Triumph Ch 3

The six Masters of the Council of Guilds huddled close together in Drauken’s study.  They kept their voices low, even in one of their own townhouses.  The Queen’s Shadow reached far, and they could never be too cautious.  Treason brought them together tonight, and their plotting needed the utmost secrecy, even from the other Guilds.

“Are you sure it’s wise to try and free Garrett Ousten?”  Asked Boris, the Master of the Smiths.  Tension filled the air at his protest.  As one of the principal beneficiaries of the war he was the one the others trusted least.  Even though they had been friends and colleagues for years, the risks of their plan were too great.  “I just mean that, is it worth starting a new plan when we already have one well underway?”

“He has a point.”  Said the Master of the Silk merchants.  The corpulent merchant’s jowls wobbled as he nodded his head.  “There is no reason to rock the boat now.  Thesta, Sandora, and the Hesten rebels are winning.  If we do nothing, they may win the war on their own.  If not, we still have our plan: the Ousten King can make no difference.

“Our plan was designed as a last resort but things have changed.  Princess Jasmara has been captured and we’re getting reports that all the prisoners are being massacred.  We need someone to travel there and see for ourselves what is going on and what their intention is.  What better way to do that than to come bearing a gift?” Drauken replied.  He had been alarmed by the reports from Heste.  He started this rebellion because the war was disastrous for trade but obviously the massacre and expulsion of all orcs from the Western Kingdoms would be even worse.

If that was what they were planning, he needed to know, and needed to convince them that it was a bad idea.  He didn’t trust any of the other Masters to represent the orcs of Zentara.

“I agree that we should make contact with the Thestan army, preferably with Queen Amelie herself, but I’m not sure that you are the one who should go.  If they are truly planning to execute all the orcs you won’t be welcome and may even be killed.”  Boris’ words were confident and rang true.

“That is why I want to take the King with me.  By disrupting Jeanette’s plot I’ll prove my worth, and by delivering him the King I’ll prove my utility.  Plus, it has to be me.  They won’t kill their only contact inside Ruar.  By forcing them to work with me, we’ll be forcing them to acknowledge that not all orcs need to be killed.”  At least, that’s what he was hoping.  “Plus, I’m the only one with a reason to leave.  I’ve already established that I need to inspect the eastern trading posts.  It gives me the perfect excuse to leave the city for an extended period of time.”

“Drauken makes sense.”  Said Gregor, the Master of Masons and Miners.  “He is the perfect choice.  And there isn’t any risk to his plan; at least from our end.  We built the castle, and we know all the secret passages in and out.”  He pulled out a large map and unrolled it between them.  “The Queen had the castle expanded and the fortifications strengthened.  She also added a series of passages in and out of the castle.  One to escape, presumably, another to the entrance to the Vault, but also one to the dungeons and to the tower where Ousten is being held.”

He smiled slyly.  “I’ll leave you to guess why she wanted that one but the key point is that Drauken can take the passage in, free the King, and get him out without ever being seen.”  Gregor traced the route with his beefy finger, leading from outside the wall through the castle to the King’s cell.  “It will be up to you to get him out of the city from there.”

“He’ll still be wandering around blind; we don’t know what the Queen uses those passages for, or when.  He could run right into her!”  The Silk Master insisted.

“The Queen running into a strange orc in the dark?  She’d just spread her legs and let him go about his business!”  Boris laughed.

“The odds of my running into the Queen are small.”  Drauken looked around to the assembled Masters.  “We all know there is no profit without risk.  I’m willing to take it, and the biggest risk is mine.  Are we agreed?”

The Guild Masters all nodded their assent.  There, I’ve convinced them, that’s one problem down.  “There are a few more items, gentlemen.  First, the matter of payment for the Smiths for the contract with the Crown.”

“Aye, I was wondering when we’d get to that!”  Growled Boris.  “What did Her Highness say?  When will we be getting paid?”

“Well, that’s really up to us.  You see, it turns out that the treasury is empty.”  Drauken quickly raised his hands to quiet down the grumbling that caused.  “However, I did come up with a compromise.  If the Council comes up with the money to pay the contract, we’ll be given a grant to mine gold from the mines in Boronia.”

“How much gold?  For how long?”  Asked Gregor.

“In perpetuity; however there is a catch: we have to open a line of credit for the crown to draw from, to be reimbursed by the proceeds of the mine.”  He looked around between them.  “I think it is a good deal, certainly as good a deal as we’re going to get.”

“How will those proceeds be divvied up?” The Master of the Gem Cutters and Goldsmiths inquired.

“First in proportion to how much we each contribute to the Blacksmith contract.  Then in even shares, until the next time the Crown draws on the credit.  Then again in proportion to how much each Guild contributes.”

“That sounds fair.  We’ll manage it, of course.”  Gregor said.

“Day to day, but all executive operations to be decided by the Council.”  Insisted Boris.

“Agreed.  All in favor?”  Asked Drauken.

All the Guild Masters gave their assent, which left one last order of business.  “One more thing, which is not an action item yet but we must keep an eye on: the magic performed by Prince Augras.”

The Guild Masters all leaned forward with interest.  “Is it real?  The rumors have been incredible.  Acres of wheat, fully grown in a week.  Food prices are plummeting throughout the city.”

“They are true, I’ve seen it myself.  As you can probably surmise, this is going to fundamentally change the economy.”

“It won’t affect us immediately, at least.  The food is controlled by the nobles.”

“True enough,” said Drauken, “but it is going to affect them and they’re our biggest customers.  Plus, we don’t yet know the full extent of his powers, or how it might affect other industries.”

“This kind of change can’t be trusted.  It probably won’t improve things for us, but it could certainly make things worse.” The Silk Master opined.

“We should have him removed,” Gregor said, “even if his magical powers prove a benefit, they can only help Her Highness win the war.”

“And that’s the last thing we want.”  Boris added.

“I’m not sure that will be necessary, at least not yet.”  The Guild Masters could be ruthless, but also pragmatic.  “It will be a long war regardless and it might be that Thesta or Sandora take care of him for us.  We might even be able to arrange for an ambush by providing information on his movements.”

There was general agreement to that.  “True enough; best not to get our hands dirty if we don’t have to.  Do we have any idea when he’s going to leave the city?”

“It’s hard to say, but I don’t think it will be much longer.  I’m sure no one wants those creatures he brought back with him hanging around the city any longer than necessary.  He seems eager to get into the battle too.  I should say in a week or so.”  Drauken wasn’t sure of that, but it sounded right.

“Too soon to hire an assassin then,” said Gregor.  “but there might be something to your thought about those monsters.  We can use them to stir up more discontent among the people, especially in the Duchies.”

The Silk Master’s jowls wobbled as he nodded.  “True, especially the ones we’re planning on.  They’re upset enough with all the orcs taking over, no offense Drauken, they won’t want even more strange creatures establishing themselves.”

“Well, I will leave that to you to see to while I am out of the city.  Boris, can you take my place on the Queen’s Council while I am gone?”

“Aye, I’ll see to it.”

“Excellent, we’re all agreed then.  Gentlemen, I’ll see you when I return.” When the Guild Masters left, he went to find Melora. 

“How was the meeting, Master?” The elfin woman asked.

“Productive but you know how it is, our work is never done.  You’ve already put out that we’ll be leaving the city but we’re not going on a tour of the trade posts.  I need you to meet me outside the city on the Eastern Road, two hours past midnight.  Can you do that?”

“Of course, Master, but so late?”

“It’s necessary, as you’ll see.  Bring three horses, three packs, and enough food to last six weeks.”  He waved away the confusion on Melora’s face.  “Don’t question me, my dear.”  He planted a kiss on her head.  “Just trust me.”

“I do Master.  I’ll be there with everything, you’ll see.”

“Good girl.”  Now comes the hard part.

****

“It is good to have you back, Augras.  Your father and mother were so worried for you, as were everyone in court.  You must not go off on such an adventure again; there is danger enough in the Western Kingdoms as is without tempting fate in the unknown.”  Jeanette tightened her grip around Augras’ big arm as they strolled through the castle. 

Despite Jeanette’s reputation, the public halls were decorated modestly.  As they walked the perimeter of the courtyard he looked at the hanging tapestries woven of red and golden threads depicting important moments of her reign.  One showed Jeanette in command of a line of spearmen holding off a Hesten Charge.  Another showed her and Turogg seated on their thrones.  Another showed Jeanette cutting down a rebel.

When he looked back at Jeanette, her grandmotherly smile was almost enough to make him forget.  Almost.   He forced a smile to his face.  “You have no reason to worry on that score, grandmother.  There is nothing left there for me.  My future is here.”

“I am glad to hear it.  The war is off to a bad start:  your uncle Agmar is dead, he would be so proud of the man you’ve become, your aunt Jasmara has been captured, and by that traitor Daniels no less!  The things he says he’s doing to her, that she’s enjoying him doing!  You remember Jasmara, such a strong woman!  A warrior!  Always fighting!  And Amelie’s doing nothing to stop it.  Jasmara was her squire once, you know, at the tournament celebrating the victory in the second Hesten War.  Your mother was there, she saw it-and now she does nothing while that traitor Daniels abuses and humiliates a Princess.  A Princess!”

“Uncle” Agmar never loved his own sons, let alone a half-orc.  If he saw me today he wouldn’t give a single bit, except to wonder if he could climb over my corpse onto a throne.  Augras smiled politely as Jeanette rambled on. It was hard to hold a grudge against her when he saw her like that.

“To think, Jasmara bound in chains, stripped before their army and ravished by a man who bounced her on his knee as a babe…”  Jeanette shuddered.

When Augras realized that her shudder wasn’t necessarily one of rage he was reminded  why he held the grudge in the first place.  Bernadette, he thought, before turning his mind back to Jasmara.  Her capture was genuinely distressing.  It wasn’t easy growing up as a half-orc, and training to be a warrior against orcs who had undergone the change even more so.  Jasmara was always supportive, taking the time to train and teach him tricks that helped him overcome larger and stronger foes.

“It’s a crime, grandmother.  Women shouldn’t be used as pawns in a war.  She’s a combatant, who should be ransomed or held with honor until the war is over; which won’t be soon, unless you allow me to turn it in our favor.”  Augras was eager to get into the fight, to show the others what he was capable of and to secure his destiny once and for all.

“Heh, eager to get started, are you?  Just like a true scion of Turogg!  Perhaps there is a way that you can help.”  Jeanette looked up at him, her eyes clearing as her mind focused again.  “I want to send Garrett Ousten to our army in Heste to undermine Henry’s claim to the throne.  Garrett is the head of the house, so if anyone has a claim it’s him. When the people see him supporting Belkor, it will take the wind right out of that pirate’s sails!” 

“He’s still alive?” Augras asked, surprised.  “I hope he’s in a state that will make an impression.  If you trot out a starved, half-mad former King he’ll be dismissed.”

“Oh don’t worry on that score, I’ve had him well taken care of.”  Jeanette replied with a smile.

“Even so, I wouldn’t place too much hope on him.  He might undermine the claim, but only in a legal sense.  The Hesten northern lords hate us and nothing we say is going to change that.”  Augras hoped that she would realize the truth of the statement.  He had heard that her behavior was getting more erratic with age and didn’t want her fixating on an idea that would distract from his own plans.

“Perhaps but it is important nonetheless. It will quiet things in the parts of the Kingdom still in our control and hopefully throw Henry off balance.  I’m sure he won’t be expecting it, and it might provoke him into doing something rash.”

“Like he is doing with Aunt Jasmara?  You know he is trying to provoke you, as well.”  Augras countered.

“Yes, yes I know.”  Jeanette took a deep breath.  “But what will be, will be.  It doesn’t seem they are going to kill her, so she’ll at least be alive to be rescued when the war is won.”  She shot him a sideways glance.  “Has your Marishka seen anything about that?”

Augras shook his head.  “It doesn’t quite work that way.”

“How does it work; the magic I mean?  What can it do?  Can anyone do it?” 

“It’s hard to describe but not anyone can do it; the Mincenntti can, it’s in their blood.  They invented it millennia ago.  All of us, orcs, elfs, and humans are their descendents.  We have pieces of it within us but the reason that I can do it is that I am the child of three races.  In order to unlock the full magical potential, you need to have orc, elf, and human blood in you.” At least, that’s what Marishka had told him and he didn’t think she was lying.

“So your brother and sister could learn to do magic?”  She asked.

“I suppose so.”  He nodded.  “I learned the basics in three years, but still need Marishka’s coaching to effect big spells.  She assures me though, that by the end of the war I’ll have enough practical experience that I won’t need her anymore.”

“What else can you do besides fertilize soil?  I see that you made yourself larger.  Can you make yourself younger?  Cure illnesses?”

The look of hope in her eyes made him pause.  Is that what she’s after?  She wants her youth back? “The magic can only work with what’s already there.  I could make myself larger, stronger, faster, but I couldn’t force the change and make myself look like a full blooded orc.”  Not even though he really wanted to.  Still, perhaps it was for the best.  He would prove himself as a half-orc.  He didn’t need to undergo the change to be successful, no matter what his father might think.

After another moment’s thought, he continued.  “Cosmetically, perhaps.  I don’t think you could truly reverse aging but you could change your appearance to make it more youthful.”

“What would that take?  What would it cost?”  Jeanette asked eagerly.

“The blood of a maiden.” He joked.

“How much?”  She replied, a hungry look in her eyes.

“That was a joke.”  Augras tried to hide his disgust. “I would have to talk to Marishka, but probably the sacrifice of some calves or lambs.  It is a long process, thought.”  And I’ll see you in the Abyss before I let you have it.

“Please do, please do.”  Jeanette began to look absent again, perhaps dreaming of her youth.

“I’d like to set out for the Hell Pass by the end of the week, grandmother.”

“The Hell Pass?  Why?”

“That is where I want to serve…where I need to serve.”  He knew that was where he was being called, where he could do the most good and start the process of bringing this war to an end.

“No, no, no Augras! You need to take Ousten to your uncle Belkor in Heste.”

“Heste!  It will be months before the war there continues. I need to get to Thesta; that is how we’ll win the war.”  Augras struggled to keep his voice down; it wouldn’t do to be shouting at the Queen.

“Think of your parents, Augras!  I can’t send you headlong into danger so soon after your safe return.  Besides, you don’t have any experience with war.  Transporting the prisoner can be your first command, and I’m sure Belkor will put those Bull and Horsemen of yours to good use.”

“My powers won’t do any good in Heste; they’ll prove decisive in Thesta.  That is where I belong, not serving as an escort for some propaganda tool!” 

Jeanette scowled at him.  “You’ll go to Heste because I say that’s where you’ll do the most good!  Maybe you can use your magic to rescue your aunt!”

“I can’t turn myself invisible, grandmother.”

“My decision is made, Augras.  You’re going to Heste, and you’ll set out tomorrow!  Best get yourself ready.”

Augras fumed as he bowed, clearly dismissed, and then turned and left.  He was so close to achieving his destiny, only to be thwarted by a half-mad old woman!

****

Augras settled into the soft mattress of the poster bed in his quarters, turning the two message scrolls in his hands.  The full moon shone brightly into the room, boosting the light of the flickering candles on the night stands.  The letters had arrived earlier, straight from Deznessuian.  Mother and father.  He looked at them both; one had a large, broad seal of deep burgundy colored wax in the shape of an axe crossed with a crossbow; the other a diamond gemstone in black wax.  Which one first?

With a sigh, he reached for the red seal and tore it off the page, and then unrolled the scroll.

Augras,

Thank you for finally returning home.  As I’m sure you’ve learned, the political situation in the Western Kingdoms is very unstable.  It is important that you do nothing to assist Zentara and Heste until I’ve given permission.  The fate of the very Kingdoms is at stake and if we want Deznessuian to improve its position we need to be in lockstep.  Listen to everything and say nothing, then report back to me.  I will let you know what your role will be in Zentara.  Do this well and I may forget what you did.

-Trogar Grennally of the Goltenak Clan, King of Deznessuian, Suzerain of all the Elfish Isles

Augras slipped out of bed and held the letter over the candle until the parchment caught flame.  He stepped out onto the balcony, and as the last of the paper burned away he released it into the wind.  There, that’s about all that’s worth.  Forget what I did?  You had better pray that I am willing to forgive all you’ve done.  Keep your Island, father, and give it to my brother if you like.  I’ve got a grander prize in mind.

As the last embers disappeared into the night, Augras turned back inside and opened his mother’s letter.

Augras,

Thank goodness you have returned, and are safe.  I have been worried since the day you left and each moon that passed without word I thought you lost forever.  I’m glad you are back and cannot wait until I see you again.  I miss you terribly, and fear that this war will lengthen our parting.  Please know that your return is welcome to me, whatever your father might think.  I know that he has written you a letter as well but I implore you to trust your own judgment.

For my part, I think your father’s plan is misguided.  Withholding support from Deznessuian until he gets the concessions he desires is folly.  Though your grandmother provoking a war with Thesta and Sandora is madness, now that it has begun we should be acting decisively, not holding back.  Zentara and Heste will need all the support they can muster to defeat Amelie and Henry.  Do whatever you can, for much that I loathe what Zentara has wrought on my home, it is too late to go back.  If Zentara loses, then we also lose.  There can be no accommodation short of every orc, including you my son, being killed or expelled.  Our races, our families, and our lives are intertwined now, they cannot be torn asunder.

Do what you have to, and come home when you can.  I love you, and always have.

Love,

Your Mother.

Augras smiled and traced his mother’s signature.  It had been too long since he’d seen her, too long since he left, necessary as that might have been.  A sudden knocking interrupted his thoughts and before even waiting to be beckoned, the door opened.

A beautiful young woman with dark hair and shapely curves entered.  She could be Bernadette’s sister he thought blackly.  He suppressed the snarl though, and met her smile with one of his own.  “How can I help you, my dear?”

“Good evening, Your Highness,  my name is Hope.  The Queen was upset that you parted on such poor terms earlier and asked if I would come and help make amends.”  Her bright teeth shone in the moonlight, and as she curtsied her breasts pressed together and offered him a generous look down the front of her dress.

“Of course she did and how kind of her to think of my needs.”  He reached forward to clasp her by the arm.  His fake smile took on a more genuine but sinister glint.  “How did she say you should do that?”

“By doing anything you require, my Prince...anything that will make you happy.”  She rested her small, dainty hand on his forearm and stroked it softly.

“And will you?  Do anything to make me happy?”  Augras’ grin turned predatory as he reached out to clasp her tit, rubbing it through the fabric of her dress.

“Oh yes my Prince!  Anything!”  She replied brightly.

“Perfect!  One moment then.”  He left her abruptly and stalked out of the room.  A moment later he was standing outside the Minotaur Chief’s room.  “Brindhour, come here a moment.  I have a surprise for you.”

When the burly Minotaur answered, Augras led him across the hall.  “This is Hope.  She’s a present from my mother, but as I’ve promised you access to women and not yet delivered, I thought she might serve as a down payment.”

This time he didn’t suppress his glee at the look on Hope’s face.  She had come here tonight expecting to service a royal half-orc and now was being told to pleasure a monstrous bull man!  She looked at him with trepidation, her eyes wandering over his massive, muscular form.  The Minotaur was almost twice her height, and easily four times her mass.

“Prince, I-” she stammered.

“My grandmother said to do whatever would please me, yes? Well, it pleases me to watch you with Brindhour.  Besides, I know the Queen wouldn’t want you to shirk from the challenge, would she?”  Augras chuckled when he saw Hope resign herself.  He knew that argument would be persuasive; Jeanette would be insanely jealous at missing out and probably demand a full accounting.

Hope approached the large Minotaur as he fished his massive cock out of his loincloth.  The thick slab of meat was easily as wide around as the slender woman’s wrist, if not thicker.  She certainly had her work cut out from her.  It took both hands to wrap around the girth, and a tremor ran down her spine as her fair hands stood out against the black flesh of his cock.

A twinge of regret briefly shot through Augras as he took in the contrast, both in size and color.  She deserves it, he assured himself, she would have spied on me to the Queen.  Used and manipulated me if she could.  Fool me once…

“That’s a good girl.  See, it’s not so different, just a bit bigger than you’re used to.  But I’m sure one of the Queen’s servants is more than up to the challenge.”  Augras returned to his bed and sat down on the soft mattress to watch.

The burly Minotaur snorted in pleasure as Hope’s soft hands ran up and down his shaft, teasing and caressing the flesh, making it stiffen in her hands.  Brindhour reached down, his massive palm covering the top of her head as he pushed her lips onto his cock.  When Hope’s mouth pressed softly onto his sensitive shaft he snorted again and clopped his hoofed foot, making Hope jump.

“Good girl,” he rumbled, “use your mouth.” He bellowed out a deep belly laugh.  “Mincenntti mouths are not so good for this; too pointy.  But human mouths look so soft and inviting.”

“Yes, My Lord.”  Hope murmured as she nuzzled her lips up the length.  Despite the situation, she was still a professional and knew how to service a cock.  She flicked her tongue out and slithered up over the top side of the shaft.  She brought her mouth all the way to the tip, which was slightly slanted like an orc cock, though not quite as steep and much thicker.

Hope flicked her tongue just under the tip and tickled it back and forth as she continued to use both hands to stroke the meat up and down.  Her hot breath wafted down the length as she began to pant.  Her nipples started to harden as her excitement grew.  She pursed her lips and then pressed them against the head of his cock and suckled softly.  The salty taste permeated through her mouth but at the end of the day it wasn’t so different than the many other cocks she’d serviced before.

“That’s it, Hope,” Augras encouraged her,  “Just think, you’ll be the first woman of the Western Kingdoms to fuck a Minotaur…Maybe you’ll be in the history books!”  He laughed.  “If nothing else, I’m sure it will give you status among the Queen’s other servants.”

Before she could respond, Brindhour gave Hope a sharp tug to pull her deeper onto his cock.  Hope was forced to jack her jaw wide in order to accommodate it, and soon her mouth was aching as she tried to massage the shaft with her lips and tongue.

“So tight.  I look forward to fucking your pussy next.  Get it nice and wet, not for me, but for you.  Hah!”  The Minotaur burst out laughing again and clopped his foot once more as he began moving his hips while pulling her up and down his shaft.

Hope did her best to suck on the dick while the Minotaur moved her back and forth.  Even with her considerable skill she couldn’t keep her teeth from scraping along the bull man’s shaft.  Luckily, the Minotaur didn’t seem to mind, as the iron hard rod seemed impervious to such a meager attack.  Her mouth was stretched to the limits but still she sucked as best she could.  Her tongue pulsed against the underside of his cock while her lips milked the shaft, creating a tight seal around it while he dragged her mouth up and down.

Soon the head of his bull cock was pushing at the back of her throat, choking off her breath as he tried to get it deeper and deeper inside the woman.  Hope tried to focus, to use her skill and training to relax her throat enough to take it inside, but it was no use.  The cock was too thick for her to take in normally.  Her eyes began to water and she started to jerk the base of his shaft furiously in order to get him off as quickly as possible.

Brindhour was not to be deterred however.  Even though the human’s mouth was only covering a quarter of his dick, it felt too good and he wanted more.  He began to hump faster and his thick black fingers curled around Hope’s dark hair, tightening his grip as he pulled her down his cock.  His hard shaft rammed at the back of her throat again and again as he assaulted the muscles of her throat.

With dogged determination and bestial persistence he finally broke through the resistance and with another snort of pleasure he began sliding his monstrously long shaft down her throat.  More and more of the cock disappeared between her plump lips, making her throat bulge.

Hope’s eyes widened as she felt the cock invading her throat and totally blocking the narrow passage.  Tears welled in her eyes and she struggled to breathe.  The massive Minotaur had no mercy however, but started to move in and out, sawing his cock through the tight, warm, wet envelopment of her throat.

“Easy now, Brindhour.  Don’t break her on me.  I’m sure my grandmother will want her back in one piece.” 

“I can’t make any promises but if she can take it in my mouth I’m sure she can take it between her legs without breaking.”  He pumped his dick into her throat a few more times before finally withdrawing it completely.  He let the iron rod bob before the woman, slapping and rubbing it across her face as she gasped for breath. 

Drool and spittle leaked out of her lips and down her chin as she heaved, trying to catch herself and recover in the aftermath of the brutal face fucking.  “Thank you My Prince,” she rasped, “I’ll…I’ll be happy to take your friend’s cock inside me.  Or try to.”

Brindhour reached down and snatched both of Hope’s wrists in one hand and hoisted her up into the air.  His other hand pawed at her breasts, trying to untie the string in front,  but his thick fingers weren’t nimble enough and he only succeeded in rumpling the fabric of her dress.

“Please, sir, let go of me, and I’ll untie it for you.”  Hope pleaded but the Minotaur paid her no mind.  He simply gathered up the skirt of the dress in his hand and ripped it clean off, leaving her naked from the waist down.  He immediately thrust his hand between her legs and started to rub her bare slit. 

“Ah, good.  You’re warm, soft, and smooth.  You’ll make a good mate for me.”  He started to push his finger between her labia.  He worked it back and forth, circling it slowly as he drew out her natural lubrication and relaxed her vaginal muscles.  Finally, he slipped his index finger in and pushed it deep inside.  His index finger alone was the size of an elf’s cock; maybe even a small human one.

The fat finger twirled inside her, spreading her walls, getting them ready for the impending invasion.  Hope couldn’t help but moan as she felt her pussy get filled by something with the flexibility of a finger yet the size and girth of a cock.  She closed her eyes, escaping the Minotaur’s monstrous visage to lose herself in the pleasure she was feeling.

“Ooooh!”  She started to bounce atop Brindhour’s hand as she moaned.  Her cry was low and throaty from the abuse, and though it still hurt she was able to move past it and lose herself in the sensation of her cunt being spread by the Minotaur’s finger.  As she dangled from his other hand, she moved her hips, rocking and rolling them against the finger as he moved it faster.

When Brindhour felt that she was sufficiently aroused, he released one of her hands which instinctively gripped a horn.  He then released the other, and soon Hope was hanging off the Minotaur’s horns as he moved both hands to her waist.  He guided her down, sliding his cock between her thighs.  The thick member wedged them apart as he brought it all the way to her slit.

He slapped and thrust it, rutting up between the nether folds as he sought to batter his way in like he did her throat.  Hope opened her legs up and planted her feet on either hip to give him as much access as possible.  Soon her slick hot pussy was stretching around the Minotaur’s cock as he plunged it inside.

She cried out, throwing her dark hair back as pain lanced from between her legs.  The fat dick was so large it pressed against her clit from the inside, and completely stretched out her hot cunt.  Brindhour began to mercilessly thrust, ramming it in and out of her as she dangled from his horns. As she panted and mewled, he lapped at her face with his bovine tongue, smearing his saliva all over her cheeks and face.

“Aaaah!  Nnng!”  Hope panted, mouth hanging agape as his tongue ran over her lips.  The massive slab of meat bored through her pussy, stretching and molding it to the shape of his girth as he plundered her insides.  Moving faster and harder, he took his pleasure from her flesh.

“There, you’ve done it Hope.”  Augras remarked.  “You’re the first woman of the Western Kingdoms to fuck a Minotaur.  Perhaps my grandmother will have a painting made and a song commissioned to commemorate the act.” 

The Minotaur snorted and stomped as his muscles rippled.  He didn’t even get half of his cock inside her before finding her cervix.  He nonetheless continued, fucking her frantically.  Each thrust pummeled the roof of her vagina and made her clamp down tightly around his dick.  Finally, the slanted head released his pent up seed, throwing it right at the entrance to her womb as rope after rope shot out of him.

Hope slumped over as she felt the climax release, and then subside.  But Augras was quick to disabuse her relief.

“Oh don’t think we’re done yet, Hope. Minotaurs may cum early but they cum often: you still have a long night ahead of you..and I hope it’s not your cycle, Marishka assures me that humans are perfectly breedable with Minotaurs.”  He laughed softly but already his mind was turning to other things as Brindhour ripped off her dress and positioned her for another go.

****

Drauken cursed as the full moon illuminated the space between the castle wall and the copse of trees he was hiding in.  Of course I would have to do this on the full moon, he thought,but he didn’t have any control over the Queen’s timeline.  If he didn’t get Ousten out tonight, Augras would whisk him away and he’d miss his chance.

Why did I volunteer for this again?  I’m a merchant, not a rebel or a spy!  He wasn’t meant for this kind of work but if he wanted to continue being a merchant, he needed to see this through to the end.  It all sounded so easy when he was safe in his townhouse but now as he crouched here, with two guards patrolling nearby, he was having second thoughts.

All right, all right. Let me just wait a bit until the guards come back.  Then I’ll at least know how long their rotation is.  The seconds, then minutes, seemed to drag on.  He tried keeping count to distract himself but he lost track when he started thinking about everything that could go wrong again.  Before he knew it, the guards were walking past again.

This is it, this is it, now or never.  As soon as they passed he slipped from the shadows and sprinted to the wall.  He hugged the stone wall tightly and began searching for the loose brick that would open the door.  Gregor said it was the fifth block up from the ground, thirtieth across from the innermost corbel supporting the large round tower on the southeastern side.

He tried counting them out but even with the light of the moon it was hard to differentiate the blocks of stone in the darkness.  He first lost count around fifteen, and the second time around eight.  His heart was beating furiously and he could feel the sweat beading on his forehead despite the coolness of the autumn air.  He pressed against the wall again and traced the blocks with his fingers, counting off each time he found the mortar filling the gaps between the blocks.

When he counted out thirty he stroked both sides of the block and then placed both hands on the center and pushed.  And pushed.  Shit, he cursed silently as nothing happened.  He ran his tongue over his tusks as he moved one to the left and pushed, but again nothing happened.

“You gonna see Hope tonight after work?” A distant voice asked.

“Naw, the Queen has her working late.  But I’m thinking of taking her out of the city this weekend.  It’ll be nice to get away from the stink for a little bit,” another voice replied.

Panic seized his heart as he heard the voices coming up behind him.  How long had it been?  He had lost count, but it didn’t matter now.  Either way they were almost here.  He looked around in a panic, and then gripped the hilt of the short sword on his belt.  He slid it about halfway out of the sheathe, then thought better of it.  What am I doing?  I can’t fight them. 

He took a deep breath and released the hilt, then spun towards the wall and slammed both hands into the block above the one he started with.  He breathed a sigh of relief as it slid back, activating the counterweight that opened a door in the wall.  Drauken darted inside and quickly reset the door so it closed again.

Oh thank goodness.  That was too close.  But at least it should be smooth sailing from here.  After letting his heart settle down he thought back to the map and pictured it in his mind.  The passage would continue, and then reach an intersection.  Taking a right would lead towards the Queen’s quarters, but he needed to go straight.

He began walking down the passageway and soon reached the fork he expected.  A faint thwacking sound echoed down from the Queen’s quarters coupled with faint moans.  The Queen is having fun tonight.  Good, at least that means she won’t be creeping through these passageways.

He lingered for a moment longer, briefly tempted to go and have a look before thinking better of it.  No, I need to be moving.  The quicker the better.  He continued on down the passage, thinking about the next set of instructions.  It was supposed to split, with one tunnel leading down and the other up.  The dungeons were down, but the special cell Ousten was kept in wasn’t in the dungeon, it was on an upper level.

He kept to the right at the split, and was relieved several moments later as he came across a staircase leading up.  He began climbing the stairs.  What’s next?  Left or right?  Instead of a split, the tunnel continued straight or left.  Shit.  Well, if I thought it was left or right and it’s left or straight, it must be left.

He took the left turn and continued down the hall.  Light crisscrossed the passage, shining in through small holes bored in the walls.  From the secret passage one could spy on any of the quarters in this wing of the castle.  Most of the rooms seemed empty but from one he heard a rhythmic thumping and more pronounced moans.

“Ah!  Fuck me!  Split me with your big fat cock!”

He spared a glance through a hole and did a double take as he saw the massive Minotaur slamming into a pretty dark haired maid.  It took him a moment to realize that Augras was watching from the bed.  So that’s what he likes?  I wouldn’t have thought it.  But it’s good to know where Augras is sleeping, that might come in handy later.

He continued down the passage and soon found himself mounting the final set of stairs that led to Ousten’s cell.  He was surprised to find it wasn’t even locked.  The cell door swung open for him, and he stepped boldly inside.  This was much more his style; dealing with nobles was much more comfortable for him than sneaking around.  “Your Highness?”

“Your Highness?” Ousten asked at the same time.  The slender man turned towards the door with a hopeful expression, but his shoulders slumped and his face fell as he saw the orc.  “Who are you?”

“My name is Drauken, Your Highness.  I’ve come to rescue you, to take you home to Heste.”  Drauken stepped into the room, and was surprised to find it well furnished.  A large bed with a feather mattress took up one wall, and bookcases filled with leather tomes dominated the others except for a small alcove that exited onto a balcony.

“Heste?  But why would I go there?”

“Haven’t you heard?  There’s been a rebellion against Belkor’s rule.  Your cousin Henry is trying to reclaim the throne for your family.  You need to be there with them.”  Drauken replied patiently.  Years of seclusion had obviously addled him somewhat and he’d need a gentle hand.

“Oh.”  The King took a few steps forward, and the moon caught his long white beard.  Long years of imprisonment had not been kind to him, even if he was kept in a gentle cell.  “I don’t know what I would do there.  I’m afraid I wouldn’t be very much help.  Besides, I don’t think My Queen wants me to leave.”

His Queen?  This is worse than I thought.  “She’s kept you prisoner here, Your Highness.  For eighteen years!  Don’t you want to be free?  To be your own man again?”

“I’m the Queen’s man!”  He said hurriedly, a wild look in his eyes.  “She needs me here.  I can’t leave her, no one can service her like I can.”

He’s lost his mind, he realized.  This is going to require more direct action.  “I know, I know, but she needs a special service from you.  Henry is claiming to be King, and she needs you to prove that he’s not.”

“She does?”  He seemed to think about that.  “I could do that for her.  Will she be coming with us?  Did she give you my key?”

“Your key?” He asked in spite of himself.

Ousten responded by pushing his pants down.  A shudder ran down his back and he had to push down a wave of revulsion as he saw wicked looking metal tube encasing Ousten’s cock.  She has him in chastity?  He’s truly lost his mind!  “Yes, yes, I have it right here,” he said and pretended to reach into his pocket.  When he closed the distance he suddenly struck out with his other hand, punching Ousten across the jaw and knocking the frail former King out cold.  This is worse than I thought, but at least he doesn’t look too heavy.  I should be able to carry him out of here…but how am I going to get him to Heste?

****

Augras masked the feelings of relief and satisfaction he felt when he heard that Ousten escaped.  He was becoming used to hiding his true feelings but he supposed that was normal for living in court.  He knew it was a shame that Ousten disappeared, foiling Jeanette’s plot and possibly undermining their cause but on the other hand, he knew the chances of it having a meaningful impact were small and now he was free to find his true destiny.  Something inside him knew that Thesta was his future, not Heste, Zentara, or even Deznessuian.

“The jug is broken, it can’t be put back together.  We should focus on the next problem at hand; breaking the impasse at the Hell Pass.”  Augras wanted them to see reason but a cacophony of voices answered him.

“Our army was shattered in Heste, we need to shore up our forces there!  If we can defeat the Princess-Knight we’ll crush their morale; they’ll run all the way back to Thesta and we can hem them in while we see to the northern lords!”  The loudest voice cut through the rest, belonging to Bogor.

“Their army is camped outside Dromstadt, besieging the city.  It will be there for months, plenty of time for our army in Heste to reform and face them again.  Now is the time to break through the Pass, while their army is away.  Once we do, we can take the whole of the country behind her back.”  This time Augras allowed himself to smile as more voices spoke up in support of his position.

“There’s still the matter of Ousten’s escape.”  Dorian said, his soft voice immediately silencing the discussion.  “Let’s return to that.  All of our grand plans will come to nothing if a spy is reporting them back to our enemies.”

“It is quite the coincidence that Ousten escaped just after your return, nephew.”  Vilknar added.

Augras laughed.  “From what I hear, your plans were being leaked before I even arrived.  And if I were working against you, why would I disrupt your little propaganda plot while solving the greater strategic problem of food?”

“Augras is right.”  Jeanette decided.  “If he were the spy he’s doing a poor job of it.  In fact, the only one I think we can definitively say is not a spy is Augras.”  She looked around the table, daring anyone to disagree with her.  When no one obliged, she continued.  “Augras, can you solve the problem in the Pass?”

“I can.”  He said confidently.  Beside him, Marishka nodded her head sagely.  They had discussed at length what would be necessary, and though some would not approve, he would do whatever it took to win the war.  “I’ll ne-”

“No, don’t say anything further.  If the spy is here, there’s no point in tipping our hand.  I trust you, and will send Grotok a letter to that effect.” 

“I appreciate your confidence, Grandmother.  With your leave, I’ll begin making preparations.”

With Jeanette’s leave, he and Marishka left to go find the chiefs of the Minotaurs and Centaurs.  “Brindhour, Golinchkar, we’ve finally been given permission to march.”

“It is about time, Son of Three Races.”  Golinchkar rumbled.  “I have waited long for the women I was promised.  Brindhour has received a taste, and he assures me it was exquisite.  I want my share.”

“You shall have it, Golinchkar.  After the fortresses guarding the Pass are taken you shall lead the army through and have first pick of women.” 

“You’ll be well satisfied, Centaur, “Marishka said, “not that you deserve it.”

“You’re still here, slaver?  Why don’t you join your doomed race in the dustbin of history?”  The centaur retorted angrily.

“That’s enough of that.  We all have our roles to play and our destinies to follow.  Golinchkar, Brindhour, I need you both to go to the Smithy to be measured for armor.  Your pelts might be fine against the bone weapons of the Mincenntti but if you’re going to fight men you’ll need steel.  All has already been paid for and one of the footmen from the castle will direct you.”

“Weapons too, I hope.”  The Minotaur rumbled.

“Yes, weapons too.  They smiths will be making more, but they will meet catch up with us at the Pass.”  Augras barked out a laugh.  “They didn’t have enough armor on hand to fit an army of Minotaurs and Centaurs.  Go figure!”

After they left, Augras turned to Marishka.  “Don’t let them get to you.

“They don’t matter, Son of Three Races.  They’re beasts of burden, meant only to carry you to our destiny.  It is up to you to reunite the three races, and restore the bloodline that is your birthright.”

“I know and now, finally, we’re setting off to begin.  Hah!  I’m leading a thousand Minotaur and Centaur to war.  Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think I’d be doing that!” 

“You’ll be doing much more than that.”  Marishka’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if seeing through him, or inside of him.  “My people once spread across the world; now we are less than three score, while cattle and horses steal our heritage…but you are going to change that, Son of Three Races, you will create a legacy that will see our people reborn.”