Chapter 23:
Bastion of Hope
“Welcome to the Bastion, kid.”
Nameless was speechless. Never before had he seen such construction, even the vault under the sand paled in comparison. The tower in the middle of the city before them swept up hundreds of feet into the sky, its polished mother-of-pearl surface gleaming in the sunlight. He could see numerous winged silhouettes flying to and from the massive structure; various breeds of monster girls going about their lives without realizing that they were part of a grand spectacle that made Nameless feel very small indeed.
Jan laughed at his awestruck expression as Miranda continued.
“This has been the headquarters of the Aegis for the last three hundred years, Xalanth graciously allows us to use it after the Ogres trampled the old headquarters into dust.”
Nameless blinked.
“This place, it belongs to Xalanth?”
“Yeah, well as much as any place belongs to a Dragon. This was once a city of the old empire, after the ash-fall it was abandoned for years though. Then Xalanth decided she wanted to live in the tower and so it became hers. Rumour has it she’s eaten more than one pushy archaeologist who tried to study it. Heh, we should introduce her to that Martin idiot…”
Nameless swallowed, doubting that even Martin could be so oblivious in the face of the Dragon’s presence.
“It’s incredible.” He whispered.
It was late afternoon and the light of the sun struck the tower at the perfect angle to make it gleam. All around the city were similarly built spires, much smaller in scale but each one of which would have been an awesome sight all on its own.
Few structures from the old empire survived the calamity. Whatever you see before you is a remnant of a bygone age.
“Did you know of this place Volka?” Myrina asked.
I honestly cannot recall. War is chaotic; there were countless terrible battles and many long sieges. The details grow… fuzzy, over the centuries.
Once more Nameless witnessed events from the past, a sparkling city as Volka and her sisters flew over it. Then the same city, only now the buildings were ablaze in the night and lightning flew up from the ground to strike at the monsters flying overhead.
This time Volka didn’t apologize, though they shared the equivalent of a mental hug.
“Well, let’s not stand outside all day, I’m sure that Sadie will be thrilled to see you again dearheart, and eager to meet Volka as well!” Ophelia spoke up, and then gave Erica and Milly’s tails each a playful tug.
The pair were just as awestruck as he was at the sight of the massive structure but they shook it off at their bond-sister’s urging and the group continued into the outskirts of the city of Garland.
Though large, the buildings in town never seemed to be large enough to keep the Bastion from dominating the skyline. But the sights at street level were enough to distract from the massive structure.
Nameless had never seen so many different types of people, and so many different types of monsters.
If it weren’t for the Aegis operatives escorting them and the band of Amazons eyeing the crowd around them he would no doubt look like the country kid he was by the way he kept starring at everything.
They barely made it into the city proper when a commotion ahead caught their attention.
“You idiot! This order was nearly ready! Why did you change it now?!”
A man all but screamed in the face of the bunny girl trembling in front of him.
Miranda’s eyes narrowed and Jan growled slightly as the apron-clad stranger continued to berate the poor Lapine.
“Excuse me kid, Aegis business.”
Nameless nodded, equally unhappy with the man’s behaviour.
His tirade lasted right up until Miranda cleared her throat loudly right behind him.
“Now what-” He whirled in place only to stumble back at Miranda’s nearness; “Oh! Er, sorry Aegis.”
Even in her worn uniform she struck an imposing figure, especially when coupled with Jan and Kala flanking her on either side.
“You’re creating a disturbance.” She told him flatly.
“N-no, everything is fine.”
“It doesn’t look fine.” Kala growled.
“Really, it’s a misunderstanding.” His hands were up in a placating gesture.
“Her heartstone.” Miranda held out her hand.
His eyes widened nervously.
“It’s inside.” He mumbled.
Just like whenever Nameless pissed her off she enunciated every syllable.
“Go. Get. It.”
The man fled into the shop.
The Lapine was upset from the man’s yelling but she dried her eyes on her own apron and tried to speak, but Miranda forestalled her with one finger in the air.
“In a minute.”
The bunny’s ears drooped and she kicked at the dusty cobblestones disconsolately. The man emerged from the shop a couple minutes later, and wordlessly plopped the pink stone in Miranda’s palm.
“Thank you, Kala stay on him, you’re with me bunny.”
The bunny girl hopped to follow Miranda while the man wrung his hands as the mighty Amazon loomed over him, keeping him in place.
“Your name?”
“Lindsey ma’am.” Her voice was soft and breathy.
“And does he treat you like that a lot Lindsey?”
“No! This was all a misunderstanding, just like he said! I messed up an order and it’s going to cost him a lot of coins to fix it, it was all my fault.”
Miranda pursed her lips, and then called out to Nameless, who was trying to be unobtrusive in his eavesdropping.
“C’mere for a sec kid.”
She held the stone out for him, confused, he placed his hand over hers.
“She okay?” She murmured, too low for any but him to hear.
Nameless closed his eyes for a few moments, sensing the bunny’s emotions. He was quickly satisfied and opened his eyes again to address Miranda.
“She is afraid, but only that her owner might be in trouble. He treats her very well, but I guess today has been a rough one for him. He lost his temper, but it’s a rare thing.”
He spoke confidently, the surety he felt from the nervous, and slightly confused, Lapine’s stone enough for him.
Apparently it was enough for Miranda as well, as she walked back to join Kala and quickly handed the man back the tiny gem.
“Just remember the oath you took.”
“O-of course Aegis.” The man’s relief was palpable as he turned to the girl; “Sorry Linds.”
She abruptly hugged the surprised man around the middle.
“I’m sorry too sir, I swear I’ll work extra hard to fix this!”
“I know you will.” He stammered out, surprised and embarrassed at the public display of affection.
“Great, everybody’s happy. Let’s get back to it.” Miranda gave a jerky nod to the pair by way of farewell.
As they walked away Nameless turned to Miranda.
“Does that happen often?”
“You kidding? That’s ninety-five percent of the job right there! We do heartstone checks frequently, especially this close to headquarters. Although it usually takes longer, a lot of the time the girl doesn’t want to say anything bad about her owner, even when you’re holding her stone.”
Nameless nodded, lost in thought.
A half hour later Miranda led them into a massive cobbled square with one side abutting the wall around the aegis compound surrounding the Bastion, all along the other sides of the square were little carts and stalls selling everything imaginable.
But the most striking feature was in the center of the square; a raised dais upon which sat a large and magnificently carved marble statue: a young woman cradling a wounded Valkyrie in her arms, the Valkyrie had one hand on the woman’s cheek while the other was handing the woman her shield. Both were smiling warmly at each other.
When Nameless and the others stopped to consider the magnificent piece, Miranda offered an explanation.
“This is Divinity Square, and that is the statue of the Aegis and the last Valkyrie, it was carved eight hundred years ago. Used to sit in the old headquarters, but after the Ogres got their panties in a twist the ruling council at the time decided that the statue should be displayed publicly. It has countless enchantments on it to preserve it from the weather and from stupid teenagers with cans of paint.”
She considered Volka’s shield for a moment, while Nameless considered the shield on the statue with confused emotions.
Why do I get the sense that the sculptor got my nose wrong?
Miranda’s eyes widened at Volka’s wry thought before she let loose a barking laugh.
“Come on then, time to face the music. Kid, keep her covered for now. We can have the flock and gawk later when we aren’t in a rush.”
Several days prior, when they had first made it back into populated areas, Miranda had insisted that Nameless wrap the shield in a blanket to keep people from going nuts over it. At first Volka complained that it was itchy, but when Nameless made to remove it the Valkyrie had laughed that he had fallen for her joke.
Miranda and her girls led them through the gate of the walled compound, the guards on duty checking her identification before waving them through, though they couldn’t help but stare at the eclectic group.
The Amazons escorting them shared in some of the others’ astonishment at the scale of the building before them but were still intent on protecting him from anyone and anything so they showed little of it.
It quickly became apparent that word of their arrival had spread to the Aegis girls inside.
Nameless grew very self conscious as monster girls of every sort stared at him with curious and often hungry eyes: even if they didn’t know about Volka they at least seemed to know that he was an Empath.
He couldn’t help but be intimidated and leaned into Milly for support. The Minotaur wrapped an arm around him and began to return glares of her own, her meaning was clear.
Back off, this man is mine.
The looks of desire turned to pouts, especially when Erica, Nina and the wild looking Amazons joined in glaring with Milly, flanking him on either side.
Miranda led them into the large entry area, and they drew more than a few shocked looks. She sighed as she took in the size of the group and offered Nameless a shake of her head.
“I didn’t think this through, way too many people here to fit-”
“Miranda?”
Miranda turned and her fist came to her breast in an automatic salute to the uniformed woman in front of her.
“Ma’am.”
Commander Dawn Morrow returned the salute while at the same time giving a wondering shake of her head.
“Shit, we thought you died out there. Welcome back.”
Miranda smiled with one side of her mouth.
“Few close calls, but still alive.”
“I can see that.”
Dawn took in the sight of the Amazons and the four monster girls around Nameless, her curious eyes lingered on the short man for some time, finally she offered him her hand.
Her grip was firm.
“Mister Nameless, a pleasure to meet you, I’ve heard good things.”
“Um, it’s just Nameless actually.”
“Ma’am, don’t mean to rush the introductions but we need to talk, and I do mean right now.”
Her commander frowned at the serious expression then jerked her head in understanding.
“Right, my office.”
Dawn took a couple steps away, gesturing for Miranda to follow.
“While I’m in with Dawn why don’t you kids go and check out the city? Just don’t go too far from the square. And try not to get lost. Jan will find you later when we know what’s going on.”
The Wolfen smiled and touched one finger to the side of her nose before abruptly burying her face into one of the chestier Amazons’ cleavage and giving a long sniff. The girl stumbled back with an oath and a blush.
“Needed to get the scent.” Jan grinned.
Miranda rolled her eyes and Dawn smiled.
“Behave puppy, we’ll see you all later.”
She followed her commanding officer, her sniggering bond-mates in tow. The rest of them took her advice. Excited to see what the city had to offer, they left the compound.
As Miranda requested, they mostly just browsed the stalls all around Divinity Square, the Amazons spent a great deal of time sitting on one of the stone benches in front of the statue. When Nameless and his girls were finished browsing they joined the warriors in considering the statue of Volka and the Aegis.
“My people used to make pilgrimages to see this work. I never understood why until now.”
Escrya’s voice was thick with emotion. As impressive as the city was, she and her sisters found all of the stonework cold and lifeless. The only exception was this one piece of art that touched on the topic dearest to their hearts.
Jan found them there some time later and escorted them back into the Bastion.
“Turns out Sadie and Xalanth are off somewhere, probably fucking on top of a mountain or something. You’re to meet with the council the day after tomorrow, guess you aren’t that important after all!”
With a wink she left them in their spacious quarters, Escrya, Myrina and her warriors were just across the hall in similar accommodations.
Erica waited about two seconds before jumping on the bed excitedly, her shirt flying up to reveal her tummy, her black panties and her knives.
“At last, a proper bed! And we are so going to break it!”
Ophelia sighed indulgently, Milly blushed and bit her lip, Nameless smiled as heat flowed through him and Nina dropped her hammer before tackling the Katje to do just that.
The bed survived the night, barely.
__________
Erica awoke the following morning before the others. Rolling onto all fours she gave a great feline stretch on the spacious bed, her back arched and her mouth yawned wide while her tongue curled out.
Absently rubbing at her eyes she looked down at her beloved master as he slept. She smiled in amusement at the bit of drool at the corner of his mouth. She toyed with the idea of slipping under the covers to wake him with her rough tongue, but the kitty was feeling a bit selfish that morning.
“Master, wake up.” She leaned down and whispered in his ear.
He didn’t respond right away so she took his ear between her teeth and nibbled at it playfully.
“Mwah!” He woke, confused at the sensation.
“Morning lover.” She purred.
He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and turned his head to smile at her, then pressed his lips to hers for a tender kiss.
“Morning kitty.”
“Lover…” She purred at his affection while tracing one finger over his lips; “Can I sit on your face?”
Surprised and aroused at her request, he smiled.
“Of course!”
He gave her another, more passionate kiss.
“Sweet…”
She shifted herself up as he drew the cover down a bit to give her room, moving quickly but quietly so as not to wake the others. She straddled his head, her body facing the smooth wall of their quarters with her legs resting on his shoulders and the pink pads of her feline paws face up on his lower chest.
She wanted to look down into his eyes.
“Spoil me lover.” She whispered as she lowered her pussy to his waiting mouth and ran one hand through his hair.
“Happily.” He responded before boldly thrusting his tongue out and parting her lips, lathing it over her inner folds.
She purred in satisfaction as her eyes fluttered closed.
He started with long slow licks; avoiding her clit he instead circled his tongue around her opening. She was soon dripping with desire.
One hand gripped her own hair behind her head as she settled more of her weight on to his face, purring even more intensely.
“Mmmm, so good Master.”
Encouraged by her words his hands reached out and grabbed her shifting tail, gripping the sleek black fur with his palms he pulled away from her. Stroking her slowly and rhythmically, when one hand reached as far as it could the other started at the base again.
She let out a gasping pant at his attention to her tail, and then began to rock on his face as her pleasure ramped up.
He planted a sucking kiss on her slit, then decided to escalate and thrust his tongue inside her and swirled it around against her inner walls.
The hand in her hair shifted down to tweak one erect nipple while her grip in his hair tightened.
She bit her lip and locked eyes with him. Her wide green gaze was intense and he found himself unable to look away. Prey caught in the eyes of a predator.
Her purring was interspersed now with little gasps and moans as her inner muscles clamped around his tongue. His hands released her tail and cupped her perky butt, kneading the tanned cheeks firmly and encouraging her to rock on his face faster.
“AH! Never st- ah! Never stop fucking me with your tongue!” She gasped out.
In her pleasure she was no longer concerned with waking the others, and there was some stirring in the sheets beside them.
To her displeasure he withdrew his tongue.
“I have to, if I don’t, I can’t do this.”
He swirled his tongue around her neglected clit, then drew it between his lips and sucked as hard as he could.
She yowled and thrashed at the sudden sensation on her sensitive bud, both hands latched on his hair as she ground her pussy into his face.
He stopped in his suction just long enough to mumble at her with her flesh still in his mouth as his hot breath washing over her sensitive skin.
“Cum for me kitty, I want to see it.”
He quickly latched on to her clit again as her breathing ceased, her mouth open wide as ecstasy took her, she thrashed her hips a few times while he continued to suckle, lick and nip at her clit.
Her eyes rolled back in her head and a bit of drool trickle out of the corner of her mouth, at last she gasped in a breath and let out a surprisingly deep moan at the intense pleasure that he was giving her. Her hips spasmed and she thrashed some more.
His released one ass cheek and brought his hand back to give her bum a couple of firm swats, knowing that she wanted it. After several more paroxysms of pleasure she collapsed on top of him, her over-stimulated pussy shifting down off his chin as she folded herself around his head.
She lay like that for a couple of minutes, her head buried in his pillow.
“Is that what you were after this morning my love?” He spoke into her naval, his face now covered by her warm tummy.
Her only response was a satisfied purr.
They lay like that for a few more minutes, he began to stroke her tail again as she recovered. He nuzzled himself against her stomach, her yielding flesh surrounding his nose and mouth.
And then he ruined everything by blowing a raspberry against her skin.
She let out a surprised meow at the noise and the sensation as she rolled off of him.
“Aw! I was enjoying that!” She pouted.
“So was I.”
She couldn’t help but giggle at his antics.
Neither could the others.
There was a round of good mornings as the other girls greeted them. They had all slept well; the previous night’s activities and the luxury of a proper bed ensured that.
Nameless worked his jaw a bit, gave a stretch and propped himself up on his elbows to look at his girls.
“So, who’s next?”
Three hands shot into the air.