The spell he had unleashed was as fast as it was brutal, tearing apart the homunculus in an instant. And with that tearing, it's insides were revealed, blood and vital organs disintegrating before they could splatter onto the walls. Perhaps it was over kill. But then Lezard couldn't resist showing off just a small smidgen of his power. It was a power that would frighten many, and Lezard saw by Alicia's shaking, that she too felt the fear of it.
In the seconds that followed Alicia's mixed shriek of revulsion and fear, her body stilled. Stood straighter as Lezard felt the shift of power within her. The frightened girl was no more, the Goddess taking command. And with Lenneth's arrival, came anger and suspicion.
"How could you?" She demanded, whirling around to face Lezard. She still gripped the sword, Lenneth pointing it at him now.
"Pardon?" Lezard pretended he didn't understand.
"How could you kill him? He was defeated, helpless..."
"Hardly helpless." Lezard retorted. He gestured for her to turn back to where the homunculus had been, but Lenneth's attention didn't waver from Lezard. "He had a dagger...he would have used it." A pause then. "Besides...he deserved to die."
"That was not up to you to decide." Lenneth's teeth flashed, she was practically snarling. Lezard tried not to let the shivers of delight distract him. How he loved seeing his beloved Goddess angry. Even if the body she currently inhabited was nothing like her true form.
"If not me then who?" Lezard demanded out loud. "The Gods?" Lenneth kept quiet at that. "This man has killed many. Probably more than either you or I am aware of. He had to be stopped. Their deaths avenged."
"We could have learned from him." Lenneth said. And that was exactly why Lezard had had to destroy the homunculus. To keep Lenneth from questioning it, and discovering the truth of it's nature. "I could have..." A shake of her head, Alicia's blonde hair bouncing. "I needed to know. Why did he bring me here? What purpose did he hope to accomplish?"
"Nothing good, my lady." Lezard told her. "Of that I can assure you." Her eyes narrowed. She wasn't content with that kind of answer. He couldn't blame her. If the situations had been reversed, Lezard would have been just as desperate for answers as Lenneth. "We can of course, search through his things. But I wouldn't recommend lingering here for long. Not with his monsters freed of his control."
Another long look from Lenneth, her eyes full of mistrust. The pause was such he wondered if she was listening to Alicia's voice inside her. When she gave a stiff nod, Lezard pretended to be relieved. "Excellent. Let us hurry..."
"Yes, let's." Another shift of power, Alicia in control of the body once more. She blinked owlishly at him, then remembered to lower her sword. Lezard made a show of relaxing, cautiously stepping towards the girl.4
"Do you require anything?" His tone was solicitous, Lezard appearing concerned. "You weren't hurt too badly in the fight, were you?" He used his concern as excuse to do a slow once over of Alicia's body. She was several inches shorter than him, with a slender form, and adequate bust line. Her hair was a dark blonde, falling past her shoulder blades. Her face was that of a young innocent's, with blue eyes that currently flashed with nervous energy.
She was beautiful, but could not compare to the Goddess that resided within her. Lezard had to fight to keep from picturing braided platinum hair, and fierce blue eyes that flashed with rough emotion. When Lenneth had been in control of Alicia's body, the only sign that betrayed her occupation, had been the eyes. Those eyes had looked down on him, mistrust and anger warring for control. It had been a familiar, welcome sight, Lezard ready to crawl over hot shards of broken glass for any acknowledgment the Goddess might give him, even that of negative emotion.
"Um..." Alicia was uncomfortable with how he had looked at her, the girl clearing her throat to gain back his attention towards her face. Lezard waited patiently for her to answer his question, pretending he had done nothing more than check her over for injuries. "These chains..." She said at last, gesturing at one of her manacled wrists. "Could you not remove them?"
"I can of course try." Lezard stepped closer to her, his hands reaching out for one of her hands. A quiver of excitement went through him at the contact of his fingers on her skin, Lezard thrilling at the thought that he was touching the Goddess. Even if that touch was indirect, Alicia the buffer between them. Lezard told himself to remain calm, to appear unaffected by the touch. He narrowed his eyes, keeping them locked on the manacles that were welded shut around the girl's wrists.
"However did you get free of what they bound you to?" Lezard asked, though he suspected he already knew the answer. Lenneth would have used her powers, would have exerted herself to pull the chains free of the wall's fastenings. It wasn't completely unexpected, though Lezard had hoped to play the complete hero to the girl by being the one to rescue her from the bedroom.
But he was able to adapt, to adjust to a situation as necessity demanded. Lenneth and Alicia may have escaped the bedroom on their own, but they hadn't stood a chance of getting free of the tower without Lezard. They were dependent on him, and not just to fight past the many monsters that lay between here and freedom. They were a long way from Dipan, with no money or food to their name. They would need to rely on Lezard to provide for them, and that was something Lenneth had effectively bargained for by agreeing to "help" him against the tower's master.
Lezard could laugh to know that neither Alicia nor Lenneth were any wiser to the truth. They had no reason to suspect that the man they had fought was nothing more than a homunculus Lezard had created. An advanced puppet, that had known a few spells, and had been able to speak only a few lines of prepared dialogue. It was all part of his grand scheme, bringing Lezard one step closer to fulfilling his ambitions.
It also brought him closer to the Goddess, Lezard fighting back the urge to smile in triumph. This was the closest he had ever been to Lenneth, the first time he had been allowed to touch her. Even if the body was not her own. He had to resist more than a smile, dark impulses warring within him. Telling him to do more than just touch her hand, but to take her into his embrace and cover her with kisses.
But to do anything more than touch her manacled wrists would incite the Goddess' rage, and earn the mistrust of both Lenneth and Alicia. He couldn't afford that, couldn't allow any more suspicion to be brought upon himself than Lezard had already earned. It left Lezard with no other route than to play the gentleman, the kindly hero they were so dependent on. He had to call upon all of his restraint, but somehow Lezard managed not to throw himself on top of the girl's body.
It helped that Alicia did not resemble Lenneth in the slightest. He wasn't interested in other women, especially those of mortal blood. To Lezard, Alicia's only appeal solely had to do with the Goddess she was host to. Pity for him, that that appeal was the ultimate enticement, drawing Lezard to Alicia like a moth to a flame. He'd have to tread carefully, even more so than he had first anticipated.
He let them think his concentration was solely for the manacles on Alicia's wrists. Let them believe he was trying to divine a way to break them open without doing harm to the girl. He glanced up at Alicia's face, seeing she was still nervous.
"The hooks the chains were fastened to were old and rusted." Lezard had almost forgotten the question he had asked her, Alicia speaking hesitantly. She knew as well as he did that nothing short of the truth would be believable, and yet the girl still hoped to fool him. "It didn't take much struggle to pull them free of the wall." She finished lamely.
Lezard inwardly tsked, but wasn't surprised Alicia was lying to him. Clearly the Goddess didn't trust him enough to share the news of her existence inside of the princess. He couldn't blame her for being cautious, especially given Lenneth's anger about the destruction of the homunculus. In the end it didn't matter her anger and her suspicion, he didn't need much more than to travel with the pair, guiding them along the path that would ultimately lead them all into the future he had planned. A future that would grant them independence from the Gods and their manipulations.
"I see." He said out loud, giving them the reassurance he wouldn't press them any further about the chains. "You were fortunate then."
"Yes." Agreed Alicia, who then fidgeted. "Can you do it? Get these manacles off of me?"
"It will take but a moment." He told her, muttering a spell that had his fingertips warming up. Magic sparked off the edge of them, Lezard tracing the energy over the spot where the manacles had been welded shut together. He had to be careful, exert just enough magical pressure to break open the manacle, without bruising the delicate skin beneath the metal.
Almost a full minute passed before the manacle cracked open. "You did it!" Alicia let out a loud, excited exclamation, allowing Lezard to pull open the manacle completely. Eagerly, she would thrust her other wrist into his waiting hand's grasp. Another minute would pass, and then she would have both her hands free of the manacle and it's chains.
"I was beginning to think I would never get them off." Alicia said, rubbing her freed wrists. "Thank you." She had needed no prodding from the Goddess for her earnest, heart felt gratitude. Truth be known, Lenneth was probably still too angry to even allow a grudging kindness from her lips. But then it was what Lezard expected from the Goddess.
"You are welcome." Lezard told Alicia, allowing the faintest smile to cross his lips. "Do you want to rest a moment? Or shall we make for the exit now?"
Alicia looked ready to agree with the latter, but then a distraction took over the look in her eyes. No doubt she was listening to Lenneth's opinion, and though the girl was eager to flee the tower, she conceded to the goddess' wishes.
"I would like to take a moment to look around." Alicia's tone was hesitant, hinting at how leery of the idea she was. "There may still be some explanation for why this all happened. Something that could greatly put my mind at ease."
"Of course. I shall help you look." Lezard told her. She didn't argue against this, allowing him to follow her over to the desk. There was several books laying spread across it's top, some open to seemingly random pages. The spells the books revealed showed nothing of Lezard's plans, merely detailing dark magics that were dangerous in even the right hands.
Alicia didn't look at the books this time, instead rifling through the drawers of the desk. There was another book inside there, it's leather hide tattered in places. Alicia began flipping through it, as Lezard pretended to examine the potion vials that lay out in the open. "I cannot be certain..." He began as a way to make conversation. "But I think these are poisons, gathered from his monsters."
"No good can have come from their use." Alicia muttered, eyes still on the pages of the tattered book.
"Indeed, you are right about that." Lezard agreed. "It's best to dispose of them, lest they fall into evil's hands." He was already calling up a spell, intent on disintegrating the vials' contents. The liquid seemed to bubble and boil inside their containers, a volatile reaction that seconds later had them evaporate into harmless steam. "What is that?"
"I'm not sure truthfully." Alicia admitted. "It's encoded...I cannot make heads nor tails of this tome."
"If it's encoded, I suspect only the one who wrote that book would know the key to it's interpretation."
"And he's dead." That was Lenneth who spoke, angry reproach in her voice.
"A thousand apologies my lady." Lezard offered, the faintest smile on his face. Lenneth did not throw down the book, choosing instead to pocket it at her side. It seemed his Goddess wasn't about to give up on the book or it's secrets, even if it would take her a hundred years to decipher the code. It was fine by him, Lezard knew by the time she discovered the key to the code, it would be too late to stop his plans.
He turned away from the desk, letting his eyes fall on the statue of the Goddess. It was almost as beautiful as Lenneth herself, Lezard having labored for weeks to make a near perfect replica of his love. No detail had been left out, Lezard carving the pearl as though it was a prayer to the Goddess herself. His hands had been worshipful, caressing over the pearl stone. It was just one outlet to express his admiration and love for Lenneth, one more way to feel closer to her as he waited to bide his time.
"An interesting statue is it not?" Lezard said out loud.
"I suppose." Came Lenneth's' disinterest, the Goddess rustling papers in the desk drawer.
"I wonder who she is..." Lezard continued, his voice taking on a soft tone. "She is quite beautiful." No answer to that, but then he hadn't really expected one. His Goddess had never been the type to react to his flattery, even as indirect as this one was.
Lenneth continued to rummage inside the desk but eventually even she had to concede there was nothing of importance inside it. "You can burn it now." She announced to Lezard. She looked at him then, eyes almost challenging. "We wouldn't want this heretic's work to fall into anyone else's hands."
"Yes, of course." He ignited the fireball, the wood of the desk going up in a blaze. Lenneth didn't head for the room's exit, instead walking over to study the statue. He didn't think she was there to admire it, Lenneth frowning as she stared. Alicia must have asked her something, for Lenneth shook her head no, and drew her sword. "What is the matter, my lady?" Lezard asked, walking towards Lenneth.
She didn't answer with words, instead using her sword to pry off one of the sapphires that doubled as the statue's eyes. The large jewel clattered to the floor, Lenneth already working to get free the second one. Lezard felt displeasure to see the statue defiled, but held back any protest he could have made. They would have only earned further suspicion for him, and that was the last thing he wanted.
The second sapphire clattered to the floor. Lenneth would sheathe her sword, then kneel down to pick up the jewels. She would study them a moment, but there was no enchantment upon them. "Here." She said gruffly, handing one to Lezard. Surprised, he took it, glancing down at the large sapphire. "Consider this one half you payment. You'll get the other sapphire once you have returned me to my home."
"More than generous." Lezard murmured. "And completely unnecessary. You helped me against the tower's sorcerer..."
"It was a help you had little need of." Lenneth countered.
"Not true." Lezard argued. "He had a shielding spell up. We could have traded spells for days, and neither one of us would have gotten through."
"Maybe so." Lenneth acknowledged. "But the fact of the matter is it may be expensive to return me to my home. I feel better knowing I can pay my way where food and travel is concerned."
"Then I will accept this jewel." Lezard said, placing it in his money pouch. "Let it be the contract on which we agree to travel together." He thrust out his hand, his offer for a shake making Lenneth hesitate. Lezard continued to smile, outwardly radiating good intention and harmlessness. But inwardly he was a quiver with the anticipation of touching his Goddess once more.
With an extreme look of reluctance, Lenneth reached to take his hand. Just before they touched, he felt the shifting of power, Alicia taking control of the body at once. He hid his disappointment, shaking hands with the princess.
"Now." Lezard said, letting go of the princess' hand to adjust his glasses. "We have delayed enough."
"Yes, let us leave this place." Urged Alicia. She wouldn't even give the room one last glance, walking with her eyes focused straight ahead. Lezard would follow, shadowing her every step. They wouldn't bother with taking a torch off one of the wall sconces. Instead Lezard cast a light spell, which manifested as a floating ball of light, that guided their way.
"The stairs to the next level are this way." Lezard told Alicia. "We do not have to fear the monsters for another two levels. Unless of course, they have decided to go exploring once free of their master's control."
He saw Alicia shiver at that, the girl so frightened and inexperienced when it came to dealing with monsters. Her hand was a constant presence on her sword's hilt, the girl ready to draw it at a moment's notice. "Fear not Lady Alicia. Together we shall make fast work of these monsters."
She nodded, but seemed hardly reassured. "You are not tired from all the spells you must have cast to get this far?"
"My reserves of energy have not yet been extinguished." He told her. "It will take more than a few dozen monsters to drain me of all my power." Lezard couldn't help but boast at that.
"You must be a powerful mage indeed." She murmured. He couldn't see her face to know if she communed with Lenneth, but her silence hinted that the Goddess was telling Alicia something. "Tell me...a mage as powerful as you are, why have you not established yourself somewhere?"
"Perhaps someday I will." He knew that was Lenneth's question Alicia voiced. "But for now I am content to lend my powers to those who can afford them."
"So it's greed that drives you..." Alicia then gasped, clasping a hand over her mouth. "Forgive me, I meant no..."
"Worry not. No offense was taken." Lezard assured her. "Greed drives many a man, but untold wealth is not the extent of my ambitions." But he wouldn't tell them what those ambitions were, no matter how much Lenneth and Alicia poked and prodded at him.
His refusal to be forthcoming about his ambitions drew an uncomfortable silence between them. One that wasn't so easily disrupted, even as they descended down to the next level of the tower's living quarters. On this level, they could faintly hear the sounds of the enraged monsters. Alicia seemed to shiver in response to the muffled roars, actually stepping closer to Lezard, seeking protection or comfort from him.
He pretended not to notice, understanding it was important to Lenneth that they not appear so completely dependent on him. When Lenneth was in control of the body, she projected the confidence of an experienced warrior. While Alicia was only a girl, uncertain and easily afraid. Lezard wondered if the two were even aware of how that looked to an outside observer, Alicia appearing to suffer from multiple personalities. But he did not call them on it, willing to bide his time until the pair was more comfortable around him.
"I never asked you..." Alicia finally broke the silence they had been maintaining. Her voice was a low whisper, as though the girl feared the monsters would hear her talking. "Just where are we? What land is this?"
"We are near Flenceburg." Lezard explained. "The city of magic."
"Flenceburg?" Her voice squeaked out louder in her surprise. "That is almost halfway around the world from Dipan!"
"Dipan?" Lezard pretended not to know. "Is that where you are from?"
"Er...sort of." Alicia hesitated. "My home is in the country side, a little ways from the harbor town of Solde."
"It is a long trip, but do not fear. I will get you back home." Lezard smiled at her. "I promise."
"Thank you." Alicia whispered, looking overcome with gratitude.
"Prepare yourself." He ordered as they approached the next set of stairs. "At the bottom of these steps lies the divider between floors. Once we cross through that door, we will be in danger. There will be nothing to stand between us and the monsters."
"I understand." Alicia said, drawing her sword. "And I am ready." For all her fear, her look was determined. Lezard almost admired Alicia for her courage, the man taking the lead as he led her down the staircase. The roars of the monsters grew louder the closer they got to the door. The many beasts that lurked inside the tower were angry, taken out of their natural element and left among creatures that were both prey and predator to them. It made them insecure, and hostile, the monsters fighting each other. They would fight against any human who dared wander too close. It would be dangerous and difficult for them to fight their way to freedom, but it was all just another part of Lezard's plan. A plan that was just barely gaining momentum. But if there was one thing Lezard had in abundance, it was patience. It was that patience that would allow him to wait as he slowly moved things forward in an attempt to line up everything according to his desires. And by the time anyone realized what was happening, they would be to late to stop him.
To Be Continued...X_X
Michelle