Mage Revenge Pt. 02

Thanks to :

AD&D for a world of spells & magic

Jack Vance, "Eyes of the Overworld" for being a source of inspiration for TSR & myself

Synopsis :

Set in an alternate reality, fantasy world. Alysa Ascanius, an Arch Mage whose diplomat parents were tortured & killed by Cantran clergy when she was a 12 year old child enacts revenge against the perpetrators decades later. She has started her mission to the Cantran capital with her small entourage supposedly as a diplomatic consul but she has another agenda.

Tags : FLR, femdom, loving wives, cuck, feminisation, fantasy, magic, combat

It's starts off slow but events cascade soon enough. Skipping chapters wont be useful, so reading sequentially from chapter 1 is recommended

There are no STD's in this fantasy world.

--

In the morning, my cock, pubic hair and groin were encrusted with our combined dried lubrication and ejaculate. We should have cleaned up immediately after making love. However Lyria magically cleaned us both, solving the problem. I missed being able to use spells and cantrips for the myriad of minor tasks that needed doing every day.

My orderly was waiting outside the tent as we had slept in and the rest of the camp was getting ready for our descent down the hills into the city and castle. Legionnaires were polishing their armour and leather bindings to parade at their best. I waved him away as I was bursting to piss and went over to the shallow latrine trench to relieve myself.

"Consul, Centurion Gantacus requests your presence."

"Tell him, I'll be there after a bite to eat. Chase up something for me to eat and a hot cup of cocoa."

"Of course sir," as he trotted off.

Lyria, emerged from the tent and came over to me. "Apologies consul, I was out of line last night," she said formally.

Jokingly, I countered with, "Lyria if that was the outcome of your being out of line, I hope you do it more often. Seriously, I understand that it must have seemed strange. This is the last we shall speak of the matter." I hugged her and smacked her behind to send her off to clean up. I could be bossy too.

Trartus, my orderly came back with a bowl of oats and a cup of cocoa. I took them and asked him to lead me to Gantacus.

"Gantacus."

"Consul."

He was seated on a small fold up stool with his weapons next to him. All soldiers on campaign had a weapon within reach at all times. He gestured to a large rock he had reserved for me with a towel laid over it. I sat and ate my oats. Even mages had at the very least a knife at hand too. Projecting a knife at speed with perfect accuracy was a deadly deterrent.

We had discussed likely scenarios for our arrival in Synessia and we had planned for similar protocol as used at other courts, but this was a special case and neither of us could be certain how events would proceed. The mage college, the king and his senior advisors had briefed all the senior members of the party.

We had assurances from the Cantrans that we would be safe and given diplomatic immunity. But they had said the same twenty years ago and the same king and the the bishop involved last time were the head of the state and clergy respectively. We had contingencies and code words to indicate various levels of danger. Kings often do as they wish in their own domain regardless of the consequences as they have total power and are used to wielding it. We planned to tread lightly to avoid irritating the cardinal or king, especially in public auditoriums. In private we would take a less measured but still cautious stance.

I had been given details and message protocols for contacting our spies here and all those Cantrans who had been charmed while they were in our court. And to determine if they were still compromised. Our local spies would also be aware of our arrival and would be expecting to brief us on the latest developments. This needed to be done soonest to arm ourselves with the latest knowledge that we could potentially use in initial negotiations. The magistra, king and marshall were very interested in hearing the latest developments with paladins and battlepriests. Lyria and I had been warned not to use any magic until we learnt what alarums if any the Cantran clergy had enacted in their castle.

We would be watched and reported on closely so we had to be very circumspect not to give away the identity of any local operatives. My urgent and primary goal was to embed the second plant in the castle's water supply. A natural spring in the lowest level of the castle. Once that was in place regardless of the outcome of our diplomatic mission, events would unfold inevitably. But better by far for them to be guided than happen randomly.

A secret contingent of fifty of our most experienced battlemages led by Minnerv herself were enroute behind us and would infiltrate the city and castle soon after we arrived. If events cascaded as we planned they may not be needed or at least not for explosive violence and mayhem.

We were planning to put Lyria in the castle kitchens on the pretence to learn Cantran recipes. Kitchens were often a rich source of gossip. As were servants who often saw and heard more than their masters expected.

None of our party other than myself know the complete plan, in case the Cantrans took the risk to kidnap and torture any of our contingent. Although, knowing the mind of Minnerv better than most, I was almost certain there were plans and contingencies that I had no knowledge of. And no one except myself knew of my plans for revenge on the once bishop, now cardinal.

It was likely their King would already be aware of our imminent arrival and presence close to the city. They knew we were coming and the approximate time. Probably we had been observed for the last few days. We hadn't tried to hide or take back paths here. A party of our size cannot sneak around like a small group. He would surely have an escort to lead us in. Protocol would be up to them and it was likely the king would keep us waiting for a day or two after we arrived in the city and make our presentation at court a major event and formal occasion and likely an evening banquet. Whether we would be outside or inside the castle was up to him. We were unsure of where our soldiers would be garrisoned. Given the circumstances of our exit from the capital last time, we didn't expect them to be stationed inside the castle and to be watched closely. We were flexible. Once we decamped this morning we would be on display for Cantra to see and judge. We planned to relax and disarm them by having no mages officially in our delegation.

"Any changes or new thoughts now we are here consul?"

"We have to see what they have planned and react after that. They seemed genuine enough to want to meet and reopen a consulate and restart trade negotiations. According to our spies not much has changed since our last efforts here but that is old information, months out of date. The clergy may be a problem and they likely think of us as godless pagans or heathens that dabble in heretical magic and this could potentially cause problems. Depends on how greed tempers their sensibilities. We have a great deal to offer them, more than they to us. Our empire is rapidly expanding, theirs has been stagnant for the last two decades. They have several contested borders and resistance from most of their surrounding states. They are not well liked. There have even been some minor uprisings inside Cantra due to their high taxes and rigid control. They squash any resistance brutally which doesn't endear them to the general populace or regional lords. They have problems but are still in complete control and apart from us, are the most powerful empire on the continent. We mustn't underestimate them."

"What time will your men be ready to leave?"

"Give us another 3 hours to be presentable and we can head off, say around midday."

"It's possible they might try to provoke us to see our response. The men must stay in line unless I order otherwise. Unlikely, but after last time we need to be ready for anything. All the women will be staying for you initially until I see how the winds blow. And be ready to leave at a moments notice, know where the horses are stabled and keep weapons, water and rations ready to go. Brief Lyria, as she will be vital in the event of any catastrophe but likely to be stationed with the cooks or nearer to me. We will be closely watched and there must be no hint of any mages with us. Surely they will have taken some precautions after we embarrassed them previously."

Gantacus was ignorant of much of the labyrinthine plans about to unfold and I felt the burden of responsibility to keep everyone safe. I recalled the words of one of our ancient sages - "You are but a leaf blown on the winds of great change." I am starting to think I might be such a leaf.

===

The legionnaires were all in their mounted version of combat armour in splinted mail armour with metal plumed helmets, greaves, etc. All polished with shields bearing the Monagon crest.

The signifer leading, followed by Gantacus, then myself, the assistant consul, our scribe, then the legionnaire squads, 3 abreast, headed by their decurions. The merchants, then the engineers and medic seated with the horse handlers and our wagons trailing at the rear.

We rode down the widening road through the outskirts of Synessia until we arrived and stopped before the massive outer wall gate.

A paladin officer by the look of his armour marched over to us with a squad of soldiers in similar but less elaborate armour.

"Stand fast, state your name and purpose," he shouted loudly, trying to look and sound impressive.

"Gantacus nudged his horse forward, exactly level with the signifer holding our standard and spoke in a moderate but clear voice, "I am Gantacus Lullius, centurion, escorting the Consul Alwyn Locantus, Baronet of Acasia, representative of Crastus Agrathus, King of Monagon."

It sounded pretentious but that is the way of such things. The legionnaires behind us were completely motionless, armour gleaming and at parade mounted rest. The only movement were their horse's tails twitching.

"Centurian Gantacus, we have been expecting you and the Consul's party. Welcome to Synessia, capital of Cantra."

"Your soldiers and steeds will be garrisoned outside the city. We have prepared accommodations for them. They will follow the provided escort. You may proceed with the consul, consular officials and delegates, servants and any non combatants to their quarters in the castle proper. No mages are allowed inside the gates."

Gantacus glanced back at me and I nodded.

"Legionnaires, dis.. mount," he yelled. As one the legionnaires all dismounted to their left in military precision and stood at attention holding their horses reins.

Gantacus turned and rode down the lines of soldiers and spoke with the merchants, interns, orderlies, Lysia and Penyra and they rode forward stopping just behind me.

Gantacus returned to the Cantran officer, "The Consul will need his and the delegates belongings to come with him." We had prepared 2 of the wagons accordingly to separate the delegates and legionaires equipment.

"The King has ordered no soldiers are to be allowed in the castle, except for their commander. My men will take care of and transport everything they need."

Once all the protocols were sorted, our smaller core of delegates with our 2 wagons were escorted through the gate and towards the castle.

I was carrying my second plant in a small locked case with official documents and personal belongings.

The senior decurion was left in charge of the legionnaires and he led our contingent away escorted by a group of paladins.

===

We were met by the king's chamberlain at the main entrance to the castle with horns announcing our arrival. It seemed that they regarded us with at least some importance and provided some ceremony.

We were escorted to our well appointed rooms all in the same wing. A fleet of servants, all women overseen by a severe looking man, arrived to strip our wagons of everything and the wagons departed back to the legionnaires. Our orderlies designated what went where. Immediately we arrived at our rooms, a servant, male this time, informed us that refreshments were being served in an hour and the king's son, prince Maghin would be pleased to greet myself, Gantacus and the two senior merchants semi formally as an introduction to Cantra. Our orderlies were in small side rooms adjacent to each of us. Flowers, fruit and jugs of wine and water were in every room.

Lyria and Penyra had been escorted to a separate wing near to ours in far less luxurious circumstances. Myriana had remained with the legionnaires.

I had a quick wash to remove the dust from the road, my orderly fussing over me and changed my riding boots to indoor footwear. I left my weapons racked in the room. He brushed my hair and beard to look as groomed as possible and arranged my clothes as befitting a consul. I reminded the orderly not to let the plant out of his sight while I was away.

Merchants Canthus, Amanus and Gantacus were already outside in the corridor waiting for me as a servant escorted us to a waiting room outside where we were to meet the prince.

The chamberlain greeted us at the door and asked us to be seated around a table where a variety of wines in clear bottles and water, fresh fruit and cheeses were laid out.

Minutes later, a tall, well built, young man with a military bearing but wearing royal court garb arrived and we all stood to greet him following the lead of the chamberlain.

"Your highness, prince Maghin of Cantra, designated heir to the throne, Royal Commander of the Kings paladins, may I introduce Consul Alwyn, land merchant Canthus, naval merchant Amanus and centurion Gantacus." He nodded to each of us in turn in order of our seniority and we bowed as we would if greeting our own King. Gantacus returned a military salute.

He cut the chamberlain off, "Yes, yes, enough, now leave us, Pilans."

Pillans turned and left, hiding whatever emotions he was feeling regarding his brusque dismissal..

"Be seated, gentlemen, this is an informal meeting, I'm not one for grandiose ceremony, bowing and scraping, etc."

We were all surprised as we had expected the king's son and heir to the throne to be far more formal.

"Come, sit and partake." He promptly sat, poured a glass of red and grabbed some grapes. "I can recommend the red I am drinking but feel free to try any of the others. They are all amongst our best vintages."

If this was a ploy to disarm us, it was working well as we, even Gantacus, while wary, relaxed slight. However this was the king's son and I was mindful that we must be speak carefully, always keeping our mission in mind. The others were waiting for me to respond first.

"Prince Maghin, we thank you for your kind hospitality. It is an honour and we are excited to meet you and soon your father to discuss trade agreements and mutually beneficial friendship between our two empires."

"Just Maghin and leave the formal speeches for the king and cardinal. You have had an exceedingly long journey, rest and talk as serious discussions will come soon enough."

"Merchants Canthus and Amanus, I look forward to trying your best wines. I hope they survived the journey unscathed. Gantacus I look forward to jousting and sparring you and compare notes on our military experiences. Alwyn you have a soldier's bearing, you might like to join us."

And so it went, we spent an hour or so swapping anecdotes and tasting excellent wines with Maghin. He was intelligent and personable. For such a young man he was experienced beyond his years in worldly knowledge. Here was someone we could work with. I was realigning my expectations and hoped that others were as open and friendly as the prince.

We went back to our rooms, late afternoon as the sun sank. There was a minor banquet planned for tonight in our honour with many merchants and minor nobility. A meeting with the king and cardinal in two days time. In between, starting tomorrow there were a series of tours and local visits around the castle and environs during the day to get to know important people and Contra better.

I needed to initiate contact with our spies before my meeting with the king and cardinal. I left Gantacus to deal with the legionnaires and their garrison's details. The merchants wanted to explore the city by themselves and they asked to be taken to the merchant's guild. I told Gantacus to go to a certain tavern by any means necessary or to get a decurion to go and ask if they sold Minichon ale to the owner. This was signal to our spies that I had arrived and needed to speak urgently. Then I just had to wait until they could organise a secure and private meeting.

Paladins were posted outside our doors at all times and we were limited to moving about freely on our own. Understandable or at least for now. I checked on the status of my plant. Near the windows getting fresh air and sunlight.

I asked my intern to try to get Lyria a position in their kitchens as soon as possible tomorrow. And to make discrete enquiries where their water spring that supplied the castle with fresh water was located. As well as ask as many questions as possible and just be generally inquisitive.

An hour after sunset, a male servant asked at the door if I wished any female company tonight and he would organise someone for me. Naturally I agreed as it was a way to speak to a local woman without any men around.

===

"Hierphan, you were right. They were easily fooled. I played my part as an easy going prince and they fell for it completely."

The prime cardinal spoke. "Don't be too confident, Maghin. They are far from stupid and I expect them to have sent some of their best people. At least they have sent none of their witches this time. They are an affront to our holy god and must be cast from this world."

"Continue to appear as you have today. We are watching every person and their legionnaires. Try to befriend their centurion and learn as much as you can of their military intentions and tactics. Find any weaknesses we can exploit. Ensure they are deceived as we discussed to hide the capabilities of our paladins and battlepriests. Be open and friendly but tell them as little as possible."

"Be at the banquet tonight and fete them, get them to drink and maybe they will divulge things they shouldn't. I doubt we will be so lucky. We will offer our most talented and freshest castle sluts to sleep with everyone from tonight forward and they will try to extract information too. A man, especially an older man will brag about his prowess and secrets when a young woman praises him and asks the right questions."

"Well the sluts are useful for one thing at least."

"If you find anything important tell me immediately before our meeting with them in two days time."

"Of course. And please excuse me I have a slut waiting for me to abuse before the banquet."

The cardinal left and Maghin's servant dragged in a naked young woman with a collar around her neck and a metal chain linked to it. She showed signs of recent beatings and was scarred and bruised all over her body. She had large rings through her nose and nipples and a slave brand on the side of her hip and tattoos elsewhere. She looked malnourished. She immediately dropped to her knees in front of Maghin.

"Master how may I please you."

"Look at me slut."

She looked up and he kicked her in the face. Her nose immediately started to bleed and as she cried in pain. Her open mouth was missing her front teeth top and bottom.

She fell back from the sudden violence. "This slut thanks you for punishing her master."

He pulled out his penis and started to piss on her face. She tried to drink as much as she could but he deliberately varied his aim to avoid her mouth. Her hair and body were dripping with his urine. His boot pressed her face onto the floor when she didn't respond quickly enough.

"Drink it all up, I'll be back later."

He wished sluts lasted longer but there was a never ending supply.

He kicked her again on his way out to attend the banquet.

===

Alwyn thought the banquet had gone well. I had met minor nobles and court officials. There were no women present other than some servants and if I spoke to any of them they and refused to answer any questions other than related to provision of food and drink.

I and the three others all drank in moderation. They all made some preliminary contacts and again everyone seemed pleasant. They were questioned about life in Monagon, much as they asked about Cantra. The food and beverages were excellent after so long eating trail rations.

They had all been offered the services of ladies for the evening to sleep with and as discussed had all accepted but were to be on guard and give away nothing important.

The prince spent most his time talking to Gantacus and he said apart from checking on his men he was scheduled to visit the paladin barracks tomorrow also.

Returning to my room, I dismissed my orderly for the night. An attractive young lady in her early twenties arrived as I was getting ready for sleep. I could see the soldier still stationed outside his door. She was escorted in by a male servant with a collar with a leash attached. He removed it, left her with me and exited the room.

She bowed her head smiling, "How may I please you lord?"

"Would you like a drink?', I asked.

"If it pleases you, my lord."

As she moved closer to me, she leaned in and whispered into my ear, "Consul, I am one of your agents, you need to request me again. We were lucky that I was chosen for you tonight."

I was startled but pleased that I had established contact with the Monagon network so quickly. Or more accurately that they had made the first move.

I asked quietly, "What is your favourite colour?"

"Cyan of course," she responded correctly confirming her status.

"You need to use me tonight otherwise they will be suspicious. The soldiers at the door are listening to everything. I will be punished if you don't give a good report of my services."

"Pour yourself a drink and we can get to know each other. What is your name?"

"Mary is my Cantran whore name, Acrylia my real name," she said more quietly. "May I undress you my lord?"

"I thought you would never ask, Mary. Of course."

She removed my clothes and then made a show of undressing herself. I noticed she had the same tattoo repeated four times on her body, one colour - black. They were a cursive icon about an inch in size on the top of her left hand, on her left breast above the nipple, on the side of her butt and on the top of her left foot. She saw me glancing at them and explained that she was a state whore and all such were marked.

"Oh my lord, you are a big one," she exclaimed as she unveiled my groin. I was hardening rapidly as she started to stroke my cock. Even with both hands, her grip only covered half of my shaft.

"Please go gently, my lord, you are truly the largest I have ever seen."

"Yes, I get that a lot," I grinned.

They proceeded to the bed where she stroked my shaft and licked the massive head of my manhood.

I picked her up and turned her on top of me so we could pleasure each other, mouth to groin.

She was shaven all over, including under her arms and between her legs which I had never seen in a woman before. A few Monagon women trimmed and no female mages that I knew. I hadn't heard of any women in Monagon removing their pubic hair completely. I liked this clean look. Many mages kept their male partners clean shaven and few had beards. Male beards were almost universal at home, except in the legions. The legion required legionnaires to have clean shaven faces or beards of a specific short maximum length. Most legionnaires shaved daily as it was easier to do so than maintain a closely trimmed beard.

I was used to women having hair under their arms, full bushes around their groin and hairy legs. As did my Alysa alter ego. Mages were vain enough to remove upper lip hair and other stray hairs on their face. As soon as they were able, mages removed moles, skin discolouring, excessive freckles and scars. Indeed that was a test that must be passed to advance from initiate to disciple. These changes need to be permanent. Seeing Mary completely hairless except on her head was arousing but I doubt it would become a fashion trend in Monagon.

The only beardless men in general society were the few who couldn't grow one or mage partners. It was a trivial cantrip to remove and stop hair from growing. Most mages kept their partners hairless all over which they found made them more submissive and in addition some kept them magically chaste. Mage partners seemed to use it as a badge of hour signifying their status. Those that did use chastity in their relationship swore by it as it made their men very attentive to their needs and motivated to please their partner.

Mary kept her voice down but started to brief me in whispers. I licked her to an orgasm and she gave me an excellent blowjob stopping just short of coming. She struggled to take me deep and concentrated on the tip of my penis sucking and licking around the head, with her hands gripping my shaft up and down. We rolled over and she lay back with her legs spread so we could start fucking, I took it slowly spreading her lips as I thrust forward gently. After a minute to get to almost full depth I bottomed out in her and she asked me to start going faster, but don't go too deep. Her briefing forgotten, she pulled me in tight to her and wrapped her legs around my back. As always my shaft was gripped tightly by my partner and she came again twice me before I unloaded in her.

"How long do we have?"

"I was told to stay the night and get as much from you as I could. Which is good because I want to have a repeat performance before the morning."

She had been very loud during our coupling, partly to appease the soldier outside the door but she certainly enjoyed herself.

"What can you update me with?"

"I've been in Cantra three years, part of a small spy cell and acting as a whore for the last year. We had recent word that a formal delegation was coming and to make contact by any means when you arrived. I am kept permanently in the brothel controlled by the clergy but one of our guards is also a spy and exchanges of information can be made."

"Being raised in Monagaon where women and men are equal and coming to Cantra where most men are pigs was very difficult. Their clergy and paladins are the worst. Once I was with the king's son, Maghin and the bruises lasted almost 2 weeks. He likes to put all the best looking, new whores through their paces. He usually keeps girls as regulars for a month or two and literally wears them out. Most don't come back and are probably killed."

I was surprised as Maghin had seemed quite reasonable. "Are you sure regarding Maghin?" I queried.

"He is amongst the worst of them, brutal and as evil and vicious as man as I have ever met," she stated with force. "I hope I never see him again and he dies of the worst pox."

"The men I'm with often disclose information. I act submissive, praise their prowess in bed, compliment them saying their job must be so difficult and they can't help bragging about themselves."

"I have been with many of their clergy and they are insatiable and violent deviants. They preach incessantly about their god but certainly do not practice what they preach."

"From what I have gleaned they have expanded their number of paladins and started a new cadre of priests or paladins called battlepriests. Both are attempting to develop spells and combat tactics to counter our mages and legions. I only have some knowledge here but apparently they are limited as few have any magical ability regardless of their piety. Several of our agents have gone through training as paladins but none as religious mages as they haven't passed the test for magical ability. They will be better able to tell you more."

I asked, concerned for her safety, "Are you able to extricate yourself from the brothel if needed?" We all knew that war and espionage were dangerous, but being a whore in Cantra was a more difficult and dangerous posting than most.

"I switch off from the sex, most just fumble around on top and release when I wriggle my hips and it's over in a minute or two. The clergy are the worst as they force you submit when in their presence and do the most degrading things to prove they are so great and powerful and that men are in charge.

They delight in beatings, bondage, torture and buggery. I see the light go out in women's eyes the longer they are whores. They beat you into being completely submissive and compliant from the start. They brutally rape and abuse you for first 2 weeks until there is not a shred of anything left but yes master, no master and you will do anything that they ask."

I could see she needed to unload and hugged her tight. I repeated, "You do have an escape route?"

"Yes, don't worry about me. With you being here I can only hope that their demise is one step closer. You have reminded me that not all men are pigs and that there is life after."

"There are no women in power anywhere. The queen and princess have the most agency but only because they have surrogate authority from the king. Women cannot divorce their husbands, they are not allowed to leave the house without a male escort. They get a little formal education up to menarche and then work in the home until they are married off by their father. Women cannot refuse sex from their partners and are usually beaten whenever they aren't pleasing. The system is self perpetuating and I'm so glad I will be back in Mongaon eventually."

"I promise plans are in place from us. And we will get you all back to civilised society. Thank you for your service, both I and Monagon very much appreciate your sacrifice."

Tears welled in hers and she kissed me. "Make gentle love to me again please."

"And I will exclusively ask for you again!"

She smiled as she lay back and we made love several time before we slept. I focused on her pleasure ... mostly!

She advised me of more important pieces of information. "They have been working on anti-magic spells and runes. They are imbuing paladin armour and shield with such. They might even have a version of dispel magic cast on their weapons to be able to bypass mage wards."

I would need to speak to agents that have infiltrated into their paladin and battlemage colleges to learn more as these were important developments and may affect battle tactics. While we hadn't expected Cantra to stand still, it looked as if they were putting an appreciable effort into improving their warriors and tactics.

Before we parted she said word would be gotten to me to speak to the spymaster somehow.

In the morning, we tried one last effort but as even my cock was fatigued past raising I fingered her while we were kissing. She whispered, "You have restored my faith in men which had been flagging. Thank you and your massive prick. I am eager for an easier posting close to home."

When her handler arrived in the morning, he asked me if she had performed to my satisfaction.

"Indeed and I would like to reserve her during my stay. She was very compliant and I would like to explore her further."

He bowed and he said he would see what he could do. I slipped him some coin to motivate him and said there would be more if she returned.

Mary stood quietly with head lowered during our conversation and meekly left with him leading her by a leash attached by a collar around her neck.

At the break of morning fast, I briefed the merchants and Gantacus that Maghin's apparent easy going and personable nature was a ploy. He was a vicious sadist to women at least and likely to men when he got the opportunity. Bewar e of him and likely others that we meet.

My party was surprised as his acting had been very good and they had been fooled also. It appeared that everything we had heard and been briefed about at home was as bad or worse than we had been led to believe.

We four sat at one table and were served very attentively by waiting staff. Our interns and assistant's service was slower and they had fewer choices. Lyria and Myriana were eating elsewhere. Hierarchy and status was alive and well in Cantra.

None of the others had slept with an agent whore and even though they had tried to talk to their woman all they would say regarding any questions was very limited. They had all enjoyed their coupling and their women had tried to get them to open up. They were all submissive in bed and would do anything they were asked immediately. Everything they said had lord or master in it. They seemed to be surprised that their assigned "masters" for the night were not violent and made sure they received pleasure as well. They all beseeched that they were chosen again before they left. They had the four tattoos and were hairless as well. Gantacus' whore had shown some sign of a recent beating that were almost healed.

I told Gantacus about the magic imbuing of armour and weapons and he should try to learn more. Spending as much time as possible with Maghin was essential. He should attempt to lose to him if they sparred but make it look as if he tried and to inflate his ego and that legionnaires are weaker than they are.

Gantacus said that he expected to have a busy day and his first priority was to check on his legionnaires and then to be toured around by Maghin.

We were to be escorted anywhere which was expected as we had no maps and no knowledge of our environs. I asked my orderly to advise the Cantrans that I wished to tour as much of the castle today as possible and outside tomorrow. I wanted to visit the legionnaires tomorrow.

The merchants and their juniors would be taking samples to the merchant guild, meet other merchants and start to setup trade negotiations.

We arranged to meet up again tonight. There was another banquet scheduled tonight to meet another round of dignitaries.

My intern was to organise Lyria to work and learn to prepare and cook Cantran cuisine. She should discretely find the source of the spring supplying water to the castle. Once that was done he was to visit the sights outside in preparation for me touring tomorrow.

Women's movements were severely curtailed and they must be escorted by a man but once she was in the kitchen Lyria would presumably be left with the Cantran kitchen staff and they could organise her movements and get her back to her lodgings later that day.

My orderly and Penyra as scribe were to travel with me today and tomorrow. I was interested to see how the ladies had been and were going to be treated. Lyria would be having the harder time. Penyra being in my presence would be sheltered.

I told my intern to advise Lyria to be as submissive and obedient as possible to avoid any trouble.

We had our tasks and went back to our rooms. The inevitable paladin was ensconced outside our doors as usual and an Cantran orderly waiting to attend to our wishes once we were ready,

A quick wash and freshen up from a basin and change into appropriate indoor clothes for a consul. My intern was chasing down Penyra and Lyria to be escorted here.

Within minutes they had appeared and we separated to head off to our respective destinations. A senior member of the chamberlain's staff had been allocated to me and we headed off for a tour of the castle.

Gantacus was being escorted by a junior paladin to their barracks and the merchants had already left.

-

The castle was very large and labyrinthine. It was centuries old and had been expanded many times over the years with further wings and levels as many kings built on their predecessor's efforts. There were several styles of architecture evident and our escort was an expert in this area and would name the year and the king each time. He completely ignored Penyra but definitely appreciated our questions and interest. I did find it interesting and began to make a rough map in my head. Guards were stationed throughout and seemingly random patrols also. We did ask if there were maps available and he said yes, but they were restricted access. But everyone who lived or worked in the castle soon learnt their way around and didn't need a map.

I asked many questions and two hours in asked to see the kitchens to check on Lyria. The king and "royal wings" near the top of the castle were out of bounds as were several areas controlled by the clergy and paladins. The dungeons were restricted access too. But chapels, the grand chapel, the entrance hall, some meeting rooms, the ball rooms, eating areas and much more were available to see. We walked up and down many stairs, ramps, corridors and through many rooms. There was plenty to see.

The views from windows and battlements were impressive and we walked around the perimeter of the castle several times at various levels. Our guide pointed out major landmarks and I asked what were the best places to start with tomorrow. We would be here for weeks at least and more likely months so there was no particular rush to see it all in one day. The capital was a massive and impressive city that could be explored at leisure when we got the chance. He said he would prepare a list of major landmarks and best places to visit for us tomorrow.

We had a quick lunch after midday before we recommenced the tour. By the time we made it to the kitchens (there were three of them), it was mid afternoon. Panyra had been making copies, notes and also some rough maps. Aromatic smells wafted to us when we came close to the largest kitchen. A complex melange of cooking smells hit us as the doors were opened. He said the chefs got irritated if anything interrupted them and it was best if we didn't go inside. The cooks prepared all meals for the castle staff, officials, soldiers, clergy. The senior clergy and royal family had their own kitchen, cooks and staff. They had 2 shifts over the day with a smaller night staff.

I didn't see Lyria in the main kitchen so she must have been in one of the others. It was a chaotic bustling place with stoves, tables and shelves. Each master chef had a range of assistant chefs working for him doing the majority of the cooking with apprentices preparing base ingredients. All the cooks or chefs as they called them were men. Women were only performing menial tasks : chopping up vegetables, slicing meats, bringing in raw ingredients, washing and drying pots, pans, utensils and dishes. We viewed the activity from the door for several minutes.

I asked how water was raised from the ground and where it came from. Our guide said there was a pure water spring and large pool at the base of the castle. Some water was brought in from the river but that was outside the outermost external wall and supplied the town itself. Rainwater was a supplemental system too and drained into various reservoirs that collected it via a gutter and drainage system. It reduced the amount of water that had to be pumped or carried. Water was transported most cases by buckets. Manually operated pumps were relatively new and being expanded as they moved more water in pipes to various reservoirs at successive levels up the castle. I said we had pumps in our cities as well. Would we be able to see them in action? As it was late in the day he advised there wouldn't be time before the evening banquet as it was a long walk to the bowels of the castle and back. Perhaps sometime after our external tour tomorrow.

We thanked him for his service and expert knowledge and he escorted us back to our rooms for the evening meal. Gantacus arrived back soon after me and came into my room to brief me. The legionnaires were garrisoned between the outer and middle walls, a long way from us in the castle, which was likely deliberate. They had reasonable accommodations, food and water. They weren't allowed to leave except if he formally applied but there was a small training area where they could exercise and train. They did have their weapons. Their horses were at separate stables, a fair distance from their location, again likely deliberate. He was planning to visit them daily for the first week but he was confident that the decurions had everything under control. He had told his senior decurion to ask for the special ale at the nominated tavern.

That occupied his morning and Maghin sent an escort to bring him to one of the paladin barracks. He saw no sign of any special armour or weapons but as he was not a mage couldn't verify their presence or absence. Nothing looked unusual and they were not practicing any spell craft. He saw only paladins, rank and file soldiers and city militia. Nothing that looked like the battlepriests we had heard of. They were obviously keeping this secret from us. Maghin was keen for a joust which Gantacus delayed until tomorrow.

The merchants reported that they had met and had productive meetings. The major problem was that were no sea routes either north or south as the continent went into the polar regions at both north and south ends. Land was the only possibility which restricted traffic and for mostly non perishable and durable goods. The journey for merchant road trains was at least 3 months, but there were multiple profitable stops along the way. We had taken just under two and had travelled light. Monagon had vague plans to build a major waterway inland but the monumental scope of the task dwarfed anything ever attempted before and it was only in the form of initial concepts.

Jonus had organised Lyria to go to one of the kitchens on level 3. The biggest that we had seen was on level 5. The Cantrans would escort her back when her shift had finished. After that, with a guide, he had started to travel outside the castle. At this stage only between the castle and the innermost wall. The buildings were jam packed with narrow pathways and only one major road running along the middle of the area between castle and wall. Sanitation was poor. It looked like richer folk either lived in the castle or outside the three walls in estates. Specialist shops, markets, some open spaces, limited parks filled the spaces. There was a large military presence with soldiers and the city guard very obvious almost everywhere and patrolling the streets. No sign of civil unrest.

Women were always escorted by a male and were very much meek and docile. They made way for any men. He saw many stopped and their escorts questioned.

We washed and changed and had another quality meal. It seemed that there was a banquet every evening where people met, ate, were entertained as there were acts - singing, music, acting, acrobatics. We met the king's younger son, Olivant, who was a younger version of Maghin and just starting his military apprenticeship. He seemed to be more studious. No sign of the princess, Peneetha. Apparently she was quite a beauty, as was the queen.

A date had been finalised for our meeting with the king, senior staff and cardinals, afternoon in two days time. Maghin outwardly appeared jovial and friendly again. Gantacus said that every paladin had treated the prince with utmost respect to the level that he said was cautious. Any woman that came close to the prince seemed to almost cower in fear and kept as far away from him as possible. He agreed that his affable exterior was likely an act, although one that he was still perpetuating.

I was keen to place the 2nd plant in the castle spring and pool immediately I had opportunity. They appeared to have no magic detection devices in the castle so I was going to go on an invisible night exploration tomorrow night. Hopefully, agents would contact me tomorrow while outside the castle. Everyone we had dealings with so far had been reasonable. After dinner I hoped for another fun night with Mary.

After the meal, Mary was escorted by her "handler". I slipped him another bribe and said every night he bought her I would give him the same. Our second evening together was very enjoyable. She said she loved my large cock and being stretched more than any previous partner. We had been here a day and a half and thought things were advancing. We hadn't met with the king or senior clergy yet and they would set the agenda regardless of anything organised with any other parties so it was vital that this first meeting went well.

In the morning after she left, Penyra came to my room escorted by a Cantran orderly. She was very agitated and immediately we were alone she said that Lyria hadn't returned last night and she was very worried. No one had any news or given an explanation explaining her absence. When she queried any Cantrans they ignored her.

I sent for Gantacus immediately. I explained the situation to him and asked for a senior orderly urgently. When he arrived I told him the situation, where Lyria had been working yesterday and we needed to immediately know of her whereabouts and safety. He left concerned, more about my obvious anger than a women's status and couldn't tell us anything. He would be back once he had made enquiries.

I told the merchants and everyone else to stay in their rooms close to me and we waited impatiently for news. Eventually a delegation of a bishop and the kings chamberlain with 2 paladins came back to us.

This looked serious and we glanced at each other as they came into my room.

"We believe you wish to know about your cook?" asked the bishop.

"Indeed, she didn't return last night, we are very concerned and we need to have her back immediately."

"Unfortunately there was an incident in the kitchens yesterday and..."

I interrupted, "What sort of incident?"

"Your female struck a sous chef and then the master chef. She has been detained prior to sentencing and punishment."

"She is not a Cantran citizen, has diplomatic immunity and she needs to be returned to us immediately," I was becoming agitated and was raising my voice.

The bishop was calm, "Well actually consul, females have no rights regardless of nationality here. Her offences were on our sovereign soil. A women disobeying g, let alone striking a man is a serious offence, regardless of provocation.. The only reason we didn't take summary justice is because she was a Monagonian."

I informed him sternly, "We regard this as a very serious matter, detaining a Monagon citizen and if you won't bring her to us we need to be taken to her."

Unperturbed, the Bishop continued, "I would be cautious consul. Making demands when you are in no position of authority. You are on our lands, inside our castle and under our laws and sufferance. We will speak to you again later today. For the moment you are to stay in your rooms." He turned and followed by the chamberlain left the room.

The paladins came into the room immediately after and told everyone to go to their own rooms until told otherwise. I nodded to the others as there was nothing more we could do for the moment. I told Penyra to stay with me. The paladins were about to take her but after Gantacus and I stood between, they decided not to press the matter and left.

Gantacus with his ordely went back to his room which was adjacent to mine.

I paced the room and ran through options. I could go invisible and exit the window using levitate to escape the room but that would give away my status as a mage and if the Cantrans came back while I was gone that would create further furore. I could enthrall the paladins outside but I had no idea where Lyria was being kept. Our legionnaires were well outside reach and were only a few men. I couldn't risk anyone else's safety or create further incidents or tension. The only option was to wait.

Minnerv''s arrival with 50 of my fellow archmages were imminent but I had no way of getting word to her. There were our agents inside Synessia but how many and what capabilities they had I didn't know. I was only given some code words and several locations to make contact, which I was unable to act on stuck in my room. And before we took further action, particularly irrevocable action, I needed to know more.

I paced the room and attempted to remain as calm as possible.

Several hours later the same bishop returned with several paladins.

"Consul, please follow me," he requested.

I left with him and our escort and we descended several floors to what must have been the dungeons. Not a pleasant place. They were obviously expecting us and knew the bishop as we walked through the gated entrance. Down several corridors we entered a small room.

Lyria was naked and fastened against the far wall with manacles, her hands above her head. She was bruised and had been whipped all down her front. She had a black eye and swollen cut lips. Her feet appeared to be bleeding also. A prison guard was standing next to her with a short whip.

Upon being me she gasped in a raspy voice, "Consul." It appeared she was missing some teeth and blood dripped from her mouth.

The guard immediately whipped her across her face and yelled, "Quiet slut. Speak when you are spoken to."

It took all my restraint not to kill the man where he stood and I moved closer to her.

"Lyria, tell me what happened."

"Consul they ...," the guard tried to strike her again but I punched him in the head with a great deal of force and he staggered back and collapsed unconscious. My large male body was useful at times.

The bishop, unconcerned about his guard, spoke again in his infuriatingly calm voice, "I will explain. This female had been clumsy and incompetent in the kitchen and the sous chef in charge of her disciplined her. When he attempted to discipline her a second time after further incompetence, she struck him. The master chef then intervened and she struck him also. It was a stand off until paladins intervened and took her into custody and questioning."

They were lucky that Lyria hadn't used magic as they would all be dead, but then so would she. Fortunately she'd had that much restraint.

"It seems that your method of questioning is rather severe," I retorted, looking at Lyria's sorry state.

"Consul, a female striking a male unprovoked is a serious offence and the standard punishment is fifty strokes of the whip. A repeat offence is death. She struck twice and the only reason she is still alive is because she is a member of your delegation."

I had one plant to release and it was more important than the life of anyone in the delegation. I couldn't abandon the embassy until that critical task was complete.

"I want her released into my custody immediately to get medical attention from our medic."

"Unfortunately, consul, that is impossible. She stays here for the duration. I will allow your medic to treat her. I expect the prime cardinal will adjudicate this case himself and until he does, she will not be released. I will arrange for your medic."

"Bishop, she had best remain alive for your sake."

"You are in no position to make threats."

"Not threats, promises, bishop." I glared at him and for the first time his equanimity cracked and he took a step back as I moved towards him. The paladins quickly intervened. It was close, very close and my fingers twitched, aching to blast them into oblivion.

"Get the medic here in rapid haste." I turned to Lyria whose one open eye gazed at me. "Lyria we are doing everything to get you out of here. Myriana will be here shortly to treat you."

She nodded her understanding and sagged with her manacles the only thing holding her up. Her wrists were bleeding also.

"Bishop I want her given food and water daily and our medic allowed access to check on her. Surely she can be released for her chains as you couldn't be worried about a mere female escaping.. I will send my centurion to travel with our medic."

The bishop paused. He didn't want to have to explain the diplomatic mission from Monagon collapsing because of a kitchen slut. He couldn't understand why they placed such importance in an ordinary cook and a female. She was quite comely, perhaps the consul and her were lovers? But she was far below his status. He couldn't understand it. Anyway it was easy enough to allow their medic access and remove her chains. As the consul said, how could she escape?"

"Yes, yes, we shall release her rom her chains until the cardinal decides, but she stays here."

"Paladins, return the consul to his room. And remove the guard. She is to remain unmolested - for the moment."

--

Returning to our rooms, I asked for Gantacus to visit the barracks and travel with Myriana to treat Lyria. Bring some food and water also. Don't leave Myriana alone at any time. Report back to me when done."

He saluted and was escorted away.

I would need to urgently deliver the plant tonight. Who knew what would happen on the morrow.

I briefed the others on the situation and cursed that Lyria hadn't simply taken her discipline and not escalate the incident to where it was now. It was a mark against her competence.

Food was brought to us for the midday and evening meals.

Maghin visited in the late afternoon. He said in a conciliatory manner that it was out of his hands. He had spoken to the cardinal himself and was doing everything he could to get Lyria released. He sounded sincere but I couldn't trust anything he said.

"We treat all our citizens equally, male and female. From our position, Lyria was unfairly disciplined and severely punished for what would seem to be a very minor incident."

He left repeating he would try to do anything he could to get her released.

Gantacus eventually returned as it had been a long trip back to the garrison, then to the dungeon, returning Myriana and then finally back to our rooms.

"Consul, she had been released from her chains when Myriana saw her. She used one of our healing potions and Lyria, while still serious, is now out of critical condition. She likely had some slight internal bleeding but the potion will repair that and rapidly speed her recovery. Myriana patched her up. Her back was beaten more severely than her front and she will take a few weeks to heal fully - if she gets the chance. She has lost several teeth and Myriana advised that she will need to get expert attention back at Monagon to fully heal all her injuries. The soles of her feet have been sliced open and she will not be able to walk until they heal, which could be a month or so. She will have a good collection of scars to carry until the mage college can fix her."

Mages are tough and with his report of Myriana's treatment I was less concerned. But she was still in custody. If I could get her released back into our custody I could heal her somewhat. I was an arch battlemage and all mages learnt some spells from every branch of magic, especially archmages and we were all required to have a second sub speciality.

I told that him Myriana needed to visit her daily to verify there was no further abuse from the Cantrans. I would need him here and one of his decurions needed to take on the task. He should visit the garrison daily, check on the horses and keep the soldiers training. Stay in contact with Maghin, even if he was a liar anything he could do to help would be useful. The king's son and heir apparent surely had some power at court.

No visit from Mary tonight and I slept fitfully.

===

"We can use this to our advantage, although god knows why they care about a stupid cunt," the prime cardinal exclaimed to Maghin.

"What do you propose?" Maghin queried.

"We release the slut pretending reluctance and you say it was only due to your intervention with me that got her released. Then they will owe you a favour. Everything I know about the Monagonians is they are honourable and we can take advantage of that. They will owe you a boon and it will raise your esteem with them."

"That makes sense. We are lucky that the incident happened then."

"Continue to play them. Vital that the consul and their centurion discover nothing about our improved paladins and new battlemages."

"As you wish cardinal. I will get the slut released tomorrow morning so it will minimise any influence the incident will have on the consul's meeting with you and the king."

"There will be pomp and pageantry for the initial meeting and a feast with the consul and his intern. Then there will be private discussion behind closed doors. Keep the centurion busy meanwhile. I am interested in how you fare against a combat veteran."

"I will take him apart - without causing great harm."

"Don't be too confident, you might be surprised. I saw them in action twenty years ago and the memory still scares me. They are why we are expanding and improving our forces. Learn from him if you can. They are expanding their domain rapidly and their cursed mage assisted legions have not lost a battle in decades.

"I will have their slut returned first thing in the morning and be there personally to bask in the glory in their gratitude."

===

Gantacus was up early to organise the decurion escorting Myriana and give orders to check on the horses regularly and to stay battle ready by drilling every day. He said he would be checking in daily. If they needed anything to let him know and he would get the consul to make it happen if he couldn't. They needed to ensure perimeter safety and to organise warnings and traps. Nightly patrols would need to be kept up. Stockpile arrows, etc. They should store food & water in case of a siege. Unlikely, as they would be better to escape from the city as the numbers against them would be impossible and without mage support and firepower.

===

Alwyn heard some noise in the hallway soon after Gantacus left and Maghin entered the room with Lyria on a wheeled stretcher.

He explained, "I interceded with the cardinal how much she meant to you and not releasing her may have serious implications for your relationship with us. And of course being the king's son didn't hurt either."

I bowed to Maghin and sincerely said, "Prince Maghin we are in your debt and I'll not forget your help in this."

"Not a concern, glad to help, anything else I can do for you - move the moon, make it rain, change the course of rivers", he grinned.

Lyria had been wincing with every wobble and jarring of the stretcher. She had been beaten all over and whipped front and back. Her sliced feet were the worst and stung most of all. Torture from the Catrans had gone on for hours. She was feeling much better since imbibing the healing potion but was still a long way from being healed enough to move around without pain or even be able to walk.

"Seriously prince Maghin, we are very grateful."

I picked up Lyria carefully and laid her on my bed as gently as I could and covered her with a blanket

"Myriana will be here soon to tend to you. Let us know if you need anything." I asked my orderly to watch her and fetch anything she wanted.

Maghin was surprised that Alwyn was so personally concerned about the welfare of this slut. He was a baronet and consul and she was merely their assistant cook. He was looking after her like she was the most precious thing in the world to him. They must be lovers or there was something else going on, even making allowances for their "equality" of the sexes. Was she carrying his bastard?

Gantacus eventually turned up very concerned as Lyria hadn't been in the dungeon and was relieved to see her in the consul's room.

"Ahh Gantacus, all is now well, and the wench has been returned. How about we have our friendly joust this afternoon." Maghin was keen on seeing how the Monagob centurion would perform.

Gantacus looked at me and I nodded. "Let me eat and then you can fight."

"Excellent, I will come back in an hour. There is a suitable area in the castle barracks. I will send someone for you. Consul I assume you would like to watch?"

"Indeed, seeing a champion from each empire will make for an interesting combat."

"Oh, and consul the king has finalised your delegation's meeting. It will be tomorrow morning, followed by a midday feast and private meetings in the early afternoon."

"Many thanks prince Maghin, we look forward to meeting your father, the king and making productive plans beneficial for all."

===

I walked with Gantacus wearing his legion armour, weapons and shield to the castle barracks. We were being escorted by a squad of paladins.

Gantacus had been a legion champion and was skilled in every weapon before he was promoted. His favourite combination was a longer version of the standard legion short sword and a custom buckler with sharpened edges along the top and chevroned on its lower edge to puncture an enemy with metal reinforcing. It also had a shallow point protruding from it's centre. It had been imbued with permanent extra durability and his sword with toughness and sharpness by an arch battlemage for his outstanding service for more than ten years in the legions. Such magical weapons were rare as permanent spells were difficult and usually required an archmage to cast.

He had been on 12 years of campaigns after his initial two years on mandatory service and had seen much active combat against many varied opponents. He had seen it all and regularly trained with the best the legions had to offer. He was an elite legionnaire and I couldn't take him unless I was magically augmented. The legions and fighting were his life. Minnerv had made an outstanding choice in sending him on this mission as he was extremely competent in every area. I would recommend him for a primocent or a tribune position when we returned, however much had yet to evolve here in Cantra first which may also affect Monagon. I would be happy to sponsor him and I'm sure that Minnerv would also. Any recommendation from Minnerv was a surety to be enacted. The legions rewarded and promoted competence and Gantacus was amongst the very best I had ever met.

Most princes were tutored in combat by elder master swordsman and specialist combat experts. No expense nor effort was spared on them. They were usually expert and highly proficient fighters but most opponents at home went easy on them as the penalty for injuring a prince was obvious. Unless they had actually been in combat they lacked experience with real fighters who weren't letting the prince win. And they had tactics that worked well against what they had been taught to train against. There was no substitute for being in real life chaotic combat.

I would be amazed if Maghin could beat Gantacus and was of two minds whether he should tank the fight, take him easily or give a good contest to keep Maghin's pride intact. The prince was only 24 and at the prime of his youth, while Gantacus was over 30. They both certainly looked the part of fighting men.

My advice in the end was, "Gantacus, do what you wish in the fight. Do Monagon proud but make it a good contest."

He nodded and grinned.

A small crowd had turned out for the fight and the arena was a large circle with hard packed earth mixed with sand and gravel giving a solid non slip surface. The perimeter was rimmed with a single low row of sandbags. Scanning the crowd I saw the prime cardinal standing next to a cowled figure that seemed to be the king if I remembered him rightly from two decades ago. Next to them were obvious senior Paladins, Templars and military commanders from the gaudy and elaborate ceremonial armour they were wearing.

Maghin and Gantacus were limbering up outside the circle. Maghin was in tight scale mail chest armour, leggings and knee high leather boots. He also had metal vambraces. He was unusually armed with two swords, one longer, but shorter than a longsword in his primary hand and a short sword with an extra large circular pommel like a tiny shield.

Maghin was going through some elaborate drills and the audience was applauding his skill. He did appear to be very fast. Gantacus was watching him carefully and concentrating on arms swings and torso rotations and twists. He picked up his sword, inserted his left arm in the straps of his buckler and walked to the edge of the sandbags.

A marshall in paladin armour walked to the centre of the arena and announced in a loud voice. "We are here to watch the astounding spectacle of 2 champions of the Cantran and Monagon empires in combat. They are the best that either state can offer and we expect to be amazed by their skill and martial prowess. Let the combat begin. The fight finishes at first blood."

A slight exaggeration and guesswork as he knew nothing about Gantacus, but he was in fact amongst the very best the legions could offer. It remained to be seen if Maghin could compare.

The fighters saluted each other after they stepped into the arena. They edged slowly towards each other in fighting stances, both leading with their primary right sword arm. Neither had helmets. Maghin was grinning and Gantacus with his trademark neutral, serious face.

Gantacus feinted with his sword to see how Maghin reacted. He stepped back to his left and rear. Most fighters had signature moves that could win fights. They would rarely reveal them until opportunity presented. In this case the other was a complete unknown and they were feeling each other out.

Maghin in a complex move swirled both swords across both sides of his body in a figure eight while lunging forward quickly towards Gantacus. Gantacus struck both swords aside with his sword and shield and leg swept Maghin's front leg just before he planted it own the ground. He went down immediately and rolled to his left. Gantacus could have finished the fight there but he stepped back to allow his opponent to come to his feet. The crowd's cheer as their man attacked turned to gasps as he hit the ground. Gantacus could have nudged him with his shield as he went down so he couldn't roll and he would have landed heavily with his armour on.

In real sword fights unlike sparring with lighter wooden and practice weapons, it was important not to over commit and to setup the next attack or defence. Very strong or wild blows could place you in a vulnerable position unless you had a clear opening or advantage. Combat between two expert swordsman was like a dance until one made an error. Of course there were berserker types who could be difficult to handle but if you could survive their initial onslaught then they could usually be easily dispatched.

Gantacus resumed a ready position but had changed guard, now with his left leg forward and buckler leading. Maghin's grin was gone. Gantacus lead with his shield blocking Maghin's vision, impacting his right sword and thrust under it towards his groin. Maghin was quick enough to deflect the blow with his shorter sword and jumped back.

Gantacus immediately followed up in a flurry of rapid controlled strikes, straight thrusts, swings and low sweeps that Maghin was hard pressed to counter and he was moving back continuously as he was unable to riposte. The crowd was quiet and somewhat stunned as their champion couldn't even return a blow.

Having practiced with Gantacus on the journey over, I knew he was being conservative. He was making it look like a contest though. Maghin survived by having fast reflexes and having a good defence. Gantacus stopped his attacks and moved back, allowing Maghin to respond. Every time Maghin swung, Gantacus immediately riposted forcing him back as he was telegraphing his strikes. In some cases he deflected the blow with his shield and others with his sword off to the side. Each counterstrike put Maghin off balance forcing him back to reset. He was looking increasing frustrated.

Maghin tried everything in his repertoire and couldn't come close to penetrating his opponent's defence and was put off balance every time Ganatacus countered. In a move I hadn't anticipated, he conceded without any blood being spilled.

"Gantacus, I concede. You are truly a master swordsman and I hope you can tutor me while you are here in Cantra. If all your legionnaires are as competent, your opponents must fear to face your legions"

"Prince Maghin it would be a pleasure. You have by no means disgraced yourself today and are a fine swordsman. I am sure the consul will make me available as you wish." He tried to soften the blow to his ego as Maghin had been confident of victory. Gantacus stood back and saluted Maghin.

The crowd applauded both men as they walked off. I stared at the prime cardinal, memorising his aged features. His reckoning was coming and in a way he least expected.

Maghin appeared to be a fine fellow, except where women were concerned. But Mary's warnings echoed in my mind.

"We can start tomorrow. Late afternoon before you have eaten. The consul and I will be busy all day with the king."

Things had almost returned to normal and were again eating in the banquet hall. Lyria was doing well and had been visited by Myriana again. The healing potion made a substantial difference in her condition. She had been sleeping most of the day. I would need to have a talk to her after she recovered about her lack of discipline. I'm sure she knew and regretted her impulsiveness but the conversation had to be made.

I expected Mary again tonight and planned to use her to enable my delivery of the second plant into the castle water supply. I got my intern to alter bedding arrangements as I would need my bed tonight for my plans with the plant with Mary covering for me. Lyria would have to sleep somewhere and I left it to him.

Mary did indeed return and her handler received the usual gratuity. As we made love in bed I explained her part for the night. Around mid morning some hours after midnight I needed her to goto the door, hold it wide open and distract the paladin with her naked body and ask for a bottle of wine. I would be gone into the castle and might be away some hours. When she heard a noise outside, she was to open the door to enquire what was going on which would enable me to reenter the room. If anything went wrong and I couldn't make it back, she was to plead ignorance and say that when she woke, I was gone.

I very much enjoyed my time with her as she was an intelligent, willing and experienced partner although not quite as liberated as Myriana. I can only imagine how hard it was for her to be a whore for the clergy. That was one thing that would certainly be changing. When I rose from the bed in the early hours of the morning, I estimated I would have four hours before sunrise. I asked her to turn around so she wouldn't see me cast invisible and silence. The plant had already been pre-packed in my backpack.

Immediate I was ready, I asked her to go to the door. Naked, she rose and acting drunk, swung open the door and leaned out to ask the paladin outside to get another bottle of wine for the consul. Her naked torso was distraction enough for me to slip out the door and sneak away down the corridor.

The castle was very large and I didn't know the exact location of its water supply. I wandered around for an hour on the lowest levels without finding the relevant basement before I realised I could follow the water pipes that must lead down to the pool. In the early hours of the morning, apart from infrequent patrols there were very few people moving around. Bakers were active as I passed the lower level kitchen preparing breads and pastries for the coming day.

Finding the pool was always going to take longer than getting back and I had allowed three hours to find it. The biggest problem was opening and closing doors. if there was someone on the other side, in sight of a door opening without cause I would have to cast a charm and then a forget spell which would break invisibility. A risk but as a mage I had practiced infiltration techniques inside the mage college, the castle and other buildings as part of our training. As an archmage I could cast spells almost instantly, local, ranged and area effect versions.

Locked doors could be magically unlocked and I could enhance my hearing to detect if there was anyone on the other side. Mages were very hard to keep out. The castle had no wards or runes protecting important rooms or doors which made my job easy. In a short time I found the pool after following pipes that carried the water up to higher levels.

Standing next to the pool, there was no one in sight. Oil lamps gave off some light to dimly illuminate the area. It was quite extensive and seemed deep which would aid in hiding the plants as they spread. The water was very clear but as it was dark I couldn't see the bottom of the pool. As with the previous plant I removed it from the pot, and dropped it carefully into the water and cast the initiating growth spell. It sunk and immediately and split into several parts and then again and again. Soon I couldn't count the innumerable copies which slowly sank to the bottom of the pool. It would spread its special and insidious magic that was subtly different and more potent than the first plant outside the castle. I sighed with relief as now regardless of how events unfolded they would proceed to their inevitable conclusion. Not quick enough for me as the next four weeks would bring great change to Synessia.

Minnerv and her mages would be spreading plants identical to the first I had released throughout Cantra, effecting the whole population. Ponds, rivers, streams, dams, irrigation - everywhere there was fresh drinking water. Salt water killed the plant so its effects wouldn't carry into the ocean. Effects were infused into plants that grew in affected water and animals that drank it. The magic acted exclusively on people and didn't work on plants, insects, animals, birds, etc. The plant and its very unique, complex magic had taken decades to develop.

My part in the overall scheme had been successful and I turned and proceeded back to my room. Fortune was with me and I encountered no problems on the return trip.

I expected Minnerv's mages to arrive imminently to support the mage college's plans to bring down the Cantran empire.

The magically altered water would progressively spread throughout the castle over the next few days. Due to its nature, all livestock and plants would be reinforcing the magical effects and it would spread throughout Cantra - everything depends on water. The differing effects of the castle's water and the city's water would stay relatively isolated between the two areas but there would be some cross "pollination". Unavoidable and of minor importance in the total scheme of things.

I would be casting 24 hour long duration cancel magic on the male delegation members and myself staying in the castle every day for the duration of our stay to protect all of us from the effects, including myself as I would otherwise be effected as all males would. The effects on women would be very different.

===

The garrison was still on high alert during Lyria's detainment and if events turned violent they would be in a very difficult position. Their barracks are somewhat defensible but they didn't have enough legionnaires to many all four walls against a concerted attack and their best option would be to stage a fighting retreat and ambush incoming enemy. Without mounts & mages adding firepower it would be a very precarious situation. If the front gate was closed then it would become a last man standing scenario and to either surrender or take out as many of the enemy as possible as they went down.

During the third night in Synessia, the decurions were woken by six women suddenly appearing in their room. They instantly recognised them as Monagon mages and relaxed after a moment of panic. Even junior mages are at least officer rank and archmages are tribune rank, in theory reporting directly to the legate in charge of the legion - all well above decurion or centurion. Any mages in Cantra are obviously part of some mission from the king. They are outside the normal chain of command but also integrated into the legions.

The archmages briefed the decurions that they were placing two mages per decurion squad. They would take on the role of camp drudges and whores who the legionnaires had paid to service the men and stay with the detachment. This was a major relief to the decurions as with mage support they could certainly escape from the city. The mages didn't say how many of them were here but this seemed a major operation and had always been planned to synchronise and integrate with the trade delegation.

The legionnaires all knew the story of the original delegation and how they were evacuated and saved by the only 2 archmages and legionnaires working in tandem.

The mages would be surreptitiously casting cancel magic on the legionnaires as well so they would avoid the effects of the magic plants. Even though the effects were much less intense than the castle version, the legionnaires would likely be needed and with full capability. A fighting force of legionnaires and mages would be invincible in weeks.

===

Three years ago ...

Minnerv's partner appeared to have moderate sized breasts, at least C cups when I had seen him last as Alysa and she had hinted that he could breastfeed and lactate. He had retained or more likely she had left them on him ever since I first noticed them years ago. They appeared larger every time I saw him. He also appeared to be smaller in stature every time we met and to have an increasingly evident feminine shape. Minnerv hadn't changed in size but when I first met him she was the same height as her partner and now he was at least half a head shorter. Alysa knew that magic was involved as there was no other explanation.

The few times Alysa had been at Minnerv's estate, I had only seen men as workers and attendants The estate manager had been a mundane female. She was a very tall, strong woman. The men were all clean shaven, short and androgynous in appearance, face and figure. They all appeared to have small breasts too, although smaller than Minnerv's partner.

Minnerv's children, now in their mid teens, were twins, a boy and a girl. Her daughter was much taller and toned than her brother, who was smaller than average. When Minnerv was near them she could see that her daughter was much taller than her mother, by almost a head and was expected to enrol at the mage college next year. Which didn't surprise me at all. The daughter was full of energy and vivacious while the son was much quieter. While I couldn't be sure it looked like he had A or B cup breasts and large, puffy nipples. Minnerv, her family and the others at her estate all got along well, they joked and enjoyed each other's company - both males and females. But it was obvious that females were in charge and the males deferred to them.

I queried Minnerv about the males on her estate and her partner but all she would say that she would explain more in time when I made archmage. I was dominant as were all mages but hadn't pushed it very far with my male partners, especially at the college with male mages. I had played with making my partners hairless, dabbled occasionally with chastity and ordering them around but more because it was expected of me as a mage than a real need to be dominant.

As I got older however it seemed to come more naturally to me and most males I met were submissive and some had played with other mages before. Mage events & functions were full of such males and as I found later, a cabal of archmages organised the men attending to be of a type. No men I met were close to being my intellectual equal or for that matter few were physically either. I also found out later that mages typically only became pregnant from superior male stock and who had a greater likelihood to father mages. Breeding records were kept of the real parenthood of all mages. Their life partners were invariably not the actual fathers of their children. They were cucks to the core. This shocked me as I always believed in the equality of women and men.

===

Interlude ... Magic & Mages

The ability of the mage determined the outcome and duration of any spell. In combat where weapon skill and physical size, agility, strength, power and endurance are all factors so does the intelligence of the mage and other related factors affect magic capability.

Alysa had seen quite stupid men in the legions who could barely tie their own bootlaces excel at martial arts and in rare cases even become legion combat champions.

Sex magic was a branch of magic studied in second year of the college. Mage initiates learnt sex spells during classes and played with them outside. Temporary versions of arousal, sensitivity, orgasm, affection, love, lust, chastity, growing of breasts and penises and also the opposite - shrinking, were fun to play with. And all required the consent of the recipient. Pranks without consent ended up with the caster receiving a more severe version of whatever they cast on their non consenting target. Illusions were very popular and easier to cast without changing any underlying reality. Physical changes like swapping sex, futanari, hermaphrodites or polymorph were much more advanced beyond the abilities of students of all ranks.

A mage required high intelligence to control the manipulation of mana and bend it to their will as spells to alter reality. Weaving the intricate flows in their mind to craft and shape spells required intense focus, practice and discipline. To memorise multiple spells took even more skill and experience. The very best like Minnerv and archmages could cast multiple spells in such quick successions that they appeared to be casting them simultaneously. Any novice could light a candle by magic, to launch a fireball was more difficult and dangerous. Temporary castings unravelled quickly. Longer spells required more difficult spell variations. Long term and permanent spells were generally only able to be cast by archmages, as the precision, complexity and timing of such spells was extremely difficult requiring many years of practice.

Ethics in magic and mental domination of others were areas of intense debate amongst mages. Monagon treasured its society empowering women and equality of the sexes. Freedom of will and choice amongst citizens were also paramount.

Now that mages were so highly trained and magic was a refined and potent art it was vital that mages learnt, understood and abided by strict moral codes and the laws of the mage college - as should all citizens obey the laws of the land or pay the requisite penalty.

Enthralling others, which including casting true love spells were forbidden except in war. And mages who went too far in controlling their partners against their will were disciplined by the mage college. Detect magic was an easy and low level spell to cast and so it was trivial to see if anyone had charm or another like spell on them. It was well known that being in a relationship with a female mage's was to be the submissive partner. Which will likely involve things like feminisation and chastity and men who entered into such a relationship did so voluntarily.

Mages of any level, going beyond the limits of these laws were bound as kitchen drudges and their ability to cast removed for a week as a first time punishment and underwent counselling. Few re-offended. Inability to cast magic was thought to be the more serious part of the penalty. Magic becomes part of a mage and it's loss is felt keenly indeed. A second offence and they had their casting ability removed for a year, given 20 lashes and serving as a palace toilet cleaner and emptying chamber pots for a month. A third offence involved permanent magic removal, banishment from access to the mage college, 100 lashes, silence and service as a legion prostitute for a year.

Only once in the history of the college had a mage committed a serious offence requiring such a severe punishment. It had been a fully qualified archmage who had been dabbling in necromancy. She had been keeping her exploration of the dark art a secret for years. As she lived on a remote estate, her perversions into raising the dead and enthralling mundanes had gone undetected for years. When finally discovered, she had enthralled multiple, mind broken and modified slaves and had an army of undead serving her. The details were so horrific that they were kept secret and only archmages and the monarch were privy to the details. This was only ten years ago and to the dismay of the magistra and the college she had escaped when discovered.

Minnerv and a detachment of 10 arch battlemages were dispatched to apprehend her within hours of her discovery. She had turned out to be so powerful and able to cast new and previously unknown necromancy spells that she had been able to fight Minnerv and the ten mages to a stalemate. Death magic, soul stealing, raising hundreds of undead, draining life force and mana to feed her magic and even creating two new classes of undead. The first, a whamphyr with deadly strength and speed with an ability to suck even a mages life force by draining their blood. The second was an incubus and even more deadly as it was seemingly invulnerable to magic and able to powerfully charm any woman, even mages from a distance. It had wings and could travel frightening fast.

Wards and an array of ambushes and traps she had laid, enabled her to escape while she left her undead army in the forms of skeletons, zombies, ghouls, wights and the whamphyr and incubus behind to fight for her. A magical zone around her had almost nullified the mana available in her vicinity drawing it into her and vastly reducing it for Minnerv and her mage squad. She was still on the loose and all mages were required to 1) warn the college and 2) kill her on sight. Next time every battlemage would be despatched to ensure her defeat. But no sign of her had been discovered in ten years. There had been an increase of undead sightings in Monagon since, whether left behind from her previous activities or an active ongoing campaign from her was unknown.

As mages were so powerful, the kings and queens over generations had established suitable mage laws with the college and a penalty structure for mages breaking them. The mundane population must have confidence that mages were bound by laws of the land just like they were.

The current king for the first time ever, had no male heir and both his daughters showed magical talent. The projected outcome was that the next queen would be a mage. Monarchs in the past had been women and thus queens, but never had one been a mage - male or female ...

===

End part 2. Part 3 is almost finished and will be uploaded within the week.