wanted, but did they mean whenever?

Then there was the fact that Renna was already waiting for him. If he chose somebody else she was bound to come looking, along with Lysandra. He hated himself for being so weak, he should be running door to door sleeping with elves but all he could think about was laying down with Lysandra.

“Frost?” Shael poked her head out of her house. Several elf children poked their heads out as well but she quickly ushered them back inside and shut the door behind her. The muscular red-headed elf was sweating as she rushed toward him. “It’s so unfair Herald Frost! They keep dropping off their children at my house. Phyrra left to go play with Lyra and I’m stuck being the babysitter again. I don’t want to watch them. I have needs too. It’s not fair. Do you know how hot I am. Here, see for yourself.”

“That is certainly hot,” Frost said as Shael pulled his hand between her legs. He reflexively slipped his finger inside of her. “Wow.”

“Goddess, yes. See how hot I am. Can you help me?” Shael gripped his wrist and held his hand there as she rolled her hips on his finger. The desperate way the tan redhead looked at him make him want to throw her up against the wall. “Please?”

“Who’ll watch the children?” Frost asked as he slipped a second finger into her. He slid his two fingers until he found her weak spot and started massaging it. He slowly pulled her closer until his lips were practically touching her. “We can’t just leave them…”

“I can watch the children!” Iris said jumping up and down while pointing at herself. “I love children!”

“Who are you?” Shael asked as Frost reached under her skirt and gripped her firm ass. “Never mind. I don’t care. Just watch the children.”

“Yay!” Iris said as she skipped toward the house. “Auntie Iris is here!”

“Should we help her?” Zinnia asked Jasmine. “It looked like there were a lot of kids.”

“Or,” Jasmine smiled at Zinnia. “There seem to be a lot of elves. I bet they need help.”

“They’re so in need,” Shael whined while wrapping her arms around Frost as he slid his finger inside of her. She hooked her long leg around his waist and pressed her large chest against him. “I need you so badly Herald Frost. I need you inside of me.”

“Right,” Frost said while pulling Shael toward the temple. He turned to the two beast girls patiently waiting for his instructions. “Do what you want but if you see a pair named Lith and Aila stay away from them or you’ll regret it.”

“I can’t wait any longer,” Shael whimpered as she reached down Frost’s pants and gripped his hard cock. “I need this so bad. I don’t care where we do it and I don’t care where you put it.”

“Frost?” an elf popped out.

“Herald Frost?” Lyra said as Phyrra as well as Lyra’s roommate Callie poked their heads out. “You’re back!”

Several half naked sweat covered elves poked their heads out of their homes. He looked around at gorgeous exposed breasts and colorful mounds of the elves. Everywhere he looked some unbelievably beautiful woman was sizing him up.

“Don’t worry Frost!” Jasmine said confidently. She stepped out in front of Frost and bowed politely as Zinnia followed her lead. “We’ll take care of everything!”

“I want Herald Frost,” Erissa whined as she stroked her pussy.

“Me too,” Mira said while stepping out of her house with Hestia and Callie in tow. The three of them glistened like they’d been pleasing each other all day.

“Herald Frost,” the blue haired Marina’s transparent robe was opened as the pink-haired Robin slid her fingers through Marina’s lush blue bush. Marina turned and licked Robin’s face while playing with her exposed breasts. “Robin said she’ll let you join us.”

“Fuck,” Frost’s cock throbbed as he almost abandoned Shael to join the two colorful elves.

“Maybe later,” Brynn pulled him toward the temple. “I believe you have quite a few obligations to meet first.”

“You’re starting with me right?” Shael asked as Frost guided her inside with his fingers. As soon as they were through the doorway the muscular elf was removing her top exposing her perfect tan breasts. “You can go as hard as you want, anywhere you want.”

“Don’t worry Herald Frost,” Jasmine yelled excitedly as they door shut. “We’ve got things handled out here!”

Frost followed Brynn and Shael into the temple with Lishra anxiously following behind. The Arachne obviously felt woefully out of place in both the village and the temple.

“Um,” Lishri looked around. “Where should I go?”

“Wherever you want,” Frost said as Brynn dragged him toward the stairs. “Any of the rooms downstairs are fine.”

“Are you sure?” Lishri asked. “Shouldn’t we check with somebody?”

“It’s fine,” Lysandra growled through clenched teeth as she arrived at the bannister in her underwear. Renna stood behind her with her hand down Lysandra’s panties “Sleep wherever you want. Frost. Get…up…here…now. Bring Shael if you want, bring the entire village if you want. But I want your cock in me now.”

“Absolutely,” Frost pulled his fingers from Shael and rushed after Lysandra with the two women in tow. He paused in front of Ena’s open door as he heard Fayeth’s unmistakable voice.

“Fuck,” Fayeth moaned. He looked inside to see Ena’s ass in the air and face buried between Fayeth’s thighs. The busty blonde elf noticed him. “Keep licking. Don’t stop. Ena, do a good job, the herald is watching…”

“What?” Ena looked back and glared hatefully at Frost before turning back to Fayeth. A second later Ena’s legs were spreading apart and she began playing with herself. “Is he still looking?”

“Yes,” Fayeth said while pushing Ena’s head down. “He’s watching you.”

Ena slipped her fingers inside of herself and spread her pussy. She wiggled her ass back and forth slowly as if trying to entice him. It would be so easy to just walk in and slide his cock in her pussy. He felt Brynn tug at him as he began walking through the door.

“I said now,” Lysandra said with crazed eyes while sliding her hand between Renna’s legs. She hooked her fingers inside and lifted as Renna smiled excitedly. “You can join those two if you have energy after satisfying the rest of us.”

“All of us,” Shael said while walking toward Lysandra. The tan redhead grabbed Lysandra’s face and began kissing the white-haired priestess.

“Shit.” Frost watched as Renna shifted her attention to Shael. The petite elf’s hands slid up and down Shael’s well-worked abs appreciating every inch of them but it was only a pretense to get to Shael’s short skirt. Renna slid her fingers into the waistband and pulled the skirt down revealing Shael’s flawlessly defined ass and hairless cunt.

“What are you waiting for handsome? You’re the one that wanted to come back early,” Brynn smiled. “Not so excited now, are you?”

“I’m so fucking excited,” Frost said as he walked toward the trio of elves. As soon as he was within range they practically dragged him into the bedroom. It was a blur as they worked in unison undressing him and shoving him toward the bed. “Holy fuck.”

“You’re telling me,” Brynn said as Renna stripped her naked. Renna shoved the petite bard onto the bed next to Frost and climbed on top. “Renna, I can’t.”

“Don’t worry,” Renna guided Brynn’s hand toward her pussy. “You’re just using your hands.”

“Renna,” Brynn chuckled nervously.

“Just do this for me,” she whined while spreading her pussy for Brynn. “Please? Frost is going to keep me waiting forever, I just know it.”

“I’m sure fingers are fine,” Frost smirked at the blushing bard. “Right?”

“Just fingers,” Brynn moaned while slipping her index and middle inside of Renna. “And you can’t…”

“More,” Renna immediately whined as Renna began massaging her with her nimble fingers. “Your fingers are too small.”

“What are you looking at?” Shael said aggressively grabbing Frost’s face. The sexy redhead plunged her tongue so deep into his mouth he thought she was trying to fuck his throat with it. Frost wrapped one arm around her and began moving it down toward her firm ass. He gripped her entire firm cheek and was in awe by how perfect her athletic ass was.

“It’s been so hard waiting for you,” Lysandra whined as she eagerly licked his cock. “You’re so mean. Why were you so mean to us?”

“I’m sorry,” Frost moaned as he pulled away from Shael. The elf aggressively turned him back toward her and retook his mouth. In response he worked his hand further around her ass and began teasing her soaked cunt with his fingertips. With his free hand he reached down and placed his hand on Lysandra’s head.

“I’ve missed you so much,” Lysandra moaned before taking the tip of his cock into her mouth. Frost immediately began guiding Lysandra to take it deeper.

“Mmmm,” Shael moaned as her tongue swirled in his mouth. The gorgeous athletic elf thrust her fingers into her pussy several times before bringing them to his face. She pulled away from his mouth allowing him a moment to breath before quickly shoving three fingers into his mouth. His cock tensed as her potent flavor overtook his mouth. She pulled him out and gave him several sensitive pecks. “That wasn’t too rough was it? You’re so strong after all. Please tell me it wasn’t too rough?”

“It wasn’t...” Frost groaned in pleasure as Lysandra reached the base of his cock. The gorgeous white-haired elf wasn’t holding anything back as she rapidly bobbed while saliva flowed from her mouth. “Fuck.”

“Good,” Shael said as she reached back down between her legs to her overflowing cunt. She slipped her fingers inside of herself and quickly brought them to Frost’s mouth before repeating the process. Each time she became more aggressive with her fingers as if she were really trying to throat fuck him. “Taste me. Do you like my taste? Tell me you like my taste.”

“I like you’re taste,” Frost said as Shael dove in to kiss him again.

“More,” Renna whined as Brynn slipped four fingers inside of her tight cunt. Frost could see the juices already covering the bard’s hand as Renna continued to rock back and forth. They were actually pooling on her stomach and chest. Brynn’s free hand was working overtime on her clit and it based on the wet spot he was seeing on her panties she’d already orgasmed at least once. “It’s not enough.”

“I don’t have anymore fingers,” Brynn whined while playing with herself. “Do you want my entire hand in you or something?”

“Yes,” Renna leaned down and licked Brynn’s face. “That’s exactly what I want. Can you? Will you?”

“Um,” Brynn looked to Frost as she attempted to balance on line of what exactly constitutes breaking her vow of chastity. She was opposed to touching Frost’s cock because it was too close to sex, but she made an exception for pussy since she touched her own. But, having never shoved her hand inside of herself, she was entering a new grey area. “Frost?”

“I think it’s okay,” Frost moaned as Lysandra’s fucked his cock with her throat. Tears flowed from her violet-eyes as she stared at him, eagerly waiting for her reward. “Fuck. Brynn, it’s up to you. I’m marrying you regardless.”

“Please,” Renna begged while licking Brynn’s face like some sort of animal. “Please, please, please.”

“Okay,” Brynn nodded. “I think it’s okay. As long as it’s not happening to me, I’m still chaste.”

“I love you,” Renna moved down and licked Brynn’s nipples. “I love you, I love you, I love you.”

“What are you doing?” Brynn asked as Renna stopped kissing her and turned her body around so her pussy faced Brynn. “Renna?”

“This angle is easier,” Renna said as if she were an expert. She grabbed Brynn’s hand and guided it back to her pussy. “See?”

“Oh,” Brynn blushed as she slipped her four fingers into Renna’s pussy as the petite green-haired elf wiggled her ass and cunt in Brynn’s face. Brynn bit her lip as Renna’s aroma permeated her senses. “Oh goddess.”

“Please,” Renna whined as she backed onto Brynn’s four fingers, taking them into her tight cunt as if they were nothing. “Please, you said you would.”

“Lysandra,” Frost panted as the white-haired elf’s fingers began lubricating his asshole with juices from her pussy. She was done waiting for him and intended to make him cum by any means necessary. “What are you…fuck…I’ve never…”

“Frost,” Lysandra pulled his cock from her mouth and caressed it while staring at him. She began slowly moving her hand while continuing to transfer her lubricants to his asshole. “I love you. I love you so much. I know you’ll love this. Will you trust me? Please, trust me. I want to make you feel good because I love you.”

“Fuck it,” Frost moaned as Shael thrust her nectar-soaked fingers back onto his mouth. She swirled them around before pulling out. The elves were completely ravenous and he wasn’t about to tell them no. “If you want…holy fuck.”

“Mmmffm,” Lysandra moaned as she started deepthroating him even more aggressively than before. It was as if his cock had completely demolished any semblance of a gag reflex in the sexy elf as she pleased him.

“Relax,” Shael said licking his ear. “It’s so much easier if you relax. It’ll feel so good.” Shael smiled and reached behind her. The redheaded elf guided Frost’s fingers from her pussy toward her asshole and gave him another deep kiss. Frost took the hint and began swirling her juices on her asshole before slipping a finger inside. “Yes…like that. It feels so good.”

“Oh goddess,” Renna moaned as Brynn’s thumb joined the rest of her fingers. The petite elf began gently rocking back and forth as Brynn looked on in disbelief. The elf thrust herself against Brynn’s hand until she reached the knuckles then pulled away. “That feels so good. Does that feel good for you?”

“Yeah,” Brynn panted as Renna’s slick juices coated her fingers. Brynn’s free hand was working overtime on her own drenched pussy as she stared at Renna’s dripping cunt. She leaned up slightly, getting so close to Renna’s pussy that Frost thought she was going to lick it. “Goddess you’re so beautiful Renna.”

“Lady Brynn,” Renna moaned as she thrust herself back even further, this time refusing to stop. Frost looked on as Renna’s tight little pussy stretched over Brynn’s knuckles and down to her wrist. Renna let out a long sigh of relief and smiled excitedly at Brynn. “You feel so good inside of me Lady Brynn. Now fuck me.”

“Goddess help me,” Brynn moaned as she began gently pushing and pulling inside of Renna’s drenched pussy. Renna smiled and began moving her face down closer to Brynn’s dripping pink slit as Brynn ravaged herself. “Renna, you can’t.”

“I won’t touch it,” Renna panted as she got so close to Brynn’s pussy that the slender bard could feel her breath. “I’m just watching.”

“Renna,” Brynn tilted her hips upward so the playful emerald-eyed elf could get a better view. She spread her legs wider while also using her fingers to open up her pussy. “Do you like it?”

“Yes,” Renna moaned while rocking on Brynn’s hand. “I want to lick you so much. After you marry Frost, can I lick you, right?”

“Goddess,” Brynn rapidly swirled her finger on her clit as she started to orgasm. Her juices splattered against Renna’s face and the elf quickly slid her fingers against them and licked them all up. Not satisfied with just that, she grabbed Brynn’s nectar drenched hand and began cleaning it with her tongue. “You’ll need to ask Frost, but if it’s okay with him…”

“It’s absolutely okay. Fuck, Lysandra, already?” Frost groaned as Lysandra readied her finger against his asshole. She began applying pressure to his lube drenched opening and effortlessly slid in her middle finger. He felt a jolt shoot through him as the reality of the situation hit him. “Lysandra…”

“Mmmff,” Lysandra giggled on his cock causing her throat to rapidly tighten and relax on his shaft. Between her finger slowly rubbing against his insides and her throat tightening on his cock, he was completely overwhelmed.

“Give her what she wants,” Shael said while thrusting three of her pussy soaked fingers back into his mouth. The elves were treating him like a plaything and he absolutely loved it. The beautiful tan redhead pulled her fingers from his mouth and kissed him. As she pulled away, she began adjusting. “I’ll give you what you want.”

“What I want?” Frost moaned as Shael climbed to her feet and moved so her pussy was hovering over his face. He could see her gorgeous pink folds dripping with her juices as well as her beautiful athletic ass. “Fuck, yes. I want you.”

“Open your mouth,” Shael said as she slowly knelt down so her pussy was even closer to his face. She swayed back and forth until her fragrance was all he could think about. He felt the warm droplets from her pussy against his cheek and then a few landed in his mouth. “Tell me what you want.”

“I want to lick your pussy,” Frost panted as he felt his cock tense in Lysandra’s throat.

“Do you want me to cum in your mouth?” Shael asked while running her fingers through his hair. “Phyrra always lets me cum in her mouth.”

“Yes,” Frost answered as Shael teased him by fingering herself. Brynn looked over and her eyes lit up like she had an idea. But all Frost could think about was Shael’s beautiful bald pussy. “Cum in my mouth.”

“You really are an elf fucking degenerate,” Brynn moaned as she pulled her hand from Renna’s gaping pussy and began moving out from under her. Brynn smiled wickedly at the petite slender elf

“Lady Brynn,” Renna whined grievously. “I’m not done.”

“Neither am I. Get down on your back,” Brynn panted authoritatively while gesturing at the bed. Renna obediently laid down as Brynn completely tore off her soaked panties revealing her perfect pink slit. She wadded them up and shoved them in Renna’s mouth while pinning the petite elf’s arms beneath her shins while Renna stared at her pussy. “Stay.”

“Mmff,” Renna moaned as the flavor of Brynn’s soaked panties filled her mouth. Brynn quickly reverted her attention back to Renna’s soaked pussy and slid her fingers inside. Then, after a few seconds, she once again inserted he entire hand up to the wrist and began fucking her. “Mmmfffmmfff!”

“Frost?” Shael smiled as she stared down at him like some sort of powerful goddess. “Stick out your tongue.”

Frost obediently stuck out his tongue as Shael dropped her pussy down onto his face, her soft lips touching down precisely on his tongue. Then she kept dropping, adding more force until he couldn’t breathe. He slipped his tongue inside of her as she slowly began rocking back and forth on his face.

“Mmmff!” Lysandra moaned as Frost almost instantly released in her throat. His cock pulsed like he’d been holding it in for hours even though it’d only been minutes. He could feel himself pouring his cum down her throat with every throb of his cock.

“Ffffkkk,” Frost groaned as Shael continued to fuck his face. His sensitive cock was being tortured as Lysandra continued to suck on it even after he’d cum. The excited elf only removed the finger from his ass and her mouth from his cock when she was positive he’d still be hard.

“Goddess,” Lysandra moaned as she straddled his waist and climbed onto his cock. The priestess’ soaked pussy readily accepted him as she slowly began to slide down onto him. He had no idea how much he’d missed her pussy until right then. The amazing warm and caressing sensation as she moved up and down on his cock was mind-numbing. “I’ve missed this so much. Frost, I love you so much.”

“We all love you,” Shael said while allowing him to breath. Frost was almost dizzy as he bathed in Shael’s fragrance. “Do you love us?”

“I love you,” Frost panted as Shael gently lowered herself onto him while spreading her pussy with her fingers so he could see her clit. Frost instantly began tracing her pink pearl with his tongue as the tan redhead shivered. “I love all of you.”

“Frost!” Lysandra cried out and he felt her warmth pour over his hips as she orgasmed. “More, I want more. Frost, tell me you didn’t use the infertility spell today.”

“What?” Frost asked confused as he licked at Shael’s pussy. Obviously, he’d used the infertility spell but the tone in Lysandra’s voice suggested she didn’t care. She just wanted to hear the words. “I didn’t use the infertility spell.”

“Goddess,” Lysandra whimpered as she began riding him harder. “Yes, I’m going to stop using mine Frost. I’m going to stop and then I can be all yours.”

“Fuck,” Frost panted as he felt Lysandra’s wet cunt tighten.

“Frost,” Shael whined while moving up slightly and taking control of her clit. She was rubbed it rapidly while rolling her hips. “I’m about to cum. Get ready.”

“Fu…” Frost was cut off as Shael dropped onto his open mouth and he tasted her warm nectar. He rapidly licked her opening as the sexy redhead came in his mouth. He could feel her entire body trembling as she continued to rub herself.

“Herald Frost,” Shael whined as she punished herself. “Herald Frost is licking my…goddess…again.”

“Ffff,” Frost groaned as Shael’s flavors continued to inundate his tongue. He continued to lick as Lysandra bounced on his cock and then as he felt another deluge of warmth from Lysandra’s cunt he couldn’t hold back anymore and began to cum.

“Yes,” Lysandra whined while thrusting her hips against his cock and holding them there as she moved her hips back and forth. He could feel the tip of his cock begin massaged by another opening as he realized that if he ever did forget the infertility spell the elf priestess had no intention of holding back. “Love me. Love me.”

“Lysandra,” Frost moaned as Shael lifted off his face and rolled to the side. The way her insides massaged him sent jolts through his body. “You’re amazing.”

“Frost!” Lysandra moaned as she came one final time before collapsing against his chest. The white-haired elf rapidly kissed his chest while staring up at him with eyes more filled with love than he’d ever seen. “I love you. Never leave us.”

“Never,” Brynn answered for him while punishing Renna. Frost looked down to see Renna’s face completely drenched in Brynn’s juices as the dark-haired bard played with herself. “We’re never going to leave.”

“Mmmff!” Renna moaned out as she squirted onto the mattress. From the size of the puddle it seemed she’d already squirted several times and Brynn intended to go until the green-haired thief passed out.

“Shael,” Frost grinned wickedly as the redhead rested on her stomach. If there was any chance of his cock calming down that was ruined as soon as he saw Renna’s face drenched in Brynn’s juices. He grinned at the dominant woman’s big athletic ass. “How do you feel about taking something bigger than a finger.”

“Yes,” Shael nodded as her face turned as red as her hair. She continued to lay on her stomach but lifted her ass slightly. “You can have every part of me my herald.”

“I love you,” Lysandra yawned as Frost gently rolled her off him.

“Shael,” Frost smied as he moved in position behind the tan elf and grabbed her firm ass and squeezed. He couldn’t believe how fantastic it felt in his hands and even more how fantastic it felt to have Shael obediently presenting herself. He slipped his fingers into her pussy and began lubricating her asshole with her abundant juices. “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Shael whimpered. “I want you inside of me. Please fuck my asshole.”

“If that’s what you want,” Frost grinned as he pressed the tip of his large cock against her ass. He was so covered in juices that the tip slipped right in causing Shael to moan loudly. “Are you okay?”

“It feels so good,” Shael panted excitedly. “It’s so much better than Phyrra’s fingers.”

“Oh?” Frost leaned down and kissed Shael’s shoulders as he gently pushed himself deeper. “Does your roommate play with your ass a lot?”

“Only when I ask her to,” Shael whimpered. “If you want her to stop, I’ll…”

“No,” Frost said while slowly moving toward her ear. “Do you think Phyrra would let me watch?”

“Yes,” Shael panted as Frost’s cock thrust halfway into her ass. He began slowly pulling it out and thrusting it back in as Shael continued to moan. “Goddess please come and watch us. Join us. We’ve already talked about it…”

“You’ve talked about me?” Frost smiled as he slowly fucked Shael’s tight ass. “Are you plotting?”

“Yes,” Shael whimpered as Frost finally fit the entirety of his cock inside of her. “You were supposed to come over and talk about combat with me. Then Phyrra was going to volunteer to demonstrate some techniques, but they weren’t really techniques…goddess…my ass feels so good.”

“Does it,” Frost said while grabbing Shael’s arms and pinning them above her head as he plunged his cock into her asshole. The brawny elf whimpered with each powerful thrust of his cock and then he heard the unmistakable splatter of her cumming on the bedding. “So, if I want to do this to you in front of Phyrra…”

“Yes!” Shael’s ass tightened on his cock. “Please, fuck me in front of anybody you want as long as you fuck me Herald Frost!”

“You’re going to be the worst husband,” Brynn panted and smiled wickedly as she looked on. She laid exhausted in a puddle of Renna’s juices as the tiny elf was passed out beneath her with Brynn’s panties still in her mouth.

“Are you sure you’re going to feel the same way after your purge is over?” Frost kissed the tip of the redhead’s ear. “And what if I want you to serve Brynn?”

“Don’t involve me in your schemes,” Brynn laughed and looked for a dry pillow to rest on.

“Lady Brynn can have me if she wants,” Shael panted as Frost thrust inside her ass several times. “As long as you love me.”

“Of course,” Frost said as he began to release in Shael’s asshole. The redheaded elf began to quake as one more gushing orgasm poured forth. He kissed the exhausted redhead’s cheek. “What’s not to love? You’re all so perfect.”

“You’re definitely doing it on purpose,” Brynn grumbled as Frost grinned wickedly at her. She was right, he was definitely complimenting them on purpose just to see her pouty face. “I know it.”

“Hmm,” Frost looked back at the door. “I think I’ll…”

“Go check on Ena and Fayeth?” Brynn said judgmentally. “Are you sure you want to fuck Ena under these circumstances? She may be upset when she’s calmed down.”

“Hm,” Frost grumbled while glancing at the petite bard. She had a point. He’d much rather make Ena beg for it when she wasn’t under the influence of her hormones. “Fine, Frost learned toward Brynn. But then I want you.”

“Not until our wedding,” Brynn said while pressing her hand against his chest. “Then you can have me day and night until I can’t move. But until then…”

“I’m really hating that rule,” Frost said. “But I suppose it’s only a month.”

“Only?” Brynn chuckled. “It was easy before I met you handsome. There was nobody I wanted. Now I feel like my body’s on fire. A month feels like forever.”

“Well,” Frost leaned in and kissed his fiancé. “I promise to do my best to make you feel like I’m worth the wait.”

“That was almost sweet,” Brynn blushed as he looked for a dry spot to lay down beside her. “Maybe there’s hope for you yet.”

“I love you Brynn,” Frost kissed the bard’s neck. “That’s why I’m telling you that you shouldn’t marry me. I’m really going to be an awful husband.”

“Handsome,” Brynn stroked his face. “Stop trying to get out of it. You’re the one that I want. And don’t worry, I’m going to be an awful wife.”

“Really?” Frost grinned. “How do you figure?”

“Let’s just say that elf-fucker won’t be your own exclusive title,” Brynn said smugly while glancing at Renna.

“Oh?” Frost said playfully pecking her lips. “You think I’m going to share?”

“Share?” Brynn laughed. “I own you, remember? That means everything of yours is mine. But don’t worry, if you say sweet things to me I’ll let you watch.”

“Let me?” Frost smirked. “Good luck stopping me.”

“Handsome?” Brynn glanced at him like she had something she wanted to say. “Say it again.”

“Say what?” Frost asked.

“That you love me,” Brynn blushed while cuddling up next to him.

“I love you,” Frost smiled while kissing the petite bard’s cheek.

“I love you too,” Brynn said while adjusting. “Can we trade spots? Mine is all wet.”

“Won’t do you any good,” Frost sighed. “Mine is soaked as well. It’ll dry eventually.”

CHAPTER 29

“Sebastian,” Shalia’s voice rang in his ear and he opened his eyes. He was floating in a sea of starlight as the white-haired goddess stared at him. He was right that she and Lysandra looked similar, but simultaneously they were completely different. Shalia’s hair was white, but it burned like starlight and her amethyst eyes glowed like they were backlit. In fact, her entire body glowed like it was the source of light in the universe. Even her white gown was glowing. “It’s time to pay up.”

“Pay up?” Frost asked. “What are you talking about?”

“Our wager,” Shalia said playfully. “You bet me that you’d make an awful herald.”

“Oh,” Frost nodded as he vaguely recalled the conversation. “Yeah, you should pay up then.”

“Excuse me?” Shalia poked his chest. “You lost.”

“How do you figure?” Frost scoffed at the goddess.

“How do you figure you haven’t?” Shalia said irritably. “I sent you to the world and you risked your life protecting my followers! You are a great herald…”

“Let me stop you right there,” Frost interrupted. “Great? I killed a bunch of people and I didn’t even necessarily have to kill them. And how great is it to take advantage of a bunch of elves who are desperate to be loved?”

“No, no, no!” Shalia interrupted while poking him. “You’re sleeping with my followers even though it’ll get you shamed by the rest of the world! You’re loving them even though nobody else will! You’re a good herald!”

“I think love is a strong word. And I don’t care what the rest of the world thinks. Also, did you forget that I slept with Renna with Lysandra in the bed despite knowing it was wrong? Also, are you choosing to ignore that I plotted to take advantage of the end of their purge knowing full well they’d be hormonal. I also cheated on them with a bunch of courtesans and…”

“Right! The courtesans count as my followers now! Want to see something amazing?” Shalia said excitedly as she shifted from an elf to a Myrran. “See? I have a Myrran follower so now I can be a Myrran.”

“Huh?” Frost said as he stared at the white-haired Myrran with amethyst eyes. “What’s that have to do with our bet?”

“Nothing,” Shalia smiled as she changed back to her elf form. “But it’s exciting! Either way, you lost! And as for the end of their purge, if you’re such a bad herald why didn’t you sleep with Ena? You only slept with elves that previously showed an interest in you.”

“I was exhausted,” Frost grumbled despite knowing she had a point. “There was…”

“No, no, no!” Shalia laughed and pointed. “I heard that! You said I had a point!”

“No, I didn’t,” Frost growled as he made a mental note that she could read his mind. “Besides, I was on my way to do it but Brynn stopped me. I just didn’t want to piss off my fiancé.”

“Your fiancé,” Shalia gritted her teeth. “Right, her. I suppose that’s a point in the bad herald column. You should pick a different fiancé. How about Lysandra? Or Renna? Or any of the courtesans?”

“What’s wrong with Brynn?” Frost smirked. “Does it bother you that she’s a worshipper of Ziralia? I was thinking I might convert for her…”

“That’s not funny!” Shalia said angrily. “Ziralia has hundreds of thousands of followers! I don’t even have a hundred! It’s bad enough that my herald is marrying a follower of Ziralia.”

“I was kidding,” Frost laughed. “Anyway, I don’t really remember our bet. But I know that good people don’t do half the stuff I did.”

“Sebastian,” Shalia laughed. “Our wager had nothing to do with whether or not you were a good person. It had everything to do with whether or not you’d be a good herald. And you are a great herald.”

“I’m definitely not,” Frost chuckled.

“Oh really?” Shalia grinned wickedly. “Then tell me Sebastian, what do you plan to do next?”

“Next?” Frost thought about his plans and let out an audible sigh. “There’s so much to do. I have to build more houses, figure out some proper methodology for training the elves because right now they’re doing horribly, I should probably have a proper road built to Filan but that’s going to cost money…dammit. Basically, everything I’m doing is going to make the elves stronger which is going to entice more people to become your followers, isn’t it?”

“Exactly,” Shalia poked his nose. “You see Sebastian, being a good herald has nothing to do with being a good person. Although, I imagine you would have been an awful herald if you were sent by any of the others.”

“Why’s that?” Frost asked.

“Well,” Shalia tapped her chin pensively. “Tarr is a war god. You would have probably been killed as an imposter for even attempting a diplomatic solution. And you’ve met Ziralia’s followers, she’s just as judgmental as they are. As for Riliandra, well, she recently went from hundreds of thousands of followers to a few thousand worshipping in secret…”

“Right,” Frost nodded. “Rilia has the goddess hating warlord thing.”

“Exactly,” Shalia said. “My point is, you’re a good herald for me. So, I won our bet.”

“I still disagree,” Frost grumbled. “But what were the terms anyway?”

“You said, and I’m quoting you here,” Shalia smiled impishly. “You know what Shalia…if you’re right and I’m wrong, I’ll eat your ass.”

“Oh,” Frost grinned. “This is one of those types of dreams. Why didn’t you say so?”

“Does that mean you’re willing to admit you were wrong Sebastian?” Shalia asked smugly.

“It means I’m willing to pay up,” Frost answered.

“Good enough I suppose,” Shalia began sliding down a pair of celestially white panties from under her gown. “And I expect a full payment.”

“Absolutely,” Frost laughed as the goddess began to lift her dress.

“Frost!” Jasmine yelled while jumping on top of him and jolting him awake. “This village is so much fun!”

Frost was abnormally aggravated by the rude awakening but he wasn’t sure why. But that feeling faded fast as he stared at his excited Myrran. He wasn’t used to be being woken up by a beautiful cat-eared courtesan but he could get used to it.

“Shael says I can help with the children all I want,” Iris said cheerfully while shoving him awake. “Can you believe it? She said I can be her teaching assistant! I’m so happy!”

“And there’s meat in the kitchen!” Zinnia said excitedly. “We hardly ever got meat at the brothel!”

“Frost they’re your pets,” Brynn covered her ears with the pillow. “You take care of them. I’m still sleeping.”

“Really Lady Brynn,” Lysandra sat on edge the bed. She’d obviously woke up early to bathe and make herself presentable. It looked like Shael and Renna had done the same. “I would have thought you’d be excited to start planning your wedding.”

“Wedding planning?” Brynn pulled the pillow off her head. “Really?”

“Of course,” Lysandra said cheerfully. “I’ve discussed it with some of the others and we’ve decided we approve of you as Herald Frost’s wife.”

“I didn’t need your approval,” Brynn said. “I own him. I’ll do with him as I please.”

“Obviously,” Lysandra smiled. “But now we won’t work against you. Doesn’t that make you happy?”

“Are we invited?” Zinnia asked as her tail wagged back and forth. “Are we?”

“Please, please, please, please, please,” Iris said while bouncing. “Can we be invited?’

“Are we?” Jasmine pouted. “We promise we’ll be good! And everybody will be so jealous when we tell them we were invited to a royal wedding!”

“Yes,” Frost answered while yawning. “You’re all invited.”

“Yes!” Zinnia jumped into the bed and began licking his chest while moving lower. “Oh! You taste like…well, I bet you know what you taste like.”

“Are you feeling well?” Lysandra sat at the head of the bed and stroked his hair. “You look confused.”

“I’m trying to remember the dream I just had,” Frost said while staring at Lysandra. As she stared down at him, he remembered her white hair and amethyst eyes. “I think I was dreaming about you.”

“About me?” Lysandra giggled. “Herald Frost, you shouldn’t say things like that in front of your fiancé.”

“I told her I’m going to be a terrible husband,” Frost smirked playfully while grabbing Lysandra’s waist. “Besides, I can’t control who I dream about.”

“I should rethink the marriage,” Brynn laughed while climbing out of bed. “You’re a real heartless bastard handsome.”

“Obviously,” Frost said. “Lysandra and the elves stole it.”

“I swear you say the sweetest things to everybody but me on purpose,” Brynn said through clenched teeth.

“So,” Lysandra asked as she watched Zinnia getting dangerously low on his abs. The salacious woman was licking every inch of his body as if bathing him. “Tell me about this dream. Was it a good one?”

“I’m not sure,” Frost said pensively. “But I remembered enjoying it.”

“Frost,” Zinnia stroked his morning wood. “Would you like some help with this?”

“Well,” Lysandra lifted the blanket to look at his rock-hard cock. “At least part of you remembers. When you’re done taking care of that come down for breakfast. There’s a lot to do today.”

“You’re not going to help?” Frost grinned.

“It looks like you have plenty of help,” Lysandra laughed as Zinnia licked him. “And if I’m being honest, I’m still sore from last night. I suppose I could if you insisted but you’d need to be very gentle.”

“Will you be better by tonight?” Frost grinned.

“If not I’m sure we can find somebody,” Lysandra smiled as she stood up. “We all love you after all.”

The End

Thanks for reading!

We really hope you loved this book! Our goal is to continue to build fantastic worlds filled with over the top erotic content but to do that we need fans. So, if you enjoyed our story and want to keep tabs on our progress, here are a few ways that you can.

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Once again! Thank you so much for reading!

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Herald of Shalia Series

Herald of Shalia Book 1

Herald of Shalia Book 2 (Coming Soon!)

Forbidden Arcana Series

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Ariel (Book 2)

Mirage (Book 3)

Theia (Book 4)

Sable (Book 5)

Luna (Book 6)

Talia (Book 7)

Morgana (Book 8)

Valaria (Book 9)

Arcana Slice of Life Series

Animal Magnetism (After Sable)

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Copyright © 2019 by Tamryn Tamer. All rights reserved. www.tamryntamer.com & www.smirkpublishing.com.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. Except in the cases permitted by copyright law.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. All characters are eighteen years or older.

Table of Contents

- Let's Have Some Fun!
- More from Tamryn Tamer
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Acknowledgements
- You may also like
- Copyright