Anywhere But Here Pt. 03

Chapter 1

Olya gently found consciousness that morning as the light from the sunrise hit her face. She relished the comfort of awaking in a warm, comfortable bed with no tree roots or rocks poking into her. She stretched her limbs, then got up, dressed herself and went downstairs for breakfast. When she reached the bar area, Havi was already sitting enjoying a mug of coffee. There was another cup on the table clearly intended for her and she joined him.

"Morning." He beamed. "Innkeep is still preparing breakfast, but he got up early to make a vat of coffee, he thought there would be quite a few people who'd need it."

Olya looked around, there were various townsfolk littered around the bar. Some were sitting cradling their temples while nursing their coffee, others barely conscious, their cups remaining virtually untouched while a few were just passed out the floor.

"I'm guessing they didn't ease up even after we went to bed." She observed.

"Yeah, they pretty much went all night, it only quieted down a few hours back." Said Havi with an aloof expression on his face.

"With your hearing, it must have kept you up?" Olya sympathised.

"Ah, it's fine. I don't need much sleep, besides if this is how they grieve I had no right to tell them to stop".

A set of footsteps made their way downstairs and Tamlen walked over to greet them.

"Good Morning." with a friendly yet formal tone.

Havi gave him a nod in greeting. "We're waiting for breakfast, but there's coffee."

Tamlen nodded. He went and got himself a cup then sat down to join them.

Olya asked him. "You were still down here when we retired, did you stay here long with the mourners last night?"

"Not too long, I wanted to observe their ritual. It's surprising how close it is to the ancient version." Tamlen pondered.

"Sorry? Ritual?" She inquired.

"Oh. I'm here to fill in some gaps in the academy's knowledge of the ancient civilisation of Falinraike. I primarily wanted to study the ruins, but it has been interesting seeing the culture of the townsfolk. Seeing just how many of the hedonistic rituals and traditions are still performed. I wonder how many of them understand the significance or origins of such practices?" He pondered.

"Hedonistic practices? Back then... and now?" She asked, intrigued at this salacious topic.

"Yes, the Falinraike were renowned for it, it was the focus of their culture and their religion. The god they worshipped represented lust and inebriated frenzy. That culture still seems to exist in a muted form in the townsfolk."

He dropped his voice to a whisper. "Last week half the town held an orgy. They did invite me, but they said I had to participate not just watch their ritual. That held no appeal for me, what would be the point if I couldn't observe and take notes? So I declined to attend."

Olya found herself reassessing her opinion of the townsfolk and the elf. If this guy was a typical example of an elf, maybe Havi had a point about his people? She gave Havi a curious look and raised her eyebrows. He gave her a bemused look in return and shrugged his shoulders. She then cast her eyes around the bar, wondering how many of these townsfolk were at the orgy.

Tamlen clocked the path of her eyes. He smirked and continued whispering "If you are trying to guess how many of these people attended. The answer is all of them."

Havi sniggered at Olya's shocked, surprised face. "This world is filled with all sorts, you're going to need to get used to that fact" Then sipped his coffee.

The awkward silence was broken by breakfast arriving. Which they consumed promptly before heading off. They all headed to the stable, Havi and Olya mounted Styg while Tamlen climbed atop his chestnut coloured mare and set off for the ruins. The ruins weren't too far from town. Far enough that the townsfolk could keep their distance but close enough that what was inside the ruins could easily become a major threat if it started to wander further afield.

As the trio approached the outskirts they dismounted their horses.

Tamlen was about to secure his horse to a tree when Havi interjected."Don't! You will want your horse to be able to run if it needs to. It won't be pretty if she gets cornered."

Tamlen cogitated on his words and conceded leaving his horse unbound while Havi did the same. Tamlen then turned to Olya.

"I would like to apologise to you Miss Olya. I sometimes forget that some of the focus of my research can be... unusual. I'm sorry if I shocked you or caused any offence?"

"Oh... uh, it's fine you have nothing to apologise for." She reassured sheepishly.

Havi interrupted with a sardonic smile and a mocking tone. "Don't mind her, she was strictly raised under the tenets of the Faith."

Tamlen flashed a knowing smile. "Ah... say no more."

"What's that supposed to mean!?" She huffed, glancing between the two of them.

Havi answered. "That people raised under the Faith are known for having certain... restrictive attitudes."

"... I don't... I'm very open minded!" She contradicted.

Havi replied, increasing the mocking element of his tone. "I don't know sis' the face you pulled earlier at the mention of orgies was very telling!"

Tamlen had to purse his lips to stifle his giggle. Olya let out a sulky harumph and marched off toward the ruins, Havi and Tamlen followed close behind. While slightly annoyed at the gentle teasing, yesterday she had vowed to herself that she would view the world through a different lens and yet she had failed at the first hurdle. She felt disappointed in herself.

There were various stone buildings, weather worn, coloured dark grey and reclaimed by vegetation in a lot of places. They reached the centre, where there was a dais with a small black stone plinth and behind it a pyramid shaped building with a large set of stone doors. One side was cracked and the other had fallen forward leaving it wide open. Tamlen had already set about studying the dais and glyphs carved into it. Olya wandered near one of the adjacent buildings, just looking. Havi went to examine the damaged door. This was how they were coming and going certainly. He focussed on what his senses told him, the awful stench made him certain what they were. Lubbockkin, disgusting creatures. They wore their own filth like a perfume and they grabbed people to either eat or use the living host to incubate their eggs, injecting them inside. It would make the host painfully sick then the larvae would eat their way out.

He heard scuttling and chittering nearby. When he tried to locate the direction it was coming from he locked his gaze on Olya and saw it leap out towards her.

She screamed, and barely dodged it pouncing on her. She started to run toward Havi and the dais. Havi sprinted forward. Olya made it as far as the dais before stumbling and tripping. Olya scrabbled desperately along the floor trying to increase the distance before it tried to pounce on her again. Tamlen grabbed a rock and hurled it at the creature momentarily directing its attention to him. Havi drew one of the daggers from his belt and threw it just before the monster started to rear up, staggering it.

Olya ducked behind the plinth grabbing it with a bleeding hand to steady herself and provide some cover as she drew the dagger Havi had given her. The monster focussed on Olya again and started scuttling toward her, whilst Tamlen seemed to be desperately trying to unscrew his canteen. Havi drew his sword and closed the distance, he lunged and impaled the beast. Its legs collapsed beneath it, Havi withdrew his sword, brought it back down and cleaved it in two.

He turned to look at Olya and let out the breath he hadn't realised he was holding. Olya looked shaken but otherwise uninjured except for her bleeding hand.

The runes and glyphs on the plinth began to glow green. A flurry of green lights surrounded Olya and she started to panic. Before Havi could even try to reach her, she and the green lights disappeared in a haze.

"What just happened? Where did she go?!" Havi yelled at Tamlen.

Tamlen raised up his hands in a manner that would imply 'easy now'.

"Just let me have a look at the plinth and watch my back. I might know, I just need to check if I'm right."

Havi took a deep breath through his clenched teeth and gestured for Tamlen to do what he needed to. After a few minutes of being crouched down studying the plinth he got up and walked to the edge of the dais facing the door. He held out his hand in front of him and the vegetation and overgrowth covering the floor parted revealing a trail of runes.

"I thought as much, it's a transposition device. For the high priests to come between the entrance and somewhere deeper in the temple in seconds. She'll have materialised at its partner plinth. The runes on the floor connect the two, follow the runes we'll find her. The fact that she even activated it is astounding. She must be descended from the priests. As her brother, if we just drop some of your blood on it, it should activate, take us right to her" Tamlen explained.

"Won't work, she's not my sister by blood. Looks like I am taking the long way down, thanks see you later" Havi grumbled.

He retrieved his knife from the stinking corpse and started to walk to the door.

"Wait... take me with you!" Tamlen stammered.

"Why would I do that? It's crawling with lubbockkin in there. Unless you have some abilities that extend beyond throwing rocks and magical gardening? You're a liability!" Havi barked.

"I realise I'm not the best in a fight, but if I keep water handy I can use it to repel some of them, use it like a whip or a high pressure blast. Plus you are going to need me if you want someone to read any of the ancient signage or if there are any magically sealed doors down there." Tamlen pleaded.

Doing his best to reason with the irritable wall of muscle standing before him.

Havi sighed. "Fine, but you keep up and stay close to me, don't wander off. I know you are using this as an opportunity to check out the inner ruins even if you are offering help. You get yourself killed or injured, that's your fault, not mine!"

Havi walked towards the door, Tamlen followed, quietly containing his enthusiasm.

They reached the door and peered inside. While the sun crept through and provided some light it didn't reach very far, the door led to a set of carved stone steps creeping underground and into the darkness below. Havi was about to start his descent when Tamlen stopped him, making a gesture that implied 'just a moment'. He reached inside his robe and pulled out a small light coloured metal lamp with crystal where you would normally find the glass casing. He whispered a couple words that Havi couldn't make out and the lamp burst into life, emitting a bright white light. Tamlen gestured 'let's go'. They started down the stairs declining into the earth, the staircase went down for a good while. They must have been going down for several minutes

'If this is what the rest of the temple is like, no wonder the high priests made a shortcut.' Havi thought. They finally reached the bottom of the staircase and followed the trail of runes.

It led down a corridor and into a chamber, the chamber was large, grandly so, it was too big for the lantern to light more than a small fraction at a time. Havi took off his goggles to better see in the dark. His other senses told them they weren't alone, chittering, scuttling and the foul stench was near. He raised his sword.

"You got your canteen ready?" He directed at Tamlen.

Tamlen flicked off the cap on his canteen and arranged his hand into a practiced gesture. He waited for whatever was coming. He heard them before he saw them, the sound of scuttling legs coming towards them. Dozens of them.

Havi ran into the dark out of the range of the lamp. Tamlen heard screeches and the sound of a heavy blade hacking through flesh many times over. He heard many more screeches suddenly cut short. Tamlen kept his lamp up searching through the dark to ensure nothing crept up on him. He heard scuttling coming towards him, he turned around to see a lubbockkin gearing up to tackle him. He formed his water into a whip and began to strike it forcing it to retreat a couple of feet, he then switched it to a small blast that sent the monster flying out of the range of the lamp. He summoned his water back, but failed to notice the Lubbockkin that had crept its way up the wall behind him and was perfectly positioned to pounce on him from above. While Havi was still chopping and hacking away in the dark, the beast above Tamlen pounced, pinning him to the floor. Tamlen was winded and dazed. The monster hissed at him, its pincers dangerously close to his face and his arms were pinned, he was unable to cast.

He silently prayed, hoping his death would be quick, when the monster he had repelled earlier barreled into the one that had him pinned. The pair started fighting over their captured prey. The ensuing struggle freed him from being grappled; he grabbed his lamp and scrambled away trying to get some distance from them. It wasn't long before they realised the prey they were scrapping over had gotten loose and turned their attention back to Tamlen. He reformed his water whip desperately trying to drive them back. The fact that he was having to divide his efforts between the two of them, switching left and right meant they were slowly advancing towards him. If he focussed his blast on one of them the other would pounce. The pair were almost within striking distance from Tamlen when a blade whistled through the dark and buried itself in the face of the one on the right, it let out a screech. Seconds later Havi dropped down and bisected the left. In a smooth motion he withdrew his sword and beheaded the one on the right sending the head into the air, he caught it by the dagger handle and with a flick of the wrist, separated the two. Then returned his dagger to his belt and sheathed his sword.

Havi patted Tamlen on the shoulder.

"Not bad, far from the worst I've seen someone perform in a fight with monsters. But if those two hadn't stopped to have a pissing match halfway through, you probably would be dead."

"If you saw that, couldn't you have helped sooner?" Asked Tamlen.

"I would have, but I was busy killing the other thirteen!" Answered Havi.

"How could you even do that? I can't see anything in here without the lantern."

Tamlen threw his arms up in frustration, which flashed the lantern light up to Havi's face and Tamlen saw his golden cat-like eyes.

Tamlen flinched and retreated.

Havi gave him a warning look. "Is this going to be a problem?"

"Are you going to kill me?" Tamlen asked with worrying concern.

"Wasn't planning on it." Havi answered dead pan.

"It's not a problem then. If anything it makes you far more interesting. I thought you were just a run of the mill hunter. I would never have imagined you were something so rare. Wait, is Olya also...?"

Havi could see Tamlen looking at him like he was re-evaluating his initial assessment of him, making notes, addendums and filing him differently in his mind. He had become very curious.

"No, now shall we get going? I can't hear any more lubbockkin but that doesn't mean there aren't any further in where Olya is" Hai said brusquely.

Tamlen quickly nodded and the two of them made their way to the other side of the chamber following the runes into another corridor continuing to snake their way down into the depths of the temple.

Chapter 2

When the Lubbockin had been killed, Olya stood up clinging to the plinth. The relief that had washed over her made her keen to spend the rest of the day locked in her room at the Inn. Before she had a chance to articulate this thought to Havi, the plinth she was touching glowed green and felt warm.

When the lights surrounded her, fear gripped her. 'What are these!? Am I about to die!?'

Light filled her vision and she felt like she was falling, her stomach rising to her throat. Then the world stopped moving and she found herself standing in a large chamber made with polished black stone. There were tables covered with papers, holding alchemical and magical instruments surrounding the edges. It was luxuriously decorated with paintings, wall hangings and thick fur rugs.

Her attention was finally drawn to an imposing desk behind which sat a bald, skeletally gaunt, waxen skinned being who had its head cocked at an angle and was looking at her with an intrigued expression on its face.

It finally spoke in a deep, croaking, raspy voice.

"Young lady, what are you doing in my laboratory? I'm certain I didn't invite you, I think I'd remember that."

Olya was at a loss for words. Unsure on how to respond. '"Uhhh... ummm..."

"Put away your dagger and speak, girl!" He ordered "Or is language beyond your command!?"

She sheathed the dagger, unwilling to potentially threaten this being.

"I... I'm not sure exactly how I ended up here. I was at the ruins when this giant insect thing started chasing me. I ran toward Havi, tripped, hid behind this plinth, Havi killed it, then the plinth glowed green, there were lights... then I was here." She stammered.

"Havi?" The being's interest was piqued.

"A man that I have been travelling with. Erm... I am so sorry for intruding like this. It was not intentional, if I have caused any offense I apologise. If you could just tell me where I am? Or how I could get out of here? Then I will leave and cease to trouble you any further." She babbled, feeling far from confident.

"No, the fact that you entered via that method means I can't just let you leave."

It got up and walked over. It was wearing black robes and sandals with various finery draped over. As it approached it raised its bony hand, palm facing her. A dark red light flowed from it, distorted and waving like a heat haze on a hot day. Olya tried to back away but found her back against the wall after a few steps. She scrunched her eyes closed unwilling to view whatever horror was about to be visited upon her. After a minute nothing had really happened. The light just felt slightly warm and tingly. She risked opening a single eye to take a look... then the other. The being closed its hand and returned it to its side.

With a ponderous look on its face it quietly exclaimed.

"Ah! That explains it".

It then walked over to the table with some alchemical equipment.

"Erm... May I leave now... please?" Olya asked, feeling completely bewildered as to what was happening.

"No, not until Havi and I have a chat and a game of Assoyna. I doubt he'll be long, that boy is reliably predictable. Plus it'll be amusing to see how he decides to open my laboratory door. I'll make us some tea while we wait" It croaked.

"You know Havi?" She asked, incredulous.

It started to tap the air with its bony finger like it was counting.

"Yes, it's been... Two hundred and fifty four years since we first made our acquaintance. It's generally nice to stay in touch with other long living individuals. Most people are dust after one hundred years or otherwise terribly boring."

"Hold on, Havi is how old?" She asked with shock.

"Well... older than that, I thought it rude to ask directly, so I'm not wholly sure." It called to mind.

"Does Havi know you're down here?" She asked.

"No, it's going to be a surprise for him. We meet while travelling, I've never told him where I live" It said in a neutral tone.

"Who are you?" She asked, warily curious.

"When you ask for an introduction it is good manners to introduce yourself first, girl" it rasped

"My name is Olya" She greeted, her eyes not fully meeting its.

"I am Carnach, last high priest of Falinraike."

"The last high priest?" She gazed at him in wonder.

"Yes, I don't know if you've noticed but all the others are dead and gone." He said, his tone sardonic.

Olya chose to ignore the jibe. "I meant in the sense that... this place has become ruined. It is so old, if you were a citizen of Falinraike before... doesn't that make you ancient?"

"Yes, and your point?" Carnach seemed to be bored with this line of questioning.

"Well, I'm curious how you have managed to live for so long? As Havi is part demon, I'm guessing his aging is slowed or he just doesn't. You seem like something else was a factor?" She questioned.

Carnach rolled his eyes. "A dark ritual involving sacrifice and some morally dubious components. I was human, after the ritual I slowly became this." He gestured to himself. "I was blinded by the promise of immortality and didn't take the time to consider what I would give up in return."

"Outliving all you know and love must be painful." She sympathised.

"No, that part I expected and was fully prepared for. What I wasn't aware would happen was that I would spend eternity as a walking corpse, free from hunger, thirst, sleep and unable to experience any of the physical pleasures life has to offer." he lamented.

"Surely never starving, feeling thirst or fatigue at least makes up for that?" She queried.

Carnach set down a tea set between them. He poured cups for them both then let out a sigh and a despondent chuckle.

"While those things may be unpleasant to bear at times. One of life's greatest joys can be found in relieving them. Savouring a delicious meal when you are hungry, quenching your thirst with something delectable and refreshing, laying your head down in a comfortable bed when you are tired and surrendering to sleep."

Olya comprehended his meaning.

"I cannot taste most things, even this tea tastes of virtually nothing. Even if I still possessed an appearance that people would wish to lay with, that kind of desire no longer exists within me. The only pleasures left for me are that of the mind, the thrill of discovery, finding interesting information and... playing games with old friends."

There was a playful smirk on his face as he finished speaking.

"Does the immortality I possess sound like something you wish to achieve?"

"Definitely not." Olya answered with certainty.

"Very wise, now take a seat. I imagine we'll be waiting a while longer before Havi makes his way down here. Do try the tea, I am told it's delicious. Please give me a detailed description of the taste after you have sampled it, I am curious."

He gave her a warm smile, she obliged, sat down and enjoyed the cup.

Chapter 3

Meanwhile Havi and Tamlen had made their way to the bottom floor of the temple. It had taken two more sets of stairs and another corridor before they made their way to another chamber. They hadn't come across any more lubbockkin on their way down. The cluster in the first chamber must have been the sum of the infestation. The entrance to the chamber had a translucent shimmering screen going across it. It felt unpleasant, going near it inspired revulsion and fear within Tamlen. He tried to examine it and began casting a spell to try and determine exactly what kind of magic had been used, when Havi just walked through it.

"It's fine." Havi insisted. "I've come across it before, it's just an illusion to keep people and beasts at bay."

Then he pulled Tamlen through. Upon crossing this barrier, the fear and revulsion left him. He scanned his lantern around the room. It was ornately decorated with gold inlay on the walls and intricately carved reliefs. The runes in the floor led to a large set of stone doors on the other side of the chamber. There was a ritual pool in the middle with clean, clear water and clusters of glyphs carved around it in sections all of them leading up to the doors.

Havi walked straight across to the doors and tried to push them open. He started with a small amount strength and kept steadily adding more and more force until he was grunting with the strain and doors hadn't even budged. As Havi stood trying to regain his breath Tamlen walked over and examined the doors running his hands across and stuck his ear against them.

"Magically sealed, no amount of muscle or brute force is going to open it. Even if you did have blast powder it wouldn't make a dent." Tamlen announced.

"Then undo the enchantment." Havi suggested.

Tamlen gave him a frustrated look. "The age and complexity of this is like nothing I have ever come across before. If I were even to attempt it... it would be like trying to unpick a tapestry miles wide, could take years."

Havi sighed. "Okay, any other ideas?"

"This is some kind of ritual antechamber for the petitioners, maybe if I can discern exactly what kind of ritual they used, we can perform it, disable the doors' enchantment and open it? I need to look around." Tamlen reasoned.

Havi nodded and gestured 'go ahead'. Tamlen made his way around the room studying the reliefs and deciphering the clusters of glyphs. He was diligent and progressed quickly, when he suddenly paused at a section on the wall with small intricate murals. Havi stood pondering what the ritual might entail, before reminding himself that Falinraike had been a centre of extreme hedonism. The cynical part of himself made a guess that the ritual was probably something the priests created for their own viewing pleasure.

"Oh... erm." Tamlen muttered.

Havi walked over. "You found something?"

"Yes, but it's..." He stammered.

Havi looked at the wall. Even without the lamplight he could see that everyone of the murals depicted sexual positions of varying degrees of difficulty and lewdness.

Tamlen tried to explain, but was clearly feeling quite awkward.

"The process of the ritual is that petitioners remove all their clothes and bathe in the pool until clean. Then the participants must engage in an act of carnality to completion, the ritual is done and the door unlocks."

"I don't know why I entertained the possibility that it would ask for anything different." Havi bemoaned. "Fine... I'll have a bath and go and jack one out, could you give me some privacy?"

Tamlen sheepishly interrupted. "Errr.. The ritual requires at least two petitioners to 'join their bodies until reaching mutual completion under the eyes of god' according to the glyphs. You can't perform it by yourself."

He struggled to find a place to put his hands, his hips, by his sides, folded in front all felt weird under Havi's gaze.

Havi clenched his jaw. "Well... shit! It's going to take ages to get back to the village. Who knows if I'll even be able to convince one of the townsfolk to come back here and do this ritual with me? If it even works?" Havi paced, now feeling exasperated.

Tamlen gazed at him curiously. "Townsfolk? You don't need it to be a woman?"

Havi returned Tamlen's curious gaze. "I'm not in a situation where I can afford to be fussy. Not like that kind of thing fussed me to begin with."

Tamlen cleared his throat. "Then would you accept my assistance in this matter?" Tamlen drew circles on the ground with his foot and had trouble meeting Havi's eye.

"If it doesn't matter to you if it's a man or woman? I could perform the ritual with you. I mean... I would have had to have done it anyway to reach the inner sanctum. At least this way I have a skilled warrior by my side to face whatever might be inside."

Havi looked at the elf. He cocked his head to one side, crossed his arms and gave him a wry smile with an eyebrow raised.

"Okay, I'll not reject such an earnest offer of help."

Havi wandered over to the edge of the pool and began to undress. The pool was large and had drains running around the edge.

'Clearly designed for easy clean up and to catch excess splash.' Havi thought.

Tamlen soon followed and placed his lantern down next to the pool. Havi had a wicked thought and moved into the lantern's light so as to be fully in view for Tamlen to see. He pulled off his boots and looked Tamlen in the eyes as he started to pull down his trousers watching the Elf's gaze widen as he stood nude before him and stepped down into the pool. It was as deep as his mid thigh, so he kneeled down, facing Tamlen making it very clear he was watching him. Tamlen understood and started to remove his robe and other garments, folding them into a neat pile next to the pool. He felt self-conscious as he disrobed. His body wasn't as muscular as Havi's, his frame was much leaner. He felt silly comparing himself to this giant, muscular man. He felt nervous as he started to pull down his trousers and his manhood was put on display. Havi gave him an appreciative smile and his nervousness melted away. Then Tamlen joined Havi in the pool.

They both spent several minutes washing themselves clean.

When Havi broke the silence.

"Exactly how clean do we need to be for this? Because I think I have run out of things to scrub."

"I think we are clean enough. I guess that means she should start." Tamlen declared a hint of awkwardness still in his voice.

Havi towering over him "I think that depends on exactly where you think our 'bodies should be joined'? Any particular preference? What do you believe will improve the chance of this ritual's success?" He asked in a rumbling purr.

Tamlen felt his manhood grow hard at the question. He tried not to fumble over his words "We shouldn't do this by a half measure. Let's copy one of the murals. I should get myself ready for you."

Havi gave him a quizzical look. Tamlen bent himself over the edge of the pool and used one hand to spread his bronze coloured cheeks apart. With the other he cast a spell to manipulate some water to enter between them.

Havi waded over leaned on the edge and met his eyes "That's a use of water magic I've never seen. I'm guessing this isn't your first time doing this?"

"I've done this... a few times" Tamlen blushed.

Havi asked, "And you've always prepared yourself? Your partners don't help you?"

Tamlen shook his head.

"Well that's inconsiderate of them." said Havi

Tamlen couldn't help but agree. He finished cleaning himself and discarded the water down the drain. "Okay, I've finished preparing."

Havi disagreed. "Hate to break it to you but you aren't prepared, not for me" Havi pointed down to his now hard member.

Tamlen gulped in surprise. "I've never... not that size before."

Havi chuckled. "I thought so, any chance you got some kind of oil stashed in that robe of yours?"

Tamlen nodded.

"Well.." Havi gestured 'go get it then.'

Tamlen waded over to his robe and retrieved a bottle of oil. Havi appeared behind him, he passed him the bottle. Havi applied some on the fingers of one hand before restoppering the bottle and placing it on the edge.

"Tamlen, bend over. I like how your ass looks like that." Havi ordered and Tamlen complied.

Tamlen placed his hands on the edge and bent over, pushing his ass towards Havi. Havi ran his unoiled hand over Tamlen's ass starting with a light caress escalating to a firm grasp, before giving it a gentle smack and spreading his cheeks. Then Havi used his oiled hand, he began with a finger slowly teasing the entrance, gently circling, smearing oil all over it. As Tamlen found himself biting his lower lip in frustration Havi inserted his finger up to the first knuckle, eliciting a gasp from Tamlen. He began slowly pushing his finger in and out, pushing a little deeper every time. When Havi heard Tamlen quietly moaning he added another. After a little while he added another finger when he felt Tamlen's grip around his fingers loosen. The moans from Tamlen weren't quiet anymore. Havi kept pushing his fingers in and out even after Tamlen was comfortably taking all four.

Havi leaned over Tamlen, gently bit his ear and asked "Are you ready for something bigger?"

Tamlen nodded and breathily whispered. "Yes."

Havi grabbed the bottle of oil again. He smeared more on Tamlen's ring before liberally slathering it on his own manhood. He placed the oil bottle back on the side.

He bent his knees and positioned his tip at Tamlen's entrance before gently pushing himself inside. Tamlen squirmed and gently whined at the feeling of being more full than he had ever been. Havi pushed until his balls rested against Tamlen's ass.

"Are you doing okay down there?" He asked.

Tamlen groaned "uh-huh... but I need a minute."

"No problem... take your time, I'll occupy myself until you're ready"

Havi leaned over and ran his teeth along Tamlen's shoulder. He then grabbed a fistful of his hair, twisting Tamlen's face to his and gave him a kiss. He pulled Tamlen's torso upwards so he was standing. He brought Tamlen's lips to his again and felt the elf moan into his mouth. After he withdrew from the kiss, he dragged his hand across Tamlen's chest grazing his fingers along the soft skin. He traced along the muscles on his stomach before bringing them to his nipples and started massaging them between his fingers. Havi was gentle at first, occasionally flicking them. Then he started to pinch them. Tamlen gasped. Havi felt playful, he removed one of his hands from Tamlen's nipples and gave the tip of Tamlen's pointed ear a flick. Tamlen glared at Havi in response.

Havi smirked. "You don't like that? I guess I'll divert my affection elsewhere. What should I play with next?"

Havi made an exaggerated effort to lean over Tamlen's shoulder and look at his manhood. It was as bronze as the rest of Tamlen with a slight purple tinge towards the tip. It was hard, sticking straight out in front of him and throbbing.

"That looks like it's begging for some attention or..." Havi moved his hands down to Tamlen's sides and softly ground his hips into Tamlen's ass. "... are you ready for something else?"

Tamlen groaned.

"Is that a yes?" Havi asked.

Tamlen nodded.

Havi slowly drew his hips back, paused just before he withdrew his tip and thrust back inside. He repeated the motion staying slow at first, at points just gently grinding into Tamlen.

Until Tamlen turned his head, looked up at him and begged. "Harder."

A dark grin crept across Havi's face. He didn't need telling twice. He started to pound his hips into Tamlen relishing the elf's mewls and whines as he buried himself in his ass. Tamlen grabbed Havi's shoulder and thigh, feeling the need to do so to keep himself standing. It was a futile effort though, Havi had his arms securely locked around him, he wasn't going anywhere. Tamlen began to shake, he dug his nails into Havi's skin.

"I'm gonna -c-c..." Tamlen cried out.

With unnaturally fast reflexes Havi placed his hand around Tamlen's balls. He created a ring with his thumb and forefinger around the gap between them and his manhood, preventing them from pulling up. Blocked from finishing, Tamlen cried out in frustration.

"Not yet, both of us together remember!" Havi reminded him, breathing heavily.

Havi's hammering of his hips continued, while Tamlen was stuck being relentlessly teased on the edge, unable to reach his apex. He could barely think.

"You're loving being fucked like this, aren't you?" Havi growled in Tamlen's ear.

"Uh-huh!" Tamlen whined.

"Do you normally offer your ass to men you've known for barely a day?"

"Noooo!"

"Am I a special case?"

"Yusssss!"

"Let me guess why. Are you a slutty elf who got turned on by the thought of having a demon spawn bury his cock in your hole?"

Tamlen refused to answer, Havi angled his face at him. The elf's ashamed expression was palpable.

"Don't be embarrassed. You're not the only one. You should be more honest. Like your hole, so eagerly swallowing me. I think it wants my seed deep inside it. Come on, say it. Beg me for it!" Havi commanded with a deep throaty purr.

Tamlen couldn't believe how aroused he was by this. He could feel Havi's hips shaking as they smacked against him, it wouldn't be long now for him. Tamlen was desperate, he was cresting on the highest peak he had ever known and would do anything to reach his finish.

"Pleeeeease... I beg... you fill ... my ass... with your... seed!" Tamlen groaned. Struggling to form words in between his breathless panting.

Havi growled. "Good little slut!"

He furiously drove himself deep inside Tamlen, removed his hand from Tamlen's balls and pumped it up and down the elf's cock. Tamlen instinctively pressed his legs together and felt an eruption of heat in his ass from Havi's seed. Tamlen's own finish hit him like a bolt of lightning as he saw white and his own seed spraying out copiously from him. When he finally finished gushing from his manhood, he felt weak. Havi withdrew himself from Tamlen's body and Tamlen's legs collapsed beneath him causing him to drop under the water.

"Ah, shit!" Havi quickly grabbed him and got his head above the surface.

He sat Tamlen on the edge of the pool, who just lay back with no energy to move, his legs apart, giving Havi a view of his own seed dribbling out of Tamlen's ass. Which he was enjoying.

"Did it work?" Tamlen babbled.

His question was answered by the sound of enormous dead bolts sliding and a lock clicking into an alternate position.

"I'd call that a success!" Havi smiled.

He got out of the pool and began dressing. By the time he was fully dressed and good to go Tamlen still hadn't moved.

"Uh... Tamlen, you alright? Need any Help?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, just needed a moment."

Tamlen proceeded to stand and walked as shakily as a newborn deer.

Havi felt a mix of concern and pride at the unsteady movement he had caused. Tamlen eventually dressed himself and gathered his things. The pair of them walked over the doors, Tamlen walking much slower than earlier. Havi placed his hands on the door and began pushing and feeling them give. After parting the doors wide open, he looked up and saw Olya sat in a comfy chair having tea next to a face he knew well.

Chapter 4

He pulled a surprised and perplexed expression. "... Carnach?... Is this where you live?"

Carnach wore a warm welcoming smile on his corpse-like face.

"Havi! I generally don't like unexpected visitors, but you are a welcome exception. Especially as you have dealt with the bug problem upstairs, how very helpful, and it looks like you had no problem getting the door open."

He gave a knowing glance between Havi and Tamlen.

"... Uh... good to see you too... it's been a few decades hasn't it?... I didn't mean to invade your home, just came to find what was lost." He gestured to Olya. "Now that I've found her again we'll be on our way and let you get back to... whatever it is you do in here."

"Why the rush? It's no bother really, stay and have some tea. Let's catch up. I can see why you were so keen to come and reclaim your lover; she's a beautiful and unique specimen."

"She's not my lover." Havi clenched his jaw.

Knowing Carnach, he was concerned about where this was going.

Olya on the other hand was stung by Havi's words. 'He doesn't see me as his lover?'

"You deny her as your lover yet only a few days ago you deflowered her? I see you're still a bit of a scoundrel Havi." Carnach admonished.

"How did you know that?" Olya asked, feeling embarrassed and worried.

"I took a look at some of your recent memories when I examined you earlier." He said with a neutral tone.

"That's such a violation!" She exclaimed with horror.

"And you, a complete stranger, violated my private sanctum. It's tit for tat. Besides I needed to know who you were and why you were actually here. It was necessary." He explained. Olya bristled but was unsure how to respond.

Tamlen stared at Havi with a look of confused disgust on his face. "Your own sister... really?"

Havi's jaw clenched even harder in frustration. "She's not my sister!"

Tamlen maintained his confusion. "But why lie about that?"

"Who are you?" Carnach barked at Tamlen. His gaze, fierce and suddenly intimidating.

Tamlen stammered. "Oh.. Tamlen of the academy of Verum Lumen."

Carnach evaluated Tamlen and began speaking to him in tongue Havi recognised as Elvish, which Havi now regretted not taking the time to learn. Tamlen spoke a few words back and bowed to Carnach, his demeanor becoming tense and nervous.

Carnach then continued to speak in the common tongue. "The answer to the question you asked, Tamlen, is because it is sensible for Havi to do so. Rather than have it become common knowledge that he is escorting the product of a union between the Penumbran Suzerain and the Ouranios bloodline. I'm sure you can appreciate that she would be a prize that many would like to get their hands on." Carnach glared at Havi as he delivered this information.

Tamlen just looked at Olya, his eyes wide. His expression was a mixture of shock, horror, awe and wonder. Olya wasn't sure where this was all going but she didn't like it.

"If you understood that then why did you just tell him?" Havi snapped.

"You'll see shortly. Now I want to oblige me with a game of assoyna I've got the board all set up." He pointed to another table with a checkered board and figures arranged upon it.

"No. We will be leaving now. Thank you for your hospitality." Havi snarled, just about keeping his anger in check. Olya got up and went to stand behind Havi.

"I won't let you leave without playing the game Havi!" Carnach moved and sat at the table with the game set "I insist!" A malicious smile crossed his thin dry lips.

Olya whispered in Havi's ear, desperate not to be overheard. "Do you have to play his game or would it be possible to fight him?"

Havi whispered back. "I guarantee you, fighting him will have a worse outcome than playing the game." Havi walked over and joined Canach at the table "Fine let's get this over with. You picked this game because I hate it didn't you?"

Carnach didn't answer his question. He held his smile. "Let's make this more fun and play for some stakes."

"I'd rather not!" Said Havi in a dour town.

"Again, I must insist." Carnach's smile was unwavering.

Havi tensed. "What are your terms?"

"The winner gets to decide what to do with Olya."

"Excuse me?!" Olya's fear and uncertainty was overshadowed by outrage. "You don't get to decide that. I am not something you can just bet like a prize cow!"

Carnach turned his gaze to her. "Of course you aren't like a prize cow. You are far more valuable. Your heritage and the magic that you have unlocked within you are most special. Alas though if you truly oppose being the prize, summon that storm you contain within and strike me down. You possess enough power to do so, come on... I'll wait."

He sat back and folded his arms. Olya searched inside herself desperate to call forth what she had done so previously. But it was like trying to grasp smoke, she couldn't wield it, she was too unsure, too scared. Carnach smirked.

"Having a little trouble I see, that's your problem. Like an uncut diamond, worthless in your current form. You lack resolve and control. You won't manage to gain that by yourself, you need a teacher and that can't be Havi." Olya felt so small and defeated in that moment by his words.

"What if I were to just take Olya now and leave?!" Havi snapped.

The smile dropped from Carnach's face. "I would thoroughly advise against that course of action. Now Havi, you know what I want you to do next."

Carnach held out his palm and indicated to Havi to give him his hand. Once within his grasp he sliced Havi's palm with a small blade to draw blood before drawing the blade across his own. Carnach's blood oozed out of the wound like sludge. He slapped their palms together and chanted in a language Olya didn't even remotely recognize. Glyphs made from fire and blood surrounded their joined palms. Carnach paused chanting and glared at Havi.

"I vow to respect and honour the terms of the winner of this game." Havi hissed through his teeth.

Carnach said a few final words before the glyphs dissipated. Havi sank back into his chair like he had been punched in the gut.

Olya turned to Tamlen and whispered in a hushed tone. "What just happened?"

Tamlen returned her whisper "Carnach just bound Havi into a contract with his own demonic blood. It means Havi literally cannot defy the terms, he will be forced into compliance" He looked at her with pity.

"How worried should I be right now?" She asked Tamlen, trying to keep the tremble out of her voice.

"I don't know Havi well, but I know assoyna. It's a game of tactics, patience and skill, replicating the command of a monarchy and its army. Amongst my people it takes human lifetimes to master, to memorise all the moves and how to counter them. Carnach has most likely been playing this for centuries. You can tell by the age of his set. I don't believe Havi can make the same claim." he explained in a somber tone.

He placed his hand on her shoulder in an attempt to provide comfort.

She let it stay there as she contemplated her fate. 'Am I going to be indentured to an ancient walking corpse that even Havi seems to be scared by?'

The thought made the pit fall out of her stomach.

Havi and Carnach began their game, Havi managed to take an important piece and prepared to take more.

Carnach arranged his pieces around the board in an odd manner, only taking an insignificant piece from Havi on his turn.

Havi advanced aggressively, taking another valuable piece from Carnach.

Carnach only moved a couple of his pieces, still only taking out one of the less important pieces from Havi's side.

Havi advanced his pieces again, taking out a commanding piece from Carnach's lineup, he was only one move away from claiming Carnach's monarch.

Carnach moved a single piece and took one of Havi's commanders then declared, "Regicide... there's nowhere you can move your monarch on your next turn that I can't take. It's my game."

He then leaned back and crossed his arms emblazoning a smug victorious look on his face.

Havi reexamined the board, his eyes widened as he realised he had lost, so completely while on the verge of victory. He balled up his hands and screamed in frustration. He stood up, flipped the table, pelted his chair against the wall and roared with rage glaring at Carnach.

'I'm going to have to hand Olya over to this desiccated bastard and there's nothing I can do about it' Havi fumed.

The rage consumed Havi, his eyes burned bright, spectral horns formed from his temples and as his canines lengthened he bared his teeth at Carnach and let out a guttural, snarling growl. Carnach stood up and gently raised an open palm. When he suddenly clenched his palm into a fist and Havi doubled over in pain.

Carnach berated him like a parent to an unruly child. "Come now, having a tantrum will not change anything. You have lost and you need to accept it. Now you need to fulfill your side of the contract."

Havi sucked in a large breath through his teeth and sent his demonic half back to its cage. Still seething at where this day had ended up.

"Now..." Carnach announced "as the victory was mine I declare that Olya's fate will be to follow a tutor knowledgeable in the ways of magic to teach her to hone her craft. Havi is obligated to follow and protect her and her new tutor..."

Havi grimaced at this, 'We're both going to be bound to him.' He internally lamented.

"... her new tutor is going to be Tamlen from the academy of Verum Lumen." Carnach finished.

Havi, Olya and Tamlen stood there flabbergasted and bewildered. They all exchanged glances trying to gauge if either of the others had some understanding over what had just happened.

Tamlen was the first to speak and he babbled nervously. "Er... why didn't you just ask nicely? I mean I would have happily obliged if someone had explained the situation. I don't understand why this was necessary?"

Carnach gave him a long speech in elvish, during which Tamlen's face went from awed to solemn then to moderate panic. He said a few words before giving a nod.

"That doesn't explain anything for us!" Olya pointed to herself and Havi.

"What was it that I said earlier that still brings me joy?" Carnach directed at Olya.

She listed, "discoveries, interesting information and... playing games with old friends... You didn't mean board games... you meant cruel manipulative games!" Her expression tightened into a scowl with this revelation.

Carnach laughed. "Watching Havi have a hissy fit makes my decade. Usually it takes a lot more effort to get a rise out of him. Now I know exactly what button to push when I do this in the future."

Havi growled in response.

Carnach continued. "Come on now, no harm was actually done, plus you've got a teacher for Olya. As a show of goodwill I'll activate the plinth for you to save you the long walk back up to the entrance."

Tamlen interjected. "Could I ask a question before we go? I was asked to see if I could find an answer as to what happened to the ancient peoples of Falinraike. Do you know?"

Carnach answered, "The paladins of the Faith. Some helpful soul convinced them that demons were being summoned, foul magic was being cast, babies being eaten and all manner of fictitious atrocities were being committed to justify a purge. All to eliminate a potential source of competition. Problem was... I wasn't here when they came. Making the slaughter pointless."

"Who convinced the paladins to do that?" Olya asked, curiosity piqued.

"I'll give you a clue my dear, you inherited his eyes."

Olya widened hers in response.

"Well I've had enough of guests today." He snapped his fingers and the plinth's runes lit up green. "Time you were off, I'll be in touch."

The trio quickly shuffled to the plinth, each laying a hand on it, then Carnach snapped his fingers and the lights surrounded them. The three of them rematerialised at the plinth on the dais by the entrance.

It was late afternoon, the trio made their way back to the horses. As they walked Olya risked posing a question to Havi.

"Why are you friends with that guy? He's awful!"

"Did he call us that?" Havi asked with incredulity.

"Yes."

Havi shrugged. "Because it's far better than him than deciding we're enemies"

"How bad is he exactly?" She asked.

Tamlen cut in. "He's somewhat of a legend amongst elves, he goes by a different name but is spoken of with fear and reverence. Being known to him can be either having a powerful ally or a sign you need to make better life choices."

"I'd agree with that." Havi chimed in.

Olya took this on board "What did he say to you Tamlen?" She enquired, watching him closely.

Tamlen couldn't quite meet her eye as he thought about his answer.

"Most of it doesn't translate too well, but he basically made a case for why I should be your teacher along with some threats. Could I ask you a question?"

Olya nodded.

"I realise Carnach has kind of forced me on you. I was just wondering if you would actually like for me to be your teacher? This won't work very well if you are not a willing student." He asked.

Olya thought for a moment, she definitely needed a teacher and Tamlen came from a very different culture. She could learn how to control her magic and have some help seeing the world through a different lens.

"I would be honoured to have you as my teacher Tamlen. I am sorry that you have been somewhat forced into this through the threat of death." She tried to joke, her smile feeling as weak as it looked.

He beamed at her. "Don't worry I'm happy to teach you, I'm sure you will be an interesting student. Besides, it wasn't a death threat he gave me..." His smile dropped into a pained look. "... Death would be merciful by comparison."

He propped his smile back up "I just hope that you... Havi... aren't too upset with my presence going forward?"

The undercurrent of his meaning was clear to Havi 'Is my presence going to be awkward in light of what happened in the ritual chamber, whatever the relationship is that you have going with Olya and the fact that I have been forced into the equation with no way for you to get rid of me?'

Havi responded, looking Tamlen dead in the eye. "So long you don't expect to dip into my gold pouch too often or cause me any trouble we'll be fine."

Tamlen nodded in response. The trio made it to their horses. Havi mounted up on Styg, shortly followed by Tamlen audibly wincing as he mounted his mare.

"Tamlen, were you hurt while making your way through the ruins? I am a trained healer, I could take a look and provide you with aid?" She offered.

An awkward look was shared between Havi and Tamlen that wasn't missed by Olya.

"That's okay, it's nothing for you to worry about, I'll be fine!" He insisted, his eyes flicking back to Havi.

Olya had her suspicion triggered, she didn't know what it was that they were hiding, but it was something. Havi held out his hand and pulled Olya onto Skyg. The trio then headed back to town.

Chapter 5

Once back at the Inn, Havi marched over to the Innkeep.

"Hey, do you know where the ealdorman is?"

The innkeep wordlessly pointed to a booth in the corner where the ealdorman sat with several finished tankards in front of him. Havi looked out the window, the sun was still fairly high in the sky. He looked back at the Innkeep with a quizzical expression.

"Already?"

The Innkeep nodded and rolled his eyes. Havi smirked, which the Innkeeper mimicked. He headed over to Ealdorman Errol.

"It's done, all of them are dead, there were too many for me to bring back parts as proof, but I'm happy to escort some people over to confirm the contract's completion."

"That was fast! Let me grab Barney. We can give you your gold when we get back." he scrambled to get up and quickly departed the Inn.

Havi walked back over to where Tamlen and Olya had seated themselves.

"I need to head back to the ruins in order to get my pay. Hopefully I won't run into Carnach for the second time today. I shouldn't be too long, hopefully Tamlen's superior people skills should keep you out of trouble." He smiled.

"My people skills are fine!" Olya retorted.

He wielded a sarcastic tone. "Of course they are. But Tamlen's are definitely better, I mean... how many orgies have you been invited to?"

Olya struggled to form words.

"Exactly!"

Then he walked out of the Inn. Tamlen couldn't stifle his laugh at Olya's inability to form a comeback.

"Not you too. Don't think I'll be able to handle it if both of you team up to mock me." She sighed.

He giggled. "I don't plan to, but if you continue to get flustered at the mention of orgies, I suspect he is going to weaponize that against you."

"Can you really blame me? Orgies are unusual!" She reasoned.

"Maybe they are not as unusual as you think? Since coming to the human lands I have been invited on three separate occasions."

Olya gave him a half smile and a raised eyebrow.

"Not that I attended any mind you, not my thing." He clarified. "It's been rather novel to receive that kind of attention, I wouldn't get that back home."

"Why not?" she wondered.

He tried to explain, seeming somewhat deflated. "... as I'm sure you can tell, I'm not really that attractive so that kind of invitation rarely came my way."

She cocked her head to the side with a dumbfounded expression trying to comprehend what he just said. "By elven standards you are unattractive?"

"Yes, no need to rub it in any further." He shrank into himself.

"Tamlen... how do I put this? Most humans wouldn't agree with that assessment and they are right not to."

Tamlen looked at her blankly. "Seriously?"

"Absolutely, I don't know what the rest of your people consider attractive, but if you had walked into Wollingden before my life turned upside down you probably would have turned most of the heads in town, even mine... and I was a nun who didn't want to even touch any of the men in Wollingden with a ten foot barge pole."

Tamlen laughed. "Well that's very reassuring, thank you." He gave her a curious look "So... you and Havi? I get the feeling there's some story there?"

She looked introspective. "Yes... but... not one I really want to go into right now. Short version is he is protecting me while we keep moving and now you are along for the ride."

He nodded, not keen to pry any further while she was unwilling. "Well, I'll get us a jug of wine. I suspect it's going to be tomorrow when we head off, I doubt Havi's going to be back before sunset."

"Is drinking wine a good idea?" She queried.

He shrugged. "When in Falinraike..." gave her a wink and headed to the bar.

After night had fallen Havi walked back into the Inn and joined the pair at the table. He was feeling tired and irritable even with his pouch having been freshly filled with gold. He poured himself a large cup of wine and downed it.

"Errol and Barney could talk the hind legs off a donkey. Not because they are charming, rather because the donkey would happily sacrifice its back legs to get them to shut up." he huffed.

Olya and Tamlen let out a chuckle.

"Now that we are done here, I'm assuming we're headed out tomorrow morning, where to next?" Olya enquired.

"Next up is Carborough. I've run out of bounties and they have an office there with information on where there are towns that have issued contracts. It will take about a week, but there's a lot of wilderness between here and there, meaning it should be easy to conduct lessons without any witnesses." Havi explained "Well I'm getting another jug of wine, after today one cup is not going to cut it."

The trio proceeded to share another two jugs of wine before retiring for the night. Olya sank into bed, somewhat buzzing as she descended into sleep.

To be continued