CH 10

Elanza lay slowly waking up, cuddled up with Eric in a spoon, his arms around her. Warm and comfortable with her man, she felt all was right with the world. She then heard a giggle.

What?

Coming awake, Elanza frowned. Someone was here in the bedroom. She lifted her head to identify the intruder. She was sure she knew who it was. Looking around, she saw she was right. Tina and Sally, or rather Tikiez and Saphrin were both sitting on the end of the bed, silly grins on their faces as they watched her and Eric sleep. Tikiez wore purple sheers, that was it. Sappjrn's sheers were pink. Their thin see through apparel left nothing to the imagination.

In a voice rough from sleep and irritation, Elanza quietly asked, "What are you two doing in here?"

"Getting some good feelings of lust," Tikiez said with a grin.

"Yeah, last night was full of lust," Saphrin agreed, grinning broadly.

Coming fully awake, Elanza sat partway up, holding the cover to her. "You watched us?" she asked in disbelief.

The both nodded. "That was great!" Saphrin announced. "I swear lust just filled the room! It got me squirming."

"Me too!" Tikiez said eagerly as she wiggled in place. "I'm waiting eagerly for my turn."

Right, these were sex demons. Elanza rubbed her face in irritation. "I am sure both of you have had your turns. It's MY turn now. I don't like to be interrupted."

"We wouldn't do that," Tikiez said.

"But you did watch," Elanza accused.

Holding up a finger, Tikiez said pointedly, "We didn't bother you or try to join in."

Frowning at her, Elanza replied, "Maybe tonight you can play the headless maiden game before we go to bed."

"Really?" Tikiez asked in a happy squeak.

"What's going on?" Eric asked as he blinked, waking up.

Tikiez jumped over to lay prone in the other side of Eric to grab him and hold him tight, her head on his shoulder. "Can we, Master, pleeease !"

Eric awoke fully from the bed bounce and Tikiez gripping him from behind.

Elanza stated, "I'm thinking both your heads on the mantle out in the common room!"

"Our bodies here? Cuddled up with you?" Tikiez asked hopefully.

"In another room, tied in place!" Elanza stated.

Eric rubbed his face. "Enough. Girls! Elanza and I wanted to be alone, not have an audience."

"We stayed quiet," Saphrin offered. "I didn't even cheer when I wanted to."

"Thank you for that," Eric grumbled.

A wail of, "YOU WATCHED US!" sounded from somewhere in the house.

"Oh boy," Eric breathed out. That sounded like Laurana. "OK, everyone up. Tina, Sally, get dressed in normal clothes. We'll be right out."

"Yes, Master," they chorused and disappeared.

Elanza turned to Eric, not happy with finding those demons had been here all night. "They really are perverts," she stated.

Eric nodded. "Yeah. That's what they feed on. Lust, sex, it gives them energy. Taking lives does too, but I've forbidden them to do that."

"So they won't be killing people. Well, that's something," Elanza conceded. "We better get up, Laurana didn't sound too happy." At least she could get dressed, and not have those demons watching her.

.

Eric and Elanza went out to find Lily laid out on the floor, headless. Laurana was gripping her head by the hair in one hand, her sword in the other as she scowled a the demon.

"I am NOT playing!" Laurana growled at the head as Tanis stood quietly by. "DO NOT come into our room unless you are invited!"

"Lily, stay out of our room unless I ask you to come in," Tanis stated.

"Darn," Lily's head grumbled. "Can you put me back together so I can help make Master breakfast?"

Laurana tossed Lily's head back at her body. Lily caught it, sat up and put her head back on.

"You too, huh?" Elanza asked as she approached.

"Talk about embarrassing," Laurana said with a frown as she sheathed her sword.

Elanza sighed. "At least you only had one watching you."

Laurana eyed Tanis, he shrugged. "I had no idea she was going to do that," he offered. Laurana shifted her stare to Eric.

"Don't look at me," Eric told her. "They come up with new, irritating stuff all the time. I told you they are mischievous."

"And no sense of morality or common sense," Laurana stated.

"Nope, none," Eric agreed. "They are very useful but you have to watch them every moment."

"Having Lily is going to be harder than I thought," Tanis said with a frown.

The front door opened. Betty came in. "Morning, I didn't know you all got up so early. I'll get you some breakfast."

Elanza waved a hand at her. "Don't worry about it. It's being taken care of. Just have a seat, dear."

Tikiez and Saphrin came out in frilly black French Maid uniforms with white trimmed black caps and fishnet stockings and black choker collars also trimmed in white. On her feet were shiny black flats. She carried a heaping tray of food. Beaming everyone a smile, she said to Eric, "I remember these from that one restaurant we went to in Chicago. Aren't they cute?" Behind her, Saphrin carried the drinks, Lily carried the tableware. Both were in the same French maid outfits.

"Those are cute!" Betty agreed heartily. "Where did you get them?"

"We made them, would you like one?" Tikiez asked.

"If you wouldn't mind."

Tikiez put the tray down on the table then waved a hand at Betty. Her commoner clothes morphed into the same uniform. Betty looked down at herself, then gazed at Tikiez. "You're a wizard?" she asked.

"Demon," Tikiez replied. "I do have magic."

"You shouldn't go telling everyone that," Eric reminded her.

Tikiez shrugged. "Come I girls, let's get the table set."

Eric noticed, and Tanis tried not to notice that the tops were close fitting and the necklines of these outfits plunged to show a good amount of cleavage. The white trim seemed to accentuate the mass of mammary partially hidden. Laurana let out a huff, Elanza only rolled her eyes.

"Well, the food's good," Eric said and dug in. He ignored Betty, who looked very pleased with her new outfit.

Betty asked, "This won't change back, will it?"

"Oh no!" Tikiez bragged, "This is your maid outfit now. When we go, you'll have the only one in the entire city!"

"Betty, did you have any breakfast yet?" Elanza asked.

"Me? No not yet."

"Tina, get a plate for Betty. Betty, sit," Eric said.

Betty sat in the spare chair between Eric and Tanis. She blushed. "Thank you, Founder." This was a great morning for Betty, not only did she get a fancy new outfit, but she got to eat with the founder. Very few people got that privilege.

After they were done eating, Betty picked up her plate but the demons got their Master's plates before she could. As the maid squad took the dishes back into the kitchen, Eric said, "I recommend only Laurana and Lily come with me to ensure Laurana stays safe. I'll take Tina with me. Fewer people means the demons can watch us easier. Also, I can only carry so many."

"We should go into the city first," Laurana stated.

"Just outside the city. Sally has to collect Kitiara also. She needs to be there when we talk to your generals," Eric told her.

"You can get us out if there is any trouble?" Laurana asked.

"I will."

"Agreed."

Eric nodded. "Good, let's get ready to go."

Although Eric wasn't expecting too much trouble, he did carry his pistols with him under his long coat. Laurana armored up also.

"I feel I should go too," Tanis said as he helped Laurana into her chest and back plates.

Laurana cast him a sympathetic smile. "I'm sure Eric wants you to stay here to keep you out of danger. This situation has a very good chance of degrading rapidly. Like he said, they fewer people, the easier those demons can defend us."

"Speaking of which, I have to go tell Lily to guard you the whole time you're there."

Eric came out, Elanza shadowing him. Eric called, "Sally, Tikiez!"

Sally appeared in front of him wearing normal leather trevelling clothes that were form fitting. "Yes, Master?"

Tikiez appeared still wearing her French Maid outfit. "Yes, Master?"

He motioned them close. They glopped on him in a hug.

"Tanis, could you have Lily go on ahead to Kitiara, tell her very shortly, we will be outside the city gates. I'd like to meet her there. If she doesn't want to come, come to me and inform me."

Tanis looked at Lily. "Yes, master, I will do that," Lily told him and disappeared.

Elanza moved around to face Eric and pulled him into a kiss. "Be careful," she said firmly.

"I plan on it. Laurana," he said and held a hand out to her.

Laurana took his hand. Eric thought about his warehouse hard. When he opened his eyes, he was there. He thought about Sanction. Sally knew where it was and what the city gates looked like. He thought about those hard. When he opened his eyes, they were standing on the road just outside the tall, shut gates. Guards above called out to them.

"Who goes there!"

Laurana called back, "General Lauranthalansa and my guests. Send out Sir Garth!"

"Yes, General!"

Eric looked down the road where a barrier was set up. The barrier opened and Lily and Kitiara walked towards them. Behind the barrier, a solid line of bowmen and shield bearers were packed in.

A small door opened in one gate, a Knight stepped out. "General, what are you doing out here? You should come inside immediately!" the blonde bearded man said firmly. Eric noted his cheeks looked a little hollow, as if he wasn't eating enough.

Laurana nodded to Eric. "Eric Carvon here has made a proposal. The Black Knight, Kitiara is coming to talk. She will not be fired on or detained during our talks. Make sure your men know."

Looking out at Kitiara coming, Sir Garth said, "As you wish, General. I insist on coming back to ensure your safety."

"Very well, Sir Garth."

Sir Garth wet inside and barked orders. He came back out.

Approaching, Kitiara said, "Well, Eric, it's your show."

"Don't you have a commanding General here?" Eric asked.

"He follows my commands," Kitiara stated. She tipped her head to Laurana. "General," she said.

Laurana relied with her own nod. "General." Laurana then asked, "Eric, what is it you planned?"

Seeing Sir Garth watching him, Eric said, "Peace. First part, stop fighting each other. You've been having these wars for a very long time, and it accomplishes nothing but to get more people killed and makes many more suffer …"

Sir Garth snorted. "You would have us ignore Black Knights when they are right here at our door?" he asked loudly.

"And they ignore you in return," Eric stated. "Turn your attentions to more useful activities. Providing guard forces, ensuring merchants and people can travel overland and not be set upon by bandits. Release your soldiers so they can return to their farms and trades and be useful citizens. Knights of both sides have honor. Instead of fighting each other, work together to keep this city, and everything around it safe for the people like you should be doing."

Sir Garth gaped at Eric and turned to Laurana. "General, what is this? Are we to allow this … madman to convince us to just give up our fight?"

Kitiara crossed her arms over her chest. "Sir Garth, Eric has asked the same of me and my forces. Let your White Knights come and go as they please, as we would have the right to do. To turn our attention to guarding the common folk and let each other exist."

Sir Garth scowled at her. "You would come in and take over the city!"

"With Eric here?" Kitiara asked with a raised eyebrow. "You have no idea who he is, do you? He's got the power to make us all submit. Yet, all he wants is for us to stop fighting and help keep the peace. If he wanted to, he could decimate all of us."

"So says you!" Sir Garth growled.

"I've seen Eric's power also," Laurana told him. "Sir Garth, Eric has a plan to end the constant wars. I believe we should give him a chance."

"I'm sure there will be some people who aren't going to like not having a war to fight," Eric offered. "There are warmongers who'd rather fight on and die than actually live a life." This caused Sir Garth's head to swing to him. "But, if we can end these wars then everyone will be better off."

"What about these Black Knights who worship the evil God Takasis?" he asked.

Eric shrugged. "Let them. Let people worship whoever they want. Just no fighting over it, by anyone. Keep the Gods in their churches and those who don't want to worship out of it."

"That's blasphemy!" Sir Garth stated.

"No, that's not letting Gods rule everyone's lives," Eric replied. "You don't think Takasis has followers in Sanction right now? Sure, they have to hide or be persecuted by you, but they are there, and they are most likely paying lip service to you to keep out of trouble. Just like followers of Paladine in cities Black Knights rule, only pay lip service to Takasis. Hate to tell you, but all these common people should be able to live their lives not being persecuted by you or her," he said and jerked a thumb at Kitiara. "Now Kitiara there is willing to give not being aggressive to each other a try. Since you are the good guys, I would think you would be agreeable to that."

"We cannot allow evil things to exist here!" Sir Garth stated.

"They do, they have. Most likely always will, just as you exist. All your wars are doing is sending the latest crops of young people to early graves," Eric stated.

Sir Garth cast Eric a glare and pulled a dagger to thrust in a stab. Tikiez was suddenly in front of Eric, the dagger plunged right in between her breasts, splitting her maid outfit a little farther open.

Garth stared at her.

Tikiez frowned and him and punched him in the mouth, sending him reeling back to land flat. "You ruined my outfit!" she spat.

Eric pulled Tikiez back. Shouts went up on the wall. Sally got in front of Kitiara, Lily covered Laurana. Seeing the hilt of the dagger buried in Tikiez, Eric braced one hand against her chest (Which she shifted to her left breast, ginning at him). He pulled the dagger out and turned to glare at a stunned Garth. He felt Tikiez holding his supporting hand in place. Right, any time was sex time to her. "Not now!" he scolded and pulled his hand free.

Laurana stepped around Lily. "Sir Garth! Explain yourself!" she commanded.

Two guards came out and helped Sir Garth to his feet. Garth glanced at Laurana. "General, that woman is NOT human, nor any creature I know of!"

Eric looked at the dagger he was now holding, then shifted his eyes to Sir Garth. "So, you're supposed to be one of the good guys, huh? That didn't look very good to me."

"Sir Garth, you will explain yourself," Laurana said in a hard tone.

Sir Garth wiped his mouth and pointed at Eric. "He is trying to ruin our holy quest! He has NO honor!"

"I'm not the one who decided to kill on a whim," Eric retorted.

"If I may," Kitiara said loud enough to get everyone's attention. She walked closer, Sally right by her side. "Sir Garth, Eric has no allegiance to any God. I have seen that for myself. Do you know why I am here? Why I decided to give Eric a chance? Back in the last war, I believe you call it the War of the Lance, I did as you did, I fought the enemy. At the High Priests tower outside of Palanthas, That is what I did. In the fighting, I killed Sturm Brightblade. I didn't even recognize him until after I ran him through. Sturm was my friend. A good friend for many years before the war. If I had known it was him I would have stayed my hand. Knocked him out, taken him prisoner, anything but kill him. Laurana , you were there. If I was able, I would ensure Sturm was spared. Eric is right, if that war hadn't happened, Sturm would still be alive. I would be able to sit and drink with him, and all my friends. At the time, I cursed Paladine for his death. It was not Paladine who ended his life. It was not Takasis who ended his life. It was me, because we were each fighting for our Gods, as we have all done for hundreds of years. I do not want to kill my brother Cameron or Tanis in another war, or Laurana, or make Tanis stand over my body, for I know that would hurt him. Our wars are not accomplishing anything but piling up the dead, just as Eric told you. Perhaps it is time to try something else."

"Flowery words, yet you hold our city under siege," Sir Garth growled.

"We have been," Kitiara agreed. "You came and attacked us, if you remember. That was our city to begin with. Eventually, we can get it back by force, then more of your reinforcements would come, and you'd be giving siege. It is a never ending cycle of war and death, just as Eric said. It's war just for the sake of war."

"Sir Garth, I have agreed to give Eric's plan a try," Laurana told him. "Our primary duty, by our own code, is to fight for the welfare of our people. To keep our lands safe. We are not doing that if we are forcing people to live in a constant state of war. The poor, homeless and orphans are the rule, not the exception. We are failing our primary responsibility to the ones we vowed to protect."

"As are we," Kitiara added. "I have swallowed my pride and come here to talk peace. I suggest you do the same."

Eric pointed the knight's dagger at him. "The only reason I don't kill you right now, or let Tina here kill you, is this chance of peace. While you get your glory fighting and endless war, the people inside this city, and outside it are suffering. I mean to end that. One way, or another."

"How are we to do Paladine's will if we do not try to rid the land of Black Knights!" Sir Garth asked Laurana in a demand.

"We stop this fight!" Laurana stated. "Open the gates so badly needed supplies can enter. Allow those, even if they are aligned with Takasis, in to see their families. In return, Kitiara opens the roads to allow supplies in. We keep people safe and help them recover."

"Call it a truce if you want," Eric added. "All Knights from both sides keep the peace and guard your areas."

"I agreed to hold the roads open and safe for travelers, and to not fight unless someone else provokes us." Kitiara stated.

"We will keep the peace and also not fight unless provoked," Laurana stated. "As for Black Knights entering the city, they will be allowed to bring their sword as long as it remains sheathed. Foot soldiers will come and go unarmed."

"That is a agreeable," Kitiara stated." I do have some who have families within the city. I ask the same of your Knights and soldiers when they travel on the roads. Weapons may be held in wagons during travel. Any caravans, we will guard for you until you are out of the area."

"That is agreeable," Laurana replied. She glared at Sir Garth.

The Knight hesitated, then nodded. "It will be as you say, General. We need time to inform everyone."

"As do I." Kitiara added. "Eric, you will oversee this agreement?"

"I will. A word of warning, woe be it to the one who breaks this agreement," he told them. "I recommend it begins in three days to give time to inform everyone."

"Agreed." Kitiara stated, and Laurana echoed.

Eric told Sally, "Escort Kitiara back to her camp, make sure she arrives safely."

"Yes, Master."

Laurana asked Eric, "Would you like to see the city?"

"Yes, General, if you please."

Tikiez tapped Eric on the shoulder. "Want to hear my idea for a new game?" she asked, grinning broadly.

Eric eyed her. "Now is not the time."

Tikiez let out a huff.

.

As Eric suspected, walking through the street got him and Laurana cold stares from people staying clear of them. If a market was open, there was little to be had in the food baskets and what was there was guarded by soldiers. Old men, women, men wounded in battle and kids was who mostly populated the streets . Coming to a large burned out building, Eric paused. The stonework was blackened by fire, the interior was collapsed in rubble and burnt timbers. "What happened here?" he asked.

The guard sargent accompanying them stated, "That was a temple to Takasis. We burned it."

"Then, you will rebuild it," Eric stated.

"Why?" the sargent asked.

"Because you burned it." Eric said firmly.

Laurana offered, "We can clean it out. As to the contents, I don't know if we can restore it."

"Do what you can. As long it is a solid effort, that's fine," Eric replied.

To the side, Eric noted a woman watching them opened her eyes in surprise.

"Excuse me a moment," Eric said and walked over to the woman who backed up against the wall, eyeing him. "No need to be afraid," he assured her. Seeing she was thin, he asked, "Are you getting enough to eat?"

She shook her head. "None of us are. We are on rations. There's hardly and rats left to catch, which makes things worse."

"I see. When I said to have that temple rebuilt, you looked surprised. Why?" he asked.

Her face firmed up. "Why would you … invaders work to restore our temple?" she asked in a hard tone.

"I'm not an invader. I came to stop this shit," he told her. "Myself, I don't care which God you worship. What I won't have is fighting over it, by anyone. Once we get the roads open, supplies will be coming. If anyone wants to help rebuild your temple, please do so. If anyone gives you grief about it, come see me. My Name is Eric Carvon." He then walked back to his group to continue the tour.

As they walked on, Laurana said, "It will take funding to rebuild that temple. Where will the money come from?"

Eric frowned in thought. "I'll help fund it, but I do think your army should pitch in also."

.

Sandra watched the man walk back to his group and walk down the street. She wanted to believe him, but lately, rations given out were a little better for those who claimed to worship Paladine. Her children could not afford to eat any less. She didn't even know why she got the nerve to call him an invader. But she had. This Eric Carvon might be telling the truth. He also might want to start rebuilding their temple to see who still worshiped Takasis in the city so they could be collected, maybe for some slave labor. His words may well be a trap.

She went down an alley and once she was sure no one was looking, she ducked into their meeting hall. Inside, the priest and their wizard in black robes noted her coming in.

"Sandra , what brings you?" the Priest asked.

Forgetting her formality, she said, "There may be an attempt to lure us into the open. I heard this man, Eric Carvon, tell the general of our enemy to rebuild out temple since they burned it down. I fear he said that only to make us expose ourselves."

"You said his name was Eric Carvon?" the wizard asked.

"Yes. He told me to let him know if anyone gives us trouble with rebuilding our temple," Sandra explained.

The wizard laughed. "I was told he may be coming, but this was fast indeed! Have either of you ever heard of the city of Gateway?"

"I have not," the Priest said. Sandra also shook her head.

"It is far to the west, bordering Elven lands. Eric Carvon founded that city right after the cataclysm. He allows no Gods to rule there. Our forces tried, he kicked them out. He also kept out the White Knights. Even so, Takasis has a church there. He knows about it and does not bother them. He insists on all people working together for the common good of all. If he his here, then that is a blessing from Takasis. He will not allow the invaders to persecute us any longer."

"Then he will drive the invaders away?" Sandra asked. "But, he was with them!"

"Two days ago, he was talking with General Kitiara in Gateway," the wizard explained. "I got word to watch for him. I was not privy to what they discussed, but I know he's here for our benefit. We should pass the word to cooperate with him as much as we are able to."

.

Towards the end of the tour, Eric asked, Laurana, "Who is the mayor, or leader of this city?"

"Sir Garth, he's the leading General," she replied.

Eric noted another family looking for food. "The one in charge of Sanction cannot be a knight on either side. We'll need to set down some rules and have an election. That, and a city council."

Laurana stared at him. "Why?"

Waving a hand at another group of people watching them go by, he said, "These people have to know their government is fair to all."

"You are going to face serious opposition," Laurana warned.

"Won't be the first time," he assured her. He also had a solution.

Eric had found that when properly lusted up, his demons were capable of many things. He had also learned that even if a body part was removed, they still felt it. Tikiez's head, Saphrin's breast when he had it in his hand. They felt his attentions even though that part was no longer connected. He had way to give them energy when they were out, far from him. He was going to use that.

.

Eric met with the unhappy rulers of the city in a tense meeting. He agreed to take it up tomorrow, on letting Dark Knight forces into the city and especially helping to rebuild the temple to Takasis.

That night, he spent the first part of his night loving up both demons as much as possible. The shine in their eyes let him know they knew he was up to something. When Tikiez had her turn on top of him, he fondled her large left breast and told her, "Let me see this." When he produce a knife and laid it at the base of her breast, she gasped in anticipation.

"I'm yours!" she cried. She watched him slice it off, shuddering delightfully. Of course, Saphrin wanted the same, so when she took her turn over him, he harvested her left breast also.

"Now, ladies," he said and held both breasts up to briefly suckle on the nipples at the same time. "I want to hold onto these while you visit all the White Knight's sleeping minds and plant in them that is it a great idea for follow my plan to stop all the bloodshed." He kissed and fondled the breasts he took.

"Yes, Master!" they announced with wide grins and disappeared.

Eric sat up in bed and held the hard nippled breasts up, kneading both and suckling each in turn. He could feel they were still getting small amounts of energy from him. They were also planting strong suggestions like he wanted. Once they had covered the White Knights, he had them go and plant the same suggestions in all the Black Knights.

This was sneakily, but it would help him with his goal. When they returned, he also had two Succubi who were insanely horny from the constant, small attentions.

.

That night in Gateway, Tanis turned in to find Lily naked in bed and under the covers.

"My turn?" she asked eagerly.

Tanis let out a sigh and sat down on the bed by her. Lily was very pretty. "You need sex, don't you?"

Lily nodded and sat up, letting the covers fall down to expose her torso. "I do. I also cannot do much without the energy you give me. I can and will do anything you want. I can't do it unless you give me the energy to do so." Petting his face, she added, "And I really like getting energy."

Seeing her wanting gaze, Tanis kissed her. Her arms went around him. He enfolded her. The kiss deepened. Breaking the kiss to breathe, Tanis held her tight. She did feel very good in his arms.

In a lusty tone Lily whispered, "Anything, and Tina says the headless maiden game is a whole lot of fun."