Good day my friends! Sorry for not updating yesterday but after the excellent new story Scorplingintraining submitted and the update from Webuiltthepyramids I figured you didn't need my update. LOL It gave me a little more time to work on it. You might recall some weeks back I mentioned a part of the story that was demanding to be written and what came of it was a typical 3500'ish word chapter. But since about chapter 28 of the Monster leg of the story I have been working on it off an one when not working on the regular story chapters. And here we are for good or ill. Chapter 9 went from 3500 words to over 12000 words and took over chapters 10 and 11 with a bit of overflow into chapter 12. 10 and 11 are done with the exception of some editing and clarifying.

Franxine, I was worried about you. You are always so good about commenting back within the first 12 hours of a posting. Glad you are okay and good thoughts and prayers for you! The wife and I are doing okay.

So glad you guys are enjoying my Waige interactions. I do hope their romantic intimacies have had merit to the story and not to seem like nothing more than gratuitous couplings. That said, there is a small bit of rated M for Mature audience in this chapter. To the adventure! -Tim

Lord Walter and his company rode into Lancaster and stabled their horses at one of the liveries just inside the city. The bulk of their packs put into storage at the stable while their personal packs were sorted out so they could carry them with them. Toby looked at Lord Walter and Paige as they started to walk down the street, "My Lord, are we staying at one of the inns or will we be staying at the castle?"

"This is not a dignitary visit Toby, we'll be staying at the Bronze Dragon Inn," Lord Walter advised him.

"Sounds a little too expensive to me," Toby made a face.

Lord Walter looked at Toby, "You're free to go stay or drink someplace else." Lord Walter looked at Ralph, "Ralph, you need to either walk with your Mother and I or with one of the others. While this city is well patrolled, that doesn't mean that mischief doesn't happen."

Ralph looked about and ran up a few steps to walk beside his Mom as she walked holding Lord Walter's hand as he carried their packs.

As they moved down the street quite often the guards who passed them all saluted Lord Walter and Sir Cabe. Many men and women of the city who had served in Lancaster's military stood to the side out of respect, clearing a path for Lord Walter. Lord Walter saw the wanted board and he stepped over to it, bringing Paige with him. He scanned the wanted signs. He smiled as there was no wanted poster for Paige listed on it. Walter looked at her, "As I figured, Lord Beyon is good about enforcing divinations on wanted posters."

Paige smiled as she squeezed his hand while they turned and continued on down the street.

"Sir Cabe," Lord Walter called out.

Sir Cabe moved forward, "My Lord?"

"Did you want a room to yourself or had you planned to share one with Allie?" Lord Walter asked.

Sir Cabe nodded, "We're more than happy to share a room my Lord."

Lord Walter nodded with a smile, "I'm happy for you and Allie old friend."

Sir Cabe smiled, "Thank you my Lord."

The Bronze Dragon was much as Lord Walter remembered it, elegant, quiet and calm. Several members of the staff recognized him on sight and greeted him with flourish and great respect. The staff was quick to take all the packs of his company and stood waiting while Lord Walter took seven rooms off the third floor. As they reached the top floor he handed a key to Sylvester for his room, "For the duration of our stay, do you have a problem with Ralph staying in your room?"

Sylvester looked at Ralph and shook his head, "I sure wouldn't want you to make him stay with Toby."

Lord Walter laughed, "I wouldn't do that to the lad for nothing. It's bad enough you both have to share a tent with Toby."

Toby looked at them with his eyes wide, "What? Oh whatever my Lord, I'm not that bad."

Lord Walter grinned as he handed a key to Toby before he turned to Happy and gave one to Happy and one to Kaylee. He looked at Sir Cabe giving him a key. Before they went to their rooms he passed out small bags of gemstones, "Your compensation on a job well done my friends. Thank you."

He handed Ralph a small bag of gold coins, "Don't show off your coin, there are always a few people in a town of this size that will be only too happy to try and take it."

Ralph stared at the heavy bag of gold coins in his hand as he slowly nodded.

Paige leaned in, "You are spoiling him Walter."

Walter grinned as he whispered, "He is my son."

Paige smiled as she nodded.

Lord Walter handed the staff members who carried their packs up the stairs a few gold sovereigns as everyone smiled before they turned to enter their rooms so they could stow their backpacks.

As Allie turned to go with Sir Cabe, "Allie, one moment please," Lord Walter stopped her. Sir Cabe stopped and looked back. "I know we never discussed this, but coming to live and care for us at the Keep, how much do you require a month for your services?"

Allie smiled, "I serve out of love and duty my Lord."

As Walter began to reply, Paige stepped up, "We appreciate that Allie, but you still have needs and bills."

Allie looked at Sir Cabe and back to her Lord and Lady, "I honestly don't know how to respond. You've already promised me room and board, a garden to grow what I need, a place to heal and teach from. I don't wish to be greedy."

Paige looked at her, "Would two hundred gold sovereigns a month be enough?"

Allie looked shocked, "I didn't make that much in Aaron Springs. Thank you my Lady."

Paige hugged her, "Thank you for everything Allie."

Lord Walter unlocked their door and one of the staff took the two packs he was carrying for Lord Walter into the room. The floor chambermaid had been watching and finally stepped up, "Did you want me to put away your belongings my Lord?"

Walter nodded as he handed her several gold coins, "Thank you."

Paige arched her eyebrow at Walter, "Ralph is staying with Sylvester?"

Walter smiled, "Indeed, I was not sure if you wanted Ralph to have his own room or if you wanted him to share ours. There should be two beds. Ralph can use one of them if that would make you more comfortable. I just figured staying with Sylvester would be a good compromise."

Paige looked at him for a minute, "No, I'm not comfortable with him having his own room in an environment like this so he can stay with Sylvester. I want our room just for us. So are we just going to wait out here until everyone else comes back out?"

Walter nodded, "I figured we could see them off to wander the city or whatever they want to do. Then you and I could spend some time alone. Perhaps you might like to put on that swimsuit again?"

Paige grinned wickedly.

Allie came out just before the others. She looked at Lord Walter, "Did you know our room has its own bathing facility?"

Walter nodded, "The Bronze Dragon is the premier facility of its type within several hundred leagues. I've been trying to engage the designer to come and redesign Scorpion Keep for several years."

As everyone finally came back out of their rooms Lord Walter spoke up, "Friends, your assistance has been greatly appreciated on this mission. Kaylee, you have been a great addition to our company and if you wish it, you are more than welcomed to continue with us. We can certainly use someone as skilled as you with the bow to teach at the Keep and for future adventures. But if you have other plans I will understand. Just remember guys, you represent Scorpion Keep, enjoy your down time today but be respectful, both of yourselves and the local populace. I do not wish to become embroiled in a diplomatic incident." He was looking at Toby.

Toby's eyes went wide, "Hey, what's with the look?"

Sylvester looked at him, "Seriously?"

Happy looked at Toby, "I'll keep an eye on him for a while today my Lord."

Lord Walter looked surprised to see everyone still standing there, "You've been paid and I've said my piece and you all are still here? You are free to go and enjoy your time. If you wish you are invited to come back and have supper with us."

Kaylee, Happy and Toby turned and left quickly. Sir Cabe, Allie, Sylvester and Ralph still stood there. Paige looked at them, "If you guys don't mind watching Ralph until dinner, we would appreciate it." She linked her arm into Walter's and smiled.

"Make sure he has a good lunch," Lord Walter told Sylvester.

Sylvester nodded and put his hand on Ralph's shoulder before they all walked over to the stairs to go down to the ground floor with Ralph.

Walter smiled and shook his head as he scooped Paige up in his arms, and carried her into the room. Paige kissed Walter deeply as he stood holding her, "I'm so glad we are married Walter. I was so tired of restraining my love and desire for you."

Walter smiled, "I thank the wise Lady every night for you my Love."

Walter looked at Paige in his arms, "Did you decide how you wanted to be paid for this adventure?"

Paige kissed him, "I trust you not to take advantage of me or to cheat yourself."

Walter laughed as he sat her down on the bed and reached back into the sack he kept on his belt and pulled out a larger sack of gems and handed it to Paige as he kissed her again.

Paige looked at the sack and up at Walter, "This seems like a lot more than what you paid the others. Are you playing favorites?"

Lord Walter smiled, "You are my wife and I will spoil you as much as I want, but your assistance during this time has been invaluable. From your gentle care during my grief, to standing with me against some awful adversaries, not to mention you saving me from the cruel fate that the Nymph had planned."

The chambermaid turned, "I've filled your tub with hot water my Lord and Lady. I also started the fire in the fireplace in the bathing room in case you wanted it as well. I noticed some of your clothes are fairly wrinkled, would you like me to iron them for you?"

Lord Walter turned to see her holding several of Paige's dresses and the suit he wore for their wedding. "Thank you, we would appreciate that. If you would bring them back after 5 pm for dinner, we would appreciate it."

The chambermaid nodded as she left the room and Walter quickly closed and locked the door.

Paige had been examining the room, "This room is awful nice Walter. How much is it costing us?"

Walter smiled, "Enough." He began unbuckling his armor.

Paige stepped over and began helping, "So how much is enough?"

"Altogether three hundred gold sovereigns a night," he pulled his breastplate off.

Paige just stared at him, "Did you not try and negotiate a lower price?"

Walter smiled as he continued removing his armor, "No my Love, this is not the sort of place you haggle the price."

Paige sighed, "What am I going to do with you?"

Walter removed the last piece of his armor, "You can help me take a bath."

Paige laughed.

Walter grabbed the bottom of her tunic and pulled it up over her head and pulled her in tight against him and kissed her deeply before she pulled his tunic off. A few moments later and they embraced, their bare flesh pressed hard against each other.

Walter's breathing increased as he broke their kiss to kiss along her jaw and down her neck. "Perhaps we should make use of the bath while the water is still hot," Walter finally said.

Paige smiled as she took his hand and they walked into the bathing room.

Paige smiled excitedly at the size of the tub. It was clearly large enough to fit ten adults with ease. They both stepped down inside the water and Paige moved over to the other side where sat a number of stoppered flasks. She uncorked them one at a time checking the contents. She turned and poured the content of one into water and swirled it around spreading the scented oil through out the water.

Walter smiled at the fragrance as he relaxed against the edge of the tub and watched. Paige picked up a couple of wash clothes and moved over and reached down and pushed his knees together before sitting on his thighs. She grinned as she handed him one of the clothes and she began soaping up the one she had before she began washing Walter's chest and lower torso.

Walter gave her a moment before he started soaping up the cloth she gave him and began washing her breasts as he leaned forward and kissed her. Paige felt his manhood brush against her soft folds as he became excited. Walter reached around her and pulled against her. Paige slipped up along his thighs until his manhood was trapped between them.

Paige grinned as she reached down between them and wrapped the cloth around him and gently stroked his manhood as they continued to kiss. Walter dropped his cloth as he bent over and took her left breast into his mouth as he teased her nipple.

Paige grew frustrated with feeling his excited flesh through the cloth and she tossed it aside and grabbed his flesh with her hands and squeezed and moaned as he kissed across to her right breast before teasing her other nipple.

Walter's hand slipped between them and gently rubbed her soft folds and she grinned as her free hand pulled his head up and they began kissing again. Holding his excited flesh she pushed up with her legs and rose up and quickly slipped him inside of herself and sat down slowly onto his lap taking him deeply within.

They took their time, enjoying their coupling while Paige sat unmoving on his lap, holding him deep within her body. Their excitement began to get the better of them as they continued to kiss and caress each other when Paige finally began to move up and down. All through their passion they never noticed the water growing colder and colder until after they began to recover from their last orgasms Paige began to shiver.

They both laughed as they realized how long they must have been in the water for it to be that cold and then they saw how wrinkled their fingers were. They took a few minutes to wash their hair and then quickly got out of the water. While Paige dried her hair Walter grabbed a towel and began to dry her off before grabbing a towel to dry himself.

They put on the robes that were in the bathing room and as they walked out into the main area there was a knock on the door. Walter frowned and walked over and opened the door. The chambermaid stood there with their clothes freshly cleaned and pressed on hangers.

She smiled as she eyed Lord Walter in the robe, "It is just past five my Lord."

Walter looked surprised but nodded as he stepped back and she walked in and put the clothes into the closet. Walter walked over and grabbed his belt and opened the small pouch on the side and pulled the small bag out of it and took a few gold coins and handed them to her, "Thank you."

The chambermaid smiled and nodded, "Did you want me to have the clothes you were wearing cleaned my Lord?"

Walter blushed a bit seeing those items strung about the room obviously cast off in the heat of the moment, "Yes that would be helpful. Thank you."

The chambermaid nodded before she gathered them all up and left.

Paige looked stunning in the blue dress Raynold had placed in her closet back at the Keep and as Walter and Paige walked into the dining room for dinner, every eye turned to stare at her loveliness. Walter stopped and spoke quietly with the hostess and handed her a sizable sapphire gem. After Walter and Paige sat down in the dinning room, she looked at him. "What was with the sapphire you handed the hostess for?"

Walter smiled, "You will find out very shortly."

Paige looked at him a bit suspiciously but nodded as they waited to see if any of the guys would show up for dinner.

One of the first things Paige discovered about the Bronze Dragon was a considerable number of the guests seemed to know Walter and were not shy about disturbing their time. She bit her tongue on many occasions as they seemed only interested in him and what he might be able to do for them. But Walter demonstrated her importance to the unwanted guests and just how much he loved her by insinuating her into each encounter so she wasn't ignored.

But after a couple of minutes with each person the hostess came over and firmly, but politely moved the person on away from them. Paige smiled, "So that was what the sapphire was for?"

Walter laughed, "It was indeed. Most of them wouldn't leave until I either drew my sword on them or they got me to sign some contract or another."

Once the last person had been shooed away Walter took the liberty of ordering a bottle of their best Elven wine. Paige looked at the glowing translucent green liquid as it flowed out of the bottle as their waiter poured it. "I've never had Elven wine before Walter," she looked at him as he lifted his glass.

Walter smiled, "Do you trust me?" He extended his arm a bit towards her. Paige smiled and picked up her glass and gently reached out and he moved his arm around hers and brought his glass back towards his mouth as she mirrored his action and they took a sip together.

Paige smiled, "I figured it would be more of a fruitier taste than regular wine but there is a quality I can't quite put my finger on."

"Mom, Dad," Ralph exclaimed and came running up and hugged his parents as Sylvester entered just in front of Allie and Sir Cabe.

Nearly every head turned at Ralph's exclamation and mouths opened in shock as they realized he was speaking of Lord Walter. Many tongues began wagging at that bit of information.

As their meal was mostly eaten they all slowed down eating. Allie watched as Paige consumed her third glass of the Elven wine. As she indicated a refill, "My Lady, I don't wish to be a naysayer, but all things considered I strongly recommend that your last glass be your last glass tonight."

Paige pouted, "First coffee and now wine? You are so mean to me Allie."

Allie laughed, "I just wish to keep you healthy my Lady."

Paige nodded at Allie, "Actually Allie, there is something I need to talk to you about."

Allie nodded, "Of course my Lady."

Walter and the guys all rose as both ladies stood and left the dining room. Paige looked about the entrance area and seeing a number of people through out she pointed upstairs and Allie nodded and they climbed the stairs to the third floor. Paige pulled out her room key and they entered their room.

Allie smiled, "My, this room is even more palatial than our room."

Paige looked at her, "Really?"

Allie nodded as she looked into the bathing room, "Oh my, look at the size of that tub. That would hold four tubs like the one in our room."

Paige blushed as she smiled remembering the time she spent in there earlier with Walter.

Allie turned, "So my Lady, what did you want to talk to me about? Did I over step my bounds about the wine?"

Paige smiled as she shook her head, "Well, fact is, with everything that has been going on I've not really been paying attention to it. But if I've got my days straight now, I'm close to a week late."

Allie just smiled as she nodded.

Paige's eyes narrowed as she looked at the older woman. Her eyes opened wider, "You already knew didn't you?" Paige accused her.

Allie's smile turned into a large grin, "My Lady, one of these days you guys are really going to accept that your cells really do speak to me. There really is no reason to try and hide anything from me. It won't do any good anyway."

Paige looked at Allie, "How long have you known?"

Allie smiled, "That night Selease brought me to you with supper."

Paige's mouth dropped open, "Why didn't you say something?"

Allie looked into her eyes, "Paige, you guys had enough going on. You're newly married, the price on your head, the blight we were going into, coming together as a family, you didn't need anything else until you came to the realization yourself. It is what Selease and I argued about that night. She was trying to tell you herself, she was so excited."

Paige's eyes opened wide, "That's what she was doing? She could tell I was pregnant?"

Allie nodded, "Gryphon's have remarkable hearing. She could tell the distinctive heart beats."

Paige's hand touched her stomach, "Is the baby okay?"

Allie grinned as she reached out and caressed Paige's face, "Of course, everything is fine. I'm not about to let anything happen to you or the pregnancy."

Paige smiled, and then she realized something, "That's the first time you've called me Paige since before I got married."

Allie laughed, "And it will be the last time."

Paige hugged her tightly, "Thank you Allie. I don't know if you know, but I went through this whole process basically alone with Ralph. I didn't really know what I was doing, is there anything you can recommend?"

Allie smiled at her, "Well you aren't going through it alone again. You've got my word on that. You are doing fine, other than getting the rest like I've said. You are eating well and drinking the supplement. But if you can't stay in your tent and sleep instead of going out while our Lord stands the mid or third watch and having extracurricular activities with him than I will have to forbid him from standing those watches as well."

Paige blushed, "Did we make that much noise?"

Allie shook her head as she laughed, "No, but your cells sure did."

Paige's eyes narrowed as she looked at Allie, "Do I really have a susceptibility to that blight?"

Allie smiled and shook her head, "In a way, while you were just as safe as the rest of us, that blight and those dead bodies could have had a very adverse affect on the pregnancy. Forgive me for my deception, but I had to figure out a way to protect you without revealing the truth."

Tears ran down Paige's face and she hugged Allie fiercely, "I don't know what I did to deserve Walter or you in my life but I am so glad to have you both."

Allie hugged Paige back, "I feel the same about you both and Cabe."

There was a knock on the door and Paige frowned and walked over, "Who is it?"

"It is the one who loves to spoil you my Love," Walter said from the other side.

Paige laughed and opened the door quickly and hugged him, "Silly, why didn't you come on in?"

Walter smiled as he picked Paige up and stepped into the room and closed the door. "Well you left with Allie and this ring has been sending me so many mixed emotions. I didn't want to intrude but I was a little concerned," Walter kissed her before sitting Paige back down.

Paige smiled and took his hand and led him over and pushed him to sit on the bed. She looked at Allie, "Allie just confirmed something for me."

Walter frowned, "You are okay aren't you?"

Paige smiled as she nodded, "I'm more than okay my Love I'm pregnant."

Walter looked confused and he blinked rapidly a number of times as his brain tried to figure out which to do first, breath, exhale, speak, give praise to Athena in joy, dance, grab Paige up in another hug, remain mute or faint."

Allie moved quickly and grabbed his head between her hands, "My Lord, its okay. Stay with us." She watched his eyes start to roll back in his head and she laid him back and grabbed the pillows and slipped them under his feet.

Paige looked down at Walter, "What's wrong?"

Allie smiled, "Nothing really, it was just a shock and his blood pressure dropped too quickly. He'll be fine in a moment."

Paige sat down on the edge next to him and ran her hand through his hair, "My dear sweet Walter."