The sun rose through the windows of the castle in Bastianville, and I blinked sleepily around my room to get my bearings. The rays of light illuminated the pale flesh of Tiff’s back, and a smirk twisted my lips as I gazed at the Goddess of Death.
I couldn’t resist running my hands across the soft textures of her skin, and I noticed goosebumps rising in the wake of my fingertips. Tiff ended up being a submissive and curious lover, and I was eager to relieve her fears surrounding intimacy and connection.
A new day had dawned in the fantasy world I’d been summoned to.
I made a new save point before I roused the goddess any further, and then I woke her up with tender kisses against her bare shoulders. Tiff murmured sleepily as she turned toward me, and her lips parted instinctively before I even met them with my own. Her emerald eyes were still half-closed and languid, but her breathing rate increased, and her cheeks flushed with desire.
“Again?” she giggled.
“If you want.” I waggled my eyebrows in a tempting manner. “If you say no, it will be like it never happened.”
“What do you mean?” Tiff narrowed those beautiful emerald gems at me, and a line of concern creased her brow.
“Nothing,” I chuckled before I placed a tender kiss on the line on her forehead. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Kiss me,” she commanded in a decisive tone.
Not even the God of Time could resist the seductive call of the Goddess of Death.
I obliged willingly, and our tongues danced like snakes as Tiff’s fingers roamed my hair. She held me close to her like I would disappear if she let go, but I wasn’t even considering going anywhere else. I still managed to maneuver some of the blankets off while I kissed her with all the passion rising in my body, and it only took me a moment to expose her pale pink nipples.
“Hold still,” I instructed as I took her wrists in one hand, and I placed them firmly against the mattress above her head.
“Yes, sir.” Tiff bit her bottom lip, but she couldn’t help arching her back as my face lowered to her bare breasts.
I hovered over her pert nipples for a long moment, and I let out a hot exhale that made Tiff push even further off the bed toward my mouth. I teased her a little more by flicking my tongue over the tip of the hardened buds, but I pulled away as soon as the goddess gasped and wiggled.
“Bash…” Tiff moaned. “You’re killing me.”
“Oh?” I asked in a mock innocent tone. “What do you want, babe?”
“Just do it.” Tiff wiggled her hips and struggled against my hands. “Make my body do the thing.”
“Orgasm?” My lips twisted into a knowing smile. “You want me to make you cum?”
“Please?” The Goddess of Death looked up at me with emerald orbs full of surrender and adoration.
I pulled the blankets back even further until all that remained was Tiff’s beautiful body in all its nude glory, and I took a moment to soak in the image of her displayed before me. She was mine, and now she was safe.
“Maybe I’m not ready to make you cum,” I said in a teasing voice, and I dragged the tips of my fingers up her legs from her toes to her thighs.
“This is torture!” Tiff pouted, and she parted her legs even further.
I could feel the heat radiating out from her center, and I licked my suddenly dry lips as I remembered her unique taste.
It was more than I could withstand, and I grabbed her legs in an aggressive manner. Tiff gasped as she slid across the bed, but the sound froze on her lips when I dove straight into the juicy crevice between her thighs. I remained in a half-kneeling position, but I brought her to my lips by lifting up her ass cheeks, and she was laid out before me like a dessert platter.
The Goddess of Death tasted oh so sweet on my lips.
It didn’t take long for Tiff’s legs to start shaking and twitching against my cheeks, and I sucked her clit into my mouth to send her over the edge. I could feel her muscles clench and freeze, and I gazed over her fuzzy mound to her heaving breasts and flushed face.
“Oh… Fuck, Bash!” Tiff squealed with delight as the waves of pleasure washed over her. “Don’t stop!”
I thrust my tongue as far as it would reach, and I twirled out concentric designs against her lower lips as her pussy continued to pulsate. It took her a while to come back to
reality, and as her breathing regulated, I brought her down onto the tip of my rock-hard cock.
“Ooh!” Tiff’s face scrunched up in an almost pained expression. “Yess…”
“Come here,” I said as I lifted her up to sit on my lap, and a moment later, I was driving her hips down against me.
Tiff’s hips ground in a circular motion, and I could feel the edges of her slippery tunnel against my shaft. Her sweat-drenched hair clung to her face, but I could see her eyes through the tendrils, and her gaze was filled with a wild desire that was far from being quenched.
“You’re amazing,” she murmured as she leaned forward to support her weight against me. “You make me feel so good.”
“You are good,” I said in her ear as I cradled her head against my shoulder, and I held her close as I continued to work my dick inside her. “You deserve to feel good.”
“I deserve you?” Tiff leaned back and faced me with a suddenly very serious expression. “I deserve this?”
“Of course,” I chuckled. “You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t.”
“I believe you.” A look of relief swept across her face, and Tiff smiled softly.
Then she placed a hand on either side of my face, and she leaned forward to brush her lips ever so softly against mine. I wrapped my arms around her lower back, and I lifted her up as I continued to kiss her. A moment later, I laid her down beneath me, and I leaned back to grind my cock deep into her moist entrance.
The beautiful goddess looked up at me with total trust and love, and I watched in fascination as another climax swept through her. Her emerald eyes fluttered closed, and her cherry-red lips parted with a silent gasp. It felt like time froze for a long moment, but then her entire body went slack as the orgasm released her from its spell.
“I’m never going to lose you,” I promised in a husky voice as I leaned over her and gazed into her eyes. “You will always have a place by my side… In my heart…”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Tiff said as she met my gaze. “Just try and get rid of me. It won’t work.”
“Good.” I claimed her mouth again, and Tiff wrapped her arms around my neck while also linking her ankles behind my back.
We clung to each other and wiggled all over the bed while we bonded with our bodies, but there were much deeper connections being formed at the same time. There were some things I couldn’t spam respawns my way through, and making a goddess fall in love was one of those things. I could, however, relive as many of the wonderful moments as I wanted.
Just as long as I had a good save spot at the ready, I could do whatever I wanted.
Being the God of Time certainly came with an array of perks, and the women in my growing family were at the top of that list. Earning each heart was a badge of honor in my soul, and having people I trusted with my life was something I’d never experienced in my old mundane world.
Suddenly, Tiff rolled on top of me with a sly smirk, and she pressed my arms back when I reached for her. Her raven-colored locks fell across her face, but I could still see the sparkle of mischief in her eyes thanks to the rays of pre-dawn light streaming through the windows.
“Go wild, babe,” I said as I relaxed against the pillows.
“Don’t mind if I do.” Tiff flung her hair away from her face as she planted her hands firmly on my chest, and she used
me as leverage to lift her hips up and down at a rapid pace.
I could see her ass cheeks bouncing to either side of her hips, but then the sweaty corded muscles of her abdomen caught my eye. Her stomach rippled with each movement like an ocean wave, and the droplets of sweat almost resembled the glitter of diamonds.
“You’re beautiful,” I said in an awed tone. “Fuck, I’m in love with you, Tiff.”
“Bash!” Tiff’s eyes locked with mine, but she didn’t cease her grinding motions against my cock, and I could feel the heat and intensity inside her rising. “I… I love you!”
Then Tiff crushed her hips into mine and ground them around in a circle, but the second I reached up and wrapped a firm hand around her throat, it felt like her entire body turned to mush. Hot pulses around my shaft milked my cock until I felt my own need reaching its limits, and I pulled Tiff’s lips to mine as I exploded deep inside her.
“Oh, fuck,” Tiff gasped against my lips as shudders of pleasure washed over us both.
“Don’t move,” I urged as I held her close against me.
I felt several more spurts of pleasure as my sperm shot into her welcoming tunnel, and Tiff’s legs shivered as aftershocks elicited goosebumps. Our bodies were nearly fused together with a sheen of sweat and love juices, but I didn’t care. I pulled the goddess into my armpit and cradled her against me, and we laid in silence as we slowly regulated our breathing.
“There’s something I haven’t told you,” Tiff suddenly said.
“What do you mean?” I frowned as I leaned up on an elbow, and I gazed down into her troubled emerald eyes in confusion. “Tiff, you promised total loyalty—”
“And I meant it,” Tiff interjected. “This has nothing to do with my loyalty to you. It’s personal.”
“Withholding information is dangerously close to lying,” I said.
“This knowledge would be dangerous in the wrong hands,” Tiff countered. “I had to be sure I found the right person to share it with, and I really hope I’m not wrong in thinking it’s you. Do you trust me, Bash?”
“Alright,” I sighed. “I trust you. Tell me.”
“Okay.” Tiff took a deep breath as she pushed herself up into a sitting position. “The truth is, there was more to my instructions after being summoned than I let on. It was like a prophecy, or something, I don’t know…”
“What did it say?” I asked. “How do you know it’s any different than anyone else’s instructions?”
“There’s no way to know that.” Tiff shook her head. “I just mean, it’s a part of my instructions that I never shared with anyone. Until now.”
“I’m listening,” I encouraged.
“Whoever controls the bridge between life and death must be a master of both, and to truly reign over death, one must create a pure form of life.” Tiff shot me a sideways glance. “It didn’t say anything about conquering the world, but a part of me thought… Well, it doesn’t matter anymore.
Whatever truth Plague convinced me of was actually total bullshit, so I don’t know what to do now.”
“You have to make a baby,” I said. “That has to be the answer to the riddle.”
“Well, sure, but until now, I had no idea who the dad could be.” Tiff shrugged. “It didn’t seem like there were a lot
of options for the Goddess of Death’s mate. There was War, but he was a brute jock-type… Purge seemed abusive and manipulative. Don’t even get me started on Plague, but when it seemed like he was my only remaining choice…”
“That’s all in the past,” I assured her, and I reached up to cup her face. “You have me now. Obviously, I’m capable of making happy, healthy children. You’re safe with me.”
“Then maybe I can actually fulfill my destiny in this land and return to Earth.” Tiff’s smile took on a haunted quality, and she avoided my gaze for a moment. “I mean…
That’s if you want to go back with me?”
“That’s crazy.” I laughed. “Why would we leave?”
“I don’t know…” Tiff exhaled and flashed me an apologetic smile. “Never mind. Anyway, it’s not even an issue until we beat the game.”
“I’m not sure it’s that simple,” I argued. “But I think we have other things to focus on first. Namely, making sure everyone I care about is as safe as possible. There’s a lot we still have left to do if we want to be prepared for Plague’s attack.”
“You’re right.” Tiff pressed her lips into a thin smile.
“Like usual. Let’s go get some breakfast.”
Tiff and I descended the stairs to the bottom level of the castle, and the redolent aromas of fresh pastries and bacon wafted toward my greedy nostrils. I flashed Tiff an eager smile as I increased my pace, and a moment later, we burst into the kitchen.
Akina was pulling a tray from the oven, and she turned with a bright smile and the hot baking sheet clasped in mitted hands. Zenda circled our table and set out dishes, and Elissa bounced Sorena on her hip as she added mugs to each place.
Mahini was already seated, but judging from the hungry noises Arcas made at her breast, she had someone else to feed first.
The women all glanced up at our entrance, and I saw the cautious looks in their eyes when their gaze swept over Tiff.
The Goddess of Death stood by my side and returned the women’s expression, but I knew they would all be close friends before long. Seducing an enemy to my side came with consequences such as this, but I trusted Tiff, and soon, the others would, too.
“Breakfast smells amazing,” I said as I made my rounds of greetings, and once everyone’s foreheads were
appropriately kissed, I took a seat beside Mahini.
I gestured for Tiff to take the empty seat on my other side, and she obliged me as she cast a hopeful glance at the former mercenary mother. I could have sliced the tension with a dagger, and I ran over a few strategies for eliminating the uncomfortable atmosphere.
The rest of the women brought the breakfast trays over to the table, and once everyone was comfortably situated, we began to pass the food around. I scanned over their faces as I filled my plate, and I shot Tiff an encouraging smile, but she had her eyes glued to her lap.
“So, Tiff is a part of our family now,” I said in a casual tone. “Maybe you all could help me show her around the castle and town? The faster she gets settled, the faster we can focus on preparing for the war with Plague.”
A moment of silence passed as my wives all looked at each other, and I could feel Tiff tense up beside me.
“Arcas could use some sunshine,” Mahini finally noted.
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to take a walk around Bastianville.”
“Thanks.” Tiff’s emerald eyes lit up at the desert dweller’s suggestion.
“The castle has a pretty simple layout,” Elissa added. “I can show Tiff around the basic rooms and the stables. I don’t want to wander too far away from home, though, Sorena has a bout of the runs.”
“Gross.” Tiff wrinkled her nose. “But I get it. I’m down for whatever.”
The women all cast confused glances at the goddess in that familiar way they had of reacting to my Earth lingo, and it was a new sensation to see it given to someone else. I chuckled to myself as I scooped eggs into my mouth, but the girls continued to talk as I focused on my food.
“Should we have a gathering to welcome our new family member?” Akina asked. “I could provide a buffet of sweet snacks and drinks.”
“That sounds lovely,” Zenda added with an encouraging smile. “I could handle the decorations. I love parties.”
“I-I don’t know.” Tiff bit her lip as she looked around the table with obvious hesitation. “Wouldn’t it be better to
hold off any celebrations until Plague is taken care of? It doesn’t feel like we’ve earned our victory party just yet.”
“If that’s how you feel,” Mahini said. “Then I’m sure everyone will understand. We can always throw a party for you later. You don’t seem to be going anywhere any time soon.”
“Tiff is definitely here to stay,” I said as I shot the goddess a teasing wink. “Once you go godly, you can never go back.”
No one seemed to appreciate my joke, but I received more than one tolerant smile for my efforts. The rest of breakfast passed quickly while the girls continued to converse and banter about the day ahead, and it seemed like Tiff had a busy schedule already lined up for her.
It was nice to see everyone welcoming the Goddess of Death into the fold, and while I knew the other’s welcoming attitudes mostly stemmed from a deep-seated trust in me, I felt the goddess deserved her spot among us. Things were changing in Sorreyal, and it was going to be a time of peace and prosperity soon enough.
I would make sure of it.
Once breakfast was done, Tiff, Mahini, Arcas, and I headed out of the castle to tour the town. Mahini had our son strapped to her chest with a long, flexible sash, and she inhaled the fresh air like a prisoner long denied access to outside.
Becoming a new mother had to be a daunting transition for the stoic warrior woman, but she’d taken to it impressively well.
Having an awesome son didn’t hurt, either.
My castle was situated off the main road, so we were able to take a roundabout path toward the east gate, and Tiff’s gaze swept over the houses and farms along the edge of the wall that encircled the city. We arrived at the gate as the sun came out from behind the clouds, and the rays illuminated the wood paneling of the barrier protecting the town.
“When Bash first arrived here,” Mahini said in a nostalgic tone, “there weren’t any walls or gates. We had trenches and land bridges to aid us in the event of attacks, but our defenses have greatly increased ever since Bash took over the town.”
“It seems busy and lively,” Tiff noted as we watched a few merchants and other travelers enter the town through the east gate.
The guards carefully vetted each traveler before allowing them inside the walls, and we stood to the side and watched for a while, but once there were more than a few excited glances and whispers cast in our direction, I decided to move onward with the tour.
Mahini described our first meeting as we walked, and I shook my head in amusement. The memory seemed so distant in the past that I forgot some of the details the former mercenary was currently sharing, and I found myself just as enthralled by her tale as the Goddess of Death.
“You really stole her sword?” Tiff tossed back her head to let out a loud laugh. “You’re one cocky god, aren’t you?”
“I prefer to call it confidence,” I countered with a smirk.
“After he defeated the entire horde of kobolds single-handedly,” Mahini continued, “he proceeded to clear the goblin colony out of the copper mine and save Elissa from a dreadful arranged marriage.”
“So, the redhead was promised to another man?” Tiff cast me a curious glance. “Where’s the other dude now?”
“Dead,” Mahini and I both said in unison.
“He was actually Eva’s brother,” I added with a wry smile. “I’m glad his whole family saw him for the asshole he was, and they didn’t hold it against me.”
“The story of how we met sounds tame in comparison,”
Tiff snorted. “I just followed you around until you got bored with me tailing you.”
“It was a little bit more complicated than that,” I chuckled. “But I get what you’re saying. All of my wives have their own stories, and I don’t think you should judge any of them until you learn who they are.”
“He’s right,” Mahini added. “While I remain a little skeptical of your good intentions, it is driven by a purely protective instinct. I know Bash wouldn’t let you into the family if he didn’t trust you, so I do, too.”
“Wow, Mahini.” Tiff’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “That means a lot to me. You and Akina are actually kind of scary, and I wouldn’t be able to sleep very well if I thought you two had a grudge against me.”
“Don’t underestimate the others,” Mahini said with a twinkle in her ice-blue eyes. “Elissa earned the nickname Skullcrusher for a reason, and Eva managed to disguise herself as a soldier until Bash called her out. Even Zenda and Caelia
can obliterate you in their own ways. The lash of the tongue often strikes deeper than the blade.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Tiff smirked. “At least I’m not the only deadly one in the group.”
“Far from it.” Mahini laughed.
We walked down the main street of Bastianville that ran from the east gate to the west, and we were able to see the row of shops recently opened in town. A lot had changed since I’d first arrived here, and I was proud of the influence I’d had on the residents.
“Half the town was boarded up and empty when Bash arrived,” Mahini said as she continued to act as Tiff’s tour guide. “We had Torya’s inn, the tavern, and the general store, but not much else. As you can clearly see, things have changed a lot.”
The bustling street was filled with shoppers and merchants hawking their wares, and we stood in the middle of the street just soaking it all up like plants drinking in carbon dioxide. Horses pulling wagons loaded with goods clopped past us, and everywhere I looked, I saw smiles and friendly waves. It was like stepping into a different world in
comparison to the first time I’d laid eyes on it, and my chest puffed with pride.
I had done that.
I’d brought hope back into the hearts of the people.
Now, all I had to do was eliminate the threat against their peace and happiness. The God of the Plague may think he had everything figured out, but he didn’t realize how much of a fool he already was for thinking he could stand against me.
“Bastianville used to be called Addington,” Mahini explained as we continued toward the west gate. “Elrin Addington, Elissa’s father, founded the town some years ago because of the strong vein of copper in the nearby mountains.”
Sarosh suddenly appeared in the midst of the crowd, and she smiled brightly as she crossed the distance to us. She gave Tiff a tight-lipped smile in greeting, and she pressed Mahini and Arcas into a brief embrace before turning her metallic gaze my way.
“I hear you have a recent conquest to celebrate,” the priestess said. “You should stop by the church this evening. I
have a special sermon in store, and your great deeds are the highlight. I’d love for you to hear it as well.”
I cast a questioning glance at the two women with me, but when I didn’t hear any objections, I gave Sarosh a nod of confirmation.
“We’ll be there.” I grinned. “Tiff’s never enjoyed one of your sermons before. She’s in for a real treat.”
“You’re too kind.” Sarosh smiled politely, and she inclined her head respectively before we parted ways.
“That was Purge’s former priestess?” Tiff asked in a conspiratorial whisper as we made our way to the western edge of town.
“The one and the same,” I confirmed.
“This part of town houses Jax’s shop as well as the military,” Mahini said as she gestured at the area around us.
“They need easy access to the field beyond the wall, but the only other people who usually use this gate are the miners and lumberjacks.”
“That’s cool.” Tiff glanced around, and I followed her gaze until it landed back on the gate. “What’s out there, then?”
“In that direction, you can reach the copper mine,”
Mahini explained. “As well as the Great Catacombs of Legend.”
“That’s where you were summoned?” Tiff asked as she turned her emerald eyes to me, and I nodded.
“It feels like a few hundred lifetimes ago,” I added.
“But it was the beginning of something truly magical, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Tiff’s eyebrows knitted together in concern for a moment before the expression vanished from her face, but she didn’t say much else as we continued the tour. Once we arrived back at the castle, Elissa, Zenda, and Akina took over the hostess role, and they showed Tiff around our home until she was well acquainted with every room.
Then I informed my family about the special sermon the priestess had planned, and we all headed to the Church of Bastian together once the sun started to sink below the western horizon. The mothers left their babies in the capable hands of Celeste, and it was nice to get them away from the infants always attached at their hips.
Sarosh gestured for us to take the pew closest to the front, and I heard several people whispering about us as they
took their seats behind our bench. It didn’t take long for the church to fill to the brim, and there were even a few people crowded into the aisle near the entrance. It seemed everyone was eager to hear the priestess’ words, and I turned my attention to the front as anticipation gathered in my chest.
Whatever Sarosh had to say, it seemed important.
Once everyone was situated and the church doors closed, a haunting melody pierced the air, and it took me a moment to locate the source of the sound. There was a young girl with wavy brunette hair picking at a harp-like instrument in the corner, and she kept her gaze locked firmly on the strings as she plucked out the tune.
Sarosh waited until the music faded before she stepped into the center of the stage, and the priestess folded her arms in the sleeves of her robes as she eyed the gathered audience.
“Sir Sebastian is known for saying ‘Time is a funny thing,’ and I can’t help but ponder these words.” Sarosh paused for dramatic effect. “Time is a gift, a fleeting one, and we would do well to appreciate it while we have it in our possession.”
“Hear, hear!” someone from the audience shouted in encouragement.
Sarosh continued her sermon, and I noticed several direct quotes of things I’d said in the past, but I hadn’t realized the priestess had been paying that much attention to what I said. Then, when she mentioned the goddess seated by my side, my ears perked back up.
“An ancient struggle between Time and Death has endured since creation,” Sarosh said, and her metallic gaze floated over the heads of the audience until it landed on Tiff and me. “Now, Time has mastered Death, and they are allies.
This event heralds a new era, a period of peace and joy unlike any that has come before. With the guidance of Sir Sebastian, we can all make the most of our Time until Death claims our souls forever.”
There was a raucous round of applause after her words, and Sarosh gazed around with a pleased smile. I caught her gauging my reaction a few times, and I shot her an encouraging grin. The hope and faith she encouraged in the masses played an important role in maintaining my power and prestige, and appointing her as my priestess continued to work in my favor.
The God of the Purge didn’t know a good thing when he had it, but I wasn’t going to take the priestess for granted.
The war with Plague was heavy on my mind as we made our way back to the castle after the sermon, and I didn’t pay attention to the banter the women shared as we walked through the town. Things were coming to a head, and I wanted to remain in control of the outcome at all times. Facing down the final god standing against me would cement my power over this world once and for all, and I couldn’t foresee any other enemies attempting to destroy me in the future.
Who could stand against someone who conquered Purge, Plague, and Death?
There was still a lot of work to accomplish before I would feel prepared to face the final battle, but I wasn’t alone.
I had an army of followers and soldiers to use to my advantage, and I had a plethora of people at my back. I would need all their help to complete this final challenge, and I decided to gather them all together at one time.
Once we arrived at the castle, I sat at my desk and jotted down a handful of summons to a few select loyal followers, and I sent them with one of our servants before we retired for the evening. I knew the letters would end up in the right hands, and my people would gather together to hear my plan first thing in the morning.
Until then, all I needed to do was sleep.
I dreamed of a massive battle with clashing forces creating an overpowering ringing in my ears, and I scanned the field for any sign of Plague. I saw death in every direction, but my enemy was nowhere in sight.
The next morning, I woke with a lingering grogginess, but I shook off the feeling of sleep remaining in my limbs and prepared for the day ahead. The first meeting of my war council would commence shortly, and I didn’t want to be late to my own party.
Tiff and the other women were waiting downstairs when I trotted down the steps, and I swept a quick glance over their eager faces before I realized they all intended on joining my council. I could use all the minds on the problem as I could get, so they faced no challenge from me as we left the castle.
We met up at Elrin’s house in the center of town, but there were already a few people gathered around the porch.
Stryker sulked against a porch beam, but he jerked his chin upward in his surly manner. Jaxtom and Riondale were in a heated discussion and didn’t notice our approach, but Corvis launched from his seat on the steps to cross the distance to me.
The horse master clasped my forearm in a warm greeting, and
he pushed his shaggy hair out of his face to give me a broad smile.
“Thanks for including me in this meeting,” Corvis said.
“I’m eager to help you with this problem.”
“Hey, the boss is here,” Jax announced in his rumbling baritone. “Time to get started, eh?”
We all stepped into Elrin’s house, and the mayor of Bastianville motioned us all into his dining room. Once we were all seated, everyone’s faces turned to me with obvious expectation, so I pushed myself to my feet at the head of the table.
“We are up against a powerful enemy, my friends.” I fixed each face with a hard look. “The God of the Plague threatens everything we have created here.”
“He won’t stand a chance against you, sir,” Riondale said.
“Not when I have people like you at my back,” I countered. “Which is why I brought you all here. I need your eyes, ears, and minds on this problem in order to gain an advantage over the God of the Plague.”
“We are at your disposal, Bash,” Elrin said with a decisive nod. “You have done more than enough to help us, and it’s time we showed up for you.”
“He’s right,” Jax growled. “We got yer back, Bash.”
“Thanks.” I grinned around at the loyal people staring back at me. “I have a few ideas for how to get started, but if anyone has anything to add, don’t hesitate to speak up.”
“Obviously, we need to make sure Bastianville is safe,”
Stryker said. “Even with the walls and defenses you’ve made around town, I would sleep better if I knew no one could get through.”
“Exactly.” I nodded. “Bastianville needs to be a fortress of strength, but so does the rest of the territory. Not all of the cities in my territory have walls, but they are filled with just as many innocents as our town. We need to place troops in all my holdings to make sure all my people are safe.”
“I can take care of that, sir.” Riondale inclined his head as he accepted the responsibility. “Corvis, will you gather enough mounts for three platoons?”
“Consider it done.” The horse master snapped a quick salute. “The horse trade has improved a lot around here, and
there’s more than enough beasts for the entire calvary.”
“Speaking of,” I said in a thoughtful tone. “What are our current numbers?”
“We have roughly a thousand soldiers throughout the territory,” Riondale reported. “A third of them are calvary, another third are spearmen, and finally, the rest are infantry.”
“We will need a lot more men than that if we want to stand a chance of winning against Plague,” Tiff interjected.
“He’ll come up with numbers several times that amount, and his forces won’t be merciful.”
“We can gather more men,” Riondale said in an adamant tone.
“I can help with that,” Stryker added.
“Oh?” I lifted my eyebrows in surprise at the tavern owner’s suggestion.
“Yeah,” Stryker growled with a one-shouldered shrug.
“A barkeep can convince a man of anything as long as the drink is strong enough. Most of the travelers from other towns pass through my tavern, and I’m sure I can send word to the other barkeeps nearby.”
“Well, that sounds like it actually might work.” I grinned. “We’ll need supplies to feed and clothe the new soldiers, and places for them to sleep. There’s a lot to do still.
Is everyone up for a little hard work?”
“We also need to gather more intel on Plague’s forces and troop movements,” Tiff said. “Now that I’m not on his side, he will move everyone around so I don’t know their locations anymore.”
“There’s no chance he’s dumb enough to continue as he has been?” I worked the muscle in my jaw.
Knowing which direction the attacks would come from could prove essential in meeting the enemy before they could do any damage, but the goddess was right. Plague wouldn’t want his former ally to know anything about his forces. We would just have to get the information the old-fashioned way: by gathering it ourselves.
“Sir, if I may say something,” Riondale interjected, and he cleared his throat as all eyes moved to him. “Bastianville has become a fortress under your tutelage, but it isn’t the most defensible location in the realm. Vallenwood is central to all borders, and the golden walls are much higher and thicker than the wooden boundary surrounding Bastianville.”
“He’s right,” Mahini added. “Vallenwood would be safer.”
“We could move our headquarters to the capital,” I allowed in a cautious tone. “But I’d have to make sure the queens are up for it before I commit to anything.”
“No time like the present,” Tiff pointed out. “But I’d take your dragon, just in case you run into trouble before you can get back.”
“She’s got a point,” Akina said to my surprise. “Plague has no more allies, so there’s no telling what moves he will make next. You shouldn’t be alone.”
“I can do that,” I chuckled. “If only to set your minds at ease.”
We ended the meeting of the war council a few moments later, and we all went our separate ways from Elrin’s house. My women and I returned to the castle, and I located Nameless before I gave them all a quick goodbye kiss. Once the dragon was by my side, I made a save point then used the fast travel amulets to blip across the map to Vallenwood.
I arrived in the middle of the crowded throne room, and several people jumped away from Nameless and me as we
materialized among them. Other than the ones closest to us, though, no one seemed to notice our sudden arrival.
“If you can’t help me, then what the hell am I supposed to do?” an angry male voice shouted over the din of the crowd.
“This is my last resort, and you’re supposed to help your people! I have nowhere else to turn!”
There was drama in the capital of Sorreyal, but it wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle.
The God of Time would make sense of this in no time.