The Tale about the Laughter of Azbezil
Chapter 6 The Great Council
The tale about the Laughter Of Azbezil
The Time of the Prohecy
Chapter 6
The Great Council
* * *
As the storyteller stepped into the room he found that it was full with people. The regulars that was there every evening was no surprise but he recognized some persons that had only been present on some of the earlier evenings. Obviously the word had been spreading that it was time for a new part of the tale. He sat down and the room became silent, waiting for him to begin.
"This evening will give you a grand new part of tale, The time of the prophecy. As I said from the beginning some of you might recognize parts of the tale from other tales you heard. The eternal guardians for instance figure in some classic stories but the difference is that this is the true origin of the story. I would be hard pressed to prove it, but in my mind there is no doubt. These events did actually take place in this country. Ladies and gentlemen hear the tale about the laughter of Azbezil."
* * *
Before we turn our attention to the new part of the tale I want to say a few comments about the hidden danger. Obviously the name of the first part of tale could be said to be about the threat from Azbezil but that ignores the fact that Azbezil never was very subtle. The purpose of the changed laws and raised taxes was very obvious from the beginning. The false king was building an army larger that everything seen before and the intent was attack and not defense. It is a mystery why people followed him willingly but perhaps it was something simple as envy towards the rich elves. For thousand of years the elves had used the ports of the kingdom since they didn't got any on their own. The deal that had been good in the beginning but the fixed fee had over time lost value and by the time Azbezil stole the throne the elves often told the humans to keep the change since they didn't want to carry so small valued coins.
The question about the naming of the part unanswered. My belief is that it is intended to be viewed from Azbezil's angle. Even while his supernatural allies worried about the missing king Azbezil didn't really share their worry. He had seen his brother's tries to defend himself from the demons and was basically waiting for him to die by age. His brother was a bard and the thought that he was a real threat sounded ridiculous to him. Thus Azbezil didn't react when reports started to come in about mysterious heroes appearing. Some of the reports spoke about similarities in appearance between the heroes and the royal family but that could be said about many nobles. They were not royal enough to be considered as candidates for the throne but still enough related to the Entaro family to look like the Entaros.
The thing that finally made him see his mistake was the demon lost due to Larion's banishment. A cleric that dared to banish one of his demons was bad enough but Zelak had reported the demon's guess about the identity of the attackers. The demons formed an import piece in Azbezil's plans and the loss of one of them was thus very serious. Still Azbezil didn't panic about losing more demons since he had a solution prepared. As you perhaps remember the demon disguised as General Marol Dorak had recruited the mysterious beggar some time before. Azbezil knew little about the demon hidden in the beggar body but the other demons had told him that the beggar was perfect to deal with clerics. In truth the vague rumors about the beggar's ability made the false king uneasy but he was sure that he could defeat him if needed. In any case the end result of what the events that I spoke about last evening was that Azbezil realized that he could not ignore the doings of Davrion and his family. Later this evening you will learn more what Azbezil decided to do but now it time to tell how Talinda began her life as a noble.
* * *
Lord Harper had always been a man with good reputation. His family had often played an important role in the affairs of the kingdom and the high moral standards of his family were well known. With this knowledge it is not surprising that the lord had almost become outcast when he ignored the fact that his wife was pregnant with the child of another man. The nobles said that lord Harper defiled the memory of his ancestors when he accepted that his wife was unfaithful. The staff of the castle thus went into shock when the Lord returned with a bastard daughter. That he would publicly accept a bastard daughter in this situation was almost more surprising than the fact that he got one in the first place.
As you perhaps remember from the beginning of the tale the lord did not act against his wife because of a threat from prince Madel. His love for his wife was long gone but the threat from the prince forced him to stand the many insults from Retalia. Talinda's arrival did of course give Retalia some excuse for being unfaithful among normal people but it was at the same time a hard strike towards Retalia's ego. She had accepted to have the child to hurt her husband but when the lord got a bastard child himself the point with her act was defeated. All this made the situation tense as Talinda went forward to greet Retalia Harper. Retalia was heavy with her child but got a proud stance as she studied the beautiful blonde girl in front of her. Talinda appearance was not very close to lord Harper's but still similarities could be seen.
"So my husband has not been completely faithless to me," Retalia said with a flat voice.
"Actually it did happen when we were just engaged. I hope that you can accept Talinda as the daughter you have not been able to give me," lord Harper said with a huge smile on his lips. His smile came from the agony that he saw in the eyes of Retalia when he mentioned the time of the act.
"A pleasure to meet you," Talinda said. She was trying to come up with anything more to say to ease the situation when a servant suddenly arrived.
"Lord Midilon has arrived and makes a formal request to be allowed to visit your castle for a couple of days," the servant said.
"How dare that man come to visit my castle!" Lord Harped called out in rage. Talinda thought for some seconds and then understood that Lord Midilon must be the father of Retalia's child.
"Tell Midilon that he is most welcome. It is always fun with guests," Retalia said.
Lord Harper trembled as the servant left but the ethics of the nobles prevented him from sending the man away if his wife wanted him to visit. A few moments later the doors opened and the lord entered. He was dressed in a long blue robe and followed by three personal servants. He was generally well looking but Talinda noticed that he strangely lacked eyebrows.
"I thank you for being allowed to stay at your castle. I am terribly sorry for arriving without any notice in advance but an experiment took more time than I expected. It was not until I finished that I remembered that your wife must be close to give birth," Lord Midilon said as he made a formal bow. Lord Harper was too upset to say anything and Retalia was busy looking at her husband’s anger so it was Talinda that was forced to find anything to say.
"What kind of experiment was it you did?" Talinda asked.
"Nothing that such a beauty like you could understand. I am the alchemist of king Azbezil and do very important research. Unfortunately I have had a bit bad luck so I got no results so far but sooner or later I will find out how to make gold," the lord said as he studied Talinda. Obviously he was wondering very much who she were.
"She is the bastard daughter of my husband and had just become adopted by us," Retalia explained as she gave Talinda a cold stare.
Lord Harper pulled Talinda aside and whispered to her, "I can't stand the thought that Retalia and lord Midilon will spend time with each other here in my castle. You must spend all possible time with Retalia to prevent this."
"What, I don't want to do that, she obviously despise me greatly," Talinda whispered back.
"Do it or I blow your cover," lord Harper threatened and Talinda was forced to nod in acceptance.
* * *
"Didn't we earlier heard that Azbezil owed the father of Retalia's children a favor?" a man in the audience asked.
"Yes, at the beginning the demon Lombadiel told Ezane that Madel got involved just because of that reason," an old man answered.
"Doesn't it sound like the alchemist will invent something important before the tales end. Most likely not how to create gold but something more dangerous," a woman suggested.
The storyteller noticed that somebody had given him a cup of ale. The discussion went on and he took the opportunity to drink. Finally it was silent again and he could begin again.
* * *
Lord Midilion had not arrived alone to the castle and a lot of work now followed to find places for all his men to sleep. Retalia was too heavy with the child to walk around and Talinda found that she had been assigned to deliver the lady’s messages. Talinda came walking back from the kitchen where she had told the cook what to make for dinner. The cook had listened patiently to her as he studied her but it was obvious that he know much better than lady Retalia what needed to be done. Talinda entered the lady’s chambers but paused when she heard Retalia talking to Lord Midilion.
"Would you allow me to touch so that I can feel our child kicking?" Lord Midilion asked.
"You should not be seen alone with me in my chamber or talking like that. Think of the gossip that will follow," Retalia said.
"Nay, what could it hurt. Half the kingdom has heard that you carry my child. Could we spend some time together tonight?" he replied.
"Still rumors are different from gossip. We can't simply risk it. What if my husband decides that he want to share my bed this night," Retalia answered with a hint of irritation in her voice.
"I have taken care of that. A potion I slipped into his wine will make sure that we will not have to worry about that problem," Lord Midilion said with a confident voice.
"Has he poisoned Lord Harper," Talinda wondered. She carefully bent forward to take a fast look at them. The view revealed much more to her than the conversion she just had heard. Lord Midilon was hugging Lady Retalia Harper closely but Talinda sensed lady Retalia's reluctance. The lady may carry his child but the Lord didn't really fill her with any warm feelings.
Unfortunately Retalia saw Talinda’s fast peek and Talinda had to step forward with a red face. The two nobles had of course pulled apart fast and now turned towards Talinda.
"Did you instruct the cook?" Retalia asked.
"Yes, he knows what should be done," Talinda replied as she wondered if she should mention what she just had seen. The hostile look in their faces fast convinced her that this was a bad idea.
"Dear stepdaughter I want you visit every room that has been assigned to guests and check that there are new candles there," Retalia ordered.
"I have already told the castle steward to do this. Can't I just go ask him if he has done it?" Talinda asked.
"Do as you are told. Count the number of candles in every room!" Retalia ordered and Talinda made a curtsey as she backed away. When Talinda had left Retalia got a cruel smile on her lips.
"Dear Lord Midilion would you mind very much if I wanted you to make that girl pregnant?" Retalia asked.
"It is you that I love but I suppose I could do it if you gave your consent. Still why would you like me to do that?" Lord Midilion asked.
"She obviously means a lot to my husband since he announced her as his daughter so we could use this to our advantage. When you has made her pregnant Lord Harper must let you marry her and we can use this as a reason to meet. I don't think you would mind to have her as your own whore either: She will most likely be overjoyed about to marry a lord so you can surely convince her to obey you," Retalia said.
"The girl seem clever enough. She will most likely not let me to make her pregnant in the first place," Lord Midilion answered.
"Then drug her or make her drunk. Think of the benefits if you succeed," Retalia said and she could see that Lord Midilion had started to like the idea. It took a lot of effort to keep her face calm until the lord has left her room. When he was gone Retalia burst into laughter.
"I wonder how long the fool will obey me. To get rid of his unwelcome advances this night by making him rape that cursed bastard girl is just beautiful. I can't wait to see Lord Harper’s face when he learns about it," Retalia thought. Her train of thoughts was interrupted when her child kicked hard.
* * *
It was late in evening as Talinda tried to make it back to her room. All the assignments during the day had made her tired and it had thus been welcome relief when Lord Midilion asked her to join him for a cup of wine. It was obviously a great time to learn important information but it had not gone well. It was first time she had drunk and Talinda had soon trouble to stay focused on what she was supposed to be doing. By her second cup she already had problem sitting straight even while Lord Midilion didn't seem affected at all. After the third she had decided that she must escape from the room before she shamed herself. Lord Midilion had offered to help her to his room and Talinda had first agreed until she her drunken mind registered how bad it would be to end up drunk in his room instead of her own. Talinda found the door to her room and struggled with lock for a couple of minutes. She could simply not manage to aim the key correctly.
"I'm dabbler noo luch wil keep meee out," she mumbled and knocked at the lock as she ordered "Oppeen." It took a couple of tries but finally the lock answered her magic and turned open. She stumbled inside and pushed the door closed behind her. It felt like the floor was moving and she lay down on her bed without getting undressed.
* * *
"How did she open that lock, wasn't she just a thief?" a man in the audience asked.
"Just a thief would not be the right description. Earlier we learnt that Talinda's profession is the ancient dabbler. A thief who combines arms with magic to steal. Talinda do indeed got magic even while it is not suited for combat," the storyteller answered.
"I see, sorry about the interruption but I didn't remember that part of the tale," the man said with a red face. The storyteller nodded and continued.
* * *
Late in the nigh Lord Harper knocked on the door to Talinda's room but when he got no answer he tested to see if it was open. It was so open he entered without delay, Talinda lay sleeping on the bed fully dressed.
"I heard that you and Lord Midilion had been drinking. I must give thanks to that bastard. I got a feeling that you would object some to give me the sex I deserve," Lord Harped said with a chuckle has he started to untie the knots of Talinda's dress.
Talinda was totally unconscious and couldn't raise any objections. He pulled the dress off her and trembled as he saw more and more of her skin exposed. He let his fingers play over her trim body and took hold of her cotton underwear and ripped them off. Lord Harper mumbled in disbelief as he looked as Talinda's body in front of him. Never before had he seen such perfect symmetry in a body. His hands extended to touch her breasts and the view was nothing compared to the touch. Soon his hands were moving all over Talinda's defenseless body. After a while he stopped and got up standing.
"Why do I pretend to make love to her, I can just fuck her as much as I like," he mumbled and undid his own clothes. He got out of his clothes and his hand drifted down to make his member hard so that he could do the task. His eyes drank in the vision of beauty as he pumped up and down. Unknowing to Lord Harper he was not alone since Lord Midilion spied at him from the doorway. Lord Midilion was very angry about finding Lord Harper blocking access to Talinda but this was nothing to the anger Lord Harper felt.
"Don't let me down now buddy, I can't miss a chance like this," Lord Harper called out but no matter what he could still not make his member hard enough.
"Perhaps I can stimulate it enough if I make her suck on it," Lord Harper mumbled and got up on the bed. He pushed Talinda's lips apart and pushed inside. Talinda was completely unconscious so he was forced to move her head up and down with his hands but it didn't do much good.
Lord Harper had done this for a while when he registered what his fingers felt. With a surprised gasp he pushed Talinda's blond hair to expose her ears and he stared at their pointed form. He pulled out from Talinda's mouth and stumbled away from the bed with a white face.
"She is elven, no wonder she got such a wonderful body. They will think that I am a friend of the elves if it gets known that my bastard daughter got elven blood in her," Lord Harper thought. For some moments he wondered if he should kill her and hide the body but he soon concluded that this would draw to much attention to her person.
Lord Midilion had not noticed what Lord Harper had discovered but had finally given up and stalked down the corridor. The thought that he should marry a bastard was of course ridiculous but wouldn't have minded have two minstresses in castle instead of one.
"That stupid Lord Harper will spend the whole night before he realizes that it is impossible for him to get an erection. I hope that he doesn't connect this with the cup of wine that I used to deliver the potion," Lord Midilion thought.
When he looked up he saw that his steps had taken him to rooms of Retalia. First he thought about to leave but he still got the almost painful erection. He pulled his scroll of opening from his pocket and used it to unlock the door. As he stalked inside he pushed the now empty rune paper into his pocket. He entered the bedroom and saw Retalia Harper in the bed. The bedcover was pulled down slightly and left Retalia's right breast exposed.
"Sleeping nude in the bed, sounds like you are ready for some action," Lord Midilion thought and lit a number of candles. The light from the candles was enough to wake Retalia up and surprised she looked at Lord Midilion.
"Your plan won't work. I found your husband in bed with Talinda himself so obviously he won't mind if she gets pregnant. Therefor I decided that we could take opportunity to have sex with you instead," Lord Midilion said as he started to undress.
"No, I don't want to, leave directly or I ring the bells to call a servant," Retalia said as she sat up with the bedcover around her.
"I say that you let me inside. Who will believe that I spent a valuable open rune scroll to sneak into your bedroom," Lord Midilon said and smiled as Retalia's eyes turned towards his hard member that was exposed when he opened his robe.
"I do love you but my pregnancy is to far gone," Retalia pleaded.
"I need proof of your devotion now," Lord Midilion said and after that Retalia looked him into his eyes she nodded. Retalia pulled the bedcover away to expose her nude body: A few seconds later Lord Midilion was in the bed behind her and she felt his hands slide over her body. She felt him trying to aim his member correctly to enter her wet folds but he could not really see what he was doing.
"I must be a bit horny after all since I am wet," Retalia thought but she didn't intend to help him at all.
With a proud sigh Lord Midilon found the way inside and pushed forward. He let his hand drift down to Retalia's round belly and hugged it as he worked up the speed. Retalia lay completely still but the sensation was great anyway so Lord Midilon didn't complain. After a while he felt Retalia start to respond to the stimuli and her hands started to play over her body.
"Admit that it feels great but you are a bit passive for it to be a proof of your devotion," Lord Midilon mumbled and pulled his member out and spread Retalia's ass checks.
"No don't push it up there, it will hurt," Retalia pleaded and tried to pull away but Lord Midilon had a secure grip on her and she could not get away.
"Have you thought about that prince Madel promised me that you would be a eager lover and mother of my children. Surely the satisfaction you would get from Lord Harper killed couldn't compare with the risk that prince Madel's take revenge on you," Lord Midilon whispered and Retalia ended trying to get free.
She lay completely still as the Lord with much effort forced himself inside. Lord Midilon could tell that it was the first time she had accepted anything in there but this only increased his satisfaction. He finally was inside and bent over to kiss Retalia. Her face was wet with tears but as he slowly started moving again he could tell that she the pain had lessened enough to let experience pleasure again.
"You will later help me get into bed with your stepdaughter," Lord Midilon said but Retalia was to overcome by the sensations to hear him. She screamed as the core of her being vibrated and Lord Midilon could not stand the stimulation and released his load.
* * *
Talinda struggled back to conscious as she heard somebody knocking at her door. Her head hurt terribly as she got up and went to open the door. She opened to find a servant waiting outside.
"Lord Harper has instructed me to tell you to assemble your gear since you will depart shortly," the servant said.
"What, are we going travel with Retalia so close to give birth," Talinda mumbled as she tried to clear her head.
"No, lady Retalia will remain here. A messenger from the court arrived this morning and summoned both lords to the court. King Azbezil the mighty has ordered the great council to assemble," the servant replied.
"What kind of council was it?" Talinda asked.
"Lord Harper says that old laws instructs that in times of crises the king must assemble every lord of the realm to gain their support. The last time the council was assembled was during queen Ensalion the great's reign more than 400 hundred years ago," the servant answered.
* * *
"That would mean right at the end of the dark ages," a woman commented.
"Still it doesn't tell us anything about the end of the tale. Did the dark ages end because of the elves took over or because we liberated ourselves?" an old woman said.
"I don't think you can figure this out, would not you not rather hear what happened at the great council?" the storyteller asked and every nodded he continued.
* * *
A loud fanfare was heard as the doors to the throne-room opened. The crowd of nobles that waited turned towards the door. Into the room the false king Azbezil came walking. His large red cape and black hair moved like if a steady but weak wind was blowing in his direction. He smiled as he saw the huge number of lords waiting him.
He did already know that all lords of the country had arrived or sent relatives so that the legendary great council could assemble but it was good to see them. The rules declared that the royal family in the order of their claims on the throne should follow the king so Ezame and her two sons followed directly behind him. Azbezil could not help smiling when he thought about the irony of Ezame as being the closet to the throne. If she was close to anything it was her death, when she delivered his third son she would not be needed anymore. No matter how deep she tried to hide she was in truth the daughter of Davrion VII. Azbezil only enjoyed her presence when she was screaming in terror or pain.
"Like the legends instruct I have called the great council since we got a threat towards the realm itself. The elves have proven not to be content we with hiding behind their undead hordes but wants to throw down your king. It has come to my knowledge that a group of elves has used vile magic to change their appearance to resemble my own. Heavens know how they believe that they may convince the people to turn against the true human Entaro on the throne but shall we wait for them to try?" Azbezil called out.
The nobles present mumbled and whispered to each other as the implications of what had been said sank in. On the rear of the room Talinda stood and noticed that Lord Harper had turned and was staring right at her with a surprised look on his face.
"I understand if you have trouble believing it but it is truth. Hear the words of grandchild Zelak Entaro who brings you the truth," Azbezil declared.
"It is well known that the elves often fail to control their own vile magic. The undead will often turn towards the elves themselves. Some time ago the elves managed to make their magic reach into central Nabasi. Our greatest town could have fallen but luck was with us the clerics lost control and was killed before they could release their undead horde. While I investigated the events I encountered two elven women that looked incredibly similar to my dear mother Ezame. Obviously they were the ones that had brought the elven magic to Nabasi but as I wasn't prepared to meet them they managed to escape," Zelak said.
"I demand that my mother that was killed by elves must be avenged, these evil beings must die. Put an end to threat from the elves once for all," Ezame called out. The moment afterwards she started crying with her eyes locked at her husband that was staring coldly at her from the other side of the room.
"Excuse my mother, the memories of the elves attack towards this very castle has overcome her. Let the council answer her plea for revenge instead of troubling her more," Madel called out and smiled since many nobles seemed eager to do the task themselves.
"The common people must not be tricked by these elves imposters. One hundred scribes will work day and night to produce the needed material to spread the truth. Still it is not enough we must be brave enough to use the same weapons as the enemy to put an end to it once for all," Azbezil said.
"What is the king's proposal to the great council of the realm?" Madel asked in a formal voice.
"Magic and weapons shall join in an attack that will bring us all the way into the so called sacred center of the elven realm. We can't afford to show any mercy, all kinds of magic user must be allowed to join us in our righteous war," Azbezil called out. Most of the nobles had drawn their weapon but some lords still hesitated.
"Don't you see what we risk doing. The laws against using magic in wars were developed just because that the high elves did exactly this when they attacked the dwarfs. The gods turned from the high elves and now all the high elves are gone. We must not do the same mistake," a lord named Apinon called out. Many of the hesitating lords nodded as they heard his words.
"The wood elves are the same kind of beings as the high elves. They have already done this towards us. Shall we try the same course of action that dwarfs did?" Azbezil asked with triumph in his voice.
"The rules of the council must be followed. One full day before the nobles answer if the suggestion should be followed," Lord Apinon called out.
"The rules of the realm must be followed if the councils decision should hold," Azbezil answered while he made a formal bow.
"The members of the council should get the night to think it over before they answer," Madel called out as Azbezil walked towards the exit.
* * *
Hours later Katin Apinon sat on the bed waiting. Her husband Lord Apinon had told her to not stay up waiting for him but Katin had decided to do it anyway. Lord Apinon had looked worried when he went to the late night meeting with the other lords and Katin hoped that he would be successful. For some reason she felt afraid as she waited in the dimly lit room. The royal castle should be safe but there was something about this night that made her doubt the safety of the castle.
The door opened as Lord Apinon entered the bedroom. He looked tired but to Katin's relief he didn't seem to be disappointed. The lord locked the door and then turned towards the bed. Katin rested on her elbows with a smile on her face. The light from a single candle cast suggestive shadows over Katin Apinons body. She was dressed in white silk robe and way it folded hinted that she had no underwear.
"Did the meeting go well?" Katin asked as she let her hand slide down her hips. Originally she had planned to go to sleep now but she felt a longing in her body. She could see that her sexy pose took effect and smiled, as her husband seemed to also be interested in some play in the bed too.
"It was rather successful. Our side has enough lords to block the council from taking this decision about increased attacks towards the elves," Lord Apinon answered.
He walked closer and Katin let her legs slide aside suggestively. He smiled and started to undress. Just as his hard member came visible Katin let her robe slide open and lord Apinon's attention was locked on his wife in front of him.
"Do you want me to make love to you?" he asked.
"Yes please, do that darling," Katin said. To her surprise her husband instead went down on his knees. He bent forward to blow a hot breath before he started to kiss her legs. Katin was pleasantly surprised, her husband was often to stiff and old-fashioned to test anything new.
"It feels so good when you do that," Katin whispered as she felt her breath quicken.
Katin panted as she got closer to her release, words could simply not describe to level of pleasure that her husband with simple measures could induce in her. Suddenly the candle went out and the room was covered in complete darkness.
"What happened to the candle?" Katin mumbled the moment before her body rocked in a glorious orgasm.
"Do you want me to check or should I continue what we are doing?" lord Apinon asked with a playful voice.
"Please, make love to me, I want to feel your strong body pressed towards mine," Katin answered.
Lord Apinon got up standing and then there was a long pause. Katin was slowly coming down from the climax and started wondering what took him so long. Luckily she didn't have to wait anymore. He descended down on her and she raised her hands to feel his body but he had other ideas in mind and guided her fingers back towards her breasts and pussy. Katin giggled and started stroking herself as his hard member pressed inside her. She was very wet and it went inside almost without effort.
Katin was busy fingering herself as he took up speed. There was as urgency his thrusts that she had never felt before. Her calm and gentle husband did always threat her like she would break but for once he did really make love to her without hesitation. It felt wonderful and Katin panted with desire. She heard him groan as he pushed into her with all his might.
"Did you come?" Katin asked still panting with desire but to her surprise he just pulled out without answering. Katin waited confused as she tried to figure out why he had left her. Her fingers drifted towards her wet cunt but he didn't seem to be have climaxed.
"Darling, what are you doing?" Katin asked as she sat up in her bed.
When her feet's reached the floor she felt something soft down there. Her husband lay on the floor directly besides the bed. Katin extended her hand to shake him but found the body much to relaxed.
"Are you in pain?" Katin asked but her trembling fingers revealed the truth. Her husband was not breathing at all. He had already started to get cold. Katin screamed in panic, as she understood the truth.
* * *
"There must be somebody else in that room," an old man exclaimed. People that been listening just a little on the last scene had fast come back to attention.
"Is it Azbezil that has killed the lord because of he tried to oppose him?" a woman asked.
"You could listen if you want to learn how the killing was done," the storyteller suggested and the room got silent again.
* * *
Talinda smiled as she picked a jewel necklace and placed it in her purse. It had been a simple matter to sneak in when the wife of the lord went into the bathroom. She had been waiting outside for the right moment. After blocking the door to the bathroom so that she couldn't be disturbed she was busy sorting through all the jewelry. Luck had made her hear that the lords would have a meeting tonight and she had been working for hours. All the hidden pockets in her cloth and her purse were filled so she had been forced to be selective about what she took. It was not really a problem since her magic could evaluate the true value of everything but it felt really bad to leave treasures behind all the time.
A high pitched screamed was suddenly heard and Talinda reacted instantly and ran. Outside in the corridor she heard steps coming closer and hid behind a statue. In the dimly lit corridor she saw prince Madel walking away from the direction of the screaming woman. When he had left she continued down the corridor and saw a couple of people trying to break through a locked door.
A few seconds later the door broke down and Talinda joined the others entering the room. Inside they found a nude lady Katin Apinon screaming on the floor beside her husband. She desperately tried to pry loose a metal choker around his neck but it was obvious that she was many minutes to late. Talinda pushed through the crowd to be able to examine the body. The metal choker was locked in some magic way and Talinda didn't dare to touch it.
"I wonder who put it there," Talinda thought and called on her magic to examine the item from distance. Her vision flashed but strangely it revealed no vision about how the evil device had been put on the noble. Talinda put more force into the spell and suddenly saw how an unknown soldier had given the metal choker to Madel. Trembling from the use of power Talinda let her vision return to normal and found that the room was filled with activity. An older lord had pulled the hysteric wife away from the body and was trying to calm her down. The others were busy searching the room for any intruders. Talinda joined the search but it was obvious that all doors and windows had been locked from the inside.
A few seconds later a company of guards arrived with king Azbezil in the middle. Behind the king the two princes and couple of other important people followed. Katin Apinon noticed that Azbezil had arrived and ran forward.
"My husband has been murdered. What kind of false security do your castle offer?" she asked crying.
No visible emotion could be seen in the false king's face as studied the nude woman in front of him. Katin had still not noticed that she hadn't put any clothes on but she could see the king's indifference to what had happened.
"Soldiers arrest this woman. One of my lords are dead and that it was wife that did the foul deed doesn't change anything," Azbezil said. Around the room people could be heard mumbling in disbelief. Since she had been alone in the room they could see the logic of it but it still sounded unreal.
"My king you get it all wrong, somebody else did kill him. I could never have hurt him, can't you summon a cleric to revive him?" Katin pleaded crying as guards rushed forward and pushed her down on the floor.
"Your false sympathy for your victim is pointless. We do all know that I won't accept any clerics inside the castle because of their alliance with the elves. If we had any clerics of a neutral religion things would be different," Azbezil said.
"They are out to blame the poor woman. I saw Madel walk away from here and it was his necklace," Talinda thought. She was furious but kept her feelings hidden. She understood how bad things could turn if she attracted attention to herself and was forced to remain silent. Talinda hesitated but realized that she must act now if she wanted to do anything. After a few seconds thinking she saw a way to use her magic to avoid discovery.
"Demand that magic should be used to check her story," she projected to one of the lords with a suggestion spell.
"We need to know for sure that Lady Katin Apinon is guilty. The laws demand that a seer uses death's tale to verify that she did it," the lord said a few seconds later when the magic had broken through his defenses.
Azbezil looked up in surprise since the request came from one of his most loyal lords. Talinda was busy in the background and forced more people to say things that supported the suggestion. Some was strong enough to resist her magic but soon people had picked up the idea and Talinda could stop intervening.
"My trusted advisor Mathan use your magic to verify that she did indeed did commit the murder," Azbezil said but didn't seem worried by the request.
Mathan stepped forward to the large mirror and pointed towards it as he mumbled a spell. Instead of showing any picture the mirror turned black.
"The murder was done in darkness, wait a second and my magic will fix the problem," Mathan said as he begun a second spell.
A few seconds later the image cleared to show the room. Lord Apinon's fingers were desperately trying to take off the evil necklace. At the bed Katin Apinon was masturbating nude as death was approaching her husband. Katin Apinon cried in disbelief as she saw what the spell revealed.
"It isn't true. The murderer put the necklace on him and then fucked me on the bed. I thought that it was my husband," Katin Apinon mumbled.
"The vision behind spell would had revealed any other person present. You obviously put the item around his neck and then started to masturbate on the bed," advisor Mathan said with contempt in his voice.
Talinda's attention was locked on the image of Katin Apinon. Her sharp attention had detected that Katin's moist cunt was pushed open like something was pressed inside.
"Somebody, perhaps Madel, is sure busy fucking the woman. Invisibility or illusions can't fool scrying but some other spell sure did it," Talinda thought.
Unfortunately Mathan dropped the spell and the image disappeared before Talinda had time to react.
"Thus we now that the lord didn't commit suicide and that Katin was alone when it happened. I sentence this murderer to be executed tomorrow," Azbezil said with a proud voice.
"If I try to make people object again I may be discovered," Talinda realized and walked away with a cold feeling along her spine. If her interference had done anything at all it was to help Azbezil cover the murder.
* * *
"Madel, is a magent, isn't he?" an old woman asked and interrupted the storyteller.
"What is a magent?" a young man asked.
"It is an assassin that uses magic to cover their tracks. They can also transmit poisons by touch and do a number of other things," the old woman answered.
"How do you know about this horrible profession?" the young man asked.
"I have seen much of the world when I was younger. Magent's are not that common but if you are rich enough they are the best you can get," the old woman answered. The question seemed to disturb her a lot.
"You are right about Madel, can I continue with the tale now?" the storyteller asked.
* * *
Talinda opened the door to the rooms of the Harper family. She found lord Harper sitting and waiting on her. She was to upset about Lady Katin Apinon's fate to note that he wore only a night robe.
"Have you stolen enough to be happy sweet daughter. I think it is time you give me the body contact that we spoke about before," Lord Harper said.
"There are more important things going on, lord Apinon has been killed and lady Apinon arrested for the murder," Talinda said.
"I don't get why we should care. I demand the payment for allowing you to come close to the other nobles and steal," lord Harper answered and moved closer.
"You don't understand, the poor lady is innocent, prince Madel is the one who did the murder," Talinda said as she backed away.
"So what, the king wanted him removed because of his objections towards the kings suggestion to the council. You wouldn't be here complaining if you could prove her innocent so forget the matter," lord Harper replied.
He had cornered Talinda and smiled as he stepped forward and placed his hands on Talinda's breasts. He could feel the smooth flesh through her thin dress and it was incredibly soft and firm just like he remembered it. Before he got time to continue he felt terrible pain in his groin as her knee hit him there. He sank down to floor and when his vision cleared he saw that Talinda was busy unpacking her luggage. She had already the weapon belt around her waist and was busy adding her throwing daggers.
"Don't be silly, what can you do? Innocent or not that girl end up in lands of the ancestors," Lord Harper said as he got up on his knees. Talinda hesitated as fear filled her but it was not enough to make her change her mind.
"No wonder this realm is so close to disaster, my chances of success is of no importance compared with the possible death of an innocent person!" Talinda excalimed. She picked up her small shield and walked towards the door. When she had left Lord Harper rested towards the wall.
"Thief or nor, perhaps you are the kind of daughter I used to dream I would have," lord Harper mumbled as he started crying.
* * *
There was no law that prevented nobles to have weapons inside the royal castle but Talinda still understood that the equipment she got would attract attention since it was late in the night. Thus she stalked through the castle and hid from any servants passing by. The other nobles had returned to their rooms and the servants knew better than run around and make noises close so the corridors were almost empty. The chances to save the lady were not great but Talinda took comfort from the belief that if anyone could do the deed it would be her.
Talinda left the upper levels of the castle and passed the servants floors. Lord Harper had shown her most of the castle so she knew were the dungeons could be found. The king’s castle normally only held very special prisoners and the dungeons had thus not been used in a couple of hundred years. All this was comforting since it would make it easy to spot what cell had been chosen for the lady. Unfortunately this proved too not be the case, every part of the dungeon was cleaned and in perfect condition. There had been no guards at the entrance but this was obviously just to keep the impression of dungeons as not used believable.
Talinda heard steps approaching and her magic covered her in shadows as she hid in an alcove. A soldier came walking with a bundle over his shoulder. As he passed Talinda studied at the bundle to figure out what was inside.
"It is a female," Talinda realized and ran forwards. It sounded strange that a single soldier would carry the lady around unconscious during the night but there was just one prisoner in the dungeon. The soldier heard something and turned but never had time to react before Talinda's falchion cut into his throat. He collapsed on the floor trying to call out but the injury was too severe. Talinda caught the sack with the body and carefully put it down. She cut the sack open but gasped in disbelief when he saw what was inside. It was not Katin Apinon but a young blond woman that lay there. She was still warm but most definitely dead. Her body was covered with strange tattoos and deep injuries. In her face the last moment of unbearable pain was frozen. Talinda stumbled backwards in panic but could not help to register more details. The poor woman's belly had been ripped open and burnt by fire.
* * *
"Did you say that her body was covered in tattoos?" a man asked.
"Yes, she got a number of tattoos. Runes and symbols for power," the storyteller replied a bit irritated. Why should they always intervene when he was starting to get going?
"What kind of symbols are we speaking about?" the man asked.
"I would prefer to not reproduce them since they got real powers but of course we are speaking about evil symbols," the storyteller answered. The man nodded and the storyteller could continue.
* * *
It had taken Talinda some moments to recover but finally she started searching in the direction that the soldier had come from. Unfortunately she had only a general idea and that was not enough to guide her steps. She had been searching for a while when she heard a woman scream in panic.
"I recognize that scream," Talinda thought and started running. The scream had come from a completely different part of the dungeon than she was searching. The scream was silenced shortly afterwards but Talinda was close enough to find the right door. She hesitated outside the door since she didn't know how many enemies there were inside. Like often her magic found a way to solve her problem and her vision blurred as she looked through the solid door. Inside the room she saw lady Apinon far away from her life as a noble lady. A group of soldiers had chained her between two pillars down on her knees. The chains didn't allow her to stand up or lay down so sat on her knees while the soldiers made obscene gestures towards her. Tears were falling down Katin's cheeks as their cruel eyes studied her nude body. Talinda mumbled a curse when she became aware how many soldiers there where. Sixteen professional soldiers were surely more than what she could handle in battle even with a surprise attack.
Katin Apinon took in air to scream again but was silenced by a slap from the closest soldier. He delivered an evil smile as he undid the string to his trousers and pulled his member outside. Katin pulled away in fear when she saw how big it was but the soldier caught her hair and pulled her back. A tear ran down Talinda's cheek as she saw how he pushed inside the woman's mouth without mercy. The memories of her own forced oral service still stung her heart. One more soldier came forward, he was already nude, and pushed himself between Katin's legs. Katin groaned in protest but there was not much she could do to resist his much greater strength.
"Ohh I my goddess, they are raping her and here I am standing helpless watching," Talinda thought as she tried to come up with some way to save the poor woman. Her concentration was broken when she saw yet another soldier walk forward.
"What does he have in mind," Talinda wondered? Katin was too caught by the abuse to note his presence until he forced her asscheeks apart. Talinda still stared without getting what he was doing but Katin desperately tried to move away as his fingers examined her only unused hole. The soldier fucking her cunt moaned in pleasure as her increased movement increased his enjoyment.
"No he can't really..." Talinda mumbled aloud as the soldier added yet another probing finger. Katin groaned in pain when he forced yet a third finger inside. Suddenly he pulled his hand away and guided the head of his member forward. He encountered hard resistance but didn't hesitate to push with all his might forward. Katin screamed in panic and pain but there was no relief. Talinda stared in horror on what was happening but to her surprise she found the scene slightly erotic. She wouldn't want to change place with poor Katin for anything in the world but could not deny that she found the raw sex thrilling. This thought made her think on her own lost beloved Awril and she sobbed in sorrow as she remembered how she had wanted him to take her virginity. With an assembly of will she turned back to the problem of how to save Katin Apinon.
"How arousing must not the male soldiers find this. What if I use my magic to make them start fighting among themselves," Talinda thought? She reached with her magic inside and suggested to every soldier waiting that he deserved to go next. The soldier fucking Katin's mouth finished by pumping his hot load down her throat. She gagged but as the soldier pulled away five soldiers went forward at the same time. When they noticed the others they started to argue. The argument could barely be heard outside and Talinda was reminded that she used magic to look through the door. After some thinking she started to suggest that weapons were the best solution to the problem. This proved much harder since the soldiers had a natural resistance towards attacking each other. One of the soldiers had started to rape Katin's mouth again but the other soldiers continued to argue about who should go next. Finally the temper of one of soldiers snapped and he picked up his shortsword from the floor.
The moment afterwards the others followed and Talinda could not help smiling as they started fighting. With no armors the weapons hurt badly and with in a few seconds many soldiers was down. The soldiers stared at each other in confusion but Talinda didn't give them time to recover. She kicked the door open and charged inside. She held her falchion in her left hand and let some of her throwing daggers fly. The targets were the soldiers that had been raping Katin and now stood around her. Two went down while the third clutched his side where the dagger had hit.
"My concentration was not the best during that last throw," Talinda thought but soon got more pressing problems. On the border of her vision she saw a soldier thrust towards her side and she whirled around to catch the weapon on her shield. Talinda blocked yet another thrust before she was ready to attack. The short delay had given the soldiers left time to form up and they now tried to surround her. Talinda was the only one fully armed and he used this fact to her advantage but still felt the first sword sting after a few seconds. The sword had touched her shield on the way forward and thus did only a minor wound. Talinda hit back with a low swing and one of the soldiers went down screaming in pain. Talinda whirled around and let her falchion cut towards all men that attacked he. Yet another swing had hit her shield arm before she managed to cut down the last soldier. A huge bleeding started but luckily the bone had not broken. As the battle was over Talinda started to register how much the wounds hurt but grinning in pain as she forced herself to finish the soldiers that only had been injured.
I must tend my injuries, but then I will help you" Talinda mumbled and found some reasonably clean cloth to bind around the bleeding injuries.
"I saw you in my room after the murder, who are you who wants to help poor me?" Katin asked.
"Talinda Entaro at your service. I could not stand the thought that you would die for something that Madel did so I decided to save you," Talinda replied.
"So it was Madel who killed my husband," Katin mumbled. Talinda had finished her simple first aid treatment and took her lock-picking set. She worked for a while and the left shackle opened.
She just got around the other side when she heard voices in the corridor approaching.
"Leave, I got nothing left to live for, save your self," Katin pleaded but Talinda shook head.
"Open," Talinda said and knocked on the shackle. Her magic came forward and the shackle opened but she was starting to feel exhausted and when they stumbled for the exit it was Katin who assisted Talinda. Before they left they took two capes left by the soldiers and hidden by these they walked down the corridor.
"How should we make it out of the castle? We will have soldiers searching after us in any second," Katin said as they exited the dungeon.
"By the gate to the castle, that is the only place they will not send reinforcements since the gates are locked during the night," Talinda replied.
Finally they saw the gate and like Talinda had predicted no soldier had been sent this way since the drawbridge was raised.
"It is no use, the gatehouse, that has the controlling mechanics, is filled with soldiers," Katin mumbled in despair. It sounded like she again was ready to turn herself over.
"Have faith," Talinda replied and called on her magic powers.
"Operate," she ordered and a few seconds later the drawbridge lowered itself.
From the gatehouse soldiers screamed in surprise but Talinda and Katin had time enough to run outside. Talinda made the drawbridge rise again to delay the followers. They had a lead start but Talinda felt the pain from her injured leg and understood that they had no chance to stay away from horses sent after them.
"Let's hide in the scrub over there. I can use my magic to make the soldier’s search on other places. One of my sisters has given me some herbs that I can use to mend my wounds," Talinda said. She carefully hid their tracks and they crawled into safety.
"My beloved husband is dead, what is left for me?" Katin Apinon mumbled crying.
"I understand how you feel, I have lost somebody too, perhaps revenge is the only thing left for us," Talinda replied as she gave Katin a comforting hug.
"I don't know how Awril died," Talinda realized and for a moment she thought that heard a battle horn sound in the far distance. First she thought that it was from the castle and signaled that the hunt for them had begun but then she noticed that it came from the opposite direction.
"That can't be a real world horn, do it want to summon me or warn me," she wondered but the only thing she was sure about was that she no longer wanted to remain ignorant about what really happened to her Awril.
* * *
"This ends the entertainment of the evening, I hope everyone enjoyed what they heard," the storyteller said and sent his hat out.
"Can you explain something to me. Why didn't Azbezil just use the seer Mathan to locate Talinda and Katin, I hope I did not now reveal what will happen tomorrow," a woman asked as she blushed.
"A good question. The truth is that Mathan did try but failed. The explanation will not be obvious until later in the tale but for now it enough to know that no magic could reveal the location of Davrion or his children," the storyteller answered.
Who is who in the Laughter of Azbezil?
Pymaria
Age 48
She saved the king from certain death in the moat of the royal castle. She used to dream about becoming a singer at the opera but have settled to be the mother of Davrion's children. She and Davrion have nine children.
Davrion VII Entaro
Profession Bard
Age 78
The rightful king but removed from the throne by his brother. He is severely crippled after combat with Azbezil's demons and starting to get old. Still the magic that healed him from the brink of death has kept him in good health.
Azbezil Entaro
Profession Magician
Magic realm Essence
Age 78
The twin brother of Davrion. He claims to be king Davrion and have managed to convince the people that he changed his name due to sorrow over the dead queen. The ancient prophecy marks him as the witch king that will bring ruin and death to the kingdom.
Ezame III Entaro
Age 43
Davrion's oldest daughter that was captured by Azbezil. She is the unwilling lover of Azbezil and mother to Zelak and Madel.
Fenlyw Entaro
Profession Illusionist
Magic realm Essence
Age 30
Davrion's oldest son, skilled in the art of illusions. He is the one that is closet to Davrion in interests of the past but the rest of the family finds him unfocused and careless. His similar interests with Davrion have made him the favorite son. Because of this Davrion has selected him as the field leader in the struggle against Azbezil but the rest of the family doesn't share Davrion's faith in Fenlyw's abilities.
Enbon Entaro
Profession Fighter
Weapon Scimitars used in two-weapon combo
Special items Got two magic scimitars
Age 27
Could beat his elven instructors in the art of combat by the age of 12. Only lack of worthy opponents has slowed down his development since then. His only real interests are combat and athletic skills and he is thus not very talented in other areas. He got Trioni Arlin as girlfriend.
Duwlon Entaro
Profession Sage
Age 24
Extremely intelligent and with large ambitions. The one of Davrion's children that been most irritated by being forced to stay hidden in the cottage. Had a brief romantic encounter with Tysania Agril, daugther to Tarben Agril, but left when he understood that they were Azbezil followers.
Cymari Entaro
Profession Ranger
Magic realm Channeling
Weapon Longbow and short sword
Special powers Has been affected by unknown magic at the tomb of kings. The magic allows her to see spirits and magic but the spirits of the ancient elves warned her that the powers are dangerous.
Age 21
A talented ranger with a strong sense of duty. Her skill with the longbow is without comparison in the family.
Talinda Entaro
Profession Dabbler
Magic realm Essence
Weapon Falchion and shield.
Age 18
A girl who knew her line of profession from the moment that she started to crawl. Lots of practice made her a master pick pocketer even before she left home. She is also skilled in most kind of small weapons and unarmed combat. She is in love with Awril the sharpsighted. Awril is one of elven rangers that protects the family but Talinda thinks that he is dead.
Larion Entaro
Profession Cleric
Magic realm Channeling
Age 15
A girl filled with much compassion and a strong belief in her goddess. She has never visited a real temple but still got a strong grip on the art of cleric magic. The goddess she follows is the ancient elven goddess of the night. The goddess used to be worshipped by most humans and elves but very humans follow her way except by lip services. Helian has enslaved Larion but the limits of this magic control are not clear.
Junia Entaro
Special Soprano
Age 11
A girl that very much resembles Pymaria. She is interested in singing and spends most of her time either practicing or begging for lessons from Pymaria or Davrion.
Helian Entaro
Profession Houri
Magic realm Mentalism
Special Normally transmit her magic by kisses and touch but can affect victims on distance by throwing kisses.
Age 89
Was by the age of the 5 affected by the magic cum of her father. When her body could not cope with the feelings she was brought to the lake of three flames to be healed. The magics of the lake brought her to a possible future were she becomes a priestess of the cult that controls the powers of the lake. She helped rebuilding the kingdom but was called back to join the battle against Azbezil. She is very determined since she knows that failure means that everyone, including herself, dies in the end. Has taken Larion Entaro as a sexslave.
Awril Fandyllion
Profession Ranger
Magic realm Channeling
Weapon Longbow and sword
Age 464
A legendary ranger that has been working in the group that protects the cottage of the family. He and Talinda are in love but their relationship is secret. He is often called the sharp-sighted.
Tarben Agril
Profession Layman
Age 52
A very talented trader. He is a devoted follower of Azbezil and the main supplier for the army.
General Lombadiel Iglack
True name unknown
Magic realm Evil mentalism
Age unknown
General in Azbezil's army and married to princess Ezame. In truth one of Azbezil's demons in disguise.
Zelak Entaro
Weapon Two-handed sword
Age 24
The younger son of Ezame. General and famous warhero. Publicly general Lombadiel Iglack is his father but in truth it is Azbezil.
Madel Entaro
Weapon Broadsword and shield
Special item: Got the cursed broadsword Eryathor.
Age 29
The older son of Ezame. General and famous warhero. Publicly general Lombadiel Iglack is his father but in truth it is Azbezil.
Trioni Arlin
Age 17
Daughter to lord Arlin. In love with Enbon Entaro
Glarin son of Karmin
Age 182
Weapon Warhammer
Special item A war hammer named flying eagle
One of the few remaining dwarfs. He has been recruited by Azbezil to act as a bodyguard for princess Ezame.
Retalia Harper and Lord Harper
Nobles at the court of Azbezil. Azbezil employs both directly even while rumors tell that lord Harper doesn't like the line of work that his wife does. After Azbezil's party in the beginning of the tale they returned to their own castle since Retalia is pregnant. The father of the child is an enemy to lord Harper. Lord Harper has accepted to present Talinda Entaro as his bastard daughter to let her get close to the nobles.
Iffer Mandilo
Profession Thief
Weapon Shortsword
Age 30
Second in command in the thieves' guild of Shernam. Did force a blowjob from the unwilling Talinda Entaro
Nanac Sald
Profession thief
Age 89
The leader of the thieves-guild in Shernam. Originally came from lord Harper's domain but was thrown out because of suspected thefts. Talinda Entaro belongs to her guild.
Tysania Agril
Age 22
The oldest daughter of Agril the merchant. Is in love with Duwlon Entaro but he doesn't dare to respond to her due to her fathers strong ties to Azbezil.
Myan Agril
Age 12
The younger daughter of Agril.
The beggar
True name unknown
Age unknown
A demon employed by Azbezil. Does despise Azbezil greatly.
General Marol Dorak
True name unknown
Age unknown
Another of the demons serving Azbezil.
Waif Norl
Profession Fighter
Age 32
A soldier in Azbezil's army. Enslaved by Helian and now a soldier pledged to cult of three flames.
Magul
This artifact is called the will of the king and its origins are hidden in mystery. Once every generation it may grant one single wish. It can only be used safely by a magic trained member of the royal family. After that queen Ensalion the great used the artifact without any magic training and almost blew up the royal castle it was sealed away. The location of the hiding place is unknown. Rumors from the possible future where Helian grew up say that Magul was used by Azbezil to destroy everything. The artifact opened some kind of portal to a demonplane but it is not known if this was intended or not.
Ensalion Entaro
A legendary queen that told the prophecy that warns about Azbezil's arrival.
"Out of the shadows a witch king will come.
He comes walking clearly visible but the path remains open in front of him.
Three sons of the king shall join the battle. Neither exhaustion, magic nor injuries shall slow them down.
Creatures of nightmare shall come to the witch king's aid, granting sorrow and tears to the ones that follow him.
Elves and humans shall no longer be allies but meet in horrible war.
As the storm grows stronger love and hate will corrupt and twist the fates of the chosen.
Victory awaits the witch king unless the secret of his mad laughter can be learned
When seven loyal children of the rightful king assemble in the royal throne-room shall it be known that the time of trials is at end."
Ensalion is also known to be the last user of the artifact Magul.
Kapri Metati
Profession Rogue
Weapon War mattoc
Age 27
A female adventurer that got a growing reputation. In an unknown way she managed to make Etzahl the dragon surrender the holy box that he had stolen from the temple in Nabasi.