Mage Revenge Pt. 03

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 parents were tortured & killed 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. The first stage of the archmage councils' plans regarding Cantra have been initiated and changes to the Cantran population have started. The legions have arrived and the battle for Cantra is about to start.

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

Getting into the action now. Skipping chapters wont be useful, so reading sequentially from chapter 1 is recommended

There are no STD's in this fantasy world.

==

I nudged a flaming oil lamp ensconced on the wall near my room making it fall with a loud clatter and spread burning oil. It looked like the lamp's fastening had failed. The paladin's scrambled to put out the flames and I slipped back into my room in the confusion after Mary opened the door to see what was happening. The paladins told her to get back and everything was under control. It was just a fallen lamp.

I appeared once I embraced Mary and startled her. She squealed and I shushed her quickly.

"My task is done. Thanks for your part." I could see the barest glimmerings of sunrise out the window. I was still wide awake and couldn't see myself getting any sleep soon.

Mary looked relieved at my return and hugged me back. She was naked still. "I had the easy part. Your task was much harder, I'm sure." She rubbed her hand between my legs. I responded in the usual way.

"Danger always arouses me and so do you. Let's make love Alwyn. Make me forget for a while my role away from you."

I stripped off and for the next hour, as the night sky brightened slowly, we pleasured each other. We drifted to sleep after but were seemingly roused immediately after we took a few moments of rest. I glanced up and the sun was above the horizen. Time to rise and get ready for the meetings with the king.

Mary knew I was busy for the day and washed from the basin and dressed without disturbing me, ate some fruit and waited for her escort.

The agenda for the day was starting with a public introduction in the royal public chambers. Due to the importance of our delegation, the king, his family, senior clergy and military would be present. Many courtiers would certainly be present as this would be regarded as a major event where they could be seen and garner influence.

Only males from our delegation were attending the event. Myself, junior consul, both merchants, their juniors and Gantacus. Our orderlies would prepare our formal costumes but would stay out of sight and not be part of proceedings. Marianna would still tend Lyria. In hindsight, our scribe should have been a man as we couldn't include her as part of our formal retinue, but we would attempt to have her in the crowd watching and observing.

After washing quickly but thoroughly from our basins, our orderlies fussed over our appearance. I noticed Mary leaving, leashed by her handler. I left his gratuity with her. We nodded as she left.

We had a quick bite of fruit, pastries and buns with jam before attendants requested we follow them. I cast cancel magic on the whole male party in the corridor unseen by anyone. This would protect them for one day until I recast it. I expected the contaminated water to start effecting the castle from today.

The Cantran attendants ushered into a waiting room, but without our scribe, next to the grand entrance hall where we sat waiting for formalities to commence. The chancellor checked in with us and advised us of the protocol sequence. Once the king and retinue : family, clergy and military had arrived, we would move to the start of the grand entrance hallway and wait til the Cantran dignitaries, were seated. The cardinal would arrive last immediately before the princes and finally the king. Then the fanfare would begin and we would be announced to the room.

For ceremonial purposes, Gantacus was dressed as a Tribune and would be announced as such.

We could hear the bustle of people moving about. Finally the chancellor returned and guided us the hallway. We stood in order : merchants, then Gantacus and finally myself. Our juniors were moved past us and ushered to the side of the hall, far from the king but had a reasonable view.

The generals and admirals were arriving with senior cardinals all arranged in a crescent according to seniority to the side of the throne. The arch cardinal was seated at a smaller throne immediately to the side of the king's. The queen and princess were next. Both immaculately presented and very attractive although it was hard to tell from the distance. The princes next and then a pause.

The king's entrance was announced with horns. The chancellor shouting so all could hear. "All rise for our liege and monarch, the righteous and mighty Triotan, king of Cantra, leader of the imperial armies and navies, defender of the faith, etc, etc." The various titles went on for over a minute! Once the chancellor finished, everyone bowed, including us.

The king sat and we were signalled to a pre-arranged spot 10 yards in front of the stairs leading to the throne. Paladins and Templars lined the walls. The chancellor announced the merchants, then "Tribune" Gantacus and finally myself. We all bowed again with the king acknowledging each of us in turn. There were easily a hundred present in the grand hall. Light streaming through patterned windows light up tall hanging tapestries on the walls. The arched ceilings were painted with historical figures and their religious iconography. Mosaics and rugs moved the floor. A very impressive place. The only women present were the queen and princess.

Chancellor again. His baritone voice stridently filled the room. "We welcome the Monagon delegation to resume communications and trade between our two empires."

Tables were arranged on the main floor and attendants guided everyone to their place. We stood behind our chairs until the king was seated. The king and cardinal were seated adjacent with the princes outside of them. Then the Queen and princess outside of them. Gantacus and I were opposite the king and cardinal with a merchant on either side. Our table sat first after the king and then everyone else cascaded in order of seniority.

Military were very highly regarded in Cantra hence the presence of Gantacus next to me. I'm sure that his standing and notoriety had improved after his duel against Maghin yesterday. Gantacus looked worried as he had never been in the presence of such august persons and royalty before. Well above his pay grade he had said before we left our rooms. He hid it well but I noticed some nervous twitches. I was far more comfortable, having been around Minnerv, the magistra and the king and family. My mother had also been the second highest ranking mage.

I glanced at the king and cardinal. The same as twenty years ago. Aged twenty years but the same brutal misogynists from all reports. With a gesture I could have killed them where they sat, but the rest of the party would pay the price and the legionnaires also. I took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. Vengeance was already in place. I glanced at large jugs of water on the table and could detect the very faint trace of magic. It had been carefully crafted to pass poison detection from the king's tasters. Only an experienced mage would even be able to detect anything. And then only if they knew what to look for. I smiled at the king and cardinal, my reckoning was beginning this morning as they sipped from their gold, bejewelled cups.

Gantacus was opposite Maghin and they were already in discussion about things military and their planned excursion this afternoon.

I made small talk with the king and cardinal and was surprised that I could appear so cordial to the persons directly responsible for the death of my parents.

The merchants both had golden tongues and were telling stories and explaining about life in Monagon to the queen and princess.

Olivant, Maghin's younger brother looked bored and was staring off into the distance.

The cardinal was querying the secular status of Monagon. I'm sure he already knew our history. I avoided any mention of mages and magic but agreed that yes we hadn't worshipped any deities for a very long time.

"I'm surprised that you dont appreciate or worship our gods, their presence is so evident to me. In every aspect of our lives." It appeared that he sincerely believed. Sad that his gods, if they existed treated women so badly.

I couldn't resist. "Your grace, I have travelled widely and every country has their own god or gods and they all swear that theirs is the one and only true deity. I find it difficult to believe that they can all be right as their beliefs are totally divergent from each other."

"Indeed, primitives and heathens who are not sophisticated enough to appreciate the two true gods."

"Indeed, your grace. We place our trust in science and the evidence abundant in the world around us." I neglected to mention magic. "We have never been able to detect the presence of deities or their influence. Our scientists would be very open to discussions with your clergy and confirming any proof that they exist."

"Faith is an important pillar of religion and without faith there can be no belief." Which really said nothing at all and of course didn't mention any proof.

The king had been listening and said. "I have heard that your college of science has made some useful discoveries, both practical and military in nature."

"Yes, your liege. I am planning to pass onto your engineers improved knowledge of pumps and filters for water and which can be used for transport and sanitation. We have samples. Their influence on our legions for improved ballista, mangonels and catapults has been profound. But yokes for cattle and horses and ever improving machinery for agriculture have had major impacts. We are looking to pass on many things and I'm sure that you have useful knowledge to trade also. I have bought some samples of steel alloys that we can share the manufacturing process to make better swords, spears and arrows."

I could see the wheels turning in both their heads as I dropped some tantalising hints of what we could offer. The implications were far reaching. Better steel is sharper, tougher and lasts longer. Some of our steels were almost completely resistant to corrosion, an immensely useful quality. Not to mention being imbued magically to further improve the quality. Gantacus' longsword would be the best sword currently in Cantra. Permanently sharp, lighter and more durable than any mundane metal.

"Our merchants have details of many things, not only cloth and produce. Our delegation and permanent consulate if established can include scientists and perhaps even help you establish your own college."

"And this science has no magical influence or taint?" Asked the cardinal.

"No your grace, the college of mages is a separate institution concerned with magic, which I believe you have no interest in. The college of science on the other hand is solely concerned with mundane matters."

The cardinal looked like he had sucked on a lemon at the mention of magic. They had a corps of engineers, primarily concerned with construction and military devices. They had no dedicated institution catering solely for pure research.

Our colleges of magic and science in reality worked together, elevating the work of both.

Their paladins, battlepriests & clergy were frantically researching "magic" to counter our advantages in this crucial area of war. This spoke large of the inherent contradiction of religion vs science. They were hamstrung going down their current path as they refused to acknowledge the true nature of magic.

The king and cardinal turned to converse with each other for a while and I addressed the princess slightly across from me. She was indeed a beauty. Obviously her mother's daughter. She was personable and intelligent. I was surprised to detect some inherent magical stirrings in her. Obviously glad to converse with anyone outside of her limited circle. She pressed me about the lives of women in Monagon. I had to be circumspect as the cardinal and her father were in earshot and the leaders of their patriarchy.

In a quiet voice. "Princess, the lives of women in Monagon are very different to those of Cantra. Perhaps if we can meet privately we can discuss more."

She glanced at her father, saw his attention was elsewhere. She leaned in and risked in a whisper. "Yes we must. I will send a handmaiden."

We continued talking about our lives in our respective countries. She was eager for stories of life in Monagon. In turn it became apparent that her life here was very proscribed. While better than almost every other woman in Cantra, she had many of the same limitations. She had been well educated which would have been impossible if not for her position of Princess. The Queen came from another state and had made every effort to educate her daughter.

Her mother, the queen, had started out very subdued but over the course of the banquet had increasingly become engaged with the naval merchant, Amanus.

After our meal, the King and cardinal left and we would meet soon for private discussions away from the public. Everyone at the table had at least one glass or cup of water.

Informal discussions continued as we rose for the King to leave and many approached us to push their own agendas. I left it to the merchants as this was their forte. Maghin, Olivant and Ganticus left for the Paladin barracks.

Peneetha and Ambetha had hung back, the only women in the room. Ambetha caught my eye and gestured slightly. I walked over to her, excusing myself.

"Your majesty." Nodding my head.

"We are always watched but we need to talk urgently," she uttered in a low voice that wouldn't carry.

"Peneetha is currently in negotiatians for her betrothal to interested princes but if you can extend your intent, I want to get her out of this abysmal culture. My sons are lost already."

"My discrete enquiries have assured me that you are a decent man and our last hope for her escape to live a normal life away from these pigs. Your spies have been in communication with me and I will be in further contact with them and you to meet. They said to tell you "cyan"."

I glanced at the princess. She smiled nervously. Part of my cover was to potentially marry a suitable noble here in Cantra to help consolidate relations between the powerful states. I never thought that the princess would be a possibility. I had the cover of being a baronet and a relative to the king, so was in theory, royalty. But that was simply a delaying and distracting tactic given other events in play.

We made the pretence of carrying on a casual conversation. Our moments together would be brief.

I took the risk, given they knew the code word and everything about their manner rang true. "I've been informed the princess has some magical talent and could be trained as a mage in Monagon. This would be impossible here and likely be the death of her if discovered. There are events in play that may make all this possible. I cannot say any more."

"She expects no actual marriage and we just want your aid to get her out of Cantra. It will be an agreement of convenience and you will be richly rewarded."

"Your majesties, I completely understand. I appreciate your situation more than you know. I will do everything I can, not only to free her, but you and every woman in Cantra." I urged sincerely. "My reward would be to get her and you safely out of the hands of the Cantran patriarchy."

"Ahh, consul, you are so humorous, that is such an engaging anecdote." She stated much louder than our previous conversation.

The princess giggled behind her hands, suddenly changing character.

I took the hint. "Your majesties, we must catch up for me to show you the gowns our merchants have bought. The latest fashions from the royal court at home. The finest silks."

The chancellor discretely coughed behind me. "Consul, the King requires your presence. Please excuse me your majesties."

I bowed to the ladies. "Your majesties, it was a pleasure."

"One moment, I need a word to my junior and merchants. How long do I have with the king?"

"Depending on how discussions go, I would estimate one to two hours. We need to leave in a few minutes. His majesty is not a patient man."

The queen and princess had moved away towards the exit behind the throne.

"I will be back imminently."

I spotted Jonus. He had been tasked with bringing two copies of the formal documents detailing the delegation and consulate specifics, ready to be signed jointly by the King and myself. Interesting legalities, as I didn't actually exist!

"Jonus follow me, we are off to have our private meeting with the king and cardinal. Say nothing unless specifically asked. Bring the documents and tell the merchants they are free for the rest of the day. We are expected back before the evening banquet. I need to speak to Gantacus soonest when we are finished with the king. Be back here momentarily."

He strode off quickly, had a few words with the merchants and returned.

The chancellor led the way to our meeting with the king.

- -

"Be seated." the king motioned to our chairs. Only he and the cardinal, Hierphan, were present. The chancellor delivered us and promptly left.

Walking to my chair, I cast detect magic to see if there were any magical wards in place. None.

"Let's clear the air first, after the events twenty years ago. A distressing time for both of us. We prefer to forget and want to move on."

A jug of fresh water on the table. A full goblet in front of each of us.

"The same here, your majesty. We are here to establish a new consulate, open trade where we hope to come to mutually beneficial arrangements."

"Yes, yes, of course. We are interested in many of the things you have on offer. We can establish details through the merchants of all the usual goods. Distance and travel is a concern which will limit some goods, but no reason we can't start immediately."

"We do have some restricted technologies which I'm sure you appreciate."

"Well, I'm sure your spies are at least as good as ours. Let's not dissemble."

I smiled. "Yes, your majesty."

"We want to send some of our military to postings in your legions and offer the same."

"We are aware that your legions are amongst the best fighting force on the continent, except perhaps for ours and you are in constant expansion of your borders. We are on the furthest east and west coasts respectively and neither can practically wage war against the other."

Not as far apart as he thought.

"You are obviously aware that female mages are embedded in our legions as an integral part of their battle order."

The cardinal grimaced. "Yes, we are aware. They are accursed to our gods and religions. I'm sure you are aware of our feelings in this regard."

"And that men and women are equal in our society. We don't want to intrude on your mores and traditions and respect your traditional male patriarchy. We hope that we can work together around our differences."

"We are aware of the mundane nature of your party with very few women. Starkly different from previously."

"With respect your majesty. I believe we have both learnt lessons from the past. We would expect the exchange personnel from both sides to abide by local laws. King Crastus would have the final say but within the limitations of my authority, we expected similar requests and I'm sure this would be possible."

"Good."

We covered many minor things over the course of the meeting. Triotan was practical, thoughtful and intelligent. A tough negotiator. The cardinal rarely interjected but listened attentively offering pertinent comments or questions.

The position of a formal treaty both sides agreed should wait for a time until we knew each other better.

I next cast a permanent cancel magic on the cardinal only. This would last until I dispelled it. I wanted the cardinal to see first hand the fall of his patriarchy and empire around him before my revenge was enacted. The King could have the effects as per the other men.

If you didn't know their women were treated as chattels they appeared as normal, reasonable men given their exalted positions. They seemed to work well and closely together.

We duly signed the general trade and consular agreement we presented. They carefully read through, signed and we each kept a copy.

The king asked, "If you need anything, advise the chancellor. Find a suitable premises for your staff between the castle and the first wall. You may have an office in the castle. Your legionnaires can be billeted with our paladin regiments so the exchange of tactics can commence immediately. Good will on our behalf in anticipation of the placement of our officers with your legions."

The bishop warned, "We expect no repeat of the incident with your cook. Women must know and adhere to their place in our society. Men have primacy in everything."

"Of course, your grace, she has been counselled and disciplined by us. We only have three females in our whole party."

I sensed the water on the table was magical. It appeared it was spreading quickly through the castle as hoped.

"Anything else you wish to discuss?"

"Your majesty, I do have a request regarding another matter unrelated to trade, but will hopefully add to good relations between our great states."

"Yes, and that request is?"

"I say with full sincerity your majesty and hope that I am not speaking out of turn, but I believe your daughter, Princess Peneetha is not yet betrothed. I am an eligible batchelor looking for a wife, am royalty myself and as strange as it might seem, have been captivated by your beautiful daughter even though we have only spoken a few words."

The king narrowed his eyes and peered at me again as if seeing me for the first time. Jonus looked at me in surprise too. The cardinal was inscrutable.

'Impertinent but interesting. Very interesting. Let me ponder on this and I will make a decision to see if you can court her. She has numerous suitors and the final choice shall be mine. No doubt merging our dynasties would be an advantageous and politic choice."

He raised his voice, "Chancellor."

Immediately the door opened and he escorted us out.

- -

"Impetuous and brash." The cardinal was going through the implications of Alwyn's proposal in his head. On the face of it, he was actually the best placed of all her suitors. A baronet, the closest thing to a prince. Related to the king. Obscenely wealthy if rumours were to be believed. Intelligent and close to the corridors of power with direct access to the Monagon king. From the look of him, a capable military man. All Monagon males served two years in the legions and he had been a tribune according to his resume compiled by his spies.

"I'm sure that you have already assessed and compared him to the others. I'm hard pressed to find a better man of more use to me."

"Well, I'm sure that you believe in love at first sight as much as I. Sluts, be they your wife or daughter are all the same."

"The only reason she is still a virgin is because of her increased value being pristine. My wife, the slut, as you and the other cardinals well know, is a fine fuck. She is barren after birthing Olivant and I cast her off to others. Bedding young sluts is my choice these days."

"The cardinals and I certainly enjoy fucking her. Her ass is particularly sweet. Bedding the queen, is, shall I say, a unique experience."

"I keep Ambetha in line by threatening to give Peneetha to Maghin. He is aching to fuck his sister but he would surely damage her beyond use. He can go through a slut in days."

"A useful tactic for sure. Fear for their children works wonders motivating sluts."

"In the absence of any good reasons not to, let's give the consul permission to court the slut. It will certainly motivate him to do his best to stay in my good graces and do the best he can for Cantra."

"Organise the Paladins to make room for the legionnaires in their barracks. Keeping them away from our new Paladins with the anti-magic tactics, shields, swords and weaponry. Same for battlepriests. Keep them apart and don't even let them know they exist. Watch the tactics & strategies of the legionnaires and setup mock battles so we can watch them in action. They have no mages here but we can observe them when we send our officers to Monagon."

"Maghin is friendly with Gantacus. He beat him easily yesterday and he had never been conquered in one to one duels. Everyone was surprised he was so good. Hopefully the other legionnaires are not as proficient otherwise we are in trouble until we can emulate their training. A good lesson in humility for him. Keep mentoring him."

"Long term their equality of the sexes will be their downfall and I don't see how we can co-exist. However that is in the future. We must appropriate everything we can from them. They are expanding rapidly on their side of the continent. If they get too big, sheer numbers and their cursed mages will defeat us."

===

Jonus and I were escorted back to our rooms. It was mid afternoon and no time to do anything except wait for the others to get back and attend the evening banquet.

Gantacus came back just before we were about to leave for the banquet. He had a quick wash, changed into casual uniform and we waited for him. He advised me that the decurion had made contact with the spy network in the tavern as requested. He had been told that while they were out of stock of the Minichon ale, the order was received and some would be delivered shortly to the consul.

He advised that his day after the morning banquet with the king was spent touring the barracks and giving two short clinic's on sword fighting. He saw no sign of anything other than normal paladins. No special weapons, tactics or battlepriests. Maghin's false persona was perfect and if he didn't know better they would be well on the way towards being friends.

I advised him that the legionnaires were about to move into barracks with the paladins. Effective tomorrow. He should tell Maghin that they use cavalry frequently and would need their horses close to train and show the paladins their tactics. There was nothing he should hold back and he should show them everything they asked.

"Are you sure, consul?" He queried.

"Definitely. Everything you know. Make them think you are an open book. Which in this case, you are. I want them to think we are being as helpful as possible. You can sleep here in the castle or with our men but visit first thing every morning for briefings. here."

He could see I was serious although from his perspective giving the enemy legion secrets was irrational. But, I was the consul and he was the centurion.

I told Jonus and the merchants to start looking for a building suitable for a permanent consulate between the castle and the inner, first wall. Before purchasing or leasing, clear it with me first and I would visit to confirm. We were being given an office in the castle. The chancellor advised there was a wing with officials from other states. We were to be given first choice and others would have to move if we wanted their office. I would visit the wing tomorrow and examine our options.

Lyria was slowly improving and had been asked whenever she felt up to it, to prepare meals for us in the rooms. She couldn't walk on her bandaged feet and even using crutches was too painful. She was restricted to bed, a chair next to it or being lifted around.

Our scribe, Penyra was devoid of agency as all women required escorts. The best compromise was for her to travel with myself, Jonus, the merchants or Gantacus. She should rotate between us and record as much as possible of our "adventures". from all aspects.

Our medic, Myriana was to stay with the legionnaires unless needed elsewhere. She should check with Lyria frequently. A legionnaire or engineer would escort her if required.

We all sat together and compared observations before departing for sleep.

Mary was already waiting with her handler, who palmed his bribe and left.

After our first round of sex, she lay back against me, I asked her what she knew of the queen and princess.

"We are kept in separate cells for security but I have heard that we have at least one handmaiden looking after the queen. Rumours are that the king no longer sleeps with her and whether by her choice or as an involuntary whore she sleeps with the cardinals."

"What!" I sat up surprised. "Are you sure?"

"I have heard the rumours many times. The details vary but she certainly sleeps with them."

"What about Peneetha?"

"Virginity is highly prized in Cantra. Why I'm not sure. It is controlled by the father and used to maximise the bride price when daughters are married off. She is certainly pure."

"I need to meet with the queen or organise a channel allowing for frequent communications between us."

"I will ask and see what can be done."

She had been gently fondling my member and it was slowly rising. I was caressing one breast and a nipple with one hand and fingering her with my other.

She turned so we were face to face and kissed me.

"Please purchase me and keep me as your personal slut while here in Synessia. Three years is enough for me. It is too hard to leave you and go back to the whore house. You have spoilt me and being away from a kind, caring man and back to the Cantran pigs tears me apart every day."

Knowing the escalation of events about to occur, she may be useful as a state whore away from me and in her network. Duty first always. Agents knew their job was dangerous and during their training they were left with no illusion of the risks involved. Her service for Monagon was about to change in weeks.

I said I would do what I could and promised within the month she would be out of her station as a state whore.

"Thank you." She moved down to suck me and gave me her best, bringing me off in minutes.

She was much more submissive than a typical Monagon female. Going through the "breaking" process of a Cantran state whore had effected her. I agreed that she had more than performed her duty. To keep her hopes up I cuddled her and we made gentle love before we slept.

- -

In the extended royal suite and wings of the castle, the king and his sons were discussing the consul and his delegation.

"I have approved the consul's request to court Peneetha. This is highly advantageous to us. Whether or not he is distracted by her is of no account. I expect him to do his utmost to ensure he and his delegation follow our laws and strictures. I won't turn the other suitors away, let them simmer. I will set a high bride price after a suitable period has elapsed."

"Shame. I wanted to fuck the slut and break her in." Maghain was disappointed.

Olivant observed. "The way you go through sluts, there wouldn't be anything left afterwards to marry off."

"What are you learning from the centurion?" The king asked. Maghin had two focuses in life, war and sadism against women.

"He could beat our best sword masters with ease. I plan to joust with him daily to learn as much as I can of his fighting methods and techniques. His observations on troop deployment and combat have already been useful. He has spent many years in the legions and could probably be a high ranking officer here in Cantra such is his depth of knowledge and quick thinking in combat. Once we are training daily with the legionaries we will be able to see the overall quality of their forces and start to work out tactics to beat them. He is reticent to divulge anything about their witches, but it might be that the mages as they call themselves keep their secrets close. They are a separate unit, commanded by an archmage, their highest level of magic user. They report directly to their legate or general of the legion. Some men are mages too but they are fewer and less potent than the witches."

"Keep cultivating him. We are sending some of our officers to Monagon to train with their legions and will be able to see first hand how they work. Olivant, work with Maghin and learn as much as you can from Gantacus and the Monagons also."

Olivant nodded.

Three naked women with collars, four whore tattoos each and attached leashes were led into the room by a guard.

"Ahh the entertainment is here, about time," exclaimed Maghin.

The women knew their tasks and knelt at the feet the royals pulling their pants down and got to work sucking on the members of the men. Maghin grabbed the hair of his whore tightly and pushed her head down onto his groin forcefully.

The chancellor entered the room after the three women, leading the queen who was also naked and collared. She had only two state whore tattoos, on her breast and above her shaved sex. Peneetha followed her mother, eyes downcast but was clothed.

"Ambetha, there is a newly appointed cardinal for you tonight. Quite vigorous I believe. I'm sure that you will enjoy him more than the decrepit elder cardinals. Make sure you please him. Peneetha stay here."

The chancellor led the queen out of their chamber. The princess stopped and stood in front of her family being pleasured by naked whores. Maghin was pinching and twisting the nipples of his and slapping her ass.

"The Monagon consul has asked to court you and I am inclined to agree with his request."

Peneetha gasped and looked up at her father, shocked.

Misinterpreting her reaction, he continued, "No complaints. Make sure you are pleasing to him as I want to have good relations with him and Monagon."

Maghin started to piss into the mouth of his whore directly down her throat. She was gagging but he held her down until his bladder was empty. The woman knew if she spewed up his urine it would go badly for her, so she swallowed it all down, only spilling a few drops.

Maghin gloated. "Don't you wish this was you my sister slut."

No emotion or reply from Peneetha but her eyes were cold. "Yes father, I will do as you request of course."

"Make sure you get your twenty spanks tonight from your handmaiden and that they are forceful. I hear that she is going easy on you. Tell her she will be given to Maghin for a day if your cheeks and breasts aren't suitably red."

He turned his attention back to his whore. Peneetha immediately turned and left.

-

The next morning after renewing cancel magic on all the male members of the delegation, I went to visit the legionnaire barracks. I hadn't yet been there and wanted to visit the men.

The legionnaires were packing up all their gear in preparation the relocation to their new barracks. Somehow they had collected six women who were active around the camp and assisting the soldiers. They seemed familiar from a distance.

Gantacus was briefing his decurions and several times he stared at the new women. I was watching the soldiers stowing all their gear. Their horses had appeared at their gate as well as all four of our wagons. Everyone was working to aid the move.

Gantacus dismissed the decurions and came over to me.

"Follow me consul." He headed inside their quarters.

All of the women were in the room, obviously waiting for us. I recognised all of them and smiled. They were all taller than I remembered. Now we had some serious firepower at hand. Archmages from the mage college meant that Minnerv's mage squad was here or close.

The leader, Nineara, a senior archmage in her late thirties spoke. "Gantacus, thank you. Your presence is not needed." He nodded and left.

"Consul Alysa, thirty of the mages are now in the city, assisting the spy network. The others are in the countryside planting and seeding."

She had used my female name so knew who I really was.

"Nineara, welcome. Things have proceeded exactly to plan here so far. My two plants are released, in place and spreading. The castle has a large primary spring and water supply at its base and the majority of all water comes from this single source. We have met the king and signed trade and consular agreements with the Cantrans. I haven't discussed the details of a formal treaty yet and the king wanted to delay that for a future date, which will have no relevance anyway. They have no concept of our plan. I have contacted our spy network and spoken with the queen and princess."

"Excellent, Minnerv wants to meet with you. She can unlock your polymorph spell if you wish. How many days has the water been tainted?"

Minor cancel magic cast on me was not enough to disrupt my permanent polymorph spell cast on me by the Magistra of the mage college. I couldn't unlock it myself.

"Four days outside the city in the upstream river and two days in the castle. The plants seemed to expand rapidly and I detected its faint magical essence in water at the consulates formal presentation and in our private meeting with the king and cardinal yesterday."

"The same who killed your mother?"

"Yes and I was tempted to kill them on the spot, but the mission is too important."

"You are aware of the planned effects on males in and out of the castle and all women?"

"Of course. You are casting cancel magic on the legionnaires?"

"We are and expect them to be the only effective fighting force very soon, although they are low in numbers. In a month, we will review whether they are needed as legionnaires and stop casting cancel magic. Then they will be the new men in a month. Same for the two legions on the way. No male exceptions anywhere for whatever reason."

"Life will be different. When will Minnerv be here?"

"I'm unsure of her exact whereabouts and she is running the whole campaign. Visit the legionnaires every second day as I'm sure she will turn up at their new location soon enough. If she needs you sooner, Gantacus will convey the message."

"I need to meet our spymaster to coordinate actions with the Queen and Princess and other elements in the castle."

"That can be organised. She will advise the details. Same as for meeting Minnerv. Anything else?"

"No but I'm expecting things to get exciting very soon."

-

Men in the castle were noticing that their clothes seemed looser. Over the last 2 days they had lost almost 2" in height and were slightly weaker. As the same had happened to all men it was hardly noticed. Intelligence would have dropped around 5%. Women were doing the opposite and growing, 1" over the last 2 days.

I have been keenly observing the castle occupants. The men are noticeably smaller. I think it is time to go on a trip to the countryside with the legionnaires for a few days, while changes continued. I told Gantacus to organise field manoeuvres and try to get Maghin and Olivant with some paladins to attend. We would meet them at a prearranged spot tomorrow to the west and outside the city towards where the Monagon legions would be coming. Everyone in the delegation was to be outside the city and travel separately so as not to arouse suspicion. No one was to be left behind.

By the third day, the changes had more become noticeable. Men were finding it much harder to get erections and their cocks were smaller. They were now 3" shorter, weaker and less intelligent. Women had grown and men and women were approaching the same average height.

The King had called an emergency meeting with the cardinals. They met just before lunch.

"I have compared my stature and by measuring this morning, suddenly I am around 3" shorter than I was last week. Looking at all of you, the same reduction in stature has occurred. What is happening?" His voice was nervous.

The head cardinal, Hierphan spoke, "Sire, we are checking many in the castle. Preliminary investigations indicate that all men are smaller in the last few days. The size reduction is progressive and was not noticed until yesterday. It has continued and progressed today. We are now making accurate measurements of everyone, male and female including yourself and your family. We are checking outside the castle but the reports there have not yet been compiled."

"I want answers - now! Expend every effort. Find out what is happening and fix it!"

"Your majesty we are checking everything - food, water, clothing, livestock."

"What about the Monagon delegation, it seems too suspicious that this has happened immediately after they arrive. Detain them and have them questioned. Escalate to torture to get answers."

The cardinal spoke to two paladins and they ran out the chamber.

"Meet back here and I will instigate my own investigations." He yelled at the two paladins, "Get the generals in here immediately and find Maghin."

--

We had organised our separate sight seeing tours yesterday and left first thing this morning by horseback. We had Cantran escorts with us. The merchants were travelling separately. My assistant, orderly, scribe and Lyria, who was struggling and found riding difficult. But I obviously couldn't leave her behind.

The legionnaires had left before dawn, travelling light with the engineers, cooks and our medic. One wagon had been taken with the other three left behind. They would already be on their way outside the city ahead of us.

We were all heading back the way we had originally arrived at Synessia.

I expected one of the first avenues of investigation would be to question me and the members of the delegation. Panic would have begun to set in and things were going to get much worse quickly.

We had no pursuit yet and made it outside the last city gate and increased our pace to put some distance between us and the city. Important to catch up to our military party as soon as possible.

We now had 8 mages including myself and a platoon of legionnaires. I didn't know where Minnerv and the other 40 or so mages were. They were in no immediate danger and could surely could look after themselves. I hoped to have the two legions here within a week.

- -

"Sire, the Monagon delegation all left this morning on tours into the country. The consul and the merchants separately. Their legionnaires are on a field exercise with two platoons of our paladins, Maghin & Olivant. Also out of the city. None of them are in the in the castle or the city."

"God's whores, it's fucking them! Send a battalion on horseback to get them back. Advise the cardinals and generals. Lock down the castle. Shut down the city gates. No on in or out. Muster the army, paladins and battlepriests. I'm sure this will be war. Send out scouts and see if we can see any of their forces coming our way."

"I want the consul back most urgently of all."

"And find out what is fucking going on with everyone getting shorter."

Generals, paladins, clergy & palace staff left the room at speed.

-

We were 4 hours outside of the city walls and by the sun it was around noon. We had slowed for a short while when we saw the merchants party behind us to let them catch up. We were cresting the hills with a magnificent view of the slopes leading down to the city. There was less traffic than when we had travelled down the major highway. We were on a smaller road which had less people travelling on it.

I viewed through my telescope. No sign yet of pursuit it seemed. We crested the hill and the city disappeared from view. Up ahead was our rendezvous with Gantacus. Maghin had recommended a large open field just off the road for manoeuvres with the legionnaires and paladins. They were using the ride as training and planned to stay for several days while they went over small unit tactics. There were 80 paladins to our 30 legionnaires. They didn't trust us that much to not outnumber us.

Up ahead a legionnaire stepped out from behind a tree and waved to us. They were a distance from the road sheltered behind a copse.

As we rode up we could see the eighty or so paladins sleeping on the ground. Gantacus came up to us.

"Sir, the mages won't tell me what's going on. They cast sleep on the paladins when we arrived here and said we are to wait til you arrived."

I waved Nineara over and explained, "Gantacus, stay here, time for you to be briefed on our real mission."

Turning to Nineara. "I expect pursuit today. They will realise that the reason the castle's men getting smaller must be us but by the time they find out it will too late. If we stay away until the magic has had a week to work, meet up with the two legions and Minnerv we can take the city and begin our true plan for Cantra."

Nineara advised. "We need to push further into the wilderness. We are still relatively close to the road and better to hide further away so they can't find us easily."

"They won't know or understand what is happening to them until much too late. The full effects of the magic will neutralise the castle occupants completely. And its speed won't enable them to take preventative action."

"Gantacus I will explain more as we move further from the road."

I told Gantacus to get the legionnaires to tie the paladins across their horses and to lead them in two's and three's. Nineara moved away to get the party ready to move.

Nineara sent scouts ahead to find a suitable, defensible position further away from the road. Two of the mages headed back to cast illusion where we left the road as the trail left by over one hundred horses would be obvious.

Our expanded party rode off with Maghin, Olivant and their eighty paladins sleeping over their horses.

"Gantacus, I'm sure you have many questions." He was riding next to me. "I will give a brief run down and then you can ask questions."

"Sir, I'm all ears."

"As you would now understand, this is a major operation by Monagon to conquer Cantra. We are using novel magical tactics to weaken, shrink and make the Cantran men dull and stupid. These are permanent effects from which there is no recovery."

He looked shocked.

"We expect to this to happen with little if any Monagon loss of life, although we cannot predict what will happen to the Cantrans. There are two full legions almost here with Minnerv herself commanding the whole operation with a further fifty arch battlemages."

"The delegation was only a ploy to get access to the city and castle to setup the magic cascade to alter the Cantrans."

"Those plants you never let out of your sight."

"Yes."

I didn't tell him about the effects on women or that he would be going down a similar but much milder path eventually himself. And every man on the continent.

"How bad are the Cantrans going to be effected."

"Gantacus you must understand this is war. Every man in their country will be affected. The castle occupants much more severely. They will be two heads shorter, very weak, passive and loose most of their senses. They will have to be looked after as they may not be able to live independently."

"What was the alternative? Let their women continue to be abused? You have seen what life is like for women here. Should we wage full scale war? That could go on for months with large scale loss of life on both sides and far ranging devastation."

"Outside the castle, the effects are much less and life will go on, but the men will be "reduced". Their whole society was brutal and evil to women and we could never co-exist with them."

"I see. I can understand combat and war, but this ... thousands upon thousands of men. Everyone ... The mages are ruthless."

"To save lives, yes they can be."

"Thank you for telling me. Can I tell the men?"

"Yes, anything I told you can be passed on. There is no need for secrecy now." Well, some secrets must still be kept.

The scouts eventually found a good place to camp by mid afternoon. Nineara sent six soldiers with a mage to watch the road. They would rotate with another group tomorrow. The mages were waking the paladins in small groups, charming them and making them eat and drink the food and water to continue their transition. They had bought twelve large barrels of castle water and eight of river water as they needed both. They made the paladins remove their armour, which was now too big and loose and place all their weapons in piles. They had been complaining about their ill fitting armour and heavy weapons all morning on the trip from the city. They setup their tents and were made to sleep again.

Our legionnaires were whispering to each other while they setup camp and fortified our position. The mages were heating food without lighting fires and the temperature at this time of year was warm and fires wouldn't be needed.

Gantacus let the decurions organise the overnight watch. One mage would be awake at all times with the watch. Now we had mages, extra precautions could be taken with magical traps and warnings around the camp.

Lyria had struggled all day as she was still healing and was now sleeping. One of the mages was skilled in healing magic and cast healing spells to repair her teeth, feet and other wounds.

I was going over contingencies in my head all afternoon and discussed plans with Nineara and her second in command. We were going to camp here for up to a week to elapse. Mages could cast create food and water spells to keep everyone fed so we didn't have to hunt for food, although all the legionnaires and paladins had brought a week's rations.

It was vital to meet up with Minnerv, her mages and the two legions as soon as possible. As they could polymorph, I expected them to turn into an eagle and fly the skies until they located us with their avian sharp eyesight.

The women - Lyria, Myriana and Penyra were all noticeably taller. Particular Lyria. As were the mages. The men would start to notice their taller stature very soon. I had told them via Gantacus that the Cantran men were being affected but nothing about women. All the mages would be growing almost two heads taller while Myriana and Penyra a single head.

I would be fielding more questions very soon.

Nineara slept with me overnight. She had heard about my large member and wanted to try it for size. I noticed that her breasts were smaller but her clitoris was much larger than any I had ever seen before. Changes I would be feeling soon too. Sucking it gave her great pleasure and it seemed very sensitive. She was strong and aggressive when we coupled. I pummelled her hard and she gave back as good as she got.

There was little point in me staying as Alwyn any longer and I decided to ask Minnerv when we met, to remove the polymorph spell and return me to my original self and let the magic transform me into an "amazon" too.

-

The next day in the castle, the king was being briefed on the latest updates. Present were the arch cardinal, the marshall of the army and grand admiral of the navy.

"Why are you not reduced in size, Hierphan, when everyone else in the castle is?"

Hierphan looked nervous, "Your majesty, all the other cardinals are smaller as are the castle's residents. Our reports are that outside the city there have been the same problems. I have no explanation other than our gods have spared me because of my piety and dedication."

"Hierphan, what rubbish, you are no more pious than my dog."

The cardinal looked offended but the King was on the warpath and he dared not naysay his opinions.

"Are we any closer to discovering the cause? Have the clergy examined you to see if you there is an explanation?"

The Marshall spoke, "Your majesty our soldiers are around 4" smaller today, their armour has become ill fitting and they seem to be weaker. If this continues it may affect their ability in combat."

"Have we found the consul or his party? Maghin & Olivant both went on a training exercise with the Monagon legionnaires, have they been found? They could be dead or kidnapped. Has a ransom demand come in? The heirs to the throne! Why are you all so fucking useless. Get me some answers!" He was yelling by the end.

Hierphan spoke again. "Your majesty we have checked everything, food, water and cannot detect any poisons or magic. We still suspect the Monagon party of causing this, especially as they disappeared just as we noticed the problem. We have some men eating and drinking stored food, water and beverages from before the Monagons arrived and we expect to know more in a day or two."

"And this is definitely effecting the whole castle and the city?"

"Yes every male, inside and outside the castle. Females on the other hand are growing. All of them. None have been spared, except myself apparently."

"Well that clinches it, it must be the Monagonians then. They are female loving cunts and they have somehow sabotaged the Cantran men. If we don't find an answer soon we will be in the middle of a catastrophe. Any other ideas?"

Again the cardinal spoke up, "We are praying and making devotions to the gods day and night."

The king frowned. "Find me some real answers, not miracles. Marshall, any sign of the consul or legionnaires?"

"No, your majesty. We have four battalions out scouring the countryside and scouts are reporting back daily. The city is locked down. We are on watch, the paladins and army are at full alert."

"Are there any other symptoms? I have noticed a flagging in my cock."

The cardinal again spoke. "Several symptoms - reduction in stature, approximately 1" per day. Men are proportionately weaker, difficult to judge by how much, but noticeably. Penises and testicles appear to be substantially smaller, around two thirds size with a lessening ability in being able to get erect and release. Many are reporting that their nipples are more sensitive and appear to be larger and swelling."

"Animals do not seem to be affected. Only humans."

"Gods tits, they are turning us into women! What a disaster. Where will it end? We are four days in and none the wiser. If this continues they will beat us without an arrow being fired or a sword being swung."

"Chancellor. Here. Now."

"Ensure that I only eat and drink from stored food and beverages from before the Monagons arrived. From now until we find the cause. Include yourself."

"My wife and daughter are almost my height. Find out why women are growing and men are not. What is different with women apart from the obvious? Do we have any talented mages we can call on?"

"None your majesty, they are banned from Cantra."

"Hierphan, is it possible we are cursed and this is a message from the gods?"

"Unlikely my liege, the timing with the Monagon delegation is far too coincidental. We are the god's chosen people. They must be the cause. We will find the cause."

"Marshall send me your best paladin & battlepriest with holy ability to cast god's spells. Maybe they can detect something we have not been able to discover. Immediately and send them to my quarters within the hour."

The king pounded the table, his voice breaking. "Get me some answers, find my sons. The kingdom is at stake."

-

Maghin, his brother and the paladins were kept asleep and woken only to eat and drink tainted water. The mages were casting daily cancel magic on all of our men so they were not affected. They may need to cast battle spells such as haste, strength, stone skin and wards if needed at short notice.

Two battalions of paladins had ridden past since we left the road.. The mage illusions had held and we were not detected. We were hundreds of yards from the track with hills and trees shielding us from view. We had hidden scouts observing in all directions. Our position was now well fortified having had three days to prepare.

Word had come from Minnerv, her mages and the legions. They were to arrive tomorrow. The water had been effecting the castles population for a full week now. And the city outside the castle for another two days more.

Examining Maghin, he had reduced in height a full 6" at least. His cock was half size. He looked less muscular in his torso and arms and had the beginnings of breasts with large, puffed out nipples forming and wider hips. His change was proceeding exactly as intended, as with all the paladins.

Gantacus wasn't his usual self. Moody and brooding.

I had never asked and he had never volunteered, "Do you have a partner back home?"

He was listless, very unlike his usual stoic but positive face to the world. "The legions have been my life, I know nothing else."

"What is on your mind then?"

He stared at me, "I fear the mages are too ruthless and the fate of the men here in Cantra will be that of all men, including me, you, the legionnaires." He glanced at the nearest paladin sleeping only a few yards away.

"Major events are sweeping us all along in their wake. I feel powerless and for the first time in my adult life, lost. I am putting on a brave front for the men, but they are not blind or stupid either. Many are worried."

"We need the legions more than ever, Gantacus."

"I don't know when this process the paladins are undergoing stops. Is there an end point, or do they shrink to nothing? They are growing breasts, small as yet. Their cocks are half their original size in a week. Are they turning into women? What if the mages put these plants everywhere and there is no escape. Is there an antidote? What is stopping the same happening to us? We are not effected now, but in the future?"

"We need to focus on the tasks at hand, do our duty, follow our sworn oaths."

He said nothing else, cast his eyes down and turned away.

Gantacus was one of the finest men I have ever known. Loyal, brave, honest, a man you would trust with your life. Did he deserve what would eventually occur? Did he deserve the truth? For the first time I was having doubts as well.

Because he was right.

--

The king was examining his cock. It was half the size it had been a week ago. His balls and the sack holding them were diminished as well. Nothing he tried could make it erect, a whore sucking on it for half an hour could get no rise from him. It was a thin, limp worm. His nipples had doubled their size and puffed out from his chest. The only thing that wasn't smaller were his hips. They were wider. Gazing at his naked self in the mirror in his bedroom suite, his body hair was thinning out including his beard. Every morning his sheets were covered with hair that had fallen out.

His shoulders were narrower, his arms thinner. His face was loosing his masculine jaw and features. His lips were larger. He was looking like a softer, more feminine version of himself. He was 7" shorter than a week ago. Once 6' and now a mere 5'5". His breeches were far too long and tailors were adjusting them every day. He made them pad out his shoulders and he was wearing platform, heeled shoes to look as tall as possible.

He felt weak, listless and it was harder to get motivated and concentrate every day.

Nothing they had tried had stopped whatever was happening to him and every man in Synessia, in and out of the castle. Except the cardinal. Panic was setting in. Soldiers and even paladins were deserting and not turning up for duty.

It was noted that men outside the castle retained their cock size. Once that had become known, there was an exodus and guards had to be stationed to prevent more from leaving, until the guards themselves deserted and paladins had to be stationed.

And Ambetha was now taller than him. Peneetha had grown even more, towered over him and was surely around 6' tall. For the first time since his youth he felt intimidated by a woman.

Ambetha had stopped whoring for the cardinals. They had the same problem he had. A cock that couldn't get erect. Last night the cardinal she had been sent to pleasure had tried to beat her. She grabbed his arms, overpowered him and beat him instead. She left him tied in his sheets with a hairbrush up his ass, bristle end first.

She glared at him when she returned and he had wilted under her gaze. "Get out of my sight." And he did.

Eating stored food had not helped him. He had stopped bothering yesterday. The most holy of the paladins and battlepriests, blessed with powers from the gods could find nothing wrong with anything - water, beverages, food, clothes, the air, the building, walls. There was no difference between men, women and the unaffected cardinal. Seven days in, no solution, no knowledge, nothing. How far would they be transformed. No one knew.

The new paladins and battlepriests had reported that they had lost their god given abilities last night.

Churches and chapels were packed. No miracles or messages from the gods were forthcoming. They had been deserted.

He had stopped meeting with the cardinal, marshall and admiral. He did walk through the castle with his modified clothes and shoes to try and bring confidence to his subjects. He saw fewer people every day.

No sign of his sons, nor the paladin platoons with them, nor the consul. They had disappeared into the countryside and vanished.

He was the king, he must do something! When he couldn't think of anything, he sat down on his bed, still naked, staring at the wall.

---

The legions had arrived. 10,000 men, another 40 battlemages, 20 in each legion, Minnerv with her 50. Some mages were in Synesssia assisting the spy network. Things were increasingly chaotic in the city. Soldiers deserting their posts, leaving the city with their families during the night.

The Cantran army was encamped outside the city wall. Its ranks thinning daily.

Now the legions were here, our position would soon be known. We had roaming patrols riding our perimeter as scouts.

The legates, tribunes, primocents, Minnerv and the most senior archmages were called to Minnerv's large command tent.

I went early, hours before the meeting was due to start. She was busy with meetings when I requested entry.

"Clear the room," she commanded. She hugged me tight. She was taller than me now. And strong!

"We have much to catch up on. Revenge for your parents has been enacted. The Cantran empire will soon be no more and under new leadership. Do you wish to return to Alysa?"

"I do."

"Remove your clothes."

Once naked, a complex gesture, some whispered words, a moment of vertigo and I was back, Alysa, archmage of Monagon.

"Here, a gown, I have arranged suitable clothes for you, see the quartermaster when you leave. So good to see you. Drink this water and start your transition." Like always she was a whirlwind of rapid thought and action.

She cast dispel magic on me so the effects would start immediately.

I took the flask and drained it completely.

She was like a surrogate mother to me and I felt secure and safe whenever in her presence. Everything was right in the world with Minnerv present and in charge.

"I only have a few moments, there is much to do. We march to the capital tomorrow. I expect little resistance even though the Cantrans are only 8 and 10 days towards their reduced state. Spies report that the castle is completely disorganised. I plan for minimal loss of life and to start the rebuilding process immediately."

"I thank you for sending Gantacus, he is a fine man, the best man."

"He is my nephew and yes the very best of men. I sent him for a reason. I would be pleased if you two stayed together at the end of all this. He will need you."

Plans within plans.

"And before you ask, no exceptions. Events will proceed to their logical conclusion ... for all of us." There would be no altering her mind. No point in even trying and it would diminish her view of me.

"Now go and come back for the meeting later. You have been an important part of the strategy here and more is planned for you. Thank you for your service, my daughter."

I had never called her mother and never will as in my mind there could be no replacement for my one and only mother. But she knew how much she meant to me.

"I want the cardinal."

She nodded, "Of course"

A single tear ran down my face from the corner of my eye. I saluted, turned and marched out.

- -

The briefing was about to commence. The tent was full. Soldiers and mages.

Minnerv went to the front and immediately everyone was silent. She had such a commanding presence.

"Mages and Legionnaires. We march tomorrow to conquer Cantra."

I saw Gantacus in the crowd. I hadn't spoken to him as Alysa yet.

Many cheered.

"They are in a reduced state as our magic has altered all their men. They will be smaller, weaker, indecisive - both their leaders and men. I expect little resistance. Then the real work will begin to rebuild."

"We hold the two crown princes in hostage to assist negotiations if required."

"We rest overnight, it has been a long, fast march, especially the last few days. The men need to be fresh for the morrow."

"We will march in line and then in two up formation in a wide front when one mile from their army. Cavalry on our flanks. Each legion's mage battlegroup will be in their centre. Archers to the front but I don't believe they will be needed. Standard battle order."

"Mages, I will advise on spell casting later but you are to ensure minimal loss of life."

She called up each legate, tribune and primo cent and introduced them. Then the same with the senior mages. Lastly she called me up to stand by her.

"This is Consul Alysa Alcanius, archmage, daughter of Nitarna Alcanius, archmage, once second in command of the mage college and my mentor. Her life was cruelly ended here while in the prime of her life twenty years ago."

"She will be Queen Alysa Alcanius of Cantra, first of her name. Her coronation will be at the earliest opportunity."

Everyone cheered. I was stunned as this was the last thing I expected. Minnerv does love her surprises.

She leaned in and whispered, "Do yourself and me proud, Queen."

===

Interlude ... One year ago.

Minnerv, the Magistra and a team of archmages over the last two decades had been secretly working on a variety of single targeted effect spells and once each was perfected, merging them into a single spell with multiple effects. Each stage was subtle, difficult and needed the best of the archmages working in tandem to solve the problems associated with the spell derivation.

There were three main factions of archmages. Minnerv categorised them as 1) Purists (60% - those who were strongly feminist, controlled their partners, had multiple partners (male harems), believed mages and women should rule society exclusively and women should be in all positions of power and would take any action to achieve their aims 2) Moderates (30% - they thought that mages and women were better at leading than men and wanted to evolve Monagon society to be female led, 3) Liberals (10% - they were all about equality of the sexes, men and working together, sharing power and were against forceable action to change the status quo. Minnerv, the Magistra and the majority of the most senior archmages considered themselves purists. No mage would betray their cause, not even the most liberal archmage and she had a solid power block of mages strongly aligned with her views.

The mage/mundane wars of 70 years ago had caused substantial loss of life when mages and mundanes fought against each other. Mages were supremely powerful but mundanes had vast numerical superiority. Enlightened individuals on both sides had called a truce and together they had formed the current coalition that had lasted ever since. Mages had decided to take a long term approach as they were still vulnerable due to their very low numbers.

Their partnership had brought a golden age to the Monagon empire - military, science, politics, economy, trade. To literally every aspect of society. But the mages had never forgotten their ambitions and had been working behind the scenes to promote women and mages. Leading up to this point, where their recording of breeding programs were increasing the likelihood of mages being born and even altering the Queen's pregnancy's.

Mage ability was inherent, rare and they had not found the secret to unlocking it in mundanes. It could not be created magically and was part of the many random aspects of birth. The only way they had found to increase the chance of a mage being born was to have children from mage families. They were aware of small societies and in breeding animals for selected traits causing a concentration of defects. Family trees were documented carefully and selection of paternity and maternity were strictly controlled.

The position of King's Mage involved a powerful geas on the mage to protect the king against malign magical influences but was careful crafted to exclude Minnerv and the Magistra.

The archmages under the leadership of Minnerv and the Magistra had made a spell that would alter the direction of humanity on the continent completely. They were playing the part of Goddesses but doing it for what they believed would be for the betterment of all. It wasn't until Minnerv and researchers in the mage college discovered a way to formulate combinations of spells with specific effects and then bound to plants that their current plan could be started and they saw their opportunity.

Nothing less than a complete transformation of initially Cantran society to become female led was the first major step. Eradication of their patriarchy, male rulers, nobility and military. Even the fundamental relationship between men and women.

After Cantra, then Monagon and progressively the rest of the continent.

The most difficult element was to imbue a new type of magical plant that would spread magical essence of the combination spell in water. Many failures over the years but the mages were determined and finally succeeded. There were innumerable limitations within the spell. It affected only humans and males and females completely differently. It was the most complex casting ever attempted.

Trying to achieve instantaneous changes in the earliest trials always resulted in strange deformities and death of the subject. The mages found that when enacted slowly over a month, everything worked perfectly.

Minnerv was ruthless and single minded. She tested them on capital offence criminals, male & females. Once she was sure that each of the individual spells were stable, refined and correct, they moved to the next stage. And then combinations. And then imbued into plants.

The ultimate plan was to change the whole continent. This would affect all males and females everywhere. It was planned that Minnerv would become Empress of the continent with archmage Queens in every state. Ruling positions once a ruler resigned or died would be voted on by the archmages from amongst their number and not be hereditary.

The plan was only told to archmages after their trials to become such. A panel of archmages interviewed all successful mages after their trials and any who refused to join the cabal after it was explained and discussed (which was verified by truth spells) were stilled of magic, their memories were altered to forget ever having been mages and moved to the countryside to Minnerv's estate. Once everything was explained, the reasoning and long term plans, very few refused. Cantra was used as a prime example of the horrors of a male led state. Apart from Monagon, every other city state was male led and the position of women everywhere else ranged from poor to very bad. Men had power with the size and strength to enforce their leadership and primacy.

Female mages were the difference in Monagon. And the only state in the continent where women had any level of equality. Minnerv and the mage leadership could clearly see that change would not occur voluntarily.

This would enable mage led Monagon to takeover the whole continent in a generation. Mage squads would simply plant the seeds and the magically altered water would do the rest as they spread. Legions would be expanded with an influx of warrior women. It would be difficult initially as mages would be spread thin and women needed to be educated and trained in their expanded roles.

Secret large scale trial of male feminisation in Cantra was first. Alysa, the newest archmage and active co-conspirator was chosen to lead the consulate mission because of her history in Cantra and close association and mentorship by Minnerv. Secret from all males in Monagon, even the king, council and male mages as they will loose their magic. There had been two male archmages and thirty six male mages of varying levels currently. Compared to around 2,000 female mages of which 1,200 were battlemages.

In a tragic accident around a year ago, every male mage had died in a boating accident when on a sea tour. A severe storm had hit the coast and they were all lost with only scraps of wreckage found.

Even the Monagon Queen's embryo's had been altered to ensure they would be female. It was hoped that they would be mages. They had found that the chance of a child becoming a magic user was increased dramatically by being born to parents with a history of mages in the family tree and even more by infusing the womb and embryo with magic spells continuously during the mother's pregnancy. Their success rate using these methods was slowly increasing. All of this was highly secret and known only to screened female archmages. The king had been manipulated to marry a queen who would have the best chance to produce mage offspring.

Mages would be travel into every state to rule and reshape every society. Every river and waterway would be seeded to ensure coverage and permanently effect every person. They expected the ratio of males to females to swap in the legions and steps would be taken as soon as the changes in women took effect, to grew in size and become stronger. Train them in the legions to replace men. Effectively swapping roles throughout every layer in society. The transition in Cantra would be particularly chaotic as women were down trodden, submissive, uneducated and inexperienced in running anything except their own household. The transition was expected to take up to a generation to complete.

The Cantran ruling class and clergy would resist as long as they could and would literally require a complete turnover and reversal of male/female roles. Inside a month over which the changes would progressively and fully take effect. The more serious and stronger effects within the castle would progressively decapitate the male leadership in less than four weeks and make a takeover easy - or so it was planned and hoped. Before any effects were noticed, the permanent changes would be well underway and unstoppable.

Contaminate the water supply of the castle - rulers, nobles, clergy, paladins and templars with magical feminine essence water plants to make them submissive, weaken them physically and feminise them. Women and even more so mages to become "Amazons", taller stronger, faster, more intelligent, confident and dominant. Making another human subspecies ongoing into the future.

Evolution artificially enhanced by magic.

A danger was that women would simply replace men with male and female roles swapped and women would be a bad as men. A risk Minnerv was prepared to take. The archmages were able to alter the spells to refine the amount of dominance and sexual aggression imbued into women. This wouldn't eliminate problems between mages and mundanes but with increasing numbers of mages, they would soon be impossible to defeat. The temptation to play goddess was seductive as Minnerv had found already.

===

After I passed my archmage magical testing and was elevated to the highest rank of mage, I was amazed that the last test was the revealing of the archmage plans to take over society and to convert our current society to be female led. As it was explained to me in detail and with my personal history I became a staunch advocate of the plans. Minnerv, the driving force behind the plans was there personally to induct me into the ranks of archmages and to guide me in specific roles to assist.

Minnerv now revealed her plans fully and the changes she had tested on her own family. Her daughter was the first of a new generation of amazon mages - taller, stronger, better, smarter. She had even grown a penis but retained her vagina. Her partner and son the first of the new generation of smaller, submissive and feminised men. The audacious scale of her plan and her ruthless conduct in implementing, even on her own family, stunned me at first.

But my experiences in Cantra, first as a child and now as an archmage convinced me that she was right.

Minnerv had successfully tested the magical water from the plant on capital offence criminals, who were then employed on her estate. Their violent tendencies eradicated, male offenders became compliant and productive workers. Women were transformed with opposite effects to men and they grew in dominance, size, stature and strength. As they were violent criminals they were permanently charmed to be "model citizens". and unable to divulge their change. They were sent to Minnerv's legion as trial legionnaires in a female only platoon. Minnerv explained this to the legate that she was trialling women in the legion and due to the physical demands of combat was only allowing the taller and strongest of women.

Men were expected to shrink by 6" and women to grow by 12", more than swapping the respective sizes between the sexes. The science college had estimated that men were currently on average 5" taller than women with large variations between the tallest and shortest individuals.

Magically altering heights by 6" for men and 12" for women meant that women would now be substantially larger than men. More than double the difference of men vs women before the change. An average height woman of stature 5'6" would now be 6'6". For men the average of 5'10" would now be 5'4'. The average difference between the sexes was expected to be around 12-14". Female mages would be larger again, a full two head height increase - 7"6" on average. Alysa was told that her height of 5'10", tall for a woman, would grow her to be a literal giant at almost 7'11" almost. Far taller again than her male polymorphed form that was 6'5". She would have enhanced physical and mental attributes. Mages would be true hermaphrodites and be able to impregnate and be impregnated.

Minnerv's partner followed a month later after careful scrutiny of the altered criminal men. She trialed all the early stages of the spells with his consent over several years. I was unsure of his motivation to undergo such dramatic changes but he certainly worshipped Minnerv. He was unaware of the full extent of her plans but was totally loyal to her. And after his successive treatments ever more submissive with reduced stature. I don't know if she ever charmed him to obey and never asked.

Her children, partner and everyone on her estate had imbibed the magic from water in the plants. The only ones who knew were Minnerv and her partner. The decision to commence full trials on her children and others on the estate without their knowledge or consent was the hardest decision she had ever had to make. Her daughter & other women would be the beneficiary but her son and the other men would have their lives changed forever.

Minnerv over the last few years had kept her partner away from court as his shorter and feminine appearance with large breasts would require answering too many difficult questions. The council of archmages weren't ready to yet enact their long hidden plan. Cantra first ...