akmedrah

[akmedrah]

Homestead Survival 021: Going on a Trip

<05 August 2024, GRAND MESA OF SUMMER , A+> [Theo and Julia]

By the time they had finished processing all of the Golems and Mana Leaches, the Sun was high in the sky, and they had a rather considerable pile of loot next to them.

"Four thousand and seventy Runestone Bricks," Theo said, picking up one of the rather light cinderblock-sized bricks. "Roughly sixteen pounds of Mana Essence, almost twenty pounds of Arcanite Dust, five reflex nodes, and two motor nodes."

Julia wiped her brow. She started hauling away loot as Theo produced it, and the tentacles of the table moved to help him like many extra hands. "Well, I guess we know what we are going to build out of on the throne hold."

"True," Theo said, and then his brows furrowed, "That means we need mortar, probably sand, and who knows what else. Do we do the foundations with this or the outer walls? What do we..."

Julia interrupted as she saw Theo's eyes unfocused a little bit. "Alright, why don't we start with the first two there, mortar and sand. How do we get our hands on those?"

Theo shook his head, "Sorry, I got lost in my thoughts for a second, and sand is easy enough; we pay a visit to the rivers that we can see, or that big lake, but when we were searching the Overlook initially. There is something massive in that lake. I don't know if we should mess with that lake quite yet."

"Okay, understood." Julia said, "So, for sand, we need to go on a trip; what about mortar?"

"That is harder," Theo said thoughtfully, "the easiest option would be a wood ash cement-based mortar. If we can find some limestone, that would be fantastic, but I also suspect that we can find a strange new way to make mortar. The biggest issue with all the ways that I know is the not insignificant amount of water that is needed."

"Ohh, yeah, we have fairly finite water." Julia agreed. "I need to know how the hell you know all of this?"

Theo smiles, "I had a lot of free time at night while I worked, so I watched survival guides, primitive technology, and a plethora of other stuff. I think that the increase in stats has let me recall more of it, but I certainly watched enough to absorb the information."

Julia chuckled, "Well, either way we decide to go, it sounds like we are taking a trip."

"Yep," Theo said, glancing at the Sun, "I say we get ready and head out."

Julia shrugged. "Sounds good to me."

[akmedrah]

Homestead Survival 20: Monster Processor

<05 August 2024, GRAND MESA OF SUMMER , A+> [Theo and Julia] Theo and Julia awoke with the rising sun. They both ate in silence and then looked at each other. Theo spoke first, "Alright, so Monster Processor."

"Monster Processor!" Julia cried out in a fun tone. "We are gonna process all those monsters."

"Amen," Theo chuckled, "So I think that we should go through our stuff and find the highest mana density items we can to fulfill the required materials. And then have a discussion about what else we should include."

"Okay," Julia said, quickly recalling what was needed, "So we need one Solidified Mana, A Large Flat Slab of Metal, Wood, Stone, or something else, and Materials for a Frame for the slab. And then anything else we want to toss in."

"So, for solidified mana, the only thing that we have is the Crystalized Mana that Patriarch Karzun gave us," Theo said, and Julia retrieved it from her pouch.

"Okay, now what about the slab of material?" Julia said, looking around the Cabin at the stuff they had accumulated.

"I had a thought about that," Theo said, walking to where the chunk of warming Crystal he had broken off of the Spire on the Overlook lay. "What if we go get a bigger chunk of this and shape it flat?"

"We could do that," Julia said, and then caught sight of the large, flat, black Obsidian slab Theo had found, "What about that?"

"I don't know, it seems a little small. And we don't know what it is." Theo said. Julia walked up and Identified the slab of material.

[akmedrah]

14 Chapters available on Royal Road!

[akmedrah]

First Four Chapters of Homestead Survival out now!

[akmedrah]

New Series, and a Poll!

It has been a minute since I updated this particular community. And for that, I apologize.

Some of you are probably worried that I'm not writing anymore or that I will not do another series.

Well, worry not anymore!

My latest attempt to entertain you and purge the never-ending fountain of ideas from my mind is here! Starting April first I will be releasing publicly my newest story, "Homestead Survival!"

This story follows Theo Sorrenson and Julia Brahmin as they navigate a rapidly changing world, ending up isolated by many hundreds of miles.

This story is also something new for me to try and write as it will be a mashup of System Apocalypse, Romance, Slice-Of-Life, Kingdom Building, and LitRPG.

Here is the link to the Poll for the cover art: https://akmedrah.com/new-story-homestead-survival-coverart-vote/ I hope you all enjoy it, and as always Have A Fantastic Day!

[akmedrah]

Hostile Takeover [One-Shot]

Trying something new so if you like it, let me know.

[Earth, 2753]

"On this day, we celebrate!" Erin Grotto, President of the Terran Republic cried out, "over two hundred years ago, we humans as a species made a choice! A choice to lay down our arms, and instead focused on developing ourselves and our allies."

A large crowd of non-humans cheered loudly. Erin continued, "Where once we produced weapons, we now produce commodities. Where once we trained soldiers, children play. We have achieved something that many of our ancestors could never have dreamed of. Now, I would invite Empress Gulshik of the Horvan peoples to the stage."

A slimy looking woman with eight sets of legs and two sets of arms crawled forward, and up the podium her diminutive form letting her stand on the podium and have the mic at the right height. She spoke in her native language of chitters and pops, and it was translated by the universal translators. "Thank you President Grotto."

The Empress looked out across the crowd. "One hundred and fifty years ago, my people made contact with the Humans, not through war, but in commerce. We were frightened, and these beings who were so clearly built for combat surely would take what they wanted and leave nothing in their wake. Instead, they told us what they called a 'Peaceful acquisition.' They had been eyeing a planet that bordered our space, and rather than capturing it, they wanted to buy it."

Many of the political representatives on the elevated stage chuckled at the sense of déjà vu they had from their first meetings with the humans, The Empress let the chuckles die out before she continued. "We agreed to sell them the planet, and it sparked a long-lasting alliance with the Human peoples, as well as a golden age for my people and the peoples of the United Galactic Assembly as the humans became the leading financial power in the UGA."

A cheer ran through the crowd. "So it is my honor and privilege to welcome you all to the two hundred and sixth annual unity festival here on Earth. Let the festival begin!"

At that moment fireworks went off and recording began playing in each language, letting the attendees know that he festival would run all month and that free transport to the lunar transit hub was included with each ticket to the festival.

"Now," the Empress said, turning to President Grotto, "I think we had best adjourn to our other meeting shall we?"

"I suppose so," Erin said, looking longingly at his family who were headed into the festival, "let's get this done so we can all enjoy the festival."

The Empress, President Grotto, and the other political representatives all walked into a waiting shuttle and were taken to the lunar transit hub, where they took a teleporter to the massive space station halfway across the galaxy.

[United Galactic Assembly headquarters, 2753]

As the Empress and President Grotto materialized, they moved off the platform to join the streams of people walking through the UGA headquarters. They all flowed into a large room, where a single being of scales and teeth stood in the middle of the room.

A viscous looking woman, stands after all the seats are filled. "I call to order the United Galactic Assembly, and call for the final vote on the induction of the Ur'Hullan to the UGA."

The Scaled being in the middle of the room stood as a statue and waited to hear the verdict on his people's induction. The votes poured in over the next fifteen minutes. Finally, it was announced by the viscous woman, "The final vote is seven hundred thirty-eight for and three hundred fifteen against. The United Galactic Assembly welcomes the Ur'Hullan people into its fold and welcomes Ambassador Tix as their first ambassador."

A cheer ran through the crowd of dignitaries. The speaker relinquished the stage to Ambassador Tix, who was expected by tradition to make a speech and a request.

The scaley man stepped forward and waited for silence. "Thank you, lady speaker, I am honored to be here, and my people, while shamed to be welcomed by one so weak, are grateful nonetheless."

A murmur ran through the crowd, and there were rumblings about the universal translator AI still adapting to the language of the Ur'Hullan. Ambassador Tix continued, "I understand that it is customary for the newly accepted peoples to make a request, either of the UGA as a whole or to a singular people. My people have a demand to make of the species that you all kowtow to, the Humans."

President Grotto got a sinking feeling in his gut. He stood to face the new Ambassador. "I will hear your request on behalf of humanity."

Ambassador Tix chuckled, "Our demand is that you soft humans quit playing at having power and turn over the machinations of your economic power to the Ur'Hullan immediately."

President Grotto quietly pressed a button inset into his wedding ring and then spoke. "That is quite the request. What happens if Humanity refuses."

"Then my people will kill your people one by one until you accept." The scaled Ambassador said with a wicked smile. "Starting with your own family."

Just then several more Ur'Hullan marched in with President Grotto's Wife and three children. The Ambassador smiled, "What can you do Mr. President? I mean you said it yourself earlier today, that over two hundred years ago Humanity lay down their weapons."

Empress Gulshik was in shock, and she was preparing to issue orders to support Humanity after President Grotto accepted the demand, she looked at the President. In all her many years of working with the man, they had grown to be good friends; their children played together, and she had never once seen anything but a warm smile from the man, even when he was upset.

Now, all the Empress saw in the eyes of the man she called friend was a cold focus that made a portion of her brain scream in fear. The President stepped forward and slowly walked to the ground level, across the open space, and up onto the raised center dais. He stood there looking at the scaled creature that was roughly his height.

"Tell me, Ambassador Tix, do your people hold to the old ways?" The President said, taking off his watch, and beginning to undo the many buttons of his dress shirt.

"We do not follow the ways of a weak species such as Humanity!" The Ambassador roared.

"No, I meant the old ways of your people," The President said, undoing the cuff buttons of his shirt, "your people follow the path of Ur Na Hallten, correct."

A brief look of surprise washed over the face of Ambassador Tix, "Yes, we do, what is it to you, weak Human?"

"In your path, you have the concept of Ki'Gara." The President said, removing his dress shirt leaving his undershirt in place, "and I challenge you to Ki'Gara as is my right according to your own path."

The roar of laughter that came from every Ur'Hullan in the hall was boisterous. Finally, after wiping the tears of mirth from his eyes, Ambassador Tix responded, "You would challenge me to single combat!? Very well, why not? As the challenge, I get to determine the stakes. If I win, Humanity will surrender its resources, as well as fifty thousand young men and women, to serve as slaves for my people. If you win, We will relinquish our claim, and my people will lay down their arms and become pacifists. Now tell me, Human, what are the conditions for victory?"

The President finished stretching as he looked up at the Ambassador, "To surrender or death, of course."

The Ur'Hullan warriors laughed again, and the President, already enraged, roared out at a volume that shocked all who were watching this happen, "Silence!"

A shocked moment allowed President Grotto to regain a modicum of calculated composure, "you asked what the conditions were and I answered, now either forfeit or prepare yourself."

The crowd remained silent as the two men prepared themselves. Finally it was time, and they squared off against each other. The President brought his fists up, and began to bounce lightly on his feet. As they circled each other, President Grotto spoke, "Tell me Ambassador Tix, did you happed to look at Humanity's history prior to us laying down our weapons?"

"Why would I care for the history of the weak!" Tix raged and lunged for the bouncing President, who dodged out of the way.

"You should have; you would have seen that my people were not always weak as you say," The President punched the Ambassador in the face after dodging another bestial lunge. "you might have seen that we were athletes and warriors of an astonishing level. You might also have seen that when we lay down our arms, we made changes to our society."

Ambassador Tix roared and launched a ferocious string of attacks, which President Grotto dodged most of, catching the claws of the Ambassador's left hand on his right shoulder. The Ambassador snarled, breathing heavily, as he continued to rain down blows.

President Grotto looked relaxed, dodging under sweeps and tossing counter attacks where he could, he spoke as they fought. "The changes that we made to our society, was to place the responsibility of safety and security onto the individual."

The Ambassador was flagging, his breath coming in desperate gasps, his arms leaden. He lunged for one final attack, intending to end the fight, and instead found himself in a chokehold. He felt the shocking muscle density contained beneath the pink human skin flex and begin to tighten down on his throat. Ambassador Tix opened his mouth to signal surrender and found himself unable to do so due to how little breath he could get.

President Grotto flexed, closing the chokehold tighter and tighter, and as the Ambassador rode the fleeting edge of consciousness, The President whispered in the Ambassador's ear, "You think that just because we lay down our weapons, we are weak, we simply do not have any adequate challengers. And you think the move to make is to threaten my family. I should kill you."

The President squeezes slightly harder until Ambassador Tix goes limp and then tosses him to the ground. "I think that I win. If you wish to wait for him to wake and surrender, I am fine with that."

The Ur'Hullan warriors dropped their weapons and let The President's family rush to him. Applause started quietly and rose to a roaring sound. As the assembled dignitaries cheered for him, President Grotto reassured his family he was okay and watched as Ambassador Tix Was woken up by the other Ur'Hullan.

When he finally woke up, President Grotto stepped forward between the Ambassador and his family, "Do you yield?"

Ambassador Tix, his teeth grinding brutally together, spoke with barely contained rage, "I... Yield."

The Ambassador turned to leave, but the President stopped him, "Ambassador Tix before you go, there is the matter of what was promised."

Every Ur'Hullan present flinched, and President Grotto continued speaking, "As is my right as victor of the Ki'Gara, I will absolve you of responsibility in upholding your agreement. Let this serve as a reminder that just because we have decided to be peaceful, does not mean that we will lay back accept a hostile takeover."

The Ur'Hullan looked relieved as they left, and President Grotto was glad that everything had turned out as it had. Before he forgot, he pressed another button hidden on his wedding ring, standing down two-hundred-year-old protocols. President Grotto looked at his children, "Shall we go home?"

They all nodded, and President Grotto left with them.

[Earth, 2753 - the next day]

As President Grotto stood with his wife, smiling at their children as they rode a traditional carnival ride, he heard a familiar voice.

"Hello, Erin."

"Empress Gulshik! What a surprise, I did not know you would be joining us today," President Grotto said with a smile, "to what do I owe the honor."

"I was hoping I might speak to you for a moment of your time about what happened yesterday." The Empress said, unsure how to deal with this man who she was not sure she knew anymore.

"Of course," The President kissed his wife on the cheek and began to walk with the Empress, her security group giving them a small bubble of space as they moved, "so what can I do for you my friend?"

"To be blunt," The Empress said, deciding to cut through the bullshit as she usually would with him, "What the fuck?!"

The President chuckled and the Empress continued, "What was that, I thought you were weak, as a people comparatively, I knew that there were powerful individuals among humanity, but I was unaware that you are one such person."

"Oh, I'm not," The President said chuckling once more at the look on the Empress's face. He took a seat on a bench seat, allowing her to climb up on the bench and situate herself before he continued, "when we lay down our weapons, we did so for many reasons."

"Yes, because you had grown past your violent ways, all the history books say this." The Empress said dismissively.

"That was part of it, certainly. What I am about to tell you is not necessarily a state secret, but it is something that we humans play close to the chest." The President looked amused at the excited look on Empress Gulshik's face, "Humanity has a past that is far bloodier than anyone in the UGA realizes, and when we first encountered the UGA, we rapidly realized that very few, if any, other species manage to get to the point of interspecies relations if they have as violent a history as we did."

The Empress was shocked; while she did not know much about human history before her time, she had thought they were always like the mild-mannered, kind, and caring people, she knew them as. The President continued talking. "We did some scouting and quickly realized that if we wanted to, we could take over the UGA through force quite easily. We estimated it would not take much longer than a week. At that moment, we decided that it was not something that we wanted, so along with some social reform, we mothballed our military weapons and ships, leaving only the planetary defenses in operation."

Empress Gulshik's eyes widened; she did not know that it was possible to have defenses on a planetary scale. She listened to the President talk for almost an hour about the social changes and how Humanity became a unified collective with peace as a goal, but also unilaterally decided that every man, woman, and child would train in combat and weapons usage under the guise of sports. When he was done, the sun had started to set, and the Empress felt like she was sitting next to a monster of some kind.

"So what questions do you have?" President Grotto asked.

"I have one question, why? Why do all this? What could possibly drive you to do this." The Empress was desperately trying to understand.

"I have three answers for that. Firstly, because of that," President Grotto chuckled, gesturing to his children who were playing with a group of children from several different races, "the hope that our children could grow up in a world where their friends could be any race, and they could go visit any world they wished to."

The Empress nodded, "And secondly?"

"For things like today," President Grotto said, "we are prepared to defend ourselves and those we care for. As a species, we are prepared to defend all our allies."

The President's tone had grown serious, and The Empress was unsure if she wanted to know the third reason. President Grotto didn't give her a chance to back out, though, and spoke. "The last reason is that the multiverse is a large place, and while we have been fortunate that almost every single race we have met has ended up being some kind of friendly, we hold no delusions. One day, the UGA will encounter a race that is hellbent on death and destruction. On that day, Humanity will take up arms once again and go to war."

Those words sent a shiver down the back of the Empress. She didn't know what to say, and was spared having to try and figure something out by President Grotto rising and bidding her farewell, and moving to join his family.

The Empress thought only one thing as she made her way back to the lunar transit hub.

"Thank the gods for Peaceful Acquisition."

---===--- If you like this story and want to see more like it check out my writing on these other platforms.

[akmedrah]

Prisoner Protected [One Shot Story]

[Galactic Collegium - Sigtarius VII, 3791] "When humans break, they tend to break worse than any other species." Professor Xarn said to his class, which contained several humans among the two hundred in the lecture hall. "Does anyone know what I mean by this? No one is asking the humans."

Several people who had turned to their human friends turned back to face the front. The Professor looked around and then continued speaking when no hands other than human hands were in the air. "Human criminals are the worst, and I don't mean those who commit petty crimes. I mean the truly bad men. Murderers, Terrorists, and the like. When a human reaches this point, they tend to go farther than any other race would."

The humans in the room were nodding along, simply taking notes on the lecture, but the rest of the class seemed shocked. A female Dagnion raised her clawed appendage. Professor Xarn pointed to her, and she spoke. "If that is the case, why are we learning about them in an ethics class? They can not be ethical if they go that far." 

"An excellent question. Maybe this is where our human friends can provide an answer that still bewilders me to this day." The Professor said, looking from one human to another.

One of the humans, a young man who seemed a little rougher than the others, raised his hand. The Professor saw, "Ah, yes, Arthur, what is your suggestion?"

"There are rules in prison," Arthur said, and many of the non-humans laughed.

[akmedrah]

Ascension - 30/30

[6 months after the death of Ix'Grom]

"Enough," Nyla said, talking over the other clan leaders, "that will be all for today, you are free to stay and feast, but it is decided. You will all provide for some of them."

Grumbling ascent was the response she got. "We will reconvene next week to adjust as needed."

The clan leaders left, and Nyla sighed, taking a deep breath.

"You did well," Artie said, encouraging her. "I think that taking in the Kervinx was the right Idea."

"I do too, but for Pinetil to suggest my people taking in one of her people's slave species," Nyla shivered, "I have to say I was shocked."

"It makes a certain amount of sense," Artie said, "but for the Jix to be so far into restructuring their entire culture so quickly, I wonder at the long-term effects."

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Ascension - 29/30

Ix'Grom was befuddled. "How is he doing this! He is a mortal! How?!

Where before, there had been a man who was challenging him, Ix'Grom now faced a machine. A machine that seemed to exist solely to try new ways of killing him.

"I have to admit that you are persistent." Ix'Grom said as Cal ripped a chunk out of his side, "What must your friends think of a monster like you?"

"They will think what they must." Cal said with a monotone voice that betrayed nothing. "I am not meant to have friends. I am a weapon. I am the bearer of Sin. I will bear what others can not, and I will do so for all time."

Cal rips out another chunk of Ix'Grom's flesh, and as fast as he tears out chunks, Ix'Grom regenerates. Ix'Grom laughs out loud, "You think that this will kill me. I will wait until you tire, then I will kill you, and then I will enslave your people and kill anyone you ever held dear."

"Fine," Cal said, taking a moment, moving back from Ix'Grom, "I guess I should get serious."

Ix'Grom watches as Cal closes his eyes, and his whole being begins to glow with a pale blue light. With a deep breath, Cal opens his eyes, which also emit this strange, ominous blue light, and launches another attack at Ix'Grom.

Ix'Grom smiles as he plans to carry on as he has until he notices his regeneration performing slower than it should. Ix'Grom pours his willpower and energy into regeneration, and for a moment it returns to a point that it should. But then it begins to falter once more.

"No!" Ix'Grom says as he beings to loose ground against Cal, "What are you doing?!"

"Black holes absorb light," Cal said, without breaking stride and slamming his palm into Ix'Grom's sternum, cracking ribs, "but they also emit light, or more accurately, radiation. I don't actually understand the full science behind it, but my people call it Hawking radiation. It is something that I can mimic with my psionic abilities. I will tear you apart piece by piece, and the radiation will destroy you on a molecular level. Enjoy it, Ix'Grom."

[akmedrah]

Ascension - 28/30

[Cal]

The time was now, and Cal knew it. He craved these times. Times when he didn't have to pretend to be something else. Times when he did not have to deal with the emotions that others found so important but he found so useless. He paused as he strolled to the combat bays of the ship. Nyla was following behind him.

"Nyla," Cal said, "I need to warn you."

"About what?" She asked.

"I am not..." He searched for the most apt word, "I am not normal. A human psychologist would say that I lack empathy to a certain degree and that violence comes easily to me. I just want you to know that..."

"I know," Nyla said with a smile, "I have seen it come out a couple times. It changes nothing for me."

Cal paused for a moment. He knew that he had let his proverbial mask slip a couple of times, but he was somewhat surprised at Nyla's response. "It really doesn't?"

"Nope, and I know that Pinetil has expressed some feelings to you as well."

"Very Well. I will prepare, if you would return to sit with Pinetil and her mother it would be appreciated." Cal said and Nyla offered no resistance, turning to walk back the way they came. Cal banished all thoughts other than the thoughts of battle. His mind falling into an almost trancelike state.

[akmedrah]

Ascension - 27

From when they arrived at the point Cal suspected that the Jix would enter the galaxy to the time that the Jix actually arrived, Nyla seemed to stretch on forever. In reality, though, it was closer to seventy hours, according to the ship clock.

Nyla breathed a sigh of relief when Cal's voice called over the comms system so everyone could come to the bridge. She immediately felt guilty for a variety of reasons, but a part of her simply wanted this to be over.

When Nyla stepped onto the bridge and took her seat, she only had to wait for a moment before Daren and Killion were the last ones to take their seats.

Cal nodded to the advisor and his son before turning to address a virtual assembly of advocates and leadership visible on screens around him.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Stand by and witness the reason that the Bearer of Sin exists," Cal said, turning away.

Cal opened his mouth to issue an order, but the room seemed to chill, and a younger woman on screen sighed in annoyance. Cal turned back to her, "Ambassador Ja'Nara, is something to your displeasure?"

Nyla had to school her face into compliance because, unlike the Ambassador, she had caught the sheer annoyance in Cal's voice. The woman, Ja'Nara, spoke with a tone that carried notes of someone used to being listened to.

[akmedrah]

A Poll for the Future!

Hey all,

It's not a story; sorry about that; I have been brainstorming as I work on finishing up Ascension and have some thoughts, but I wanted to see what you all think. So stop by my poll page on my website and let me know your thoughts.

I want to make it clear that I may not do whatever wins, I am just trying to feel out what people might be into. Thankks in advance for your vote!

Have A Fantastic Day!

[akmedrah]

The Princess's Man - 36/36

The week flew by for Illicia, who was rushed from place to place, fitted for a dress, and asked her opinion on a thousand things. Will was there for much of it, an ever present shadow of protection and power. But on the day of their wedding she could not find him and instead several maids were rushing her to and fro, first to be bathed, then to be dressed.

As the bells tolled, and the great doors opened into the massive temple where they were holding the wedding, Illicia caught sight of Will standing tall with his unnatural looking eyes emitting a golden light that seemed to radiate the joy he was feeling. The musicians played a slow moving march for her to walk down the isle escorted by her father, her brother was easily sighted with a beautiful young woman to the side of the isle.

On the podium next to Will stood Trina, in full goddess mode, with divine light radiating from her. As her father gave her a loving hug and she stepped up next to Will, the goddess leaned down and, in a low tone, spoke only to her. "I am glad that I was not right and that you did not listen to me."

I hope you all enjoy it and have a great rest of your year. I Will be taking a break from posting until the 19th of January. I might post some one-shots if the muses inspire me, but I need a break to finish Ascension and to figure out what is next!

[akmedrah]

The Princess's Man - 35/36

Illicia was having good dreams, mostly featuring Will and the adventures that she had been on with him. When she woke, she expected to be in a cot in some military camp, but she was surprised to find herself in her bed at Koltshelg Castle. She stretched and groaned as she did so, which prompted several maids to come in.

"How did I get here?" Illicia asked as the maids helped her dress and prepare for the day.

"Your man brought you in, about five hours ago." One of the maids said.

"It caused a right commotion when he showed up," the other maid said, "The court wizzards started panicking stating that there was a massive wave of mana coming to destroy the castle. But then Your man skidded to a stop about a mile out from the castle, with you sleeping in his arms. He carried you here, and droped you off."

"where is Will now?" Illicia asked wondering just how Will had been able to get them here so quickly.

"As far as we know, he is with his majesty." One of the maids said, and at the same time a knock on the door silenced them all. The door opened to reveal the head maid.

[akmedrah]

The Princess's Man - 34/36

"I am sorry," Will started, and Illicia Silenced him with another kiss.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Will. We were betrayed." Illicia said, poison dripping from her voice at that statement.

"Yes, and they were dealt with." Will said, proffering his arm to Illicia, who took it, "Now I must be a good guest and go see our host. I have things to say to him."

Even Illicia shivered at the notes in Will's tone as he said that, but she walked arm-in-arm with him nonetheless, knowing full well that there was no safer place for her than at his side. They walked down the hall, and Will pushed open the doors to the hall where Mardok waited, sitting on the ancient throne that once belonged to a demon lord.

"Welcome, Princess Illicia; thank you for continuing to be my guest. Who is your escort? He seems rather strange; I see notes of Human, Orc, and Elf? But he has to be more than that. You are a special kind of mutt, aren't you?" Mardok said with a smile at Will.

"Hello, Mardok, you must be the pretend King of the Thieves that I have heard so much about," Will said.

"Well, I don't know about pretend, but I am the King of the Thieves."

"Well, of the two or three that will be left after today, maybe." Will said, "But you were never a King and never will be now. I intend to deal with you. And my grandparents will ensure your men outside die."

"You are the grandson of someone outside?" Mardok asked, seemingly unconcerned. "Well, I do hope they can figure out how to get through the isolation barrier before you die, young man."

"Oh, I am not worried." Will stepped forward. "I heard that you were making Illicia fight."

[akmedrah]

The Princess's Man - 33/36

As Will moved, coming up on the third day of constant moving, he was concerned. The wave of magic he had built up was altering reality in its vicinity. The only saving grace that Will had was that he was moving so fast that the reality-altering effects didn't have a chance to take permanent hold. As he moved, pondering this and how he should deal with the potential effects when he assailed the Keep that was rapidly approaching, Will felt a mental touch from someone he knew, smiling and accepting the offered psychic communication.

"You," Trina said, her tone filled with a sense of awe and appreciation, "are a monster of unprecedented proportions."

"It's good to hear from you as well, Trina? Still cooking? And how is Julian?"

"Julian is fine; he is cooking for the army we accompanied to Gor'An Wat. Turns out when bandits defile Orcish holy ground, it gets quite the response." Will could hear the laughter at the understatement that was implicit in Trina's voice. "You are roughly a day out at your current speed, which is insane, but I could finally contact you. I have tried to reach Illicia, but the Fortress prevents it."

[akmedrah]

The Princess's Man - 32/36

The wave of magic that Will had built up and that he was riding as he sprinted across the countryside was titanic in size. He was moving at speeds that his father would have said were reserved for something called an airplane. As he burst through the border station and neared the Castle, his wave of power slammed into the magical defenses of the building and shattered them, Will skidded to a stop steps away from the throne, where a terrified King of Herzinia cowered behind a line of guards who looked equally terrified.

Will barked out one word, his mind still pulling in massive quantities of mana, "Where?"

The King squealed out an order, and a guard tossed forward a bound and gagged man who looked mortified and had pissed in his sackcloth pants. Suddenly, all the mana that Will had been gathering began to rush into his body as he stepped forward to undo the bonds and gag on the man. He knelt and gently grasped the man's face. His next words were filled with enough mana that reality bent, wanting to work to his words. "Tell me where Princess Illicia is."

The man stuttered out several things, and many of the guards collapsed. The King fled, and only the court wizard was left, staring in awe at Will.