Here Comes the Royal Guard
"Morning Sir Lute." Evelyn greeted me brightly as I rode up.
"Morning Lady Elegant… I mean Evelyn." The dirty blond smiled at my compliment. I dismounted my Odin and pat him on the back. "Can you take of him for me?"
"It'd be my pleasure," she answered sweetly pulling a smile out of me for this favor.
I handed Evelyn the reins and she reached out to take them from me. She did take the reins in a hand, but she took my hands too. She let them linger there a bit before pulling back. I took her free hand in my own, and like I did before, I kissed the top of her hand. Evelyn flushed cutely at my romanticism. "I'm not expected for another hour or so." I put out there playfully. The suggestive tone I used seemed almost automatic to the point that it surprised me. I didn't realize I could talk like that before.
"And you have time to waste I reckon?" Evelyn drew a bit closer to me, still standing tall for a woman.
"I just might. Would you like my help with the stables?" I asked softly.
"I don't know," she jeered. Her eyes hovered above my form and focused into my eyes. That piercing void of a glare is what made me truly interested. It's one thing to deal with the supposed "strong" woman and all, but it's another to meet one with a fire capable of setting men aflame. I felt a desire to have her, stronger than ever before. Shamsiel has an amazing body and her attitude is so innocent and cute that I've almost instantly fell in love with her. Evelyn on the hand is so down to earth. She knows she's beautiful, or at least a fair lady, but doesn't flaunt it like a princess. Not like the one I know but a princess in general. I sort of wish women in the capital were this approachable, but life instead that easy. By women I mean one, and that one is Isis.
I wanted to sigh at the memory of the beautiful blonde-haired woman. I've always wanted to have a feel of her amazing rack, taste her lips, and slid a hand up her rear but it's not worth getting rend through, yet. She's to be married as well so it would be wrong… For now.
I removed most of my gear and my weapons leaving me in my shirt and trousers. I left everything in her small shake and walked out with my gloves off. "Direct me," I said with my arms out. She tossed me a shovel as response.
"Being a man its best you handle the hard work." I looked at her with a blank stare and she laughed a little. I sighed and walk to the stables with the shovel on my shoulder. Shoveling out stables is typical labor when you have a horse. Lucky for me though, I'm quite used to this. While in the academy if I wasn't in class I was working. Whether in an armory or in the fields of a farm, I was working and earning money plus new experiences as I went. I gathered sacks and a couple large bricks to place the bag lips around. I shoveled out the sables of at least thirty horse lots one lot at a time. Once I finished Evelyn came in to brush the horses down.
"You seem comfortable with this," she noticed as I shoveled without complaint.
"I have Odin so if you can take care of him, you take care of all." I reasoned.
"Odin?" Evelyn questioned.
"My pale horse. His name is Odin. It's a god of sorts in a religion from… Another continent."
"Oh, that's strange but cute," she giggled. I felt my cheeks burn and turned away from the woman.
"I've taken care of horses for years so this isn't out of my way to do. Actually, we can use this later for the fields."
"Use what? The refuse?"
I nodded. "You can say that this makes good fertilizer and will help you all with your crop problems."
"How so?"
"Well you see, in the excrement of animals isn't just their waste but plenty of nutrients that plants use to grown large and healthy. There are many ways to help revitalize the land and from what I've seen the land here needs a pick-me-up."
"Pick-me-up?" Evelyn asked a bit confused of my terms.
"It's like saying it needs something to wake it up a bit." I answered easily.
"Uh, right."
I smiled this time. One that she noticed as well and turned away this time. Common country-dwellers are… ignorant when it comes to science but that's nothing new. Many are illiterate so if they don't understand some of my terms it only makes sense. "It will help making crops grow. If you can gather a couple men to send this out to the farm land and mix it with the soil it'll help in the long run."
"I'll take your word for it." She said but I felt she didn't believe me.
I shoveled a bit more but faltered with a question lite up in my thoughts. "Were you ever married?"
"Once," she answered quietly.
"If you don't mind me asking, what happened to him?"
Evelyn scowled and stopped her brushing of the brown horse. "He left me for some floosy. A younger girl. He called me ugly and said the only reason he married me was on a fucking whim!"
"Sounds like a son of a bitch if you ask me."
"He is," she said behind grit teeth. "Did you know he came to me once asking for me to take him back? First though he asked for me to give him some money."
I stopped shoveling for a moment and leaned back up. "So, this guy left you for a younger girl? And when that didn't work out he came back to you?" I rubbed my head. This wasn't even the 21st century and I'm still hearing about shit like this. Un-freaking-believable.
"Yes and when you… You called me beautiful and…" Evelyn let a warm smile bless her lips. "Thank you for what you said and did. I felt honestly loved for once." She rubbed her stomach with her eyes closed. I blinked for a moment then winced. Oh, I forgot that I came inside her. That means she could be pregnant… Eh, what are the odds of this those?
"I was only being truthful. I don't know what man wouldn't be happy to have you as a wife. You are obviously a hard worker and it shows. You singlehandedly took care of more than twenty horses alone. You don't complain and you're pretty sharp as well. You're nice to look at as well."
"Oh," she mused with a teasing smile. "And what do you like most about me." She pushed out her chest forcing it to push against the fabric of her blouse top. Her breasts are a bit smaller than Shamsiel's. It's not fair to compare a demon of desire against a mortal woman though. Her body changes depending on the preference of the man she hunts, I think. I'm not sure how a succubus in this land function all that well. I did give Evelyn a long, hard, and sharp stare though. She flushed under my gaze which made my smile grow.
"It has to be that right there." I pointed at her.
"What?"
"Your attitude. You act mature compared to me but then you show this girlish side of yourself that I can't help but love." I smiled at the bashful woman as her flush grew bolder.
"I-You… Be quiet you." She turned around from me.
"You have a nice ass by the way." She covered her ass a moment later and snort at me.
With renewed energy I got back to work. In no time with Evelyn in time we started stacking up the sacks of manure in the back of a cart. I had to leave and grab a farmer, but in the end it all got done. "I'm finished," I sighed as I placed the last sack on cart. I walked up to the man in the seat with his reins. "Take this to the farm and do as I said okay." The man nodded and snapped his reins. Looking up, its dawn. Its about time for breakfast, I think. I stopped by a large bucket of water and washed out my hands.
"Thank you for the help Sir Lute." I felt a pressure on my back and some arms fall over my shoulders. A soft pair of hands gripped my chest and stomach and rubbed my torso gently.
"I'd be careful with your open affections Evelyn." I warned.
"You got a mistress you don't wish to see," she teased.
"Maybe and I really think she's the possessive sort," I joked back. "But in all seriousness," I dropped my playful sneer. "The prefect in the castle is conspiring against me so its best not to showcase this in the open."
"Oh," she sounded disappointed.
"Behind closed doors though I might not be able to control myself like I am now." Evelyn's eyes glazed but she quickly got control of herself and climbed off of my back. "I need to get back to the mix." I pushed off the bucket with my swords in hand.
"If you have to I guess there's not helping." Evelyn let out a disappointed sigh. "I hope you come and talk to me later though Sir Lute."
I saluted with a soft fist beaten against my chest. "Milady."
With that I returned to the castle. "EeeeeeK!" I heard the moment I entered the main hall. "Ghost!" I looked to my right and spot two guards looked at me with fearful shivering running through their body.
"Morning to you all as well." I greeted to two guards.
"H-He's alive!"
"That's insane! He has to be dead! The demon ate his body, and this is his ghost."
I walked up to the guard and cocked by my fist. I shot it into his helmet and knocked him down to the ground. I rubbed my sore fist and looked down to the man whose block I just knocked off, and then back up to the man stepping back away from me in shock. "If I was a ghost I wouldn't be able to touch and hurt you." I reasoned and rubbed my first. Why did I punch a metal helm just to prove a point? That didn't make much sense.
"Y-you're really alive," The guard on his feet gasped.
"Quite. Now is breakfast served?" I asked the both of them.
"Uh, y-yes sir." The guard I knocked down answered. "I-I have to call the prefect."
"Oh yeah," I beat my fist into the palm of my hand. "Thanks for reminding me." I walked past the guards and made my way to the prefect's room. I knocked and heard a gruff "enter" from the other side. I walked into and found myself facing two men who had the most bewildered looks on their faces these eyes ever seen. Both stood with their mouths completely open and jaws dropped.
"Y-y-y-your alive?" Irboyne wheezed as I stood straight in front of the two of them with a triumphant smile on my lips. That guard reminded me of the castle that is now owed to me by this man. Run-down or not I want what's mine.
"Are you disappointed to see me alive?"
"Ah," Irboyne attempted to find his bearings but that didn't seem to be a battle he would win today. "W-We're thrilled you're unharmed," he finally said though I didn't believe him. I shrugged at him instead of responding. "S-So the demon never came. Luck was on our side."
"Oh no, she came," A good amount and so did I. "I just didn't die."
His jaw dropped even further. "Then… did you eliminated it?"
"In a way. She will never terrorize this land ever again. I made sure of that." I reported confidently.
"Th-then…"
"Before I forget," I said interrupting the prefect. I reached into my knapsack and pulled out the contract. "I believe you owe me a castle, prefect."
"C-castle." He stared at the paper in my hands until his eyes widened in realization. I lived and now he owes me a castle. That is unless he wants me to report him and force him out of office. Either way I get that castle that I wanted. They cannot back out of this unless one of them wishes to fight me in a duel to settle this problem. I might kill the old man by accident it this happens though. That wouldn't be a bad thing. I really don't wish to spill the blood of humans or monsters for once. I'd probably cripple him to the point that he can no longer hold his position as prefect. "About that…"
"Sir," I said quickly with my eyes narrowed on the two of them. "Under law once a contract between knight and prefect are made, they are binding as long as both sides of the party are alive. Unless you wish to cancel this contract through an honor duel I'd really appreciate it if you came through with your end." The prefect scowled at me. This instrument doesn't mind singing the tune of his betters but as it turns out if my tune is better than you're then be ready to dance to my tune instead.
"Fine," he scoffed and walked to his desk. I smiled at him and watched as he when through a couple of his parchment and presented me one of them. I took it and scanned it. A deed. I looked it over a bit and thought back on this patch of land. We visited many of the different castles of the land but this one… I think I know it. If it's the castle I think it is, this might take a moment to fix it up. Regardless, a castle is still a castle and with the war and what not brewing finding workers won't be difficult. The war economy is stagnant, so I won't be able to rely on that for now.
The prefect smirked at me which I returned with a devious one of my own. "Thank you perfect." He lost his smile as I bowed my head to him before leaving.
"Oh, Lute! You're so cool and demanding." Shamsiel suddenly appeared in front of me with an alluring smile on her lips. "Even when that despicable human tried to think of a way out you stopped him in his tracks."
"I don't like to be played. I know he gave me a very beat up castle but as long as the main foundation is intact I'm sure it can be rebuilt." I shrugged. That's all I really need to start building.
Shamsiel looked back at the door and smiled evilly. "Should I attack those two? They seem sort of, in that way." She giggled cutely.
"I'd prefer if you didn't, but I can't tell you what to do. You're a demon after all. I would like them both gone so I can work without their schemes, but I see an opportunity in this though."
Shamsiel pouted a bit. "You're boring Lute. You're too understanding for you own good. But you're also very clever, in a weird way."
"Thank you." I walked past her and the succubus demon followed. She hovered over my suddenly and sniffed me. "What?"
"You smell like that stable woman." A knowing gleam crossed her eyes. "You did the muff-muff with her didn't you?"
Not mentioning what the 'muff-muff' came from I gave her a simple nod. "I blame you for that more than anything."
"Eh," she looked at me in confusion. "Why?"
"Your magic had an… effect on me and I went searching for a woman to sleep with. I went to her." I explained.
"Heh?" Shamsiel smiled and I felt my throat dry as her golden eyes seemed to strip my bare.
"W-what are you planning?"
"No~thing," she sang before disappearing from my sight.
Nothing my butt. I'd be my swords and Odin that she's plotting something with me at the head. I would never bet my beloved for anything, even my life, but I would this time. I sighed though and continued on.
I gave Odin a few whips as we sped out of town. Of course, I had company with me. Around nine guards, now seeing me as some form of good luck charm, for some reason, are following me out of Boan towards my castle. Of course, I had one of them leading me to it; I don't know my way around that well. It's when we reached the castle that I felt a bit intrigued. Yes, they gave me a castle that has cracks in in the walls, moss growing over it, and appears to have been abandoned for years. The guards with me thought I was wasting my time, but they didn't know that this castle they gave me plus surrounding foundation wasn't done by human hands. Even I can see that. Masonry is different for humans compared to what I'm seeing. Maybe dwarves but they've long been extinct for years. This castle might be a century or older, but it's still standing strong. The outside needs work but this will work.
My father always told me that I was a bit of a leader in my time. Every time my friends and I got in trouble or succeeded in something large it was me leading from the front. My dad always joked about me becoming a Commander one day. In previous lives I was always alone or in the front of a group leading the best I can manage. I wouldn't mind being in charge of my own mercenary group. I have the field and the structure. This place is nothing but space. I can smell the veins below us and in the mountains as well. Silver and Iron are here. Maybe gold as well. Looking around the castle I think I finally have my basis. I can start sending letters as well. I have a couple friends that are looking for something interesting to do. Mercenary work in the land of Knights has always been a thing after all. Nobles always have odd jobs that need to be done. Being part of a gang, some nobles wanted you to steal jewels from their rivals. Being in the capital had its perks. Its hard to be a thief and not collaborate with your fellow scoundrel.
With my research finished I rode back to Boan only for me to get a sudden notice that a messenger was coming from the capital and turned back. It was around mid-noon when I was ordered to go meet this messenger. I rode quietly through the town on top of Odin. I decided not to hurry and just to take my time to meet this man, woman, or whatever they catalogue themselves as. I've met a mix of a man and a woman once. They had nice tits I'll admit that but below is what shied me away. Sadly, they were my first kiss before I realized what they were. Not sure whether or not to regret it still.
Before I could get out of town though, I was suddenly swarmed by villagers. "Whoa," I pulled back on my reins bringing Odin to a halt.
"Paladin Lute!"
"Thank you Paladin!"
"For what," I questioned though I have an idea what they are talking about.
"Someone came from the castle earlier. They said you got rid of the demon. You did it!"
"We can finally sleep in peace!"
"Thank the heavens you came."
"Thank you! You're out hero, Sir Knight." I
bowed my head and asked for passage out the village. The villagers were understanding enough to let me pass without issue to continue on my task. I like to get some recognition for my actions and slaying a demon was a nice story to tell. Maybe I'll make a ballad with my own lute and become a bard to sing the tale. Technically speaking though, their problem hasn't been solved. I haven't gotten rid of the demon neither did I say I killed it. I took care of her, yes, but nothing other than that. They're not in danger anymore so I guess its fine.
"Mr. Popular~" I heard a mischievous giggle behind me.
Speak of the demon. "It happens I guess." I shrugged. "It's not like I'd ever want to get rid of you." She's very nice company to have and a good sight.
Shamsiel hugged my head and mashed her tits to the side of my head. "Lute~ you're such a sweet talker." I pat her over the head and enjoyed her soft mews. I'm afraid I might be falling in love with a succubus… again. It's hard not to though. She's so clingy and cute with large boobs. What's not to love? I like her mischievous streak as well.
"I'm relieved I got that reward." I said once I freed my face from her breasts.
"That broken castle you mean?" She frowned at my nod. "I could steal a better one for you," she pouted. I guess she doesn't agree with my decision. I don't doubt she could get me that castle, but I'm a man before a lover. I need to do this myself.
"Don't worry about it. I got what I need." I tried to insure her just incase she gets any thoughts.
"You really need to be greedier," she said with puckered lips.
I inched up and planted a kiss on those lips. Her look of shock was worth the coming hassle for enticing a succubus. "Maybe." I mused with an easy smile. "I'd like more white bread."
"Coohoohoo. Lute, you're so cute." Shamsiel held me a bit closer.
"You're cuter," I smiled. I whipped the reins and Odin rushed forward out of her weakened hold. "Mou!" I heard behind me and glanced back to the succubus. Unlike usual Shamsiel didn't fade away. Instead she sat down behind me and looped her arms me once more. I felt her smile as we rode.
"Who's coming from the capital?" She asked.
I debated whether or not to tell her, but even if I didn't bother telling her she'll find out in a couple moments anyway. Then again, "I don't really know."
"A stingy rat like the prefect?" She guessed. I couldn't hope but chuckle a bit. "A weasel like the steward?"
"I'm happy I'm not the only one to think that, but for such a cute girl you've got quite a harsh tongue."
"The truth is harsh," she alleged and rightfully so. I feel that her comment has more than one meaning and aimed at more than one person.
"I don't know who is coming but I might have an idea." I spurred Odin on until I reached the meeting place near a big tree. With the sun so high in the sky and the shade under that tree being so inviting I decided to rest with Odin grazing just pacing away from me. I made my calls and waited patiently for the call to be received. Eventually I found myself resting under a tree with four hawks around me. Now I can get to work.
"What are you doing?" Shamsiel leaned over my shoulder for a look.
"I'm writing a couple letters to a couple old friends and people I know at the capital. My castle needs to be fixed and my mother had contacts that I know well enough to ask a favor or two." I rose my arm and a hawk with black bandana around its neck with a crescent moon on it jumped to my arm. I opened the small case on his back and placed my letter inside. I let him go and the hawk flew off.
"Who are these people?"
"Just… people. My family wasn't rich, but we were well off enough to get through hardship and we have a lot of friends of the family. My dad was… that sort of guy. The one to turn to."
"What was your father like?"
"He was really cool. He gave respect but if not to you then you knew immediately. He'd treat you like you weren't worth his time. Whether you're a beggar or a noble if he didn't respect you it showed. I respected that about him and so did many others. Sure, because of his antics he made enemies but equally made many friends as well. I'd like to live up to the name of Henge and become big like my mother wanted."
"But your already big news Lute, heheee."
"Thanks." I continued with making my letters. I have to send one to my friends back in the capital and a couple surrounding cities. Same with Mr. Blacksmith.
"What's a potato?" Shamsiel abruptly asked.
"It's a low budget starchy crop we grew. Not many know about it because of the multitude of other crops out there but this one can help Boan get up off the ground. It can practically be grown in any soil and can make hundreds of seeds. Cultivation is simple and the amount you get in a short time can save a country from starvation. I have seen it work once before actually."
"What country?"
I smiled. "I wonder which myself." I can't tell her that it's a country from a previous past life, but it did exist though. "Regardless of that, it's a cheap and plentiful crop that can grow in a wide variety of climates and locales. I can order a wagon of them to come here in maybe a week or so with the prefect's money and donations."
"Ehh?" Shamsiel thought on my words.
I sent a couple more of the messenger birds out and closed my journal after updating it a little. Adding sections for different people including Shamsiel. I made a small figure of her but quickly ripped it up and swallowed it. I chuckled a bit at her antics as time passed us by. "It's about sunset so they should be here soon." I closed my notebook and packed it into Odin's saddle bags.
"This is where they'll meet you?"
"It's the only way to Boan so, yeah." I stood up with Odin's reins in hand. I lead the both of my companions to the center of the pathway to wait for the messengers.
"If no one comes, wanna fool around?"
I was about to say no. I don't like the idea of fooling around outside and not in the bedroom. "Sure," came out of my mouth before I could come up with a viable excuse for my potential no.
"Happy you agree," she said with that sexy sway of her hips that made me gulp. I reached up to take her at least to past the time.
"Good work servant," I heard behind me.
"You…!" Came a woman's voice a moment after.
I recognize those voices. I turned around with my hand dropped and first saw Motaire with the most exasperated expression on his face possible. "Guh," he groaned. "How tremendously unfortunate." I noticed Isis behind him on horseback as well. The top two of the academy and royal guards at that honored me with their presence. Both of them dismounted and walked up to me.
"Yo," I rose my hand up from my seat under my tree. "Been a while, huh?" I gave a dumb grin as I stood before them with my arms extended.
"Back off!" Motaire reached for his sword. "I don't want your embrace!" He eyed me with disgust and distain.
I rose my hands up and backed away. "Okay."
I faced the other and Isis stood staring at me. I kinda knew what she was about to say when I faced her. "Hug me and I'll cut you down where you stand." I knew it. I guess she still doesn't like me. She has great breasts but her attitude leaves much to be desired. I was half tempted to make take the risk. Its not like she'd be able to catch me. "I'm
surprised you came all the way out here." Motaire let out a disgusted grunt. "This is truly the boonies. Why did we have to come all the way out here?"
I shrugged. "Who knows?"
"There better be good women, at least." He's hitched to get married to the beauty behind him and he still talks about other women with her just arm's length away. I noticed her eye avert to the side and a frown marring her lips at this.
I shook my head at him for more reasons than one. "There isn't," which isn't a total lie. This guy has high standards and the woman of the boonies probably wouldn't earn even half a look from him. He prefers the refine sort with money attached to the name. Or at least if the woman looks the part. His groupies are just like that. The mention of that lack of outstanding ladies drew a scowl from him.
"What kind of town is this?" Motair grumbled, obviously now in a bad mood. I rolled my eyes a bit and walked back to the tree. I picked up my swords and strapped them back down to my back over my right shoulder like usual. "Do you even know how to use those?" Motair mumbled.
"Maybe but maybe not." I think that succubus is starting to rub off on me both literally and metaphorically. I grabbed Odin's reins and pulled him out from behind the tree where he returned once I let him go. He instantly got attention from the two royal nights. I pulled my headband off my waist and wrapped it over my forehead and forced my hair out my eyes.
"Where did you get a horse like that?" Motaire almost awed. Isis just stared at Odin a bit longer before looking away.
"He's my friend." I mounted up and looked down at that two. "Follow me. I'll lead you in." Motaire recovered quickly at my blasé tone and glared at me.
"Speak your rank! 'I shall now guide you!' I'm an elite from the capital on an important errand, no longer an embarrassed classmate of yours!" So, he's a glorified pretty boy who's the bitch errand boy for the crown that felt shamed for taking up the rite of becoming a knight. Fascinating. His shout practically blossomed with pride. Misplaced pride if you ask me.
"So~" I danced on the word. "Are you ready to go Motaire?" He scowled at me and yelled at me and I just felt the inner bastard in my body grin at how easy this was. Isis walked up to him and helped him calm down with a couple words. Motaire huffed and finally climbed up on his horse. I turned Odin around and whipped him forward into a trot. A crow came up from above and perched on my shoulder. On his feet was a small tube. I took it and opened the tube to a small piece of paper. One that grew a little larger once my hands touched it. A letter… from my family's maid. I'll read this later. I reached into my back and grabbed some jerky and gave it to the crow. It took it and ate it. I took out some paper and an inkwell. With a few magic words a message appeared on the paper. It shrank a moment later and I tucked it into the tube and let the bird go.
I looked back and noticed two royal knights staring at me. I smiled and spurred Odin. "Hey Odin." My horse shook his head showing that he was listening. "Let's hurry and get back shall we." Without warning he galloped forward with Boan as his aim.
"Those two please ma'am." The woman behind the stand gathered a small basket of carrots and apples. They are a bit on the overripe side but edible. I reached for my coin sack and pulled out a gold sovereign.
"Ah, Sir Knight." I handed her the coin and took and bags from her. "I can't accept…"
"It's not for just the fruit," I murmured. The woman looked at me. "It's for letting me see your wonderful smile." Her eyes widened then the woman smiled. "There it is." I chuckled and walked away back to Odin. He rushed to me and hit me with his nose. "Hey, calm down." I reached into one of my bags and pulled out a carrot. I placed it at his nose and Odin took it with glee. I stared blankly at my horse and pat his head. "Come on," I said and walked away with him right by my side. I pulled out a couple more carrots and let him have them. After running all day its only right I let him have a treat. We reached the edge of the town and its about that time I saw Motaire and Isis riding up with extremely exhausted horses. We really out ran them.
"Capital horses really don't match up do they?" Odin snort in agreement. When they reached me Motaire looked ready to throttle me. I pulled out an apple and gave it to Odin before facing them.
"What was that!?" He roared at me, but I rose my hand again.
"Hey, calm down Motire you made it here okay."
"What if we would have gotten lost!?" Since I left them at the top of a ridge overlooking the castle, I feel you'd have to be an idiot to get lost. That land mark is hard to miss but I guess anything is possible. "Well, my friend here really wanted a treat so what can I do?" I shrugged.
"You can tame your horse, if you can even do that!"
Tame Odin? Yeah right. I'm not insane to tame a demon with the speed of an elf's arrow and strength of a raging bull. This is highly exaggerated, but Odin isn't a horse that let's just anyone ride him. I have to make that apparent. "My friend is indomitable so taming him is out of question… unless you wish to try to ride him," I offered. The bastard in me grinned once more. It grew as Motaire climbed off his horse and stomped towards Odin.
"Watch and learn you fool." I waved for him to go and stepped back. Motaire gripped the saddle and climbed up on top. Odin looked back and I swear I saw his pupils dilated. "See. It's just that eas-ahhhhhh!" Crash! I watched as Odin shot off Motaire off of his back with a powerful buck. The man flew forward at least ten feet straight into a bush. I winced and when I saw that he landed straight on his back on the stone stairs once he rolled back out the bush. Odin whinnied triumphantly and heeled up on two legs at his victory.
"Oh, I told ya." I walked to Motaire's horse and placed a couple apples on the ground below him. I pat his head before walking to help Motaire up. He groaned and struggled to his stomach. I walked behind him and took his shoulders in hand then helped him up. "You okay?" I brushed off his back and chest of dirt and leaves. I pulled a couple out of his hair as well.
"Ah, stupid horse. I'll kill it! Release me!" Motaire pushed me back and reached for his sword. I rushed between him and my horse with my hands up.
"Whoa calm down." The last thing I need on my conscious is my horse killing this guy for being foolish.
"Move, or I'll cut you down as well." The guy inched out his sword. Odin whinnied in an aggressive way, and I was ready and willing to move so not to get trampled as well.
"Motaire!" Isis yelled at her husband to be. He didn't even spare her a look before he took another step towards me. Odin will kill Motaire if I don't stop him and I really don't want that on me.
"I think a royal guard and man of your station should be so irritable. This is unbecoming of a royal guard, right?" I reasoned with the guy. I looked from Motaire to Isis for some form of support.
"As disgusted as I am to say this, he's right Motaire. You took the risk while warned so put your sword down. We're wasting time!" Motaire grumbled something I couldn't make out and took a couple breaths. He sheathed his sword and glared at me and my horse.
I sighed and let my hands fall limply at my sides. "Thank god." I walked back to Odin and winked at him. He snort gleefully.
"Coohoo. You're a bad boy Lute." I mounted with the deadly village succubus sitting cross legged on top of him.
We continued into the town and occasionally I was greeted by a thankful villager and waved when I passed. They called me Paladin which earned me a couple glares from the two behind me. "Thank you for defeating the demon Sir Lute!" I waved again and chuckled nervously.
"You defeated a demon?" Motaire scoffed.
"Maybe, maybe not."
"You will answer me clearly you..." Motaire suddenly stopped his rant and took a couple breaths. "What kind of useless town calls you a hero?"
"Motaire, they CAN hear you," Isis stressed but it was a little too late for that.
A kid frowned up to Motaire. "Sir Lute, who's this burda?" I covered my lips and tried to snuff out my laugh. I failed. 'Burda' is basically a term for bitch men. Men that don't work for themselves and it shows. Motaire doesn't look like he's ever worked for anything other than combing that unnecessarily long hair of his.
"A man that's visiting for a day or two." I reached in my pocket and tossed the kid a couple bits.
"Thanks," he said brightly.
"No kid, thank you." For the laugh. After that stare down from before between Motaire and my horse I really needed a laugh.
Suddenly Isis rode up to me with the usual glower. "What did that child mean by 'burda'?"
"Bitch boy," I said plainly but on the inside, I was laughing. Isis grit her teeth and turned her head away from me before falling back behind Motaire.
We went up to the stables and I saw Evelyn adding something to the water for the horses like I recommended. "You can leave your horses here. I can take them." I dismounted from Odin and he left me to do… whatever he does on his free time. Evelyn noticed Odin and turned around and saw me. She smiled but it faded when she saw my company. Motaire stared at the woman a bit with a bit of interest in his eyes. The two dismounted and I took the reins of their horses. "Ahoy there Evelyn!" I announced with a wave. The naval term drew a blank, but she knows I'm greeting her.
"Sir Lute, afternoon," she greeted coolly. She gestured to the two behind me with a point of her chin. The man more accurately.
"Royal guards from the capital. Can you watch their horses?"
"I don't like way he is looking at me," she whispered to me.
I sighed and leaned inward to her ear. "Bear with it." I whispered as well. "He's a bit of a womanizer." Like her husband, is what I saw in her eyes. I rose her hand up and kissed the top before placing them on the reins. Evelyn flushed and dropped her frown for a smile instead. "Can you do this for me?"
"I can yes for one boon." I nodded ready to do anything from shoveling he stables to shopping for food with her. I didn't care what. She leaned back and got in close until our noses almost touched. "I want you come to help me later tonight… ride a horse I mean." She said with a suggestive tone and equally sensual smile on her lips. I shivered a bit at the offer and nodded my head without hesitation.
"My, you're quite the looker." Motaire walked up to Evelyn. I pu
"Leave the swinging for the bark." She took the reins and walked away with her chin up. Cold shoulder times 50.
"W-what?" Motaire ignorantly questioned.
"It's a country term," I said to clear some of his confusion. Motaire rolled his eyes and walked away as if saying "then it doesn't matter to me." I walked past them and waved for them to follow. I escorted them to the main hall with Irboyne waiting for us. Someone must've informed him of our arrival.
"Sir Lute Sir," I passed a couple guards who saluted to me with a beat of their chests to which I saluted back.
"Why are they saluting you?" Motaire asked in a snotty tone. It's like he doesn't get saluted by men the respect him daily like I do. I know he doesn't though. His personality isn't that good to make decent friends or a following of good men. Girls yeah but not respect of his men.
"I'm just that good," I shrugged. That answer is sort of arrogant of me, but I can help it when it gets a rise out of this pretty boy. I saw him fuming already from it.
I walked to the side and presented the two of them to Irboyne. He smiled invitingly and waved his hand in a welcoming fashion. "We welcome you. It must have been quite the trip."
Madoise walked out from behind Irboyne and took to his side. "I am the steward here, Ma…"
"No introductions. Where is my room?" Motaire rudely interrupted the man that deserves every bit of disrespect he gets.
Madoise didn't lose his bearing or his nerve. "Aye," he said smoothly. "Right this way. Lute, please follow as well."
"Of course." I pulled on the strap to my knapsack and followed behind the two of them. Just as I had expected Madoise led Motaire to my room. I had a feeling that they would have a "Royal" knight or messenger sent by the king placed in a room instead of the main hall so I gathered all my affects before I left this morning. Sadly, my room is the only one available, so I have to find another place to stay tonight. I have just the place though.
"What is this disgusting hovel?" Motaire said showing his distaste with my room. I didn't really change much. I've had the sheets washed repeatedly with lye soap and I wash myself. I clean it when I can as well, but it doesn't match up to the rooms in the capital that's for sure.
"Is there nothing better?" Motaire snarled while looking at both myself and Madoise.
"This is our best room…" Madoise began to say. I almost snort at this lie.
"Psh. This is truly a miserable place." He continued to sling insults at my room. "An elite of the Paltine family in such a moldy, broken room…" Motaire sighed solemnly. "How Humiliating."
"Aye, so sorry." Madoise apologized but it was so hollow he might as well have remained silent. "Oh, and Sir Lute, please sleep in the main hall." I stared down to him for a moment before leaning down to his ear.
"I'll sleep elsewhere if that's alright with you," I muttered so not to be heard by Motaire.
Madoise gave me a look the turned sly. "Ah, I see. Very well." I nodded and leaned back up. I don't know what he was thinking but it can't be good.
"And where is my room?" Isis asked outside the room. "Ms. Isis, you will be in the Madam's room."
Lucky. I'd love to stay in the same room with her myself for any duration.
"Oh." She looked a bit relieved but conflictingly disappointed as well.
I stepped back for Madoise to pass. "This way," he walked out and waved his hands in a small bow in the direction he wanted her to go in. "I will show you there." With that Madoise took Isis and left. I peeked out the door and watched them leave. Well, I watched her leave. Isis has a really nice butt. Its looks just as seize worthy as her chest.
"Do you always sleep in the main hall?" I looked towards Motaire just as he turned around.
"No, I don't usually." I replied slyly. I know where this might be going.
"Then were usually? In a better room than this?" "
No." I shook my head and smiled. "Actually here."
"What!?" He yelled. "Did you just say that this is your room!?" I nodded. "HA HA HA! That's rich! We're a match it seems!" I bit my lip and stepped out the room a bit for the coming explosion. "How humiliating!" I heard and saw this coming a country away. "Me, top graduate of the knight academy, with a future in the royal guard, in a room like this…! Is there no limit to their mockery!?" When you make it so easy then no. I didn't say this though and sighed.
"Don't get too worked up…"
"Silence!" Motaire interrupted me. "What can an underling like you say to me?!" I really need to calm him down before he starts having one of his tantrums and breaks what furniture I do have.
"Look... I can grab you some white bread and wine?"
"Oh 'grab' you say? Watch your casual tongue!" It looks like his foul mood has reach untold heights. I rose my hands up and pulled off my bandana.
"Take it easy for a while," I said calmly. "The room is clean, so don't worry about bugs."
"Obviously! You think I could sleep with bugs!?"
I rose an eyebrow at him. "Are you having issues with work?" I asked. Maybe his really foul mood is product of problems in the castle. Just because you get a nice position doesn't mean its all sunshine and rainbows. The grass isn't always greener.
"Silence!" He roared at me angrily. "Damn it. Why much an elite come to this back-water town," he complained to me. It seems yet again I'm an outlet for his moans and complaints. I think I'm the only one he complains to so maybe I'm special. "My place is in the castle, protecting His Majesty." I remained quiet until he finished. I think he noticed this because he let out a sigh and waved me off. "If you're finished, then leave. I have no interest in reminiscing with you."
"Well, if you want to talk I'm always here Motite."
"It's Motaire!" With that he pushed me out of the room and slammed the room closed. I rubbed my head and began to walk away to the main hall.
"Awww, poor Lute." Shamsiel appeared in front of me, forcing me to stop in the middle of the hallway.
"It's whatever," I dismissed indifferently but Shamsiel just frowned at me. She looked so cute when she's annoyed.
"You were trying to be nice, but he was just throwing a tantrum. What a little punk."
"He's a noble born that's out of his element. I'm also sure his work as a royal guard is tough too." I reasoned more for his sake than mine.
"I should eat him," she suggested more than stated.
"You can if you want. I can't stop you but please refrain from killing him if you do." She's a demon. I may have the weapon and the wards to protect myself from her magic, but I'm not arrogant enough to order around a demon probably ten times my age.
"Good… he kept insulting you and needs to be punished."
"Just as long as you don't kill him Shamsiel. He was my classmate not too long ago."
"He doesn't seem to care about that."
I smiled. "He has big ambitions, so he's irritated. He appreciates me more than he wants to show, trust me. This is a common thing between us."
"You're too good a guy Lute," she said with smile that had her long canines showing past her lips. "But that's what I like about you." She grinned as she said that. It felt surprisingly good to hear a demon tell me she likes me. Or rather, it was a happy, almost ticklish kind of feeling. I can't really be sure.
The door to my room suddenly opened and Motaire left the room. "What's up? Couldn't sleep?"
"Where is the Prefect's room?" He sort of commanded instead of request from me. He rudely ignored my own question on top of this. I noticed Shamsiel's mood turn sour again with the return of Motaire and his 'holier art thou' attitude. It seems that I have no choice but to show him to the nicest room in the castle for his own good. When I led Motaire to the Prefect's room Isis had already arrived. I could see clearly the veins in his forehead bulging. It was so funny, but I kept my expression the same. "That little… weasel lied to me. 'Best room we have' my eye." Motaire glared at Irboyne, but like me, the Prefect didn't seem to care. Whatever the case was he has no intention of sharing his room.
"Motaire," Isis said noticing how Motaire is a second from jumping the desk and throttling the man across from it. "Let's get to business." She said firmly.
"Alright." He brushed her off. "We have come here to enlist your cooperation." Motaire began. "Recently, we've heard rumors regarding the Boan region. To put it bluntly, there's talk of a rebellion." He really did put it bluntly. There's not just talk but actual forces for the rebellion but actual meetings. I've walked the streets enough in cloak and dagger form to hear a couple things. I've noticed the energy masks I've seen in the dark as well that only specialists for the rebel army use. Of course, I haven't done a think about it yet.
"Rebellion…?" Irboyne asked almost genuinely surprised.
"There are some who are dissatisfied with the military rule being pushed forward by His Highness." Motaire gave the men in the room an accusatory glare. "And as you know, foolish nobles in Inland are continuing their rebellion, so we cannot have one starting here in Boan. While Boan isn't an essential point of operations it is next to Inland, not to mention bordering Lingobard."
I wanted to smack my forehead right now. This sort of talk is exactly why the king decided to remove the aristocratic regime for one ruled by knights and warriors. Nobles like him have their heads so high there thrones they don't understand the impact their arrogance can have. Strategically speaking as well, I can't believe what I just heard. It's like, really? He did not just way that. This land is basically a highway to both Lingobard and Shoenburg. If the rebels made a base of operations here then they could easily slither their way into the capital of both kingdoms within two to three days. I didn't speak this though. It would ruin my own plans. With rebels in the area there's an opportunity to make my own force once I expose it.
"Lingobard is a sister kingdom, but if a rebellion occurs here, they may yet show their fangs. Stay vigilant and on your guard. That is all." Motaire finished with a scoff.
"A rebellion would never happen in a place like this," Irboyne said gingerly.
"What?!" Motaire rose his voice.
"AH, what he meant to say is that we will use discretion." Madoise came in with a buffer.
"Discretion is our guarantee," I said with a grin to support him. That last thing anyone needs are royal guards or the kingdom to get into our business. "
You, keep out of this! Unless you are part of the rebellion!"
"Really?" Now he's throwing accusations around. Here we go again.
"You graduated the last of our class. That's reason enough to believe that you might choose to side with the rebellion!" While he did make a valid point there that doesn't make it any less bias. "Just so you know, any goodwill I might have for you as a former classmate won't save you. If you incite rebellion I'll slit your throat myself." How cold of him to say that.
"That's very kind of you," I said with a bit of dryness. "I'll be sure to add this to the codex."
"Don't embarrass yourself any more than you already have." Motaire spat at me. After delivering their series of high-handed insults, the two Royal guards left the room. I'm sensing some friction between them and everything else. Its like they are twice as snappy as before.
"Royal guards certainly have their pride," Madoise said with a mocking grin.
"That's the way elites are. It's a byproduct of the knight academy," the Prefect spoke with a loathsome tone before he vanished deep into his room. Interesting words. Criticism of the knight academy. I dare say those are the word of a rebellious man. One opposed to military rule. I rolled my eyes and walked down the main hall and headed out the castle. Might do some research later.
"Where they always that exasperating as classmates?" The prefect asked.
"Not that bad," I answered earnestly. I don't want get in the mix of this right now. I saluted the prefect and left seeing that I wasn't even supposed to be here for the message. I walked out to door and get to work again.
A/N: After along pause here's the next chapter.