《Adventures in Wonder - A Wish of a Life Time》


 A Wish of a Life Time - Prelude

    Once apon a time, there was a man called Rob. He was by no means extraordinary, or special. He was disabled and a dreamer and attracted to unusual things.


    His fate changed one strange day when for no real reason beyond curiosity and the need to get out of his rut, he went in to one of those antique / this and that shops that dot much of the country. He was just browsing, looking at the interesting things and chatting mindlessly with the counter man, who was happy to have a potential customer on this overcast day.


    For entertainment of himself and the clerk, he picked random items and would make up something based on them. A ring to call forth a storm, a walking stick becomes a wizards staff, a candle stick (no candle) that could be used to talk to ghost. Things like that. The clerk to joined in, and they made up stories just to pass the time. Amoung the odds and ends in a shelf of random items Rob found, stuffed in the back, an old thin wood Tarot card, the Moon. Asking the guy about it, the clerk did not know, but theorized it may have fallen out of an old deck at some point. They did carry such things on consignment from time to time. Rob shrug and laughed, telling him about a Deck of Fate he read about in a story many years ago as a teenager, the moon card was supposed to grant 1 to 4 wishes when drawn from such a deck, at least in the story. But you had to be careful cause there was a time limit, depending on how long the card was active affected how many wishes it could grant.


    Picking up the cane from earlier and holding it up like a wizards staff, the card held aloft in the other hand he jokingly said, "Oh mighty Card of the Moon, grant me my boon, I wish I could live in another world of ancient magics, powerful places, and potentials undreamed of in the hearts of the people of this world, that there I was a mighty Wizard, with my staff in hand and knowledge of all things mystical and arcane, and that I was young, strong of body and mind and very healthy, and wealthy and that I *coughs through the next words (meant to say ''had'' but garbled it so the magic thought he said ''was'')* a girl as beautiful as they come, large of breast, slender of hips, firm of butt and strong of will (under breath) and kinky as my dreams." Winking at the clerk, "This I so wish, so mote it be" and with that he brings down his ''staff'' and strikes it on the floor. The card glowed with a brilliant blue white light and in a flash Rob, the card and the staff vanished. The clerk jumped up and ran around the counter, but all that was left was a swirling pool of glowing mist and Rob''s shoe prints burned in to the floor.


    Prelude Part 2: Of unknown wishes and new worlds.


    Waking on the floor and fearing the worst, in his case one of his few though disorienting mini strokes, he looks around, but this is not the store. The floor is cold stone and white mist covers the walls and very distant ceiling. His head is splitting and he hurts literally everywhere.


    Coming out of the mist was a strange ''woman ?'' dressed in a luminescent white gown, she speaks in a soft yet deeply echoing voice, "I must say, that was the most dramatic wish we have gotten in sometime. Well worded though, I especially liked the line ''Ancient Magics and Potentials undreamed of'' That by the way is a tall order, not impossible just tricky. I suppose by your worlds standards you were thinking of what your people think is fantasy. Oh please do speak, I want to get this sorted out right. Would not do to get this sort of thing wrong, bad for business you know."


    Thinking he has dropped in to a dream sequence, not unheard of as vivid dreams are not that unusual for him, " I hurt, all over, especially my head."


    "Hmm, oh dear, that will not do at all, can''t do an interview if the subject is in pain." she saying something to someone he can''t see and the pain levels drop to almost non existence. But he still can''t move. Part of his mind supposes he is in a hospital and that is the pain meds kicking in. Mixing reality and dream.


    "Better ? Good good. Now then what sort of world were you thinking of ?"


    "Well Advanced Dungeons and Dragons or similar you know. That''s a fantasy game system. Though left to me, and my proclivities I might mix in some World of Darkness VTM version. Um there are multiple versions of both systems but I prefer the 2cd edition versions of both truth be told. An Earth variant is ok, but you know with the variant races, elf, dwarf, gnome, halfling, gobliniods, dragons, etc. The intelligent sort of dragons mind you, not the moron beast types. Can''t stand all ''pure instinct and no intelligence'' types in any race. Takes the fun out of talking to them don''t you know."


    The entity nods, "All good points, and the smart dragons does narrow it down some. Hmm, time frames, future, with cars, atomics etc, steam age, renaissance, medieval, dark ages, and yes I know that medieval and dark ages are often confused or at least mixed depending on world history, where was I ah, Iron age, bronze age. Well you get the picture."


    Tries to nod but his head still feels ''wonky'', "Yeah. That''s a tuffy, something to be said for all of them. Well hmm, something without christianty would be nice, wider variety of faiths, none of that one faith to crush them all nonsense," the entity laughs and nods, "Maybe Rome failed to take over the world. Pushed back by combined humanoid armies or the like. Never making it much out of Italy, or what is now Italy in my world." more nodding and now he can see her flipping through a book, "Age of legends maybe pushing it. Though, hmm that is an interesting thing, that time can happen multiple times, it''s just not obvious to those living in that time. On my earth for example there is the ancient one with the Greek hero''s like Hercules and them, then the later times with King Arthur, and later still with Robin Hood, and so on. Each different but each leaving behind legendary figures. I admit my knowledge of such is limited to what was popular in my own culture." more nodding but nothing said, "For my ideal though, would be somewhere in medival level technology Full plate would either be new or unheard of, depending on races. Guns, hm, no. I can see them having existed at one time or another, but well, that sort of knowledge tends to come and go. Like how the ancient Babylonians had electricity, then the knowledge was lost, only to be found again later. Or the Orcs or one of the other races figured out black powder but not guns or cannons, as it''s good for blowing stuff up or making fireworks. That maybe more the mage or shamans thing though, something to wow the people ya know."


    The entity smiles, "My you are a font of knowledge aren''t you. Read allot I take it. That''s good. Mages need to be able to read. Oh on that part, we can''t make you a mage of great power to start off with. We can give you the potential for it though and the basic knowledge you will need. Like having gone through a full apprenticeship, so in your terms you will likely start off around 3rd level or so. We will see how things work out. Do you mind having other potentials as well ? "


    "Understandable about the mage thing, other potentials, you mean skills or occupations ? I don''t mind really. Always been a bit of a mystic and paranormal researcher, at least as a hobby, or at least I used to, before the strokes. Those really made it hard to learn new things, actually hurts trying to learn new things now days."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon."AH, so that''s what that is, yes will have to fix that for certain. No worries, we will make sure your very healthy. And yes that is what I meant by potentials. Actually your old hobbies work in nicely with what we were considering. May find some churches looking to hire or convert you. Those hobbies tend to attract them as well as make a better mage. Ah, do you have a specialty in mind for magic ?"


    "Always partial to enchantment actually, but I would most likely not specialize as that is to limiting, granted specializing can grant abilities a generalist can''t get normally, but a generalist knows things that specialist can''t learn Because they are specialized. Though, I can see myself collecting a goodly assortment of enchanted items. Cause like I said, I find them interesting."


    She just giggles, "Your flair for the dramatic may serve you well as a generalist to. They do tend to be a little showy. Any other hobbies or interest we should know about ?"


    Shrugging, or trying to, "Well I like swords, knives, staves, wands and such as collectables, art, though mostly fantasy. Used to be able to draw ok, was better with clay though, studied music when I was young, could play piano and cornet ok. Really wanted to learn Mandolin but could not afford the course and the instrument at the same time, that is one I would love to be able to do as an extra profiency by the way, " she makes a note, "Gamer, obviously Role playing games mind you, though my dad taught me chess and some poker. Online games I tend to play artillery, ie anything with a good range attack ability. Um, I love vampire stories, supernatural romance''s of all sorts, On the world of darkness stuff I know allot about vampires and shifters for those systems. Even to the point I created a few of my own clans for both groups. Um, I have some pet cats, I know they are telepathic, experimented with that to be sure. Though I have to be looking them in the eye to get any idea what they are thinking. It''s usually limited as it''s draining for me to do that. Works a little with dogs to, but the only dog I had to experiment with was a golden retriever puppy. His favorites were food and ''play with me''." still grinning she nods.


    "Quite an elective assortment of interest, I imagine there is a few more but this will do. Weapon skills you would prefer or already have ?"


    "Well I trained with Staff for a long time, know a little about sword fighting and fencing but not enough to be skilled in it. I think Blunt weapons about covers most of what I know, hammer, club, that sort of thing, does using a bush axe count. Lots of yard work and clearing out huge wisteria vines. Really got to hate whom ever had the bright idea to bring them from their original country and plant them in America. No natural predators or anything to keep it in check, so it took over allot of areas. Sorry, pet peeve of mine. Uh weapons right let me think.  Oh archery and thrown weapons. I used to do both for a time, when I was young and had access to them. I got ok with a long bow. I could at least hit the target board, was better with throwing stars and knives. I know how to use rifles to, but not care and maintence of them so it''s a little moot there."


    "Ok, staff, blunts, well staff is a blunt but I get what you mean. Thrown weapons, yes we can do that to. So some warrior training, mage started as hobby but switched to it more full time, say cause of peace or the like ?"


    "Works for me, may want to mix in a little rogue actually, and monk, well kind of. I tried to imitate what I knew of the Shaolin, mostly how to walk without being heard and not drawing attention to myself. Also well I was not a very honest teenager, fortunately I mostly grew out of that. Still get tempted from time to time you know."


    "Ah, ok so Rogue mage, also workable. Race, hmm, oh they want to know about the race, though to be honest, if your interest in vampires includes one day being one I would suggest half elf or human as Elf vampires tend to be sticks in the mud, also need your starting physical age."


    Thinking slowly, "Well of the two, half elf I suppose, I like the longer life span that offers, though of a lineage of a family of the same race, also like tieflings but I am not sure that is a good idea if your using the standard appearance. Meh, probably to powerful just from their starting natural abilities at any rate. OOoOooh what about Dhampyrs ? Half Elf Dhampyr would be interesting, though not sure how to go about making that work in a game balance kind of way. Dhampyrs tend to be pretty powerful people, enhanced physical with some of the psychic powers of the vampires thrown in. Though mixing, be something like a Revenant family more than likely ... that''s a family descended from one or more vampire thralls, just to you understand what I am talking about. Don''t want to confuse them with the vengeful spirit version. Am I asking to much there ?"


    Looking solemn "Just a smidge. Though maybe something along the line could work, not a full reveant but someone descended from one a generation or two ago. Give you some of the psychic powers you spoke of and a tiny bit longer life. Being half elf that''s maybe an extra 50 years or so. Mind you half elves have been known to live 300 years or so baring racist monsters."


    Nodding, or trying to, "Yeah, that''s a problem no matter where you go. That and blatant random stupidity."


    She laughs at that, "Ok when next you wake your wish will be fulfilled. Mind you we operate a no refund policy. Once it''s done that''s it. No further changes can be made unless you find one of our cards and make another wish. Those are Very rare to. Most cards are limited to mage replications which lack the ability of our cards."


    "What about the girl and the wealth ?"


    "Oh right, need hair color, the rest is pretty self-explanatory, though kinky is giving them some trouble, hmm if I could get a wish it would be for them to give me a list of things in order, oh well. You will get some starting gear and money maybe a few minor magic items Oh and the staff, you actually found a dormant Mages staff, they are waking it now. It will be bonded to you so it can''t be stolen. Also because of the complexity of this they want to add in something of a ''limiter'' to you. I will let you pick something but it needs to be good. Game balance as you put it."


    "Ok, girl first. Partial to red heads, fiery type not that ginger or auburn stuff, long to, at least waist length though knee length is good to, heck long enough to pool around feet is interesting, but I leave that to you all, Tall, I like tall girls, long legs, even, small feet, don''t know why I like small feet. Kinky, um, I like BDSM stuff, high pain tolerance, open minded. I have limits on that but love sexy clothing, leather, pierced nipples. Pierced ears are ok to. Not noses though, that''s a little to far out for me. long tongue, something sexy about a long tongue, but then I like fangs on a girl to, well sharp looking canines anyway. Part of my attraction to female vampires in that I think... on Limit. Well my favorite has always been Weirdness Magnet, sometimes called Weird Luck, think Swashbuckler kit, then amplify it a bit. Not usually enough to kill the person but if there is something strange going on, the character is likely to find it, stumble on to it, or at least walk along the fringe."


    "That will do, good limiter, makes sure you¡¯re going to have an interesting life, whether you want one or not. Sleep now, when you wake you will be in your new body and world. Good luck."


    And he does.

 Chapter ONE: New life of OOPS

    At first the dream like qualities remain, then the world starts to come in to full view, and Smell, and FEEL. From an alley he can see a nice medieval looking town, men and women and even a large red bearded dwarf walking about, doing business and enjoying the day. Standing up from the place he appeared at he takes 2 steps toward the exit and the ground vanishes beneath him. His last thought before vanishing through the hole is ¡®so this is weird luck in action¡¯.


    Next thing he knows he is falling down a long tunnel in to nothingness and glowing white mist then after an unknown amount of time the bottom opens up in what appears to be a stone room lit by distant torch light. He hits the floor chest first, knocking the wind from him. He lays there for a bit unmoving, taking slow stock of his new body, internally checking for broken bones.


    As he lays there he hears voices. Both female and not too far away, first voice, somewhat muffled, ¡°Ok what Exactly did you wish for again ?¡±


    Second voice, closer, and pretty sounding, ¡°Um Someone who could rescue us who was tall and beautiful ?¡± First voice, now sounding tired and annoyed, ¡°Why not just wish us out of here ? We only had one wish, oh wait, this is because your lonely isn¡¯t it. You wanted someone other than me to talk to and maybe play with.¡±


    Second voice, ¡°Well you were asleep. I was thinking it would be nice to have someone nice to talk with. Someone I could compare knowledge and hobbies with. Not necessarily sex you know. But intellectually stimulating. Tall and pretty was sort of an after thought.¡±


    First, still annoyed, ¡°So did your savior appear here in this magically warded room ?¡±


    Second voice, ¡°Uh yes, fell right through the ceiling. Though they are not moving, all I can make out is a patched up cloak and a large bag across their back. I have not built up the nerve to look closer.¡±


    First, exasperated, ¡°So get up and see if they live for one. Two if they even speak our language, and 3 if they are willing to help us or just kill us and there by help us to the afterlife. Or maybe just you as your thoughtlessness ripped them from where ever they were to this pit.¡±


    Second voice goes quiet, except for the sound of careful movement. Then the edge of the cloak hood comes up and a shadowy face looks under, ¡°Are you alive in there ?¡± she whispers.


    From deep in the hood a voice emerges, one that speaks of untold pleasures or slow death, depending on mood, ¡°I was just 2 steps from my new life, then whoosh no ground under my feet and I fall through nothingness only to land here. Why did you make me go Whoosh ?¡±


    Tentively, ¡°I found a um device that could grant me one wish. Well I and my Mistress are trapped in here and needed help to get out. So I used that wish and well the spirits picked you. Um not sure if that is good or bad.¡±


    Partial nod from the covered head, ¡°I understand wishing. I found a device that granted me one too. I wished to be healthy and wealthy and such. I was getting a new start on life. I was there, in the town where my new life was to start, then whoosh I am not. From what you said, I can only guess that whatever force gives out the wishes got lazy and grabbed the last person or maybe nearest, dimensionally speaking and dropped them or ME here to help you out. So tell me the situation while I try to determine if I have any broken bones from the long fall I just had.¡±


    Girl, ¡°But the ceiling is not that high up.¡±


    Muffled voice, ¡°Althea my pretty, they had to have fallen Through the ground above us, at the least, to appear through the ceiling, that is a pretty long fall.¡±


    Althea, ¡°Oh yeah. Sorry I am very hungry, they don¡¯t feed us down here. Hunger makes it hard to think clearly.¡±


    Figure sighs, ¡°Oh yeah, I know that feeling very well. Ok, stand back, I am going to attempt to stand.¡±


    Althea scurries back from the figure. The figure slowly pushes up to its knees, takes something in to consideration then pushes up and carefully stands. Looking at the figure, even in this poor light and those raggedy looking clothes, the woman is an impressive sight. Tall like Althea wished for, and she appears to have long hair but in this poor light she can¡¯t tell the color. She has some nice curves though and probably clean up very nicely. Glinting from under the cloak Althea can make out the hilt of a sword and something more, possibly armor of some kind, but again the light makes it to hard to see.


    The woman looks about herself, then pauses and takes a closer look at her chest, then reaching lower to between her legs she lets out a low moan.


    Althea looks perplexed, ¡°This is no time to be pleasuring yourself.¡±


    Muffled voice, sighs, ¡°That was not a moan of pleasure, sounded like one of loss.¡±


    Tall woman, ¡°I was a man this morning. Idiots screwed up my wish. The last part of my wish was I would Meet a beautiful woman, not become one. ARG!¡±


    Muffled voice after a moment of silence, ¡°Hmm I have heard of wishes going wrong before, but this is the first of them changing someone¡¯s gender. Well with out asking for it. Maybe something in how you worded it had this unseen effect. Oh too late now. Now you get to starve in here with us. Unless you brought food with you.¡±


    Slowly pulls off pack and bags, setting them down. Then draws forth a long well-made walking stick and taps it on the ground.


    Althea, ¡°Ah magic does not work in here. Rune sealed room you see.¡±


    The figure looks up at her, ¡°If magic did not work then your wish would not have worked. Ergo only certain levels or types of magic are blocked by these Runes. Or they are getting old and no one has thought to renew them. Runes wear out over time you see. Dirt, stains and such obscure them and without careful care they stop working.¡±


    The voice sounds amused, ¡°And these were made decades ago and never reworked. Oh my, we have a mage. ¡°


    The mage bows to the dark room, ¡°Yes, though not greatly powerful I have studied allot of things and know more than most.¡± Tapping the staff again she quotes a word of power and the brass ball on the end lights up casting a pure white radiance all over the small stone room.


    Now that they have light the figure can see the room is barely 12ft square with only a 7ft ceiling. It has a solid looking door set in one wall, a low slung bench / bed against another wall and a long coffin like box with other boxes on top of it.


    Once that is all taken in the woman turns to her bag and starts to search it, but right on top is a note.


    Dear Rob,


    We hope this finds you in good spirits. As a gesture of good will we have included here in a complete list of your starting gear and items of magic. Also a list of new or more completed skills that were granted you to make your transition easier.


    We did not catch one item till too late. Sorry for turning you In to your dream girl. It was a clerical error on our part. The one who took down your wish made an error. It was our filing department that found the error but too late to do anything about it. As such I have personally taken it upon myself to add a couple of freebies to your abilities. I believe you called them quirks and powers. Also all listed below as well as a basic ¡®character sheet¡¯ using your AD&D for a reference point. Somethings maybe wrong as the world we are sending you to is only like that game in the loosest of terms. Though the vtm is very much the same by the time period we are placing you in. (The 13th century) All other points of your request should still be present.


    Lastly we chose a new name for you, hope you like it. Anwen Cinaed (Beauty born of Fire is the translation, given your luck curse I thought it fit).


    ¡®Anwen¡¯ reads down her list, noting several nice items and powers. Also noting some skills are incomplete, which basically means she can choose how to train in certain skills in order to better herself.


    Aloud, ¡°Well they admit they made a mistake, stating clerical error but the new form was already complete and my mind in place before they caught it. As compensation they granted me a couple of extra abilities beyond what was in the original agreement. Nice of them. This page also list my full ¡®starting equipment¡¯ And yes I have food. Ration type stuff though, enough for one person for 4 weeks. Not sure what that means though.¡±


    Digging through the large backpack she finds the promised food. Recognizing it from its look and the tags on the wax paper it¡¯s all wrapped in, ¡°Elven way bread, jerked beef, dried fruits and nuts. Yeah that pretty much covers what I think of for rations.¡± Taking out a steel dagger from the inside of her cloak she cuts off a piece of the way bread (it¡¯s like a not so sweet fruit cake with better seasoning and less fruit). Looking further in she finds the 2 mess kits, taking a minute to work out how to open them she gets out the plates and cups, ¡°I hope you enjoy the bread and don¡¯t eat it too fast. It¡¯s hard to come by.¡±


    Althea reluctantly slows her eating from Wolf to more normal speeds.


    Anwen nods, ¡°It¡¯s not good to eat to fast after going for so long without food. You could make yourself sick and end up throwing it back up. Which is just a waste. So eat slower and less amounts to start.¡±


    Pouting, ¡°You did not give me much to start with.¡±


    Muted voice, ¡°she is right you know. You know this you¡¯re just not thinking clearly.¡±


    Anwen turns to the boxes, ¡°Why are you in a box anyway ?¡±


    Voice, ¡°Safer for you and my pet this way. I would eat you if I was let out."


    Looking back to Althea, "Care to explain ?"


    She takes a small bite of the bread and shakes her head. Voice, "I drink the blood of the living, your living, ergo I drink you, get it."


    Anwen nods then remembers, she is in a box, "Right, you¡¯re a vampire, aka Nightwalker, Kindred, blood fiend, etc. Want me to find you a nice plump guard to stuff in there with you ?"


    The box is silent then softly, "You would do that for me ? No joking or teasing ?"


    "Sure why not. Need to get you both out of here and it''s better to do it that way than just hm, nope that is harder. Let me get rid of the door first."


    Stands up, walks over to the door and places her hand against it. First she focuses her mind, seeing the door, then the life beyond the door, then what is beyond the door and hall ways with in her mind. It looks clear for 2 levels up before her searching mind finds any guards. 3 sitting around a table, talking about coming down and raping the brunet girl and arguing about what the captain would say or do to them if caught.


    Pulling back in to herself she nods, "The closest guards are 2 levels up. 3 of them arguing about whether they can get away with coming down here and raping Althea or not. One is worried about what their captain would do to them if they are caught away from the post."


    Althea''s eyes are the size of saucers, "How do you do that ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "Training and magic." Extending her mind outward again this time she looks at the door and see''s it''s locked with a simple but effective cross bar. It takes but a few minutes of concentration before she is able to use her new mental ability to pull up the bar and set it down carefully.


    Then she turns and looks at the boxes. "Hm, any of those boxes you don''t need ? Cause it''s a long way up and I don''t feel like carrying any more than I need to."


    Althea waves her off, "I will carry the boxes, don''t you worry. I am much stronger than I look."


    The tall mage nods, "You¡¯re a thrall aren''t you ?"


    Althea, looking impressed just nods. Anwen nods to, "Cool" Althea looks perplexed, "What ?"


    Anwen, "Sorry slang phrase form home. Hard to translate."


    Nodding but still not understanding, "ok".


    After getting their respective belongings they set out for the surface. Anwen in the lead with her glowing stick. They pass cell after cell, some empty save for the bones or rotting corpses of those put here before them. One or two have living or barely living people in them, Anwen opens their doors but does nothing else to help them. Several follow though, some getting their still living fellow prisoners out as they go.


    One of them though seems to think attacking Anwen would be a good thing and grabs an unlit torch and tries to brain her, only to be grabbed by the others and beaten down.


    Anwen stops and ask what is going on, skinny old man, "Eh, Burt there thought he could get in good with the guards if he killed ye, stupid git. Only things they do here is kill ye, either by a sword in the gut or starvation. Supposed to be a prison, do a set amount of time and get out. No one ever gets out though. No one ever lives long enough cause they starve us. The warden and the guards get all the food."


    Anwen nods, "Well today the guards will be the ones getting eatin, mostly by worms and crows if I have any say in it." The prisoners all laugh about that.


    By the time they reach the guard room Althea is in the lead, the box with her mistress in it pointed toward the heavy wooden door. 20 some prisoners are slowly coming up from behind. Anwen does her open door trick (to the guards the bar just floated in to the air and then set itself on the ground). Beyond their door is a box, it opens and a devil jumps out and starts tearing them apart with a voice speaking calmly from beyond directing the devil toward enemies or other threats.


    A few minutes after the screams stop the blocking box moves to one side and Althea peeks around, taking in the carnage and her happily feeding mistress she nods, "Are you safe yet ?"


    Sucking down the last of the blood from a heart she nods, "Yes, oh good stuff. These were well fed morsels." She is lying in the center of the guards table, licking herself clean, in very cat like movements. Althea enters the room followed by the mage and then the prisoners. Some of the more fit ones ignore the mess and look for weapons to use on the rest of the trek from this hell hole.


    Anwen moves to the only other door and starts doing her seeking spells again. Seeing what is beyond here and where they need to go.


    "Yikes, there is but one tunnel out of here and it goes right through the barracks."


    Lady vampire looks at her, "Can''t you magic a way past them ?"


    Shrugging, "For myself sure, for everyone else, no. Well not without killing everyone, you and yours included. Fire does a wonderful job of that."


    She nods, "Ok no fire. Like to avoid that fate."


    Looking perplexed, "Lots of bronze weapons here, not much in the way of armor either. Odd for a prison. Would expect better equipment."


    Old man, "Army gets the best stuff, these places get the left overs, in guards as well as gear."


    Nodding, "Ah that makes a little more sense. I take it this is a pure human settlement ?"


    The man looks oddly, "Of course, why do you ask that ?"


    "I am an elf." She says with a shrug. That gets her stared at wide eyed by all present, a different oldster, woman maybe, "Elves all live either across the sea or in the far eastern area''s they don''t come to these lands. We get the occasional dwarf or halfling but that''s it usually."


    Nodding to Althea, "She made a wish so strong it pulled me here from where I was before. Personally I think the gods have it in for me. Stuff like this happens to me Allot." Said with a nervous laugh.


    "Was just on my way to get an inheritance and the moment I step in to the town proper, poof yanked away and dropped here."


    Younger fellow in what were once nice clothes, "Sounds to me like the gods think you to be a hero. If you get us out of here you will be on your way to such I am sure."


    Waving that away, "Heroes have short lives, I was hoping to live longer than that."


    While they all talk, and make short work of the guards remaining meals Anwen reads over her new list then slowly stands upright, "Oh right, I got that. " moves over to the Vampire Lady, "I think I got a way out but I need to know a few things first. Like kingdom borders and such. "


    She looks intrigued, "Do tell, how will you accomplish this ?"


    "I got a special magic mirror, Using it I can open a door to somewhere else, I just need a location. Some places real not make believe. You would not believe the number of people who have tried to go to a place that only exist in their minds, its usually a fatal trip."


    Nodding in understanding she sucks a finger then motions over her companion, "Safe havens, idea''s ?"


    Althea thinks, "Hard to say. They know all our old ones, that is how we were caught, someone betrayed us. Not sure really."


    Mistress looks at Mage, "Any limitations on where we can go ?"


    Shrugging, "Anywhere in the world that is not shielded from magic. Top of mountains to bottom of the oceans, I would not suggest that one though, the doorway works in both directions and it would get really wet in here." Everyone talks and ideas are thrown out but in the end no one really even knows where the prison is.


    "Right, so start here and spiral outwards." Pulling out a hand mirror she pauses as she first sees her own face.


    She runs a finger along her face, noting the colors and how she looks like she is wearing expertly done makeup, but knows she is not. In this light her hair is darker red, but she suspects in the sun it would look more bright. Still she is a stunning beauty to be sure.


    An old woman shakes her arm, "What never seen your own face before ?"


    Anwen shakes her head, "Not in a very long time. I was a pudgy child." She lies with ease, covering the truth of her origin. Snapping out of it she moves to one side and starts scanning, Moving up through the earth till she can look down from above. As she is doing so she notes this thin man in grey robes looking about before pulling something out and looking around with it. Eventually he stops, looking directly at her from his place on the prison wall. His crackly voice comes through the mirror, "HA! Thought you could fool old Neberkez did you. Trying to scry a way out, well not on my watch. Take That!" makes a tossing gesture and something clear shoots at the mirror, but Anwen gestures herself and deflects whatever that was. Neberkez looks surprised, "So you got some skill. Don''t know who you think you are but your no match for Me!" Anwen cocks her head to one side, takes note of some large boulders. Then makes a little gesture of pull and drop and a huge one vanishes from its spot only to appear above the wall where it falls toward the mage. He tries to leap to the side, only to underestimate the actual size of the rock. The whole of the prison shakes as the boulder, which is the size of a blue whale, hits the wall, crushing not only the mage but several guards.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.Looking over at the impressed crowd, "You know that rock looked smaller from here glad that spell has nothing to do with weight limits." Said in conversational tones.


    Awed old man, "Why did you use a rock ?" Looking perplexed, "Did you not see that yellow glow about him ?" Everyone indicates they did not. "Hm, really. Well I did, it was a protection from spells shield. So I used something not a spell in and of itself. Spell shields are particular things, you can protect from physical objects like weapons or rocks, or from magic. Takes someone allot more powerful or skilled than him to use both at the same time."


    The yard is now like an over turned ant hill. People running all over and around the giant rock, people yelling, screaming, calls for help, and more.


    Meanwhile a strangely calm Anwen goes back to searching the area looking for a place to send all the people. Soon it is apparent that the prison is built in to the side of a large island with a swamp in one direction and a dense jungle in the other. Normally this place would be inescapable. But then no one ever expects a magic mirror.


    After an hour of searching Anwen finds a lovely large town with plenty of places for everyone to disappear in to. She lets all the surviving prisoners pass through, leaving only herself and the girls behind. Once the last passes through Anwen changes the location of the entrance to above, "Ok so you want to go someplace different I take it ?"


    The Lady nods, "Well that and to ask some questions."


    The mage nods, "Ask, though I reserve the right not to answer." Althea smirks, "Are you a mage or a judicator ?"


    Blinking slowly at her, "What I can''t be both ?" The Lady rolls her eyes, "Althea I will ask the questions, ok ?" Althea nods.


    "Now then. Let''s start with your name. "


    Looking up and thinking then shrugging, "Anwen Cinaed, that''s my professional name, it means Beauty born in Flame."


    The Lady nods, "So you¡¯re a fire specialist then."


    Mage, "Nope. Generalist actually, I practice Everything! Though I have a love of magical devices and weird knowledge."


    She nods, "Ok, if you wished for wealth, why the ratty cloak ?"


    Wide smile, does a dramatic twirl, pulling the cloak off as she does so, as it comes off the armor and very tall boots come in to view, the obvious high quality gear, fancy sword, and the rest as well as her very long bright red hair and stunning beauty. "Magic Cloak."


    Both Mistress and Thrall stand there in stunned silence looking up at the busty and now wealthy looking mage.


    Doing a Dramatic bow, "Anwen Cinaed Mage, Thief, Adventurer extraordinar at your service." Ends with a wide smile and hands on her weapons.


    Althea to Mistress, "Ok NOW I am impressed with what the magic sent us." Mistress just nods in agreement.


    Mage to Vampire, "Ok, so your name ?"


    The lady nods, "Right only fair. My name is Kitten. No second name, no fancy titles. My companion is Althea Fei, warrior and my best friend and sometimes lover, when I have control of myself."


    Althea suddenly claps her hands, "Thief, that''s why you let everyone else out. Cover your tracks, a diversion right ?" both mage and mistress just look at her, Kitten, "Or it was the right thing to do maybe ?"


    Althea looks contrite, "Ok there is that to." Pause, "so what now ?"


    Anwen, "You called me to get you out of here, so I need a location to get you to. Then I need to find a new path as my last one was hit by a fast moving truck."


    Both look confused at her, "A truck is a large wagon, used in moving cargo, usually pulled by oxen or multiple horses." That gets a nod of understanding, "In this case I used it as a euphemism to explain my situation," sighing, "Don''t ask me to explain ''euphemism'' please. I know allot and use some strange turns of phrases, I know this. People often tell me I am weird."


    The girls look at each other and smile at that. Anwen just looks mildly annoyed, "Ok destination ?"


    Kitten, "Why don''t you come with us ?" looking tired, "I attract chaos and trouble. I don''t make a good traveling companion unless you Like being in the middle of Interesting Events All the Time." Stated with her head dropping a notch with each inflected word, then her head comes up.


    Althea looks at Kitten then states, "Well she would fit in. That sounds like our lives most of the time." Kitten nods, "We get pulled in to things to. That''s how we ended up here. Minding our own business and then suddenly we are in a conspiracy and people are dying or disappearing. Well we know where some disappear to now."


    Anwen, looking distant and a touch dangerous, "I can remove this place if you like. Make it rain rocks all over it. Big ones, little ones, if I aim right, flaming ones. Or just a couple of large flaming ones If I can aim right."


    Kitten, "How can you do that ?"


    Shrugging in a ''no big deal'' way, "Teleport a rock high enough and the air friction will make it burst in to flame on the way down. And that is Science not magic, just so you know."


    Althea, "What Is the difference between science and magic."


    Anwen, "Anyone can do science, magic is a gift of the gods. You either got it or you don''t." Althea nods in semi-understanding.


    Putting her cloak back on, "So destination ?"


    Kitten looking at her, "Where were you thinking of going ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "Was thinking England. Always wanted to go, see those stone circles that dot the land. Heard some rumors about them and astronomy."


    Althea, "What''s Ass- tron- my ?" Rolling of eyes, "Astronomy is the study of stars, planets, and heavenly bodies." Althea nods "Oh." Eyes a little blank, Kitten, "Also used by sailors to navigate the oceans."


    Althea''s eyes clear up, "OH ok."


    Kitten shrugs at Anwen, Anwen grins.


    Althea, "What else is in this England place ?"


    Anwen, "London, England is also called the Isle of Britain. It''s just west of Ireland." Said Ireland with a slight Irish accent. "The native language of Ireland and Scotland is Gaelic of which I know a few words and the accents and that''s pretty much it. Trivia point to. More red heads in those two countries than anywhere else in the world. Or so I have heard."


    Scanning the region is not showing any of these places, not the cultures, or even technology. "Where have you pulled me to ? None of it is there." Shifting the view to Europe and moving somewhat quickly over the region, looking at this very different world. "Oh godz, from what I am seeing here you pulled me back in time."


    Vampire and servant look at each other in surprise, "What do you mean ?" Ask Kitten.


    Anwen counters with, "What is the most advanced technology of this era ?"


    Althea grins, "I got a really nice bronze dagger from Greece right before this recent adventure, it was one of the best I ever had."


    Anwen draws her sword, "This is what my people use. It''s Steel, made from Iron and special additives. I don''t know what they do to make it though."


    Both look at it in awe, it was finer work than either had ever seen. Kitten reaches out to touch it but Anwen stops her, "Don''t, the blade is enchanted, it could seriously hurt you. Like Fire level hurt if you take my meaning."


    "Like fire ?" she asks curiously. Anwen answers, "Take as long to heal from such an injury." Eyes wide, "Oh well in that case, um you hold it. That does explain how clear your mirror works, though I thought it just the magic." Anwen grins, "Actually that one is because of the magic."


    Althea thinks, "I have seen iron weapons before they are just very expensive and only a couple places sell them. Mostly Dwarven manufacture. But even they don''t have anything as nice as that sword."


    Anwen nods, "The sword is of Elven manufacture. Not the most expensive item I have, or powerful magically speaking, but good for what it does." They nod. Mages are strange true, but I am going beyond that.


    Kitten thinks for a bit, "Maybe Egypt then ? I had some friends there once, not sure if they are still there."


    Anwen, "We can look. See what we find. This world is a little to alien for me I think. From what I can put together I have been moved over a thousand years back in time, maybe more."


    After another hour of searching the image settles on the Palace and the throne, Kitten grabs Anwen in a bone crushing hug, "HE LIVES! I am so happy!" slowly pushing her back, "I need to breath¡­" Kitten pulls back, "Oh sorry, forgot myself." Anwen taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out, "I like hugs, but not so tight, I like breathing to." Kitten giggles, "So when we pass through, then what ?"


    "From their perspective you will appear from thin air. Want a cloak ? I got a couple of spares." Looking at her present costume, she looks down," yes that maybe a good idea. Ramie knows what I am but still best not to show up looking like this."


    Anwen searches the inside of her cloak and then pulls out a lovely, very high quality (very medieval) full cloak with hood. It drags the floor on Kitten, but she thinks it gives her an air of mystery, she likes it.


    Striding through first, watching her old friends reaction as he sits in court, bored out of his mind then Poof she is there and Everyone is at attention, she walks up to the proper distance even as the guards suddenly run in to position, a moment later, in the same spot, a large wooden coffin comes through on the shoulders of the tuff little Althea, she waves Queen Neferatari, who was close to a heart attack before recognizing the small woman.


    Kitten does the formal bow, then straightens and flips back the hood, "Hi Ramie, thought we would come by for a visit."


    Ramsey the second waves back his guards and smiles, "How many times have I told you not to call me that in public ?" Kitten shrugs, "To many to count most likely." Doing a spin, "Like my new cloak, it was a gift from my new Mage." Ramsey''s sighs even as is people return to thier proper places. He knows Lady Kitten is a flamboyant sort, but she is also one of his most powerful and trusted allies. As such he gives her greater lee way in his dealings with her than most any others. The fact that she to is a living God does not hurt either, though many in his court don''t really know about That aspect of the strange red haired woman, believing that she is a high priestess of one of the Gods instead.


    As they wait, Kitten gives him a report on things she has learned, things that all can know of and are not state secrets, those she will report in private.


    A few minutes later, dressed in rags with a massive hump on ''its'' back the tall mysterious mage appears, walking forward on tall shoes and strutting with the cane in hand. She exudes both power and untapped sexual presence and oddly poverty. She comes to a stop next to Althea. Whispered to Althea, "Sorry I took so long, the rain of boulders took a little longer than I thought it would." Althea grins at her and whispers back "You are only a bit behind us. No worries. Kitten was just mentioning you to the Pharaoh."


    Neferatari looks at the regal but bedraggled figure with distain, "No offense Kitten but your mage looks a bit, um, how to put this."


    Anwen, "Poor, unkempt, dirty, I can go on if you like."


    The Pharaoh clears his throat, "That is not how you speak to a queen."


    Shrugging, "I know your human etiquette, I just don''t care."


    Kitten, "She is an elf, you know how some of them can get." She says with raised eyebrows.


    Ramsey looks at her, "Are you a royal ?"


    Shrugs, "Not any more. You know how such things go I am sure."


    Ramsey shakes his head, having had experience with deposed royals before and how some just don''t know their new place in the world. "Your obviously a destitute person now and ¡­ Kitten why are you smiling?"


    Kitten, "Appearances can be deceiving. She dresses like that so people will underestimate her. But she just destroyed the Assuranes Secret Prison. By raining boulders on it from on high. After freeing All the prisoners who were in it."


    Neferatari, "I am sure their mage would put a stop to such a thing." Referring to the arch mage known to be stationed there.


    Althea speaks up, "He was the first to die actually. Tried to shield himself from magic so our mage used a really big rock. He was crushed under it, as was a large section of wall and a few dozen guards." She is absolutely giddy about the destruction.


    Ramsey nods, the destruction of that prison is good news to the rest of the world. Now if the rest of that cursed country could so easily be destroyed. Looking at the disguised mage, "Do you know who I am Elf ?"


    Anwen nods, "Ramsey''s the 2cd, greatest pharaoh of all time. Ruled Egypt for 66 years 2 month. Known after his death as the Great Ancestor. Became a legendary figure during and after his reign. Considered one of the best military leaders of his age. Married Neferatari, the Great Queen whose beauty and diplomatic skills are remembered in the top 4 most beautiful and powerful women in the world for the next thousand years."


    Dead Silence


    Someone drops a plate somewhere and it pops everyone out of their stunned state. Ramsey looks to Kitten, "She do that often ?"


    She looks uncertain, "Um actually yes, she remembers things that have yet to happen. She was looking for a city earlier, it has yet to be built, won''t be built for another thousand or so years. Talks about peoples who don''t exist, yet. You can see why I keep her around yes ?"


    Ramsey nods slowly, "Are you sure about the length of my rule ?"


    Shrugging, "The date maybe off by a couple months, the book I read it in won''t be written for another 3000 years. It did list you as the greatest, most powerful pharaoh of all time. The most well-known to. Though the statue''s you litter the place with helped with that. Your queen is still popular and name and likeness are used in stories and plays well in to the hmm, let''s see, add that to that, subtract the co-sign, roughly 3200 years. Mind you, time is a fluid thing, Nothing is written in stone, you may die tomorrow or 50 years from now. I can only see in to one possible time line. There are LOTS of timelines. I have a picture if you want to see."


    He shakes his head, "No that is quite alright. What you have said is fine for now."


    Neferatari slowly speaks, "Do you have any crafting skills beyond magic ?"


    Thinks for a minute, "Um, Leather working, Brewing and Distilling, which includes how to make elven wines. But not really on anything else. I can kind of draw, but not a strong suit. Oh and I can cook. Good for me, but not what you were hoping for. Most everything else is research and some things to keep me alive. I can play a mandolin to. Um that''s similar to a lute but a little more complex, um a lute is based on the oud design but fewer strings. While the Mandolin can have anywhere from 8 to 12 sets of strings. ¡­ not really interested in that are you ?" The royals shake their heads.


    "I am clairvoyant, no not helpful without using a mirror, hmm, parapsychology, no, mysticism, no, hm, 12 demons of the ¡­ no best not use that one ¡­ Sciences, the natural laws of the universe, despite what some people may say a good mage knows allot about the science of the worlds. Sorry nothing your looking for that way."


    Neferatari, "Leather working, so you made that cloak then ?" she ask with a smirk.


    Shaking her head, "Oh no no no. The Cloak of the Vagabond is Old magic, far beyond my skills. This cloak is thousands of years old. I don''t know who made it. I am just the one it chooses to let use it. Trust me, if it does not like a person well it can be unpleasant." The cloak chooses that moment to move itself up in to a threatening and very dramatic pose, "See it''s alive, loves drama to."


    And the crowds'' eyes go wide again.


    Anwen releases its catch and it stays there as she steps forward, showing the hump is a large bag on a black harness, she is wearing finely crafted black studded leather armor with its own hood. Sword at her side and a pewter ankh around her neck, black leather gloves, very tall thigh encasing black leather boots with 4" spiked heels and the feeling of quiet danger and sexual presence get even stronger. Smirking at the queen, She stands there letting them take her in.


    Neferatari, partly stunned nods as does the Pharaoh, her aura with the cloak was alluring, tempting even, without it her aura is almost over powering. There is just SOMETHING about her, danger and allure, love her, hate her but still want her. She was pure trouble no doubt about that.


    Ramsey glances at Kitten and see''s the smile. He has known that immortal most of his life and knows she loves trouble. She is a great ally, and a dangerous foe. She was the secret behind the negotiations with the Hittites all those years ago. It was her idea to use both languages and for each to claim that the other begged for peace. She also worked out a trade negotiation with the Dwarves of the Stone hills, getting their stone masons to carve the reliefs of him and his wives. Not to mention the wines from the elven lands and the silks from the dark wood. While his wife worked with the royals, it was Kitten, working behind the scenes, which helped his kingdom to become one of the greatest in the world. So he will not interfere with her new mage. He is sure that one will pull all kinds of trouble out in to the open, where it can be dealt with properly. And her gift of prophecy may well prove very useful as well. Never know with Oracles, they are the voices of the gods after all.


    Kitten quietly pulls in Anwen and has her step back from the center court. Kitten likes her style, shows a taste of what she has but keeps things hidden to. Misdirection and yet a touch of something more. Still young and rough around the edges but a great deal of potential there.


    After a much quieter discussion rooms are made ready and Kitten can freshen up before reporting on world events to her old friends.

 Chapter Two: Chaos in Egypt or the Mage comes to Town

    Once in very nice rooms in the east end of the Palace, Althea see''s to unpacking the very full trunk and coffin while Kitten arranged for a bath and food for herself and her companions. Anwen finds a seat and just collapses in to it. Thinking back to the events before joining these two here.


    She had just closed the portal behind the pair when the guards finally made it to the door. They were battering it down, yelling obscenities and calling for the guards supposedly in this room.


    Using the mirrors features to see beyond, Anwen focused and teleported herself to a cliff overlooking the prison. From there she could see the prison was actually built in to the mountain itself, which meant starting a land slide would not be enough to end the horrible place. Looking about and seeking an answer she realized that this was not just a mountain, but a sleeping volcano. Searching her memory and new knowledge on such things she determined if she could somehow stoke its flames she might set it off.


    So she started to tunnel in to the mountain by teleporting out large chunks of rock and dropping those in front of (or on top of) the entrance to the prison. Singing to herself, "One way in, One Way out, block the road and no one lives through Boom town." not any kind of rhyme but for her own amusement it did not have to make sense. Once the tunnel is deep enough she uses the staves magic to launch in several lightning bolts and fireballs to ignite the gasses with in. It works to, better than expected as both the side and top of the no longer sleeping giant explode.


    With a thought, even as she is blown in to the air, she vanishes, appearing on the far side of the prison island, where she can see the destruction but for now, not be much affected by it.


    "There, prison destroyed, prisoners set free, job done. Now maybe I can get back to my life." she turns to walk away only to have the white lady appear before her. "You have to return to Althea now." states the spirit. Looking surprised, "But why, I did what they summoned me for. "


    The spirit is still, looking a little pensive then she explains, "It¡¯s the wish she made you see. Her wording was a bit all over, starvation can do that you know, but she never put a time or event limit on it. The one she got from the wish, well it''s for life, yours or hers. hm, reference point .. AH, you know the fate deck from your game ?" Anwen nervously nods, "Well in effect she drew your card, the page of Wands, binding you to her. The only way out is another wish of our level. Wizards of this time are limited to spells of the 6th rank with a few figuring out the 7th rank. You however don''t have that limitation. Your spell book has things in it all the way to the ninth."


    Anwen shakes her head, "Actually my spell book is blank save for a notation of what level each section is supposed to have. Whomever you had making that up flubbed it."


    The spirit looks shocked then puts her hands over her face, "When I get back I am going to beat some small minions in to smaller minions. I swear we have never had so much trouble with a wish before. I think that luck limit of yours is working retroactively."


    Nodding, "Actually I had it in lesser form when I was younger, it''s why I ended up being a home body so much. Things were attracted to me, a few tried to get rid of me to. That pretty much killed any adventuring I would have done otherwise."


    She nods in understanding. "Stay here, I will be Right back."


    She vanishes only to reappear less than a second later, her hands now covered in glowing dots that looks slightly like ghostly blood. She hands over a slender volume to Anwen, "Here you go. This is an enchanted spell book, only you can read it. It contains every spell ever devised in your games, including the fridge books, Unearthed Arcana, Role Master, Chain Mail, and other ''fantasy'' types. You will still have to learn how to use and access them and you can only read ahead a small amount to keep you from accidently blowing yourself or the world up. On this world, it is Not your own, 2 visible moons for one. The larger green moon is actually a forest moon and was moved here by the ancient elves. There are 2 smaller moons, not visible from the surface, one of which is actually a good sized spell jamming port.


    While much of the Human World is following your worlds history up to this point that will not always be true and you can change things by introducing idea''s to this world.


    On your being here when you started to appear in the 13th century, you were still in the system so to speak, and Althea''s wish specified Tall, Pretty, redhead, and powerful. You fit the bill so they just moved you as this time fit one of your requirements, No Christians, at least not for another 1200 years and Rome will not be founded till around 750bc, I am not totally sure on the dates as my kind exist outside of what you think of as time. Lastly, this era is the end of the Age of Legend, the meeting point between the age of bronze and the age of iron as you know it. It¡¯s a blank space in the historians of your world to. Lots of barbarians and others trying to take over. Lots of trouble for you to walk in to, work around, or help create. I think that covers everything. Oh one last thing, and this is all on me cause I am frustrated with the amounts of stupidity that I have had to deal with." Bops Anwen on the head then vanishes.


    Stunned, rubbing the top of her head she looks about, places the enchanted book in her bag, then seeks out Althea''s aura and teleports to her.


    Anwen reaches into her bag, now at her feet, and pulls out the thin black book. Opening it she sees the pages are thin, white with small font words, diagrams, and list. The book has the feel of a book, but also a computer tablet, it¡¯s a strange mix to be sure. It has every spell she has ever heard of and a few new ones to. Including everything she would ever want to know about creating magical items, scrolls and even alchemy. This is a True Book of Infinite Spells. Looking at the index she sees the spell list goes all the way to the fabled level 10. Those being Godly level spells. In order for her to have such a powerful book that entity must have been majorly pissed off with that section. Going by the blood stains on her, not someone Anwen wants mad at her.


    Althea comes over and sits at her feet, "What''s that ?"


    Anwen, distractedly, "My spell book. Mages have to constantly study magic if they want to work spells."


    Althea nods, "I have heard that. I wanted to be a mage when I was younger, but I kept running in to dirty old men who saw me as a sex object instead of an apprentice. Long story there, ended up learning to fight instead, found Kitten, saved her life, fell in love, she fell for me, we are together now. End of story."


    Anwen shakes her head, "You would never make it as a story teller."


    Kitten comes up behind them and leans on Anwens'' shoulder, "True, but new question. Why did you come to us and not just leave once your mission was completed ?"


    Looking up and sighing, "I can''t. I tried but it turns out Althea''s rambling wish bound me to her. I can''t leave till one of us is Dead. Also I can''t purposely kill her or work on her demise, so that is not an option either. So your stuck with me. A mage from 2000 years in an alternate future. My world so you understand, only has 1 moon, the small silver one. But the spirit of the wish assured me that the human history pretty much runs like it did in my time. As long as the other races stay out of it."


    Kitten nods, "Good to know. So other than skills, do you know of any future devices or tactics that could be of use to us."


    "Sure lots. Just got to sort out things in my head first. And a nap, I am very tired. Blowing up a mountain is not easy." Althea leads her over to her pallet, "You can rest here. We will call you when the food is delivered." Anwen nods, lays down, then gets up, grabs her bags, then lays down holding them to her.


    Off in another room Kitten and Althea move. Sitting down and occasionally glancing through the door at their new companion Althea sighs, "I screwed up didn''t I ? I did not mean to bind anyone to us." she says forlornly. Kitten pats her knee, "Yes you did and she is bound to you not me." Althea grins at Kitten, "But I am bound to you, so US. I like being yours though." Kitten nods, "But you had a choice, she did not. She is a strong person I think and being bound is chaffing on her soul. She is not one to give her allegiance easily I think, either. But in so many ways she is a child and probably needs us, not that she is likely to admit that. Strong people often don''t. What worries me Is while she said she can''t kill you or do anything to get you killed, well she is a mage and I really don''t want you to end up a toad or the like. Having a toad as a thrall is just not all its cut out to be."


    Now looking a touch fearful, "I don''t want to be a toad either. Do you think she has that kind of power ?" Petting her girls black locks, "Love she moved a mountain and Dropped it on the prison. Other than Gods I don''t know of anyone who could do something like that. So I suspect that yes she can do something as simple as turn you in to something else. I will give you this, when you mess up you do it right." Althea bites her lips, "Each time I mess up it seems its worse the next time around. I don''t know why you put up with me sometimes."


    "I put up with you because I love you. Only reason some days, but you do good things to you know. I would not still be here if not for you on several occasions. Remember that to." Althea nods, leaning in to Kittens hand.


    Meanwhile in Rob / Anwen''s dreams.


    She / he is in a large crowded room. There are people and ¡­ things, moving about, some look like monsters, others 2 dimensional drawings that are moving around with barely affected by the 3rd dimensional world around them. There are many glowing beings to, some look to be in bandages and cast as they help the assorted beings.


    Striding around the group is a man with the head of an Ibis, he is talking to some other strange looking people, some with the heads of animals, some just animals while others look like people in a very loose sense of the word.


    Rob knows them to be the gods of the nearby countries and chooses to avoid them despite his curiosity.


    Trying not to draw attention he slides toward the back of the lines, only to trip over a spotted cat that wraps itself around his leg. He looks down at it and calmly says, "Sorry did not see you down there. I hope I did not hurt you."


    The cat smiles, as much as cats in dreams can and purrs in a woman''s voice, "Oh not at all. I was just looking for comfy shoes to sit on."


    Rob looks perplexed, "I can never tell if cats are joking or serious when they say stuff like that. "


    The cat gives him a curious look, "You talk to cats often do you ?"


    Nodding, "Well back home I had 3 cats who lived with me. One came to me after her mistress died, the other two were born under the house where I lived. I took them in, cared for them, got scratched up allot as they were semi-wild and well I like to hug."


    The cat laughs in her purring tones, "Yes I can see that happening. But Talking to them and they answering is unusual is it not ?"


    He shakes his head, "Not really, I mean it''s all telepathic and tricky to learn cause they don''t always want to share. But I worked it out, not that I can do it every time. "


    She nods, "So that is why you''re not surprised I can speak to you."


    He shrugs, "Well this is a dream scape after all."


    She sits up on her hind legs, "How do you know your dreaming ?"


    Nodding at the paper man walking by, "Well the cartoon characters kind of give it away. Also the words on the board up there change only when I look away. In all my training of dream control I have never been able to keep things from changing once I look away. I can talk to anyone, read books and papers, but I can''t keep things from moving around or the words to stay the same if I turn a page then look back again."


    The cat almost falls over, "You are an interesting one. I may have to keep an eye on you. What is your name strange one."


    Rob goes quiet, "Don''t know any more. I know who I used to be, but I am not them anymore, I don''t live in that world anymore. I got moved to another world and time. I don''t even look like me anymore. People say to reinvent yourself, which I suppose I will need to do now, but they don''t tell you how hard It is to do that."


    The cat nods, sort of looks glassy eyed then nods some more, "Ok, well I am Bast, do you know the name ?"


    Rob nods slowly, "Egyptian cat goddess, protection, and sex if I recall correctly. Not to confused with the lioness headed goddess. Bast animals are the house cats mostly. Cat shifters are often called Bastets in honor of her." The purr deepens, "Oh yes you know. I see you getting many cats around your waking self."


    Rob smiles, "I like cats. Ironically I am traveling with an immortal called Kitten right now."


    Bast rolls over, "OH I know her, she is nice. Great friend to Egypt she is. Annoys the king by calling him Rammie. She would make a good cat."


    Rob grins, "Just needs to learn Protean, at level 4 that power grants an animal form." Bast just nods, then Rob / Anwen is awoken by someone touching her waking form.


    Popping awake a spell ball forming in her hand Althea yelps and falls back, "I DO NOT WANT TO BE A TOAD!" she practically screams.


    Anwen slowly takes her prone form in and the ball disappears, "What ?"


    Althea pulling herself together, "I saw the magic ball and well you are a mage and your peeved with me so ¡­"


    Anwen nods, "No worries, I don''t turn people in to toads or frogs."


    Kitten smiles, "Well that¡¯s good."


    Anwen nods, "I prefer bunny''s. Big plump white ones. Good for cooking." Althea just rolls over in a dead faint. Anwen smiles mischievously, Kitten blinks, "Um, you said that just to scare her didn''t you."


    Anwen nods, "I don''t presently have the spell to transform anyone handy. The spell ball was a defensive spell, in case I was being robbed or attacked." Kitten nods, "You¡¯re a light sleeper to." Anwen nods, "I was poor for a long time, people though still rob the poor, so I am a bit defensive." Kitten nods, knowing about how people can be. "She came to wake you cause the food is here. Well your food is here, they are still looking for mine." Anwen nods, "Oh right, food. meh, I was having an interesting dream to."


    Kitten smiles, "Really, care to tell me about it ?"


    Shrugging as she sits up, kicking Althea''s foot in the process, which has the girl bolting awake and then running to hide behind her Mistress, "Sure. I was in this huge hall full of all sorts of people, everything from normal people, to monsters, to living drawings, to gods. I was trying Not to get the gods attention as they seemed busy with something. As I was skirting the edge of the hall I tripped over a cat, tried to excuse myself but she decided I was worth talking to. Don''t recall the whole of the conversation, but toward the end she said her name was Bast, asked if I knew the name, told her I did and what I recalled about it. She asked me my name and I told her I did not know as I am uncertain about who I am now. She started to say something more but I got woke up before I learned what she was going to say." Kitten nods sagely, Althea faints again. Anwen twist around to watch the dark haired warrior hit the floor, "She keeps fainting like that she is going to hurt herself." Kitten waves it off, "Mundane things she can handle, talking to gods, even in dreams, and well you being a mage and all, it''s a little much for her." Anwen nods, "Gods I can handle, not the first time I have spoken with them. Used to have lovely conversations with Tiamat years ago. She can be quiet nice with the proper prompting." Kitten stares down at Althea, silently wishing she could faint to. If Anwen is not a goddess she is one certainly likely to become one, and due to Althea''s messed up wish she was bound to them. For the first time in their partnership Kitten considers just leaving the girl to her fate. But then she looks at that familiar face and knows in her heart she could never do that. Self-preservation or no.


    Anwen gets up, gestures and Althea floats in to the air then walks in to the other room with the girl floating behind her. Anwen takes one look at the food and puts Althea down next to it. Lightly kicks the girl, which is all it takes to wake her and stands back as the girl shows herself to be a human vacuum.


    Anwen looks up at Kitten "That is the food ? No thank you. I think I will stick to my ration packs for now."


    The feast has roast crocodile, deep fried bugs (locust most likely), monkey brains and other delicacies. The only part Anwen takes are some fruits and nuts, leaving the strange feast to the girl.


    Kitten makes a face to, "Yeah, I used to miss food, but in my day it was either fresh roasted meat and fruits, nuts and sometimes special grasses. What they eat now rarely looks appetizing to me."


    Anwen nods in agreement, "I tried alligator once, tasted like fish crossed with chicken. I did not care for it. Never have been able to eat bugs though, something about the idea makes my stomach rebel. And I don''t really want to try monkey brains, to close to human brains for my taste."


    Kitten grins, "Yeah I will stick with blood." Anwen nods, "Given the choice of this stuff and blood I would take the blood to." Kitten burst out laughing.


    There is a knock and a slender but health looking black man is brought in. They indicate he is Kittens requested meal. She is looking him over when Anwen jerks and then magically pulls Kitten away before she can take a bite.


    Kitten, "HEY, What are you doing ?"


    Anwen points at the man''s eyes, "He has been drugged, possibly more. Give me a minute, I have some spells to see if he has been poisoned."


    She looks shocked, but does note the glazed drugged look, "How did you know ?"


    Anwen looks up from her book for a second, "Do you have Auspex ? If so check out his aura, that is not a healthy looking thing."


    Kitten rubs her eyes then squints at the man, the lines of black and sickly green shooting through this man''s aura speak of an awful fate had she not been stopped. "Oh yuck. Auspex is not an ability I am much good with. Say how do you know of Auspex ?"


    Shrugging while going over the mage equivalent of Priest spell for neutralizing poisons, "Part of my mage training. Being able to see aura''s and such really helps with casting spells or looking over other peoples spells and magical items. Not to mention it''s good for seeing a person''s true nature and motivations, though not as good as telepathy for mind reading. I still have trouble with that one." Kitten nods, yep going to have to keep an eye on this one. Though in truth she knows very little about Elven magic, only that it is strange and powerful.


    After several minutes of reading, and a short disgusted snort, "Ok I can cure any diseases that are not magic resistant, but I can''t remove any drugs or poisons, that spell is beyond me. Ironically I can purify food and drink of poisons or decay pretty easily. And we probably should have checked the food first." looking over at Althea who is holding a piece of meat just outside of her mouth now. Then looking down at her feast and turning a light shade of green, "Your saying this could all be poisoned ?" Anwen nods, "Yep, but as it''s all dead it has very little aura so I have to use other means to figure that out."


    Fortunately a detect poison spell is easy, only of the first level. Anwen cast that one first, using a bit of incense and a candle. The crocodile glows green, some of the fruit shows up a sickly brown. The man is a mix of poisons and diseases. Deadly even for a vampire. "Green is venom, asp most likely though could be scorpion, not sure about the brown, hmm ah here, sickly brown is, oh cute a reverse preservation spell, making things rot faster. That one would just give you food poisoning, probably make the venom work faster to if taken in combination. Well fortunately there is a simple cure for these poisons, you just got to eat charcoal, lots of it. Stuff pulls the toxins right out of you. As for this man, he was pretty much dead before they brought him to you. From the look of things he was poisoned only a few hours ago at most. Have to do a reading spell to see if I can learn who did this. Need something though that only he and the poisoner would have touched. That part would be hard."


    Kitten is giving the man a good looking over and makes a small bark, "Stuck in his neck, just under his collar, a sliver of something, could that be what you need ?"


    Looking close at the spot, Anwen nods and slowly, using her telekinesis, pulls the long black silver needle out of the man''s neck. The needle glows with a sickly green color to, "It''s how the poisons were put in. Good eye there Kitten."


    Being Very careful with it Anwen sits and focuses her mind on the object, trying to peel back the memories surrounding it. Taking her on a backwards trip in time to the owner of the needle. She cast a simple still image cantrip so the others can see what she sees. They see the man, smiling and active, flirting with a pretty girl, then a man with a jealous look took the slave man to another man, then the new man, one with a snake tattoo on the inside of his underarm, pulled out the needle from a hidden pouch in his belt and jabbed it in to the black man''s neck. Then the slave man is led by a different servant to the ladies. That servant was there when the poison was administered.


    Kitten calls to the posted guard to please get the servant who brought the slave. While that guard is gone Anwen is rolling the memory of the men who were present when the needle was first drawn out and they see 3 of the guards and another figure who is hidden in shadow, but looks female by its form. One of the guards is the one Kitten sent to look for the servant. She is now furious.


    Anwen calmly states, "Let me handle them, I am the unknown here and as such the one likely to cause more fear in them. Also I can do things you can''t."


    Althea, now eating a piece of burnt wood, "She''s right you know. She is more scary than we are." Kitten nods and sighs, "That is true. After all, all we can do is torture them, you can do far worse things than that." Anwen nods.


    The guard, playing dumb, returns with the servant who glances over at the slave. "Was this slave not to your liking mistress ?" the servant ask.


    Anwen answers, "Do you know where this slave was taken from ?"


    The servant shakes his head, Anwen tells him, "He is one of the Queen''s personal servants. Kitten could not possibly make use of him as it would be a major insult to the Queen. Also, " the black silver needle floats in the air, "He has been poisoned by the man with the snake tattoo, the one you both witnessed happening." The guard pulls his sword and lunges toward Anwen, who just calmly points and says a single word. A green bolt of energy leaps from her, paralyzing the guard instantly. "Rude, now then Who sent you ? I can find out either by you telling me or my ripping out your soul and learning it from there. Spirits can''t lie you see. The magic forces them to speak Only the truth. But it''s messy and if I do it wrong well it¡¯s a bad way to die."


    She stares intently at him as he literally starts to sweat, obviously considering running, but Kitten is between him and the only exit and the servant, who is eating a charred stick, is flipping one of her deadly knives in the air and watching him and the rest of the room. He knows the dark mistress of Set will kill him for this failure, but none thought the foreign witch would be this dangerous. To so easily foil this plan to remove the false one from the world. Better to die here then than to anger Set further. He reaches for a hidden poisoned blade only to be struck by another of those strange green lights, his muscles tighten then freeze. It is a most agonizing sensation.


    Anwen gets up and walks around, taking the guards weapon, peeking around a door and freezing the second guard, who was pointing a cross bow in to the room, then she carefully removes the bolt before taking his weapons, lastly she moves over to the servant and removes all his weapons.


    "Servants of Set it seems. Poisoned weapons to. They call you the False One by the way." Anwen reports.


    Althea, after swallowing some water, "I thought you said you can''t read minds."


    Kitten answers, "No she said it was difficult for her, not that she cannot do it." Anwen nods.


    "Still one guard, the poisoner and that woman left unaccounted for." looks at the first guard, "Lady of the Serpent, and one of the Queen''s handmaidens, interesting. Names Nelloran. This one is easy to read, he practically shouts his thoughts." Anwen pats him on the head as she heads back to her room, "The other guard is with her as cover for her."


    A minute later Anwen comes back, wearing her cloak and gear. Althea, "Where are you going ?"


    Anwen, "To warn the king he has a serpents nest of assassins in his palace."


    Althea, "Then why take all your stuff ?"


    Anwen, "I am NOT leaving anything of mine behind. Never know when I will get thrown in to another place and time, not taking any chances."


    Kitten nods, understanding more and more about this calm face their new mage is showing the world. Of the fear that face is hiding almost perfectly. Having a wonderful gift given only to have things go wrong was bad enough, but not even being able to enjoy that gift before having it used to make a servant of her to someone not nearly as bright as she and in such a different and alien place. Yes she understood. She was terrified it or worse could happen again. She has very little in the world and she is not likely to let it out of her sight if she can help it for a very long time.


    Anwen Stops long enough to turn all the frozen people in to white rats, then drop them in to a large heavy leather sack, which she uses to carry them with her to find the Pharaoh. Kitten, now dressed properly and Althea, follow. Curious to see how this will play out.


    Part way along to where Kitten said where the Royal chambers are at, an overly officious servant tries to stop them, Anwen does not even stop her pace, forcing the servant to jog to keep up with the tall woman.


    "You can Not just enter the Royal rooms, It is not done. You must follow protocols and procedures. I don''t know who you Think you are. Even visiting Gods must follow procedures, Are you squeak squeak squeak" his droning voice suddenly coming from very far away as several cats come from all over and surround the group.


    Looking wide eyed at Kitten, "I didn''t do that." Anwen states, a moment later a tall, elegantly dressed woman steps up to them, "I did that, He is such a bother, always trying to tell everyone how things Should be done. But saying that even the Gods have to do things in such a manor was going too far. Gods go where they please, mortal rules be damned. "


    Anwen looks sideways at the woman, slowing her pace, "Your voice is familiar but your face is not."


    The woman smiles, "Oh I thought it might be you. We were interrupted earlier, you just vanished. I suppose someone woke you."


    Anwen slowly nods, "Your Bast then ?"


    The woman''s smile widens, "Yes very good. Most mortals don''t have good dream recall I am pleased you remember." Anwen nods, "I remember most of my dreams. At least to some extent. Sometimes for years after. Sometimes not. You¡¯re the first person I ever met in the waking world I ever met in a dream world first though."


    Bast smile lights up even more, "Well I feel honored then. So what is the hurry ?"


    Anwen nods again, straightening her thoughts, "Group of Settites tried to kill us during our meal. Poisoned the food, poisoned Kittens food. I managed to capture 3, I turned them in to white rats. I got the faces of 2 more and the name of their leader here." Bast smile vanishes and she looks grim, "Then we have no time to loose. As you may know, Set and I are old enemies. I will not allow him nor his in my places if I have a say in the matter." she takes a place next to the elf and joins in the invasion of the Royal Chambers. Bast freezes the guards in place and the parade of cats leads the way. Anwen grins, "Your certainly handy to have around aren''t you." Bast nods, "Yes, I am pretty to, though I think your sex appeal is stronger than mine. Someone went a little over board on you there." Anwen nods, "Weird Luck crossed with a god level wish to be pretty and someone screwing up part of the wish for a beautiful and sexy companion. I got turned in to my dream companion, with a double dose of the sexy."


    Bast gets a look of sudden comprehension, "So that is what got those fellows all beat up. Royally screwed up someone''s wish did they. There had to be more to it than that, but I get the feeling that it was a cascade event. After we deal with Ramsey you will have to tell me the whole of it." she declares.


    Ramsey and Neferatari were just getting ready to sit down to their own dinner when the group pushed their way past the now frozen guards. Anwen cast her detection spell the moment they entered the room. 4 candles glowed with frozen blue radiance, a basin of incenses'' turned an ugly shade of black and Ramsey''s desert turned an unwholesome shade of green shot through with redish black tendrils. A second spell from Anwen froze a slowly escaping ''food tester'' in place.


    Ramsey jolted at the sight of his food and stood, "What is the meaning of this ?" he demands in his best God of Man voice.


    Before the mortals can speak Bast steps in, "You got snakes in your house. The lovely elf mage caught them trying to poison her and her companions and got 3 of those in league of this nefarious plot. Her magic even now is showing things of poisonous nature in this room."


    Anwen nods, "And the man I froze there is the one who poisoned your food. I believe if you check under his arms you will find a small snake tattoo." Bast unfreezes a couple of guards and with the Pharaohs ok they check. Under the man''s left arm, in the pit, is a small tattoo of an asp. Neferatari looks stricken, "He was chosen by one of my handmaidens."


    Anwen nods, "Nelloran" Neferatari nods, "How did you know ?" The mage sighs, "I learned from one of my prisoners that she is a priestess of Set and the one behind this conspiracy."


    The Pharaoh, looking quietly enraged, "where are these prisoners of yours ?"


    Anwen shrugs and dumps the 3 paralyzed white rats on the floor, "I turned them in to rats for ease of transport." The Pharaoh nods, "Then please turn them back." Anwen nods and waves her cane over them. They shimmer then morph back in to human form, still frozen. "There is another guard and the lady." With a wave of her hand a still image of the other two appear in the air. Ramsey''s sends guards to apprehend them.


    While waiting he turns to the group, "Thank you for that but who is this new person ?"


    Bast nudges Anwen, who just sighs, "Ramsey''s the second it is my pleasure to introduce you to Bast queen of cats and foe of Set the serpent." said in a pure deadpan voice.


    Bast gives Anwen a look, "You know you could have put a little more emotion in to that."


    Anwen nods, "Yep, but I am tired, hungry and pissed that my meal was inedible. My head hurts from all the magic and psychic powers I have been forced to do on an empty stomach. Your lucky to get that nice of an introduction from me right now."


    Bast actually grins, "I like her, does not care if you¡¯re a king or a god. She is so very much like a cat, more so than most other elves."


    Ramseys'' is quiet for a moment then grins, then softly chuckles at that and nods. That said from the Goddess of Cats is saying something and helps lower the tension in the room a little. Assassination attempts are not new, but this one managed to get in closer than most.


    Neferatari looks at Anwen, "Something more bothering you child ?" Anwen nods to the candles, "I have never seen that aura before." The queen nods, "Those candles are enchanted by the Priest of Re to protect us from air bourn poisons. The incense over there is a mild narcotic, so it is poisonous in large doses but it smells nice. See ?"


    Anwen nods, "Ah the candles counter act the incense and stop any other such poisons. Nice."


    Ramsey looks forlornly at his desert, "I was so looking forward to that. We don''t get this often here as the fruit is from far away." he explains to the mage. She slowly nods, "Ah, what is it made from ?"


    The queen sighs, "Apples from Greece actually."


    Nodding, "If your interested I may have something different. Not sure if I have apple" she says as her head disappears in to her cloak, her voice getting muffled, "I got all kinds of things in here, not the best organized stuff .. bag of gold, nope, horse, no, ¡­ badger, really ? huh wonder how that got in here ¡­ AH." Comes out pulling a white mound in a tin plate, the edges lightly browned, "Found it. This is a coconut cream pie. Coconuts are only found in tropical regions and are really big nuts.


    Ramsey nods, "I have heard of them before. Did not know you could make things with them." Anwen nods and cuts small pieces for everyone to try.


    Anwen taking a piece for herself, "There are actually many different versions of this pie. This is just a basic one made with egg cream and vanilla."


    Everyone but Kitten takes a taste and all agree it is quite good, it''s different and exotic and gone all to soon, with Ramsey licking out the pan. Royal privilege he says. Anwen grins, "If you like, it would take me a little while but I can make another. It''s just a matter of getting the ingredients together." Ramsey nods, "It was very rich to. Thank you it was very kind of you to replace my ruined desert." He says this as the lady Nellorun is brought in. Glaring at her guards and bowing to the royals, "Pardon but what is the meaning of this ?"


    Bast is walking around her, poking the air around her suspiciously, then pulls ''Something'' from the girl and holds it up, "Snake skin, interesting. Made to hide her true nature from magical scans. They are getting trickier all the time."


    Neferatari looks disappointed, "You tried to kill us. You tried to kill our guest. I am very disappointed in you. If not for this mage you may have succeeded. But we are fortunate she is here."


    Anwen, looking at the girl, "Try it, I will happily remove you from the human race. Nope that won''t work. Why yes I am reading your mind, it''s easy now that Bast has removed that vale, yes that is indeed the Goddess. You may shit yourself now. Yeah I am just a mage, do you really think She is not reading your thoughts to. Boy you are stupid." there is a flash of light and the girl, who was making a gesture, turns in to a legless mouse.


    Anwen to Bast, "Ooo that is nice. Never think to remove the limbs like that myself." Bast nods, "Makes it harder for them to work spells without limbs. Trying to attack a goddess, foolish child. Well this is one I will take with me. I am sure you can deal with the rest. I will speak with you later elf girl." and she is gone. The cats though stay and beg for scraps, which they get.


    The loyal guards quickly gather up the remaining assassins and take them away.


    Ramsey looks thoughtful, "I need to think of a proper reward for you now. I could offer you a position in my court ?"


    Anwen frowns, "Sorry can''t do that. I am under prior obligations. The type that if I try to avoid doing them I die. I really don''t want to die."


    The queen sits up straight, "Who put you under this obligation ?" Althea raises her hand and looks sheepish, "I did, by accident. See we were trapped in that prison and I well I have had this magical card for years. It had 1 wish attached to it and I could never think of anything to use the wish for. I was starving and my Mistress was locked in her box and well between lack of food, little hope and my own dreams, I made a foolishly worded wish. That wish brought Anwen to us who freed us, and all who would come, from the prison, then she destroyed the prison because we asked her to. At the time we thought that would be the end of her obligation to us. Turns out I worded something wrong and she is bound to me till one of us dies. Given we are both long lived beings, this can take a while."


    Ramsey looks at Anwen, "This is true ?" Anwen nods, "Elves can live anywhere from 300 to 1000 years depending on several factors, health, quality of life, family history, species. There are 5 main races of Elf, I am a mixed child, mother was a wild elf, also called a wood elf. They are the closest elves come to having a barbarian type, my father was a grey elf, also called stone elf as they live in mountains and stone like structures, they often have pale skin and silver or white hair. They are the most haughty of the elves to, and the longest lived. Rumors say some of them have lived upwards of 2000 years, but that is a little hard to prove. Anyway the Wild elves tend to be on the bottom of the aging list at 300 to 400 years. Only time will tell which side is more dominant for me."


    The queen looks from Althea to Anwen and back, "Just based on their ability to talk I would say they are a good match."


    Kitten is trying to suppress a laugh and just nods, "They are similar alright, though Anwen is more knowledgeable of the two." The two look at each other then the rest of the court. Althea looks confused Anwen thoughtful.


    Ramsey shakes his head, "Having a king in your debt is no small matter young lady."


    Anwen looks up at him, "Could you not call me that, I am over 150 years old."


    Everyone looks surprised, Anwen shrugs, "Elves tend to look young till just a short time before they are to die."


    The Pharaoh nods and looks thoughtful, "At any rate, you are proving an asset to my court. I hope you will continue to be so."


    Anwen shrugs, "I presently serve Althea, who serves Kitten, who is serving you. So " shrugs again.


    He nods, "Kitten serves Egypt actually. She has made that plain to me a long time ago. Well from my perspective. She likes this country and wants us to be great. I rely greatly on her advice and knowledge of other places. She has acted as a secret ambassador, a peace negotiator, and a trade advisor among other things I don''t fully know about and most likely sleep better not knowing about.


    Now she brings us you, someone who gets glimpses of the future, who can sense things beyond the normal human realms, who walks with gods like they are an equal. Whether you realize it or not you are a special person. I hope to make use of your talents in the future to."


    Anwen smiles and bows, "Thank you your Majesty. And I have thought of some things, from my glimpses of the future. Some are tactics from wars yet to be fought, others are how future armies are trained, not sure how well I can explain those. Military stuff is not my strong suit. On the um, more mundane things. I have some nice magical devices that may be of use to you or your court. One in fact is very nice and only useable by a trained mage. Very handy though. It''s how I was able to remove all the prisoners and send Kitten and Althea here. We dropped the others off in another country though, just so you know.


    At any rate, it''s called a Mirror of Mental Prowess. With it you can scry distant locations. Which many mages can do I know, but it can also open a door to those locations allowing people to pass through it. One at a time, but if used right, well I think someone like you can imagine the military value of being able to transport small groups behind enemy lines."


    Ramsey slowly nods and smiles, then laughs. "Oh yes, I certainly can. I may call upon you soon for its'' use. The talk on tactics would also be accepted. I am not foolish enough to believe I know it all."


    Anwen nods, "It''s things like that that makes you so famous to future peoples to."


    The queen is looking thoughtful, "If this mirror is how they got here, how did you get here as I cannot see the mirror being pulled in behind you."


    Anwen nods, "Oh I don''t use the mirror for that. I just willed myself here. Following Althea''s aura. The mirror is not my only magical device .. I sort of collect them. Some items I have are minor, some are not." Holding up a silver ring, "I got a light spell in this one, not very bright but it allows me to see where I want to go around the house or rooms, keeps me from stubbing my toes you know. While this one," blue turquoise and silver bird in flight, "is enchanted with a minor deflection spell. Only works on cantrips and such. Um cantrips are spells used by beginning mages to practice with. Some are useful some not so much and every group seems to end up with a prankster who comes up with ways to torment their fellow apprentices. I got so tired of those spells, so I made this. It causes the annoyance to fly back to the one who cast it."


    There are some knowing looks shared around the few others in the room. Ramsey nods, "Yes I know about those, can you make me such a charm ? I have a nephew who is studying magic and has that sort of mentality."


    Anwen nods, "Sure, just need an item. Something you wear allot would work best so as to not draw attention to it. I could possibly even show your own court magicians how to make such things." The queen nods, "The magicians are under my care. Ramsey handles the priest, mostly. I will set up a meeting with you and them for later in the week. Though I warn you, they can be a secretive bunch."


    Nodding, "Oh that is normal really. Though I have no problems with sharing some of my simpler magics with them. I am not really all that skilled compared to most elven mages you see. I am only a journey man in rank."


    That little admission actually pauses the meal cum meeting. The idea that She, one of the most powerful mages they have ever seen, is just a journey man standing by elven standards is an almost terrifying thought. Certainly improves their impression on the mysterious and elusive people. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Later, back in their rooms, after Kitten finally got a meal that was healthy, they are sitting around. Anwen is unpacking and sorting the stuff from her well packed bag. Althea is sharpening her bronze daggers and Kitten is looking through the gowns she has here.


    Althea keeps glancing at the magic sword, "I wish you had daggers like that sword." she sighs.


    Off hand, "I do, well not enchanted but steel ones sure." Althea sits up, eyes wide, "can I have a couple ?"


    Anwen just pulls over her cloak, searches through it then pulls out two matched set steel daggers with matching black leather sheaths. "These should hold an edge better than your bronze ones to. Just don''t let them sit in water, they will rust, have to use oils to keep them from rusting. I will show you later after I finish sorting."


    Althea nods and takes them over to show Kitten who also marvels over the blades.


    Kitten comes over, "Anwen, how many wonders are in that cloak anyway ?"


    Anwen just stops and mentally counts, "Roughly a couple hundred, from row boats to horses, mules and small animals, tools, weapons, food items and some minor magic items. I think there is even a long sword in there, badly enchanted though. Enchantment drops every time it hits something till it''s just a normal sword in the end. So I don''t bother with it."


    Althea comes over and stares at it, "Ok so it disguises you as someone very poor and is full of treasures. How long to empty it ?"


    "Let''s put it this way, Kitten will not live that long. It''s an Artifact, meaning very powerful magic, it refills itself when an item is removed. Depending on the size of the item it can take 1 to 4 days for the corresponding patch to reappear. Also as a side note, the item to replace the taken one may not match the first one. Like the pie, today I got coconut cream, the next time I may get apple, or cherry or lemon. It will be a pie though."


    Kitten is looking impressed, "Ok something that may outlive me is impressive. Now if it just carried blood in bottles."


    Anwen nods, "I need to learn how to create the patches, but I may be able to add that in at some point. From what I understand the cloaks originally only had like 20 items in them, then mages kept adding things and adding things till it got to where it is today. Mind you it''s got some strange things in it. Like for some reason, an angry badger. That is a small vicious animal. Could be worse though, could have been a wolverine, they make an angry badger look like a friendly critter."


    New voice coming in, "Oh is that ever true. So glad those are not found in this side of the world."


    The others look around as Bast comes in, Anwen is still sorting her pack without looking up.


    Anwen nods, "Not as bad as an enraged Wendigo, but few things are."


    Bast nods, but does not comment.


    She looks around, picks up one of Althea''s new daggers, looking very surprised then shoots a questioning look to the girl. Althea looks at Anwen then back to the Goddess.


    Bast moves over and pokes the large leather duffle bag, then picks it up and looks it over, then clears her throat till Anwen glances up at her, Bast, "Anwen honey, where did you get this bag ?"


    "Home"


    Bast, "ah, and where is Home ?"


    "3000 years in the future."


    Bast just sits there quietly for a long time before putting down the bag and walking out of the room.


    Arranging under garments, "And that is how you blow a gods mind." Kitten nods and Althea just works with her new daggers.


    Kitten, "Think she will be back ?"


    Nodding, "Probably went to get Thoth. Or maybe Ptah. Love to chat with him, he may be able to tell me who created the cloak."


    Kitten turns and heads over to her wardrobe, looking for a nicer dress. If gods are coming she wants to look her best.


    About an hour later, several animals types and 3 human types arrive from various locations. By this time Anwen is done resorting her bag and is now frowning over her limited clothing options, armor with accompaning undergarments and 1 outfit of medieval finery. Otherwise she is naked save for her very long hair (ankle length when standing, was in braids from the shoulders down when she originally arrived.)


    Bast comes in first, finds a chair and sits, staring at the elfin woman. Thoth comes in next, pulls out his own chair and sits. Ptah is last, he just sits down in front of the girl and smiles, "Hello"


    She looks up, then raises an eyebrow, "Hello"


    Then they just stare at each other till Thoth lightly kicks the smaller god, "He wants us to get on with things." Anwen nods, "I was waiting for you to start to actually." Ptah actually giggles at that, "I was waiting for you to start. We would be here a long time that way would we not." Anwen nods, "Yes, especially as my mind went blank when I realized who you were. I have read about you, not allot because beyond being the creator of the Egyptian pantheon the only other things spoke about you becoming a god of crafting. Not usually how that works for creator gods you know."


    He nods, "I like making things, not much at the ruling part though." Anwen nods, "Yeah I can relate to that, I only want to be responsible for myself and my actions, not other peoples."


    Thoth clears his throat and gives Ptah a look.


    Ptah makes a hush sign, "I was chosen to talk to you as I am the least imposing of those present." Anwen shrugs, "I used to talk to dragons, gods are easy after that. Tiamat is interesting if you can get her to focus. 5 heads you know, and she argues with herself sometimes."


    Ptah nods, still smiling, "You are not impressed with us I take it."


    Shrugging, "I am a very old soul, to the point that past life events are leaking through to my present mind. Also I have seen things that put allot of things in perspective. Multiple earths in multiple universes each with a different history, or events or even natural laws and then going out from there and seeing while there are near infinite earths they are just a tiny spec in all the events of all the universes in all of the multiple forms of creation.


    After that I just stopped looking and have not gone out of myself since. Bit over whelming you know."


    Ptah is now Really looking at her, seeing her and all her souls past and possible futures. He turns and looks back at the others, "An evolved soul who is hiding from what she could become. Different and interesting to say the least. She is not lying either. She is an old soul, I see in one of her past lives she was even a priest of yours Thoth, though not in this worlds history. Her soul has touched multiple worlds and even races. Her being here is a series of random events and pure chance in the form of a badly worded Greater Wish. Otherwise she would have been in a different world and time."


    Anwen is watching Ptah speak and pulling all her stuff to her, holding it protectively and possessively.


    Thoth slowly nods, "So can we send her back to that world ?"


    Bast shakes her head, "That may not be possible or a good idea. I am not sure her mind could take that again and no Thoth I know you don''t care about a single mortal mind, but this one has potentials to change the coming world in our favor. You know what happens in world after world, how something forces us back making it harder and harder to interact with the world till we are down to just the occasional vision or needy worshipers. She may know something to stop that."


    Anwen, "Entropy, that is your enemy, everyone''s enemy really. It is self-aware and seeks to end all of creation. The shifters call it the Wyrm. It''s what made Caine a deal and drove the immortals in to the night and away from the light, it grants powers to the darkness and evil to push for its agenda of unending nothingness. The secret of the universe is 42, universal balance, keeping that balance is really hard because the forces that need to be in balance are not balanced themselves. And those 3 aspects are really just different forms of Entropy. The weaver would build till there is no place left to build in. Causing stagnation. The wild would grow and fight till it destroys itself or fills all the universe with Death and Destruction. The void seeks only the calmness of nothingness and decay."


    Thoth looks like someone slapped him, Ptah thoughtful and Bast nods, "I see. That makes sense, and we never see it cause it has blinded us to its presence by making us think each form is not really it. Devious."


    Anwen nods, "It also distracts you with petty things, frivolous concerns, and greed. Throwing enemies at you and all the while it wins. Creation just slows it down, the whole of everything is the battle between Creation and Destruction. Good, evil, law, chaos are really moot points in the grand scheme. Distractions for the whole. Need any other insights from the Center ?"


    Thoth looks thoughtfully at her, "The Center ?"


    Anwen nods, "Of all knowledge. At the very center of the plane of thought, where all the knowledge is kept. I made it there in this life time. I learned a few things, became aware of the world unconsciousness and decided I did not really want to know any more, but you can''t stop it once your aware of it. Just slow down the flow. So I hide in dreams or distractions cause I don''t want to know anymore."


    Ptah pats her hand, "Rest child, I think we learned all we need to from you. And I don''t know who made the first cloak, did not happen inside our pantheon. Sorry." Anwen nods, "ok, thanks anyway. Oh what about this." pulls out the staff, Ptah takes it smiles and nods, "I remember this yes. This was made by a gnome creation god. Before the gnomes went a wee bit crazy with their building of things. He liked rainbows and gems so the magic from this comes in multiple colors. I am glad you have it. You¡¯re the least likely to misuse it in this present time and world. It does work as a spell focus to, increasing the potency of any magic you cast while carrying it." Anwen nods, "Cool. I kind of suspect the Gnome part, do to it being a ''staff'' but the size of a cane." Ptah nods, "Good bye child. I don''t know if we will meet again, but this has been most interesting and your insights most useful."


    The gods and mystic animals all leave save for Bast she stays, looking thoughtful.


    Kitten comes in to the room and sees Bast sitting thinking and Anwen on the floor hugging her pack again but no one else about. She can sort of feel like other presence were there before, but it''s faint. She frowns as she was hoping to meet some of the local gods. Maybe learn a few things.


    Bast looks up at her, then glances down at a bracelet she has then looks at the traumatized Anwen and scoots to the floor and puts her arms around the sorceress, "Sorry for that child. I sometimes forget how intense it is for mortals when so many of us come to one place."


    Anwen rubs an eye, "It was not that, I am somewhat used to that feeling from before. It was Thoth threatening to ''send me home'' and him not really knowing where my home is. I dread to think where I would end up."


    Bast jolts a bit then laughs, "Oh yes I suppose that is something to be afraid of. He can be such a stick in the mud to. Knowledge gods get like that. Ok, small change of topic. You said you would tell me your origins before we got side tracked back there."


    Anwen nods slowly, "ok" said in a tiny voice. Bast leans back but does not let her go, "so you going to tell me ?" she whispers to the girl.


    Anwen takes in a long shaky breath then nods, "Just collecting my thoughts, stuffing them back in their bottle so to speak." Bast grins, catching the reference.


    Almost word for word, but in a dead voice, Anwen tells the same story she told Kitten and Althea just a day before. Only when she gets to the destruction of the prison does kitten learn what happened there. About the female entity going in to a rage because something More had been done half way or half assed, another ''small thing'' that was either over looked or not completed or something Anwen is not sure. But it left only to return a short time later covered in ghostly luminescent looking blood and gave her a spell book, one far better than what she was supposed to get originally. She also mentions the bop on the top of her head, but did not understand what that was for, not that she wanted to anger that entity any further. It was quite terrifying enough at that point. So when she left and Anwen knew she was bonded to Althea she left to join her using her new Psionic gifts. Voice going up, more emotions now Anwen whispers to the Goddess, "I really like the new abilities. I spent much of my life trying to unlock and control the powers I was born with then POOF I got a whole group I have always wanted but thought would never happen." Bast smiles, some understanding in her eyes.


    Bast rubbing the girls head, "You have been through allot. Especially as you thought you were dreaming there at the beginning. They are bad about that, letting people think it is a dream till it is too late. I agree with that lady to, her job would be so much easier if they would just give her a list to work from rather than ''bullet points''. So many mistakes would not have happened otherwise. From what you told me it does explain her nervous breakdown. Someone like her who prides herself on getting things done properly and as close to right as possible, only to have to work with people who don''t care about the quality of their work, that level of lazy would drive most gods mad. Let alone something like that being. I would treasure what she gave you, and I don''t mean the book. That bop to the head, she was unlocking something with in you. Don''t know what, and you may never be consciously ¡­ wait no, the type of mental training you gave yourself, your likely to figure it out." shaking her head she sighs, "I like you more than I probably should. You got spunk, you push through most things and think through others. I do understand why you are afraid to lose what you have now to. Gained so much, then to have it basically ripped away just as you were starting a new life and thrust in to a new new life. You are doing pretty well there child. One question for you. When you die, be it old age or what-ever, would you mind coming back as a cat ?"


    Anwen smiles, "Can I keep my powers ?"


    Bast grins wider, "Your mental ones sure."


    Anwen rubs her head against Bast shoulder, "I do like cats. Especially black ones, double especially black Jaguars of the great Jungles of the Americas."


    Laughing Bast ask, "Any other preferences." Looking up at the cat goddess, "Siberian white tigers"


    Bast is now wheezing in her laugh, "House cats, remember."


    Anwen thinks, "Maine Coon ?, Canadian Lynx ?"


    Bast lets go of Anwen and rolls on the floor, having a hard time breathing from all her laughter. Eventually she catches her breath, "Should have known, from what you told us of your original life''s origins you would know about cats of the world. I am surprised you did not bring up lions in that list."


    Anwen shrugs, "Lions are ok I just like the first two big cats better, but you pointed out your area is the smaller versions and so I started thinking what sort of cats are kept as pets in common households. Cause let''s face it, the big ones can get expensive to feed.


    On the other hand I would love to be a cat shifter to. Then I could go crinos and pet myself." Bast starts chuckling again, "oh stop please, I am not sure I can keep up with all the laughing."


    Kitten watching wonders aloud, "What is this ''crinos'' ?


    Anwen looking back, while keeping Bast in sight, "Crinos is an in between state in a shifters ability between the human aspect and the full animal aspect, having a balance mix of the two forms."


    Bast nods, trying not to lose it to the giggles again. Taking in several deep breaths, "While tempting I don''t think so. Though the image in my mind of a Maine Coon shifter is darling. Those are big loving kitties to be sure. Good hunters to." she points a claw at Anwen, "NO going to the Americas and trying to catch any as pets. We do not need the cross contamination That would cause. That goes for the Lynx to and Definitely no Jaguars. I really don''t want to know what Sekmet would do if one of Those showed up here. I like my sister goddess, but she is a bit over the top emotionally speaking."


    Anwen nods, "Oh no worries about the Jaguar, I have no desire to go traipsing around a jungle, especially That one. If the natives don''t get you the wild life will. Hell there are tiny bugs in the water that can swim up your piss and eat you alive from the inside. Same goes for present day America''s, less danger from the wild life, but a pale skinned wild elf would likely end up on someone''s wall or as a trophy." indicating the loss of the head.


    Bast see''s something pop in to Anwens head, "No using your magic mirror either." Anwen shrugs, "Well if I really want a pet cat there is one in the cloak."


    Bast blinks at that, "What ? a cat in .. GET IT OUT! who puts a cat in a magic cloak ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "If I do another will appear in it in 1 to 3 days. The cloak self-reloads." Bast looks at Anwen then sighs, "what other animals are in that thing ?"


    Ticking off on her fingers, "Couple horse with gear, mules, spider monkey, an enraged badger, um. "pulls the cloak over and starts feeling around in it. "A goat, several war dogs, in pairs, I think at least 6 as well as a matched pair of riding dogs, and um a chicken." feels around a bit longer then comes out and looks at the goddess, "I think that is everything at this point. I do know there are a few of these around and that they were apparently made by gods, I am thinking ones of mischief going by some of the items in there." She is rubbing her temples, "leave the cat then." Anwen shrugs, "I don''t believe they are Actually in the patches, I think the patch locks on to a form and summons it to where ever the wearer is when a patch is removed. I came to this conclusion after reading the description on creating patches in the spell book the lady gave me. Cause the ones that put actually animals in to a patch for real usually come out dead. Being no food or air in there." She slowly nods, "That is a better answer and one you would think a Goddess would realize. I hope your right to. Magic items like those are not my strong suit. Ptah probably knows but he is notorious for not telling things in straight ways."


    Anwen nods, "I caught that. When I asked about the cloak he said ''I don''t know of one made here'' not about who may of created This cloak specifically."


    Bast smiles at her, "Yeah he probably thinks you missed that." Anwen nods, "I did at the time but I been playing back the conversation in my head and caught it then."


    Bast is rubbing her temples again, "I need a drink, a strong one."


    Anwen pulls over her pack, "Do you like Evermead ?" Bast nods, "Oh yes, love the stuff, but it is so hard to come by, why ?" Anwen pulls out a leather wrapped long bottle, "I have a couple bottles of the stuff actually."


    Kitten actually goes and retrieves 3 clay mugs and returns with them very quickly, "I got these, not the best for such prime drink, but I don''t know where to get anything better on short notice."


    Anwen shrugs and pours a small amount in to the cups. Bast takes hers, sniffs It, awes over it and takes a sip. "Yes, this is the good stuff. Your goddess is very pleased by this sacrifice." she takes another sip of the potent elixir. Kitten is sipping from another cup, with Anwen watching in surprise. Kitten looks up, "Excellent vintage.. what I can drink other things I just usually don''t." Anwen nods, "Should you not give the last mug to Althea ?" Kitten looks surprised, "Aren''t you going to drink it."


    Anwen shakes her head, "I really don''t care for it myself. Not a big drinker of alcoholic beverages."


    Bast pulls Anwens face around and looks her in the eye, "Then why do you have it."


    Anwen shrugs, "It was part of the pack the Lady gave me also the recipe for that stuff is in my head. They granted me a couple of skills to help me make my way in the world. Given how much an average bottle of evermead can bring its'' not a bad idea. Better than the leather working skills, someone has a naughty mind given the designs I got floating around in my head for that skill set."


    Bast nods, "I like naughty but then I am a sex goddess to. What sort of things ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "They are in the leather bag. I have not had the nerve to open it. I know what is there only cause they gave me an inventory list. That part they have gotten right so far and well I am embarrassed by some of that stuff as they made sure I would know how to make it with skill levels up to the middle centuries, um that¡¯s roughly 2000 years of information in leather working and brewing and distilling. Anyway feel free to look."


    Bast pulls over the large bag and try''s to find how to open it till Anwen, sighing, pulls it over, unhooks the catch and pulls it open with the zipper. "Have fun." she says as she picks up the 3rd cup and goes looking for Althea.


    Althea is in a nearby courtyard air fighting with her new knives, "Meeting over ?" she ask as Anwen comes out, "Only Bast is left and she is looking over some stuff in my bag. I brought you a cup of mead if you want it." Althea shakes her head, "Never touch the stuff, clouds the mind to much. I may have an occasional glass of wine but that¡¯s pretty much it. " Anwen nods, "In my previous life, before all the wishing stuff, I only had 1 shot of a particular drink once a year, on new year''s eve, to toast in the new year. This stuff was potent. Called Cr¨¨me de Menthe, it had a strong mint flavor to it."


    She grins, "I love mint myself, especially peppermint. But that is hard to come by in this country." Anwen nods, "Oh I adore peppermint myself, especially the candies made with it. And its such a healthy treat to."


    Althea stops her blade dance and looks at her, "Healthy ?" Anwen nods, "Yep, helps the brain regenerate nerve endings. Good for improved memory or healing after an injury or stroke."


    She considers that, "That is good to know. Maybe why I have such a good memory to, I tend to chew on the leaves when I find it in the wild." Anwen nods, "Yeah good stuff." smiles, "It''s nice when you find someone with similar likes." Althea nods, "True. Does make living together easier as well. So what you going to do with that cup of mead ?" Anwen looks at it, "Probably give it to Kitten or Bast unless I find someone else who wants it first."


    Althea shakes her head, "Don''t give it to Kitten, one cup is her limit. Drunk blood drinkers are not healthy to be around and she can get drunk on that stuff very easily."


    Anwen looks mildly surprised, "Really, huh, odd. I thought they needed blood mixed in to such to get that way."


    Althea shrugs, "Normally yes but something about evermead, how it''s made I suspect, goes around that rule."


    Anwen, thinking over the ingredients'', "Strange, nothing in it that would do that, honey, dew water, certain herbs, hmm nope, nothing I can think of. Ah well. I will see you later then. I best get back and get the bottle away from those two." Turns and teleports back to the room, snatching up the bottle from Kitten as she was reaching for it. A slightly bleary eyed vampiress glares at her, "Why you do that ? I jush gonna have a little bit more."


    Shaking her head and checking the bottle, over half gone already, she steps over Bast who has a pleasant smile of someone in the early stages of a good drunking, "Althea warned me about you and this stuff. Too much and you get to be dangerous. So it''s up to me to cut you off." Kitten pouts, "Stupid girl, always getting between me and the good stuff. Don''t know why I keep her around sometimes."


    Anwen, taking on a tough exterior, "Cause you love her and she loves you and you both watch out for the other. And now that I am stuck with you I am going to do my best to watch over you both as well."


    Bast, from the floor, "You¡¯re a good person Anwheee, tough shell soft insides, I like youse to. I think that is really realllly potent stuff you got there. Anymore and I won''t be able to walk home."


    Anwen nods, pouring the cup back in to the bottle, using a touch of TK to keep it from spilling, "As your on the floor now I don''t think you are going to be walking anywhere soon. And you sound just as blotched as Kitten."


    Bast thinks about that then nods, "good poot, pool, sharp end, I think I take a nap right here. You should give the ress bess bottle, to temple, makes priesss very happy like meee." and like that she falls asleep.


    Taking the bottle and then on a separate thought gets her magic purse, stuffing the bottle in to it as well as it''s mate, she heads for the main part of the palace. Leaving behind her cloak but taking her staff. (wearing her armor as its comfortable to do here and the other outfit is far too warm for this climate). She passes many servants who scurry out of her way till she finds herself in the main hall. Looking about and still trying to figure out the hierarchy around there, she approaches someone who looks like a priest, she thinks but could be a minor functionary, "Pardon me, uh could you help me for a moment ?"


    The man turns and looks her over, seems to put her in ''visiting barbarian'' in his head but nods all the same, "What do you need ?"


    "Directions actually. Closest temple to Bast. " the functionary nods, "Out of curiosity may I ask why ?" She gives him a serious look then shrugs to herself, "I have a ''donation'' to make to the goddess." he nods, "A worthy reason. There is a temple not far from here actually. You leave by the main entrance, go about 2 cross streets down, it will be up the 3rd street to the right on the left. Has statues of her outside of it." Anwen nods, "Thank you very much sir. May you have a good day." he smiles lightly, "You as well."


    Anwen heads out nodding to the guards as she starts to leave only to be stopped by this small officious looking man in a bad wig. Given Everyone here wears wigs this is saying something. "Hold there stranger. I don''t know how you came to be in the Palace but you can''t just go where you please when you please."


    Anwen nods, "Actually I am in the Palace by invitation."


    The little man grunts, "A likely story. I highly doubt someone as outlandishly dressed as you would be allowed in to the presence of our most high lord let alone any minor official in this kingdom."


    Running up behind him is a foreign looking man in a long grey robe and turban looking head dress. He grabs the back of the little mans shift, "Hold there Osman I know whom this person is and you were about to make a grievous mistake."


    Osman sniffs, "Oh really Okmar, and Whom is this person ?"


    Okmar makes a bow to Anwen, who nods in response but does not interfere, "This is the Elven mage, she arrived in court a couple of days ago, in a show of magic with the Lady Kitten, she is a guest of Ramseys himself."


    Osman sniffs, "Well she should at least dress in some civilized manner then, not like whatever it is she is wearing."


    Anwen looks down at herself, "It''s armor actually, studded leather to be precise. And the items on my feet are called Stiletto boots, very good for hurting people who annoy me. Want a demonstration ?" Smiles wickedly at the little man, who is now noting the metal spikes coming out of the heels of these strange foot wares. "Um no that will not be necessary. You should not walk alone in this city, as a guest of the Pharaoh you should at least have a couple guards and a guide."


    "I thought about that but I did not want to be a bother. Besides I only meant to visit a nearby temple." Osman thinks for a moment then waves over a guard, "This visitor needs a guide to the city, you will do it." The guard nods, "As you say Osman."


    The guard turns to her and salutes with his spear, "Where are you headed ?" Anwen nods to him, "The temple of Bast." he nods and then turns to lead the way. Okmar falls in step with her, "May I join you ?"


    Anwen nods, "Sure. You¡¯re a mage I take it ?" He smiles and nods, "Yes though not as great as you I think." Anwen shakes her head, "I am not all that great really. I just have allot of nice toys. Skill wise I am only a journey man ranking, just working out the 3rd ranking of spells and though I know allot about theory, application I am still working on."


    He grins and nods, "You are humble as well. Nice to see and rare to find. I am a little farther along in my studies, but only to the 4th rank of spells so we are close in power. Perhaps we can share notes at some point."


    Anwen nods, "The queen said she was arranging for me to do such with the palace mages but I welcome the opportunity to share knowledge with others. Discussions with others in the craft is usually a good. This all came about because I offered to make the Pharaoh a minor protection device against cantrip level spells. He has a nephew going in to the craft who has a propensity for the more um, creative and embarrassing type."


    Okmar nods, "Prank type, yes I know the sort. Having a good shield device is pretty much a necessity if you are going to train apprentices. Those first rank spells, though minor, are still a hassle."


    Looking mildly perplexed, "1st rank spells ?" nodding to her, "Yes cantrips are of the 1st rank."


    "Huh" states Anwen, "I never counted them as a rank, they are learning tools and good for minor jobs, never thought to count them as a true spell before. Some of my teachers counting them as part of the next level of spells though which I thought was a bit silly as you can only do so many of those a day but cantrips, being so easy, can be done many more times a day."


    He considers this and nods, "I see your point. HA, though this means we are likely closer in power than I originally thought. Still it is good. We know different things and can learn from one another."


    Anwen nods, "True and discussions bring forth new knowledge''s sometimes as well. New insights that some may not have considered before. Like this little discourse on cantrips and their placement in understanding. It can vary between different cultural backgrounds. Are you by chance Arabic ?"


    Okmar looks surprised, "Why yes, how did you know ?"


    Anwen, "Color of skin, style of dress mostly. Though I have only read descriptions of your people before and some of the beings found in your peoples part of the world. Some of them sound simply fascinating. And a few sound fascinating at a safe distance, say from here." He laughs and nods, "Yes I feel that way about some of the beings there myself. Like my brothers in-laws." Anwen grins and nods, "oh yes, sometimes those can be worse than the monster classed types." he agrees and even the guard snickers at that comment.


    Okmar nods then ask, "May I ask a personal question ?" Looking at him she shrugs, "Sure."


    "Why are you wearing armor ?" he ask curiously.


    Licking her lips she smiles, "Ah that. Well 2 reasons actually, one it helps in my second occupation as a sword wielder and two I lost most of my luggage on my trip here. I got only one other outfit and it''s for winter in the mountains. So not something you want to wear in this climate."


    He looks surprised, "Second occupation ?" Anwen nods, "Many elves, because of our long life spans, have more than one occupation. I am trained in magic, sword fighting, leather working and brewing and distilling, ironically Alchemy confuses me. Just can''t wrap my mind around some of those concepts."


    He looks at her in wonder, "I had heard rumors of your peoples long life but never having met one of your kind I did not know whether to believe that or not."


    Anwen nods, "Yeah, strangely we are not the longest living beings in the world. That actually goes to a kind of giant tortoise. They can live thousands of years. There is one being kept by the royal family of Oceanous that has lived through 3 generations of elves. That branch of the family lives around 500 years on average. So when they find other species with long lives they make note of them."


    He nods, "That branch of the family ?"


    Anwen nods, "Different kinds of elves have different life spans. The wood elves only live 3 to 400 hundred years, the sea elves, called that because the live on or by the sea only around 500 years where as the Grey elves have been known to live over a thousand years. But they live in the mountains and have almost as much stone in their heads as the dwarves. I have a few relatives in that branch so maybe a tad prejudice about them. Mostly I am of the wood elf type." He nods looking thoughtful.


    "How much do you know about dwarves ?"


    "Um more than some less than the dwarves themselves." grins. "Dwarves, gnomes and some other species are also long lived. Not sure how long gnomes live, I know they are very short and love gems. Dwarves are taller and broader then gnomes, like metal, smithing, gems, gold, family, they are very family oriented, and beards. They take great pride in their beards. In some species of dwarves even the women have beards, but that is not true of all of them. There are mountain dwarves, hill dwarves, deep dwarves, those you''re not likely to ever meet unless you travel far underground, um gully dwarves, don''t know much about them, and even some surface dwarves. Those are the ones your most likely to meet. They have some good music, mostly of the percussion type and brew some potent ales and beers. Not much for wines from what I hear. They can come off dour to outsiders but have their fun side to. Finding it may take a while. Normally Elves and Dwarves don''t get along, but if a common enemy comes along they will join forces so fast your head may spin. They will argue the entire time and toss insults at each other, but never breach the trust. I really don''t know why we are that way. Never made sense to me. But then I am weird and like actually traveling around and meeting new people." he is actually giggling at the end of the tirade of information.


    The guard speaks up, "We are here. I will wait out here for your return Mistress." Anwen nods, looking up at the place, "Wow, nice . Thank you sir for leading us here. I hope not to be to long."


    The inside of the temple is cool and shaded and full of cats. More cats then people in fact. There are a few worshippers about and some priest and priestesses. Anwen looks around then at a regal looking feline, "Pardon me, but could you direct me to the human priest in charge of offerings ?" The cat actually looks surprised, "I like that your trying to talk to me but I doubt you can hear my answer."


    Looking thoughtful, "Oh I can hear it just fine. I am a wood elf, we have the ability to speak to all natural creatures."


    The cats, all within range suddenly move toward her and start talking all at once. Laughing and making slow down gestures, "Ok ok, I understand you all have things you want the humans to know, but one at a time please." there is a short fight among the felines and the top cat, standing on the back of a defeated one nods regally, "I will speak first. On one topic I think many will agree on. Food. We are so tired of the fish they give us each week. It''s nice but some variety is needed. A little red meat on occasion or even some nice wild grass. We used to have a nice field of it not far from here, but someone put a building on it."


    Anwen nodding, "Yeah I know how some grasses are good for the digestion. I used to live with a cat who swore by a particular kind that grew near our home. She was very particular about it to." several purr or otherwise agree with that sentiment.


    "Tell you what, you all form a little committee, discuss what sorts of things you want me to tell the humans here and I will try. You all know humans, they often mean well but follow through is not so good." Every cat in the group just nods, as one. THAT gets all the humans around to pay attention to the crazy foreigner talking to the cats. A priestess comes up, "You can actually understand them ? " The lead cat sits on it''s hind feet and looks at her, not saying anything.


    Anwen grins, "Yes but I don''t understand the body language moves very well. It''s all mind to mind speak really. Though that is not important, Bast instructed me to come here and drop off something. So I am here."


    She looks dubious, "Bast herself, talked to You ?" Frowning at the girl, "I can talk to cats, but you don''t believe Bast would talk to me, let me guess, because I am some strange foreign person. Well this strange foreign person has spoken to her, in person, she is at the Palace, or was earlier. She is a tad bit drunk when I saw her last."


    The high priest and priestess have come over and the priestess nods, "She does like to visit the palace. Something about the food." Anwen shrugs, "I don''t know, the stuff they eat there is just not to my taste. But then I can be a picky eater. Anyway." opening her purse and pulling out the partially empty bottle, "She told me to give this to you all, she drank some of it, liked it allot, and felt like sharing it with you. It''s Evermead, pretty fair one I am told. I don''t drink the stuff myself so I can''t say."


    The priestess excepts the bottle and the moment she does so, gods and goddess of every description walk in to being, each holding a glass, cup, or mug.


    Anwen grins, "I take it Evermead is popular among you all ?"


    Anubis looks over at the young elf, "Yes actually. It is very rare here and many of us prize it. Your sharing of a bottle of it is, um, well we all want a taste. Bast got a good taste of it and she is picky about her drinks. So of course the rest of us are curious now to."


    The priestess looks at the bottle, "I am afraid there is not enough for everyone to have a full taste."


    Anwen waves her off, "I have a second bottle of the same vintage. If you all love it so much I am happy for you to have it. To Share mind you."


    A goddess surrounded by floating runes and hieroglyphics smiles, "Your certainly building up points with we gods child. Keep this up and you may get pulled in to the pantheon."


    Anwen looks struck, "oh please no. I really Do not want to go that route. No offense but I have been around enough of your type to know how stressful your jobs are. It''s not one I personally would ever want."


    That actually gets several grins and nods from the assembled gods and goddesses. The one with the runes grins at her, "Yes, it is not something for everyone. You show wisdom in realizing that." she takes her sip of the fine wine and sighs, "You are correct, this is a good vintage. Thank you. I only wish there was more."


    Anwen shrugs, "I actually know how to make it. It just takes time. Or a really good time alteration spell. Meh, I am years away in both skill and experience before I can start to work that out." The runed one and a few others nod about that. Then Anwen postulates, "Though a time dilation spell in the cantrip order¡­ naw only alter time by a few hours that way. It would be a start though."


    One old male god turns to his neighbor, "Genius at work, hide the good silverware and highly explosive items." his neighbor nods, getting his sip of the elixir.


    Anubis moves over to her, "Keep that line of thought up and I will be seeing you in 50 years, as you die from old age." Anwen snorts, "Oh I am not that stupid, besides I am an elf, slower aging and all that. And if worse comes to worse. Lets'' see" pulls out her master spell book, which pretty much stops the crowd, the rune covered lady, sounding suspicious, "Where did you get that ?"


    "Was a gift from an Entity. Bast said something about her having a nervous breakdown and beating the crap out of a few beings. She gave it to me after that. The entity not Bast. AH here we go, level 10 spell, hmm, does not sound too hard, hm, easier to use the level 9 wish spell but wording can be tricky there." glancing up, "Oh pull it in, this book only gives descriptions and hints to work from, not the actual spells. She was not That crazy. Handing me something like that would have been like giving a nuclear warhead to a toddler."


    Anubis stands a little closer, "What do you know of nuclear warheads." Anwen, ignoring the death gods'' glare, "Splitting atoms is dangerous and should not be done by amateurs or humans in general. Not that it ever stops them from trying." Glancing at the assembled gods, "I was pulled from a different time space continuum to this one by a long rambling badly worded wish. The time I come from is space exploration using ships powered by science instead of magic. More rockets fewer spell jammers. Anyway that wish is one of the things that triggered the lady Entities breakdown."


    Minor god, "Why don''t you use the ladies name ?" he inquires, Anwen states as she pours out the last drop in to a cup, "I don''t know it. She never told me, but then I never thought to ask either."


    Lady of the Runes nods, "Good reason. Thank you for the wine my dear. You show great promise as a mage and though I am sure your rambling is more nerves than anything else, you showed great restraint even with Anubis trying to bully you."


    "Thoth tried it earlier, Ptah shut him down." The lady nods, "Yes men often try that I have found."


    Anubis shrugs, "This one is not afraid of death. Not sure if that is guts or stupidity." Different goddess, one whose gown is covered in stars, "Old soul my dear, she has been reborn many times and remembers much of them. I sent an avatar to listen to her tale. Had I known she had this fine wine I may have gone in person." and with the last drop drank, they are gone.


    The priest all look about. The cats have wisely scattered. Anwen looks about then sighs, "Oh the cats wanted to ask if you could change up their diet a little. Different kinds of fish and some occasional red meat. Oh and they want some grass, living types. They like to roll in it and eat it. Some kinds of grass are good for their digestion." The priest and priestesses all nod but say not a word. Anwen looks at her empty bottles and sighs, "Gods are really good at mooching." she states as she places the bottles back in her bag. She turns, walks outside to the guard, "Thank you for waiting. Not sure how long I was in there. Lots of moochers showed up asking for samples of the wine I brought.


    I will go back on my own now. " he nods and walks down the step. Anwen watches him go, then she just vanishes from the temple, only to appear back in her rooms.


    Those who were watching her at or around the temple all started when she just vanished. No spell cast, no ritual done, just Gone.


    Those who had actually followed her with in the temple and saw, from a distance, all the gods appear and beg something from her, are now in awe of her. Some would be enemies decide she is too dangerous to face while others wonder at what magical potion could compel the gods themselves to beg from such a one as she. Some move forward hoping to learn her strange secrets while others regroup and decide to look for less dangerous opponents. And a few seek to protect this innocent traveler from herself or others, for they know what evils lurk in their lands.

 Anwens Character Sheet

    Name: Anwen Cinaed (Very Beautiful - Born of Fire)


    Race: half elf (with a little vampire Revinant mixed in)


    Str: 15 (Normal - Wieght: 55 / 170, OD: 8 LG: 7%)


    Dex: 22 (Reaction +4, Missile Adj: +4, Defense Adj: -5)


    Con: 18 (HP: +4 SS: 98%, RS: 99%)


    Int: 22 (Skills: 11, SL: 9th, Chance to Learn: 98%, Max #: All, Immune to 1st to 4th lv illusions)


    Wis: 16 (Magical Defense: +2)


    Chr: 18 (Max Henchmen: 15, Loyalty Base: +8, Reaction: +7)


    Class: Mage / Rogue


    Al: N (amoral)


    Prefered Weapon: Staff / sword


    AC: 2 (*studded leather +5) -3 (with Dex) without armor: 7/2


    HP: 26


    THACO: 18


    Lv: 5/6


    Xp: 33,750


    Gender: Female


    Hght: 5''7"


    Wght: 115 (dancer like body, lean muscles)


    Hair: Firey Red, ankle legth, full bodied with a light wave


    Eyes: Ice Blue


    Skin: Lt tan, fair


    Age: 20


    Figure: 32(DDD)x20x28 (38(E)x24x34) long legs, slender but shapely. Body promises untold pleasure, Unconsciously walks like a sex Goddess - causes her no end of trouble. - can pass as an elf with little difficulty


    Pp:


    Gp: 940


    Ep:


    Sp: 700


    Cp: 700


    Quirks / Special Magic: 9 (+6 magic items - class limited)


    *


    -Wierdness Magnet (When luck is good its near Phenomial, when bad, Adventures happen)


    -Permanent Tongues ability Does not including reading and writing


    -95% resistant to Charm, Domination and Mind Control (Can NOT be blood bonded)


    -Infravision 90ft (see heat aura''s not good to read by)


    -Animal Magnetism (rank 1)


    *


    -Stealth Mastery +50% Walk Silently + Hide in Shadows


    -Astral Detection (Spirit Sight - immune to Spirit Fear effects)


    -Heightened Touch (sensitive) +30% pick pockets and open locks (also more aware of people trying to pick her pocket)


    -Natural in class (+10% to exp. + any bonuses for high primary stats) (From the High Potential in the Wish)


    -Enhanced Dexterity +4, Enhanced Intellegence +4


    -Power: (True Flight (375 mph (750 with boots)


    -Double Jointed: Escape Bonds +50%


    -Leaping ability +27ft up, across, and down (strength score plus this for total feet Across and down, 1/2 str score + this for up) (42ft down - 35ft up) (Natural Acrobat +2)


    -Natural Thief abilities [as a level 1 thief. If a already a thief then you get an additional 60pts to spend on these skills]


    Wild Talents (5) (Psionics) *are bonuses from Thrall ancestor


    *Animalism (2)


    *Hieghtened senses (double human levels on senses)


    *Aura Sight (line of sight) (auspex 3)


    *Object Reading


    *Gleaming Eye (Night vision - makes eyes glow) [Protean subgroup]


    -----


    -Clairaudence / Clairvoyance


    -Enhanced Telekinesis 500 lbs / 2 levels (1,3,5,7,9, etc) (Can also make force walls, hp = power level, ex: lv 1 300 lift, 300 hp wall)


    -Teleport (S/0) Psionic but no limit on use


    -Life Sense 60ft radius (can detect invisible and Greater Undead aka vampires)


    Weapon Prof (3) (*has)


    *Staff (archmagus +3)


    *Sword +3


    Thrown Weapons (daggers, throwing stars, etc)


    NWP (14/15)


    *Acrobatics / Tumbling (Jumping) Str +2 / Dex +2


    *Read and Write - Magical Language (21st English) Int: 0, Common (Trade), Elvish


    *Mystism / Parapsychology Wis +1


    *Fishing (Small boat Dex -2, Fishing Wis -1 (fishing poles, nets), Swimming Str 0)


    *Brewing / Distilling - knows the recipe for high quality Evermead (50gp a bottle level)


    *Leather Worker (make leather and studded leather armors to) Int 0


    *Science (Research and study of Natural Laws and Basic Physics) Int -1


    *Art, drawing and painting (equal to the best in the 21st century AD) Dex 0


    Riding, Horse Wis +3


    Cooking Int 0


    Weather Sense Wis -1


    Blind Fighting


    Disguise Chr -1


    Spell Craft Int -1(2)


    Singing Chr 0


    Gaming (RPG / Chess) Chr 0


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.Tightrope Walking Dex 0


    Etiquette Chr 0


    Musical Instrument Mandolin Dex-1


    Rope Use Dex 0


    Religion (Trivia) Wis 0


    Spell Lvl - #


    1 (4) 2 (2) 3 (1) 4 (-) 5 (-) 6 (-) 7 (-) 8 (-) 9 (-)


    Equipment


    1 Back pack (with side pockets - 15" Hx18"D x12"W) heavy leather, well worn looking


    1 Backpack Harness (Increase carry capacity by 50 lbs)


    16 one ft leather straps (for use with harness)


    2 small sacks


    1 bedroll


    1 tinderbox


    4 week of rations


    1 Compass (steel, modern)


    1 wooden staff 6'' long


    50'' of elven silk rope (600lbs test)


    1 grappling hook (800lbs test)


    1 rucksack (6" Dx 3"Wx 4"L)


    15 Iron Spikes 6" long


    1 pen


    1 pad (100 sheets of wire bound paper 6"x3")


    1 mirror (metal)


    1 whet stone


    1 set basic lockpicks


    1 tinder box


    1 Hooded Lantern


    12 pints lamp oil


    3 gallon sized cask that also works as a camp stool (Spring Water)


    collaspable firegrate


    2 Mess kits


    6 man Tent


    2 Bandages, roll (2 inch wide, 50 yards long)


    Mandolin (exceptional quality)


    Set of clothing (with belts and silk undergarments)


    2 leather bound, glass bottles (1 qt ea) Evermead (50 gp - private lable)


    Leather Duffle Bag: Bondage gear (She knows how to make All of this stuff, from the zippered duffle bag to the naughtiess outfit or toy)


    1 Dominatrix Body Harness with assorted strap ons (6",8",10",12"),


    4 gags (one with attachable throat gag, basically built in dildo for mouth) one Restraint gag, one metal open mouth gag, one ball gag),


    4 collars (tall with O ring), Metal (lined with thick cloth, small ring on front, locks in back), Posture collar (covers full neck, with ring in front), Leather collar with 3 rings (one to each side and front),


    2 Slave Harnesses (full body with multiple rings to aid in tying up your play things - openings for breast and groin),


    4 supension cuffs, hanging harness,


    2 armbinders,


    cat of nine tails, and bondage whips,


    2 paddles, assorted butt plugs and dildos assorted sizes / shapes.


    1 leather ''chasity'' harness (from wide collar, breast and nipple holders, wide belt [can be used as a corset] and strap to cover cunt and ass. Belts can be tightened allot for maximum enjoyment.)


    4 Insertion belt straps (place dildos or butt plugs in place and tie them in to your lover)


    Magic Items


    -Elven Long Sword +3 (Steel Moon shaped cross guard - does not rust)


    -Amulet of Exceptional Regeneration (Pewter Anhk +3 hp round)


    -Studded Leather +5 (strangely sexy design) of the Thief (Counts as No Armor as far as Thieving skills are concerned)


    -Amulet of Invisibility (looks like a glass ball in a bird claw - activated by rubbing the ball)


    -Mirror of Mental Prowess (this one can shrink to the size of a hand mirror (only clairaudence / clairvoyance work in that state - has to be normal size for all other abilities)


    - Clit ring of ESP (aka Medalion of ESP - 90ft range)


    - Cloak of the Vagabond aka All the Items (Semi sentient - loves dramatic poses) looks like a well patched leather cloak, ideal for wet weather. Wearer though looks poor and destitute, any jewelry they are wearing looks dull and fake, clothing faded and as patched as the cloak. The wearer is unaware of this. (-2 chr chk while wearing it)


    - Staff of the Arch-Magus (Soul Bound - Unlimited charges - also acts as a spell focus, granting +3 to the spells potency - example attack spells gain +3 dice damage, increased range or area of effect. Or making spells harder to resist, a minus to opponents saving throws)


    - Boots of Speed (upper thigh high, autofit, very comfortable) [oddly these are high heels on a woman, increase Sex Appeal +1 (chr reaction while wearing these is +8 to those sexually attracted to her) Does not impede agility while wearing them. Can run across dry earth or mud with the same effect - note; also affects flight speed)


    -Bucknards Everful Purse (Cp,Sp,Gp) [25 coins a day]


    -Pouch of Accessability (looks like a blue leather purse)


    Thief Skills (base, race / dex bonus, -Level points, total) 260pts


    Pick Pockets: 15% +10% - 20 = 45% (quirk: +30 75%)


    Open Locks: 10% - 40 = 65% (quirk: +30 95%)


    Find and Remove Traps: 5% - 20 = 40%


    Move Silently: 10% +5% - 20 = 35% (quirk: +50 85%)


    Hide in Shadows: 5% +10% - 5 = 25% (quirk: +50 75%)


    Detect Noise: 15% +5% - 5 = 30%


    Climb Walls: 60% - 20 = 85%


    Decipher Languages / Codes: 25%


    Other Skills (From Players Options Skills & Powers)


    Tunnelng 10% (dex) 0 (Race) 0 = 20%


    Escape Bonds 10% (dex) 0 (race) 0 (quirk) +50% = 70%


    Detect Illusion 10% (int) +10 (race) +5 = 30%


    Detect Magic 10% (int) +10 (race) +5 = 30%


    Detect Poison: 55%

 Chapter Three: Mysteries and Plans

    Its'' been 6 days since Anwen went to the temple of Bast. She has not left her chambers in all that time, not for food, not for people, nothing. She has even barred the servants from entering with an Iron door no less. With a touch of worry Kitten climbs around the outside of the palace and through her window one clear evening. There she finds a mess. Stuff scattered about, a half eat platter of some kind of bird, several clay carafes of some interesting smelling liquid, several mugs, empty but with the same or similar scent to them. Pages with drawings, strange runes, and other random looking things. Several pieces of ''local'' clothing, all high fashion types, draped here and there around the room. A couple of pieces of clothing she can''t identify, 8 boots, only the long ones Anwen always wears recognizable, the others are of different styles, strangely it looks like 4 right shoes and 2 left ones but none of them are of the same style. And that is just what she takes in before a yawning Anwen comes in from the bedroom only wearing her cloak.


    Upon seeing Kitten in the window, "Oh hi, something I can help you with ?" says Anwen sleepily.


    Kitten looks at her and can''t help thinking how sexy she looks like that. Few people look that good just waking up, "We were getting worried about you after you locked everyone out of your rooms. But I see you have been out and about, though you do make a mess." looking about the room.


    Small grin, "Actually I have not left the room. Been studying my magic and playing with my toys. Pretty much all this stuff came from the cloak. It''s somewhat random on several items though. Like trying to get matching shoes out of it. Not to mention the only clothing it gives me is random formal wear from different countries and times.


    Kitten slowly nods, "Ah I see. So why the sudden need to hide ?"


    Shrugging, "Trying to get my head around the situation I am in and all the weirdness I have experienced since being pulled here. Even back home I only ever met gods twice in my life and both those times they were in the border lands between the physical and spiritual worlds, never in Person Person if you take my meaning."


    Kitten nods, "Yeah you have seen more gods than I think any other living person and in a very short time to. I can understand wanting to hide after that. And two your new to being a woman from what you told us before. So I can see you wanting to explore that side." she states staring at the light furry region of Anwens anatomy.


    Anwen nods, "That to. Dreading the first time I have to go through my new bodies cleansing cycle."


    Kitten now looks her in the eye, "What ?"


    Grinning, "The bleeding time, you know, the mortal monthly cycle." Kitten slowly nods, "Yes, I am very aware of that time, just never heard anyone put it the way you did. What is it cleansing anyway ?"


    Finding a group of pillows and sitting down, "The female body has an egg in it. It is only viable for a short time. At the end of that time the cycle starts and it is washed away and a new one forms. That is the female part for making babies. The male part is the sperm, which if you could look at them up close they look like tiny white tadpoles. Interesting notation my people learned. It¡¯s the Men''s sperm that determines the gender of the babies. Women are just blank slates as far as that goes."


    Kitten looks surprised, "Really. Huh, well that certainly explains a few things."


    Anwen shrugs, "I learned it in school. The lands I come from schooling is mandatory for 6 months of the year, mostly after the harvest till just before the planting seasons. And for several hours a day. We learn reading, writing, math, art, science, history. For a minimum of 10 years. Those that choose to can move on to High School then Colleges and Universities of which Universities are usually run by the state and Collages by other organizations and may specialize in certain forms of teaching. Such as schools dedicated to teaching magic. Those are rare though in this time. In my own time they are more common."


    Kitten slowly nods, trying to keep her mind focused on what Anwen is saying and not the beautiful woman''s breathing and what that is doing to her lovely large breast. Anwen pulls her very long hair over her chest, "You''re not really paying much attention to what I am saying are you. I have been watching your eyes and they spend more time below my neck line than on my face." Kitten guiltily brings her attention back up to Anwens smiling face, "I can''t really help it, your very beautiful, you have a near perfect figure and I prefer women as lovers over men. Not that men don''t have their uses."


    Anwen nods, "Food, carrying large heavy objects, protecting us from themselves mostly." She says with a grin. Kitten grinning nods back, "Yeah that''s pretty much it. Making babies so we can keep going to. Some men I could do without though."


    Anwen nods, "You have certain ones in particular ?"


    Kitten looks sad and nods, "I used to have several ah, ''babies'' of my own then a rival came and killed them all. Told me he would kill any I had from then on because Only He is allowed to have children. He killed all those not of his line to and did something to our mother, she just disappeared one night. Ever sense he has ruled the immortal world and done his best to make me and my siblings miserable."


    Anwen nods, "Caine"


    Kitten looks shocked and nods, "How did you know ?"


    Starting to quote, then stopping, "Meh, basically according to the Book of Nod, which Is a much twisted and often wrong history of immortals Caine was the first, he made a deal with some unspecified dark forces which made it so he had great power but could no longer walk in the sun as it would kill him and his. At one point he forced Lillith to help him gather all the other immortals and locked them with in a mountain. Because there were ''to many of them in the world''. After that point Lillith mother of Demons as she became known, no longer walked apon the world. But sometimes came to others in the Dreaming or along the border realms. She cursed his name allot to in the early times as well. That sound about right ?"


    Kitten nods, "Only I and my brother, his Older siblings were not locked away as we did not heed the call. We don''t know which mountain either or those that still lived we would have freed by now."


    "It is a volcano, in Italy called Vesuvius. In 79AD it blew its top, burying a city near its base in ash and killing thousands of humans. Several hundred years later historians excavated the site and within caves in the mountain found mounds of burnt mummified bodies, many with fanged teeth. The general public never heard about those, but some of us had better access to such information. Though the ones who leaked that information, and were found out, got listed as cranks or madmen. Um a crank is someone who gives false information for sadistic or as a joke reasons, sometimes both. It''s an insult term, especially to those who pride themselves on their work." Kitten nods sadly.


    "With that we may be able to free them, but Caine would just put them back in, or worse."


    Anwen shrugs, "So kill Caine. With all his weaknesses it should not be hard."


    Kitten smiles at Anwen, "He holds up inside a stone fortress, surrounded by powerful servants and defenses. There is no way to reach him."


    Getting up and retrieving her bag, "aw ye of little faith and imagination. Your forgetting you have me now. A person with magic yet invented and spells from a thousand plus years in the future. Because of this and my Magic Mirror, we may be able to End this problem now. Or at least put a serious hurt on him." pulling up the mirror and placing it on a wall before pulling it open to full size, "Now where did you say he was ?"


    Tentively Kitten gets up and moves beside her mage, she touches the mirror and directs it''s site to a foreboding stone fortress built in to the side of a mountain. Through its passages and tunnels till the image of a large room with a dark throne covered in human bones is seen, passing before this throne is a small heavily built man and a group of pale looking people awaiting his word. Others in fine robes or armors are there as well. Some kind of meeting is taking place. Some mage types are looking in to crystals of varying types and one mentions to the lord of some outside force trying to see them but the force is moving and they can''t get a picture on who it is.


    The leader, whom Kitten says in Caine, grunts and ask ''Could it be our new allies trying to contact us ?'' the mages all jump and suddenly the picture in the mirror becomes more bright and clear as the interference of the mages stops. A moment after that the image of a tall regal elf appears next to a stone table, the man bows, "My Lord. We had some difficulty in contacting you." Caine waves him off, "Not your fault, my mages can get a little over protective sometimes, blocking out everyone, allies and enemies alike. What news do you have ?"


    The figure, "Most of your plans move forward as we have seen. The one in Egypt however has hit a snag, a new mage there, claiming to be an elf, interfered in ending your rival and even stopped the Pharaoh from becoming your new servant. They captured most of our servants there and they were executed. Our spy''s report on the new comer though indicate whatever she is, she is not an elf. To tall and barbaric in dress, to blunt and lacking in the finer points of we elves. Most likely one of the barbarian sects trying to use our name to impress the locals."  Canine nods and summons someone to him, he whispers in that one''s ear then has them wait for further instruction.


    Caine turns back to the elven figure, "Anything further on the Egyptian problem ?"


    The haughty elf stands a little straighter, "Only rumors of gods coming to beg from this imposter. We suspect she used illusions to baffle and impress them and add to her dubious reputation. You know how easily these humans are duped by such theatrics."


    Caine nods. "Thank you Seriac, I will look in to this development personally. You may continue with the other plans." The figure bows and vanishes.


    Kitten looks over at Anwen with wide eyes and sees her removing a patch, rubbing it on the end of her staff while muttering some dark sounding curse. Then she points the staff, with the patch still covering the end, through the portal and ''fires'' something at Caine. Then she quickly pulls the mirror in so the portal part is closed but they can still see and hear what is going on.


    Caine turns and sees a cloth ball roll across the floor from the direction of his mages, "Ok who is dropping their nose rags again." he says angrily then the room is engulfed in bright blue white and angry red flames, rolling over and around for several seconds before retreating down to several burnt figures. One figure on fire bumps in to the ash shrouded figure of Caine, it crumbles to ash and dust, parts still burning. Anything in the room that could burn is burning or already ashes. Kitten is watching with a mix of glee and fear. Her old enemy and many of his generals are dead. But his plans are still in motion. The head has been cut off, but the body still lives. But for how long none can say.


    Kitten, in a tiny whisper, "What did you do ?"


    Anwen sounding angry, "3 spells at one time. A delayed one from the cloak, a powerful one from the staff and one of my own power added to the other two. I wanted to make Sure it got through. Sealed room with no ventilation works wonders it seems on a fire ball spell. It just rolled back on itself and increased the original damage multiple times. And given Caine''s kind of immortals major weakness to fire, it really added to the effect."


    Kitten tackles the larger woman and starts kissing her all over and hugging with all she''s got then she is on the floor and Anwen is gone.


    Looking around, "Anwen ? Where did you go ?"


    From above, "DON''T DO THAT! You scared the bejeebers out of me." Kitten looks up and plastered against the high ceiling is Anwen, cloak behind her, her naked form spread eagle. Kitten rolls on her back and stares happily up at the scared elf, "Sorry forgot myself again. Just so happy he is dead, I forgot for a moment that you can disappear with a thought. Though you did not .. how are you still up there ?"


    Anwen shudders a moment, "I can move objects with the power of my mind, I count as an object, so I am just levitating myself at the moment. Seems safer here. No offense, you¡¯re a very beautiful being, but the sharp teeth, while nice to see from a distance are scary up close."


    Kitten laughs at that, "Wait, you like the Look of my fangs, but your also scared that I may bite you ?"


    Anwen, somewhat sheepishly, nods. Kitten is tickled by this, "You are a strange woman, but I like you anyway. I would not bite you by accident. I have more than enough self-control for that. I might nibble a little, but not enough to break the skin. Well not without permission. Are you going to come down from there or do I need to find a way to come up ?"


    Floating down slowly, "Just don''t jump me like that. Your lucky my first impulse is to run. " Kitten, still grinning nods, "Well my first impulse as to kiss the stuffing out of you, but your strangely shy for one who is so sexy."


    Anwen lands several feet away, "I have issues. Been hurt in the past and as such am slow to get in to such situations in the present." Kitten nods, "Yes I know about such things. I am thousands of years old, the 2cd immortal made, Caine was the 8th."


    Anwen looks thoughtful, "One ancient legends says that when the founder of a line dies all those below him die as well. Think that is true ?"


    Kitten sighs and shakes her head, "Sounds like someone''s wishful thinking to me. No, but those who were under his Thrall will certainly know it and some may kill themselves out of grief. Including those of the blood. So in that sense yes I suppose. Others will go on and many probably will be unaware of his demise. But with him gone we can finally try to rescue my children."


    Anwen moves to her mirror and first raise the view to high above the earth, where she opens it up, sticks just her head through and lines up something. Then pulling a huge rock from a nearby mountain, she lets it drop on Caine''s Fortress from about 3 miles up.


    Then pulling herself back in she moves the image around till she finds the sleeping volcano and moves it in closer and along the sides. Not finding a cave or crack she leans through and places blue light spells along the top edge of the portal, before moving it in to the rock.


    Kitten watching, "What is the light for ?"


    Without looking away from the mirror, "To see where I am going when I find an opening. I got the mirror shrank to a point now that the portal part is closed as this is a volcano and I don''t want to chance hitting a lava flow with that open." Kitten nods, watching in fascination as blue tinted rocks seem to fly by under the gaze of the magic mirror.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.Anwen is keeping a hand in the center of the mirror as she directs it''s gaze. They come across several burrowing animals, insects and such before a huge cavern comes in to view, but Anwen barely pays it any attention. The floor is littered with bodies though, torn apart and in many cases burned beyond recognition. Anwen moves on past them, searching for Something ''alive'' Kitten stays right by her side even as she recognizes the remains of many of her childer. Many past loves. She grips Anwens arm but does not stop the search. Anwen comments softly, "I sense life here, faint, like it''s sleeping, but some still alive. Just have to find them."


    Kitten nods then realizes, "They are going to be starving, we can''t bring them here."


    Anwen grins, "Know any enemies that you would not mind sending a pack of starving Immortals in to ?" Kitty laughs, "Oh your just evil. I like that. And yes several in fact. These People of the Sea especially."


    Anwen nods, "Ok first we find and tag your lost brood, then we locate their landing ports so we know where to send the hungry ones. Then we sit back and watch the carnage. Going to need snacks for that part."


    The search takes all night and part of the following day. But they find 19 survivors hidden inside various nooks and crannies. Some partially waken when the glow crosses them, but there is nothing of their normal minds in them right now, the hunger is all consuming. Even so Anwen puts a magical sigil on them so they will be easier to find, and then moves on. One of the best preserved ones though is surrounded by tiny bodies of many hundred burrowing animals. Anwen comments, "ah someone with advanced animalism, summoning them to him so he or she could feed, hard to tell in this light about gender." Kitten nods.


    When all are found (ie Anwen starts finding earlier found ones) Kitten stops her and puts them both to Anwens bed. Sometime the following evening Kitty wakes missing the warm form next to her. She comes out to find Anwen ''using the facilities'' as she puts it. Before removing a mug from the cloak. It comes forth with a steaming brown and white looking liquid, of which Anwen consumes half in one long swallow. Seeing Kitten she toast her with her mug, "Coffee, just the thing to help wake me up in the morning." glancing out the window, "Or evening as the case may be." Kitten smiles, she has heard of this strange drink from the Arabia''s but never smelled it before. It does smell good but she is not in the mood to try it now. "How soon till you can start to use the mirror to search for the raiders bases ?" she ask. "After breakfast and maybe a carafe of coffee. Coffee is a strange substance, it taste worse than it smells till other things are added to it. Done right, with the correct ingredients, it will taste as good as it smells."


    There is suddenly a pounding knock on the door. Anwen ignores it but Kitten doesn''t. She moves over to the door and lifts the heavy bolt, it does not budge. "How do you open this ?" she ask. Anwen shrugs, pulling out a carafe and a pie, "It''s a sliding bolt, just pull back on the handle."


    Kitten looks at it then sighs, seeing what she that it is stopped from lifting up as she first thought but instead slides in to another iron piece. Simple genius this door. She slides the bolt home and opens the door a crack, "Yes ?" She ask sweetly to the line of Royal guards and one worried looking Pharaoh, "Kitten ah good. Is she alive in there ?" Kitten opens the door wider, "Yes and a sloppy house guest to boot." The Pharaoh comes in looks around and agrees with Kittens assessment.


    Finding the mage, warming a bit of bird over a flame in her hand the Pharaoh sighs, "We have been worried about you. That door appears and you disappear and my Mages don''t know what to make of that door."


    Anwen shrugs, "It''s Iron. It is made to repel people. I put a simple charm on it to improve that. I guess as you¡¯re here the charm is wearing thin." she yawns, "Sorry been a long few days. Getting rid of enemies you did not know you had, spying on ones I did not know you had and helping Kitten finding of lost things."


    Ramsey''s looks at Kitten for a translation. Kitten shrugs, "She has been finding people conspiring against you. Learned who sent the assassins and learned that what they put in your food was not meant to kill you but to give them control over you. To what end we don''t know and are unlikely to learn because in a peak of rage she destroyed them, their fortress and probably a good bit of the surrounding country side the fortress was in." she stops to let that sink in, "The fortress was in Assureans territory and apparently controlled by an old enemy of mine to. I had no idea he was the power behind them. She used fire, lots and lots of fire, to remove him and several of his generals and spy masters."


    Anwen nods, "Then I dropped a really big rock on their fortress. From about 3 miles above it. Just for added Splat potentials."


    "This morning we" glances out the window again, "Evening, we plan on searching for the harbors used by the people of the sea and dropping in a few things to give them all a really bad week."


    Ramsey rubbing the bridge of his nose, "More fire ?"


    Anwen, "Monsters actually. Teleport them right in to the middle of groups of them and then sit back and watch the carnage."


    Ramseys actually looks up and looks thoughtful, "That actually does sound like a good ploy. Hard to defend from monsters when they are already inside your defensive lines."


    Anwen nods, "We accidently found a whole bunch who are trapped inside a mountain a few months travel from here, by conventional means. IE across the ocean. I have already put magical tags on them so all I need to do is find a place to drop them and activate the spells."


    Ramsey nods, "Very well, you have my permission to do this. Giving some hell back to those marauders is very good for the rest of the world. Oh and I want a report on any ports of theirs you find. We need to know where they are if we are to put a final stop to them." Anwen bows and Kitten nods. With that and a final look around the room, Ramseys leaves.


    Kitten closes and rebolts the door, "He is going to want you to clean this room you know. It''s only on loan to you."


    Anwen nods, "Yeah I know. I will need more bags before long." sighing, "Would love to have a Heward''s Handy Haversack. That is a magical backpack with several bags of holding stitched to the sides and a large one with access magic for the main part. I could fit almost all this stuff in to it with little problem." she grins and nods, "Bags like that exist, they are just obscenely expensive." Anwen nods, "Ironically they could lower the price, make more of them and show greater profit in the long run if they could get around their greed. Mages often don''t make good business people." Kitten grins and nods.


    Less than an hour later there is another knock on the door. Anwen looks at it and shrugs, "It''s Althea and one other person." Kitten just sighs and goes to open the door. Althea has a very pretty and well bound slave in tow. "I thought you might be in here when I saw you crawl out our window the other evening. I brought entertainment."


    Anwen looks at the red haired woman with the wide hips and small (in comparison to her) chest. Stares at her for long minute, "She is an assassin and immortal hunter. She gets free, which she is working on doing, she will try to kill us all. Want me to break her arms and legs ? I can do it without laying a finger on her."


    Althea sighs, "You¡¯re a mage you do lots of things without touching them."


    Kitten just shakes her head, "Tie her up better, um is she safe to eat ?" Anwen does a spell and several hidden weapons, a couple in uncomfortable places and a couple just out of phase appear, but no internal poisons are detected. Althea very expertly removes the physically concealed weapons. She is rough about it and unconcerned with how the woman feels about it. The out of phase ones have Anwens attention, "Hm some kind of soul bound weapons, Nice. Wonder how well they will work after I gut her." Kitten lightly spanks Anwens butt, "No gutting, it makes a mess."


    Anwen goes to her leather bag and pulls out a harness device which she expertly ties around the would be assassin, "Don''t bother trying to break these bonds girly, they are made of steel and able to hold a giant in place, let alone someone like you."


    The assassin growls, "I will kill you and your nightwalking masters."


    Althea cocks her head to one side while Anwen stares at her, "Someone gave you false information about us dearie. No nightwalkers here. I did blow up a bunch the other night though." Kitten starts bouncing on her toes, "yes she did. Caine is Dead Althea, that bastard is Dead dead dead, consumed in Fire Dead. Took several of his slaves and nightwalking servants with his evil self to. So much Fire, boom no more Murdering bastard !" she is practically dancing around the room.


    The assassin looks surprised, Althea is dancing with Kitten in a happy bouncing way.


    The assassin smirks, "If that were true then all those monsters would be dust by now."


    Anwen looks at her, "Why ?"


    She sneers, "Because he is the first one of those beast, with him destroyed all the others would die to."


    Anwen shakes her head, "He was not the first, not by a long shot. He was insane and did his best to lock all the older ones away and killed off the younger ones that were not of his line. But he was at least 4 steps down from the very first one."


    She shakes her head, "No that is not true."


    Kitty nods, "Yes it is. See we keep track of such things, as such he and his allies find us to be a threat. That is why people like you are often tricked in to trying to kill us. "


    She shakes her head venomously, "No, our leader Seriac told us all about this."


    Anwen, " Seriac, slender elf, grey suit, talks with his nose in the air ?"


    She nods, "He is the leader of the hunters. We serve him to hunt down all the foes of the living."


    Anwen sighs, "He was in league with Caine, he reported that all plans are moving forward as expected save for my interference in Egypt. I prevented the poisoning of us and the control potions from being fed to the Pharaoh. I don''t know if he was doing it of his own free will or if Caine had somehow gained control over him. But he was indeed working for Caine."


    She is in a rage, "YOU LIE! YOUR GOING TO DIE NOW!" glowing weapons start to appear around her. Anwen sighs and gestures, the weapons and the girl vanish. Anwens harness stays behind.


    Kitten looks sad, "Where did you send her ?" Anwen points up. Kitten looks at the ceiling, "How far up ?"


    "We should start to hear her scream any second now." in the distance but getting closer is a high pitched scream, "She is going to make such a mess on the roof." Kitten looks horrified, "ANWEN Bring her back Now!"


    "You want her to make a mess on my floor ? I can''t stop the momentum, she will appear at the same speed as she is going at now, only in front of us."


    Althea "How about aiming for the pond ?" Looking out the window, she points to a swan pond. Anwen shrugs, "Sure nice science lesson for you, what happens when an falling person hits water." There is a soft pop about 5ft over the pond and a very heavy sounding splash a moment later. The screaming has stopped.


    Kitty looks at Anwen, "What do you mean ''science lesson''. " Anwen shrugs, "Drop a human from anywhere over 50 on to a body of water and it will impact just as hard and deadly as if it were stone. Less splatter however."


    A thought later and the 3 are bedside the pond, "Interesting, she is still alive" Anwen states in a cold clinical way. "Shall I pull her to us ?" Kitten nods and with a soft pop there is a broken body, struggling to breath. "She does not have long to live if you want to eat her." Anwen states in that same cold voice.


    Althea screws up her courage and Orders Anwen, "Save her, you must have Some magic that can keep her from dying, so Use it."


    Anwen jolts, as if struck. With dark eyes on Althea she pulls off her Ankh and places it around the girls neck. "It will take several hours but the magic of the Ankh will heal her." Turning an even colder tone on Althea "Is there anything else you would have of me Master ?"


    Althea just shakes her head so Anwen vanishes. Kitten looks at the girl. "Anwen was trying to protect us. She is really a caring person under all that cold exterior. Though now we know just how much power you have over her and she is really going to resent you for a good while I think." Althea, looking close to tears nods, "This girl has so much potential, I just could not see her die simply because she put her faith in the wrong person." Kitten nods, "You have a good heart to Althea. At any rate we need people to carry this girl inside so she can heal properly." Althea nods and heads off to find a litter and servants. Kitten squats next to the girl, "I am sorry this happened. I really hate seeing people die like this. Anwen is a powerful being, but she does have a dangerous temper. Just like the rest of us red heads I suppose. Even at the best of times we don''t always think our actions through."


    The girl, through blood spraying lips, "I will kill you all monster. all monsters must die." she states even as she tries to summon her weapons, but the pain and effort is too much and she faints away.


    Althea returns with the litter and a couple healers. One of who tries to remove the Ankh even though he is told repeatedly to leave it, "But she is just a slave, she does not deserve to wear such a holy symbol." Althea turns on him, "If you remove that I will cut off each of your fingers and make you eat them, understand me ?" He pales and nods.


    When the chief healer hears of the threat, he is angry, but when he learns the reason for the threat his anger turns on the healer who was trying to remove the amulet. "Fool, you would steal from the injured just because you don''t find them worthy of our gods. Get from my sight before I have you whipped for such blasphemy." Althea sighed, "The Ankh belongs to the Mage Anwen. She put an enchantment on it to speed the healing of the girls injuries." The priest nods, "I have heard she has done many great things and I was there the night you all appeared, I heard her Prophecy concerning Pharaoh Ramseys and our queen. To be remembered so far and so fondly in to the future is a great thing indeed. Those are the kinds of prophecies I like. Ones that give us hope for the future."


    Althea nods, "Me to. But I fear she is angry with me right now. I don''t want to confront her in her present state. While I don''t think she would kill me, I may need your services if I do."


    The priest smiles and nods, "Ah, yes, people like her are often of contrary tempers. The gods ask much of them and it can be wearying on the soul." Althea nods but says no more.

 Chapter Four: Death and Taxes

    In a foul mood now after Althea used the power of her wish to Command Anwen. Anwen paces and shakes, that overwhelming Need / Desire to do as she was told just makes her shake to her core. The realization that Althea could command her to do Anything and she would be forced to do it without question, her emotions for now remained her own. But she wondered how long that would be true. How long till certain psychological events would make her a willing slave to the beautiful Althea. Or till being stuck in this ancient hole of a time drives her to try and ''fix'' things either by updating their technology or trying to take over and gah no. ''Hate being in charge, done that before. Hated it. Being a manager, being in charge, having to be responsible for other people. Nope, just happy being responsible for Me, my pets and the rest can go screw themselves.''


    She went from pacing to rocking herself in a corner. Crying uncontrollably, she retreated to this room to hide from this world. To hide from everything. But it sneaks back in. Won''t let her just hide. Or play the games she plays while alone.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.Being around people means seeing who they really are, hearing their thoughts, knowing what is truth and what is lies around them. The only time she is truly safe is when there is no one around. Then the mind is quiet, the fear and hate stay on the outside and she has only to deal with her own phobia''s and dreams. Not that she does not know they are out there. She can still feel their presence, their life forces, moving around her. Knows she is not alone, will always know that now, whether she wants to or not. These powers she was given sound so cool, but living with them, the reality of them. It is not cool. It is a burden. Many of them can Not be turned off, can Not be really controlled, only focused in one direction and even then. Even then it can be too much.


    It''s like they say about Death and Taxes, there is no escape. Everyone pays them in the end.

 Chapter Five: Putting Bad Things in with Bad People

    Kitten wisely decided to give Anwen some space after this latest assassination plot and Althea''s need to ''save all the red heads''. She stayed away for two days. But the Pharaoh was not interested in their drama, only in when he could get that report on the strike against the People from the Sea. Kitten had put him off explaining even with magic they needed to follow a ship from where it strikes back to its port of call and that takes time.


    Morning of the third day she climbs through a window and in to a stench. Anwen is curled up in a corner, and apparently defecated all over herself. She is a mess of piss and shit and tears.


    When Kitten tries and pull her up Anwen screams and thrashes and tells her to go away. Go away and take her loud thoughts with her.


    Thrown back by the creeping madness the girl is falling in to she does not know what to do. She backs off and considers. Too bad the gods cannot be summoned like a physician or servant. Or could they.


    Bast tended to roam about the palace in one form or another. Watching for danger and mooching for snacks. Hmm, mooching.


    Kitten leaves by the door, purposely leaving it a little open, then goes searching around the kitchen area, which as usual is swarming with the little moochers. She picks up several looking them in the eye, seeking that divine spark. She is about to give up when she spots a small female darting away. Not normal cat behavior. So she follows it and finds it trying to knock down a bottle of elven wine from a shelf. Only one cat likes that stuff. She slips in and grabs the cat up, bringing it to her face, "Hello Bast, seeking a drink are you ?" The cat squirms for all it''s might but it can''t escape the immortals grip, finally defeated, "Ok fine you caught me, what do you want ?"


    Kitten nods, "Your help actually. Anwen is in a bad way. Something inside her is breaking and you¡¯re the only god I know that may be able to help her. Or at least get close enough to talk to her. I got thrown away by that mind power of hers. She is laying in a pile of her own filth, crying and talking to herself. I think Althea accidently broke her by invoking the control aspects of her binding wish."


    Bast sighs, "Oh dear. That is not good. Anwen is strong willed but strong wills often have cracks in them. The big one being forced to do something against their wills like that. It tends to send them in one of two directions, acceptance or self-destruction."


    Kitten puts the goddess down, "I left the big door she put up cracked just far enough for a cat to get in." Bast nods and heads off to see her friend and wine consultant.


    Bast thinks as she runs about what could set off Anwen like this. Anwen, though a touch surly and emotionally stunted, was normally stronger than this, or so she thought. It could be she realized a combination of things, time travel being part of it, but also new life, new body, new drives from the new body and then there ¡­ oh dear. She did not think of this before, but the child See''s aura''s knows what drives people, can tell a divine from a demon from a mortal just by looking at them. That new level of awareness on top of everything else. Yes she can see the combination cracking even the hardiest of souls. She pours on the speed and finds Anwen much as Kitten described. A mental breakdown underway. So she tries things the cat way. She walks up and touches her nose to Anwens nose and just like that she is in a fierce hug. Good thing she is a god, or she would be crushed by the scared need of this child. But now that she is this close she can hear the fearful chanting of  ''I can''t turn it off'' repeated over and over. After several minutes of this and her little furry form being crushed in to the stinky sobbing form, she shifts to a human form. Which is somewhat better as her sense of smell is not as powerful. Bast being so much stronger than a mortal manages to pull Anwen up out of her mess and to a cleaner part of the floor. "Now now, Bast is here. What is this all about ?"


    Anwen, tears in her eyes looks up at Bast then spreads her legs and sort of points. Bast, confused, "Your sex ?"


    Deep snort, "Attached to it." Bast looks closer and sees a small silver ring piercing her upper uvula she leans down and touches it, and knows at that moment what it does. Carefully turning the ring around she sees it is a solid ring. Whatever fool put this girls body together never considered she may want to remove that ring. A ring that allows the wearer to Read other beings Minds. Yes she can see a new reason why the child is falling apart. She looks roughly toward the heavens, "Lady of Light and Dreams I am getting a much clearer picture why you decided to shred some of your workers. Apparently you got some real idiots in the bunch. Weaving a magical item in to the child with no way to remove it." Bast Feels the shift in the air then the very irate Goddess of Light and Dreams appears, "What oh her. They did something Else stupid to this one. The last 12 granted wishes have all had problems. Some fairly major ones. Including 3 people being turned in to paper versions of the hero''s they wished to be. They wished for powers and abilities similar to their favorite comic book heroes, so the idiots turned them in to Living comic book characters, made of paper. So NOT what they wished for. I spend centuries building up a reputation for quality work and customer satisfaction and these Creatures have shot it all down in less than a week." she states as she pulls up the forms for this body and what was Supposed to be done compared to what was done. As she inspects the girls form she continues her rant about the other stupid or just plain careless mistakes her minions have been making lately. Some mistakes happen, sure but never to this scale or magnitude and she has been unable to find out Why it''s all happening now.


    With a gesture Althea finds herself in Anwens room with the two Goddesses. She sits and is very quiet not wanting to anger the glowing one who is very angry from the sound of things, already.


    With a wave of her hand Anwen and the room are Clean. Trash and waste cleared away. All other objects set in order. Then she sees to Anwens body, floating it up in the air, "Be at ease child I am not mad at you. You made a good wish and did very well at covering your bases and even understood when you asked for too much and really did well working with us on it. Not everyone is so considerate. I for one appreciate customers like you. I am sorry they did such a sloppy job on you. Added far more to that curse effect than was necessary and looks like put a couple others in place as well. Ones that were not supposed to be there. Your being a very sexy person yes. Animal Magnetism at 3 ranks no. 1 rank is acceptable, the level you have it at, I can see why you were hiding. I would be hiding with That level." Anwen shrugs, "I wore the Cloak of the Vagabond allot, it blocks allot of that." The Goddess smiles, "That''s what I meant, you were ''hiding'' in the cloak. Of which it actually likes you. You talk to it I take it." Anwen nods, "I talk to everything, sometimes things answer back." The Goddess nods, "Yes your mind has been to the Center. I saw that when we first met. It''s one reason I trusted you with that Cloak. It can be a touch temperamental, but it''s not a bad cloak. It needed a home to, someone to care for and to care for it. I do like it when I make a good match like that." Bast smiles to.


    She turns Anwen and sets her on her feet, "There I fixed things. All body jewelry is now removable, I put in or unlocked the on off switches on your psychic abilities so you should not be so overwhelmed again. I did not add to or take away anything. So your potentials are all still there. I fixed an oversight on your ''stats'' you may feel better balanced or smarter. It''s an illusion really, you''ve always had it. Well since you have been in this body, but without the stupid things in the way you can access them better now. NOW on to the OTHER problem. I heard how Althea was able to Compel you to obey. That is Not supposed to be part of the mix. Yes your tied together but it was supposed to be an emotional tie not a geas type tie. See each other, fall in to like, be good friends type thing. The ones who pulled that little madness are hanging over a pool of boiling protoplasma right now. Oddly they don''t seem to care."


    Anwen looks up, "All your problems sound like some form of Entropic Force has slipped in to your ''factory''. The poor work ethic the lethargy. Those are depressions which is one of the subtler things Entropic forces do to undermine places. Need to find where that is coming from and deal with it there. Nothing else you do will work. Heck even your frustration and rage are likely coming from that pollution."


    She stops and looks thoughtful, "Pollution ¡­ yes, we do have something of that and hmm I think you may have something there. Nicely done child. I will look in to it. As for here, looking at the basic information I have on Althea''s wish. She wished for help with their predicament. Getting them out of prison was only the first step. Blowing up Caine, using a magical feedback loop and triple layered spell, nice touch, and well done. You still have a ways to go. Think of it like a quest in one of your stories. Your stuck with them till the Main Quest is done. But she can no longer command you like she did before. You just have to help them with the Main Quest, all side quest are up to you. Figuring out the main quest is up to you to. But you will know when it''s done because there will be a visible release of the magic binding you all together." she looks about checks a couple things, looks at the spell book she gave Anwen / Rob nods and then leaves.


    Anwen watches as Bast looks at the book, "I wonder why she gave you that."


    Anwen shrugging, "Probably because I will need something from it at some point, possibly several somethings to do with this quest. She compared this life to the stories I used to read. Well the only time a being like her gives anyone something like that is because it will be needed at some future time or something in it will be required or helpful to us in the future. Near future or far future only she probably knows."


    Bast slowly nods, "Very possible. She is one of those Non Pantheon type Gods. Works with all of them but has allegiance to non. Never have figured out what she charges for wishes though."


    Althea is looking at her hands, "Probably some metaphysical substance that is beyond mortal comprehension to decipher like some kind of emotional energies or something."


    Both women look at her in surprise, She looks at them, "What ? Ok I don''t always think things through but I am over 500 years old and do know things."


    Anwen turns to Bast, "My soul is older, but I think my mind just got blown." Bast hugs her, "Yes I forgot that about her myself. I am actually happy to hear about Caine''s demise, he has been a thorn in the world for a long time. Too bad that rumor about destroying the sire of a line destroys the line does not actually work. Set would be one of the first to turn to dust and I would be dancing all over his followers. Me and Sekmet would be making kitty snack cakes out of those snakes." Anwen smiles and leans her head against the Lady, "Thank you for being my friend. " Bast just makes a pah sound, "Thank you for being My friend to. Your one of the few mortals around who treats me like people and not something to be worshipped. Not that I mind being worshipped, but it''s still nice to have someone around who is not always asking for things from me. And who gives me treats from time to time." Anwen nods, "I always liked feeding my friends. I can cook to you know, I just need to find the ingredients or make them and I can make all kinds of things. I am very good with chicken and beef especially. Though I don''t do pork, that is an ethical choice from me so you understand. I know how smart certain animals are compared to others. I have no problem eating a cow or chicken. Pigs are smarter than most people I have met. Not much nicer, but smarter." nodding Bast is giggling. People who can talk to animals and are still meat eaters she likes. Realist over spiritualist is how she puts it. She also understands some people will decide that smart over stupid to eat or not eat. Works for her as Cats are smart.


    "You find the meat and let me know when you want to fix something I will be there, um if I am not busy. You know, protective guardian stuff." Anwen nods, "When I do that, if you can''t come, I will try to save you some. But no guarantee''s. Back home everyone loved my cooking. I am hoping that translates well here to." yep a Realist.


    As they talked Anwen removed the magical piercing from her v-j-j as she calls it. Odd term but who was she to comment. The ring went in to a small blue bag as did the very tasteful and simple nipple piercings.


    "I think the Lady also put my crazy back in its'' box to. I am not feeling that panicked overly crying feelings anymore. But then I am not seeing everything''s aura''s or hearing other peoples thoughts anymore either. MUCH less stressful now." Anwen adds. Bast hugs her, "Good. Glad to know I don''t have to worry about you going mad. I really hate it when my favorite people go mad. Tends to be messy." Anwen grins, "Thank you, the only Madness I want to deal with right now is maybe shopping. I still need to get my money converted to local stuff. Not sure I know much about what they use locally or what the conversion ratios are."


    Althea clears her throat, "Egypt is one of the few places in the world where gold is worth less than silver. Copper is still on the bottom though. As you have noticed Everyone and their cat here wears jewelry of some form. Which is why your lack of much jewelry actually gets more notice than a lot of it would. That silver and onyx ring of yours is something of an envy piece even without the enchantment on it. As is that silver and turquoise bird ring. The Ankh not so much as it''s made form base metal. Some take offense though because you are not Egyptian but wear it."


    Bast nods, "I saw that and liked that someone from so far away was wearing something from here. Though learning your from another entire world and Still wear something like that is very nice."


    Shrugging, "Actually Egyptian art and symbols have been popular in my culture for a couple hundred years now. They marvel at the pyramids and statues left behind, wonder about much of the symbolisms and even make up stories about how things could have been built. The Greeks stories of monsters and Heroes are popular, but not so much their culture. Hercules has a huge fan base for example. But Gods like Bast here are still revered in some form or another, as is Anubis if you can believe that. Stories of Isis, Osiris and Set still come around and Ra and Horus to. 3000 years later, still popular. That¡¯s a pretty impressive run, yes ?"


    Bast nods with a smile, "Yes. It''s good that we are remembered. Especially when they get our place in the pantheons right. We tend to get a little picky about that." Anwen nods and smiles. Althea grins and shakes her head. Kitten chooses that moment to peek in, "Is it safe to come in yet ?"


    Bast nods and waves, "Yes yes, we got everything sorted. " Kitten comes in, stops and looks around the room. Its CLEAN, Organized, even smells fresh. "What happened in here ?"


    Bast shrugs, "We got a visit by a very powerful being who is a touch of a neat freak. She fixed Anwen, fixed the messed up compulsion spells on Anwen from Althea''s wish. And then made sure everything is where it''s supposed to be then left."


    Kitten nods slowly.


    Kitten hands Bast a bottle of elven wine, "I traded some Lily nectar for it."


    Looking curious, "What is Lily Nectar ?" Anwen ask. Kitten smiles at her, "Kind of perfume. The head cook''s daughter loves it but it''s hard to get outside of the palace. I don''t care for it much but people keep giving it to me for some reason."


    "Ooo" makes a face. Bast and Kitten both, "What ?"


    Taking a breath in, "Cultural thing, but where I come from giving someone Lily''s unasked for is a sign they are wishing you to die. Those and Black Roses. Not sure why concerning black roses. I think they are pretty."


    Bast looks interested, "There are Black Roses ?" Anwen nods, "Well sort of. They are not truly black, just a dark purple or blue or deep red. Very rare to be sure." Bast nods, "I am going to be asking around about those now."


    Grinning at Kitten, "The deep red ones are also supposed to be symbolic for your kind of people to."


    Kitten smiles, "Blood Red Roses, I like that."


    Bast nods, "Say what are her kind of people called in your world anyway ? I noticed several times you almost say it then stop yourself."


    Anwen shrugs, "Vampires. After a type of bat of that name that drinks blood to live. They are also very cute. Ironically there is a giant bat called Vampyras that is actually a fruit bat. But they did not realize that when it was named. They got huge hooked claws they use to climb around in tree''s in order to get to the fruits they love."


    Kitten is snickering, "I like it. Better than some of the other nick names I have heard for my kind. Oh wait, you told me this before then we got side tracked talking about women who use their looks and sex to control men, or try to get men to buy things for them." Anwen nods, "Yes but Bast was not there for that conversation." Althea nods, "True. I like the Vamp comment, I like my Vamp girl."


    Kitten smiles, then slaps her thigh, "Right that reminds me, Rescue and destroy mission. Ramsey''s is all over me about that. We need to get to it."


    Bast looks lost, "Rescue and Destroy ? What are you girls up to now."


    Anwen getting up, "Long ago Caine locked up or killed all the vampyr who were not of his line. He locked them inside a volcano. We did a scry search and found survivors of that still locked away in the volcano. Freeing them is the objective, but hungry vampyr are exceptionally dangerous, So we thought and got Ramsey''s permission to do this, to find where the People of the Sea have their bases and drop the hungry vampyras there."


    Kitten nods, "Then sit back and watch the carnage via her magic mirror."


    Bast looks interested, "Magic Mirror, what is that ?" with all that has happened she forgot about it.


    Anwen smiles, "Scrying device we used to find them, It also is capable of acting like a gate, it''s how I was able to destroy Caine. Also how I was able to free all the prisoners and send Kitten and Althea here." Bast slowly nods, "In this place and time, that mirror is Unique. Guard it well."


    Anwen nods, "No worries, anyone steals it from me won''t live very long." said in her oh so deadly tones. Then back to the happy killer mode, "Well time to find those ports so the babies can have breakfast."


    Kitten to Anwen, "They are not babies."


    Anwen shoots back, "They are your babies, in a manner of speaking."


    Kitten, "Well some of them, some belong to my younger brother. But in their present state I can''t tell them apart."


    Anwen to Bast, "They look a bit mummified, all dried out." Bast nods, opens the bottle and takes a sip. She believes she is going to need it if things go the way these two are talking about.


    It only takes an hour to find a raiding ship. They are attacking a town on the coast. Anwen forgets the mission and grabs her cloak and staff and pops herself there. Then proceeds to kill as many of the raiders as she can. Fire, lightning, glowing dagger like missiles that never miss their targets. A few straight transformations, and some dropping of heavy objects from on high, a few of those objects being the raiders themselves, and one medium sized iron anvil, which lands right on top of the raiders leader. That one came with a cry of "Death from the Dwarven Lands" She liked that one SO much She kept popping it over them and dropping it repeatedly. It was a very bloody mess by the time the surviving raiders left to screams from the mad mage, "And Don''t Come Back if You Know What''s Good for You!"


    She stayed a few minutes longer putting out fires and making sure the people were ok. Handed out a few healing draughts and told them she would get those heathens for this insult. Then she popped back to her room. "So were you able to get a lock on their craft and follow it ?"


    Kitten nods, "Tracking them now. You sure looked like you were having fun. But what was with that ''death from the dwarven lands'' bit ?"


    Shrugging, "I was dropping an anvil on them. Type they use to make horse shoes and the like. Thing is pretty heavy so it made a good bludgeoning weapon." stops then swears, "Dang it, I forgot to throw the angry badger at them! Pooh!" Bast laughs at that, "You did good, driving them off like that. They would have killed everyone there then looted the place. It''s what they do. I wish we gods were allowed to fight them off. That would show them."


    "Why don''t you ? I mean if they ask for your help, you should be able to go and do so, or at least send a couple avatars to help protect the people. And if you try to quote some ''covenant'' that was put forth to curb you from doing just that I can tell you Exactly who puts forth those and then ignores them. They tend to be called Dark Gods and Devils. They make very convincing arguments for it in order to keep you all from interfering in their affairs. I have seen Hundreds of worlds where this happens. Don''t fall for it here please."


    Bast looks at her, "I may borrow you one day. Take you before Ra and let you tell him that. He may actually listen to you. Or not. He can get stubborn. But it''s a good point."


    "One argument I have heard them use is ''well in this other world you agreed and it should stand in this world to''. To which I say, ''why ? This is a different world, different experiences, different rules. the rules of those other worlds do not apply here, besides you have proven in those other worlds to Never keep your word but expect us to keep ours. No deal.'' Or something like that" Anwen states, moving the picture of the scry high above the ship so they can see around it better and make it harder for any mages on their ship to sense the scry above them.


    It takes days for word to reach the capital about the attempted raid on the coastal town and how it was stopped by a nearly naked female mage wearing a raggedy looking cloak and wielding a fire spewing walking Stick.


    Ramsey''s summon Anwen to the main court. She arrives wearing her armor and the cloak but mismatched boots, with the walking stick in hand (and her ankh back around her throat), "You called your Majesty ?" To the messenger, "Does she look anything like the one you mentioned ?"


    The messenger looks her over, "It is the same stick and cloak, but the figure was nude sir."


    Ramsey''s turns to Anwen, "Did you go save a village from raiders a few days back ?" Anwen nods, "Yes, People of the Sea where attacking the town and I kind of lost my temper and went after them. I had been in the bath prior you see. I just grabbed my cloak and staff and well went."


    The messenger nods, "and screamed obscenities and kept dropping a large iron object on them."


    Anwen nods, "An anvil actually. Dwarves use them in making tools, horseshoes and such. Makes a lovely bludgeoning weapon to." Ramsey''s hides his smirk at that. A rather obnoxious councilor ask sarcastically, "And you just Happened to have this Anvil on you did you ?"


    Anwen nods, "Yes, I carry all kinds of things with me most of the time. Magicked small for ease of carrying. " he snorts "a likely story."


    She looks at Ramsey''s, "Want me to show him ?" The smile is pure evil, Ramseys, knowing something of her power shrugs, "Just don''t kill him. He may be annoying at times but he does have his uses."


    "Small, medium or large object  ?"


    Ramseys thinks, "Large but easy to move would be nice."


    Anwen nods, "Horse good ? I got a riding horse and a nice war horse complete with barding."


    Ramsey sits up a little, "The war horse, yes I would love to see that."


    Smiling and doing a little dance (mostly cause the horse is in the back of the cloak and hard to reach), a couple of fancy light and smoke cantrips for effect and a little swearing to herself in muted English tones , the horse a huge (for Egypt and Arabia) black stallion in full medieval chain barding and knightly rigging appears. He dances around a bit finds Anwen and comes to stand next to her. She reaches up and pets his muzzle and telepathically ask his name, the horse a touch surprised but happy, "I am Lancer. My knight was killed in battle and I am in need of a new one. Are you my new one ?"


    Anwen answers, "No, you are actually to be a present to the Pharaoh of Egypt, the fellow over there in the fake beard on the throne. He is known for being a great leader and he needed a great horse to help him in that. So I summoned you here." The horse stands proud, then does a very good bow to the Pharaoh. "Your majesty may I present Lancer, an Eastern style horse trained in combat and use by generals and war heroes. He comes with a full set of Dwarven made chain armor, saddle and saddle bags. He is a very intelligent horse to. " the crowd and other mages are very impressed with this. The councilor shuts up now. Summoning small animals is common enough but a full sized animal With armor of that quality and such has never been seen.


    Ramsey''s comes down and looks the animal over, checking the teeth and the legs and such and proclaims it an animal fit for himself. His servants carefully take it out to the stables. It pranced the whole way, happy to have a new home.


    Ramseys watched it go, "You are going to spoil me if you keep up with such gifts." She shrugs, "I still have the riding horse if the Queen wants it." He smiles, "I will ask her later." Anwen nods.


    He returns to his throne, removes the cat that took his place and then places her in his lap. He looks at Anwen for a long time before asking again, "You sure you don''t want an official place in the court. You keep doing great things for us. " the cat is bobbing its head, encouraging her to say yes.


    "Well Bast certainly thinks I should." looking at the cat, "But no. I like being helpful but I really don''t think I have done all that much. I just followed my conscience. "


    Ramseys is looking at the Cat, "This is Bast, as in the Goddess ?'' Anwen shrugs, "Possibly an avatar or servant type, but her spirit is in there. She likes the Palace and tends to wander around it allot. She also takes her role as Protector of the line very seriously."


    The councilor sneers again, "Oh really, you can see the Gods now, we are to believe that ?"


    Ramseys turns to him, "Pavios, I am a living god correct, everyone can see that and knows that. So why is it hard for you to believe she can feel the presence of the gods ? Gods whom so I am told have come to her on several occasions. I have not known her to lie or even try to gain favor. She has done much for us. Destroyed many of our enemies but ask nothing in return save a room to stay in and a place to study her magics. I have offered several times now to give her more, she has politely turned me down each time. "


    Anwen knows this so called Noble. He has tried many times to intice her in to his bed, she has turned him down everytime, so now he is trying to discredit her.


    In the middle of an eye roll Anwen notices something, or more like someone, just out of phase behind Pavios, holding a spear over his head while watching something only he could see. (Anwen glanced in that direction but could see nothing out of the ordinary), muttering while Ramsey is reading her virtues on humility, "oh that''s not good." The figure looks up at her and grins.


    Ramseys, having very good hearing it turns out, "What ? What is not good ?"


    Anwen jumps, "Ah did I say that allowed ?" The shadow nods, grinning.


    Ramseys leans forward, "Anwen tell me, what is it ?"


    The shadow, ''oh please tell them, I love to see Pavios reaction when he hears I am here, for him."


    Taking a deep breath, "Standing behind Pavios is what looks like one of Anubises servants, with a spear aimed at his head, he seems to be waiting for something."


    Ramsey nods, "Does it say why it''s here ?"


    Anwen nods, "It wants me to tell Pavios that it''s here for him, specifically." she looks at Ramseys, "Being able to see and hear spirits is quite annoying you know. When they realize someone can see them they come around and start pestering the person for favors. Or just to talk, and talk and talk. It''s the leading cause of madness in spiritualist. The spirits seem to forget mortals need to Sleep. One of the reasons I like staying in the Palace is the place is well warded and they can''t get in here easily. So I can actually rest and do things I want or need to do."


    The cat is chuckling, those close by are looking at it in wonder, cause cats don''t as a rule chuckle.


    Pavios is growing very red, "You are a LIAR. You can''t see gods, or spirits your just looking for people you can con in to Giving you things for Free, but I see through you Beggar. You are Less than Nothing you ARE ¡­" he turns crimson, gurgles and starts to fall. "Oh he is having a stroke. Hm, if you want to save him prick the ends of each of his fingers. I don''t really know why but it will often keep a stroke from becoming fatal. Old Chinese trick that."


    Ramseys nods to the guard close to Pavios as he falls down. The guard, using the tip of a bronze knife cuts the tip of each finger. Pavios quakes and slobbers and shakes as Anwen calmly looks through her pouches for something. She comes over and passes the guard a leather belt, "Here, put this in his mouth to keep him from biting off his own tongue." The guard does so. The fit only last a few minutes but when it passes Pavios still lives, but his color is not to good.


    "Check his mouth and throat, make sure it''s not blocked and he can breathe. Um, that¡¯s all I really know at this point. All my training in this area say to call in the healers." A couple do come over and they do what they can but its'' not much. The head healer turns to her, "You reacted very well, stayed calm and did more than anyone else could have done. But we know very little about how to treat this ourselves. We will record what you showed us for future reference. But other than make him comfortable." she shrugs. Smiling, "I read allot and have traveled to far away places. The finger prick thing is from China and I have seen it work. But treating this is hard and even in places that know more of it, it''s still iffy on the survival rate. I am not totally sure about the belt thing, healing is not something I know allot about. I can bandage wounds if I have to but that''s pretty much it."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.Looking up at the spirit, "Well I can ask him as he is still standing there. Hey ghost boy, what you waiting for now ?" The spirit looks down at her and grins, "ghost boy, no respect. I am waiting on a judgement call actually. The few things you managed to do may have changed his fate, for the moment. Not that he will make a full recovery even if he does live. And, huh well he gets to live a few more years. He is going to hate it, but its thanks to you." the spirit fades out.


    Turning to the healers, who are watching with wide eyes, "Well the spirit says he will live, he is not going to be happy about it though, especially as it was my quick thinking that saved him. Let''s not tell him that part ok. Oh, little trick I do know that will help him recover better, peppermint tea. At least once a day if not more. It helps with healing brain injuries and memory retention. My mother taught me that one, she was a specialist on Herbs and their properties. Rose petals made in to a tea is also healthy, helps ward off sickness. Catnip in humans is calming for the nerves. Catnip in cats is a narcotic. That''s all I recall off the top of my head." The healers nod. Then suddenly bow. Ramsey''s drops a hand on her shoulder, "You are doing it again. Saving people, even the annoying ones. Keep this up and I may have to give you a title."


    Shaking her head, "Please don''t. I already have gods telling me I should become one of them. I really don''t want to. I don''t like being responsible for anyone but myself. I have tried to lead before, I am terrible at it. I am an ok teacher, but horrible leader. " Ramseys just giggles at the denial that is flowing freely out of her mouth. "Gods really ?" He says, The Cat that had been in his lap looks up and says, "Yep, at least twice now. We offered to make her our wine goddess, elven spirits version. She turned us down."


    Anwen nods, "I had 2 bottles of high end Evermead, it got mooched off of me by a parade of gods. A cup at a time. Now I got 2 empty bottles and no mead. Means I got to brew up another batch and that takes time. Years actually. Think how long it takes for just normal human wine to ferment, Elven wine takes Much longer and special care. Not to mention very special honey. Hard to get in the elven lands, almost impossible to get outside of them. Dangerous to. " sighs.


    Ramsey pats her shoulder, "We can get more wine." She looks at him then pulls out a bottle from her purse and hands it to him, "100 silver coins here, you getting the picture yet ?" He looks the bottle over, the clever glass work, the pain stakingly made smooth leather carrier, the very fine wax sealed cork and started to nod. This kind was Impossible to get outside of the elven lands and probably hard to get Inside their lands, "Well can''t say they don''t have good taste." Anwen sighs, "Took 3 small cups to completely blitz Bast. That''s get her drunk. She does make a happy drunk though."


    He looks sad, "So no way to get more in my life time."


    Shakes her head, "Well IF I had all the ingredients you might get some before you die. Half way descent bottle takes 30 years to ferment, 50 for the good stuff and a hundred for the Really good stuff. That was all I had left from the family''s stock. No the only way to get more now would be by a wish and it would have to be one heck of a well worded wish."


    Ramseys looks thoughtful, "How many gods owe you a favor ?"


    "I am not asking them for that. Besides the ones most likely to help would likely keep most of it for themselves." Bast nods, "Yep got that right. If we had those kinds of contacts we would not have to mooch off you all."


    Ramsey sighs and nods, "Politics exist even in their realm."


    Anwen, "Especially in their realm. They can''t afford to do to war as easily as humans do. Longer farther reaching repercussions." Ramsey nods, "True."


    "If this is all your majesty I have a raider ship to track and the destruction of some enemies of Egypt to see about."


    "Your still not going to let me reward you are you ?"


    "At this point in time no. I am happy with the rooms, the job, and the peace I get between blowing things up. I like being helpful, I also like blowing things up. Working here I get to do both. Also I am bound to Althea by way of a magical mishap. So until the requirements of that are taken care of I am not really at liberty to accept any of your kind offers."


    Ramsey''s gets an ''Ah'' expression and nods, recalling her mentioning that before. Kitten is much the same way as he recalls. She does not ask for much, sanctuary, food, and his friendship were all she has ever asked. Althea wants to protect her so she always sought better training and weapons and a good intelligence network. Now they bring this one and she is much the same way as them. Very rare people these. "Well if you want of anything with in my power, just ask. Ah, what of personal servants ?"


    That one pauses her, "Well maybe, but I want to pick them out. I can be picky about stuff like that."


    He nods, "On that I understand, my beauteous wives are the same way."


    Anwen smiles, "Very well then. Just send someone around when you have some picked out for me to look over. Oh and if any more end up being spy''s or assassins I will let your people handle them. My way seems to upset Althea."


    He looks blank, "Your way ?"


    Anwen nods, "I send them very high in to the air and let them fall to their deaths. Splat!"


    He actually pales a bit but nods, "Effective, fast way to the afterlife that."


    Anwen sighs, "Althea picked out a slave as a present for Kitten not long ago, girl turned out to be an Immortal hunter. I can understand their point of view, there are some evil bastards out there that need removing, the only problem is her groups worked for the king of the evil bastards. He is dead now, Kitten is happy with me. All is good in my corner of the world for the moment. oh the girl, I dropped her, Althea had me save her. I did so, but she still had many broken bones. I don''t know why she wanted me to save the assassin."


    He nods, "This assassin was a redhead like you and Kitten ?"


    Anwen nods, he does to, "She tends to try and save them, from themselves if possible. She has a soft spot for people with red hair." long slow nod from Anwen, "Good to know. Give her the blind fold before executing red heads in the future."


    "Blindfold ?"


    Anwen grins, "Military executions in a country I ran across once, they give the condemned a blind fold before shooting them full of arrows, so they won''t see it coming. They only do it for those who ran from battle and deserters."


    Ramseys nods, looking thoughtful, "Hm yes that is a good way to do it. I can see how that is an appropriate punishment for ones such as those. And why you would need to give one to Althea first in that situation." he grins. "I will have Osman look in to servants for you. He has a good eye for such things. But I will not keep you longer, as you say you have work to do."


    She steps back and bows, takes two steps back and then turns and walks away.


    Priest of Re, "She has some interesting customs and curtseys does she not my Pharaoh ?"


    He nods, "Yes Pallika, she does and once I impressed her she started using them. Remarkably strong willed person and one I do not want as an enemy. It is the reason I give her so much leeway. Well that and she belongs to Kitten, who is another I respect. "


    Pallika nods, "And with that freedom she happily seeks out and destroys many of our enemies."


    The Pharaoh nods, "One of my better decisions if I do say so myself. I doubt she understands fully how much in debt we are to her. A few slaves is a small price to pay for someone like her. Though I do wish I could do more for her. She gives freely, dresses poorly on purpose, and ask so little."


    Bast, "And she likes cats as much as I do."


    Both men jump not realizing the cat was at their feet.


    Back in Anwen''s quarters Kitten is monitoring the ship and playing with the interesting leather goods and skimpy outfits from Anwen''s leather bag. Some of the items are pretty easy to figure out and she very much approves of them, others she is still puzzling over. The girls skill with leather and such is most impressive.


    In the mirror she see''s two other ships approach the raider, she watches as they come along side and trade cargo, crew and loot with the largest of the two ships. They also repair the raider before moving off. On impulse she changes the view to follow the larger ship as the raider changed course and went to join a forming flotilla. The larger vessel is of a design she had not seen before. Not hugely different but it has 2 decks and more oars than any she has seen. It sails west.


    By the time Anwen has come back from her audience the mirror is showing several of these ships all heading in the same direction. These ships are loaded with prisoners and treasures and supplies stolen from the ports all over the Mediterranean. While Kitten has accidently got her arm bound behind her back and is trying, in vain to free herself.


    Anwen ignores the struggling red head to look over the mirror. "Changed the focus I see. Hmm cargo carries, unexpected. Looks like a Greek design to. Wonder if they stole them or if those were supplied by whom ever is organizing these raiders."


    Kitten snarling, "Yes yes, all nice and good, now get me out of this thing."


    Anwen looks at her, "Why, you''ve almost got yourself nicely bound up, but you left your arm free."


    Kitten stops struggling, "I did not mean to get my arm caught like this to begin with. I don''t like being tied up."


    Anwen comes over and releases the catch, "Then why are you wearing a slave suit. Its Designed to bind people up, so you can freely use them and they can''t fight back."


    Kitten looks shocked, "Who uses things like this ?"


    "Oh lots of people really. All the stuff in that bag are for certain kinds of sexual games. Usually with willing partners, but I have heard of those who use unwilling ones to. I just make them, never found anyone I wanted to use them on. I don''t go for the unwilling playthings. Otherwise you and Althea would have been all bound up by now." evil grin.


    Kitten glares then sighs, "Yeah, I was thinking how good Althea would look in this thing. I will have to get you to tell me what all these things are for at some point. But there is activity on those ships, it looks like they are approaching a port."


    Getting Kitten out of the suit was easy enough.


    Sure enough the ships were dropping oars and raising sails and moving in to a more single file type pattern as the headed in to a busy port town. The place was swarming with ships from all over, but the one thing in common was People of the Sea flags flew on most of those ships as did this strange flag, black with 4 colored bars on it, Blood Red, Deep Green, Shiny Silver, and an almost purple Deep Blue. It looked like some strange battle flag but it was on the land near a huge warehouse, not any ship.


    Kitten sees it and starts seething. "Assurane" she spits.


    Wiping the spit off her arm, "Who are these Assurane people anyway. Other than I broke one of their prisons I have never heard of them."


    Slowly gaining control of her fury, "Terrorist who use people like this to spread their vileness around the world."


    Nodding, "Those sorts never seem to go away. Terrorist I mean. They need to die. And we need to wake the babies so they can help them all die."


    Kitten nods, "I got a jar of blood just to do that, and a paint brush, put some under their noses, sit back and watch them wake, then you do your thing and send them in there. Queue the screaming and dying evil people."


    "I got snacks, large bag of candy, 2 jars of peanut butter, spoon, um coffee." Anwen says as she digs through the supplies she laid aside over the last couple of days.


    Kitten, "What is ''peanut butter'' ?"


    Without looking up, "Roasted peanuts, ground up and mixed with vegetable oil and sugar usually."


    Kitten slowly nods, "Ok, what is a peanut ?"


    That stops the search for proper snack items as Anwen looks at her wide eyed then just kind of Stops as her eyes glaze over. Kitten tries tapping her shoulder, shaking her, yelling at her, even went and got a cup of water and poured it on her, nothing worked.


    She then calls down the hall, "ALTHEA COME QUICK I THINK I BROKE OUR MAGE!"


    Althea comes at a dead run. Sliding to a stop and looking around for blood splatter or the like. Then she looks at the blank eyed stare, "What did you do to her ?"


    "She was spouting stuff she put aside for snacks and well she has stuff I never heard of before and asked her about it. The first time she gave me a simple recipe, but when I asked about a specific ingredient she just, well that. I have tried everything I could think of to snap her out of it, even poured water over her head. Nothing.


    Althea looks at Anwen, "Did you try to slap her ?"


    Kitten shrugs and slaps Anwen, both cheeks, pretty hard. Anwens head moves with the slaps but the eyes remain blank.


    Althea stares in to Anwens eyes, "I have never seen anyone go in to such a deep state of shock before. Weird."


    A woman and 3 men enter the room under guard other than the guard all are naked and marked as slaves. The woman (very beautiful with natural long black hair, green eyes and vibrant red lips) looks around and listens to the other two women there speak of the tall one whose eyes are not seeing this world. The guard clears his throat, "Excuse me. I am to deliver these here under the Pharaohs orders. Mistress Anwen is to access if any will work as her personal servants"


    Althea and Kitten look at them, Althea ask, "Any of you have any ideas on how to snap a person out of a sudden mental shock ? We have already tried shaking her, slapping her and dumping water on her."


    Kitten adds, "Yelling and rubbing her face and shoulders to. Started with those actually."


    The men shake their heads, the woman comes around and looks at the tall woman, "Usually a shock to break a shock works, the problem is find the right kind of shock. What you listed is the most common forms, then dealing with the emotions after they come out of it. What triggered this ?"


    Kitten shrugs, "I asked her a question about a food I have never heard of. Usually she answers straight away and with far more information than is required. This time well, this."


    The girl nods and keeps staring at the exotically beautiful woman, "May I try something ?"


    Althea shrugs and Kitten nods, "Sure, as long as you don''t draw blood."


    The girl smiles, "Well let''s hope that does not happen. Though I suspect it will depend on her reaction."


    She moves in front of Anwen, takes a deep breath, licks her lips, then grasping the woman''s head she leans in and kisses her, at first there is no response, then the girl tries to deepen the kiss, forcing her tongue in to the woman''s mouth, slowly the woman''s body moves, arms come up and the eyes focus a little then before anyone knows it she is returning the kiss and has wrapped her arms around the girl, bends her around a little bit and starts rubbing against her. All while not fully conscious of her surroundings.


    About 2 or 3 minutes later Anwen straightens, staring at the girl then smiles, "Hello ?"


    Kitten is shaking her head, "Hell had I known you would respond like that I might of kissed you." Althea is giggling, "Always knew you had it in you."


    Anwen looks blankly at them, "What ?"


    Althea holds up Anwens wet hair, "For some reason when Kitten asked you a question you went in to a sort of shocked state, we could not snap you out of it. This girl managed to do it by kissing you. Your body responded more than your brain did. Your still holding her by the way."


    Anwen nods, "Yes I am, and she has a good grip on me to, what of it ?"


    Kitten looks at the girls face, "I think the shock just jumped from you to her actually."


    (Girls reaction) Her first reaction on seeing Anwen was pure lust. The tall redheaded woman with the perfect figure and beautiful (though blank) face just made her feel warm inside. When she boldly kissed her and got a responce, she hoped she would be chosen to stay. She loved the way the Mistresses body responded to her, the feel of it crushing in to her, the way she moved against her. She was afraid, but mostly of being sent away. She knows little of her Mistress, rumors of her being a powerful mage and very reclusive. Rumors that the gods themselves come seeking her councel, that she can move mountains and wipe away enemy armies with just the power of her magic. But almost nothing about the woman herself. Other than her generosity to all, her kindness to those even less than she. How she treats everyone, even Ramsey''s as an equal. The fact that the Pharaoh allows it, and even applauds her work for Egypt speaks much about her.


    The girl looks down at Kitten then over at Anwen, "You kiss really good. I wanna kiss you more."


    Smiling Anwen leans down a little and kisses her some more. Till Kitten pulls her back, "Anwen, we have more important things for you to do than kiss your new slave girl."


    Anwen stops kissing the girl and looks at Kitten, "What slave girl ?"


    Girl, "That would be me mistress. My kiss was just to snap you out of your shock. But then well, your response was well ¡­ um ¡­" turns bright crimson.


    Anwen, "You like kissing me ?" the girl going red further down, nods shyly. "Good cause I really like how you kiss to." Keeping an arm around the girls hips she turns and looks around. Looking at the 3 naked men and the guard, "Um, what did you need ?"


    The guard, keeping a straight face repeated his message. Anwen nods, "Oh right. Was not expecting you so soon. Um, can you bring them back this evening ? We were in the middle of something." The guard nods and turns to lead the slaves out. But Anwen is not letting go of the girl, "This one can stay." The other slaves all grin and the guard nods.


    Althea closes the door behind them.


    Anwen looks at the girl, "So what''s your name ?"


    Girl, "You can call me whatever you wish Mistress." still blushing.


    "What name do you like to be called by ? I am terrible with making up names. Great at magic bad with names, go figure."


    She thinks and decides, "I like Sarah." Anwen nods, "Then Sarah it is. Good name that one to. Known a few Sarah''s in my time. Most were blonds for some reason. It''s odd because it''s a Hebrew name, it means princess."


    The girl, Sarah looks awed, "What does your name mean ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "Very Beautiful. It''s from a people called the Welsh, they are found on the isle of Britain."


    Kitten clears her throat, "We have a massacre to do, if you don''t mind."


    Anwen nods, "Right, dropping the vampires on the People of the Sea. Sorry about that fade out. My mind just blanked as I found I did not have an answer to your question. Other than a peanut is a type of bean. I don''t know where it comes from or anything else about it and I ended up going round and round in my head. Well I know other things, but nothing pertaining to your question."


    Kitten raises an eyebrow and Anwen shuts up, "Right right, waking the babies so they can be conscious enough to kill lots of raiders."


    Sarah sees that pillows have been set around a strange, though very life like painting. She sits on one and waits to see what sort of wonders will happen.


    The lady Kitten and Anwen move about the picture, muttering to one another and the picture changes, moves, flying to a new place, a mountain then through the mountain and in to a vast chamber full of mangled dead bodies, past the bodies till they come to a room with a mummy in it. Its wrapping long fallen off from what she can tell. Kitten takes up a pot, pulls off the lid and using a long handled paint brush dips it in, the reaches toward the picture with it and to Sarah''s surprise the brush enters the painting and she watches as Kitten paints a red line on the upper lip of the figure. To her surprise the figures eyes snap open and then she watches as the picture moves very quickly back and sideways of that creature. Anwen notes, "1 down." and the image moves through the mountain. Again and again, different mummies are so awakened. But one is quicker than the others and grabs the brush, licking and sucking on the end. Then it looks up at the stick and tries to pull it to it, Kitten pulls it back and growls, "Let it go, you will get more soon. We just need to wake the others first."


    The dead thing whines, "Mother ?"


    Kitten smiles, "Yes child, Caine is dead and we can free you now. Soon you and the other survivors will be sent somewhere where you can feed to your hearts content."


    The thing smiles, "thank you mother. I never gave up hope."


    Anwen rolls her eyes, Kitten smiles at Anwen and nods.


    They manage to move the image again. The last one though is already awake and appears to be eating a rodent of some kind. It looks up and grins, "I smell you Kitten, I know your near, come in and say hello, we have much to talk about."


    Kitten "I am not there Hannibal, just using magic to find you all. Glad to see your still with us."


    It lunges forward but is stopped by an unseen force, "LIAR, You Left us here to Rot, to Die because you and Father were to cowardly to come and fight Caine. I will find him and kill him, then I will come for you!"


    Anwen ask sweetly, "Want me to set this one on fire, the way I did Caine ? Yes little boy Caine is dead. I burned him till nothing but ash was left and I did it at Kittens request. I am also the one who found where Caine hid you all away, she did not know it. She had been searching all this time. Ah I see your to far gone in your madness to hear. So have a light."


    Anwen tosses a small but brightly glowing crystal through the picture. The creature screams and actually starts to burn. The picture moves back and slightly in to the rock.


    Anwen starts to softly talk with some unseen force, "what was that, really, they can do that, wow, ok nicely found, sure more like that would be fine."


    She turns to Kitten, "Apparently that light crystal was made by a sun priest so the light from it is holy and sun based. Seems this one gave himself to the darkness, that is why it hurts him."


    Kitten sighs and nods, "I was afraid that might happen. If others have fallen we will deal with them as the time comes." Anwen nods, "Well this raid is during the day, so we will know soon. How do you want them placed ?"


    The image moves outside and toward the port town. Kitten points to a place and Anwen gestures and mutters what sounds like numbers and something called ''cosine'' and the monsters appear at those places and attacks whatever or whomever is nearest. They are spread all over the port, in to the town and even on a couple of the larger war boats. A few of the creatures burst in to flame, but it does not stop them from attacking all near it even as they burn.


    Anwen steps back, occasionally casting a spell to help the monsters, but mostly eating this strange brown substance and pulling out gold coins, which she peels open, revealing a dark brown interior, which she eats and offers to share. Althea takes one, taste it then grabs a handful.


    One is given to Sarah, she taste it. It is a bit sweet but not bad. Anwen puts the brown stuff on some of hers, so Althea tries a finger of the brown stuff and makes a face. Sarah tries it and it''s sticky but not bad and when crossed with the dark stuff from the fake coins WOW, GOOD stuff. She comments on it and Anwen smiles at her. Of the hot drink being served, its ok, needs something more, when crystalized honey is offered around she tries that mixed in and likes it. Althea tries the drink then takes a whole carafe for herself, much to Anwens amusement. Kitten makes a face, complaining how something that smells so good could taste so bad.


    During the fight, and the subtle spells Anwen is casting about, a keg of some kind catches fire. Moments later it and the ship it was on explode. Kitten comments about greek fire, Anwen nods, then starts looking for more such barrels. Actually making several just vanish and others she moves to other locations, like the armory, the warehouse, and such where she uses magic to set them off.


    When the sun starts to set, Anwen moves the surviving monsters, who are well sated and starting to calm down, away from there and to a new location. A very nice, secure house outside of their city.


    Shutting the mirror down causing it to turn it back in to a normal, highly expensive mirror again. They turn around to find Sarah mostly wearing her food. This actually causes both Kitten and Anwen to laugh.


    Anwen, finding a towel and basin of water, "Here child, your supposed to eat the food not wear it." She shrugs, "It''s good. You eat like this all the time ?"


    Anwen shakes her head, "Nope, stuff is hard to come by. This was a special occasion. Waking the immortals and hurting one of the raiders cities at the same time."


    Sarah nods as Anwen cleans her face and upper chest, "I like your magic picture. It was fun watching that fight to."


    Anwen smiles at her, "It¡¯s a magic mirror actually and the only one of its kind. So it is a big secret. No one outside this room is to know about it. Pharaoh''s orders. Tell anyone and it means death." Anwen stated in her dead voice. Then back to happy tones, "I am pleased you enjoyed my treats though. I have a few others but not many. If your to stay with me however I have rules, you break my rules badly enough and you may find yourself going through life with 4 feet and fur." Althea nods, "Seen her do it to. Fellow in the market a few months back saw her in her foreign clothing, called her a beggar and knocked her down. The next thing anyone knew he was a donkey."


    Took several people, his family I think, to talk her in to turning him back."


    Anwen shrugs, "If someone is going to behave like an ass then they should BE an Ass. So I turned him in to one. The whining and begging got me to turn him back. Then I explained at length that just because someone dresses differently does not make them a beggar and that he has no right to strike down strangers because he does not like their looks. I also implied that if he starts doing things like that again he was going to become a donkey Permanently."


    Kitten and Althea look surprised, Sarah ask, "Can you really do that ?" Anwen sighs, "Not yet. That level of magic is beyond me but He does not know that."


    She smiles, understanding it. "Sneaky, tricking him in to being a better person yes ?"


    Kitten shaking her head, "Yes." then to Anwen, "We need to get going make sure they are doing well and that there are enough supplies for them all."


    Nodding, "Make sure they all have not gone to happy madness land to. That one that tried to eat the brush was thinking how they wanted to eat you instead. Given a chance that one will try and make you dinner." She nods, "I imagine several feel betrayed and hurt because I was not locked up with them."


    "From what I got from that one''s mind, its'' Always wanted to eat you, then Caine, so its master would be the Only one. It tries anything and I will roast it. No questions, comments or orders."


    Looking at the girl, "No touching the mirror. You can look at your reflection if you want, its probably the best image of yourself your likely to ever see. You can clean up the room to. We will be back, well when we get back, no telling how long it will take.


    Oh and if anyone ask about those barrels out by the pond, tell them they are mine and I will kill anyone who touches them. If someone is stupid enough to put fire to them it''s not my fault they will be dead or that they destroyed the pond."


    Sarah nods and looks out the window, "There are guards out there now, one has a torch as it is getting on to dark."


    There is an implosion of air and Anwen is out there by the guards yelling, "GET THAT TORCH AWAY FROM THOSE BARRELS. Those are full of Greek Fire. So unless you want to be Dead really quickly get the fire away from them." One guard snatches the torch and tosses it in to the pond.


    Another, one in leather armor, showing him to have some kind of rank, "Where did you get these and why put them here ?"


    Shrugs, "Here seemed like a good place, and I stole them from a weapons depot of the People of the Sea earlier today. Just before I blew up said depot, and their food supply house and a couple barracks, some ships, their dock. These are just the left overs I did not use to make one of their port towns burn."


    The guards look impressed, she continues, "I love it when the Great Ramseys lets me blow stuff up." they all nod, happy she is on Their side. "Ok well I got to go check on some other things, if you all would be dears and make sure this stays here under guard I would be quite happy."


    One guard ventures, "How happy."


    She considers and pulls out an apple pie, "Pie Happy." puts it on a nearby table. Pulls out some forks and a knife to. "Make me happy I pay in food and pies." The guards laugh. They have had worse rewards and food is always good. The captain sniffs it, "What kind of pie is this ?"


    She grins, "Apple, recipe from home. Has a small amount of cinnamon and nutmeg mixed in with honey sugar for the glaze part. "


    They nod and set in for a nice snack and easy guard duty.


    Anwen pops back in to her room, "Well that was easy, paid them off with pie."


    Kitten shakes her head as Althea puts on her padded armor and makes sure her weapons are in easy reach.


    Once all are ready Anwen pops them to the Monster House as she insist on calling it.

 Chapter Six: Monsters Monsters Everywhere

    The house in question has a good sized wall around it made of stone that has been washed in a white stucco type substance. Only one door in, large and heavy wood. It''s really not so much a house as a warehouse but it was cheap and outside the city. All the windows are very small and covered with shutters.


    Althea looks around and sighs, "How are we supposed to see ?"


    She looks back at Kitty, whose eyes are lit from within and sighs, turning to look at Anwen, whose eyes are glowing red. Anwen states, "What do you mean, I can see just fine." Kitten nods, "Me to."


    Althea points to Anwen, "She is using magic, her eyes are glowing, though differently than yours Mistress."


    Kitten comes around and looks, "Ooo nice trick."


    Anwen shrugs, "Innate ability actually, like my teleporting, something I was born with."


    Kitten shrugs, "Still nice trick."


    Anwen looks at Althea, "So after 500 years you have not learned how to use Night Vision or gleam of the red eye ? What powers have you been learning ?"


    She looks blank, "What do you mean ?"


    Kitten is suddenly very interested in the door and its locking mechanism. Anwen shakes her head, "You never told her did you. Althea Thralls can gain weaker versions of the powers your immortal has. That is true for All thralls. They also get a little stronger and sometimes faster or hardier over time. Those are the basic gifts, anything else you have to practice to get."


    Althea is looking at Kitten, "Is that true ?"


    Kitten nods, "there is some natural talent to. You always just seemed to develop the physical stuff, it''s why you are so strong and fast now. If you recall I did try to teach you how to make your eyes glow but you just never seemed to get it."


    Althea sighs, "Still would have been nice if you told me about potential powers. I would have been focusing on more things."


    Anwen quotes, "Divide your focus too much and you gain nothing in the end. Besides I have noticed you have sharper than human senses and that is the starting point for auspex. Seeing Aura''s is the next step, that is seeing lights and different colors around people and objects."


    She suddenly bounces on her toes, "Really ? Cause I have noticed I get flashes like that. I just thought something was going wrong with my eyes or something. Good to know I am just developing a new ability."


    Anwen nods, "Takes lots of practice to use and understand what you see. Later we can practice together. It is one of the ways I know what people are going to do before they do it."


    Althea''s smile is almost bright enough to count as a light source.


    Even so, Anwen pulls a lit shaded lantern from her cloak, "Here, keep the light behind us though or you will blind us."


    Althea nods and takes up the rear guard. Kitten ask seriously, "Ok anyone remember to bring the key ?" Anwen says something strange, gestures at the lock and the lock releases and the door opens. She just shrugs, "Unlocking cantrip." and walks in.


    Kitten looks at Althea, "Ok you have got to learn that one." Althea nods.


    The doors to the warehouse are large enough for a wagon to go through but the lock, like the last one is of dwarven manufacture and easy for Anwen to open, though this time she does it using some odd looking tools. Sighing happily when it pops open. "So nice to be able to put my skills in use. Was afraid I would get lax. Will have to see about getting me a few of these locks just so I can keep in practice."


    Kitten nods, "She did tell us she was a trained thief when we first met. " Althea nods and takes a step back, unsheathing the lamp so the light is behind the two figures.


    Anwen uses her TK to open the door, where they see several thin figures in apparently the middle of an argument, close to tearing in to each other.


    Kitten, "Now Children, none of that. We did not go to so much trouble to find and release you so you could kill each other." They fall back from the suddenly bright light, shading their eyes. A youthful sounding male suddenly cries "MOTHER" and leaps forward, only to find himself floating in midair.


    He looks down, kicks his feet and then looks up, "Have I developed a new power ?"


    Anwen shakes her head, "No, that is my doing. Your all newly awakened after a long sleep and I am a touch worried about your sanity, so no touchy." Puts him down near some of the others with less ''kill the elder'' thoughts. "Try it, I can hear your thoughts, and those thinking to try and kill Kitten will have to go through me."


    An angry sounding female, "You are Mortal, that will not be hard."


    Anwen opens her hand and a small ball of flame appears in it, "Mortal maybe, mage definitely, and I play with Fire, lots. You may recall all the stuff blowing up during your waking feast, that was me."


    Kitten nods, "Children please, I know what you went through was terrible. But Caine is dead as are many of his leaders and childer, thanks to this mage. Her magick penetrated his hiding place and she killed him very dead. Several gods have confirmed this. He is gone, she bathed him and his in Fire, burned his foul presence from the world. That allowed us to find where he hid you so we could release you all. I only wish more of you had survived. Mother Lill is gone, Caine did something with her, moved her outside of our reality. We are still looking for her.


    It¡¯s a different world out there now. That''s why we moved you all in here. So we can tell you about it, about what the world is like now."


    Bitch, "Sure tell us more lies. Father told us we can''t Trust you, you will tell any lie to get what you want. I don''t believe anything you say."


    Kitty, "Anwen show them please."


    Anwen shrugs, mutters her spell and a star cruiser rolls out of a star filled night with screaming fighters around it firing on other strange craft. The sound of it pushes all but Anwen to the walls and ground. Kitty yells, "ANWEN!"


    Anwen turns and looks at her then shrugs and the image changes to Present day Egypt, "Sorry my memories of home butted in. Battle of Wolf 359, glorious fight, lots of carnage. 3 empires.. right not the place or time."


    Althea looks in awe at Anwen, "I know you came from the future, but THAT ?"


    Anwen grins, "Space exploration via science not magic. Magic is nice and all but Science can do wonders beyond imagining." looks at a shadow on the wall that has no one to cast it, "Right Thoth ?" The now Ibis looking shadow nods and the soft voice speaks, "You are correct and I really did not believe you, but that memory ¡­ oh my."


    Anwen shrugs, "It was a history file actually, reenactment of a battle that ended a war between the Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire. They joined forces soon after that against a mutual foe called the Romulan Star Empire. Earth is part of the Federation." she can feel Thoth trying to probe her thoughts so she is recalling ever episode and movie for Star Trek to throw him off the real truth. For now it seems to work and he withdraws.


    Everyone stays still watching the shadows and looking around for anything else out of place. Finally, "Prick" mutters Anwen, "Always trying to butt in."


    The ''bitch'' looks awed, "That was a God, an Actual God and you talk about him that way ?"


    Kitten shrugs, "They like to pester her. She was pulled here from the future by a badly worded wish. So she is stuck here, with all the knowledge and power of someone from over 3000 years in the future. She knows magics yet undreamed of and she works for Me."


    Anwen nods, "I am the one who knew where you were buried. Had I not come here it would have been another 2000 years before you would have been found. Kitten requested my help in freeing you after Caine pissed me off and I turned him to Ash."


    One bright fellow, "Does not doing that change the future ?"


    Anwen nods, "Sure does, but the future is not all it''s cracked up to be. Sure the toys are nicer and the tech is nice, but there are things that really need changing. So no time like now to do it. Besides nothing is written in stone. My just Being here made changes to the time line. It pisses off some gods and amuses others. Go figure."


    The images of modern life continue to play out. Life in the city, caravans and ships and other things Anwen has observed while wandering the city and country side since being here. "You were awakened at the end of this last era and the beginning of a new one. The world is changing rapidly. Bronze is giving way to iron working. Old empires are falling and new ones are trying to be born. In my timeline only 3 countries survived this period, Egypt being one of them. The Pharaoh of this time is recognized as one of the greatest ever in all the history of Egypt, even unto my time."


    Kitten looks impressed, "ok you never told me that before."


    Anwen shrugs, "You never asked." Althea nods, "true" she whispers.


    Kitten looks at the others, "We are not going to keep you here. Your free to leave any time you want. But if you choose to stay we can help you get a better grip on this time."


    Anwens focus shifts to the brush sucker, "That is not what she means and you know it. Try it and I will end you." It falls back some and hisses at her. "Stay out of my mind Witch!"


    "Not a witch, different power source." said with careful disdain.


    Kitten sighs, "Orsa, stop it. I really don''t need another immortal rabbit to take care of."


    Anwen turns suddenly and barks a word, a section near the gate explodes in a massive fire ball and several twisted figures suddenly scream and die in the inferno. Anwen hisses, "Setites" then jumps back some 20ft, landing on some crates, "''Ware the snakes" she adds, Althea drops her lamp and draws her blades, quickly killing 3 asp that had been moving up behind her.


    One of the new - old immortals, "Setites ?" Anwen nods, "Caine''s childer by the demigod Set, lord of evil here in Egypt. They have poisons that work even on Immortals and physically lack hearts. Some ritual they developed, pull the heart out and put it in a jar, then hide the jar."


    Anwen draws her sword, which glows with eldritch fire now that combat is near. The nearer immortals move away from that glowing blade.


    The fire in the courtyard dies down and a group of desert nomads comes forward, "I am impressed, I thought for sure your attention would be completely focused on those with in. Your as formidable as they say mage."


    She shrugs, "Your snakes talk allot." That makes him look surprised. "We thought you only spoke to cats."


    "Naw, I can be understood by all lower life forms, that''s why you understand what I am saying now."


    One of his minions snarks, "good one" only to get a glare from their leader. "It matters not, you''re not leaving here alive. We made sure your magics can''t work here. No disappearing from this encounter."


    Anwen shrugs, "I got more than one trick snake boy and my other magics work just fine. Otherwise that fireball would have fizzled. So you blocked my teleportation."


    He nods, "So no dropping rocks from the sky for you." she shrugs, puts her sword away and pulls out a patch. "Eat shit and die." she states as she throws the ball at him. He laughs at the pathetic attack, right up till it turns in to a pissed off badger that tries to claw off his face as it flies at him. He screams as the badger not only connects but latches on to his head and starts biting clawing and beating him with it''s hind feet claws.


    The leader falls back his second steps forward with a blow gun and fires a needle, it misses pretty much everyone as Althea picked up her lamp and threw it at him and the others, oil going everywhere and making the courtyard burn some more.


    Several more snakes slither forward only to be quickly dispatched by the angry elders. Kitten, steel daggers in hand strikes down a thrall that tried to slip in during the confusion.


    Reaching in to her cloak for another patch to throw even as she does a tumbling spin to get away from an asp, she pulls one free and throws it. An old, beat up looking 24ft row boat appears and falls in front of the doors crushing a few snakes and blocking the door for the moment.


    Kitten looks at it then her, "Really a row boat ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "What I got 200 items in here, and I just sort of grabbed blindly."


    Male Immortal leaps forward and flips it over, making it harder to get past, "Blind luck is sometimes a good ally, but how do we get out of here ?"


    Althea backs up to next to Anwen, "Got any of those doors ? We could sure use one now."


    Anwen nods, "Problem with gleam of the red eye, everything is tinged red. Hard to tell pockets apart. But I have a couple." Anwen climbs to the top of the crates and looks carefully through her cloak while the others block the entrance, She smiles as she pulls out a door and attaches it to the wall, then frowns and sighs, "My luck sucks tonight. Got the straw door. oh well." she pushes it, it swings open, reavealing the yard beyond, which is crawling with snakes of all kinds.


    Sighing she pulls out 3 objects which she tosses around. 3 pits suddenly open, 2 of them slightly cross making a strange shaped hole. The snakes fall in to them.


    Immortal woman, "Ok that worked, now how do We get across the pits ?" Another immortal, "Got any weapons in that cloak ?"


    Searching around she pulls a patch that turns in to a loaded crossbow, with one bolt, he tries to reach for it. "No, we need this to get out." from somewhere about her person she pulls out 20ft of elven silk rope and ties it to the tip of the bolt. The first Immortal suddenly gets the idea. "Why are you carrying rope ?"


    "Never know when rope will come in handy so I always carry it with me. I carry lots of useful things with me. Ok anyone good with a crossbow ? I don''t really know how to use it."


    The one by the boat runs over, "That would be me. I am the warrior in this lot." He looks down at the pits then back at her, "Really, pits full of snakes ?"


    Immortal beside her, "was a yard full of snakes, she made the pits. Don''t ask me how."


    Boy immortal, "I could really use a weapon here." Anwen reaches in and grabs what feels like a sword and tosses it to him. He ends up with an oak practice sword. Looking back at her ''Really ?"


    She shrugs, "Makes a good club." Which he proves correct by using the 3ft length of shaped lumber to bash in a thugs head. Then knocks another''s weapon away. A young girl looking immortal just roars and using claws and brute force is ripping her foes apart. Anwen searches through her cloak and Finally finds the 4 shot magic sword, which goes to one immortal that looks like a stereotypical librarian. She proves to be very good with it.


    A stunning redheaded immortal, naked as can be jumps and lands next to the ones on the crates, "Need more weapons mage, got anything with some length to it ?"


    "This would be better if I had some light .. right the Light. Cloak have you regenerated that yet ¡­ rats." The fellow with the Crossbow releases the bolt, the heavy steel bolt buries itself deep in to the stone wall, "I thought so, a cloak of the vagabond, useful item." Anwen nods, "Been mine all my life. It likes me." He nods, "Best kind of magic."


    There is a scream behind them and without thinking Anwen reaches in and grabs randomly and throws in the direction of the scream. A large black metal rectangle falls on a stake wielding thrall, about to strike the child like immortal, knocks him silly. She picks it up and notes the strap on the back of it. She flips it around and learns very quickly how to do shield bashing. Works very well.


    The warrior watches and nods, "Very useful magic."


    The female nods and waits for the needed weapon for her, after some searching Anwen pulls out a long patch, points it so not to hit anyone, it turns in to a halberd. The redhead looks at the odd weapon, but smiles and leaps in to the fray, learning very quickly how sharp the blade on the end works.


    The warrior shakes his head, "Giving Gwen a weapon like that is a dangerous thing, though she is good with it."


    The nervous immortal, "Got anything to cover the snakes ?" Anwen shrugs, finds the ''cold patch'' and drops in in the middle pit. It expands in to a 10ft cube of Ice, crushing and freezing the snakes with in that pit. She nods, "That works."


    The warrior attaches the line and Anwen goes over first, looking for the runes blocking her psionics. What she finds instead is 3 old bald men chanting some 50ft beyond the wall. She smiles and Levels her staff at them. The fireball explodes around them, only to dissipate and she sees they are unscathed. Globe vs magic, great.


    Then she remembers something and an evil smile comes to her. She searches and finds them, the War Dog patches. She pulls one and two matched pair of solid black Massive Mastiffs appear, they are clad in studded leather armor and look to her for instructions, "Hi guys, welcome to the fight. Now" pointing at the old men, "Sic em!" They turn and leap at the old men. As Anwen predicted the dogs, not being magic themselves pass easily through the barrier and before the old men know what hits them one gets his head ripped off while another loses and arm. That pretty much kills the psionic interference. The next one over the wall is the boy with the wood sword, he looks up at her, "You were right, it makes a very good club." The fearful immortal is next shrugging as she moves past, "sorry about that, snakes are my one weakness."


    Anwen nods, "Yeah I am not wild about them myself." Two more unarmed immortals come past and over the wall and stick close to the boy. They are followed by the girl with the shield, She stays on the wall, opposite Anwen, "I like this thing." Anwen nods, "Tower shield, used to protect a soldier from arrows mostly." She smiles, showing lots of sharp teeth. Anwen smiles back, showing her own small sharp teeth.


    The next three over include Althea, sporting a bite wound, she is being carried by the bitchy one. "She saved me, I don''t know how to save her though." she says forlornly.


    Anwen searches her cloak and pulls out a small vial, "Here, there is only 1 dose, but it''s a universal snake venom antidote. She is still going to be sick, but she won''t die." the immortal nods and drops over the wall, where she can use the potion on her savior.


    Girl, "I am Melidea, what''s your name ?" Helping another over the wall, "Anwen" she nods, "That''s a pretty name. Want to know what my name means ?" Anwen looks at her, "It means tree spirit or Dryad, it¡¯s a greek name." the girl frowns, "I did not know it was greek. So what does your name mean ?" Anwen shrugs, "Very Beautiful, it''s a welsh name." Melidea thinks, "You got the better name."


    Anwen shrugs, "My full name is Anwen Cinaed, so very beautiful born in fire."


    The dogs return and bark, "Enemies eliminated Mistress. Romulus and I await further orders. "


    Anwen looks down, "Romulus and Remus ?" They nod, "Yes Mistress." She nods, "Ok, good names, latin. I am Anwen, just so you know." they wait patiently, "We are in the middle of a rescue mission, the enemy is using snakes." The Dog go in to guard mode, each to one side of the group, watching for snakes or enemies.


    Melidea looks surprised, as do some of the other immortals, "You can talk to animals"


    Anwen shrugs, "Can''t everyone ?"


    Boy, "Not like that."


    Anwen shrugs, "I am a wood elf, all wood elves can talk to animals. It¡¯s a racial ability." They nod even as more come over the wall. Gwen and the Evil Librarian are the last. Anwen pulls the crossbow and rope to her with her TK then she and the girl drop to the sand. To Kitten, "So where do we go from here ? " Kitten noting the tk, "You can teleport again."


    Anwen nods, "Pulled out a couple war dogs, they took out the ones casting the blocking spells."


    Kitten nods, "why have they not come around the sides ?"


    Tall warrior ,"Because I sent images of us running north in small groups. They are chasing the images and not us."


    Anwen nods, "Nice, chemaistry, very cool."


    They all give her a strange look and she sighs, "I use slang ok, I really don''t feel like trying to explain it."


    Warrior, "It''s not the slang, it''s you knowing the name of the power."


    Kitten, "She knows lots of things about lots of things, us, our powers, more about Caine''s kind than ours, but there is some overlap between us and them."


    Gwen grins, "I don''t care. She is good to have in a fight. I love this weapon to. Good reach and very sharp."


    Anwen nods, "It''s called a Halberd, pole arm type weapon, used by gate guards and soldiers to stab at opponents on horses from behind people with those tower shields."


    Melidea holds up her shield. Gwen nods. Kitten turns to the bitchy one, "How is Althea ?"


    The woman looks at Kitty and sighs, "Good thanks to your wizard, she had a cure for the snake bite. Don''t get me wrong, I still don''t like you Kitten, but your girl, she I can like."


    Anwen grins, "She is something of a ditz at times but good to have at your back." Kitten states.


    Bitch, "Ditz ? How ?"


    Anwen sighs, "It was her wish that yanked me to this time and place. Now I am stuck here till I help them in some quest. After that if I am still alive, I don''t know."


    Boy, "How long do wood elves live ?"


    Kitty, "Between 300 to 400 years. Without thralling. She is not a thrall either. She is a little leery of us."


    Melidea, "Really ? Why ?"


    Boy, "Cause we eat people silly."


    Anwen shakes her head, "That does not bother me. I just have trust issues. Stuff from my past."


    Girl, "so it takes you a while to trust people" she whispers.


    Anwen nods, "Usually. A few people I have met I take to very quickly, but it''s pretty rare."


    She nods, "Can I tell you something ?"


    Anwen looks at her, "Other than your jealous of my chest ?"


    She pouts, "Saw that huh, well can''t really blame me, you have a nice set, me I am stuck like this forever."


    Anwen waves a hand, "I can fix that. Transformational magics can make you look completely different if you want."


    She looks up, eyes going wide, "Really, you have magics that can affect us ?"


    Anwen nods, "Yep, Though you need to be careful around anyone using canceling magics. Those could revert you to your true form."


    She nods and looks at the boy. "That is something we may have to think about."


    Kitten "Some women go their whole lives without developing breast any bigger than yours. Think on that."


    Anwen nods, "There is that. But if you want a permanent change you would need a god level wish spell. Mortal magic is weak compared to theirs."


    Still looking at Anwen in awe, "good point. can I keep you ?"


    Anwen smiles at her, "Why do people keep asking me that ?" she says to kitten.


    Kitten shrugs, "Mostly cause they don''t know you well enough."


    Warrior, "This is interesting and all, but we need to be moving. My illusions will not distract them forever."


    Anwen, "Fine" and with that every one of them, dogs and all, vanish.


    Deep in the desert, at an abandoned temple they appear. The place is in good order and it looks like someone lives there. A few scrolls line a shelf in the wall. An Iron door leads somewhere else. There are small holes in the ceiling letting in fresh air, but no light. Anwen claps her hands and several spell ball lights come on.


    Everyone looks around but Kitty ask, "Where are we ?"


    Anwen, "My hidey hole. I been working on it since I found this place. It''s from queen Nefertiti''s time, well her and her idiot husband, pharaoh brainless. Was one of the temples he built. I renovated a few rooms, been using the cloaks items to decorate as well as stuff I get in the markets around the region. I made this place in case I pissed off Ramsey as a fall back."


    Kitten looks at them, "Ramsey is an ally of mine and the God king of these lands." There is some nodding while they explore the few rooms.


    Melidea, "How do you get in and out. I have not found a way to do that."


    Kitty, "Probably how she brought us here this time. She can do that at will, innate ability."


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.This causes some muttering and fearful looks, the Librarian grabs Anwen and shakes her, "I will NOT BE TRAPPED AGAIN!" each word louder than the previous.


    Anwen pops out of her grip and to a slightly safer location, "Chill, you are not trapped there is another way out, it''s just tricky as the tunnel is partially collapsed. I need things to fix it but well I don''t have the skills to do so. Also if any of you have learned shape shifting there are air ducts throughout the place. When Pharaoh bone head died the people rebelled and tore down many of the temples he built to his false god." Only Kitty and Althea know what she is talking about, the rest just give her blank looks.


    "Ok this pharaoh, Ramsey''s grandfather, possibly great grandfather, not sure, anyway while he was in power he tried to remove worship of all the gods except one he made up or some such. He was trying to force everyone to worship only 1 god. When he died the temples to this so called god were destroyed or converted in to temples to proper gods. This one was only partially built and abandoned. I found it, cleaned it up and been making myself at home here. It still needs a lot of work though."


    That seemed, for the moment, to calm them down. The librarian and the warrior slowly start looking around with a new eye.


    Librarian "So how much have you explored then ?"


    "Explored and dug out only really these 3 rooms. But I know there are other rooms, just, well one is flooded and another very haunted. I been leaving both in peace cause the flooded one is past the haunted one and the ghost are not really interested in talking. More like adding to their numbers."


    The Warrior nods, "Angry dead are best left alone. There is often no reasoning with them."


    Anwen nods, "They scream allot and called me a liar when I told them the Pharaoh that murdered them all was dead. Apparently he cursed them to never enter the lands of the dead. For some reason they got the idea that when he died his curse would die with him. It didn''t."


    The Warrior nods, "Likely this place needs to be consecrated to another god before they could be laid to rest. If you do that warn us so we can make ourselves scarce, the gods don''t like us for some reason."


    Anwen nods, "What is your name ? We keep talking but I don''t know who any of you are. I find myself giving you all nick names in my head just to keep you straight."


    He smiles, "Ok now I want to know what you nick named me."


    The others all nod to this and won''t tell her their name till she tells them the name she subscribed them.


    Anwen finally sighs, "Fine. I named you simply ''The Warrior'' cause your tall, strong and know what you''re doing with weapons," points to the tall thin woman, "I called you The Librarian, cause you actually look like a librarian from where I am from, well the stereotypical version." points at Gwen "Amazon, but your name I know cause he called out to you during the fight." points to the angry one, "Bitch, cause well your angry and bitey." a few laugh at that one, " to the one afraid of snakes, "First impression of you, Valkyrie, you remind me of them, strong blond and dangerous. snakes not withstanding " guy hiding in a corner listening, "Noss, it¡¯s a creature from some old stories known for hiding in shadows among other things."


    He nods and mutters, "fits actually, I do do that allot."


    Anwen smiles at him, the next woman, "Arabian, cause you look Arabian" she says with a shrug, "You two, I don''t know, you have not spoken or done anything much that I have noticed so I got nothing yet." The Arabian girl punches him lightly in the arm, and he makes a ''oh I am so wounded'' type pantomime.


    The Librarian smiles, "Not bad names really. So I look like a scholarly type to you. Hm, interesting. I am called Ulva, Kitten is my maker, I am not really much of a scholar, like swords to much. But still I will take it as a compliment."


    Anwen, "Actually where I come from there are a group of adventuring Librarians who collect dangerous items, magical type dangerous, from around the world and keep them in safe places. Sort of a mix of scholar, warriors, and rogues. You would fit in with them well I think."


    She nods and accepts that.


    The Warrior, "Your name for me is not far off. I am Brawn, a warrior and Scholar, used to be a Mage but the change took from me my connection to magic I am afraid. And by the look in your eye you have some knowledge I may find of interest yes ?"


    Anwen nods, "Yes actually. The magic is not gone, just the way you have to access it has changed. I know of a few Immortal mages, they are of the line of Caine, but their magic is quite real, just different from what I use."


    He nods, "Hmm that is good to know, I will have to look in to it."


    Melidea pushes the boy he shrugs, "You did not name me. Or you just went past me"


    Anwen blushes slightly and shrugs, "Boy"


    Melidea giggles, he glares at her, "Ok so I am a boy, nothing else really."


    Anwen shrugged, "Well yes but it would take some explaining and Boy is good. Your like the cute boy next door, especially with that practice sword in hand."


    He nods, looking satisfied with that answer, "Alright I can accept that, Boy next door. Names Ruttag, I am Melidea''s boyfriend. Me and her were turned at the same time by Kitten. See we ran away from home."


    Kitten sighs, "Ruttag, you can tell her that later, ok." he shrugs and sits next to his girl.


    The ''Valkyrie'' laughs and lightly punches him in the arm, "He is a romantic, loves to tell their story. I am Astrider, and I am Norse by mortal birth, so being compared to a Valkyrie is a good thing in my scroll."


    Noss looks around, "I am called Brandwen and the one you call Bitch we call Orsa, we are blood kin, but I think Bitch fits her better to." She turns around and glares at him but the others all snicker.


    The first unnamed man, "I am Sule, I am a scholar and historian, I keep track of our lives mostly. Sadly I have much catching up to do."


    The 2cd, "Nast''al, that is all you need to know."


    Anwen stares at him for a long moment, "Ah, The assassin, I have actually heard of you. Your name is whispered even in my lands, your something of a ghost story now actually."


    He thinks on that then smiles and nods. Nice to be remembered and being thought of as a ghost is good for his reputation. Though he suspects his old followers have much to do about his story still being alive.


    The Arabic woman nods, "I am Shule, I was a dancer and forced in to this life by that scum whom would have me call him master, simply because he thought me beautiful. I have made no secret that I loathe him and much prefer Kittens company. She has a good heart and to my knowledge has never forced the change on anyone."


    Now that all their names are out Melidea bubbles out, "So what do their names all mean !?" she asked with wide eyed glee.


    Kitten, "She loves learning the meaning of people''s names, she is as bad as you on that point Anwen."


    Anwen shrugs, "I like to read, I read some books on names a few times. I tend to remember most of what I have read."


    Brawn nods, "I am curious though what, if any, meaning my name has." a few others nod encouragement to.


    "Ok from the top. Brawn, means strength of body, muscle. But can also speak of Endurance, mostly physical but sometimes mental as well. Ruttag means Happy, there is a female form to the name to if you care to know it. " he signs no, she moves on, "Astrider, appropriately is old Norse, has two meanings, Beloved and Goddess of Beauty." Astrider smiles broadly, "Ulva means Wolf among the tribes of the German people. Orsa is Latin, that is the people, I don''t know the local name for that land, anyway it means Little She Bear." someone comments they got the animal wrong to some snickering, "Brandwen is Welsh and means White Raven, Ravens are considered to be the eyes of the Gods in that part of the world, so not a bad name. Shule and Sule, interestingly have the same meaning though they are from different parts of the world. Both mean Fire, Shule is of course Arabic, while Sule is Hittite. And lastly, our ghost, Who has an Ironic sort of name to say the least. His name means Resurrection. It comes from a land of the Czechs, north of the Hittite kingdoms I believe. Maybe north east. I truthfully know little of those lands."


    He thinks on that, "Sort of fits. I make sure they will move on to their Next life sooner rather than later."


    Anwen Sighs mightily, "That''s Reincarnation, Resurrection means a dead person coming back to life."


    Brawn grins, "Well that fits all of us."


    Anwen frowns, "Actually it doesn''t. None of you died, you were transformed, the in-between state is often confused for death by the primitive people you once were. You don''t want to get me started on this. It¡¯s a peeve of mine, incorrectly applied information. ARG, I wish I had my books. It''s all there, 500 years of study on the topic. Mortal and Immortal a like working together to crack how you all came to be. Did not figure that out, but did work out that no one dies, they just change in to something More than they were before. Bio-regeneration increases, aging slows down to a crawl and yes your aging but in a different way than before. Otherwise you would never change, never learn, might as well be dust if you were like that. Mental changes happen, which is why magic becomes harder, other parts of the mind unlock, which is why so many have mind based powers. Your minds become your greatest asset and at the same time your greatest weakness. Your own beliefs actually work for and against you.


    This is all very frustrating for me. I KNOW all this stuff but I don''t know how to explain it well."


    The room is very quiet. The only sounds are Anwen and Althea''s breathing.


    It''s several minutes before anyone speaks, Brawn moves a little and then nods, "I will take you at your word. You have more knowledge and experience in this area than we. And I for one actually find some comfort in this. Not being dead, just Different. Yes I find comfort in that. "


    Anwen looks up and grins slightly, "I am out of place and time. Trying to make a difference in a hope the world will turn out better this time with my interference than it did last time without it." pauses, takes a breath in, then, "Ok, when you know where you want to go let me know. I will try to get you there. But for the moment, I need to lay down for a bit. The last few hours have been very draining on this little elf."


    She wanders in to the last room, where she has a cot and ancient sort of camp stove she built herself. She sets some water to boil and drops some leaves and herbs in to it to create a calming sort of steam. Then lays down for a little nap.


    The others move to a room beyond the central room. Ruttag finds the passage Anwen mentioned. He marvels she was able to crawl through it. That or it''s collapsed even more. He does find some sturdy logs buried in the dust. The logs look new, so this may be part of her plan to shore up the ceiling.


    Kitten sits between Brawn and Astrider and they form a sort of counsel.


    Ulva speaks first, "Kitten how much of her story do you believe ?"


    Kitten sighs, "Well she is from the future, The gods confirmed that. Allot of what she says is truth, but it''s the truth of the place she comes from. She is not from this worlds future, her world does not have the Elf Moon. In her place the Elf Moon went out in to the night, not in to our world. So there are similarities, but differences to. In her world the elves and all left during this age, leaving the world to men and monsters alone. This I learned listening to the gods talking outside her door. The White Lady is the one who sent her here. Bound her to Althea and I, though she will not say why. Only that she is to help us on a quest, and she did not say much about that either. Of course she never does. I do know that of her own personal power in magic she is not that strong. She has some powerful Gifts however and the White Lady gave her some very potent magical items to help her on this quest. A few are unique and possibly from a future time, just like Anwen''s magic. Her spells and such are from a thousand years in the future, meaning they are more stable and less likely to break or not work when needed.


    On the girl herself, she has strong passions and hidden strengths, but I have seen her break under the strain of what she was given and some things that were done to her before she came to us. Someone out there is actively interfering with the White Ladies work and making Chaos in her shops and while messing with her normally is ok with me, I am not ok when it hurts the ones around me.


    Concerning Anwen herself, she keeps secrets. Talks allot but rarely about herself. I know more about her than most, but still much she hides. She is scared to. Of what I am not completely sure. But I know she does not really want to go back to where she came from. She has had opportunities to do so. Her own worlds wonders she misses, the place itself she does not."


    ¡­ looking around ...


    "Where is Nast''al ?"


    Everyone looks around and Sule sighs, "Oh well, either we are down one mage or one brother. Knowing him he has gone to ''interview'' her himself." he says using finger quotes.


    Shule, looking thoughtful, "How far away can she send someone ?"


    Kitten, rubbing the bridge of her nose, "People who scare or startle her tend to find themselves falling to earth, from the level of the clouds. I think even one of us, at full health, would have trouble healing from that."


    ----


    Slipping as quietly as a shadow in to the mages room, the master of stealth and death looms over her prone form. Without even opening an eye she ask, "Something I can do for you Nast''al ?"


    He freezes and then looks about, "How did you know ?"


    "You smell. All of your kind smell of a peculiar odor of old blood, but there are variants to it to. You also smell of old spices and dry rot which I take to be what is left of your clothing."


    He sighs and nods, "Yes, good point. You are not afraid of me, why ?"


    "If I wanted to I could put you back in that mountain where we found you. Piss me off far enough and I will just aim for one of the pools of molten rock."


    He thinks on that then just sits on the floor with his head in his hands. "I was going to slip in and try and scare information out of you. But you make a good point."


    "You could try asking you know."


    "very well. I know you are not an Elf, or at least not a full blooded one. I can smell that on you to. I have killed to many elves in my time not to be able to tell. So what are you, really I mean."


    She thinks then shrugs, "I was magically created by the White Lady. I used to be something else, found one of her magic wishing cards, activated it by accident and made a wish. I was play acting, improvising stuff at the time, for laughs. Laughs on me when the wish I did not really mean, came true. Well some of it I meant, but not all. But I believe in trying to live with the consequences of my actions, so I don''t moan and complain about it. I just keep moving forward and hope I don''t screw up to badly in the process."


    He slowly nods, "Do you know what she turned you in to ? Beyond an elf I mean."


    Opening one glowing red eye and looking at him, "Yes"


    He looks at that eye then grins, "That is creepy, I like that."


    "Thank you, I can be a touch dramatic at times. She mixed a little Revenant in to my DNA .. sorry future term. My bodies history I guess is closer. Do you know what a Revenant is ?"


    He thinks, "No. Probably but not by that name."


    She nods, "A Revenant is the child of a thrall or two thralls mating. They come out like an older thrall, meaning some of the lines immortal powers and potentials. In my old life I spent decades trying to unlock the potentials of my psyche. I had some success, astral travel, empathy, occasionally I could even see aura''s or Feel somethings energy. Which is all pretty good for someone completely self-taught. I traveled astrally for a time. Learned a few secrets, studied many of the things I know now on your kind and other things. But in the middle of my life I got sick, had a stroke, that is a blood vessel in the brain bursting. That killed allot of my psychic abilities and made it hard for me to hold a job. Dropped me from middle class to poor very quickly. I still made enough to keep a roof over my head and food to eat but just barely. For entertainment I would go to shops and just look around. Well the last shop I went to was an antique store plus a consignment shop. Consignment means other people pay them to sell things for them for a part of the profit.


    That is where I found the card, where my life took a sharp turn and I ended up in this life. The White Lady was impressed with my knowledge of things and thought it would be humorous to give those abilities to a wild elf. The story line for those not in the know around here, aka the mortals, is I was driven out of my homeland, I never said why but let them think it''s because I am too tall or some questions on who my parents really are or even a political uprising. I like to keep them guessing and never confirm or deny anything.


    Thoth though, he scares me. Has threatened to ''send me back'' to my own time. So I cloud my mind with conflicting stories and images from all around history and fiction."


    Nast''al laughs and nods, misdirection he knows well. "Yes I can see that. You arriving there, but dressed and such as you are here. That would cause no end of problems."


    Nodding, "Oh it''s worse. See in my time there is a Huge religion, controls over a 3rd of the world. Claim to be of the god of love, creation and hope, but their actions say otherwise. They Kill anyone who works magic, practices a religion not their own, or kill anyone not Human enough for them. Get the reason why going back scares the shit out of me ?"


    He nods, "They find you it''s a death sentence."


    "Most likely by slow torture because their mentality is if there is one like me there must be more and they won''t rest till they root them out and remove them from the world."


    "Yikes. Fanatics for Evil. I am evil and even I think that is overly evil."


    She nods, "Oh I am no saint, bit amoral, but they go too far. Not to say there are not those in their religion that aren''t good and do like they are supposed to. It¡¯s the main body of priest that is the problem. The core is rotten through and through. You need to get back, some of them are taking bets on which of us lived through this little meeting. Kitten told them what happened to the last assassin who startled me. I teleported her straight up about a thousand feet. Althea stopped me from letting her go splat on the roof of the Palace."


    He smirks and nods, "Oh well, that one would be hard to explain to the guards."


    "Naw, I am known for dropping boulders on problem areas, peoples, and such. So why not the other way around."


    He nods, stands and returns to the others.


    ---


    He comes out of her room just as Brawn and Sule were coming from the other side. Sule sniffs, "Well I don''t smell any fresh blood, that''s a good sign right ?"


    Brawn glares, Nast''al just smiles, "She is fine. We had a little talk is all. I had some questions I wanted cleared up and she was kind enough to explain what she knew on the topic. Also I am not about to threaten someone who could easily put me back in that mountain. I am ruthless not stupid."


    He moves past them to the others, who heard what he said through the open door.


    Brawn and Sule share a surprised look then follow. Sometimes they forget he has a brain.


    Kitten looks at him with level eyes, "Everything ok ?"


    He nods, "She confirmed what you said about the White Lady, as far as she knows it. Learned some new words, though will probably need to wait a few hundred years before I can find out what some of them actually mean."


    Kitten grins and nods, "Yes she is bad about that. She gives definitions about the words, but her answers bring up more questions than answers more often than not."


    Brawn nods, "True scholar, part information part confuse non scholars."


    Nast''al sits, "She is totally unafraid of us. Though with that ability to send anyone anywhere she desires I can see why."


    Astrider looks curiously at him, "Is that a tone of respect I hear in your voice oh blood drenched one ?"


    He thinks then nods, "Yes I think so. She is a completely amoral person who actually understands loyalty and commitment and responsibility for ones actions. Rare qualities to have together."


    Kitten nods, "She has trust issues though, which is probably good in the long run. We all have trust issues, it''s helped keep us alive. But then she can read minds to, at least surface thoughts, and see aura''s and several other powers as well beyond just her magical abilities. Those alone make her dangerous, but she is a danger I like on our side."


    Melidea, "Have you thralled her yet ?"


    Kitten shakes her head, "She is magically bonded to Althea, I am not sure thralling would take with that in place."


    Nast''al, "Besides with her powers as they stand thralling would likely unlock more potential and make her even more powerful than she already is."


    Brawn nods thoughtfully, "Good point. So you going to do it Nast ?"


    Nast''al shakes his head, "No. For one she does not like me much, for two I don''t relish the idea of a mortal being That much more powerful than myself."


    The others nod or laugh quietly about that.


    Ulva, looking at the tunnel, "You know I think working together we could clear out and shore up this tunnel. Done properly we may even be able to keep the entrance hidden to. Then we too will have a place to hide while we learn more of this new world."


    Ruttag moving next to her, "You like the mortal to don''t you."


    Ulva shrugs, "She is hard not to like and she puts up with us. All of us, even Little Bear over there."


    Kitten grinning, "She told me point blank if any of you threatened me she would set you on fire."


    Nast''al nods, "See Loyalty. She is loyal to you, she watches out for you. That is a good thing. I do like her, not sure she would make a good one of us though. The change would take away most of her powers and I think she would kill her sire if that happened."


    Kitten nods, "She does not want it anyway. Hell she turned down becoming a god. They offered, Well Bast offered. Bast, she is a cat goddess as well as a goddess of protection, she likes our little mage to. Being a cat, well she is picky about whom she likes." some of the others nod. A few even know who Bast is, from the old days.


    Sule looks thoughtful, "So she wants to earn her power, not have it given to her. Interesting."


    Nast''al, "Some power was already given to her by the White Lady, I think she feels some obligation for that. Getting any more power from anyone else would mean more obligations which she does not want."


    Kitten nods and sighs, "She has made it plain she really does not want to be responsible for anyone but herself and maybe a few pets. Gods have worshippers and priest, we have each other and any childer we create. Maybe in a century or two she will reconsider."


    Orsa, "and you will be happy to add her to our number. Provided she stays a good little pet."


    No one takes the bait, knowing how she is.


    Nast''al, "Careful Orsa, I believe she knows what we are saying about her. She knew those two were coming for me."


    Kitten sighs again, "Damn, I keep forgetting she can do that. I am used to her using a device to far see, but she can do it with her mind to."


    Brawn nods, "Make sense, she would need something like that to move herself to another location and not inside of something at that location."


    Ruttag, "That''s right give the crazy mage new ideas for how to kill people. Fire, falling, burning mountains, now Part of the Scenery."


    Gwen grins, "One way to make walls bleed. hehehe"


    Melidea and Ruttag grin, "Lickable walls" snickering.


    Some of the others roll their eyes.

 Chapter Seven: Of Cats and Gods

    Meanwhile during the nap, Bast and Ptah show up in Anwen''s dream scape. Which looks like a construction site being run by hyper intelligent spidermonkey''s with a Very Angry Badger as the foreman.


    Bast looks around, "Well she does have vivid dreams, but where do you think she is."


    Ptah looks up, "She is just watching this one." points to the ''glass wall'' above where shadowy figures move around. They move up there and find about a dozen different versions, male, female and ''other'' wandering around and mostly ignoring each other. Most seem intent on watching the show below a few are doing other things including playing some kind of game on a screen in which they control the show that is going on below.


    Ptah looks around, "Lovely, multi-universal versions. Finding the real one is going to be difficult."


    From the floor, "What are you guys doing in my dream scape ?" They look down and see the floor is Anwen''s face.


    Bast stares, "I will never get used to walking around in other people''s dreams, it''s just to freaky."


    Ptah nods, "Ra sent us to collect you. We figured your dream / astral self would be easier than trying to move your physical form in to the spirit world."


    The floor nods and forms up in to a very good version of her true form dressed in strange brown clothing (Indiana Jones motif), "Yes giving my waking self a clue about how to become a spirit and keep all her stuff would not be good. Teleporting alone is a scary power for us. She loves it and flying a little too much I think."


    Ptah to Bast, "Fragment, not the real her." Bast snaps her fingers, "They are all the real her, just fragmented. We may need to partially wake her to do this right."


    Ptah slowly nods, "Good point, oh well."


    They pop outside and find themselves Outside. An old temple to the Demon God who tried to take over Egypt through its Pharaoh and Queen. Bast looks around, "Well this makes things difficult. Wonder how she found this place."


    Ptah, "Clairvoyant just scanning around the region for an out of the way spot. Probably thought it would be a good place to get away and practice her magics without the Palace people getting in the way. She picked a bad place though."


    Ptah looks around then see''s Bast stuffing something small in to an air vent.


    "What are you doing ?" he ask curiously.


    Smiling, "Kitty gram. Small cat, she will crawl through the vents, find Anwen and wake her and let her know we are outside and need to speak to her."


    Ptah thinks then nods, "Cards or tiles ?"


    Bast thinks, "Tiles, but I am white this time." Ptah brings forth a table and they sit to play a game while waiting for the little grey kitten to find Anwen.


    ----


    Problem with kittens is they get distracted easily, even those sent by gods. This one saw a bug and chased it all over before it found an opening and flew away. The kitten slowly recalled its mission, tried very hard not to give in to temptation, but well it''s a kitten. It saw something and went to investigate that to. In fact it does not find where it needs to be till it picks up an interesting scent and follows it right out of a tilted hole and dropping on some soft bouncy pillows. That oof and yelp as she lands. The pillows have an arm attached to them, which reaches up and picks up the very dusty kitten. Raising it up and muttering a word, a light comes on. The kitten see''s the long red hair and slowly it remembers why its there.


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.It starts to purr while the giant woman brushes it off, "What in the world are you doing in the air vents, other than playing feather duster ?"


    The kitten thinks really hard, "Bast sent me, Bast outside, Bast needs you Outside. I sent to get you. There are Bugs in those holes, I chase them. They got away. Your bouncy and soft, I like that."


    Putting the chatty kitten under her right breast she leaves the room and finds the Immortals hard at work trying to clear the entrance. "Hey guys and dolls, I am needed elsewhere for a bit. If anyone wants a lift to the outside of this place now is the time." Brawn, ''Little Bear'' and Ruttag all nod. Brawn, "We need more lumber if we are to shore this place up."


    Anwen nods, "There are plans in the middle room, on the table, for a design for shoring up the roof and keeping it more stable." she reaches in to a pocket and hands them each 10 silver coins, "Silver is worth more than gold around here. But this should help you get any supplies you need. " she gives them directions to the two nearest towns then pops them and herself outside. She wanders around a bit before finding Ptah and Bast playing some kind of game. She walks over, "Hey guys, Bast, kittens are cute but not best for missions, they get distracted to easy." she holds out the little bundle of grey dust to her. Bast waves her off, "The kitten is yours. You need someone to watch over."


    "I got several someone''s to watch over now. Including two new war dogs and a new Slave girl the Pharaoh gave me."


    Ptah grins, "He still trying to find ways to keep you as part of his court ?"


    Anwen nods, "I keep politely turning him down and occasionally giving him things to distract him. Gave him a war horse last time. No I don''t know if it was a gelding or not, I pulled it out of the cloak." that last said to Bast," it''s a European breed though so should be compatible with the local types."


    Ptah nods, "There are a few brought over by merchants so nothing new for the local gene pool."


    Yawning slightly, "So what did you guys want ?"


    Ptah looks at the sky and shakes his head, "Ra sent for you. We were going to take your dream self but ran in to problems."


    She nods, "Yeah my subconscious defense system. Lots and Lots of me''s and none of them ME. I thought I saw you talking to Fear, I was the Room in that scenario."


    Bast sighs, "I hate wandering other peoples dreamscapes, just so Weird."


    Shrugging, "At least you did not arrive earlier, I was having kinky dreams then."


    Ptah grins, Bast shakes her head.

 Chapter Eight: Meeting with the King of Kings

    Ptah, "This would have been easier while you were asleep, but your mental defenses make that a hassle."


    Anwen blinks, "Wait, we are going Now ?" Bast nods, and Anwen vanishes.


    Ptah, "What ? Where did she go ?"


    Bast laughs, "To fix herself up I suspect, brush her hair, change her dress, things like that. Meeting Ra is a big deal after all and she probably wants to look her best."


    Ptah looks at her then at the space Anwen had been in and sighs, "Knock her out, grab her astral self, go to Ra, so much easier."


    The cat shakes her head, "Ptah my love, do you know what she is likely to do if you attack her like that ? While she carries that staff ?"


    Ptah, "oh right That staff, I wonder how Ra will react when he sees it. Considering it''s from a different Pantheon and god king."


    Less than 20 minutes later she is back, in her armor and cloak and really looking pretty good. Bast looks a little surprised, "Armor, really ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "It''s actually my nicest looking outfit. No offense but I really don''t care for the local women''s costume."


    Ptah grins and shrugs, "Don''t look at me I have not changed my look much in centuries."


    Bast smirks, "It''s because you have such an impressive chest isn''t it ?"


    Anwen nods, "I keep falling out of the local stuff. My armor actually has some built in support so I am not being pulled down so much and they don''t swing wildly."


    Bast nods, "It''s why I keep my breast on the smaller side. I tried those like yours and well, it is a bit much. But I know you did not know about that when you designed the body."


    Anwen nodding, "Well that and the time period I thought I was going to had undergarments designed to help keep them up or at least under control."


    Bast looks thoughtful even as she shifts to her cat head form, "Point."


    Ptah opens the way and Bast takes her arm to guide her, "Now stay close my dear. I know you know the dangers of distraction but the path is purposely tricky which is why there are 2 of us with you Oh! Hello Anubis, I did not know you were here."


    The jackal headed god nods to her, "I am here about something else. Thousands of souls imprisoned in this place need to be freed, but we need mortal help to do so."


    Anwen nods, "A scholar I met says the place needs to be dedicated to a new god, so that the spirits can be free to move on."


    Anubis looks impressed, "Yes that is so. Though finding a good god to dedicate that place to will be difficult. The god whom it is presently dedicated to is not well liked. By anyone, including the other dark gods."


    Nodding, "The more I hear of this being the more he sounds like the evil one from the main religion back home. They call him Satan there."


    The others are quiet, leading her through a long trail then Anubis nods, "The name fits for this being. He and his counter point want all the attention and do not like to share it with the other gods. Trying to make themselves out to be the Only gods of good and evil."


    Anwen sighs, "Yep that sounds like the ones alright. They push for no god walking the earth and other ''rules of conduct'' that work in the long run to cripple other religions and give them and their fanatic followers the edge in the world. Their trick is to send ''Angels and Demons'' that are only under Their control to act as their agents. This works as not being a breach of the agreement, but they make sure any other god who tries the same tactic is labeled a Devil and forced to either join their pantheon as a lesser being, or be turned on by the masses. I have watched hundreds of world and seen this happen in every one." Anwen moves forward ignoring the sights around them and paying attention only to the 3 Gods she is with. Peripherally she notes things trying to distract her or make her take the wrong paths, or once something sent shadow versions of the gods to lead her astray. She said something and a Light appeared over the group, dispelling the shadows to a goodly distance from them. The gods actually looked impressed.


    Ptah, "You have learned some things during your time at the Center."


    "Actually I learned that one recently from something the Cloak told me. I just combined it with a spell for light I use normally and as my people say ''walla'' a Light of Truth''. Not sure how well that would work in the physical world though." Anwen confesses.


    Ptah and Anubis both look at the light, Anubis states, "It would drive back the shadows, both figurative and spiritually quite well. Keep the evil spirits at bay nicely. I would not have thought to try that. Do you mind if I teach this to my priest ?"


    Smiling up at him, "Oh not at all. I am happy to come up with something so useful." The others smile at her.


    Ptah from the lead, "I have to wonder why you are in that place though. Last I heard you were corralling monsters for an attack on the People of the Sea."


    Anwen sighs, "Kitten, Althea and I were having a secret meeting with a group of Immortals of her type, when we were attacked by a group of Setites. One that had some idea how some of my powers worked and took precautions against them. They tried to trap us all in a building and moved in to kill us. I heard them coming and dropped a fireball on their advanced scouts. That seemed to be a signal for their psions to block my psionics and keep us from just teleporting out. Became something of a protracted battle but I finally remembered to use the Angery Badger, threw him right on to their leaders head. The Badger went berserk all over his face. Then the Immortals went on the defensive with me tossing out weapons or whatever I could grab from my cloak to help fight off the snakes. Lots of thralled asp actually. Found out an old rowboat makes an effective wall when dropped in front of a door, crushed a few of the snakes to when it appeared 5ft in the air. Weapons wise was a bit of hit or miss, same for getting an exit out the back. Pulled the straw door, which worked as far as an exit went, but I was hoping for an Iron one, that at least could be locked from the other side.


    The other side however proved to be 6ft from the ground and the ground was covered in snakes. so I pulled out my pit traps and dropped them. Which made the ground, and the snakes, some 16ft down. Digging around I found the crossbow, one of the immortal warriors took it from me, I tied my rope around it and turned it in to an impromptu grappling gun. Worked quite well. He secured it to the far wall as I tossed out anything that felt like a weapon from my cloak to the battling immortals. Very random period that. Once out of weapons I turned to leave but well one normally very brave immortal is afraid of snakes and would not cross the line over the snakes, so I searched around and found a 10ft block of Ice in among the patches, dropped that in to the middle hole, crushed a few snakes and made her feel better about getting out. I went first, then the others followed. The scholar, he cast an illusion that made it look like we were running away upon climbing over the wall. The enemy followed them while we regrouped. While everyone was doing that I located the psion block, which turned out to be 3 old bald men in grey robes. I tried to fireball them but they were protected from spells. I turned once again to the cloak and found a pair of mastiff war dogs. I sent them after the men. They were Very effective. Killed all 3 then returned and asked for more orders. I set them up to guard our flank. Nice dogs, very well trained. Oh shit, I forgot to let them out for walkies before we left."


    The others grin at that last part, Bast states, "I am sure the immortals can look after them."


    Anwen frowns, "If they don''t eat them first."


    Anubis nods, "There is a chance of that. What were they doing when you left, the Immortals I mean."


    "Clearing the entrance tunnel and shoring up the walls and ceiling. I sent 3 of them, with some coin, to get more supplies from some local businesses." seeing the look on Anubis''s face, "oh no worries they ate before the events with the snakes. And not in Egypt. I teleported them from the places they were previously to the meeting place. Which was an old warehouse on the edge of the desert. I just know we are not getting our deposit back on that one."


    Her story and theatrics while telling it, took up much of the journey and made it more interesting for all.


    Soon they arrived at a large impressive dock with a much less impressive house sitting next to the dock. Moored at the dock was a large Egyptian styled ship with dancing blue lights around it and an empty throne at the back. The gods though did not go to the boat, but instead went to the house. Ptah knocked and a spirit opened the door and allowed them entry. This simple looking house turned out to be where Ra relaxed after his nightly journey. Instead of a grand palace, or manor home he chose something simple, almost middle class, if Egypt at the time had a middle class.


    Inside, sitting in what was unmistakenly an Ez-boy recliner was Ra, dressed in a bath robe with his feet up. "Come in, Come in. Have a seat. Anyone want a glass of Tea ?"


    Anwen nods, "I for one would love one." A spirit comes with a tall cool glass of tea. Anwen takes it, thanks the spirit and takes a sip, "Ah, that is good tea. I have not had any since this whole thing started." She sits on a comfortable looking loveseat and nods in thanks to the King of the Gods, who smiles at her, "Most of them don''t care for black leaf tea. I found it very relaxing after a long trip." He takes a sip of his own glass.


    "So you are Anwen Cinaed aka Robert Penn, yes I know who you are and were." Anwen does not even react other than to sit back, cup her tea and sigh contently.


    Ra looks at the others, Bast is keeping her emotionless cat face on. Anubis is pointedly looking at a picture and Ptah is slipping in to the kitchen.


    Ra turns back to her, "They did call it, you really don''t care that I am a king or a god."


    Anwen shrugs, "I got a comfy seat and a glass of very fine tea, for the moment I am happy. I respect your authority and job but with this much comfort it''s hard to care about much."


    Ra actually laughs at that, "Yes I get my furnishings from other worlds. I love my people but they have a long way to go in comfortable furniture." Anwen nods, "I been making do, but I miss my innerspring mattress and indoor plumbing. The comforts are about all I miss from my old life really."


    Ra nods in understanding, "I can imagine. I have been going over the reports on what you have been up to since coming to our time. Over all I am impressed. A few things I did not care for, but your motivations are mostly to the good. Your knowledge of future and past events in multiple worlds is very helpful. For one I am not letting our group be talked in to that ''taking the backseat'' stand point again. I heard your arguments and insights in to how it always turns out and think your correct. So while yes we need to be more organized in our religions and how the temples work, especially for prayers and magics received through them, I don''t believe my people need to withdraw from the world to do it. Having a physical presence sometimes bolsters faith more than a few parlor tricks."


    Opening one eye and looking at him, "You and Amun are not the same beings are you, despite what the mortals believe."


    Ra now sits up, "True, he and even Horus are separate beings from me. The churches just like to try and force us all in to one being. I rule the afterlife and am King of the Gods, Amun is a god who would have people believe he created himself. So not true, but getting mortals to believe that has proven impossible. They get an idea in their collective heads and that''s pretty much it. Only a few know the truth and they tend to keep it to themselves. Unfortunately it is safer that way for them.


    Hm, how did you know ?"


    "Your aura, you don''t have that ''self-centered prick'' feeling to you. Amun always came across to me as a Narcissistic asshole."


    Ra chokes on his tea for a moment then smiles, "Oh good I am not the only one that feels that way about him."


    Anwen nods, "Well he goes on and has all his priest basically say that all other gods are just extensions of himself, so yeah. He is much like the Christian gods in that regard. I have seen the Center, I know what it is and I know no mortal really worships that and even if they did it would not care. And it is as close to the concept of an over god as is likely to exist. Seeing as it literally is the seat of all knowledge."


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.Bast nods and corrects, "But it is not truly sentient. It only receives, sorts, and releases knowledge There is no self-mind to it."


    Ra and Anwen share a look, take a sip of their tea and don''t comment on that.


    "Well by any account you¡¯re an advanced soul and perceptive person. I can see why the White Lady let you stay in our world. She is a bit of a meddler but she usually means well. She is a great one for testing people and gods to. Not sure what her long term goals are though. That has always been something of a mystery."


    "No clue, except she was having trouble with something polluting her realm till recently. Causing all kinds of problems. Have not heard anything since though."


    Ra nods, "Yes she came and tried to fix the problems her minions created. That is rare in and of itself. Though it had nothing to do with you personally, she was doing that with everyone who had been affected thus." Anwen nods, looks at her empty cup, frowning slightly. A gesture from Ra and a new cup was brought out to her. "ah thank you." she says to both Ra and the spirit.


    "As I was saying prior, I have been looking things over and I think you will be good for Egypt in the long run. I have looked over the things You came with, skills, knowledge''s and the like, even the staff you carry, which was created by an old friend of mine and, oh he gives you his blessing to use it. He is pleased it is back in the world and being put to use by such a creative mind. Which reminds me, wait here a moment." he gets up and leaves the room for a few minutes when he returns he hands a package to Anwen, "Some new patches for your cloak. Nothing fancy mind you just a few small items I hope you will get some good use out of. One patch pulls forth a pitcher of cow''s milk, pasteurized and grade A as you call it, one is a 2 pound bag of natural sugar, crystalized, and there is also a selection of tea''s including the black tea and a small container of basic coffee, roasted and ground. Oh and a coffee pot, camp style crossed with drip style. Basically you pour the hot water in the top, over the coffee or tea leaves and gravity takes care of the rest."


    "Cool, thank you. I was having a horrible time finding cream or milk for my morning coffee."


    Ra smiles, "I know they are not the most Useful things I could have given you but I thought you would appreciate them."


    Anwen places them in the cloak, which absorbs them then moves them in to places for use. The cloak is humming happily. "Oh no, they are fine actually. I like to cook and those will come in most useful for that."


    Bast rolls her eyes at the gifts, "Normally when you take a personal interest in someone they get better gifts than food."


    Anwen looks at her, "But it''s good food, multiple uses, and a coffee pot. I like them fine."


    Ra nods, "Helps to know your audience to. Now back to business. I understand you found one of he whom I shall not name''s old temples. Anubis told me of the trapped spirits in it. But it''s up to you to pick which god gets the dedication."


    Anwen nods, "Been thinking on it and well I am a mage, so I thought to be appropriate to my primary occupation, that the goddess of magic Heka."


    Ra and the others cough, "Um, Heka is a god, male. Where did you get the idea he was a woman ?


    Looking blank, "Oh, I thought he was one of the ones who came and mooched my last bottle of Evermead from me, has all the runes and words swirling around them ?"


    Anubis, "That was Maat, goddess of justice and truth."


    Anwen, "Ah, no not her, nope. I don''t think I am in her good book by now anyway."


    Ra smiling, "No probably not. You have stolen things, granted they were from an enemy, but still, you have killed, allot, and you consort with the Immortals who are unrepentant killers themselves. No, you are not high on her list. But she does love Evermead and is not beyond getting some anytime someone is giving It away."


    "They mooched my wine. Bast asked me to take some to her temple to give to her priest to ''share the happy'' and they all showed up, with cups out and I just could not say no."


    Ra nods, "Intimidating bunch even for you."


    Anwen nods, "Oh yeah. I just hide my reactions well. Totally blank my face, cry in my pillow at night."


    Anubis slips out of the room at that point, him being first in line at that time.


    Everyone is quiet as Anwen reviews her knowledge of their gods. Occasionally she ask a question and Ra or Bast answer. Eventually Ptah returns, carrying what looks like a Dagwood sandwich and a cup of milk. The he to answers questions, between bites of his monstrous meal.


    One thing becomes clear, while she knows many of the names she is lax in some of what the names mean or who they belong to.


    Eventually though she settles on Nut, Ra squirms a bit about that one. "Why her ?" He ask in an aggrieved tone.


    "Well, I am thinking of all those trapped souls. It is my understanding that she is one of the gods that has to do with passage to the afterlife. Also I like stars. Bright, old, and many are long dead but we still see their light."


    Bast snickers, "And there is the scientist in her. She knows things that would make the scholars of this world head''s spin."


    Sadly, "I saw a stars light go out once, when I was a child." Bast hugs her head, "It died a looooong time ago. Still it can be a sad sight to see a stars last light fade away."


    Ra squirms, "Any other choices ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "Well Bast, but I can''t really see Cats like being in what is effectively an underground bunker." Bast ends up laughing in her ear, "Wait you thought of me, then decided against it because of my cat aspect ?"


    Anwen nods, looking up at her furry headed friend. Bast looks at Ra, "She does have an interesting way of looking at thing''s doesn''t she."


    Ra smirks and nods, "I think Bast would be a better one for that place. It''s actually on the border between upper and lower Egypt And she is a war goddess as well as a goddess of protection and motherhood."


    Anwen nods, "And fertility from what I have heard."


    Bast nods, "Yep I do like my sex as my lovers can tell you."


    Ptah nods, "Yes she does."


    Anwen giggles in her throat, "Ok fine, Bast then. But if they try burying mummified cats in that place I will mummify the ones doing it, without bothering with them being dead first." makes a ''zap'' gesture.


    Bast still smiling, nods, "Ok no dead cats in your place and I will help get the spirits out to. And I won''t bar your new nasty little blood drinkers from that place either. I don''t know why you even like them but it''s your life so I won''t pry, too much."


    Ra clears his throat, "She is partly of them actually. She is a Revenant."


    Bast eyes open wide then she nods, "OH well that certainly explains allot of her mental powers."


    Anwen nods, "The glowing eyes, high resistance to domination, and my little fanged teeth to. Came about cause I tried to convince the White Lady to make me a Dhampyr, all the benefits none of the problems with being a vampire."


    Ra laughs and hits the arm of his chair, "HA! Yes I can see that not going over well. Good compromise though. More balanced. "


    "She made me pick a weakness though, so I chose Weirdness Magnet. I think it''s a little strong cause I seem to attract gods."


    Bast, "Well better than attracting dragons. Sure you don''t want to be a priestess of mine ?"


    Anwen looks up at her, "Shifter ?"


    She grins, "No I am not turning you in to a jaguar shifter."


    Ra, "She can''t do that anyway. Lion or house cat yes, but only because they are native of Egypt."


    Both see the little light come on in her eyes, "ohhh, yeah that makes sense. Did not even think of that. That''s why you asked about Lions earlier."


    Bast nods, "Yes." she plays with Anwens really long hair, "If you were male this would make one heck of a mane."


    Anwen nods, "Yeah lion males all seem to get the good hair. It''s really why I did not mention lions. I love the mane, but being a woman I would not get that, so why try."


    Bast cracks up, burying her face in Anwens neck. Anwen reaches up and back and pulls Bast right over the back of the settee and Bast lands on her back with her face in Anwens lap. She blinks in surprise.


    Anwen then just pets Bast behind the ears, causing Bast to relax and purr.


    Ra watches but does not interfere. Ptah jumped a little at the move but otherwise does nothing.


    Bast opens her eyes, "why did you do that ?"


    "Flip you ? Cause your laughing in my neck tickled something horrible. Those whiskers of yours were just too much and I had to do Something."


    Bast grins, "Sorry but your just so amusing, your only problem with being a lion is the hair. If you could keep the hair would you consider it ?"


    Anwen slowly nods, "My hair is my vanity point. I love long hair, on myself or others."


    Bast nods and moves so she is partially sitting on Anwen lap, "Oh well that''s not all that hard to do something about."


    Ra to Ptah, "well this is getting entertaining." Ptah nods, eating his sandwich and watching.


    Bast leans in and licks Anwens neck and cheek, "I really like you, your tough, protective of your friends, sexy and not shy about it, smart but not really arrogant about it. Little over sharing sometimes, but we can work on that." while distracting Anwen with the purring speech and the licking Bast moves her hand under the edge of Anwens armor and in to her girly bits, rubbing them and bring up Anwens pleasure points. Anwen vainly fights against the goddess even as the cat woman forces her fingers inside the virginal woman, taking that and bring her up to her first orgasm. As that first full cascade takes Anwen, Bast bites her in the neck and pours magic in to the bite and Anwen. After several minutes of both pleasurable and painful experiences past Bast pulls her fangs out and licks the wound till it''s gone.


    Anwens first thought, "am I dead ?"


    Bast snickers, "No, but your no longer how you were. I made you Special. I made you a shifter, lion with a touch more. You get to keep your mane of red hair even in full Crinos form. In fully cat form you will be that lovely shade of fire and red your hair is now. Your also immortal cause I want to keep you around. Also to keep the vampires from making you one of them. Though you will crave raw meat now."


    Anwen, "Always have craved raw meat, especially beef. Cows are nummy."


    Ra face palms and Bast snickers, "I will have to show you how to shift, back in the mortal world and teach you a few things not in your books. You are not a goddess, well your pretty enough but not one now. Well maybe equal to one of the greek Demigods, but that''s it. Only worshippers you get are for your sexiness, ok."


    Slow nod, "ok, don''t want a church anyway, annoying people trying to tell me things I did not say or do as truth."


    Ra and Ptah both agree with that, Anubis has been watching through the door and wonders how high the body count will get now that Bast has turned this crazy mage in to something Even More dangerous than she already was.


    Ra, "Stay away from my sacred cattle or there will be trouble. Understand young lady ?"


    Anwen nods, "ok sir." feeling embarrassed at having had even this limited sex in front of him with someone who is supposed to be his daughter, or like his daughter, the family of gods are confusing.


    Ptah looks thoughtful, "Well now she is embarrassed. All over a little sex."


    Ra, "Virgins often get that way their first time. Especially with the family watching."


    Ptah nods, "Right, forgot that part."


    Whispering in Bast ear, "Why did you do that sex thing to me ?"


    Bast smiles kindly at her, "Eternal virginity sucks cow balls. Also to distract you from my biting you."


    Anwen thinks, "Do I call you Momma Bast now ?"


    Bast cracks up, "Oh please No. We are Friends and fellow cat people now. Family maybe, but by adoption. I adopted you in to my family, but still prefer we just be friends. ok ?"


    Anwen nods, "ok. So friends with benefits ?"


    Bast cracks up again, "We will see little one, we will see."

 Chapter Nine: Home in the Rocks

    Bast returns with Anwen to her ''lair'', the outside. Time was only a few minutes have past when they left in the mortal plane. Anwen looks at Bast while rubbing her neck, "Is that bite going to leave a scar ?"


    Bast grins, "No. I pretty much bit your soul more than your body. My fingers were in your body. So you are officially not a virgin any more. Well as official as not having a hymen goes. Humans usually consider having sex with the opposite gender to be the official end of that. Just saying."


    Anwen nods, "So how long were we gone ?"


    Ptah coming out behind them, "A few minutes by your understanding of time. I have to say I am surprised Ra let you do that to her."


    Bast shrugs, "It''s not like I asked him, you know how he is. Besides she is my friend and she did ask once. So I had permission from her."


    Ptah, "You are really playing that close to the line."


    Anwen, "Am I supposed to feel hot, achy and stretched out ?"


    Bast, "Yes that''s your body getting used to the new you. It will last a few days before your first shift. Sorry but like the vampires, this takes time to take full effect. I suggest you avoid anything too stressful over the next 3 or 4 days. If you can avoid it."


    Giving Bast a side long look, "Is sex to stressful"


    Ptah "Can be, depends on the situation and whose on top."


    That got a giggle from Bast and a blank stare from Anwen.


    Bast stops her, "Oh, um the immortals, they are going to know your different now. I don''t know how they will react but you may want to be prepared to run, cause some of them hate shifters just on principle." Anwen nods then vanishes and reappears about a foot away, "Ok that works, I am good."


    Ptah laughs, "Yes you have all your old abilities and will develop new ones now to." Anwen smiles and nods and then heads down the tunnel. As it has only been a short time the others are not back yet but progress is still being made.


    Anwen ask, "You guys want me to move anything outside from here ?"


    Ulva thinks, "Are you strong enough for that ?"


    Anwen laughs, "I just teleport heavy objects out of the way."


    Ulva calls back, "Then try and move some of the larger rocks, but also try not to destabilize the roof."


    "Will do." Working in a combination of actual physical labor, teleportation and telekinesis they manage to get a narrow passage open enough for two way safe travel. It is close to dark by this time and the Immortals are finally outside.


    Anwen, sitting on a pile of rocks and rubble, "I would offer you something to drink "


    Before she can finish Gwen is there, "Don''t mind if I do." She makes like she is going to bite Anwen when she gets a whiff of something and backs off, "Ug girl you Stink! What have you been up to today."


    Anwen shrugs, "Was visited by Bast earlier, she was feeling playful and licked me all over my face while she was in lion woman mode. Not the most pleasant experience." makes a waving hand in front of nose gesture.


    Kitten comes around handing out mugs of warmed blood, "Not as good as fresh but it works." she states, "Bast likes our little mage. Always coming around and playing with her, or just chatting about this and that."


    Gwen looks puzzled, "Lion woman mode, what is mode ?"


    Picking up her cloak, "Mode, hm in this case Form. Bast has different forms she uses. Lion, house cat, woman, woman with a cat or lioness head like that. Her and Ptah were out here playing some kind of game using red and white tiles. I popped out for some fresh air, we got to talking and joking and something I said set her off and she started licking me. I like Bast and all, but lion tongues are not as nice as kitty tongues when it comes to being licked." Kitten laughs and Melidea looks intrigued.


    Sipping her warmed blood, "What is wrong with Lion licks ?" The girl ask.


    "Dead cow breath and well cats have very rough tongues, the bigger the cat the rougher the tongue. I once heard that a tigers tongue is so rough it can rip the skin off its prey." Anwen answers.


    Melidea nods, "Ok that''s a rough tongue."


    Gwen, "You need a bath now to. That really stinks."


    Anwen grins, "So it works as Immortal repellent then ?"


    Gwen grins and nods, "Yes."


    Ulva, "Saved by the Stink." everyone laughs. Anwen does not know how long she can hide what has happened to her. "Well I don''t have enough water here for that, so I will probably stink for a few days. I will have to head back to the Palace and check my messages ¡­ oh shit, I completely forgot about the slave Ramsey''s gave me. I just told her to clean up the place and nothing else. That was two days ago."


    Kitten grins, "She will be fine. If you are not there she will just go to the Palace kitchens for her meals and such."


    "Unless she finds the leather bag and starts playing with its contents like you did. You know what can happen, as I recall you got yourself completely tied up when you moved wrong and got the hooks crossed."


    Shule looks at Kitten, "What is in that bag ?"


    Kitten, looking in to her cup, "Leather items. Anwen is a trained leather worker and makes some, um, interesting leather wear."


    Anwen nods, "Bondage gear for sexy times. There is actually a pretty good market for that stuff."


    All of them sort of stop for a moment then several nod, thinking of interesting ways such things could be put to use. Both in their diets and in other ways.


    As they are contemplating that the sound of horses and a cart is heard and shortly Brawn shows up with a cart full of lumber and a dozen slaves to help clear the place.


    To Anwen, "You were not kidding when you said Silver is worth so much here. I still have 5 pieces left from what you gave me." To Kitten, "Orsa and Rutt will be along, they were looking for more slaves and maybe some food and cattle." To Anwen, "Sorry to put you out like this but do you have enough food for them right now ?" nodding to the workers.


    Anwen sighs and starts to move to a clear spot, levitating some of the flatter debris around to make impromptu tables, "Sure just let me get set up. We got a narrow passage opened so far. Oh and Bast talked me in to letting her banish the influence here but said she would leave the place so other Immortals could visit." Looking pointedly at the group sitting around sipping their ''wine''.


    Nast''al gets up and helps her set up a place, "We will need to set up some shelters for them to, Hope you thought of that Brawn."


    Brawn nods, "I got tarps and such to make tents out of and there is a village not far from here with a deep well. I got a couple good sized barrels, I thought Anwen could just pop over and fill them then pop back."


    Anwen shakes her head, "That''s right make the mage do all the heavy lifting." she gripes even as a thousand pound chunk of rock floats over-head and settles in the middle of her prep area. Looking over the ''table'' it is very uneven and she sighs, "Need to fix that. Well might as well ask an expert on such things."


    She walks well away from the group, pulls out her staff, talks to it for a moment then draws a large circle on the ground, puts a few runes around it for good measure, then proceeds to chant to herself (little prayer to Geb asking for a nice earth elemental) before calling on the power of the staff and summoning up a being made of stone. It ''looks'' around then down at the mage, in a voice that sounds more like rocks rubbing together than actual words it speaks, "Hello little mage, why have you summoned me ?"


    "Hello large and rocky, sorry if I disturbed you but I was in need of someone of your description. I was wondering if you can shape stone without making rubble out of the item being shaped."


    It thinks for a moment, "Maybe, depends on what needs to be done." Anwen points to the ''table'' "I am trying to make an area to use as a table so I can feed these workers. They are to clear out this old temple so it can be dedicated to Bast."


    The elemental nods, "Why Bast ?"


    Anwen sighs, "Cause she kept licking me till I agreed. Ever been licked by a lion goddess ?"


    There is a deep rumbling and the elemental shakes it''s ''head''. "No but I can imagine it is not all that pleasant. Geb is going to find that one humorous when I get back."


    It moves over to the stone in question and looks it over, then carefully it rubs one ''hand'' over it till there is a fine layer of sand. The surface is smooth as glass. Anwen looks it over, "Wow you do good work. I have no idea if I should pay you or something for this small service."


    The elemental ''looks'' surprised, "well if your willing" it reaches in to itself and pulls out a limestone slab with some writing on it. Mostly hieroglyphics. "A report on my job performance would be appreciated. Don''t worry if you don''t know the local language, Geb has translators for nearly any language."


    Anwen looks it over, cast a minor ''read language'' spell and gets the gist of what is needed. Then carefully using a provided stone chisel she writes a report remarking on his good interpersonal skills as well as completion of the required task and workman ship as excellent. She wrote it in Elven cause she is not sure what writing it in English would do. Then she reads it back to it, "How is that."


    It nods, "Oh very nice. Thank you. We don''t get pay the way mortals do, but good reviews mean when jobs are called for we get better ones more suited to our talents. This works for us much better than some past things that were tried. Elementals like myself actually volunteer to be summoned for such things. On a personal note, I prefer jobs like this to combat. I like making things."


    Anwen nods, "I like being useful to. It feels good."


    It nods in agreement, "Is there anything else ?"


    Anwen looks about, "Up to you really. I would not turn down any help in getting more set up though." It considers, puts away its slab then helps set up the seats and gets them polished down so the soft ones can use them easier. "Ok I think that''s everything. You all have a nice evening." then it returns to the circle and vanishes. Anwen rubs out the circle, says a little prayer of thanks to Geb then returns to the others.


    All the slaves, immortals and even Kitten are looking at her in awe. She looks around, "What ?"


    Slave, "You commanded the earth and it obeyed you."


    Anwen, "No I asked Geb if he would be kind enough to send someone who could help me here. He did a good job, I wrote him a nice review, he did a few more things then left. I thanked Geb for the helper. end of story."


    Althea, now leaning on the edge of the entrance, "Anwen, honey, even the mightiest of mages can''t do what you just did."


    Anwen pulls out her black book and looks it up, "Conjure Elemental is just a 5th rank spell. Any experienced mage could do that."


    Althea shakes her head, "They can make them attack things, or do crude work, you just walked up to it told it what you needed and it went and did it. I have seen mages conjure those before, none worked that well."


    Anwen, "How many politely asked an earth god for help prior to the conjuring ?"


    Kitten nods, "None that I know of. Interesting."


    Anwen Nods, "Most human mages tend to be arrogant to the point where they think they can do better without the gods help or intervention. I am not that stupid."


    Several slaves and a few of the Immortals actually laugh at that.


    Her next trick the Immortals have seen before, so are not that impressed. The new people are once more left in awe as she pulls food from thin air. 24lb turkey, fully cooked, piping hot with all the trimmings stuffing, Mashed Potatoes with skins mixed in, 24 dinner rolls, Cranberry sauce, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato pie, Green Bean casserole, gravy in gravy boat. With a large knife to carve the turkey, and large 2 pronged fork to help serve it


    For drinks she pulls out a quart of steaming coffee and a half gallon pitcher of milk. Searching her cloak she finds 1 set of silverware (fork, knife, spoon in a cloth napkin) and a soup ladle which she puts in the gravy.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.Digging around for more she accidently pulls out a live she goat, that needs milking and a tree. The tree she looks at then drops to the side of the entrance, where it roots, spreads its leaves and promptly sprouts large red apples. Anwen ooo''s and picks one, patting the tree, "Red and Delicious apples, Nice."


    Then she vanishes for a few minutes only to return with a good sized brazier, already burning. She places her fire grate over it and pulls out some ground beef (5 pounds) and rice (3 pounds) and vanishes again only to return with an iron pot full of water, and ''oven mitts'' so as to not burn her hands. "I am sure the Palace will not miss this stuff." she mutters as she sets up her cooking area.


    Looking around she sets off a loud whistle, "ROMULUS, REMUS, COME!" out of the ruins the two massive dogs come running, one of them has a little grey kitten clinging to its leather clad back. They skid to a halt before her and looks like soldiers at attention, "Ok boys, how do you like your hamburger ?" They look sideways at each other but don''t move, Romulus growls, "Raw mam."


    Anwen nods, "me to actually." she whispers to them with a wink. She slides off a pound of hamburger each, "Sorry there is not more, got a whole bunch of guest with no warning they were coming. The dogs nod. Anwen pulls over a couple of small stone slabs, "Got no plates either, well not tonight, will have to see about getting some tomorrow. She puts down the food and waits, they wait, she thinks, "Well ?"


    Remus, in a side whisper, "you have to tell us to eat mam, oh and what about this little one we found. she is fearless little thing ¡­ can we keep her ?"


    Anwen smiles at them, "She was a gift to us from the Goddess Bast, local cat god, so yes we can keep her. And I will make a small plate for her from the turkey we got."


    Both dogs heads turn that way and you can almost hear the subsonic whimper, "Sorry boys but this one is ear marked for the humans. If there is some left overs then we will talk, ok." they nod. "Ok well eat up." she looks at the humans who are practically drooling, "Brawn did you remember things like plates and such ? Cause I don''t have any more than what you see here."


    He goes over to the wagon and takes out tin plates, dull knives and spoons, and a large barrel of wine and enough cups for 3 times the number of slaves. Anwen smiles, "Ok then."


    He passes out the plates and cheap bronze wear items while Anwen carves the bird and sets each plate with a small portion of each item. "Ok the white stuff is called mashed potatoes, it¡¯s a kind of plant of the tuber variety. Meaning it¡¯s a root vegetable. The bird has been stuffed with a mixture of nuts and bread to soak up its juices and well it''s good to eat to. The rolls are nice, they are supposed to be white, it¡¯s the type of floor used to make them, the red stuff is called cranberry sauce, some people like it some don''t, if you don''t then give your share to someone who does like it. For desert I have 3 different kinds of pie and the apple tree. Be nice to the tree, upsetting it''s spirit would not be healthy. The greens are Green Bean casserole and the brown stuff is gravy made from the bird''s juices. The bird is called a turkey, in case any are wondering. Every item here is from my homeland. I hope you enjoy them."


    Kitten looks the items over with a touch of envy, "You come from a rich homeland.''


    Althea gets in line for the food to, she comments to the slaves around her, "I have had some of this before, it''s really good. The white stuff is a little bland, but works well with the gravy mixed in." She gets her plate and takes a seat at the big table.


    One burly slave looks about and then ask, "Mam, would you happen to have an ale or beer. I have not had any in a while and I have a powerful craving for it."


    She looks through her stuff then puts a large stein of German Ale next to him, "Only one I got I am afraid. I don''t care for it myself so I did not bother to stock up." The stein is a large affair with a smiling dwarven face on it.


    He points, "Looks like a dwarf."


    She nods, "Dwarven ale, supposedly some of the best I am told."


    He takes a taste and nods, "Gort that is Good ale, thank you mam." She smiles at him and moves on.


    He says to the fellow next to him, "I don''t know where she is from, but they have good ale and good food."


    The fellow next to him nods forlornly, "I suppose. I just hate that we only get it cause we lost and are now slaves."


    Little dark haired girl is walking around the table and over hears them, "What did you lose ?"


    The narrow faced man turns to her, "We were adventurers together you see. He and I were part of a large group. Thought to come down here to Egypt to do a little treasure hunting, but we ran afoul the local army, they decided we were looting tombs or some such. We weren''t mind you, just some old forgotten temples. But they attacked, we lost the fight and in the end they sold us off for slaves after taking all the stuff we recovered. Only Henric and I are still together after all that."


    She nods, "I have done some adventuring myself. Well I and my boyfriend. Our last adventure was against some of those evil Snake people, I think they were called Setites. If not for the mage we would not be here. We fought and she made an escape route for us. Then brought us here. She is digging out this old temple. They are going to rededicate it to one of the local gods or some such. Have not found anything like treasure yet. She only managed to get 3 rooms cleared and then moved in to them so she can be close to her work."


    They nod, "Having some people who know something of this sort of work is good. She is really smart and powerful, but a bit strange to."


    Henric nods, "She seems nice. Not everyone would give a slave an ale just cause they asked."


    She nods, "She seemed to like you, else she would not have done it. Though I doubt it''s a personal like. She can read a person''s soul, you must have a good one."


    His partner nudges him in the arm and Henric blushes slightly.


    The girl moves on and then returns to her friends.


    Suddenly Anwen calls out "HA!" and puts down two metal cylinders, "I knew I had those in one of my pockets. One is salt the other is ground black pepper. Feel free to use them." she pushes them toward the workers. Several pass them around and thank her for their addition to the feast. Kitten to Nast''al, "Well she is enjoying herself." He nods, "Yes she really does like helping people. I wonder how many she will adopt before we need to feed again."


    "Well Orsa is supposed to be bringing more, and Ruttag was to get the supplies and food for them. Hopefully he remembers what food is."


    Nast''al grins, "Remember Jonon and how he was sent for human food, came back with 3 humans and a dying cow."


    She nods, "He never was very bright. Nice enough fellow but that dead cow was smarter."


    Nast''al nods, recalling lost friends.


    Kitten, "How did he die ?"


    Nast''al, "As I recall Borno told him it was possible to put his own head up his ass, he actually ripped his own head off trying to do it."


    Kitten shook her head, "I swear only he could die from being stupid and he went and did it to."


    Anwen comes up behind them, "Hi, sorry for the smell, have not had a chance to wash yet. Anyway, the scrawny fellow with the long face next to the big guy I gave the ale to." They nod, "He was silently praying to the ''god'' Nast''al the Undying to smite his enemies or give him a blade and the opportunity to do it himself. Thought you would like to know."


    Nast''al looks very surprised, "That was the nickname my old gang had for me. Mind you most of them were thralls."


    Anwen nods, "Remember what I told you about thralls and their children ?"


    Nast''al''s eyes light up, "Do you think he could be one of them ?"


    She shrugs, "I cannot honestly tell, I just know he thinks you¡¯re a minor god of death and assassins." She grins, "He also thinks the big guy next to him is one of the nicest most loyal friends he has ever had. The big guys is a little thick but nice enough. Well thick from my point of view which isn''t saying much cause most of you are as sharp as a bag of rocks." Grins then pops away before either of them can get her for the gibe.


    Kitten grins and shakes her head, "She is learning. What I am not sure of, but she is learning."


    Nast''al, "good insult really, though I suspect that''s somewhat true. She is one of those dangerously smart people with just enough talent to stay out of range of a good return strike."


    Kitten whispers, "you like her"


    He whispers back, "yes I do. she is strong and loyal and you know how I feel about loyalty." She nods. For all his faults he has a loyal heart and prizes loyalty above everything else.


    After dinner Anwen takes the few left overs and makes a plate for the dogs and kitten, "Now boys, I expect you to train her in proper etiquette and such. She is a cat, and they can be stubborn but with proper training they turn in to good guards." the dogs nod and begin their instructions that evening. When Anwen thinks to ask the kitten its name it proudly declares its name is Mew Mew Kit. Then growls ''want to make something of it ?'' she gets a head rubbing from an amused Anwen.


    That night, in her room she removes the boys armor and gives them both a rub down, Romulus "You¡¯re the best master we have had in a while. Our last one was all military, tough as nails, and never gave us rub downs or table scraps. Very strict about everything that one."


    Anwen nods, "Well I am not like him, I am not like anyone really. I am part elf, part something else and part cat and maybe a little magic in the mix to. My jobs are a mage and thief. Oh don''t look at me that way, I only steal for my people, not in some lame attempt to get rich. Presently I work for Kitten who is in Egyptian Intelligence. So we do espionage and such as well as other covert jobs." The dogs nod understanding things better than most humans would believe. "Kittens people are not nice people but they are loyal, more or less, to each other. Thing is they are from 2 groups and not everyone from each group gets along with everyone from the other group."


    Remus nods, "We have seen that before. Sometimes they get vicious about it to."


    Anwen nods, "oh isn''t that the truth. Now my Direct commander is Althea, she is the one who got bit by a snake the day we all met. She is a good fighter, and will defend her people with her life. Kitten is her commander, so I tend to go around Althea, who while nice is not a good sergeant in my book, besides I am from a different division than her, but if you boys have been around military types I am sure you know what they say about military intelligence." They woof in agreement. "Right, somehow you get a supposedly group of smart people together and they tend to make stupid decisions." dog laughter ensues.


    "Anyway I am allot more lenient than the type your most used to. May treat you more like pets than soldiers from time to time, but that does not mean you get to go lax on me. Just sometimes I like to play things like fetch or run around and such."


    Remus nods in a human fashion, "Semi retirement."


    She grins, "Close enough. Say do you know the human date you are from ?"


    One looks at the other, "Yes mam. December 12, 1919." low whistle from her, "Well boys, you have been moved back in time to the late Bronze age. About 3100 years Before you were born. I am from a future time to, farther along than you in fact. So no canned dog food, premade treats or even electricity. On the other hand Magic is stronger than ever."


    They think on that but give no answer to the news.

 Chapter Ten: Changing Times

    Washing the dogs adds a new level of Stink to cover her changing smell, which is just as well as Orsa, in a foul mood, returns with another 20 strong slaves, a few carts of supplies and an attitude that could peel paint. Anwen wisely gives her a very wide berth. 4 hours after that Ruttag comes in with 2 large wagons being pulled by the local variant of oxen, loaded down with enough supplies and food for an army of workers. He on the other hand is in good spirits. He got slave girls (for food and fun) though he made sure none had breast to much larger than Melidea. He did not need that sort of grief.


    A laughing, dripping, wet dog smelling Anwen meets him, "Hola, Boy did you get the supplies."


    "Boy ? Did you forget my name already ? I did not think I was gone That long." he gets close then stumbles back, "Did you wash the dogs or go swimming with them."


    She grins and wrings out her hair, "Little of both. The boys love bath time it turns out. As surprisingly did Mew Mew Kit. Oh that¡¯s the name of the gray kitten Bast gave me the other day."


    "Oh yeah, what did she and the dwarf want ?"


    Lightly smacking his blond head, "Some respect, that dwarf is Ptah and a powerful god. They came to summon me before Ra. He wanted to meet me in person. Actually seems like a nice guy, gave me a few spelled items for my collection. Nothing fancy mind you, just a selection of tea''s and a pot to make them in." he nods, "Meeting the king of the local gods, nice. You sure do attract some interesting people." The slave girls behind him are all wide eyed listening to this.


    "Well being one of the most powerful mages in the world has it''s perks as well as its responsibilities." He nods in agreement. Even as Anwen calls out for some of the men to come unload and store the supplies.


    She turns to the girls, "If anyone wants a bath I dug out a spot, lined it in leather and filled it with water Just for bathing. It''s over that way past the stone table." they nod and some go look. There they see the two giant dogs and the little kitten, whom they seem to be trying to get to walk a certain way.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.One brave girl ask Anwen, "What are they doing ?"


    Anwen smiles, "Trying to train her to be a guard animal. Those are my war dogs Romulus and Remus. The cat is called Mew Mew Kit. She is a brave sweet little girl. "


    Another girl ask, "What kind of dogs are they. "


    Anwen answers, "Mastiffs, Not sure if they are the English or Tibetan type though. I got them from an old soldier. Very well trained to."


    Third girl not timid but suspicious, "You were just joking around about talking to actual gods right."


    Turning to look at the girl, then turning her eyes red, "No. I Never joke about that stuff." The girl swallows hard and backs down. The light goes out and Anwen is back to her cheerful self. "We are clearing this old temple out and rededicating it to Bast. Behave yourselves and you might live to see it. Piss me and I will feed you to something."


    She turns and leaves. That last one pissed her off and she could Feel her skin getting tight and hot. She sets the dogs to guard the girls and tells them to make sure none leave the camp.


    They do that and work with teaching Mew Mew Kit how to watch and corral such things.


    Walking back in to the tunnel she remarks to Brawn, "There is one girl out there I am tempted to hang by her feet, slit her throat and just watch her bleed out in to a tub."


    Brawn grins, "If you do let me know so I can get some bottles for the good stuff." she nods and walks on to her room closing and locking the door behind her.


    Orsa looks as she passes, "Yikes she may have some bite after all." she says in a joking condescending tone.


    Althea walks in and puts a pot of water on the camp stove in the middle room, "Oh I know she does. She tortures people for fun." Orsa has to stop and think about that for a bit.

 Chapter Eleven: Burning Times

    Three days later, the slaves are making good progress and using Anwen''s design to hold up the ceiling is working better than the ''experienced'' miners thought it would. She still uses her powers to move larger objects and help hold up pieces normally too heavy for humans, even as she tries to avoid the immortals while not looking like she is avoiding them. The problem is her cramps are getting worse and it''s harder for her to focus.


    She is barely able that night to pop herself back to the Palace, where she collapses in her bed. Sarah finds her there and takes to mopping up her sweat and trying to help her deal with the pain. All Anwen will say is a spell went wrong, she is not up to telling anyone what really happened. Partly because she is not sure it did. She is feverish and hallucinating about elven assassins looking for a traitor that may or may not exist.


    Sarah, knowing Anwen works with Bast seeks help from a Priestess of Bast, telling her about the mages illness. The priestess sends her, to her surprise, to a priestess of Sekmet who upon hearing the tale follows the girl back to the palace and to the room of the foreign mage.


    Anwen by this time is on the ceiling, her blanket still partially draped over her as she writhes in pain. The priestess looks up and makes a sign against evil. Sarah slapped her hand and told her, "she is a mage, magic flows through her, especially when she is in pain."


    The priestess, Sarke slowly nods, then sets about putting special incenses and herbs around and has Sarah boil water with other herbs, for their smell sooths the mind and drives off evil.


    Once she has that done she sends Sarah outside the room, telling her to stay there no matter what she hears.


    In the room Sarke beseeches Sekmet aid in this woman''s delirium. The spirit of the Northern Lion Goddess comes and see''s what is happening then laughs, to her priestess, "Oh looks like Sister Bast is up to something with this one. Trying to make a new breed of kit, a new female dominant Lion line. Silly sister. This one though is of 3 parts to start with and the Lion is now having to contend with all 3 in making a new life. The pain is those 3 parts trying to come to terms, proving which of the 4 is dominant. From what I see though, the original 3 were already in high balance, adding in the 4th in such a manner is throwing them out of balance. You may need to call forth your inner Lion to help comfort this kit. She is already one of great power and adding this will make her more powerful still. But if balance cannot be achieved then madness is what will result. To add to this ones problems she is in charge of a project and can Not be long from it, so her training will have to be different than is normal. May take longer than a year and a day for this one. Elf blood, fa, much magic but weak in body, but in this one some human resides as well as something from brother darkness. If we can keep her from going mad, then I think she may achieve what my sister hopes for. A line whose men do not have their heads in the sand and will rule through intelligence not strength of arm." All this is said in short burst as the spirit moves around and through the thrashing mage. Seeing much of what is in and with-out.


    Sarke nods and strips, first her robes then from her human form to that of a lion woman. She pulls the child down, holds her and sings soft songs of life on the savannah, of the hunt and of the family of cats and men, of peace and war and balance of natures. Her songs work and Anwen Cinaed and Robert the traveler and the child of darkness, come to peace with the great cat spirit Bast mated them with. In the world of their minds a peace is made, using the songs of the cat and the knowledge of the strange and the magic of the worlds, something new and more than either cat goddess realized, is born.


    In the waking world, Anwen curls up in the arms of the lion-woman and sleeps peacefully till morning. Anwen wakes, sees the lioness, then forces the lioness on to the floor and curls up on her, calling her ''warm pillow girl''. No fear, not one wisp or flick of it. Just a sense of peace and comfort.


    Having been up all day prior and all night Sarke finds this not a bad place to be and herself falls asleep.


    Around noon, not being able to take it any longer, Sarah slips in and sneaks a peak in to her mistresses room. When she sees the lioness, curled up around her mistress, she has to wonder if the Goddess Sekmet turned her priestess thus or if her Mistress did it to her in her sleep, seeing either as a real possibility. She slipped in further to get the water pot, only to brush against Anwen''s leg. Anwen popped awake, saw who it was and grabbed the girl and pulled her in to the pile, mutters, "Teddy girl" and used her as a sleep aid. Not that Sarah really minded, it was just so unexpected. The lioness woke, yawned, looked down at the girl, now in the mages grip and grinned. She stretched and shifted back to her human form and sighed, "That mistress of yours is powerfully single minded. I think she will be ok in the long run, but she is going to need help in the short. She likes her naps to. Very cat like this one."


    Sarah nods, "Bast says the same thing. She comes by sometimes. Before I came to the Palace I did not really believe the gods still walked the world. But here I see some all over the place."


    Sarke nods, "They like to be near places of power, such as the Court of Ramsey. He encourages them to be their best, to show the world that the Gods of Kemet are greater than any other. He also likes to surround himself with the best people the world has to offer. This one, she is strong, but humble, smart and fierce but not proud, a strange mix to be sure. She is also a collector of secrets and a mistress of misdirection. I think she will do well with Bast blessing. Sekmet thinks so to. You be good to her little slave and I think she will be good to you in return."


    Sarah nods, "She has been good to me, though I sometimes wish she would be better to me. She has a lot of love in her, but is not good at letting it out."


    Sarke messes Sarah''s hair, "She is careful whom she shows herself to yes. Earn her trust and return it and you will get what you desire and more." she yawns, "I for one need to return to my temple and do my chores, I will return this evening to check on her." Sarah nods as Sarke slowly removes herself from the sleeping woman. "Oh she will need allot of rare or raw meat for a little while, make sure she eats it." Sarah, cuddling up with her Mistress nods as the Lion Woman leaves.


    Anwen wakes to a squirming Sarah, "hmmm, what is it ?" Sarah plaintively, "mistress I need to Pee badly." That brings to mind Anwen''s own predicament, her eyes fly open and it''s a scramble between them to whom makes it to the pot first. Anwen cheats and teleports there. Sarah whines, "NO FAIR!"


    Anwen smiles, "You can always crawl out the window and use the bushes."


    Sarah glowers, "We are on the 2cd floor, I am not a cat you know."


    Soft voice coming from the ''magic picture'', " Well that can be fixed you know"


    That startled Sarah so much she lost control of her bladder. But seeing who it is she moans, "Mistress Bast, you scared the Pee out of Meee."


    Bast snickers, "Is your mistress in ?"


    Sarah frowns at the goddess, "She got to the pot before me. Why are you in there and not out here ?"


    Bast, "Safer for me actually. I did something without thinking it through and now, well let''s just say making Anwen mad would be a bad thing. Thoth looked in to what I did and well it seems I may have accidently turned her in to a god."


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.Sarah stares at her for a long moment, "I thought she was a goddess already she just does not like temples and priest and that stuff."


    Bast shrugs, "I gave her Immortality and a little more that she was lacking before. She was more like a greek demigod before, now, wellll." makes an Eee face.


    Anwen, who had been listening, comes in to the room up to the mirror and smiles at Bast, before reaching Into the mirror and wrapping her hand around the goddess throat, "Mirror path goes 2 ways. Now what is this Thoth said ?" she says in a sickly sweet voice with enough venom behind it to poison a legion of snakes.


    Gurgling, "He''s not sure, but it is a tiny bit possible, when I added immortality to the mix that I may have made you a minor goddess. Admits he could be wrong, um your hair is on fire." Anwen glares, then her whole form is engulfed in flames, the burning hand around Bast throat does not move, if anything it gets stronger, when the fires die down a literal flame haired bipedal lion-woman with a Huge rack is standing there, she looks down at the fiery red furred body and then up at Bast, "Yesss, we came to a realization, thanks to the priestess of Sekmet who helped us through the madness. You were of No help then when we needed you most. You just ran and hid didn''t you ?"


    Gurgling and trying to remove the massive clawed hand, "was conferring with Thoth, can''t breathe." Anwen-lion pulls her hand back, and the goddess with it, tossing the cat goddess on the floor.


    Sarah has not moved a muscle, her eyes are just huge as she watches the confrontation.


    "I knew you were impulsive, but you have no idea what we really were when you put your blessing in to Us. The true nature of this being that is Us."


    Bast backing away to the wall, "Your speaking in the 3rd person, that''s not exactly sane my dear."


    Anwen-Lion, "That is because there is already more than 1 mind in here. The 3 that were here before were in Perfect balance, then you tossed in this wild monster cat and a ball of fiery yarn."


    Bast, rubbing her throat and looking perplexed, "3 ?"


    The lion monster nods, "Male Aspect, Female Aspect, Vampire Aspect. You Know what you get when you cross a Vampire Aspect with a Shifter Aspect ?"


    Bast eyes go Very wide, her voice tiny "oh shit" then she rally''s, "But the vampire aspect, she would have been drinking blood."


    The great flaming head shakes, "Revenant, descended from a thrall line. All the power potentials without the Cursed need for blood."


    She slowly considers that, "Ok I can see it put that way. Does explain her attraction to Them as well. So you are not a full abomination then ¡­ are you going to kill me ?"


    Wide smile, "I am tempted but the others point out it would be bad as I would likely end up either in a fight with the other gods or worse, with your job."


    Bast looks offended, "What is wrong with my job ?"


    Flaming headed cat leans in, "What part of me no liking being responsible for more than me are you missing ?"


    Bast slowly nods, "Right, you are ok with working with people but don''t like being in charge of much more than yourself."


    Hearing that Sarah, despite her desire for self-preservation, has to ask, "Um excuse please, but what am I then ?"


    Anwen glances at her, "You¡¯re a pet, pets are different. Pets I can take care of, play with, that sort of thing."


    She considers that then nods, "Ok then." and happily goes gets some rags to clean up her mess.


    Anwen and Bast watch her go, "Strange girl." both comment.


    Anwen turns to Bast and sighs, "What is done cannot be undone without consequences. So for now I will forgive you. But if you ever decided to gift something on me again, ask first or I will likely remove more than our friendship."


    Bast stands, rubbing her neck and nods. She really had no idea what kind of powers were with in her friend. Also Thoth pointed out that Anwen was likely just Playing with idea of being a shifter, not really expecting to be one. He went on to tell her to be careful how she confronted Anwen cause if she did it wrong she could end up minus her head. It was her own fault for forgetting the mirror was magical.


    Anwen turns back to the mirror and really looks at herself and shakes her massive, flame maned head, "My tits are gigantic in his form and my hair really is on fire. Wow. El''nar Bastet indeed."


    Bast standing shakily, "What was that ?"


    Smiling back at the smaller cat, "Fire of Bast, came to me when the change happened. For the time being I think that is a good name for my line, yes ?"


    Bast considers then nods, "Better than burning Simba."


    "I hate Simba, arrogant over bearing pricks that think they are better than everyone. Acting like everyone should just fall in line and bow down to them because someone long ago called them the King of the Cats. One of them tries that crap with me and I will shove his tongue out through his ass."


    Sarah from the floor with a bucket and some soap, "Dominatrix of Lions."


    Bast gives Anwen a strange look, "Dominatrix ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "I taught her some terms from the BDSM lexicon of phrases."


    Sarah looks up and smiles, "A Dominatrix is a dominant female who likes being in charge and does not take gruff from others easily or lightly." wrings out her rag, "I don''t know what ''gruff'' is but it sounds bad."


    Bast, "Gruff is like back talking or insulting, depending on the situation."


    Sarah nods, "ok, thank you."


    Anwen looks down at Sarah and smiles, she has been teaching her to be polite even in bad situations. She turns back to where Bast was only to find the goddess has disappeared. Seeing as she has done the same when she did not want to talk more she can''t say much about that.


    Sarah looks up at her mistress, "I like your new form, it is pretty and the fire is not all burny just light."


    Anwen test this and is somewhat glad she is not going to accidently set the Palace on fire.


    Though, "I wish Bast had stayed, I don''t know how to turn back and I really am not ready for anyone to see me like this."


    Voice from the door, "Then you need to remember to close your door." Sarke comes in. "My you are big and ¡­ nice mane. Bast over did herself I see. Sekmet said you would be different, did not expect that however."


    Anwen nods, "You were the one that sang to us ?"


    She smiles, "Yes. You do well to remember that in your waking form."


    Sarah picks up her bucket, "She remembers most of her dreams. She has been trying to teach me to do that to." she moves past, "Pardon me, I need to get past." and she is out the door.


    Sarke watches her go, "Remarkable child. Most humans who witness a change tend to run off screaming."


    Anwen sighs, "I did not have a normal change. Bast appeared and I got all hot and angry and I wrapped my hand around her throat then I was covered in fire, then I was like this."


    Sarke stands still then nods, "No that is not a normal change. You have some powerful Ka indeed."


    Anwen shrugs, "Care for a little trivia ?"


    Sarke smiles, "Sure."


    "In the orient, Ka is called Chi but it is the same thing despite the different words."


    Sarke looks thoughtful, "Interesting. I know very little of the orient. Do they have cats there to ?"


    Anwen nods, "Tigers mostly. Lions are only found in the African content, Tigers are more widely based. Hmm, well Lions with manes I should say, there are other species of great cat called lions but they work differently than lions from here."


    She grins, "Sekmet told me you know many things from many lands and like to share them."


    Shrugging, "Um, do you know how I shift back ?"


    She nods, then over the next few hours teaches the new shifter all she can about shifting. Adding in bits and pieces of cat philosophy and teachings.


    Sarah comes back and listens and watches and pets anyone who will let her.

 Chapter Twelve: Of Lions, Vampires, and Little Gods

    5 days later, not being able to put off returning to the camp any longer Anwen, with Sarah who has been prepped to say Anwen has been sick and to Not mention the lion aspect. She is allowed to say Anwen had some wild hallucinations (had been seeing things that were not there, etc).


    Sarah comes out of the Mistresses bedroom much to the surprise of everyone in the meeting room (middle room) as the bedroom door was locked from within. Kitten gets up and moves over to her, "Sarah what are you doing here ?"


    Sarah, who looks tired, smiles at her, "Hello Mistress Kitten. Anwen brought me though I told her we should stay home. She has been very sick, high fever and seeing things not there, like that. Though with her magic it''s hard to tell if someone was there or not, you know ?" Sarah is wearing a form fitting leather tunic and leggings with a short belled skirt. So not the normal clothing of anyone. (Think modified maid uniform) The others are looking at her and her strange attire.


    Kitten turns to them, "This is Sarah, she is Anwens personal slave. So hands off."


    Sarah smiles, "I don''t mind hands but keep your teeth to yourselves. Mistress warned me about your true natures."


    Nast''al nods and grins, "I for one will. I like not being set on fire." a few others grin at his gibe, Sarah takes his response seriously.


    Brawn nods, "We wondered what became of her."


    Ruttag, "Probably from bathing with the dogs."


    Kitten shakes her head, "She was acting off before that, she has told us all several different stories with little in common between them. I think this illness was hitting sooner and throwing off her mind enough to confuse her. She is usually much more consistent in her stories."


    Sarah sighs, "She was going on and on about Elven assassins looking for a traitor that was telling elven secrets and was afraid they would come for her. She kept trying to hide in the water closet so they could not find her. That was most annoying. I had to call in healers from the temples to help. She is better but still not well. She smells bad to because of the medicines the priest used on her."


    Orsa nods, "I remember those. They always go for whatever stinks the most, never mind if it works or not."


    Everyone pretty much agrees with that. Making a face , "Tell me about it. I keep throwing them out cause I think they were making her worse not better." Sarah confides in them. "Anyway she is here but resting. Just doing normal things is still tiring her out ¡­ normal things, she never does normal things, I mean how many people can just move hundreds of miles just by thinking it ¡­ " she heads outside muttering about the definition of ''normal'' to herself.


    Ruttag turns to Nast''al, "Well who here is ever ''normal'' ?"


    Nast''al shrugs, "Normal for who or what in our case is different than normal for mortals, no telling what is normal for a mage." Ruttag grins and nods.


    It is about 4 days of self-confinement before cabin fever forces Anwen out of her rooms, at a dead run, in full armor. She is a blur to those that do see her. She comes to a stop some 100 yards outside the tunnel and drops to her knee''s just breathing hard, then she rolls over and spreads out her arms and legs, laying in the sun.


    Melidea comes over, "Feeling better ?"


    Anwen looks at her, "Could not take being in that room any longer. Needed the sun, still feel like a lion shit on me though."


    Melidea laughs, "Ok that''s different."


    Anwen coughs, "Better than feeling like I did originally, like I was shit out of a lion with constipation."


    The little immortal just belts out a laugh and sighs, "Ok yes the first is better than the 2cd in that case."


    Clearing her throat the little black haired girl squats next to the black clad figure, "What''s with all the lion comments ?"


    Anwen sighs, "Sekmet priest and their cures. The incense was bad enough but the medicine was worse. then the chanting and random spirits all trying human remedies on my poor elven body."


    Melidea giggles, "oh my yes I can see why you feel like lions have been shitting on you now. Poor little elf, so full of kitty shit. hheheeheheehhee"


    Looking at her, "Keep laughing and I will give you tits and an old old body to go with them."


    Melidea smiles evilly, "Then you better learn to run really fast cause I will find you and gum you to death." Wide toothy smile, "Though seriously, and I know you been sick, but have you done any research on that ?"


    Anwen sighs, pulls her staff from her pouch, points it at the girl, and mutters in the ''magic language'' "Transform - teenager of C cup." and a multicolor beam leaps forth and the little girls screams as her body is pulled apart, her clothing rips and then she reforms, taller and with a noticeable improvement in her chest region. Unnoticed for the moment her hair is longer to. Laying back in the sand, "That should do it as long as you avoid dispel magic effects."


    She looks down at herself, at her chest, her pert butt her slightly longer hair and yells in excitement.


    She turns and runs at high speed to find Ruttag whom she practically tackles in her excitement, "RUTTAG RUTTAG SHE DID IT SHE DID IT!" she screams in his ear, leaning back, "Anwen changed me, how do I look ?"


    His eyes are wide, before she came to his shoulder, now she comes to his ear, he holds her out and looks at her. She is the same girl but a tad older physically with a nicer chest and figure. "Wow Mel, I almost did not recognize you. You actually looks a little older to. Your still really pretty." he states in a mild state of shock.


    The others come around and look her over, surprised that the magic worked.


    Ulva glances over at the prone mage, making note of the kind of power she must have. Even in her weakened state, to do that kind of magic is no small feat. Ulva feels a small pulse of fear at that moment. She was always impressed with the woman''s mind, and ability to work well in a crisis, but she put down most of her magic to her devices. But no device she knows of can do that sort of magic.


    Toward dusk Kitten comes to where Anwen was last seen. She finds Anwen has dug herself a little hole and is sleeping in it. She takes a stick and pokes Anwen in the side, hard enough to hurt but not do any real damage, The shock though has unexpected results. Anwen is suddenly engulfed in flames, hot enough to push Kitten back and slightly melt the surrounding sand, when the fire is gone a very large female lion stands there, her hair the same color as Anwens was. The cat is glaring murderously at the vampire, who is now rethinking her idea of poking a mage with a stick.


    She holds up her hands, remembers the stick and tosses it aside, "Um I came to get you for dinner ?"


    The cat cocks its head, looks down at her feet and sighs. There is another burst of flames and Anwen, in her armored glory stands there, "Sorry about that, defensive spell I been working on. Fire cat. Had you been an enemy things would have gotten messy. Next time you want to wake me try calling my name. Now then, Dinner ?"


    Kitten nods, "Had I not known about you and fire magics I may have just panicked and run away screaming. Yes they are setting dinner out. You have been out here all afternoon and I thought you might be hungry."


    Grinning, "Hungry as a starving lioness." she comments and follows Kitten to the camp, "So what do you think of my fire cat spell ? I am still working on it truth be told. Some strange ''bugs'' in it. For one it leaves me hungry when I use it, also get a strong craving for raw meat."


    Kitten grins, "Impressive and scary. I can see that, it must use allot of energy. Immortals who can do that sort of thing say the same thing, about making them hungry I mean. But if you can learn to control it, well it makes for a fearsome opponent to be sure."


    Anwen nods, "Actually I was trying for that mid-form transformation I have seen shifters do. But I keep getting the full cat instead."


    Orsa looking around and snarling, "Trying to do what now ?"


    Kitty, "Self transformation magics, she is trying to make a self-shape spell that will give her a form of a lion crossed with her present form. She got the lion to work, though the spell causes this massive explosion of fire to surround her during the transformation."


    Anwen looks at her, "I would not say ''massive'' It really does not go farther out than my aura field. I do like that my armor changes with me though."


    Orsa growls, "Be careful with that, someone may mistake you for a shifter, then you will be dead."


    Anwen looks surprised, "I know several shifters actually. None of them are dead from it."


    She snarls, "That is because none of them have met Me yet. I will happily kill them all. And if you turn Shifter I will kill you to mage."


    Kitten steps between them, "Stop it Orsa, there is nothing keeping you here you know."


    Ulva, seeing the conflict comes over, "What is this all about ?"


    Orsa points at Anwen, "She is trying to magic herself in to a stinking shifter. I warn her, she succeeds I kill her."


    Anwen sighs, "It is just a spell. Lighten up."


    Ulva looks from Orsa to Anwen, "Actually on this I agree with Orsa, Shifters are just beast that need to be put down."


    Anwen looks shocked then sad, "I really thought better of you Ulva. But I guess I don''t really know you. Your free to leave you know."


    Anwen moves off, Kitten looks after her, "She right. I don''t really know why all of you are still here, it''s not like us to gather like this for so long."


    Ulva, In a soft voice, "Being trapped together for so long, we have started to take comfort in each other''s presence. I am sorry if we upset your friend, but I have lost to many childer to those beast to ever let one live if I have a say in it."


    Orsa nods, "I as well. Maybe it is time we moved on. You are right in that at least Kitten."


    They return to the others, and try to poison them against Anwen and her ''black magic''.


    Nast''al comes over to Anwen as she is picking at her meal, "Hi. Orsa tells me you can turn in to a lion, is that true ?"


    dead voice, "fire lion, magical transformation."


    "Can you teach it to me ?" he ask interested.


    "No, partly comes through Bast, so you would have to be in her good graces to use it." she replies in her dead tone.


    "Oh don''t let those two sour your mood. I don''t care if you¡¯re a shifter or a monkey, you have always treated me right and my best ''evil assassin'' scare had no effect on you. I liked that. I know I can be scary but you just ''fff'' not scared."


    Smirk at him, "That''s cause your flammable and I like fire."


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.He nods, "Yeah there is that to. Still I count you as an ally and will not let a little thing like you getting more powerful mess that up."


    She looks at him for a long moment, "You just can''t admit to possibly being friends with someone can you ?"


    He looks shifty, "Prefer ally''s, I know where I stand with ally''s, friends, friends are different, not sure where they stand on important things."


    "True, friends are tricky. Sometimes you think your becoming friends with someone only to find out they would happily stab you in the back for something out of your control."


    He nods, pokes at her over cooked meat, "Yeah, things like that are why I prefer allies. Those have set limits, once you know them you know how far you can take things."


    She takes the meat and tosses it to her dogs, giving a word and they tear it apart. "Good point. I don''t mind being your ally as long as you don''t move against my people. Ramsey and his lots count in that."


    He raises a hand, "Actually he has been good for my business. Has some of my people working for him I understand. Oh and I wanted to thank you for pointing that fellow out. We had a nice long talk, his grandfather was one of my people, so he is like that to. He was actually thrilled to learn that those special gifts came from me through his grandfather and his children. He is a good man."


    Anwen nods, "When we get this project done you can have him and his friend if you want. Maybe you two can teach the other new things."


    He nods, "Maybe so and thank you. But Brawn would want to know what gives you the right to decide who gets what slaves."


    She looks at him, "My money bought them, that good enough ?"


    Nast''al nods, "Works for me. May or may not work for him. He has been playing Foreman on this."


    "Well I did say After the project is done." He nods, "true. Oh expect the others to come around asking to. And you may want to try the truth, we can tell when your just telling partial truths you know. I mean you¡¯re a good liar, but we are better."


    Pat''s her on the head and leaves the table.


    She looks at the boys who are enjoying their ''jerky'', "Can you believe him ?"


    Remus looks up at her, "Well you do smell like cat you know and well, they can scent stuff almost as good as us."


    Anwen makes a face, "Well that was not very comforting."


    Romulus, "You want comfort talk to your human pet. She is strange but nice." Anwen nods, "Everyone who has met her has mentioned her as being strange, including me, but she is a nice strange." the dogs nod and work on the meat.


    Mew Mew Kit has learned the art of Mooching and is walking around the table doing just that to those sympathetic targets.


    Looking at the Boys, "You teach her that or did she figure it out on her own ?" They look guilty, Anwen grins, "It''s ok, I don''t mind as long as you keep your training up. Sorry I have not been around to help with that."


    Remus grunts, "We heard you were sick. Given how badly you smelled before we figured it was something bad. We are glad you are better." she leans down and hugs them, "Thank you boys, I appreciate that." both their tails wag happily at the hug.


    "So had enough to eat ?" They stand at attention. She nods, "Mew Mew Kit! Come!" the kitten runs over to her and sits at attention, "Very good. Now then, you may escort me back to my rooms." the kitten runs in front and the dogs take up positions on either side of her.


    Entering the middle room though they get ambushed by Orsa and Ulva and a few of the others. The dogs try their best but go down fast, but Ruttag keeps them from getting killed by the overzealous women.


    Pinned against a wall by Orsa with a silver blade at Anwens throat, Orsa snarls, "Care to try your precious fire magic''s now ?" Ulva has a knife at Sarah''s throat and Brawn and Brandwen are guarding the door while most the others stand around waiting to see what is going to happen. Kitten and Althea are noticeably missing from this as is Nast''al.


    Anwen looks at the women, "Your fools you know."


    Orsa laughs in her face, "Not so powerful are you now BIIIIIIII" she is flung against the far wall, with Ulva tossed on top of her, then before anyone can react they find themselves pinned by unseen force, "You all seemed to forget I can move objects with my mind. You count as objects as far as my power is concerned. Though your right Orsa, I can''t safely use fire here without endangering my people. But that does not mean I am defenseless. Not by a long shot."


    Looking at Ruttag and Melidea, "Care to tell me what is going on ?"


    Melidea holding her arms over her new chest, "They say you''ve gone and turned yourself in to a shifter and that means we should kill you before you really get in to it and try to kill all of us."


    Anwen rolls her eyes and then nods, "I did not Choose to become a shifter. Bast did that all on her own. However" a pillar of red hot flame envelopes her, when it clears she is huge, with flames for hair and massive chest and powerful limbs, her armor and boots miraculously changed with her and still fit her new form, "I am certainly not a normal shifter by anyone''s definition. The mixing of magics had unforeseen consequences." Shule looks on wide eyed.


    "ok, so how can you not chose this" Shule softly prompts.


    Taking a deep breath and then sliding down the wall, "Remember the day when I gave Brawn, Orsa and Ruttag money to get supplies and such ? Well Bast and Ptah were waiting for me, They sent Mew Mew Kit in after me. That''s how she came in to this.


    They had come to take me before Ra, he wanted to meet me in person and decide if I was right for Kemet or if he felt I was to dangerous for Kemet.


    I don''t know how much of what I experienced there was real or not real. Realm of the gods and all that. To me it looked like a nice, middle class type house next to a dock with a fancy Kemetian ship waiting there. He was in the house relaxing after his nightly journey. Sitting in a very comfortable chair. We talked for a while, I don''t totally remember everything that was said but in the end he decided that it was better I was in Kemet rather than in some other place where I could prove to be a bigger danger to them. I did help him with a major policy decision though, some outside force was trying to convince the gods to withdraw from the world and Only show their presence through their churches. Amon is behind some of that. Amon is not Ra, that is just propaganda being spread by them because Amon is trying to take over the Throne of the Gods. He is a chaos god and really not suited to rule anything. Right side tracking. It''s a painful memory and I am trying to deal with it.


    Bast was playing around and joking about stuff after Ra agreed to let me stay. Somewhere in there she decided she wanted to claim me, she .. she .." tears are now flowing down her lion face and a few coughs as the reality of what happened comes back to her, what really occurred instead of the sugar coated version she had been telling herself, "she raped me, forced herself on me and in to me. Forced her power in to my very souls."


    Orsa barks a dark laugh, "oh very good, a likely story and crocodile tears" she is crushed in to the wall so hard she leaves an imprint, "Do not mock my pain you stupid arrogant COW!" Orsa loses her hair to the sudden blast of heat coming off the Fire Cat. Ulva who is over her gets a little cooked to. Ulva grunts to Orsa, "we are in no position to get her angrier, so please shut your mouth before she kills us Both."


    "You Honestly think I would WANT THIS ? I was a Fucking Revenant you piece of Bull Shit!"


    Brawn looks thoughtful then nods, "That explains a lot actually. I don''t trust you, but I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt on this."


    Shule glares at him, "I believe her. I do not think she is lying at all. Those two are just on a vendetta. And I think we can all agree she really isn''t any kind of shifter anyone of us has ever seen. She is something very different." She tries to reach out to Anwen, but the force held her in place.


    Anwen pulls in her pain and tears, returns to her room and gets a couple pouches she had set aside. These she takes and stuffs in to Ulva and Orsa''s dresses, "I set this aside for you when you decided to leave. I think your going is now." And with that they are gone.


    Shule, "Um where did you send them ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "Little island in the southern ocean, place known to my people as Easter Island. Figured it was far away enough for them not to bother me for a while."


    She looks at them, "If anyone else wants to leave I understand. I have a pouch of coins for each of you. Even if you don''t want to leave you can have the pouches."


    Ruttag ask, "how much is in the pouches."


    Anwen shrugs, "25 each gold, silver, and copper from the lands I came from before coming to Kemet."


    Ruttag nods, Anwen drops them and gets her pets, "I will leave you to your own devices for now." Sighing, "The pouches are in the box at the end of my bed." Carefully carrying her wounded animals, with Sarah following behind she leaves the underground bunker.


    Not one of the slaves moves to stop the fire haired lioness (goddess to their minds) as she strides in to the scrub lands around the temple.


    The immortals, free from her power slowly move about, Brawn sighs, "Well that could have gone better." Brandwen nods, "Could have gone worse to. Her anger literally burns. Singed the hair right off those two."


    Melidea, "Sticking them on an island together yet, is a really bad torture. Did anyone tell her our problem with water ?"


    Sule, "No, but then we don''t go around advertising our weaknesses do we ?"


    Ruttag, "Point. I think being stuck on an island is about the worst thing you can do to us. Especially with someone you can barely stand."


    Sule, "I wonder how long till they kill each other."


    Some general dark laughter about that. Then Nast''al comes in, "Hi all, so who died ?"


    Melidea, "No one, but we won''t be seeing Ulva or Orsa for a long long time. She sent them to an Island in the southern ocean. Gave them each a pouch of coins, which knowing those two, they will throw them away cause they came from a ''shifter''.


    Shule is being quiet, "She has been through a lot, horrible things and we treated her horribly cause of those two. I feel bad about it."


    Gwen nods, "I am not sure I trust her, I like her but that shifting stuff can mess you up and when she shifts she becomes encased in fire. That alone makes her more dangerous. "


    Sule and Brawn both nod but Sule postulates, "Maybe she can learn to control that. I will discuss it with her."


    Gwen looks at him, "No you will experiment on her, we all know how you are." Sule shrugs.


    While the others talk and discuss what to do, Shule quietly slips in to Anwens room and finds her cloak and emergency travel bags. She takes them and heads off after Anwen. She knows the woman will need more help than the slave girl can give her.

 Chapter Thirteen: Challenging the Gods

    Shule finds the lioness about a mile from the dig site, she is atop of high mound of rock and screaming at the sky for Bast to come and face her. Challenging the ''Bitch Kitty'' to face her as She Remembers what the Cow Shit Goddess did to her. In the night sky Shule can see the faces of the Gods looking down on the enraged woman, but none answer her challenge. Shule carefully approaches and finds Sarah and the wounded dogs at the base of the hill. Shule puts down Anwens belongings there.


    She moves away from them and hopes she''ll live through this. "Anwen ?"


    Anwen turns, her claws on fire, ready for a fight, but pauses as she sees the Arabian dancer, "What do you want Shule ?"


    "I knew you would be in pain after all you went through. I brought your belongings from the camp. I am here if you want to talk. Though I can pretty much guarantee that one," nodding to the heavens, "will not come to face you. Rapist are often cowards after all. I have seen very little to redeem the gods here. They showed you kindness only to use you. You are powerful true, but more than that you know about things yet to come. Any force in the world would want that power, that knowledge, to make themselves even more powerful. I think, mind you this is just a theory, that they did this to you to bind you to Egypt, make you feel like the land was part of you. Tried to trick you in to thinking you wanted this or allowed this. My own sire tried this with me. I still hate him for it and the coward has never faced me about it. Just told me he would return when I was willing to thank him for turning me in to a monster." Anwens fires die down and she comes off the rock, looking in to Shule''s eyes, searching, seeing beyond the pretty face to the hurt woman inside her, to the strong woman she has become.


    Reaching out and rubbing her face, "You are not a monster. Melidea is a monster, she is proud of that to. You are a survivor, you don''t relish in your nature like the others. You survive and strive to be better, That is what I see in you. I am not a monster, I am a touch crazy, have to be sometimes. I have done bad things for good reasons, or so I tell myself. Looking back on things, I think I would have left Ulva and Orsa in the rocks had I known what they would have been like. Most of the rest of you are ok people. Evil sure, but ok none the less."


    Shule grins and nods, "Nast''al thinks you¡¯re a perfectly good ally, you do know what that means right ?"


    Anwen nods, "He will want a favor or something at some point, he is a user, but he is at least honest about it."


    She nods, "That he is. And he is nicer than most of the others. Kitten though she feels responsible for you, she will stand by you just based on that. She is that way."


    Anwen sits and sighs, "If I could I would just leave, but I can''t. I am bound to Althea and some unnamed quest. I only know the first part was to get them out of the Prison and destroy the prison. I did that part, but now I am stuck I don''t know what I am supposed to do. Kitten is baffled to."


    Shule looks thoughtful, "Have you thought to ask Althea, it''s her quest after all, Not Kittens."


    Anwen sits there for the longest time before face palming, "ok color me stupid. I just assumed as Althea is Kittens thrall that it would be Kittens mission to."


    Shule pats her hand, "Common mistake. Want to learn what the mission really is ?" She ask as she stands, expecting to walk back to camp.


    Instead Anwen goes and checks her pack, pulling up a really nice hand mirror. She looks at it then, "Show me Althea." The mirror turns in to a window showing Althea sitting away from the camp staring at the stars. She looks lonely and forlorn.


    Anwen nods to herself and then points at the rock steps behind her. Althea appears there. It take Althea a moment she is not where she had been a moment before.


    "Shule, what is going on, who is the giant flaming cat thing ?"


    Anwen, "Cat thing, lovely name for me. It''s me Anwen. Bast did this to me, much against my will. But that is neither here nor there at the moment. Shule pointed this out to me, what is the quest you summoned me for ? "


    Looking up at the lion, "Maybe too late now. I needed you free of the local gods to do it. I needed you to steal something for Kitten, something she is forbidden to retrieve for herself."


    "Look no riddles, just tell me what it is."


    Althea shrugs, "A Canopic Jar, one with her heart in it. It''s why she works for the Pharaoh and is not out in the world living her own life. Why the setites tried to kill you to. Killing or capturing the others would just be a bonus. If captured they would have their hearts stolen and made in to slaves for the Pharaoh and Kemet to. But as you are now, you can''t move against them and well that''s that. End of the mission in the worst possible way."


    Anwen rolls her eyes, "Everyone is always making assumptions about me. Sure, the Cat can''t move against Kemet, but there is more to me than this cat."


    She takes out her staff, unscrews the top, pulls out a black marble and then puts the cap back on the cane. Then to everyone''s surprise she shatters the marble.


    The marbles crumbled remains swirl up and Anwen intones something in a deep voice full of thunder and the sound of mountains shattering.


    The Magic is awesome, more powerful than any of the Gods would allow a mortal, but Anwen does it without fear or hesitation. Words of power, words to reshape worlds, words to free the prisoner that powered her staff.


    When the dust settled a small man, barely over 2ft tall, wearing a tan cape and a tall green cap stands there. He stretched and bends and moaned happily. "Oh Thank you Anwen. I really was not sure you could say those words right. No one in a thousand thousand years ever could."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.Anwen shrugs, "No problem. In my home dimension that is a pretty simple rhyme really and what passes for the magical language here is my native language there. Why else do you think She put a translation spell on me."


    The Gnomish man laughs, "Ah she did it and did it well. My one wish was to be free of that cursed place. Now then, what''s the mission ?"


    Anwen explains it and the fellow nods, "So that''s what they are up to eh. Hmph not surprised, always grubbing after power. But first I think, yes I can do that. Kneel down here you giant kitty."


    Laughing Anwen kneels before the old gnome and waits for his work. He pulls out a staff that looks like a reverse mirror of her own and taps her with it. Some ''Thing'' rips free of her and runs toward the heavens, only to be sucked in to the Gnomes staff. "There now they have no more power over you and you¡¯re your own person again."


    Then he borrows the mirror and uses it to not only look for the jar but the other items of power they were using to try and control the world. With a gesture they vanished from where they were stored and appear on top of the mound.


    The gnome finds the correct jar and hands it to Althea, "There you go my dear."


    Shule and Althea are looking back and forth between the two, "Ah thank you sir. Um who are you ?"


    He shakes his head, "Best not to say, to many listening now. But I can tell you I am a god. An old one. Ra and a few others trapped me and some others in various objects then let mortals have them thinking no mortal would ever be able to free us. They badly underestimated mortals. One thing happened that most never thought of though, Some of us found we did not want to be freed. That Cloak of Anwens for example is actually a sleeping god. He is Happy being a cloak, being useful and having someone who loves him for being him. Never had that when he was a normal god. Anwen knows his nature and they are good companions. Ra thinks adding more patches just locks him up further, but he actively teaches his chosen wearers how to create new patches. Some of them are not as useful as they should be, but no one said everyone is smart about choices."


    Anwen nods, "Does explain a few things. Did not know he was a god, but I kind of guessed a god was behind its power. The dogs are from 3000 years in the future."


    "Right the boys, got to see to them. Anwen let me borrow your Ankh for a minute."


    Anwen hands it over and he does Something, then places collars on the boys and the kit and they start to perk up. He hands her the ankh back. Anwen nods, "Duplicated it''s power did you."


    He taps the side of his nose and nods. Anwen nods to, smiling.


    Shule looks on in wonder and then tentively ask, "Sir, could you make me human ?"


    He gives her a long look, "Why would you want to be human, they are big silly creatures."


    Anwen grins, "She used to be human, now she is immortal of the blood drinking type."


    He looks up at the giant cat, "I know that, much better that way. But no I can''t you were made by another god and that would be breaking an old agreement. They were locked away to, so it maybe a while before you can move past what you are. But you are not a monster unless you want to be one."


    Shule pulls Anwen down to her level, "I think he was locked away too long." Anwen smirks.


    He looks around then up and Grins, "I am Back you old pile of stinky socks. I gave the girl her memories back to. You won''t be able to control her any more. Freed her from your control to. So HA!"


    He moves a bunch of the items (they vanish) and then returns to Anwen, "Your staff is just a regular old Staff of the Arch-Magus now I am afraid, left in the spell focus though. I wish I could do more for you, but well you know how it is. Places to go, people to see. Others to stick it to. Now you go follow that young lady and make sure she gets that jar to her lover. And remember. Have fun and locks are just an invitation to see what''s inside."


    And like that, he and the rest of the stolen goods are gone.


    Shule looks at Anwen, "He is a god of thieves isn''t he ?"


    She shakes her head, "Creator of the Gnomish race actually."


    She looks surprised at that and shakes her head.


    They gather up the pets and Anwen''s items and follow Althea back to camp and Watch as she returns Kitten her heart.


    Kitten looks up in surprise, opens the jar, pulls out a black lump and then presses it to her skin under her breast, an old scar opens up and it is sucked inside of her. The line, looking like a chain going between Anwen and Althea becomes visible and then breaks, dissipating and freeing both from the other.


    Kitten comes over and looks up at the big cat, "How ?"


    "Had help from a friend of mine. Little God, lots of skill with locks." Kitty smiles with an arm around Althea and nods, leading her love away.


    The other immortals and many of the slaves saw it all.


    Brawn, "What just happened ?"


    Shule goes over and tells them the tale how the mage freed a trapped god, with a little embellishment.


    Anwen looks at Sarah who is caressing her new collar, "So now what Mistress ?"


    "Now we have a world to explore my kinky pet." Sarah smiles.


    The dig was abandoned. The slaves were set free (mostly) and given enough coin to give them a start on a new life.


    Then using her power, Anwen and the immortals (and their respective pets) were all teleported out of Kemet and to a new land far away.


    Most went their separate ways but Shule and Nast''al decided to join up with Anwen and see what wonders and adventures she would get in to from there on out.


    End of Book 1

 Book Two - Adventures and Wonder

    Notes:


    Other than the 3 immortals, there is Sarah, Anwen''s personal slave and willing plaything, Owen and Henrik belonging to Nast''al. Then the War Dogs Romulus and Remus and the guard cat Mew Mew Kit, who acts more like a dog than a cat. 3 war horse in chain barding called Rose (Nast''al''s mount) , Bold (Owens) and Charcoal (Henrik''s) and 2 riding horses, Cavalier and Charley which Anwen and Shule ride, with Sarah riding behind Anwen.


    The horses came about because people kept complaining about all the walking.


    Prelude


    Romania, a land of mystery and enchantment, passing through it is a group of wandering immortals looking for a good time. The unique Fire Cat, Anwen the Mysterious, the beautiful Lady Shule the Elegant and the Crafty Rogue Nast''al the Undying.


    This is their adventures, their loves, and their luck.


    On a hillside overlooking a small mining town that pulls copper from the earth, Nast''al is arguing with the seemingly near omniscient Anwen on a point of Mythological History, "No, I am telling you that you could not have talked with The Tiamat as she was killed when I was still a human boy. I heard all about it from the story tellers and history walkers."


    Anwen shakes her head, "I know that story and I know you can''t kill Tiamat but you don''t know Why that is impossible."


    Shule and the others are listening but wisely staying out of it. These two often pick a point of something and end up in long ''discussions'' in which Anwen usually wins as she quotes a mix of logic and personal experience over Nast''al''s old stories and ''history walkers'' which were basically the bards of old or as Anwen calls them, ancient propaganda machines.


    Nast''al feeling like he is close to losing another of his well thought out idea''s, "Ok oh wise and flaming headed knower of mysteries, why can''t you kill her ?"


    "Because oh sneaker in deadly shadows, she is made of Primal Chaos and the Sea. If she had been destroyed as the stories claimed the sea with in the region of her pantheon would have dried up and the whole of that land would be a desert by now. Now her Avatar, that could have been defeated sure, but that is only a physical representation of the Goddess herself."


    Nast''al rolls that around in his head and snorts, "Fine, I can see what you''re saying. Still it was her Dragon From that was destroyed, and I don''t believe that gods can just create such forms so easily or she would have just reformed it elsewhere."


    Anwen nods, "Well she can, but it takes time to do. It was, from my perspective, a long time from now and a totally different form than that one, that I met after all."


    Nast''al shakes his head, "That one you would have to prove to me, or find us a god to ask about it."


    Shule finally speaks up, "Oh Nasty one, do you really want to challenge Her luck with Gods again. You remember last time right."


    A new voice, closer to the ground speaks up, "I think last time worked out rather well."


    A ''door'' is opening in the hill side not far from the group and a small gnome man comes out, being followed by a large, heavily muscled dwarf, carrying a well-used smithing hammer on his shoulder and a belt of tools over his other shoulder. He is looking at the gnome, "You sure about this ?"


    The gnome smiles, "Yes."


    The smiling gnome looks up at Anwen, "Sorry to just pop up like this but I wanted to ask a favor."


    Instantly suspicious, "Favor ? From you, one of the most powerful and nicest gods I know ?"


    The dwarf starts to laugh, "She has you pegged I see."


    The gnome huffs, "Well it''s for my friend here really and it''s not something that can be done with magic very well."


    The dwarf grins. Anwen looks at him, "And just who are you sir ?"


    Still grinning, "Oh just an old dwarf who has an odd collection of friends and acquaintances."


    Anwen nods, "Well that is a different name. So Old Dwarf who Has an Odd Collection Of Friends and Acquaintances, what can I do for you ?"


    He laughs, "Oh you are good, Just call me Smith for now, ok."


    She nods, "Ok Mr. Smith, what can I do for you today."


    His smile gets wider, "Oh I like that, Mister Smith, what is mister ?"


    "It¡¯s a polite term for Master without adding in the connotation that you are a ''Master Smith'' but a Smith of the male gender. The feminine version is Miss or Missus if married."


    He considers that and nods, "Ah, well that is something new learned today, very good."


    He goes on, holding out his old belt, "The problem is my old belt broke, again. I have had it mended many times, but what I really need is a new one. This old goat here claims your one of the best Leather Workers in the mortal world at present. I think he thought you could make me a new one, as a favor."


    She nods, "in other words for free. Not likely, I am nice but not stupid, besides my technique can be a bit expensive as I have to get the leather, prep it, shape it, figure out what is needed and how to shape the extra parts, find a descent smith that can make the buckles and such for it out of materials to my specifications, which are allot higher than most. If I can find it, I prefer someone who knows how to work Steel, which means finding a good dwarven or elven smith. Though in truth I prefer working with Dwarves on such things, Elves, even to other elves, can get a bit high minded and snotty."


    Mr. Smith cracks up at that, The Gnome just smiles.


    "So in the words of the locals, what have you got to trade ?"


    Mr. Smith sighs, "Well I can do the metal work on my own if that is needed, and to your specifications I wager. So that should help with the overall cost. I am good with metal and stone, not so much with leather and such."


    Anwen sits and gestures, a girl dressed in very suggestive and high grade leather comes over and puts down a well-worn but wonderfully crafted leather bag. Anwen opens the bag and removes several leather items, some studded with silver or copper studs, most not. All that have buckles have bright steel ones with double hooks for the straps. There are a few belts in the mix, mostly though of the type used by soldiers and swordsmen. "These are some of my wares, you can look them over and see if they meet the quality of what you''re asking about."


    Mr. Smith kneels in front of the items and carefully looks them over, they are supplier than he is used to, but stronger to which surprises him some. "Do you use magic to craft these ?"


    Anwen grins, "Fair question but no, well a little in the tanning phase but only to move them around at a distance. The stink you know." Having been around a tanners he nods, "Yes, that is one of the reasons I never got in to leather working. These are some nice buckles, where did you get them ?"


    She nods to the tall fellow behind her, "He traded with a group of merchant dwarves for them. Well first he stole them, then I made him take them back and actually trade for them. He was not happy with me about that."


    Mr. Smith looks at Nast''al, "Yes I can see he is not a trustworthy type, how did you convince him to see things your way ?"


    Nast''al answers'', "Fire, it''s her go to when she is angry, Fire lots and lots of Fire. Mages."


    Anwen smiles, "He is trustworthy, as long as he counts you as a friend or ally, it''s everyone else though that he has problems with."


    The Gnome nods, "That pretty much sums him up. Lady Shule is much nicer and more pleasant." She nods to him, smiling.


    Mr. Smith just shakes his head then thinks, "What about this, a riddle contest ? I win you make me a fine work belt, you win you get something in return."


    She looks at him, her eyes glowing slightly, "Careful with that request, we mages are do not take such things lightly. Also I collect magical items of almost any type, prefer things I can use but am not opposed to having things I can''t use for a time."


    The Gnome sits next to Mr. Smith, "She also collects knowledge like my people collect gems. You are going to need a good set of rules and limits."


    The dwarf nods, "Ok rules. No asking about things known only in the Realm of the Gods."


    Anwen nods, "Well that is not very limiting, but ok, hmm rule, How do you feel about children''s riddles, you know the ones with silly answers ?"


    He looks at her, "Having them in or not ?"


    Her, "In, if not then It would be a rule of not."


    He considers carefully then, "Not, I can see to many ways we could stump the other just by calling up a riddle the other can''t answer based on differing childhoods and children."


    Anwen nods, "Good answer. ok so no children''s riddle. There goes my ''what is black and white and red all over one."


    He looks perplexed, "Ok, now just out of curiosity, what is the trick to that one ?"


    She smiles wickedly, "It has multiple answers, none of which are wrong but not right either."


    He shakes his head, "Examples ?"


    "An embarrassed skunk, zebra, a white tiger, a scroll, need I go on ?"


    He rubs his beard, "Ok, skunks, zebra''s and white tigers all are a mix of black and white, so I get that, but a scroll."


    The Gnome answers, "Many scrolls are white or near white in color, the ink often looks black on it and the term Red is changed with the past tense term to Read, or having Read it."


    Mr. Smith looks surprised and a little shocked, "Oh I see, yes that kind of riddle we don''t need. That kind is tricky, crafty and a little underhanded."


    Anwen nods, "And so are many children."


    He has to agree with that. "Ok, no Gods Realm, no Children''s riddles or riddles with multiple answers. Anything else ?"


    She considers then, "No I think that covers it, but it does limit me some. Does the egg sucking riddle count as a children''s riddle ?"


    He sighs, "well there went my first riddle. Ok you go first."


    She smiles and nods, "Ok, one I always liked. What walks on 4 legs in the morning, 2 legs in the afternoon, and 3 legs in the evening ?"


    Everyone there mouth drops open at That riddle. It''s considered one of the 4 unanswerable riddles in the world.


    Anwen watches him as he ponders, gets up and walks in a circle, goes over and looks at the mine, stares at the sun, sticks his head back in the door and takes a deep breath of earth filled air and finally comes back over. Looking utterly defeated, "You know why that''s called an Unanswered Riddle right ?"


    "I know the answer, or I would not have asked it."


    The Gnome is chewing on a piece of grass and idly watching the clouds.


    Smith walks over and looks down at him, "you know the answer don''t you ?"


    The Gnome nods, "Yes, but I never told it to her, she told it to me a while back. It''s a remarkable answer and so simple when looked back on. If you want a tree to bang your head on, just ask her, I am sure she has one in a pocket somewhere."


    Anwen''s smile turns evil, "So, it''s nearing sunset, I for one am getting hungry, so give up or ?"


    He puts his hammer down in front of her, "Here, most powerful magic item I got. I give. Also I can grant you 1 wish in the dwarven sphere of influence as payment for a high quality smithing belt and the answer to that infernal riddle."


    Her smile widens, "That is satisfactory" she holds out her hand to seal the deal. He glumly takes it and shakes, she speaks the binding, "I Anwen Cinaed Leather Worker, Mage and Immortal here by accept the contract with Moradin King of the Dwarven gods to craft one high quality smiths belt and the answer to one riddle in exchange for one wish from him from the Dwarven Realm of influence."


    He tried, and failed, to pull his hand back when she called him by name. The Gnome is laughing.


    "So Mote it Be" Says a voice from the Earth and Sky.


    His eyes wide, "How did you know ?"


    She grins, "I see truth, well aura''s actually and you have a Divine one and two your with him, who is at least as old as you and treats you like an equal. Also the Hammer. That one is a dead giveaway to a collector like me."


    He runs his hand across his face and down his beard, "Ok I can see that. Are you really Immortal ?"


    She nods, "Egyptian gods tried to lock me in to their control for all time. Not realizing I knew the truth about his prison. I freed him from his prison, he freed me from their control, but left me their other ''gifts'' which included immortality."


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.He nods, "Never trust those human deities, always up to something. Even the good ones are underhanded." he mutters.


    She shrugs, "I have found a few that I trust but they are few and far between."


    He nods again, "So you want that wish now or after the belt is done."


    The Gnome cautions, "Careful, both of you. Once one is done the other cannot be undone."


    Anwen nods, "Oh I already know what I want, and it''s well with in the dwarven preview. A skill, specifically smithing and smelting of metals of a level equal to the time and place I originated in. And the reasons are pretty simple. Combining that skill set with my leather working set would make both a better asset."


    Moradin actually looks impressed. "That actually is a good wish, I much approve of it truthfully. I suspected you would have asked for something much different actually. We have a large supply of magic you know."


    She nods, "Yes, but most of that can be traded for and well Actually sitting down and Learning the skill to the level I requested would take a long time. I am not sure I could actually do it that way. So just having the knowledge and Skill imprinted on me seems a more, well ok, lazy way, but expedient way to go about it."


    The Gnome is grinning at a dumbfounded Dwarf King, "Told you to be careful, she is a smart one and you walked right in to it smiling the whole way. Oh and one more thing oh Dwarf king."


    He looks at the Grinning Gnome, "I know I am going to hate it, but what ?"


    "Her leather working skills as well as the skills she requested, well she is from approximately 3000 to 3200 years in the future. So her Birth Time, which she specified, would give her knowledge Only you possess at this point in time."


    The King of all Dwarven kind, reaches for his Hammer with the intent of braining himself with it. Anwen is quicker and pulls it out of his reach.


    Anwen nods, "To be fair though, I am from an alternate time line. Oh and I am not totally ignorant of smithing things. I know mixing Chromite or a specific form of it, with steel makes stainless steel. I just don''t know how to make that. As a side note, Chromite salt is useful in Leather working, speeds up the tanning process to days instead of years. But without knowing how to Smelt the stuff I can''t use that process. Ergo the reason I added Smelting in to the mix, well one reason."


    Defeated he sighs and nods, "So be it. And as you say having that knowledge will speed up my getting my belt. I will leave my old one with you as a kind of model of what I need. A few more places for pouches or tools would be nice to." she nods and he ask, "And the answer to that riddle ?"


    Nodding and smiling she moves over to him and whispers in his ear, "Man" giggles, "In the morning of his life he crawls on all 4''s, in the afternoon of his life he walks on 2 legs, and in the evening of his life, with the use of a cane, he walks with 3 legs."


    He stares straight ahead for the longest time. "Gods, no wonder it''s so hard. Tricky answer. Where did you learn of it if I may ask ?"


    "My childhood actually. It was known as the Riddle of the Sphinx in my world, if you could not answer the riddle, the sphinx got to eat you. Took about 100 years before she met someone as crafty as she to get that riddle. Don''t know if she ever came up with another like it though, stories did not say."


    Nodding he places his hot hand on her head and ''uploads'' all the skills and knowledge she requested as payment. She passes out from the level of information.


    He looks at her companions, "When she wakes up she should have all the skills she requested. I need an ale."


    Sarah gets out the Cloak of the Vagabond, and searches till she finds the one ale the cloak carries and hands it to him, "Here you go. It''s a very good ale."


    He takes it, looks at the grinning dwarf face on the side, and how the ''helm'' opens to reveal the mug and high quality ale. He takes a swig, nods and then chugs it. "Nice and cool to. Thank you lass."


    She nods, "you can keep the Stein to. Its ''insulated with a combination of metal on the outside and ceramic on the inside''." she quotes. He looks it over once more and nods. Bonus, nice.


    The Gnome looks up at Nast''al, "About your questions concerning Tiamat, I suggest you go to Babylon and find out for yourselves."


    Anwen groans for a couple of days about the head ache and muscle ache of her wish. Having the knowledge is fine, but the Skill came with ''muscle memory'' and that takes a while to settle in. Which of course hurts as it does so.


    So it falls to the others to gather the needed materials for the Leather. While a very sick Anwen using magic cause everything else hurts to much, shows the shapes of things she needs built in order to complete her part of the agreement. Fortunately they don''t have to leave the region to get everything she needs. The local craftsmen, mostly being dwarves and a few humans, are more than capable of making the requested items. It also does not take long for a proud Sarah to tell the tale of how her mistress beat the dwarven god king in a contest of riddles for the prize of his hammer. Which she has and the local dwarven priest of Moradin can and do recognize.


    High Priest of Moradin comes to her tent, while she is recovering, "Greetings oh riddle master." he starts, she moans, "Sorry sir, I am in a fair amount of pain right now. Sneaky dwarven god."


    He looks surprised, "Sneaky ? Moradin ?" She nods, "We made a deal you see, I would craft him the finest work belt I know how to make and in return he granted me the knowledge of smithing and smelting. Sneak did not warn me about Muscle Memory. You know how your body over time gets used to doing certain things till it gets to be a habit ?" He nods, "Ok now imagine that, only it¡¯s a couple decades of experience crammed in to a week or so of pain."


    He considers then nods, "Yes I can see why you''re in pain and yes I see the Sneaky part to. Probably a little revenge for the riddle. Your leather clad lady friend has been crowing about that all week. Though to be sure catching a god with a riddle like that is crafty." she nods, winces and summons a glass of water to herself. "I am just glad I went with that one first, cause in truth I don''t know many riddles unless you count some philosophical types and those can go on forever. " He grins and nods, "Yes being a priest I know many such riddles myself. They make good points to ponder when doing menial task."


    She tries to smile in agreement but the pain is too much. "I take it you want to see the hammer ?"


    "Yes please." he answers humbly. She levitates it over for him to examine. She even lets him hold it. "If I were not a mage and had such good friends, I would be in trouble by now." she moans to herself. His curiosity satisfied and his faith reinforced by this powerful but humbled woman, he thanks her and leaves her to her rest.


    The whole building process for the crafting devices takes a little over 2 months to do. Mostly as Anwen wanted to make sure the items of manufacture could travel fairly easily by mule.


    After that and finding the best hides for her work, she sets about testing things and working on not only the belt but other items she wants for herself or her friends. She spends allot of gold getting the tools for the smithing she needs and time and ore to make the items for Moradin''s belt. She actually makes 12 belts each better than the last before she reaches a point where she can''t really do better at her skill level than she has made. Her 13th belt is her best and has just a touch of magic sewn in to it to.


    She uses the Mirror of Mental Prowess in its smaller form to contact the God to let him know it is done.


    Moradin, with his wife in tow, appears from a door in a hill side. He makes introductions to Anwen and Mrs. Smith. There is some small talk and pleasantries then Anwen pulls out the finished belt.


    The belt is wider than normal, a bit thicker to. It has studs along its top and bottom to increase its durability and more hoops, loops and pouches, open and covered in buttoned flaps, than will probably ever be needed.


    Moradin is mighty pleased with the outcome of the belt and to add to it, Anwen informs him she included a mending charm so it will resist scaring or outright cutting and improve its life span. The studs also carry a charm against fire to keep it from accidently getting burnt. She even went so far as to stich his symbol in to the back of the belt. His wife approves of that as well. As an added bonus she returns his hammer to him. "I know you gave it to me, but then I also know the reputation of the hammer and how it tends to disappear when you need it. So I thought to skip waiting for you to want it back. I did make use of it though in the forging of the studs and buckles, which are all stainless steel, so they will resist corrosion and rust." He nods, "Anything else you used to forge it with" his wife ask.


    Anwen nods, "Of course. I needed far better tools than any in present mortal hands. The Hammer was very useful in making of those items as well. Fortunately I already have an anvil. Medium sized but worked well for my needs.


    Mrs. Smith ask, "I do want to know how much ale he had on his first visit."


    Anwen nods, "1 stein full. We only had that much and gave it to him. I suppose you saw the Stein ?"


    She nods, "Yes wonderful craftsmanship, where did you find it ?"


    She pulls out the Cloak, "Ask him, he is the one who procures such things."


    She stares at it for a moment, "Dear, that is just a cloak."


    Mr. Smith explains, in a side whisper "Actually a powerful spirit resides in it. It summons items to the wearer, but in limited amounts and only a few things per day."


    Anwen nods, "It also makes the wearer look very poor. Which is fine with me cause my beauty causes me no end of trouble from over amorous people whom I have little to no interest in. And yes I know, to Dwarves I am not as pretty, but to Humans I am exotic and otherworldly and being a red head does not help." Mrs. Smith nods, "I can see your point, but your right, Dwarven men like a woman with a good beard."


    Anwen pulls her long hair around her head, "With a few ties I can fake one." Both dwarves chuckle at that. "Though seriously I don''t think my height would make it convincing." That gets a grin and nod to.


    Moradin try''s on his new belt and noticed it can be let out or in as needed, nods in approval, "So you are going to be doing some traveling. Anywhere in particular ?"


    Anwen nods, "For now toward Babylon area. Some things we want to look in to and well trading stuff you know. But after that we have not decided. Truthfully I get antsy staying in one place to long. I have a strong bit of wanderlust in me."


    Before they can make their escape however the local Dwarves show up to meet their gods in person. Moradin takes it in stride and is soon weaving tales and telling jokes and praising their skills in making the specialty items Anwen needed to make his new belt. Which he shows off to all present. The Head Priest show him his new belt (they are very similar) and tells him that I made it for  him for all his help in getting the ore and such she needed in good time. Moradin is quite pleased with this and his people. Wishes them well as his wife lets him know he has other business to attend to.


    She nods to Anwen and soon after the two leave. He well satisfied with the belt and the trade and her that her husband did not go on a drinking spree while out of her sight.


    After they are gone Anwen smiles at the Dwarves present, "Well now you have a good story for your children yes." The high priest and the head of the dwarven miners both bow to her, "It is thanks to you that we had this blessed event. And thank you for the belts. You did not have to give them to us."


    She waves that down, "Truthfully many of those where my learning curve to make his belt. He wanted the best I could make after all. And I had allot of help from all of you in doing so. So the belts are a thank you for working with this strange group of travelers in what has had to be a very odd set of circumstances." Many laugh at that and nod. The priest looks around, "His hammer, he took it back ?" She shrugs, "I gave it back actually. What is a smith without his hammer after all. Besides I used it to craft one especially for me, also its power is limited to non-dwarves anyway." she adds with a shrug. They all grin and agree with that.

 Chapter 1: Revelations and other Weirdness

    A day away from the dwarven city / mine Anwen is unusually silent. Deep in thought.


    Shule rides up next to her and waits, around midafternoon Anwen actually speaks, "I think I am being manipulated for some reason. I did not really look at it before, but Moradin would not just show up to a random group of adventurers and trade as he did, what he did without some motive. He is the god of creation, he can just Will a belt in to existence far better than the one I made for him. I think, in part that was a test. But to what end ? Why bother with us, or even me for that matter. Sure I know stuff from an alternate time line that may or may not happen in this time-line. But there has to be more going on. And why was The Gnome so interested in getting us to go to Babylon ? Mesopotamia of all places. It''s mostly a desert, part of the Arabia''s, has much different magics than the west. But what else is going on. It does not make sense."


    Shule lets her ponder to her, "Well for one thing, I am from that part of the world and I am following you around. So maybe it''s not all about you. Though I do see your point. The problem is we are missing too much information to make any reliable guesses. But I agree about Moradin. There was a reason they wanted you to have that knowledge, and I don''t doubt for an instant that he already knew the answer to that riddle."


    Nast''al looks back, "Maybe they wanted to keep you out of the greater circulation for a few months. If you really want to we can go back and check on that village. Make sure it was real and not just there for convenience sake."


    She looks at him then pulls out the mirror, cast a cleansing spell of her own design on it (works really well at removing Others influences) It GLOWS brightly then the glow breaks apart and flows away. Everyone, Anwen included, looked at that with wide eyes, she mutters, "some spell just failed it''s saving throw." One of many strange things they have gotten used to hearing from her, though it''s meaning is pretty clear.


    She then uses the cleansed mirror to scan back the way they came. There is a mine there, and people. But no dwarves, no dwarven town, and none of the items needed to make the equipment they needed to make all the things they did make.


    She starts humming ''do do Do do do Do do DO" (twilight zone theme, or close to it)


    Shule ask, "What''s with the humming ?"


    She looks at her, "Spooky music cause there is no dwarven settlement back there and I am willing to bet that the people back there never met us before either."


    Sarah, "And once more the gods bring drama and mystery in to our lives for reasons we can''t imagine." The others all nod.


    Owen worriedly, "So should we continue toward Babylon or go someplace else ?" Henrik nods in agreement, "I am worried to boss. I remember what happened in Egypt and we were just on the side back then." Sarah hugs Anwen tighter, "I am scared. I hope they are not trying to start something using us as the bait." Anwen shrugs, "The White Lady put me here, with a special curse that I am Always the bait. One of the reasons I face disaster so blandly, I expect it to be coming but hope it will come later."


    Nast''al smacks his lips and looks a touch feral, "Ok I think that cleansing spell worked on more than your mirror cause I am suddenly very hungry in a dangerous sort of way."


    Shule places her hand over her stomach, "Me to. This is not good. I remember feeding back there ¡­ on a willing dwarf .. who was likely a spirit, shit we have been feeding on illusions for 2 months or more. You all are very lucky to be alive right now."


    Anwen shakes her head, "Been working a calming spell actually, keeping your beast side in check as I don''t want to have to hurt either of you or put you in a box to keep you from injuring yourselves."


    Nast''al actually nods, "Thank you for that. I for one am glad you thought of it. I don''t want to turn around and eat my boys. I like them the way they are, alive and helpful."


    Shule reaches out and grips Anwens arm, "Find us some people to eat, teleport us if you have to. Even with the calming spell I am in dire need."


    Anwen nods, letting the nervous horses lead them, as she uses her own inborn Clairvoyance to scan for ''food'' for her companions. Moments later in a flash they are out of the mountains and next to a battle field on the edge of a great flat. space, scrub turning to grass to the north, rocks and sand to the south. It''s still late afternoon, but there is a large scale battle going on between seasoned troops and what looks to be a marauder army. "From what I am picking up the troops are Hittites while the marauders are a mix of bandits and people of the sea come inland. I say aim at the marauders if you can."


    They were long gone before she even started telling them what she was sensing. She opened her eyes and noted their empty saddles, "They left before I could say anything didn''t they ?" The thralls nod, "Oh yeah, They smelled all that blood and your spell control snapped." Henrik reports, "But at least we arrived behind the raiders."


    Some of the raiders turn and see the group of riders and decide to go after the much easier pickings there. That proved to be a very bad idea in the short run. The riders saw them coming and just Sat there watching them come. Then a woman raised a stick, pointed it at them and fire enveloped them, ending most of the raiding party in that instance a few were either far enough back, or shielded by their mounts and live. The second ball of fire ended that however.


    Anwen noted the raiders had wagons, so she started her horse in that direction. Any of the raiders that tried to stop them got blasted, usually with fire but also lightning and bolts of magical force and once, just for practice she pulled a rounded stone from the mountains, dropped it on a group then used her TK to roll the 800 lb. boulder all over everyone in the way. In very short order her little group captured the supply and loot wagons in which they found many women prisoners, a few children, mostly girls, and lots of odds and ends.


    Seeing them Anwen just turned toward the battle field, noted where the vampires were, then aimed at a different section and let loose a massive whirl wind from the ''staff'' to rip the marauders up and toss them aside like so many rag dolls. Using her cane she directed it back and forth, careful not to catch the Hittite soldiers and focus solely on those human monsters.


    Between the Immortals and the vengeful Anwen it did not take much to utterly route the few remaining marauders.


    The soldiers wisely decided to give the immortals a lot of room and worked their way over to the mage and her whirlwind, which was still chasing some of the few surviving marauders.


    The captain, bloody, but able comes up to her, "Greetings and well timed mage. Thank you for your help against those .. those."


    Sarah provides, "Beast in human skin ?"


    The captain looks up at her and nods, "Yes, thank you."


    Anwen growls, "Beast have some sense of right and wrong, those, those are less than beast. Their cargo here is mostly women and children and I believe some of these women have been raped. I don''t do well with rapist." The screams of the fiends as the whirl wind tosses them from on high makes a good counter point to her words.


    One of the soldiers looks in to a cage and lets out an anger filled roar. Anwen turns and watches with surreal calm, "Captain, these are Our women, that is my wife and daughter."


    Anwen gets down from her horse and pushes past the soldier, "If you will move I can open these cages." she tells them. They let her through and she uses a blast of magic to destroy the locks, freeing all the prisoners.


    It becomes evident that the marauders raided their city where these soldiers families were at while the main branch of them were away from home.


    While the soldiers reunite with their families Anwen and company go to collect their Immortals.


    Both are laying in pools of mud, blood and other less mentionable things, looking quite bloated by the time the others find them, "Well you look sated, and a mess to. If you can stand I can at least get you cleaned up." Anwen says with a small smirk.


    Nast''al gets up and then helps Shule up and they move to a less disgusting piece of land, where Anwen does her cleaning spell. It removes all the dirt, excess blood and such from them and their clothes. Better than a shower and a dry cleaner Anwen thinks, but keeps the words to herself so as to not confuse them.


    Looking about them, "So did we win ?" Nast''al ask in his dry humorous way.


    Anwen nods, "I think so. I lost my temper back there and pulled out the big spells." Sarah is bouncing, "Big wind, sucked them up and WHOOOSH threw them out, splattered them all over the ground. It was a glorious bit of destruction!"


    Anwen shakes her head and the others smirk or laugh at the girls antics. Owen takes it upon himself to tell the immortals what they found among the marauders booty and how the guards are now reuniting with their stolen families.


    Anwen starts to move on, "Unless we want to get pulled in to more of this drama I suggest we move on. We came, we saved some people, killed a bunch more, time to leave before they start that Hero''s stuff again. That never ends well for us." The others agree.


    By the time the soldiers have reconciled with the remains of their families and turn to thank their saviors, the party of hero''s is almost over the horizon.


    The Sargent looks to his captain, "Some people just don''t care for praise or thanks I guess."


    Private, "Or maybe they need to somewhere soon and could not afford further delay." The captain just nodded and left some men to search the bodies for any useable loot.


    Further up the trail, getting close to evening and they are looking for a place to set up camp, Shule comments, "Where are we anyway ?"


    Anwen, "Northern Turkey, um if you go east from here you hit the Black sea, west is the edge of the Mediterranean sea, we are somewhere in the spar that separate''s those two sea''s heading toward Turkey, or whatever the Hittites call their land."


    Shule is looking surprised, "So we just skipped about 3 months or more worth of travel so you could find us a battle in which to feed ? You know a village would have done it."


    Anwen shrugs, "Marauders need killing, you needed to eat, I saw it as a win win situation. Besides I wanted to put some distance between the dwarven mountains and us. Mountains behind us, several months closer to our goal, also win win."


    Sarah, being curious. "How far can you move us if you put your mind to it ?"


    Anwen looks back at her, "Love I moved us from the middle of Egypt to the middle of Romania the first time. That is several thousand miles. I have to admit I was happy to note I did not leave anyone behind with this jaunt. Got you, the horses, the boys and Mew to. Was not sure I could to that to tell the truth and was all ready to go back and get anyone I left behind if needed."


    Sarah nods then says allowed, "Maybe you really are a god now. Only Gods are supposed to be able to do stuff like that you know. And well Nast''al''s a god, just like Isis and Osiris and stinky snake man."


    Shule in a light joking tone, "Maybe we should form our own Pantheon, Nast''al''s is Death, and snarkiness. I am Beauty and Elegance, and Anwen is knowledge, fire, and kinkiness."


    Stolen story; please report.Sarah frowns, "Then what are me and the men ?" Nast''al without missing a beat, "Worshippers."


    Anwen shakes her head, "I don''t agree about Nast, sure he has the whole death cult going for him, but he is also loyal to a fault and a true friend once you get him to admit to that. Snarkiness is just part of his personality and shows he cares. He is not snarky with anyone he does not like."


    Shule makes a face, "Ok I agree with that." Nast just nods as do his boys, "But what about the rest of it."


    Anwen thinks, "Well You are the Dancer, the dark beauty, and the Elegant Lady to be sure, and a bit of a romantic as well. So I could see you as a goddess of beauty and skill and culture." Shule smiles.


    Anwen continues, "If Sarah was an immortal, given her proclivities and all, Kink and sex, sort of the darker aspects of Shule''s elegance. Where Shule is grace and such, Sarah is the party girl. Owen is the hand in the dark, the um, what is the male version of a hand maiden ?"


    Owen, "Lieutenant ?" Nast''al, "A handmaiden is a servant my dear. Sarah is your Handmaiden."


    Anwen looks surprised, "OH, ok well that clears up some confusing information I had. Hum, sorry I was mixing up things. See in the old story I got that from Lillith, the mother of all vampires, was the handmaiden to Ishtar, who is a Mesopotamian goddess of fertility, love, war, sex, and power, and whose counter-part in the Sumerian side is Inanna the Goddess of love, beauty, sexual desire, fertility, knowledge, wisdom, war, and combat. Both very high placed goddesses in their respective countries. I digressed again didn''t I ?"


    Everyone nods or agrees. "Sorry. I read about them at the same time and well I am not perfect and I get stuff confused at times. Anyway Ishtar''s love was often fatal, or at least saw to beings being enslaved or destroyed or made lesser. For some reason, later scholars confused her with the Goddess of the Night, who had owl wings and feet and looked Nothing like any of Ishtar''s images. Inanna came before Ishtar and their cults seem to have merged somewhere along the line. Which is why I mentioned both."


    Sarah pokes her, "Ok so what ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "Tiamat is from the time of Inanna or the other way around and we were headed that way to see about getting an answer about Tiamat."


    Sarah pokes harder, "No I mean the handmaiden bit."


    Anwen scootches away from the poking, as best she can while sitting on a horse, "Oh that. I did not equate handmaiden and servant is all."


    "Inanna sign was an 8 pointed star or rosette and lions. She was often depicted as standing atop a pair of lions. Also for some reason a doorpost, which I know what the scholars say, but I don''t see how a door post equates with being a fertility goddess."


    Shule hears that and looks confused, "me either. That is strange. When I was a child the Doorpost was used in weddings to show welcome in to the home of the husband, it had nothing to do with fertility. Now the grain shafts used to make the doorpost did. They were to encourage many babies and health in the home."


    Anwen slowly nods, "That''s right, I forgot your from that part of the world."


    Shule just grins at her. Nast''al shakes his head.


    Henrik who has been quiet all this time speaks up, "Going by Lord Nast''al''s name and his doctrine would he not actually be the god of death and rebirth ? As his name does mean Reincarnation right ?"


    Anwen, "Resurrection, but close and is pretty close to his name the undying since resurrection is dying then rising from the dead. Which pretty much covers most vampires perceived creation process. Reincarnation is dying then returning in a new form. Same soul, different body and life."


    Henrik nods, "oh ok"


    Nast''al pats him on the shoulder, "Good try there Henrik, well thought out to." Henrik smiles sheepishly.


    Owen, "Ok that''s well and good, but what were you saying about me in your little Pantheon building idea ?"


    Anwen cracks up, "Well your Nast servant, he is death you¡¯re his dagger. Henrik is more like the slower death. Never see it coming till it falls on you. Usually with sharp weapons and in a fight."


    Sarah, "And Anwen is like Inanna instead of Ishtar, sexual desire, sex, beauty, knowledge, um, let''s see what else, oh Power, and MAGIC!" the last said with a Huge smile.


    Shule, "So what does that make Sarah again ?"


    Anwen, "Willing submissive plaything usually. Or the perfect slave."


    Sarah nods to that, "True. I like to work, I love pleasing my mistress and I have no inhibitions." Everyone there is agreement on that.


    That evening they find a nice shallow cave and with the tent they use as a secondary cover it''s a cozy spot. The only down side is for Sarah, who can''t get her sex on because Anwen won''t do it with so many people around. Anwen did give her permission to have ''fun'' with the boys but she only did it once and was acutely aware of how uncomfortable it made Anwen, even though she never said anything. The immortals though could have cared less cause when they go to sleep, they are pretty much dead to the world.


    Sarah sits down next to Shule, who is making herself comfortable with several skins and blankets, for her rest period, "Shule, why is it you never join us for sex ?"


    Shule stops and looks at her, "Anwen is my sister, in spirit at least, and unlike you, I won''t sleep with my relatives. Besides she has little interest in me that way."


    Anwen, getting the pillows from her bag of holding out, over hears that, "Whatever gave you that idea ?"


    Shule looks up at her, "Huh, well I mean back in Egypt you were with Kitten and Althea and you never did it with them. Kitten told me while you Like us as friends you had no interest in us That way."


    "I had no interest in Kitten that way cause I did not know her. I don''t normally just jump in to bed with anyone. Not even Sarah here. We flirted a bit for about a month before I eventually bedded her."


    Sarah nods, "Well flirted and she tied me up allot, which I really enjoyed. But no actual sex happened."


    Both Nast and Shule kind of stop and think that over. Nast ask, "So you and me Anwen ?"


    She looks at him, "No. Nothing against you but I prefer women." he nods, "Thought so, but figured it could not hurt to ask."


    She nods, "I have not asked Shule cause I did not think her interested in such. I was under the impression you were asexual. Meaning you don''t care for sex, but still enjoyed romance."


    She shrugs, "No my dear, that is pure self-control. Well I do like romances that is true. But well, I just never did because, like you, I have a need for trust in a relationship and two I like girls to. The only times I like boys is friendships or as food."


    Sarah scoots up closer, all excited, "Does that mean we can ?"


    Shule puts a hand on her shoulder and pushes, "Down girl, your still a slave remember." Anwen grins, "I don''t mind if you two play together."


    Shule grins at Anwen, "I know you don''t, I just don''t trust myself with her."


    Sarah looks confused, "Why not ?"


    Shule looks at her, "I like you. I really do, but your mortal and well, I don''t want to hurt you in a permanent fashion. Like accidently turning you in to something like me."


    Sarah nods, "I would not really mind that actually. Means I get to be with you and Anwen forever. Ok not eating Anwens good foods would be sad, but worth it just to be with you all forever."


    Shule nods, "We can eat, it is just not a pleasant experience for us. Well the taste is much the same, it is what happens afterwards."


    Anwen nods, "Either nausea or constipation."


    Shule nods, "Exactly and how did you know that ?"


    Nast, "Observation is my guess. She did live with a bunch of us for several weeks if you recall." Anwen nods in agreement.


    Shule looks at Anwen, "You want this to ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "As far as I am concerned this is between the two of you. I love you both regardless."


    Shule considers, "Really need to see if you would mind one of us as a lover. There are physical differences after all."


    Anwen shrugs, leans over the smaller woman and lets her hair create a tent over their faces, "So kiss to see if there is something there, or if it''s just wishful thinking ?"


    Shule gulps but nods. The smell of Anwen not to mention the heat that comes off of her is intense and exotic. Shifters run hotter than humans, this she already knew and with Anwen being part Fire, she is hotter still, but it¡¯s the warm heat of comfort, of a well-tended hearth, that is until they kiss, then that warmth invades her fills her, excites her in ways she can''t explain, only experience. This is just the first touching of lips, the barest taste of a kiss, as Anwen deepens the kiss the feeling of being taken in and consumed intensifies but she does not draw back, cannot draw back, something in her desires this warmth, Needs it badly. Her arms reach out and draw the woman closer, even as Anwens arms wrap around her, pulling her in as well. With no conscious thought their bodies intertwine, they stroke and caress each other without even bothering to remove clothing. Just kissing and caressing and Feeling the other for now is enough.


    From Anwen''s point of view, she is nervous and a little excited. Kitten was sexy sure, but Shule is more than just that. There is more to this woman than sex appeal and good taste. Then she taste her, and feels the coolness of her form and the soft feel of her face. The coolness in her quiets the raging heat that has become part of Anwen and draws her ever more closer to the older woman, that coolness brings relief and pleasure to the fire soul of the younger immortal. She finds herself falling in to the embrace unable and unwilling to pull back. A sort of feeling of comforting oneness envelopes them both.


    Sarah watches it happen, something she kind of hoped for but watching them merge that way sparks a little jealousy. Not that she lets that bother her. She kind of knew they would be compatible when they let themselves get close and really it makes her happy. It means Shule is one step closer to being family and family is very important to this girl. Family is safety and love and kinky behavior, all rolled up in one happy place.


    The kiss ends when Anwen has to come up for air, breathing a little heavy the two look at the other with a combination of surprise and desire, Shule breaths, "Ok, that was different and very nice, how about you ?"


    Anwen nods, "Oh yeah. Something more than just kissing happened there. It was like .. well the coolness of your form melded with the heat from mine and made a pleasant welcoming feeling."


    Shule nods, "Well put and oh yes. If you did not have to come up for air there I would have been happy just kissing you for a few days." Anwen grins, "Same here. Then we would have to break for food and, well potty break for me." Shule smiles, "True." they laugh.


    Nast comments, "I don''t know about what you were feeling but we all were enjoying the show."


    Anwen looks at him, then telekinetically pulls a sheet between the two sides.


    Sarah giggles, "Should have kept quiet, might have gotten more of a show."


    Henrik, "When she is right she is right."


    For the rest of the evening, not wanting to take things to fast, they settle for cuddling and kissing, and even pull in Sarah for some to. When they finally sleep it''s with Sarah sandwiched happily between them.

 Chapter 2: Lucks return or how to make a Dragon Horde

    The next morning Anwen is up first and feeling pretty good. Till she steps outside and finds herself in an ''Elven glade'' that had not been there the previous evening. Everything is ''Technicolor'' bright, there are flowers and butterflies and very strange looking elves in clothing far to light for this region dancing around. A young hansom elf bounds up to her, "Well met welcome to" She interrupts him, "Really, someone is stupid enough to try this crap." The elf looks taken aback, "what ?" he says and she glares at him, "Dropping an illusionary town around a group who were in a totally different place previously is childish and not well thought out at all. Whatever entity created you is none to bright. Bye bye now" Cast a cleansing spell with her annoyance behind it. The whole of the scene just vanishes with a pop. She looks around, and not seeing one Technicolor anything she nods and goes to collect the horses which had been taken back the way they came, fuming she follows.


    The little critter that was walking off with them gave a yelp when he saw her, "How did you escape the masters spell ?" The imp exclaimed.


    "Your master is an idiot for one. For two it only took a level one spell to remove that badly designed set up, now leave my horses and supplies or I will send you back to your master in Pieces."


    The imp shifts form to a mange covered wolf and growls, "Give it your best shot human"


    She shrugs and shifts to her Lion form, "Ok meat stick, wolf meets werelion, who do you think wins ?" Then she opens her mouth and roars. The roar shakes the tree''s scatters all the wild life and awakens her charmed horses. The horse coming out of their daze, proceed to stomp the wolf-imp in to pulpy chunks. After that it did not take much to collect their supplies and return to camp. Anwen shifts back to normal and pats and caresses the cheeks of the horses, praising them for being so smart and brave.


    Upon returning to camp Anwen informs the others about some stupid mage that tried to steal their stuff with a combination of illusions and an imp. She goes on to tell them how her roar woke the horses and how they then stomped the imp in to pulp. "Somewhere out there is a mage with a sick headache and the need of healing for his imp familiar."


    Nast looks at her, rubbing his chin. "So he tried the illusion of an elf village appearing around us. How did you see through it so easily ?"


    Anwen, making a face, "Well for one everything was To brightly colored and for two it was obvious the fellow has never seen an elf before. They looked like badly drawn caricatures of elves."


    Sarah looking behind her, "For three it looks like the idiot, in a very badly made grey robe and beard, is stomping up the road behind you to."


    Anwen turns and watches this ''mage'' come up the road with his badly mangled familiar under his arm, "Alright I want to know which of you fools messed with the Mighty Glarrons familiar ?"


    Anwen steps forward, "That would be me boy, Anwen Wonder Maker. Your beard is falling off and your very weak chin is visible. You make a very poor looking, well anything."


    He pulls his scrawny frame up, "I will teach you to eat those words." he starts chanting and doing a little jig while pointing at her. She takes a long stick they got for firewood and walks over to him and whacks him across the knuckles with it. Very effectively ending his spell. "Owowowow Why would you do that ?"


    Sarah laughing, "You¡¯re an idiot for one. "


    Nast, "When did we get in this thing of saying for one, for two, etc ?"


    Owen, "Last night, when them two were flirting with each other." nods at Shule and Anwen.


    Henrik looks at the boy mage, "Child go home, Anwen is a powerful sorceress your barely a beginner. I am just the muscle and I can tell that much." Owen adds, while playing with his steel dagger, "Unless you know, you care to stay and play with the big boys."


    The would be mage runs off yelling about the group being sorry for this.


    About 2 hours later as they are packing the last of the camp supplies up a group comes up a side path. The leader is a big man, roughly 6ft tall and 200 pounds of fat and muscle, next to him is a smaller and thinner woman with a mages staff in hand and a falcon on her shoulders. Behind both of them is the scrawny kid, minus his grey ''robe'' and fake beard. The man speaks, "Our boy here says you attacked him on the road, beat his familiar in to a pulp and called him all kinds of names."


    Anwen pulls out her cane and moves in front of the man, "Your boy here tried to enspell us with a poorly designed illusion first thing this morning, while his familiar tried to walk off with our horses and supplies. Once I dispelled the illusion I caught up with the little thief and retrieved our goods. The horses are the ones that stomped that thing in to the road.


    Then he comes up here in a ratty looking greyish robe with a badly made fake beard calling himself the Mighty Glarrik, flormop, or some such and tried to cast a charm on me. Except he mispronounced 3 words in it, so I took a stick and cracked his knuckles before he hurt himself with his own mangled spelling."


    The woman, trying to look superior, "You think yourself a mage then eh." She holds out her staff and makes the end of it glow. Anwen rolls her eyes, "Cantrips, really ? Look I went easy on the kid, my friends they are not so nice. You do not want to try your magics against mine." she ends as the woman takes a more aggressive stance.


    The woman spits, "I formerly challenge you to a duel of magic right here and now." the glow gets stronger. Anwen shakes her head, "Fuck off bitch"


    They all looked shocked then the man states, "Under the rules of the court of mages, you can either accept the challenge or forfeit and lose all your goods."


    Anwen steps aside, "All yours Nast''al."


    He smiles and a dagger appears in the big man''s throat, the woman loses her arm, the one holding the staff and blood gushes from the stump. Anwen looks at the boy, "Taking on members of the Guild of Assassins is really stupid kid." Him they let get away.


    Nast looks at Anwen, "Guild of Assassins ? Really ? Huh, I like that."


    Shule shrugs, "They exist in my lands actually, guilds for thieves and beggars to."


    Henrik, who used his speed to get behind the woman, quickly gathers her up even as Owen gets out the special bottles and gear to properly bleed the two out, waste not want not and all that.


    Sarah, "What was that all about anyway ?" Anwen pulling her ring out of her ear, "They were running a scam, they hit people they took to be wealthy and first try to steal their stuff the way they tried with me. Then if that does not work the kid runs and brings back ''ma and pa'' Both were actually low level mages. They try to scare us in to fighting them and their dirty tricks or forfeiting our goods. So far it has worked they never expected to run in to anyone who could actually take them.


    Guess our youthful looks worked to our advantage and your lunch for the next few days."


    Sarah ponders, "Why let the kid go, won''t he get more help ?"


    Anwen nods, "That or they will send someone competent to check his story, then I will send that thief back to their hideout, holding his head under his arm."


    Owen, "But aren''t you a thief ?"


    Shule, "She is an Anti-thief, she steals form thieves and works against them when she can. Right ?"


    Anwen thinks, "Naw, not really. I am just more of an adventurer really the thief stuff just makes doing certain things easier."


    Nast''al is just snickering to himself over that. He mutters, "like locks, sneaking, hiding, skulking."


    Sarah to Nast''al, "Isn''t sneaking and skulking the same thing ?"


    Nast''al shakes his head, "Sneaking is getting around without being noticed or seen, skulking implies trying to get in position to do something, like killing a target or stealing an item while not being seen."


    Anwen shrugs, "When I first learned this stuff I was dreaming of searching ruins and dungeons and such things. You know like in the stories. Never thought about much about how my life is actually turning out. Almost never get to use my skills, other than for thwarting pick pockets. Mostly I use my mage skills. Go figure."


    Shule nods, "Oh I remember such stories. Alibaba and the 40 thieves, the princess and the dragon and so many others." she sighs, "Good stories and I see your point. The worlds of the story tellers always sounded far more exciting than the real world. Still does even though we are now creatures of those stories." Sarah kisses her cheek, "You are not a creature, you are a Goddess." smiles and skips off to her horse even as Shule grins behind her.


    They are about 2 hours down the road from the camp (3 hours since the meeting with the rogue mages) when a mage on a flying carpet fly''s over them and without warning lobs a fireball at them. Anwen learns in that moment that she can actually Control Fire, as she ended up pulling it in to a tiny sphere in the palm of her hand. She stares at it in awe of what she just did. The others stare at her to, then Sarah cries out, "He is coming around for another pass."


    Anwen shoots up in to the sky and smiles, "Always wanted my own flying carpet." and hits the attacking mage with a push spell, (lv1) that knocks him off his carpet and to the ground some 20ft below. He is unfortunate in that other than a broken leg, he survived the fall.


    Anwen catches the carpet and using her powers learns not only its command words but that it''s last owner was tortured to death while they went about learning all the command words for his items.


    As Anwen plays with the carpet Shule leaps on the mage and punches him so hard it snaps his jaw. "No more spells for you meat. Trying to take on Gods is really stupid." she tells him before grabbing his broken leg and dragging his screaming doomed-self back to the party.


    Sarah and the boys strip the man of everything he has while Shule holds him up by the back of the neck.


    "Well we now have a nice flying carpet and whatever other stolen items this bastard has on him. The spirit of the carpet tells me this guy, the two we killed earlier and the kid are the entire gang. They have been torturing people with magic items to learn their command words. I tell you I tempted to pop over there and clear the place out, and get that kid. Make a nice present for this province''s governor."


    They turn to tell her not to bother and she is gone. But the carpet is still there. Sarah sighs, "She compulsively collects magic. There is no way she could resist such a thing. "


    Back up the trail, down a side path, through a hidden passage is a large complex of caves and carved rooms. What was once a huge group of mage thieves is down to 1 boy and he does not even know it, not till the red haired woman appears in the middle of the place and looks around, rubbing her hands together and muttering ''magic items hehehe''. He screams and then whimpers. No one could find this place No one who is not a god ¡­


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.She spots him and waves, "Hello boy. Your friend on the carpet is dead. My pet immortals ate him." she says even as she grows huge, hair on fire and body, encased in black leather, to a cross of a human female and a lion, "Really picked the wrong group to try and rob. But don''t worry, I am sure you''ll do fine in the afterlife." She tosses his masters last fireball at him and happily listens to him scream before turning to explore the place and pick over the best items they have.


    4 hours, she was gone 4 hours. They just trussed up the mage and put him on a mule Sarah pulled from the Cloak and moved on. She ask Shule, "So why are we keeping this guy ?" Shule smiles at her, "Well if you are to join us your going to need a meal or 20. I figured a mage of his quality would make a good first meal for my baby girl." She considers that then nods, "Ah, good point." She pats the mage, "I will try and make you last as long as the last mage you tortured to death." his eyes rolled in to his head as he faints.


    Nast looks at her with approval, "Nice threat, very well delivered. You show promise." She curtsies as Anwen taught her to do. Shule smiles to. "Some people need dying more than others. By that one''s reaction he is one of them."


    After another hour with no Anwen, "How long do you think she will be ?" Sarah ask worriedly.


    Shule, "How long will it take her to find the magic items, identify them and find a way to cart it back to us ?"


    Sarah sighs.


    2 hours, "Do you think she is ok ?"


    Nast''al, "She is a minor goddess who controls fire and turns in to a lion. I am sure she is fine."


    3 hours Sarah opens her mouth, the guys flinch, then she ask, "Who wants lunch ?" They relax and Sarah hands out left over''s from last night''s dinner.


    3.5 hours, "So Shule, just curious, but do you have any idea when you will turn me ?"


    Shule drops back next to her, "Well there are a few things that need to happen first. One is your period, you want that over and done with. Trust me, it''s almost worse than being an eternal virgin. Cramps forever, no fun, makes most grumpy to. Next we are going to need to be in an area where you can get enough to eat. Now we can eat animals but they don''t taste as good as most things on two legs and really humanoid blood is much healthier for us. Then of course we will also want a place we can hold up for a bit. The change is no fun wait, you like pain right ?" Sarah nods with a huge smile, "Ok then, you may enjoy it. Some do, I didn''t, but there you go. Even so the change takes a few days, mostly you''ll be unconscious for it, expect some really weird dreams, mostly about drowning in blood. We all get them. And there is some prep work we need to do to train you to resist the darkness. That''s those spirits that promise power and such but if you take their deal sunlight will reduce you to ash and you will never be able to cuddle with Anwen as her fire would destroy you utterly, and it won''t even need to be out to do it. They will lie to you, and try to use your desires against you as well as your fears. It''s not an easy thing and many have failed against it. But I know you¡¯re a strong person or I would never try this."


    Sarah nods, biting her lip.


    Shule gives her a one arm hug, "Fear is normal to, it''s a big thing you are doing. No going back, like marriage, only with out the promise of death as a release."


    There is a loud boom pop behind them, then Anwen the Crinos Lioness jogs up looking quite pleased with herself. She is sporting several bags, "What a hall. Lots of gold and silver, some platinum trade bars, not as much magic as I would have liked, but all these bags are of the holding type, most of the smaller varieties, but still Nice. Got a few portable holes to. No more flying carpets but did find a cloak of flying. So two of you can now fly with me." she is so psyched.


    Sarah, "What of the boy ?"


    "He whimpered and whined so much I killed him." she states blandly.


    Nast''al gives Shule a look. Anwen is supposed to be the ''nice one'' in their little band of killers.


    Owen, "So why kill him ?"


    She sighs, "He was a wasted cause, when I arrived he was torturing small animals to death for entertainment. You know how I feel about needless torture. "


    Nast nods, somewhat relieved that her sense of ''necessary evil vs unnecessary evil'' seemed to be intact.


    She eventually stores the items before shifting back to normal. Calming down as she does so. Still she is happy to have new items in her horde.


    Let''s out a breath, "I tell you, it''s addictive to go in to the mid form. Problem is my mid form is not as nice a person as my human self. It''s far more aggressive. Where I in this state would have just knocked the kid out as a present, she just tossed the old man''s fireball at him. And yes I know referring to myself in the 3rd person like that is not quite sane. But the Lion is a different spirit that has been forcefully melded to my own spirit. And Bast and her ilk do occasionally eat humans. They are known for it, part of their War God persona''s. And yes I am talking to myself and not you guys cause I am trying to come to terms with her just killing the kid cause he was annoying."


    Nast''al nods, "I was a bit worried about you actually. You are not one to casually kill someone, that is my thing. God of Death, Assassins and random badness." he says with a smirk and a wink at Anwen.


    Anwen looks at him, "You are really getting in to that God role aren''t you ?"


    He shrugs, "Well as you pointed out, I have my own cult and there are other lesser immortals who have taken on the god mantle successfully so I figure why not. Either way I am still me, happy, evil, person who loves my life and likes living it."


    Shule snickers, "He has a point and well ¡­ I called myself a goddess when I punched out that mage, though I was inspired by Sarah." if she could blush she would be at that moment. Her body language though shows it with the shy cast to her eyes and the small smile.


    Sarah sits up with a cat that ate the canary smile.


    Anwen, who has been walking beside them up to this point, floats up next to Sarah and kiss her on the cheek.


    Sarah, looking over at her, "Anwen, why don''t you fly around more ? I know you enjoy it, but you just don''t and I don''t know why."


    Anwen smiles, "While it''s not physically exhausting it does drain me mentally. And your right I love flying, but I get sleepy after a while. And well, you know how I hate missing things." Sarah laughs, Nast shakes his head while Shule just smiles at everyone. Owen comments, "How about like tree''s, mountains'' that cliff you flew in to last time you fell asleep while flying." Anwen nods, "Yes Those I like missing, I am talking about missing events or conversations. Hard to hold a conversation when I am a hundred feet up and your all down here."


    Shule, still smiling, "Which is why she was so excited when she found items that would allow us to join her up there."


    Henrik, "I don''t see why you don''t just turn Sarah in to a being like you Anwen."


    Anwen sighs, "Henrik, we have been over this. While it is possible Someday, the spell is 8th rank and I am just now figuring out 5th rank. It will take, most likely, years and years before I get to that point."


    Henrik shakes his head, "I don''t mean via spell, I mean like how it was done to you. From what you said of it it sounded like a version of how they make childer."


    Anwen sighs, "One their way was an accident, two I don''t know how and if I screw up Sarah is Forever Dead. I don''t want that, SHE does not want that. I don''t want to have a ghost lover."


    Sarah nods, "While being like Anwen would be nice from certain aspects, being like Shule is good to. And also Anwen pointed out, even if she turned me in to a fire cat, there is no guarantee that I would get the immortality, which is the point of this."


    Nast is giving Henrik a strange look then he turns and signs to Anwen, changing his language to something far older than anything spoken today, "Anwen, something is not right with him."


    Henrik turns to him, "What is wrong with me ?"


    Everyone comes to a stop and stares at him, Henrik looks confused, "What ?"


    Shule, who knows this old language, "Henrik my boy. Why this sudden concern about Sarah''s future ?"


    He shrugs, "Just seems to me that she would be better suited mate to Anwen as an El''nar Bastet." Anwen comes up behind him and round house kicks him in the head, sending him out of his saddle on on to the ground, he glares up at her, "What did you do that for ?"


    "Cause you are Not Henrik, you may be in his body, but HE does not know that language, no Mortal knows That language." The being Inside Henrik suddenly looks surprised at being caught so easily. Then he narrows his eyes, "How did You catch me at it, you only hear your own language."


    Anwen shakes her head, "Actually I hear both languages being spoken. Just something inside me translates it really fast. But If I concentrate I can tell the difference in words. And either your Egyptian or someone who has spoken to them cause Only they had that information."


    He sits on the ground with his arms crossed, "Well either way you should not let that fool of a girl become one of the Damned."


    Anwen rolls her eyes, "Oh gods and little fishes, I have heard that line of crap before. Bigoted little piles of shit calling them Damned when most of you are far more Evil than they may ever be." Anwen surrounds ''Henrik'' with her fire, there is a second aura overlapping his, with a clear line leaving him and heading toward the east and south, back toward Egypt. Anwen focuses on that line, then ''sets fire'' to it, causing what, or whoever is reaching out to control Henrik to scream and yank back it''s connection. Henrik''s body drops and he is unconscious.


    Anwen looks to Nast, "Sorry about that, but it was the only way I could think to free him from their control. I am unsure how long he will be out. But my soul sight says his own soul is still in there, just been pushed down."


    Nast nods, "It''s ok, it had to be done to free him. I understand." he picks up Henrik and cradles the bigger man like a child.


    Owen glares around, "Why did they go after him ?"


    Sarah, "Cause he is the deep thinker and quiet one. We would not normally suspect something off like that. They screwed up though when they used the old language and the term for her other self that she no longer uses."


    Owen nods frowning at his friend. Anwen digs out the non-descript rug and has Nast put Henrik on it and himself as well. That way he can stay next to his thrall and keep up with the group as they travel.

 Chapter 3: of Gods and Dragons

    It''s 2 days later that they leave the pass along the southern shore of the Black Sea and later that afternoon that Henrik wakes, feeling his own self and confused about what happened to him. He is mighty upset that they managed to ''sneak in on him'' like that.


    Anwen looking at her magic mirror map, "We are at something of a cross road here. From here to Mesopotamia Is roughly a year or more of travel the way we are going. So I put to you this, anyone feel like just skipping the rest of this country and teleporting there ?"


    Pretty much everyone, including the horses and the dogs looks at Shule. She looks around and grimaces, "Ok I know I am the only one who has trouble with it. I don''t know why my stomach always twist in to knots over it. If I knew a way to not be ill on the other end I would be all for it."


    Anwen looks thoughtful, "I may have a way, but we will need everyone to move in closure for me to pull it off. Oh and my target is this lake here, the shore to be precise." Shows everyone the ''map'' then pulls if further back so they can see how far they would be covering. Nast whistles, "ok I see why you don''t want to cover that range on foot. I do like that about that ability, hundreds of miles covered in a matter of a few clicks." snaps his fingers for ''clicks''. Owen looking at it and working the distance in his head, "If we were able to ride that distance with few to no interruptions it would take us roughly 2 months. With this crew, though and our combined luck, I can see a year or better. I am for just jumping ahead at this point."


    Shule sighs, "Ok, but I hope your idea works, otherwise I will make a mess, again."


    Everything is secured, moved in to place and then Anwen walks up to Shule, takes her in an embrace and kisses her deeply, letting their heat mix. When the kiss is broken they are on the southern edge of a huge lake. To their immediate east is a large group of soldiers and merchants, resting on the shore of the lake, most now staring at this strange group that just appeared like a desert mirage.


    Shule sighs happily then hearing a camel, turns around and see''s the group. "I don''t recall them in the image."


    Nast is looking in the mirror, "Hmm seems her focus drifted, we ended up about 10 miles east of our destination point. Still given the level of distraction it is pretty good aim considering the distance traveled and all."


    Anwen looking at Shule, "So how''s the tummy ?"


    Shule grins, "Fine, anytime you want to kiss me like that is fine."


    Over all the majority who saw them appear and then just stand there talking amongst themselves return to their business. Mages did things like that from time to time. The guards are watchful but otherwise don''t interfere unless provoked.


    Sarah sits up in her saddle, "OH Merchants, wonder if we can get some local foods and supplies." Anwen grins, "Girl does like to shop doesn''t she." Even so, the group heads toward the caravans. Nast''al listens then ask in a rough version of the common language, "Pardon, are there any merchants open to trade ?"


    A few close by look them over and a couple take the chance and are willing to deal with the obvious foreigners. But in the end, silver is silver and gold is gold and profit is always good. And once word gets round these people have coin to spend more merchants are willing to deal.


    A little talking allot of haggling and some good deals later they have some local clothes, good food, and some idea about the best routes to get to Babylon. Which is roughly 3 or 4 days off depending on the route you take.


    Around evening there is some excitement as a small dragon flies over. The newer merchants all panic and have the mages and soldiers up in arm, while the old hands light pipes, or gather on the bank to watch the dragon swoop down in to the lake and try and catch it''s dinner.


    An older merchant tells the group that some dragons nest there about and a couple times a week they fly over and chase some of the larger fish in the lake. Some few come by the shore and sometimes try to trade their catch for something better. Usually cattle or goats. One fellow sold off some excess camels once in exchange for a rather large fish. He had it mounted so he could claim to his brethren back home about how he caught it. Anwen shakes her head and laughs, "Some people will do anything to try and make themselves look better in the eyes of their people." The merchant nodded "True and it is foolish to do so in my humble opinion."


    Owen comes back to the group, dragging Sarah with him, "Hey Lady An, your little girl here about got herself taken by some slavers back there. I pulled her out before they could get their hands on her proper."


    Anwen looks at Sarah then points at her feet, "Sit there now." Sarah kneels there and awaits orders.


    While waiting, "Ooh dragons." she sighs. Anwen nods, "Yes they are fishing."


    "Not those, the ones over there." pointing behind everyone. Anwen turns then taps the old merchant on the shoulder, "Pardon sir, but is that normal ?"


    He turns and looks and sees dozens of dragons of all sizes dipping and swooping and circling in some kind of dance. "No, I can''t say it is. Most unusual behavior to be sure."


    There is some kind of commotion coming from further inside the massive camp, a mage with a sharply shaped beard with just a touch of grey rushes over, "Cover you wagons and prepare to move. Something is coming. All the priest of Ishtar have covered their heads and are moaning about the end of the world or some such. Not sure what they mean but it sounds bad."


    Nast''al comes next to Anwen on one side and Shule on the other, "Do you feel it ?" He ask, Shule nods, "Something old is coming, older than us even." Anwen seems to be listening to something, "Hey Nast, care to make a bet on our discussion concerning Tiamaat ?"


    Nast''al glances at her, "Why what are you .. oh shit. She''s coming isn''t she ?" Anwen smiles and nods, "Yep, that''s why they are dancing, Grandmother is coming." The near merchants hear that and move even faster to get their things packed. The return of Tiamaat is not something anyone thought was possible. More than a few of the merchants and soldiers are muttering things to the effect ''we are gonna die'' and then doing everything in their power to try and make it not so. Mostly packing and panicking.


    The air grows hush, the lights dim, Anwen walks out toward the edge of the disturbance, smiling. Her friends think she has lost her little mind. Then SHE is there, 5 heads, Red of fire in the middle, Blue of Lightning to the top left, Green of Woods to the top right, White of Clouds to the bottom left, and Black of Night to the bottom right. All the colors blending together along her back and twisting around her length and tail. No wings even so she glides through the center of the circle cast by her children. She comes to a perfect landing not 20ft from where Anwen is standing, staring up at her with a welcome smile while most everything behind her (except her group and animals) are running in blind panic away from them or kneeling on the ground calling on gods who are busy being Elsewhere as this ancient being comes fully In to the mortal world.


    She looks around and down and the middle head smiles, "ROB Good to see you child ¡­ you look different from last time."


    Anwen laughs, "New Body old soul." She laughs and Tiamat, queen of all dragon kind nods, "See you moved a few steps up the deity latter to. Congratulations." Anwen makes a face, "That was not my doing, that was something else I would rather not go in to right now." Tiamat, with ''Robs'' blessing, looks through Anwen''s memories and nods 3 heads, "Yes I see. Hm, well you have been busy." The bottom two heads move to look around Anwen at her friends, "At least you have some true friends and loves. That is very good. Hmm minor gods to, nice."


    Smiling broadly, "I see you have been watching those cartoons I told you about."


    Tiamaat nods, "Don''t agree with how they portray me but did like the form, though I modified it more to my own true self than what those children thought up. Good colors, bad understanding."


    "Well to be fair, that was more like a Hydra version of you and a whole few magnitudes weaker than your true self." Tiamaat nods, "This is true. At any rate, After our last chat in the dream realm and your comment about the rules, I did some digging and found out you were correct ¡­ you don''t recall those dreams do you ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "Bits and pieces I am afraid, I was in pretty deep at that point." The dragon nods, "I understand, your still new to this stuff. Give yourself a few centuries and you will figure it out."


    The red head looks over her top, "There is a little person trying to sneak crawl up behind you. She is not doing a very good job at it."


    Anwen turns around then sighs, and signs ''come here''. Sarah jumps to her feet and sprints over to Anwen, Stopping to look up in wonder at the huge multi-headed dragon. Anwen puts her arm over the girls shoulder, "This is Sarah, my girlfriend and technically my slave. She was a gift by Ramseys the 2cd. I tried to set her free and she won''t let me." Tiamaat giggles in a deep rumbling sound. "Some people are like that. I got a few children like that, still don''t know where that impulse comes from."


    "Now then ''Anwen'' is it, come here" Anwen takes a step closer, "Come now, little closer," two steps, "Anwen, I am not going to bite you." Almost a poof as Anwen runs up and hugs as much of the dragons lower body as she can reach with arms and legs. That deep rumbling laughter is heard again.


    Anwen purrs, "Solid, so hard to hug spirit forms" Tiamaat rumbles with laughter and hugs her carefully back with one taloned hand. "Oh my, ok was not expecting that." Sarah calls up, unnecessarily loud, "She''s a hugger. Loves to hug." one of the heads makes a wincing kind of face.


    Tiamaat, "No need to yell child, I can hear you quite plainly."


    Nast''al takes a chance and comes forward, bowing to the great lady, "Pardon the intrusion, but why did you call Anwen ''Rob'' to start with ?"


    She looks down at him, cocks her head to one side, like trying to decide to talk to him or maybe eat him. Then she smiles, "The one you call Anwen is an old friend. By a few lifetimes. I knew her soul self by the name Rob long before she became Anwen. One of the few Seekers I have met who understands cross world politics and laws better than most gods. Advanced souls are not as common as some people think. Anwen has come a long way since I met her original self and set her up with a spirit guide. And yes I did know her by a completely different name back then."


    She looks down at her lower chest where she is being fiercely hugged, "That reminds me, how is he ?" muffled, "have not seen him sense I learned how to reach the center." she says in to the dragons skin.


    Tiamaat nods, "Well that is how it should be. Besides he had many students and most were slower than you."


    She eventually lets go and drops back to the ground. "Thanks I needed that."


    By this time several of the dragons are now coming down around the mostly deserted camp ground. Most are patent, but a few want her attention and don''t want to wait on the tiny mortals.


    One butts in and actually tries to swat Sarah away, which would have been quite fatal to the small mortal girl. Anwen did not even consider, she just glared and the dragon found itself on its back with a splitting head-ache. Tiamaat just grinned and commented, "Maybe that will teach you patients when dealing with others now ?" The huge brownish black dragon rolls over and spits "What hit me ?"


    Sarah is by this time in Anwens arms, shaken by the near miss.


    Tiamaat nods to the girl with the flames for hair, "She is small but she is still a god. You would do well to remember that next time you think about tossing your weight about child." Tiamaat admonishes him. He huffs, "We are dragons, we need not " Tiamat tail slaps him down, "QUIET! I came specifically to talk with this woman. You will Not disrespect her or her friends, Understand ?"


    That really shut up ALL the dragons and most of the mortals with in hearing range.


    Few minutes later, everyone in their respective camps, save Sarah who is too scared to leave Anwens side after the thing with the dragon.


    Tiamaat is sitting next to Anwen who is trying to comfort the girl.


    T, "So I was listening to some of the gossip in the outer planes concerning how you not only freed the Gnomish creation god, which good show by the way, but how with his help you broke a deal with the Egyptians and ran off with power you stole from them. Now mind you I have read your mind, as you know, and know you never stole anything and that you never agreed to serve them either. You offered to be a free agent in their employ and they decided to make it permanent.


    I have also been talking to his Gnomishness, he really does not like his name known and I can''t blame him. That''s how they trapped him the first time. He has been trying to find someone who will take you in to their pantheon. The problem is he has not thought to ask you about it and he does not understand why your friends with those Immortals, who are minor deities in their own right even if they don''t fully know it yet."


    Sarah looks up at the entity, "Are you a god, or something more ?" she ask from the shelter of Anwens arms. Tiamaat smiles at her, "Little of both actually. I am a cross dimensional entity that is worshipped in some places, feared in others and others still see me as a symbol of something more."


    Sarah looks at Anwen, "She sure talks like you do." Anwen giggles, Tiamaat smiles.


    Nast''al comes over, having had a long talk with Shule. "That is because they are both advanced minds." He tells her, one of Tiamaat''s head''s nods.


    Anwen looks up at the dragon of dragons, "Just a few weeks ago Nast''al and I were discussing your supposed destruction, I on the side that you can''t actually be destroyed as in the story, he that the story was fact and therefore you were no more. I am happy you proved him wrong."


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.She grimaces, "I lose more Avatars in those stories and from people trying to make themselves more powerful than just about anything else." she sighs. "But I know the story, what you mortals don''t know is it''s all staged. We agreed on the hand over in power long before your people figured out how to stand upright and throw mud at each other. There are variations in the story in each universe we do those things in, shaping them to fit each place and all that. But it''s usually pretty close to the same and is sometimes needed to help civilizations evolve and move on. The problem is the last few incarnations have gotten in to ruts and this is making things worse not better. So a group of Entities got together and decided to drop just a touch of Chaos in the mix, shake things up and see how things go from there. This world got Anwen, just her. Sure we made sure she had more than a fair share of power, but not Godlike, gave her some really nice magic items to. Including the Gnomes prison and the Cloak of the Shut In. Yes I know what it''s called here, but I also know the nature of the god that''s in it. Hermit is the right word for him. He likes you all and has said some nice things about you. Given how hard he is to impress that''s pretty good. Then you go and boy do you shake things up, Freeing the trapped immortals. 13 minor gods, granted not all survived their time in prisoned or once out, but 11 survived to make the world that much more interesting. Had the history enforcers been able to stop you they would not have gotten out in another 2000 or so years and all of them would have been completely devoured by the darkness. Which is what the History Enforcers really want. Anwen is right when she pointed out that our biggest enemy is Entropy. It''s agents in all kinds of disguises do their best to stop things from happening in ways they can''t manipulate or control."


    Nast ponders that, "So maybe that was what happened to Henrik. Some spirit using information from Egypt took over his mind after Sarah voiced an interest in becoming like Shule or myself. Wanted us to not let her. Anwen used a spiritual form of her fire to sever the spirits connection to him."


    Tiamaat looks down at Anwen impressed, "You figured out Soul fire already ?"


    She shrugs, "It was not That hard. Bast told me she bound the lion and fire to my soul, so logically speaking ¡­" shrugs again. Tiamaat nods, "Yes, that little cat did you allot of damage. She was trying to take some of you in to herself, gain some of your powers. Thing is they come from someplace she can''t reach. I am surprised that cat has not tried to take you over yet."


    Anwen frowns, "It try''s, quite allot, it just does not understand as much as it thinks it does. It''s also so sadistic that I don''t let it out much. Last time it was out it killed a boy, then lied about the reason just to keep Nast calm, cause as he puts it I am the nice one in the group."


    Nast shrugs, "I suspected the lie truthfully but am enough of an actor not to show it. One does not make it as far as I have in my business without learning to be an actor of some skill."


    Anwen nods, "They want me to create More of those flaming cats to and the more they push it the more I don''t want to cause that scares me allot. Something about it really bothers me."


    Tiamaat slowly nods and then, "Nast''al please take Sarah back to the others, Anwen and I need to talk in private." Nast does so. Though Sarah looks worried.


    Once alone Tiamaat has her strip and send her clothing and gear over to the others. Then she does a Full examination of Anwen, physical, mental, and spiritual.


    There was Lots of Fire and other THINGS that showed up in the girl. Tiamat made lots of clicking sounds and then proceeded to pluck things off and toss them in to a swirling void that opened nearby, "I have seen fewer entropy demons in a dark riddled elder vampire than they stuck in you. Sheesh talk about over kill. No wonder you have issues. I mean sheesh, Everyone has Some in them, nature of the universe, but yikes. Sorry not trying to scare you there dear. Hm oh this is interesting, hm wonder what happens if I do this." the lion spirit falls out, rolls over and tries to run away. It did not get far before Tiamaat tail swatted it back, "So that''s why I was not able to find him. Looks like Bast mated you to one of her male children, spiritually speaking. Nothing to do with dominance, well it does but not the way you are thinking, more to do with her thinking in time it would take you over then come back to her, under her control." Anwen, in some amount of pain, "Darn. I like being a shifter, who am I kidding I liked the added power. I can''t lie to myself on that, I am a bit of a power junkie."


    Tiamaat smiles, "Many are child, at least your honest about it. Speaking of which. Choices, augmented human like before, immortal but not god, vampire, shifter or something else."


    Anwen looks perplexed, "What is ''something else'' cause as you know there are Lots of things that can fit in that category."


    Tiamaat grins and flicks out more unneeded darkness, "Well, being a God is one, yes that comes with the immortality but does not mean you have to have a following or priest or that. You were getting that anyway, just because of your powers and ability to out think many people. Another would be a dragon. or a dragon god, there is that to. I hear your thoughts, power levels, good point. Being a god does not mean much if you don''t know your levels. And yes because of the rules of This Prime plane you can stay on it even as a full-fledged god. Nothing stopping you from roaming around doing random acts of anything either. Though higher level gods get away with it more than lesser ones really. hm why are you thinking of, oh ah, hm Shule and you and the fire / ice, I wonder." Tiamat pops Shule over to them, Shule grabs her stomach, "Don''t Do that, you could have just called me over you know." Tiamaat ignores that, "Yes yes but this is important, I want you to kiss Anwen."


    Shule straightens and looks up at the naked floating Anwen, "Really ?" she does not need more provocation than that, she moves up, pulls herself up to Anwens level and kisses her, quite passionately. Tiamaat hums and mutters in draconic and seems quite pleased, she softly pokes the immortal, "That is enough, she needs to breath now." Shule reluctantly lets go and drops to the ground, "I see, fascinating, completely unexpected. You know how you feel her warmth drawing you in. Well for some reason her fire is pulling in the corrupted essence in you in to her. But it does nothing else. It''s an incomplete system. Fascinating. It''s almost like it was feeding on it but it had no digestive system. You know with a little work I could fix Anwen to be a compatible being for you. See your kind of immortals have no ''waste'' to speak of, so you build up a kind of psychic residue that eventually will make it so you have to start feeding on your own kind to keep going. Somehow when Bast was soul raping Anwen she started something but was unable and I suspect unknowingly building. Course it''s up to Anwen if she wants to be the mother of a race of beings who can feed on vampires by kissing them to remove that psychic build up."


    Shule nods then ask, "Would that be her only food, or just a side perk to something else cause there would have to be allot more of us around if that is the case."


    Tiamaat actually stops, and thinks about it, "Ok new plan. Have to rework that idea. Maybe, hmm possible. Ok how is this. Leave her basics much as they are but work out a way she can cleanse your kind by physical contact, say skin to skin. That way she doesn''t have to kiss everyone to make it work and has some mental control over it to. She just pointed out that some of you would try and force her to work as a slave if she did not have some control over it. Having a way to Gift it to others, yes that maybe possible, hmm."


    Shule, "You know you talk as confusingly as she does. I get you two are talking telepathically, but your side is allowed oh greatest of dragons." Tiamaat looks surprised and her heads all turn and look at the main head then in a sheepish tone. "5 heads, vocal control over 4 of them otherwise I would be speaking in chorus all the time. Bad design on my part. I am partially Chaos after all, design flaws happen." Shule smiles, "Your excited to, something new is happening." Tiamaat nods, "Yes, exactly true. Well not completely new, but certainly unexpected. Anyway she needs a way to get rid of the darkness she absorbs, that is important to. She already has a partial mechanism for the first part, hm yes, use the energy, transform it, good good. Anwen is a smart child, love that in people. Ooo oh no, really, ok won''t do that. True that could be bad in the long run. What, oh alright I won''t do that either. Was just an idle idea anyway. Ok ok back on track. What ? oh well I don''t know if I should ¡­ well I suppose it could be seen that way. Ok yes I could do it, that''s not the point. No, I am not going to let That happen here, that always in the long run turns out badly. Well mostly from that Pure Blood non sense you know. Yeah purist ruining it for everyone. hehehe yeah I could see that, you pulling a Jedi on them, hehehe, no not going to give you a lightsabre. Cause I know you to well." the black head speaks to Shule, "They are discussing a type of mystic society of law enforcers that use sunswords of a sort. Giving such a weapon to Anwen is just asking for trouble." Shule smiles and nods, "Is that the one that hums when you swing it ? She plays like she has one now with the sword she has." the head nods, "Yep, they do that, and come in different colors and styles to. We are afraid she be playing with it and either cut off one of her limbs or someone else''s." Shule nods, "don''t give her one." The head goes silent.


    After a bit they send Shule back to the others with warnings of big magics soon to take place and not to interfere.


    For a little while it''s a bit anti-climactic. Some lights, a bit of fire, lots of portals to swirling chaotic voids, a platinum dragon head comes out of one, they talk, it looks at Anwen, nods and leaves.


    Tiamaat gets up walks over to the lake for a drink and while she is away a portal opens and a pure gold dragon swoops out and eats Anwen.


    The group is screaming at Tiamaat who looks back and sighs, "oh well" then sits and watches to see what happens next.


    Nast''al storms up, "Aren''t you going to do anything ?"


    Tiamaat, "Can''t or Anwen will die. It''s up to her now."


    Shule, bloody tears streaming down her face, puts a hand on his shoulder, "She is right, if she attacks Anwen will die. That dragon was big enough to swallow her in one bite, she may be able to escape from the inside."


    Sarah is sitting there quietly and smiling, totally sure that Anwen will be ok cause she is Anwen and is perfect. The dogs move over to her, whimpering and such but she just pets them, "It will be alright, everyone is forgetting she can teleport."


    Shule looks over at Sarah in surprise, "Honey she can do that if she was conscious, but she was inside Tiamaat''s spell bubble and was in a sleep state."


    Sarah shrugs and remains calm. Tiamaat looks at the girl and smiles. That kind of devotion is rare and maybe helpful for what is happening.


    A few minutes pass and the dragon looks like it is having cramps, then it spreads itself in flight like it''s stretching only to glow very brightly and start shrinking inward till it is gone and Anwen is floating in a halo of fire. She comes back down to the spot she was before and smiles. But her eyes are still closed.


    Unnoticed by everyone else, the bag with Anwen''s spell book glowed bright gold for a minute then faded back to black.


    Tiamaat looks around, finds a dropped bucket and fills it with lake water. Which she takes over and dumps over Anwen, causing a cloud of steam to form. When the steam clears Anwen is standing on her own and staring at her hands then around her body, "I feel weird. Nice but weird."


    There is a small sonic boom then Shule is there, messily crying and clinging to her friend, "You were eaten by a dragon. Swoop Chomp, and Tiamaat just sat there and let it happen and and I thought you were dead." Anwen pats her friend, "It''s alright, it was not a real dragon but a spirit dragon. And well that was a bit of drama really. See Tiamaat removed the lion, it was not a healthy thing to start with. But because of the damage done to my spirit by Bast I needed something to fill the void. So she called up the Father of All Dragons, that was the Platinum fellow, who is also the Dragon God of Law and Paladins and a bit of a ham to." Tiamaat nods fondly "And she arranged with him to get me a dragon spirit to bond with. The fact that I have some dragon like tendency does not hurt either."


    Nast''al calmly walking up with Sarah and the dogs right behind him, "What tendency''s ?" He ask.


    Sarah answers, "Her horde for one, she is a compulsive collector you know. She is a touch vain, especially about her hair. Dragons tend to have something about them they are vain about to." Tiamaat nods and states, "Having a starter horde is a plus. Anwen, do to your nature, knowledge and skills at present we decided to start you off as an Adolescent using that quaint AD&D system you like so much as your template. Your of the European design not the Oriental as that is also part of your origins."


    Anwen nods, "So I am now Half Elf, Half Dragon, all Good." wide smile. Tiamaat, "Well Neutral."


    Anwen looks up at her, "I meant physically." Tiamat nods, "Ah, ok. Well you know the rest, share or don''t your call. I am going to go terrorize a town or two for the fun of it. See you lata."


    She walks off then floats in to the sky and heads north.


    Anwen turns to her friends, "Still a god but new perks. I can now make Sarah a minor god to. Dragon as well if she wants. Or you can still go with Shule, that is your call."


    Sarah''s eyes go wide and she actually looks scared, "You mean I have to make a decision ?"


    Everyone laughs.

 Chapter 4: The Dragon and the Dark Gods

    The group camps on the shore of the lake and does some fishing and lots of talking and some dragon watching as many are still about, most seem content to swoop and dive and do all kinds of aerial maneuvers, others are sunning themselves further afield or just fishing or playing in the water (hard to tell which).


    Nast spends time killing a dead tree over and over. (knives, swords, poison darts, whips, lassos.)


    Shule, coming from a walk along the bottom of the lake (bath), drops an old iron boot next to Anwen, "Find the strangest things in lakes." she states, Anwen nods, "Iron to. Though that is not unexpected as iron smithing started around here in the last 50 years oh so if I remember correctly." Anwen pulls a leg bone and foot bone out of it, "Someone pissed off the wrong people it looks like."


    There is a sizeable pile of ''stuff'' near Anwen. The dogs and Mew are searching over the caravans camp site looking for anything interesting. Course what interest them most does not interest anyone else.


    There is another camp on the far side of the caravan site, full of people who did not run from the dragons. Mostly slaves and a few die hard guards. They are giving the party a wide berth as one girl was eaten by a dragon then blew it up from the inside. That is one dangerous girl and none feel like challenging a group with people like her in it. (most don''t even remember Tiamaat being there)


    Sarah went visiting the slaves with Owen to keep them from adding her to their number.


    Henrik is fishing and having so so luck.


    Anwen looks up at Shule, "Other than becoming Human again, cause I can''t do that, what would you like to be able to do ?"


    Shule takes a deep breath and sits, "Eat, anything I want when-ever I want without the nausea or cramps or well you know. I don''t mind having to pee or poop as long as it does not feel like I am trying to pass my entire stomach and intestines in the process. "


    Anwen has her black book in her lap, "hmm I can do that, not that hard a spell really, though you may feel queasy for the first day or so. But that is because your insides will be turning in to a Thralled state. Interesting that. Can''t make you human but I can revive Parts of you. Hm, no making babies though, Tiamaat forbade that as it always goes wrong in the long run. Oh you''ll still be a vampire, so will need blood, probably a little extra for a few days or so to compensate for keeping your organs working. Down side you may feel hungry from time to time but aren''t really do to mixed signals between your blood lust and stomach. Don''t see a way to fix that. Still be immune to alcohol unless mixed with blood as per normal." Shule actually sits and thinks on it, weighing the pros and cons of it. Then ask out of left field, "Can you make me a goddess ?" Without looking up from her book, "Yes and no. Technically as a member of the 3rd generation your already of god like power. I can add to that and grant you a few powers you don''t presently have however."


    Nast''al nods, "Good I will take teleportation and invisibility." his tone only mildly joking.


    Anwen nods, "Doable" Nast misses his next throw in surprise. "Though" she continues "You actually already have a form of invisibility open to you. It''s one of your vampire powers which you have used from time to time."


    He slowly turns to her, "How powerful are you now ?"


    She shrugs, "Still learning but top ability stops at around Intermediate level. That''s just below the powers of like Ptah or Tiamaat. Right now, not much more than I was before, but the book now list spells I can cast and powers I have. It didn''t have that before, I guess because Bast did such a hack job on me."


    Nast''al comes over and looks at the book. It''s still looks like moving dancing runes to him, "Nope still can''t read that." he knows the answer but every now and then tries anyway. This time he sits in front of her, "So you can give me powers. Like you had when we met ?" She nods, "Mostly Some things you already have or the ability for them is locked in your blood. I do have a spell that would allow me to unlock those potentials, but you still start at the first level of it and have to practice with them like any other skill."


    Shule and Nast''al just stare then suddenly Nast''al hugs her, "I love you right now" he tells her. Anwen just smiles. He lets go and sighs, "Ok I admit, there are things I would like to be able to do but don''t because of how I am."


    Anwen nods, "Sex" Nast''al nods, "Yep." Shule smiles, "I can, but really wish it did not use so much blood."


    "Now that I can fix along with the eating thing, actually" reads her book and grins, "That may make it more doable, your insides would basically be thralled, your heart, muscles, brain and bones remain vampire, can''t change those. What this means is food you eat runs certain other parts, like sex organs, and tear ducts. Hmm not sure but you may even float a little. Not sure if you could swim or not, but with this you would not sink as fast." Nast''al nods, "Makes sense. Ok say we do this, You know when we get the chance we will eat like there is no tomorrow."


    "No you won''t cause I won''t let you. Otherwise you''ll just throw up, too much food and blarg." hand sign for vomit.


    Shule nods, "Yeah, I have seen starving people do that. It''s hard not to over eat¡­ can we get fat this way ?" looking in the book, "yes." she slumps, "Damn" Nast laughs, she slaps him several times.


    "Look you just have to be conservative and have lots of sex." is Anwen''s answer, Smiling at them.


    Nast just laughs, "I will get back to you on that stuff." He takes off running, with a naked Shule running behind him trying to slap him again.


    Mew Mew kit comes over, "I want to fly like you do." she states, Anwen answers, "You only want that so you can chase and kill birds." she looks at the cat who just stares, trying to keep that very idea out of her head. "I will think about it. How do you feel about being a Tressym ?" She looks blank, "What is that ?" "They are a magical species of cat that has bird like wings and can fly." she considers, "Have to think about that." Anwen nods.


    Mew goes back to looking for things she thinks should be in a dragons horde (more dead animals and strange bits than anything else in her pile)


    Romulus comes back with a lost boot, "This will go well with your miss-matched boot collection" she looks it over, "Sadly it''s not magical." He sits, "What do I know of magical. I can''t smell magic." She looks at him and he shakes his head, "Nope don''t want it. Now that immortality stuff, especially the healing part, that sounds good to me. Being a warrior and all you know." she nods and thinks and searches her book, "Doable actually. Can give you a few other powers to, add to your ability in battle, increased speed, endurance, give you the ability to see in color. Color is how we humanoids see the world. " he slowly nods, "Those sound good boss. Not sure about color, but the rest works for me."


    She nods, "How about Night Vision, like Mew has. Really it''s low light vision if you want to be technical." he nods, "I can see that being useful. Especially when she steals our food at night." Anwen grins but keeps her comments to herself. He runs off to look for the other shoe, or maybe something that ''looks magical''.


    Henrik comes back with a full bucket of fish, "Miss where is the skinning knife, I got to clean this fish if we are going to have them for supper." She gets up and gets him his knife. "Here you go. I surprised you caught so many with the dragons over there."


    He nods, "Mostly small stuff, but I did alright. I been listening to what you saying about giving people powers and all. I would be careful with that stuff." She nods, "Only offering you all the gifts. But not too soon as I still have a lot to study before I try anything." he nods, "So it''s more like what you called a wish list then ?" She nods, "At this point, except for a few small things yes. I can gift duplications of powers I already have, like telekinesis or teleportation, but everything else I need special spells for."


    He nods, "Not sure how I feel about that stuff truthfully. I mean there is always a cost right."


    "Yes and no, the cost is to me though more than you." She looks at him, "You know you would make a good priest or philosopher. You have the right kind of mind for it." he actually looks surprised to hear that. He cleans the fish and thinks about that. Does not see himself as a priest, but the philosopher, yeah he can see that.


    An hour later Anwen takes a pouch of gold and (still naked) walks toward the slave camp, looking for human sacrifices for her vampire lover and friend. The new dragon part is whining about the gold, she internally points out her horde is Magic Items not gold or gems. Gold is for Buying stuff, like magic items or food for her friends. Owen intercepts her, "You know walking around naked is not smart. Someone might confuse you for an escaped slave." She grins showing a mouthful of Dragon Teeth, he nods, "Of course that may just make them think you¡¯re a demon instead." she laughs, "Any good looking prospects for our immortal friends dinner ?"


    He shrugs, "May have been, but as you told Sarah your officially a god now, well she is been preaching your praises to them and trying to convert them to worshiping you like she does." Anwen face palms, "What is it with her and trying to convert the slaves of the world ?"


    "Well technically speaking and all, they are her people, sort of, ya know. She is a slave and proud of it and thinks you being a god for slaves is a good thing. Also they can''t really walk away from her preaching either." she nods, "there is that, makes it hard though when I need human sacrifices to feed the hungry blood drinkers of the world." Owen smirks.


    Catching Sarah being all Preachy and Fanatical is easy, shutting up not so much. Eventually she just throws her over her shoulder and apologize for her crazy friend. "I will be back after I tie her to a tree or something. I, SARAH SHUT UP NOW!" she finally shuts up, but smiling hugely, "I do wonder if any of the slaves are for sale ?" The guard shrugs, "I just guard them, have to wait for the boss to come back. If he comes back. That huge flight of dragons scared off most everyone. I been here my whole life, only saw something like that once. They did not stop, just flew over, like this time." she nods, "Yeah my research mentioned this may be the time they did that. It''s why we came. To see it. Like you said it does not happen often."


    This slave taps her leg, "Are you a god ?" Anwen looks down at him, "Elven mage actually. Crazy girl here, well she is a good worker and such but a little touched." she shrugs while Sarah try''s to counter that. Finally Anwen flips her over and looks her in the eye, "Stop it. I do not want them as followers. So stop trying to convince every slave you see that I am some godly savior for them. I am not. I am not nice people and you know it. Now, go back to camp with Owen." she turns to Owen, "When you get to camp, tie her to a tree, and remember to gag her." he nods and drags her off. Anwen sighs, "I love the girl but she drives me insane sometimes. This is the 3rd time in the last few months where she has decided to try and be a priestess and praise me to the world." The guard smirks, "Seen a few like that. Decide their master is the next best thing then that the world should think so to. First one I have ever seen trying to make someone in to a god. " Different guard comes over, "Uh mam, why are you naked ?" She looks at him, "Cause my clothes are covered in dragon guts mostly."


    1st guard, "She is the one that the dragon tried to eat and she blew him up from the inside." 2cd guard, "Oh. So you¡¯re a mage eh. Hm I suppose you used some kind of spell then." She nods and holds up a ball of fire, "Interesting note, while the outside of dragons are pretty resistant to fire, the insides are not. " a couple slaves laugh but the guards just got that ''ah'' expression and keep back.


    Not being able to purchase any slaves and not wishing fend off anymore ''god'' questions she heads back to camp. When she gets there Owen Started with the gag and is using some left over rope to tie her to the tree.


    Shule is watching with an amused interest. "Hey" Shule looks around and nods, "She was trying to convert the masses again. I really am not ready for that. Not sure I ever will be truth be told." Shule nods, "She loves you and wants the world to do the same." Anwen nods, "One of the guards said much the same thing." Shule nods. "She is pretty to." Anwen smiles, "So are you, so am I, we all pretty girls here." Shule laughs.


    Henrik, covered in fish guts and skins, "To bad you can''t say the same about the men you travel with." Shule and Anwen laugh, Shule counters with, "Ah but you¡¯re a big strong man and that makes up for a lot with some women." he nods, knowing there are those who look for strength over looks.


    Nast''al walks by, "I at least am Hansom and Dashing, I make up for my minions short comings."


    Shule grins, "well that may be a tiny bit true. You Dash away really well." Several grins and Anwen snickers. Nast''al puts his hands on his hips, "oh ha ha" he says sarcastically.


    Anwen, "Oh come on Nast, you set yourself up for that one and you know it." He nods, "Mind readers are annoying." She grins, "I don''t have my mind reading on, so that was just how well I know you." Shule smiles, "Takes real friends to pick on each other like this and not mean it. Right oh master of ''I have no friends''." Nast thinks about it, then sticks his tongue out at them and walks down to the shore to pout at being caught out.


    Owen comes over from tying the mouthy one up, "Ok that was the last of the rope the dogs scrounged. If anyone else needs tying up we will need more rope." Shule smiles, "We have rope in the mules bags you know." he nods, looking at all the stuff that sat on top and then at her, "No offense but I don''t particularly like trying to move all those barrels and all we came away with form that ghostly dwarven city." Anwen shrugs, "Just goes to show it was not all illusion. Reminds me I need to tan some leather and such just to keep in practice while we are here and to cover where our money is coming from."


    Owen sighs, "Why are we just camped here anyway ?" Shule, "Cause our reason to go to Babylon came to us here and now we don''t have any idea where to go from here. Also this is as good a place for Anwen to train in her new abilities as anywhere. Why ?"


    Owen shrugs, "There is a temple / guild hall to Nast''al in a city about a day and a half south of here. I was hoping to check in."


    Nast comes over having heard that, "There is a temple to me here ? Why does no one tell me these things."


    Henrik comes past, heading for Anwen''s spice bags, "Cause you¡¯re a god and we thought you knew."


    Anwen grins, "Minor god and he has been out of circulation for a good while. So he does not know much of anything that has been happening in the middle time of when he was last walking about and when I freed him. His area of awareness is only at best a couple miles of himself. Also he and Shule are not at full strength yet. They are getting there, but not just yet." The two immortals nod, Shule explains, "That burst of speed I did when we learned Anwen had not in fact been eaten, I used to be able to do that all the time. That was the first time since I awoke that I could do that and it''s still not easy for me. Give us a few months to a year and we will likely be much closer to full power." The men slowly nod, eyes going large at just how powerful they are yet to become. They are scary Now and not even at full strength ? Yikes.


    After the mortals and Anwen have dinner and clean-up is underway (Sarah''s doing the dishes), Anwen sees some merchants coming back up the road, a few more guards and some heavy military looking troopers who are eyeing the dragons in the area but don''t do anything else.


    Owen explains, "I grew up in these parts. The lake is neutral ground for the people and dragons. They like to fish and swim in it. But large groups like this are almost unheard of. So people who are not used to them may panic. Me I just like watching them."


    Anwen nods, "They like people watching to. Oof that¡¯s going to get some getting used to. I can hear many of them mind talking to each other. Some of those thoughts are, well not so much alien as stupid assumptions based largely on ignorance."


    Shule nods, "And they are Your people now to. May have a long road before you."


    Anwen frowns, "I was ok with being a dragon shifter, I really did not want the god thing to. They sort of snuck that in there. I told them I did not want to be a god. The shifter part I was cool with though." she sighs, "Instead of being an elf that turns in to a dragon, I am a dragon which can turn in to pretty much anything I can imagine as long as it''s within certain limitations. Can only become 3 times my ''true size'' mind you that''s Dragon Form, or as small as a Bumble Bee Bat. Which is pretty small but there are lots of things smaller."


    Shule, "A What ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "From my trivia information center, it''s the world''s smallest mammal, a bat whose body is about the same size as a bumble bee but its wings can extend up to 6." she creates an image of one.


    The image floats in the air, "The hand is for reference." she explains. Sarah looking from her spot, "Wow it''s cute. What''s it eat ?" Anwen thinks, "Bugs mostly." Sarah nods. Shule scoots closer to the picture then shakes her head, "That is small. Especially given the size of these dragons." Anwen shrugs, "My size is somewhere between 110ft to 150ft, that''s counting the tail mind you, 68 to 80ft just in body if I recall the scale properly. Dragons Never stop growing either, there are legends of ancient dragons so big they had to leave the world as they out grew it." Shule''s eyes go wide. she makes a little ''eep'' sound, behind them is the sound of a tin plate dropping. Sarah looks at her, "your too big for kinky fun time now."


    Smiling wickedly at her, "Naw I just wrap you head to toe in leather and use you for a dildo." That image snapped Shule back an she laughed. Sarah seems to be thinking that over as a possibility.


    Sarah seriously ask, "Would I go in head first or feet first ?" Anwen, grinning, "Depends on the mood I am in and whether I want you to lick my insides or not." Sarah holds still with that image, everyone can see her nipples get hard and the line of moisture rolling down her legs. Shule shakes her head, "Now you''ve done it, you gave her a whole new level of kink to daydream about."


    Anwen shakes her head, "I truthfully am not the one who came up with that idea. Don''t know who did, but have seen some drawings people came up with for Alternate Uses for Human Sacrifices. There are a bunch of people who think dragons live on nothing but virgin sacrifices."


    Henrik, getting the clean dishes to put away, "Well you 3 are safe then." he states as he stores the dishes. Snarking back, Anwen says, "You''re not." Henrik blushes and hurries away.


    Shule laughs. Sarah looks after him, "He told me he is saving himself for someone special."


    Anwen nods, "I was to. I found that person, but Bast took that away from me before I thought to act on it." Sarah looks sad, "Oh, who did you find ?" Shule looks at her, "Girl sometimes your very thick. She was speaking about You." Sarah opens her eyes wide, then smiles hugely, but does not stop working. "oh" is all she says, "Well that''s ok, we are together now." Anwen finishes.


    Shule lays back and stares at the sky, "You know, this thing with Tiamaat and gods has got me thinking. Other than being classy and pretty what have I got going for me. I have no childer, no ''clan identity'' as Nast''al puts it. I was a dancer, but I did that to make a living. What am I about now, that is what I am going on about." Anwen nods, "Me to. You know before this god non-sense started I really thought I was going to be a vampire before I hit 200. Kind of wanted to be one to tell the truth."


    Shule looks surprised, "Well I can still bite you if you want." Anwen shrugs, "May not be a good idea. You getting addicted to my superior blood and all." Shule grins, "Not likely to happen. Oh who am I kidding, I am already addicted to you. Your annoying, wishy-washy, all knowing of strange trivia, magical, and have the strangest luck of anyone I ever met. You attract the powerful and then try to befriend pretty much everyone, whom you are not trying to feed to us. You are an interesting mix of friendly and homicidal and amoral while at the same time you are innocent of so much and a cynic of everything else. You love magic, are annoyed with Elves, whom you have never really met either I might add, like to make fun of everyone and yourself along the way. You are almost as kinky as Sarah but you are also loyal and fun loving in an off-beat way and I am picking up so many of your words, phrases and styles of speech it''s scary."


    Anwen just stares at her, "wow. That is how you see me ? Huh and I was going for Mysterious all this time." Shule giggles, "That to." she sighs and shakes her head, "I have fallen in love with you and Sarah and I don''t know what to do with myself."


    Sarah, now finished with the washing flops down next to her, "Well you can have me, all of me and I am not just talking Sex. I have given this allot of thought, what Anwen offered me and what you have and well I kind of want both and I figured out how to get it. Shule turns me, I get the lovely vampire stuff, then Anwen makes me a minor god under her ''house'' as it were. Then we three get married and kill happily ever after." she states, then sticks her tongue out and giggles. "That sounded wrong at the end there. Killing Happily is not a good thing." The other two are now chuckleing at her run on words. But Anwen nods, "according to my book I can work it that way. Raising a mortal, or vampire to god hood is in my preview. Though I would have to name at least one of your areas of influence, your domain, as it were." Sarah grins, "I thought that was obvious, Kinky behavior and servitude. Both are strong suits with me." Shule, "not necessarily in that order either. Or combined as well." Sarah and Anwen both nod.


    Anwen sighs, "So how many slaves should I get to feed to her ?" Anwen makes a face, "Oh I should warn you both I may talk to myself more, the lion was sneaky quiet, the dragon spirit wants to know why I don''t horde all my gold, your gold and everyone else gold. And well any other sort of treasures. I been trying to explain commerce to it, it''s a hard sell. Also been explaining to it that gold is used to buy things like luxury items, magic items, and food." Shule nods, "I have heard part of that argument a few times today. For the answer on food for a new vamp we need to ask Nast, he has made others before."


    Before either of the immortals can move Sarah is up and running over to Nast, "NAST NAST! I got a question." Nast, without looking up from a map of the area Owen procured for him, "No I will not fuck you." She leans over him, "Not that silly. Anwen wants to know how many bodies are needed for turning a new Immortal." Nast looks up at her, "Over a hundred usually. It''s not just the first feeding either, it¡¯s the first week or so of blood madness." she nods, "Ok thank you. Shule agreed to turn me." She bounces away happily with her news. Owen looks at Nast, "Is that true ?" Nast shrugs, "It really differs from turn to turn really. Some take more some less. Only ever turned 5 people though, I would have done more but your grandfather turned me down. He fell in love. Which in the long run turned out to be a good thing. Cause you¡¯re here now." Owen nods, "Yeah I actually knew him, he lived to be almost 300 years old. Something of a legend locally. He moved out here after you vanished. Vishal the Enforcer came with him looking back on it I think that''s probably why he lived so long. Vishal went out on a job and never came back about 100 years before grandfather died. No one knows what happened to him. Well back then, I suspect it was the night fiends now." Nast nods, "More than likely. Though while Vishal was big, strong as an ox, and loyal to a fault he was not the most graceful of people. I could very easily see someone collecting his head. That and fire are the only ways to kill a minor immortal like him. Fire would do it for me. No head slows me down a bit, not being able to tell my body which way to run and all. Kitten and Mick, them I don''t know if they had any weaknesses to speak of. Seems each generation is a touch weaker than the one before it. May have to ask Anwen if she knows why."


    Henrik thinks, "So why tell her 100 then ?" Nast shrugs, "We don''t have that kind of money just laying around." Owen, "I counted the money that Anwen got from those magi bandits, she pulled over 24,000 in just gold from that raid." Nast comes to a complete stop, eyes going huge, "oh shit, she could get a few thousand slaves with that much. " he turns and runs over to Shule, "Stop her, oh please don''t let Anwen do the bargaining, she''ll lose all our money."


    Shule points to this very tall, gold flecked dragon, "That''s Anwen, she has her money and is in a strange place right now. Her dragon side is greedier than you. It wants not only all our gold, but all their gold to. And she can read minds allot better than she used to. Seems most dragons are telepathic."


    Nast wrings his hands, "But she can''t haggle, she is terrible at it. You''ve seen her, you know how bad she is at it. And now she does not have beauty to aid, her, just brute force and that does not work with those kinds of people."


    Nast with Shule trailing catch up in time to overhear Anwen happily saying, "Hi, We are in need of volunteers." Careful merchant, "Volunteers for what ?" Anwen Huge pointy yet sweet smile, "Human sacrifices. We are doing a religious ceremony and need them for part of it. Welcoming back a couple of old gods to the region." strangely enough no one wants to volunteer.


    Older merchant, "Not going to get any volunteers for that, but I can sell you some slaves that you could use for that."


    Anwen shakes her head, "No, not the same you see. The willing work so much better and the sick and insane your thinking of would really not work at all." He jolts, "How do you know what I am thinking ?" he demands, she sits back, "Magical item, lets me see in to peoples thoughts, very good for not getting cheated by shifty merchants such as yourself." One very large, heavily robed guard snickers at that. The old merchant glares at him, but the guard is not his to command as he is part of the military unit sent to protect the camp from ''monsters''.


    The old merchant looks at him, "Well do your duty, make this monster go away." The fellow stands up, walks over to her and bows, "Greetings oh wondrous of Wyrms, I am requested as you heard to remove monsters. Unfortunately the monsters here seem to be the merchants and I am also commanded to protect them. You see my quandary ?" She nods and replies, "Indeed I do small stout and lovely wyrm-kin. It is something of a quandary indeed. I have an idea for a solution but it would mean you failed in your orders and that is not good for one''s service record." Massive guard nods, "Which is it, killing him or ?" She smiles kindly at him, "The gods I mentioned are already Here. And one of them is not as particular about willing or unwilling sacrifices. " The guard slowly nods, "Whom is this god oh fairest of the Gold clan."


    Nast is just there, "That would be me, Nast''al the Undying." wide toothy smile. The fat old merchant, knowing the name well, shrieks like a girl and lumbers away at a pathetic pace.


    No one chases him, Shule watches, "You know I think his heart will give out if someone says boo to him right now. Not that he would make a good sacrifice, to fat." Nast''al nods, "Also I think, yes he is a client of one of my temples. Something about removing his competition, last 3 were." gives a list of names loudly enough that the fat one never makes it to the far side of the camp before several angry relatives and business partners remove him from this life. The guards do not interfere at all.


    Anwen looks at the body sideways, "Wow lots of darkness in him" she mutters at something only she can see.


    She looks down at the Massive Guard, "So oh well built one, did that count for or against you." He shrugs, "We are to protect them from monsters, nothing said about protecting them from each other. And no one liked him anyway. Even the Sultanate barely stood the man. He had a good eye for slaves, but was hard to be around." Anwen nodded, "The problem with allot of his slaves is they were free people he happened to see on the road and had taken. Including a missing princess he sold to someone in a town about a month''s journey from here according to his last thoughts as his life fled his body¡­" Several guards are there quickly, "The Princess, you know where she is ?"


    Anwen shakes her head and says the odd sounding word, "That is where he sold her and some of her people but that is all he knew of her fate."


    The guards send a rider with the news to their Sultanate, "She was to marry a prince some months back but was stolen on her way there. Too bad he is dead, or they could torture him to get the information from him to whom he sold her to."


    Anwen nods, "Oh it was to someone called The Black sand ? something like that." The big guard reaches under his hood, "Feckless dog! That was the prince she was supposed to marry so an alliance could be forged." Anwen shrugs, "Make the right sacrifices and maybe some god will bring him back for a proper execution." Nast held up his hands, "don''t ask me, I am a death god. I don''t bring people back, I put them in." Anwen gives him a look, "Well that''s different, they work for me." She nods at his comment. He looks at the big guard, "Not good for even one such as I to argue with one such as her." The guard nods, "Agreed oh shadow of the sands."


    Anwen looks at Shule, "I like how this one talks, mix of colorful phrases and careful information. I can''t do that for very long."


    Shule pats her leg, "Your young yet, it just takes practice oh jewel of the flaming sun." Shule looks at the guard, "She does allot of fire based magics." he nods, "Ah, that makes more sense then." Anwen nods, "breath weapon is nice and all but it doesn''t have the range of a good fireball." she says with a hint of pyromaniac glee." The big guard makes a coughing sound of someone trying to hide a laugh.


    Shule pats Anwens legs, "It''s nice you wanted volunteers for the ceremony but let''s face it, not many people are willing to die for some goddess they have never heard of. She is unknown in these lands after all. Besides we can just go about it the old way. Whole sale slaughter. It''s more fun anyway."


    Anwen looks down at her and she shrugs, "Well I am old and as you put it, not nice people. I have gotten to enjoy killing and such over the centuries. I am an Immortal after all, most of us go that way anyhow."


    The guard just put 2 and 2 together and is backing away slowly. Immortals of her type are known here abouts, but it is Day time, and that is very very bad. Night walkers are tough but killable, Day walkers though are believed to each have a different weakness and unless you know it they just keep coming. The fact that the really old ones are often worshipped as gods (cause they are) is not good either. Gods are even Harder to kill. Most are impossible to kill if you are not a god yourself.


    Different guard, just coming up while craning around, "Hey Jaculz, have you noticed the number of dragons now surrounding the camp ? It''s like they are gathering for something."


    The big one, Jaculz looks around and then goes very still, "This is not good. Something big happened here and fools that we are we did not think to find out what and now it may be too late."


    The new guy, "The merchants and such said monsters, but I don''t see any."


    Nearby merchant looks at the guards like they are insane, he points to Anwen then the dragons, "Are you crazy Those are the Monsters. Hundreds of them showed up and started terrorizing us. We barely escaped with our lives!"


    New guy to Merchant, "What ? Oh I see your new around here. This place is a known Dragon holy site, there are Always lots of them around. We have a treaty with them. Unless someone does something stupid that breaks that treaty we are all fine."


    Anwen nods, "The treaty was broken actually. From what they are saying this camp is harboring baby killers. Someone has been hunting the babies, skinning them and taking that skin to be sold. Dragon babies to be precise." Jaculz goes still, then his body language shows fury, "Someone is doing WHAT!" He turns and barks out orders to search the wagons, that some fools here have broken the treaty.


    Meanwhile Anwen has gone over to a large blue dragon (with really pretty scales) and leans down to talk to the smaller dragon, "Hello" looking surprised at her, "Oh um hello serene one. What can this humble one do for you." Anwen smiles, "I do like how people around here talk. Ah, being new to the area and all." the blue nods, "I don''t know about this treaty that the guard mentioned. can you tell me about it ?"


    The Blue nods, "Oh yes, well it is basically a treaty of non-aggression. They don''t try to hurt us or our young we don''t raid their towns or herds. We are free to trade with them and vice versa, which has proven good for both our people. But recently someone has broken the treaty and we tracked them to a caravan. Well the smell of dead babies anyway, you understand. We don''t know if these are the actual killers or just fools who bought the skins for some purpose most of us don''t like to think about. So as your um, Tiamaat''s chosen we are waiting on your judgement on this matter. No offense but you don''t act like a Gold usually acts, they don''t really Like the Immortal ones, yet you seem interested in feeding them."


    Anwen shrugs, "They are my friends, we have been through allot together. Also I am completely amoral and neutral, or that''s is what every god I have ever met has told me. Which is quite a few. Anyway the guards are now searching for the merchants and wagon that have the bad stuff. We will see from there."


    The blue slowly nods, "So you don''t have problems with someone eating humans or whatever."


    "Well if it''s necessary for their existence no. If they do it cause they can but don''t need it. Then I have a problem. That does not apply to those who hunt us for sport or our bodies. You would not believe some of the stupid things some mages have made up about what can be done with dragon body parts." shaking her head. The blue nods, "I probably would actually. Met a few that wanted my nail clippings. Dragons don''t clip our nails. Idiots." Anwen nods, "Not a good idea to give them any part of you anyway. I know a dozen binding spells that could affect even us if they have a part of you." The blue looks surprised. Anwen shrugs again, "I read allot. Mostly a book I got that has spell descriptions in it. Very informative that one." The blue nods, "I would think so."


    "Ok, so find the merchants, learn from them who the hunters are, hunt down the hunters, dispense justice. That about it ?" The blue nods, "I have a question. Why did you pick me to talk to ?"


    Anwen thinks, "Truthfully, I love your color, you are a lovely shade of blue and I just wanted to see you up close." she ends in an embarrassed whisper. The blue grins, "ah, thank you serene one. It is always nice to hear compliments." Anwen nods, "ok then, um thank you for the help."


    Anwen returns to the others and squats down to the Big One as she is thinking of him, "Ok this is what I got, they are hoping the merchants can lead them to the hunters. They don''t hold Everyone guilty of this right now, but some are getting a bit angry and really don''t need dragons taking on a mob mentality." The big one looks blankly at her, "what ?"


    She grimaces, "All thoughts come from mostly instinct level." He nods, "OH ok, yes that would be bad." He looks around, "They seem to be waiting for something more than that ¡­ why are so many of you here anyway ?"


    She smiles, "Tiamaat manifested here this morning. New form, 5 heads of the Chromatic lines. Baphomet sort of appeared to. Just his head though, they were talking about something but I could not hear what. I was a bit occupied at the time."


    He drops to his knees, "Tiamaart, Mother of all Dragons, was here ? She manifested here ?"


    Anwen nods, "Yep, did some business, talked to some people, including Shule here. Then went north, something about terrorizing someone up north. But gave no other information." he nods, then sighs, "oh hell. The Sultanate will not be happy."


    Shule, "All of Ishtar''s priest were in pain and had to leave before she fully manifested."


    Jaculz "I would imagine, they are not on good terms even before the split in power."


    He looks up toward the sky, in prayer or what none would know for at that moment an Old and HUGE gold dragoness fly''s over, looking for something, then before the crowds eyes she comes in low and changes in to a tall, curvy female humanoid and lands not too far from the smaller gold dragon.


    She was dressed in white and gold and carried a staff with a flame like crystal at the end. The other dragons bowed to her as she moved past them but when she came to Anwen she bowed, "Greetings oh Serene one. I am Glaxlomax the Elder, High Priestess of the Golden Balance, Welcome to our world."


    That clicks something in Anwens memory, "Oh so that''s what she meant. Well Met Glaxlomax I am Anwen Cin''aed, well that''s my common name anyway. Sorry I tend to ramble on sometimes."


    Nast to the new beautiful woman, "All the time really, too much knowledge in too small a head in my opinion." The Dragon priestess gives him a condescending look "And whom are you ?"


    Anwen answers, "That is Nast''al the Undying, minor death god and lord of assassination. He is an ally of mine actually. You get used to the snarkiness after a while. He only does it with people he likes. This other is Shule the Elegant, also a minor goddess and a dear friend of mine." The Priestess nods, she had been warned that the Serene one kept strange company and had some very different friends. She had also been warned that despite her apparent youth she was allot older than she appeared. The youth had to do with this worlds rules concerning living gods. The madness had to do with being so Very old and according to the opinion of the messenger to long spent in humanoid form. But she decided she would make her own opinion. Besides it''s not good to argue with Gods, even young ones.


    She digest the name, knows it''s from a foreign land and probably has meaning but she can''t think of what it could be. Anwen is watching her think, on many levels at once. "Name means Beauty Born of Fire." she tells Glaxlomax when she gets stumped, the priestess looks up surprised. Anwen just smiles.


    Meanwhile Jaculz is making little mewing sounds to himself. The Serene one is the Ultimate Judge and Judicator in Dragon Laws. And is Always picked by the Gods and served by the Golden Balance. Beyond that he did not know, except she could pass laws and they would be accepted without question.


    Anwen nods then thinks, "You do know about the present problem ?" The great golden one nods, "The hunters and those foolish enough to buy from them, yes I was informed as I came in. They await your command on that."


    Anwen nods, "The local Sultans guards are even now searching for the wagons and the merchants here. They really do not want a breach in the treaty. From what I understand of it, that could be bad all around." Glaxlomax nods, "Yes mam it could."


    Anwen nods, "I suspect foreigners who are unaware of the treaty more than stupid locals. Several of these merchants actually fit that from what I have seen. The unaware part that is.


    From what the Great Mother told me, you¡¯re here to act as an Adviser ?"


    The woman nods, "Yes Serene one. As you are still new to the world and not in full knowledge of its nuances and history it falls to me to act as such and you have all the Golden Balance to call on if need be." Anwen nods, "Cool". Blank look from the Priestess, Shule volunteers, "she has done some plane traveling and picked up an interesting assortment of slang. She can''t seem to break the habit of using those phrases and terms." Anwen shrugs, "Spend 50 years in a society that uses them in everyday conversation and it comes to be hard to stop." The high Priestess actually smiles at that and nods, "I do understand that at least. I spent a long time in human form centuries ago. Picked up a few bad habits then myself. Hard to break those." Anwen nods. "Um, question for your opinion ?" The Priestess stands in formal state, "Of Course."


    "Do you think I should take my standard humanoid form or stay as I am right now ?"


    She considers this carefully, "On a personal note, yes. Your form is suitably magnificent, but a bit hard on the neck." Anwen laughs, "Good point. ok, let''s see how do I do this again, oh right. "


    Anwen stands up, balanced on her tail, then a pillar of fire surrounds her, she shrinks down and when the fire clears she stands before them, in her studded black armor and high boots with cane in hand, "No idea why I always get the fire effect. Can''t seem to turn that off." she mutters only loudly enough for those close to hear her. She looks at the Priestess now closer to eye level, "Hello again." Glaxlomax bows, "Hello again. Nice form by the way." slight curtsies, "Thank you, I like it. The White Lady helped me with the design." NOW the Dragon looks impressed, "THE White Lady ?" Anwen nods, "Yep, she is nice, well scary, but nice. Well as long as you are on her good side." The ancient gold nods, "Yes I would think being on her good side is preferable." Anwen nods, "Oh yeah, I have seen her loose her temper once, Rather piss off the Mother, not nearly as scary. Still scary but well you understand." Glaxlomax nods, "I have heard even the Mother treats her with respect, so yes."


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!Nast''al, "Ok I am going to admit this, Who is the White Lady ? I have heard the name mentioned many times in my long life but no one has ever told me who she is."


    Glaxlomax looks to Anwen who nods at her to tell him. She takes a deep breath and the faces the evil one, "She is the Capital F, Goddess of Fate and Destiny. If you''re in her favor you can have a good life. If she does not favor you, well she probably sends someone like you after you. Or worse. She is good at worse."


    Anwen, "Actually she just sends him usually. He is creative when someone needs punishment." Glaxlomax looks at him then back to Anwen then back to him, then she takes an obvious step next to Anwen. "I see." Anwen giggles, "Oh no worries, he has a strong code of honor and sense of loyalty. Breaking your word is the worst thing you can do around him. It tends to get unpleasant after that."


    Shule, "I always thought sending Mel would be worse than him. She is so¡­" Anwen finishes, "Childlike and evil ?" Shule nods, "Most never see it coming. She comes across so sweet and innocent, then right in for the most devastating kills imaginable." Anwen nods, "Yeah she is fun." Shule looks at Anwen, "One day your inner evil child and I will have to have a long talk." Anwen shrugs, "I tend to aim her at people whom harm children, she takes care of the rest." Shule nods, "There is that."


    There is some commotion and the report reaches the group that the cart has been found. Anwen and company go to investigate it.


    Anwen arrives, looks at it and frowns, then places a hand on the top skin and focuses. "Hmm these were moved here when the guards started their search. The ones who did it have the other skins and bones and, oo nasty nasty, they work for a cabal of mages who want this stuff for experimentation on legends they have heard about concerning dragons and their properties. Men in black robes using amulets to hide their identities, hm, well well, I recognize that symbol. Interesting. ok, pardon me a moment." she takes out the cane again, focuses on It, whispers something to it. A moment later 10 people are just There. Along with a freshly killed baby black dragon. The hunter is cleaning his knife when he realizes something is wrong and looks up then around at all the soldiers and the large number of adult dragons. Being an idiot he draws his sword and attacks, only to be frozen in place by Glaxlomaxes staff along with the others there. She waits for the command to kill, it does not come. Instead Anwen is happily striping items off of them and making a pile. Shule sighs, "She has this thing for magic items." Glaxlomax nods, she completely understands. Dragons have a hard time controlling themselves when faced with their favorite collectable. Even great old ones fall for it sometimes. Hers is for magic staves. Only the fact that the cane staff belongs to Anwen has kept her from trying to claim it so far. Anwen is making 3 piles though. The Priestess has to ask, "Oh Serene one, why 3 piles ?"


    Anwen states as she removes a pesky amulet, "Cursed, useful, and needs to be destroyed soon." Shule looks surprised, "Wait you can destroy magic items ? Why ?"


    Anwen looks around, "What is my primary thing ?" Shule thinks, "Balance usually. You hate things that throw the balance .. of .. the ¡­ OH!" she nods, "Those kind of items, yes." Anwen nods, "My purpose here is because this world is out of balance. Because of that. Those items promote or increase the destruction of this world if left unchecked. Well mostly, I want to double check them to make sure I got the right vibe. Otherwise I just drop them in to an Oblivion hole." Shule nods, but does not comment.


    Glaxlomax looks most impressed. That is part of the job of the Golden Balance to, and why they get a God or Goddesses help every few millennia. It''s an extremely hard job and more than a few were considered insane Before they got it. But given their natures it''s understandable why many would think that. Keeping the Balance not only between good and evil, law and chaos, but creation, destruction and Balance, is a hard thing for any being. Those chosen to defend it are never truly understood even by those that serve them.


    Once stripped down to the skin and even further in a couple cases (she carved tattoo''s off a couple of them), then placed them in a circle she drew, "Ok you can release them now." One was a minor Prince and he immediately tries to cross the barrier, but was grabbed by a seasoned adventurer in time to keep the prince from having his foot burned off. Seeing that the Prince stops, for a moment the Demands, "You will release me Now! You have no Idea who I am."


    Anwen looks at him, "You Prince Kazeem Al Hasan, you Know about the treaty and think it''s stupid you are not allowed to profit by killing a few worthless dragons. Well this is Glaxlomax of the Golden Balance, and I am a Law Keeper. "Anwen glances at Glaxlomax who nods as it is an accepted title, "You broke the treaty, your position does not make you immune to reprisals. On the contrary it increases your responsibility. Murdering children has a high cost with me." He counters, "They are not children, just stupid beast."


    Anwen sighs and turns to Glaxlomax, "What do you think ? Call his father in on this and the other leaders ?" She nods, "It is the wisest course of action."


    Anwen nods, "So be it."


    There is a pressure then a pop and 11 men and 3 women appear. They all look around in surprise. A heavy set very imperious looking one demands, "What is going on here ?"


    Anwen walks over, "Sorry for interrupting your day but this is a serious event and I thought" he interrupts, "You Thought ? You Thought ? What sort of FOOL Thinks they can Order the Sultan of Haazgar Sultanate ?" With but a thought she turns him in to a peacock and turns to the others, "As I was saying, This is a serious event. This pompous little prince decided the treaty between the dragons and the local Sultanates did not apply to him. He sent hunters in to the Dragon lands and had many of our children killed for his own profit, selling their bodies to a group of enemy mages. The Thallan Mages to be precise."


    The Sultan who is also the father of that Prince looks at his eldest son, "Are you Mad, dealing with enemies who have tried to take over our lands for centuries."


    Anwen nods, "He does not believe that. He also does not believe any law of man or ''beast'' as he insist on calling us, applies to him."


    The Council of the Sultanate of the Northern Lands and the Sultan of Kallum in the East look at the leader of the Southern lands Who stares in shock and sadness at his son. He pulls off his turban and stares at it. "Oh fool who was once my son. You who meant the most to me, you have committed Treason against the people and forsaken the Treaty with the Dragons. I have no choice but to" tears streaming down his face, "To .. You are no longer my son, you are no longer a prince or a person. I leave you to the law of the Dragons."


    One of the Council, "Why are we here ?" Glaxlomax, "Because what happens here affects you all. The treaty is in the balance. If you care not what happens to it. " she sadly shakes her head.


    The ignorant one opens his mouth and two others slap him shut, "He is new, still learning the way of things. We do not wish a war with the Dragons." States an older senator.


    Anwen looks at him, "He does, but only because he thinks you all would win. He has no idea what war is actually like. Stupid dreams of glory and parades and decorating hero''s. He does not realize the amount of destruction and death there would be Nor does he care as long as it does not touch on his personal life."


    Old woman looks at Glaxlomax, "Glax how is she doing that ?"


    Glax nods to the old one, "Sheena, she is the new Serene one. One of her gifts is the ability to read the minds of those around her, to see in to them completely it seems. Very useful in a Justicar." Sheena nods, "Scary to in the wrong hands." Anwen sighs, "I did not ask for the power, but it came with the job. It''s useful, but also annoying." Anwen looks at this ''Sheena'' "Oh your That one. I like you, I have heard of some of your youthful adventures." Sheena looks surprised, "Ah, thank you, I think." Sheena moves over to Glaxlomax, "She is just a child, how does she know of me ?" the priestess sighs, "She is much older than she looks. She is of the Golden line but the keeper of supreme balance." Sheena thinks about that but before she can say it, Anwen speaks to her, "Yes and don''t say it. I really don''t want to let That out. It''s more annoying than the mind reading." Sheena actually steps back and then nods, "Yeah I can see how it would be."


    Anwen looks at the golden lady, "Glax ? For close friends I take it ?" She shrugs uncomfortably, "Sheena has been on the council for a long time. We served together and well, you know how it goes." Anwen smiles, "Yes I do. Nothing wrong with it either. But back to work."


    She moves over to the sobbing Sultan, "I am sorry for your loss sir." she puts her hands on his shoulders. He cry''s "I tried but he was always such a stubborn child. Always wanting his way." She nods, "Want me to send you home ?" He looks up at her and nods, "Yes please. I need to tell the family about this. I fear his mother will be quite distraught." She looks south, "She actually knows and is the one who wrote the introduction letters to the buyers. She is not good people. Your second wife is nice people though, much better pick." she shrugs, "Being the Serene one means getting allot of information shoved in to my head by the gods, allot of information." He nods, "Please ¡­ please don''t kill him." She makes a face, "I was thinking of turning him in to a riding lizard or the like actually. For his personality that would be hell." The Sultan looks at her then nods, "ok that is worse than death for him, but better than he deserves. I am sorry for the loss of your peoples children." She nods, then sends him home.


    She turns back to the crowd, "Ok let''s see. Hm" is still for a few minutes then, " Thallan is no longer a problem." Nast face palms, "You dropped a mountain on them didn''t you ?" Anwen looks at him, "No that would cause to much damage world-wide. I teleported a dozen of the larger tunnel worms in to their capital and let them go. Ok I did drop one right on top of their archmage, he made a lovely splat pattern. That is helping with the destruction." Shule is just shaking her head, "You spend too much time with Nast''al." she sighs. Nast''al is nodding thoughtfully, "Not a bad attack actually. Tunnel Worms do lots of damage, more if they are hungry." Anwen turns to the other leaders, "I just wanted you all here to have the story straight and it''s the correct thing to do under the rules of the treaty." The Eastern Sultan, politely, "Pardon, but are you going to turn him back ?" Pointing to the Sultan of the West, "Maybe, he is much nicer as a peacock. Quieter to." Several of the Northern Council snicker at that and nod. Glax gives her a look, "Really, ok your call." The Loud one is back, looking about and a bit in shock, "What happened ?" Sheena, "You ticked off a Dragon Arch Mage, she turned you in to a peacock. Glax talked her in to turning you back." He looks disappointed, "Oh. Oh well. I was rather enjoying that actually. It was kind of nice." Anwen shrugs, "Sorry for startling you earlier." he nods, "I heard everything and sorry for yelling, I know I can be quiet the annoying guest at times, my temper gets the better of me." He walks over to the prisoners, "As most of the others can tell you. I am a self-absorbed tyrant of a Sultan, but even I am not fool enough to break the Treaty with the Dragons. Killing their children is a death sentence at the least, worse if the Golden Balance gets in to the judgment. Which they have. So sorry none of you are going to live long. Or maybe longer than you wish when they are done with you."


    Anwen walks past the newly dead baby, looks at it, kneels down and listens to something. Then takes her ankh and puts it around its neck. Then continues on around the prisoners, "Well we have judgement from the West and the South. North, East you get a say to." North, in typical committee fashion tries to pass the buck. East looks long at the West Sultan, very surprised at his changed attitude, tentively "Are you alright my friend ?" The western sultan looks at him, "Hm oh yes. Just well, being a bird gave me something of a change of perspective and I realized a few things about myself. One I will never eat another Peacock. Also, I do tend to strut about like an overly self-impressed peacock. I can see why few people tolerate me. I know it was only for a few minutes. Well also I can see allot of myself in that Prince. If I were a bit more foolish I could have been him. I think this event has given me a chance to do some soul searching. I need to calm down a bit. Maybe take a vacation. My own second wife has been wanting to go visit her relatives. They have a nice small kingdom on the North-Western border of my kingdom. May be nice to do that." The Eastern Sultan nods, "I make a point to take a few days off a year just for myself. Helps with the stress of running a country. Maybe sometime you can come over to my country for a week. We can see the sights, chat that sort of thing, you know like normal people. No politics or that stuff." The Western Sultan smiles, "I would like that actually. You may have to remind me to stop acting a fool though, I am not sure how long this is going to last." East nods, then to Anwen, "I to concur, the Treaty is too important to lose to some fools." The north is being difficult But Anwen walks over to the 3 women, "Ok as you¡¯re the only ones with a brain in your group, what say you ?" The youngest coughs a laugh, "I am with you. The murder of children of any intelligent species is just wrong." The middle one looks more concerned, "The treaty is important, but I don''t hold with inhumane punishments. What are you planning." Anwen nods, "Transformation for the prince, death to the hunters, type still under discussion, the merchants, undecided just yet, depends on how much they were involved and how much trouble they are likely to be. At the very least all their goods are forfeit, and I am not talking just the remains of the children." The woman nods, "Ok then, that sounds fair." Sheena shrugs, "String them up and use them for fish bait is my vote. I don''t hold with anyone killing dragons, half dragons or anything like that." Anwen nods. "Ok, Your vote is noted and accepted. I will send you all back now."


    And like that the North Sultanate is gone. East and West are having a long talk off to the side so she leaves them be for now.


    Meanwhile Glax is talking to Shule, "Out of curiosity, before she got this post what was she ?"


    Shule nods, "Goddess but Knowledge, Magic, Fire, and Adventure. The last is cause it comes looking for her if she sits still long enough." Glax nods and actually laughs a little, "Sounds like me in my youth actually. The Adventure bit." Shule nods, "I am from here actually. But there was no treaty when I was here. I was known as The Dancer back then." Glax now looks surprised, "You¡¯re the Dancer, oh my. I heard you were killed by some evil dark things." Shule shakes her head, "Imprisoned in a volcano along with all my cousins because 1 elder immortal made a deal with the dark and tried to take over the world. Anwen destroyed him utterly. He pissed her off cause he hurt a friend of hers. Then she found us and let us out. Dropped us right in the middle of a pirate base. Letting our rage spend itself in destroying them. Then she gathered us and we ended up in Egypt for a little while. Learning to be people again. Had some problems with the local gods and had to move on. Nast''al and I decided to go with Anwen, as did some mortals. Sarah is Anwen''s slave. Anwen has tried to set the girl free on a dozen occasions, the girl refuses. She Likes being a servant. Likes belonging to someone to. I admit I like her to. She is strange but can be a sweet person. If your around us long enough you will meet her, just so your warned. She is very kinky." Glax looks thoughtful ,"What is ''kinky''" Shule looks surprised, "Um, Sexually adventurous, she enjoys things like being tied up, beaten, sex with pretty much anything. Anwen made a suggestion as a joke about tying her up and using her as a living dildo while she, Anwen that is, was in dragon form. Sarah thinks that sounds like fun." Glax nods, "Ah. I see why you think she is strange." and drops it as the last of the votes are in.


    Anwen approaches Glaxlomax and then glances at her in surprise before the older dragon can order her thoughts. Anwen grins and mutters "later." The louder, "Ok all the Sultans and the Sultanate have spoken. They leave judgement and such to us. But the Sultan of the Southern region request we don''t kill his ex-relation. I suggested turning him in to a service animal of some kind" The prince looked smug for about 2 seconds, now all the colors drained out of him, "Some kind of pack animal maybe. The others, the hunters are open for possible execution or similar. The Merchants, I am still looking in to, depending on how involved they are in this will depend on the level of punishment. Though loss of goods is the least end of it." Glaxlomax nods, looking more officious now. Telepathically to Glaxlomax, "So never done this before, suggestions, recommendations etc ?" She walks around them, "Traditionally execution for murder of a dragon by a dragon is very, painful, being torn apart by a group selected to execute the convicted. Have not had an incident like this since the treaty was passed over 300 years ago. Well the revised treaty, little war among the locals, had to make revisions with the winners, you understand" she says, speaking to the dragons more than the others. "Now the leader of this little ring has been caught and the Sultans of the surrounding Sultanates have agreed to allow us to pass judgement. The only request was that the Prince who broke the pact not be killed." Several dragons grumble at that, Glaxlomax waits for them to settle before continuing, "The Serene one apon hearing this decided he should be transformed in to some form of Service or Pack animal for the rest of his days as retribution for his selfish and uncaring betrayal of our people. The merchants, depending on level of involvement, which will be determined by a soul search by the Serene One, will face a minimum of all their goods seized, to higher penalties as this court levies." the dragons all nod, none asking what will be done with the goods. "Those who actually committed the crimes the punishment is death, but the means of that death has yet to be determined. I for one am for slow torture. But it is the Serene one''s choice on how and what shall be done to them. Do make note she has made some allies with some the the Humanoid Immortal Gods, including Nast''al the Undying, lord of Death and Assassination, who is well known for his creative and fatal punishments for oath breakers." That actually gets some nods and mutters of Nast''al being too good for them. Many want something that will last a while. Days or weeks or longer. Most of this comes from the families of those killed. Anwen looks around and says allowed, "Can I ask a question of the audience ?" Glaxlomax nods as do many of the dragons present, "On this point of execution, anyone have a problem with my friends using them in a human sacrifice ritual ? Trust me, what is needed will likely take a good long time for them to die, completely." There is much discussion about it, some questions (Anwen states part has to do with summoning a lesser goddess under her preview fully in to this world) . They talk and finally the crowd agrees with that sentence. Not really caring to know the details, only that they will die as horribly if not more so than what they did to the children.


    Anwen nods and goes over to the last child the hunters were killing when they were apprehended. She leans down, has a slightly heated argument with the child but gets her medallion back. "Ok Good news, this one will be ok. Out of the woods as a human healer I knew used to say. Not perfect but he should live." A medium sized black female drops down, scoops up the baby, and holds him, crying acidic tears. Anwen reads this is the child''s aunt and she cares about him very much. Anwen smiles at her, "You have good mothering instincts" she tells the female, who smiles at the Serene one. "He is my nephew, but he showed much promise and I was terrified they had killed him. Thank you for saving him." Anwen nods, "your welcome. Children are the future. " They aunt takes her nephew and moves to the outer ring.


    Evil human hunter, "Your kind needs to be destroyed and one day they will be removed from this world." Anwen shakes her head, "Not by your little order. I already took care of their demise." she tells him sweetly, "My shifter friends tell me they were delicious." Pure happy smile as she tells him this.'' He screams and throws himself at the barrier, only to vanish in a flash of white hot flames.


    Away from the condemned and most the others a few minutes later, Glaxlomax comes to Anwen, "Did you mean what you said to him about his friends being eaten by shifters ?" Anwen looks around, "Nope, just said that because shifters is the thing he hated the 2cd to Dragons. I really don''t know any shifters. Well other than a couple of Gods and I am not speaking to their scuzballed twisted." small patch of ground burst in to flames and Glaxlomax nods. Whatever happened there hurt her deeply and she is not going to pry. Yet.


    Anwen looks at the small burning place then builds a caricature of fire, then claws the hell out of it before letting it go out. She frowns as that was not very satisfying.


    Turning back to Glaxlomax, "That was a little psychological torture to add to what is coming for him. He has some serious problems with anything he views that is more powerful than a human and therefore more powerful than he could ever become. All his hate is because he feels inferior to well pretty much everything. Unfortunately that is not an uncommon problem for many species." Glaxlomax, "Jealousy and fear are two strong motivators in hate it seems." Anwen nods and sighs, "True." Looks at the lovely form, "Your mind keeps wandering in to kinky fun land, interesting as she is not here yet."


    Glaxlomax pauses, "Who is not here yet ?" Anwen smiles, "Goddess of Deviant kinky sex and servitude." Pauses, thinks that over then, "Hm wonder if that should be Deviant Or or Deviant And kinky. Need a dictionary." Anwen looks in to the nowhere and then spouts " adjective: kinky; comparative adjective: kinkier; superlative adjective: kinkiest, informal, involving or given to unusual sexual behavior. synonyms: perverse, abnormal, deviant, unconventional, unnatural, degenerate, depraved, perverted; informal pervy" She considers that then nods, "Yep most of those fit her, so I guess it''s just Kinky and Servitude." Glaxlomax stares, "What was that ?" Anwen shrugs, "The White Lady put random information in my mind, usually trivia but sometimes if I focus on a word I get stuff like that. Seems to be part of my built in translator. See I only speak one language with any skill and have trouble learning more, so to help me with my little problem she put in a form of permanent Tongues ability, basically everyone hears me in their native language and I hear them in mine, though if I concentrate a little I can hear the language they answer me in to."


    Glaxlomax, having used tongue spells, knows how they work, but never met anyone who was able to access the spell to the point of being able to pull up all the trivial information contained in it before. She walks toward Anwen''s camp, shaking her head. They are going to set up the ''cage'' for the scarifies and Glaxlomax suspects she will meet the human part of this party. She ask as they walk, "So what really happened to the one who attacked back there ?" Anwen smiles, "We built a latrine for ourselves at our camp, it¡¯s a little over 10ft deep pit with wooden slats over it and wooden bench with a hole in it to defecate in. He is at the bottom of that hole. Sort of a preview punishment." Glaxlomax shakes her head. Almost evil, but very satisfying to.


    The camp is nothing spectacular, not what she expected for a goddess let alone 3 gods. A single tent barely large enough for 8 people, a camp fire and stove and some work areas that look like a small forge and leather working areas, 6 horses, nice ones to be sure and a mule that looks like it''s ready to die of fright and has been tied to 2 tree''s to keep it from bolting. There is a line of laundry and things hanging from a cord or rope going between 2 tree''s. She sees a pretty and very naked human girl doing the wash and a small, slender man, in leather armor hanging the wet clothing and cloth items from the line. Another larger man in matching leather armor is standing on a little rise watching them walk over from the merchants, then he scans around to make sure no one is approaching from any other directions.


    Anwen grins at her, "Underwhelming isn''t it. But we travel allot so this works."


    She stares around, "How do you keep your horde this way ?" Anwen smiles, ''Portable Holes actually." Glaxlomax slowly nods, "Ah. I suppose that works ¡­" Anwen smiles, "Well yes as they fold up in to what looks like small cloth sheets and unless you know what to look for .." The older dragon slows to a stop as the concept of being able to carry large chunks of your horde around in what is basically a hole in another dimension hit''s her. "Um, how large a hole do they make ?" She ask at length. Anwen smiling, "Usually about 10ft cubed. That''s to a side down and across, like a well cube or box. with one end open. They look like stone on the inside. Near as I can figure the ''hole'' is in solid rock somewhere and the cloth is a special gate that opens only to that hole. " Glaxlomax comes to a complete stop, eyes far away, "Where did you get them ?" she finally ask.


    "Well mine came from a raid on some magical thieves layer. Cleared out the whole of the place and took everything I could find in there. Had Lots of magical storage devices. The group apparently was quite large at one time but by the time we encountered them only 4 remained. One still lives. He is being used as reusable food for my Immortals. He has a badly broken leg we refuse to set properly so he can''t run away and Shule broke his jaw so he can''t cast spells. We encountered them on that land spur between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean sea. Coming down the mountains from the north." she nods, "I know of the area but have not been over that way in a long time. That really does not answer my questions."


    Anwen shrugs, "You asked where I got mine. That is the answer, now had you asked where other people get them. Some mages can make them. Enchantment type magic is used. I don''t know much more than that as I have not gotten that far along in my studies. But I do know it uses magic similar to a deep pockets spell and you don''t know that spell ?" Glaxlomax shakes her head, "Ok bring me some parchment and good scroll ink and I will get you a copy of that spell, ok ?" She nods, then smiles. New magic, yea! "I have no trouble sharing what I call common spells. I have a list of some 200 plus spells that fall in to that category. That is one of them. Mind you my studies, I am only beginning to understand the workings of the 5th rank of spells, oh and I don''t count Cantrips as a spell rank. Those I see as being for anyone with even a tiny spark of magic in them and as such you don''t have to be a mage to use them. Ergo level 0 spell. I have to go over that with so many humans ¡­" Glaxlomax just nods. She is a priestess but has studied magic like all dragons do. But no dragon, who is not a dedicated mage, has all that many spells or really shares them easily. Finding someone willing to share even ''common'' spells is different and nice and makes her a little suspicious, well it would normally, but she is dealing with a goddess and they do strange things sometimes. Which prompts her to ask, "Why share spells ?" Anwen answers, "To promote people in to learning more about magic and fellowship. Build trust between different peoples and make the world a better place over all."


    Glax looks sideways at Anwen, "But don''t you think feeding humans to Immortals works against that ?"


    Anwen shakes her head, "I have seen worlds where the humans dominated the planet, it is never good. They usually destroy the planet from over use in about 10,000 to 20,000 years after they crawl out of their caves and figure out how to make fire. Provided there are not others in place to keep them in check. Immortals are one of the things I promote to keep things, like population in check."


    Glax nods, There, that is the Balance part at work. Dragons are pretty good at keeping their numbers in check, mostly because of limited resources and them killing each other every now and again. She knows they are a strange species. Well maybe no stranger than the humans she guesses. Humans get bent out of shape when something other than them kills their own to. But then they get that way when one of their own does it. With dragons it¡¯s a combination of politics and power and who is craftier than whom and as long as the rules are followed in the death of a fellow dragon it is an accepted thing. Dragons are big on Rules. Don''t have many but the ones they did have could only be changed by a large vote of the council or by The Serene one or a greater power. The greater powers usually left such things alone though, that is why they made Serene ones every now and then. The thing the High Priestess kept to themselves that they alone know is Serene ones are sometimes made from Gods from other pantheons or ''rogue gods'' who for one reason or another don''t have a pantheon. They do not all start as dragons, but they are all people who were at least dragon friends before their elevation to Dragon God. And their experiences from before that time often allow them to see things Dragons would miss. Serene ones who survive with their minds intact often went on to serve in other places at the end of their tenure. Some few choose to retire, find a nice cave or castle and live a time as a somewhat normal dragon. A few move beyond their knowledge to.


    Standing at the edge of the camp, away from everyone Glax chances to ask a delicate question, "I know you were not born a dragon. Few Serene ones ever are truthfully. I was wondering what your connection to us was."


    Anwen thinks, nods to herself then answers, "Well for several lifetimes I had a spirit mentor who is a dragon, prism type. Mind you, lifetimes is plural as I was different people and even races over the course of my souls development. I actually reached a point that I was not only aware of having had past lives I learned how to see some of them, learned some things I forgot between lifetimes and such. While I was in that state in the lifetime before this one I met an astral projection of Tiamaat. Turns out my soul had met her sometime in its beginning and she is the one who suggested that spirit guide for me. That life time I was physically very weak, but had a strong mind and was able to Finally reach a point my people then called the library of all knowledge in the very center of the Astral Plane. It''s sort of the over mind for entire universes, or a universal unconsciousness. From what I understand, every Prime Plane has one. It''s a huge step forward in a souls development to not only find it but Learn from it. All kinds of traps and test surround it to. Lots of people get lost in those test. The whole of that plane really amounts to lots of test and lessons cause that is the point of life. To learn, to become better than when we were born. And advanced souls are supposed to help those not as advanced learn more to. Not all of us are good at it though and well we do get caught up in our own lives. " She shrugs.


    Glaxlomax, whom thought herself a fairly advanced soul looks at what was said, and how far she has come in her lifetime and then realizes that this young goddess is so far beyond her spiritually that she may as well be a new initiate. Anwen, picking up on Glax''s thoughts, "Oh you are not That far behind. Your further along than your giving yourself credit for. Just my last lifetime I was a Mystic, spent my whole life studying that stuff. When I died though instead of going to a normal after life I ended up in the realm of the White Lady. She decided I was ready for this life." Glax slowly nods, "So how''s that working for you ?"


    "Rotten, well it started out ok, but I was Supposed to come out some 2000 years further in the future, then a miss-worded wish on one of her special cards happened and my file got sent to the wrong department and well things went south from there."


    "What is south, why is that bad ?"


    "The north and south points on a globe are Frozen Wastelands with almost no life to them. The Southern one, especially in the last world I was in was also known to be one of the most hazardous lands in the world do to all the storms. So going ''south'' became a euphemism of going to hell or such other bad things."


    Glax nods then smiles, "Ah, I see. Ok, so this lifetime got a huge hit of Primal Chaos right off the bat." Anwen nods. "Oh yes. Started in this world in a Prison with the vague mission of ''help the wisher out with a mission'' Pretty girl, loyal to her mistress unto death and probably beyond. Was in an Assurane prison, I not only got them out but all the prisoners still able to walk as well. Thankfully because in my starting gear the White Lady gave me were a few choice magic items including one that can function as a portable gate if you know the right trick with it. I know the trick. Sent all the others to a neutral country. My New Mistress and her boss had to get back to Egypt because they actually worked for Ramsey''s, Pharaoh of Egypt. Him I like, he was always nice to me and upfront that he wanted me for my skills to help with his country. It''s the gods there I have problems with. Anyway. I got them out, closed the portal. Teleported outside where I found they had actually built the prison on an island inside the edge of a dormant volcano. My second order from my new boss was, if I could, destroy the prison. So with a little ingenuity, some luck and a touch of my personal insanity, I figured out how to awaken the volcano and in a direction that buried the prison in molten lava and hot rocks. The bonus irony was the first boulder took out their most powerful mage, fool thought it was an illusion or something, tried to protect himself with a spell shield. Made a most satisfying Squish. Arrogant evil little pile of feces. After that I tried to leave only to have the White Lady show up. She was rather upset I was there, but explained the problem, I theorized something and told her how some items I was Supposed to get were either missing or in one case, blank. The blank was my spell book. She flew in to a rage and froze me to that spot while she went and dealt with the ''problems''. I really don''t know how long I was in that state before she came back, gave me a really nice spell tome. It has no actual spells in it, but it does give the description and hints on how to do things. Including all my special powers. So when Tiamaat upgraded me to my present state it upgraded to with a list of things I can and can''t do and spell list now open to me in my present form." Glax eyes go wide, "What the ?" Anwen nods, "Oh she fixed that book so only I can read it. Or a greater power, but no one else. Also it and my starting magical items are all soul bound to me so they can''t be stolen or used against me. Which is nice. Means you can''t steal my staff like you been thinking about. Yes I understand, you collect staves. Just not getting mine. It''s an artifact at any rate. If it does not like you, poof no more You." Glax slowly nods, she had heard stories of such magics. Usually made by gods for their followers and anyone else that tried usually did not live to try again. A few did, but were not so stupid as to do so.


    "Oh this one won''t Kill you. It was made by a Gnome God. So it would likely be much worse fate than Death." Glax thinks of what she knows of gnomes and their gods and then shivers. Nope not touching that staff, wants to remain a dragon, thank you very much.


    There is a long high pitched scream, "Ah they got the prince and are dragging him to his new hitching post." Anwen smirks, "So what sort of animal do you think would be good for him. I was thinking one of those riding lizards I have seen around here. Given how cold blooded he is. Don''t want to do a camel, they bite and spit too much for my taste. He is already an Ass, so that would not really work either." Glax is now grinning, "A wingless lizard would work. They are actually a subspecies of dragon, just something went wrong and they did not get the intelligence most of our folk did."


    Anwen shakes her head, "Oh their plenty smart and most Like serving as mounts or carrying things cause a good master takes good care of them. Not having to hunt for their food all the time is a perk in their thinking. They just can''t speak dragon or common and most have slow thought processes so it makes it hard to talk to them telepathically. They actually use a kind of scent language mixed with sounds and body language. It''s interesting. "


    Glax is back to staring at her with wide eyes again. She has learned so much today she fears her brain may explode at any moment. Anwen smiles at her, "Oh your young yet, no worries about that happening." Right, ok mind reading is getting old fast, and she knows that Anwen can''t help it. Still annoying.


    Anwen sighs, "How do you think I feel. I am hearing not only you but everyone in the region, from those sand fleas by that rock to the birds up in the sky as well as the people. All of them. It''s like being in a very crowded room where everyone is talking."


    Glax looks surprised again, then sympathetic and nods, "Ok. sorry for the, well I can''t say much for what random thoughts I have, but I am sorry your in this state."


    Anwen nods, "Got in it once before, but from a badly designed mind reading magic item, They forgot to make a way to Remove it. Almost drove me insane. The White Lady had to step in cause it was her peoples fault it was done that way. That was just a little before she completely lost it and reduced her work force, violently. I have seen it, it was not pretty, I am still trying to forget some of it. What the Immortals are capable of is NOTHING in comparison and I did not know celestial beings could bleed before that." Glax makes a note to herself, if she ever meets the White Lady, don''t anger her. Though she is getting a picture of why Anwen is so jaded about violence. You can''t go through things like that without it affecting you.


    She herself as always been something of a Lawful goody goody, sure she not a nice being anymore, centuries in maintaining the Laws and Treaties and such take their toll. But now she has been assigned to work with a god who most likely can torture people and not bat an eye at how evil that is. Not really feel anything about it. She wonders just what the Great Mother was thinking.


    Anwen stops and looks at her, "Oh I feel things, and I don''t enjoy torture, unless the person I am torturing enjoys it to, and yes there are people out there that enjoy that sort of thing. The naked girl doing the laundry is one of them. She helps me deal with allot of my frustrations with the world and loves me for using her to do it. Ironically I love her to and want her to have a good life. I do tend to force her to make decisions for herself and she does not always make what I think are good ones, but they are hers and I will not try to talk her out of them. It''s all about self-responsibility. You make a decision and you have to live with it and all that comes with it. I will support her in that to. That''s what you do when you love someone. Though I do have long talks with her about why she chooses somethings and sometimes I understand it. Still don''t agree, but I will help her achieve them when I can."


    Several things suddenly click in her mind. The need for ''human scarifies''. Immortals use some kind of blood magic to make more of their kind and the new ones are always very hungry, they tend to kill indiscriminately for a time. Anwen is trying to limit the destruction because her crazy little lover wants to be one of them.


    Anwen looks back at her, "You got it. And I did offer alternatives to. I can easily make her immortal, but well, she knows what they are, what they do to survive, no illusions about any of it and she decided she wants to go that route. So I will stand by her and I will do what I can to protect who I can from what she is about to become. My first choice were those who were perhaps suicidal, next I was hoping for criminal which we got and which I am going to have to be creative to keep alive long enough for her to return to sanity, or what passes for sanity at any rate. Fortune though has helped, I found a couple items that regenerate people, even can bring them back to life if enough of the body is left. That''s how I saved that baby dragon today. I used one on the little guy. Had to argue with him to get it back though. Still with a little luck, some-time and a whole lot of patients, I will get my strange and wonderful girlfriend back. You understand ?"


    Glax slowly nods, "You are not quite as far gone as I originally thought, still a little crazy but when love is in the picture many are." Anwen nods, "I told her I would make her the goddess of kinky sex and servitude to. I probably will, demi status though. Don''t really think I want to give her much more power than that. I may be crazy but I am Far from stupid and I know my girl."

 Chapter 5: Bloody Good Times

    It took 3 days and allot of magic and hard work but ''The Prison'' has been set up, It''s little more than some very tight cages on poles over a section of sand between 2 good sized hills, so the average person need not see them.


    Anwen used a bit of magic and some purchased iron bars to make them. They are fixed so a body can be removed or added by opening the bottom. Anwen wanted to be able to reuse them. There are 5 of these poles in all but at present only 3 are filled. The merchants are still being ''questioned'' and those who had a more ''hands on'' part of the deal are going in to the other cages. So far they have 20 merchants and craftsmen who were in on this deal, several have ended up as slaves as they had no way to pay their debts. One tried to commit suicide after losing everything only to wake in a cage, brought back to life by Anwens powerful magic. (All non-dragons just think she is a very powerful Mage and maybe a priestess to one of the ''True Gods'' that travel with her.)


    Anwen spends a lot of time in dragon form, learning what it means to be a dragon and also flying. She still loves to fly and is more in love with it as it does not cause her head aches anymore. Sarah and Shule love it to, but it''s hard without a saddle. So while the last of the meals are being gathered up Anwen gets some very good cow leather and works with Shule (who does the measuring) and builds a large multi-person halter / saddle / harness for Anwen to wear, so she can take her friends flying whenever she wants (and can carry goods and gear to if need be.) A few dragons try to tell her it''s undignified, but she ignores them as doing so makes her happy. Even her pets love to go flying. Mew Mew is still trying to convince Anwen to give her the power to fly. Anwen does not think giving her that power is a great idea.


    She does however, using a spell she worked out from the black book, grant the 3 guard animals Immortality, increased speed, agility, endurance, strength, leaping ability (+30ft), Night vision (on the dogs) and Regeneration. As well as the ability to communicate telepathically with each other and others with in about 120ft. Otherwise they are left with their normal skills and communication abilities.


    For weeks the dogs ran Everywhere, jumped on things, over things and generally learned their new limits. Also much playing with the dragons once they learned that they could not die and hurts went away allot faster.


    The day Finally arrives that Sarah is to be turned. She has said goodbye to her favorite foods (by pigging out on them), had a nice bath, gotten a trim and a few minor things to her looks so she will be more perfect forever. The turning, they mix lovely sex with all 3 girls and Anwen holds her close when Shule finally finds a good spot and sinks her fangs in for the final draining and gifting of the blood and even shares the secret ritual of turning with Anwen (Nast does not care but some of the others, if they knew would be furious).


    Sarah awoke 3 days later in a deep pit with only the old battered mage with her. She was careful for a little bit, before the hunger really hit and Shule called down to her to remember what she was and that the old one was her First meal. He did not last long as she found him, took all she could get the traditional way, then tore him open to get all the rest out of him she could. Afterwards she laid down and took a nap. While she slept Anwen carefully removed the remains.


    "I am so glad I thought to set up this deep pit." She tells Shule and Nast as she levitated out pieces of Sarah''s first meal. Nast nods "Was an excellent idea. Wish I had thought of it the first few times I turned someone. Well after the first time we learned Rope was a friend but chains were better. Then we just tossed food at them till they got some form of sanity back. It''s those first few days that are the hardest." Shule is watching, fascinated by the changes in her first child. Shule whispers, "She is scary isn''t she." Anwen thinks about it, "Not really, I have seen you two in a blood frenzy you know, your much scarier when your like that." Nast smirks, Shule looks surprised. Anwen ads, "Of course you can''t see yourself, so it becomes a matter of perspective." After her 3rd awakening they tied her to a middle pole with a series of levers so they could control how far out she could get. Put the pole in the middle of the ''prison'' and let her attack the prisoners in order to feed. Anwen put a spell on the cages, at Sunset those inside would regenerate until alive and whole again. The spell could be turned on and off for each cage by the moving of levers high on the poles. (levers cover or uncover special runes that are activated by twilight and Dawn) As a means of punishment and torture it worked very well.


    The whole of the transformation and return to sanity took about two weeks. Though she was approachable within a week. (Well she did not attack anyone who got to close. Anwen spent that time bringing back her lover to the surface and dealing with the beast, which included removing some darkness that the Beast side let in. That weakened the beast and let Sarah control herself better).


    By the end of the month she was mostly her old, over sexed, submissive happy slave girl again. Though a touch more homicidal, which was to be expected. A month After that, Sarah is full, happy and Shule is pleased with her new child, Anwen celebrates by Granting wishes to her people. This means the 3 Immortals are put in a magic circle and when the spells are done, they can eat like mortals if they wish, they can have sex like mortals, their tears are no longer blood laced (or at least it''s not so evident) and she unlocked some powers in their blood (Obfuscate, Presence, Dominate, Protean - powers normally only granted by the Darkness - but she did a work around and unlocked them and removed allot of the madness or mutations that normally went with those gifts.) She also granted them Telekinesis, Teleportation, and a limited form of Clairaudience, which allows them to ''see'' the area they want to teleport to. Lastly She Made Sarah Slave in to a Demi-Goddess under her authority. The title is Servant of the Goddess the sex side was put in as a sort of side note in the new goddesses portfolio.


    Glaxlomax was not happy with this development. Well the punishment part was ok, but the addition of a Servant and Sex Goddess (something dragon kind never really had before, especially one specializing in Perversion) Really pushes her buttons. So she request helpers from the local Temples and ''agencies''. What she gets is one overly officious male (Blue, very Lawful, what the Serene One calls a Rules Lawyer. Which really fits and they both like it.) but the Other one they get, she is, well her record as a spy in the human world is good. But she is not really a rule follower, she has marks against her on that. Add to that she arrives Late because she thought it would be good cover to come with a caravan instead of flying like a normal dragon. So as punishment Glaxlomax decides to assign her as Anwen Cin''aed''s new liaison officer, meaning the girl will have to go Live with the Serene one and her Immortal friends. It may be just what the girl needs to get her straightened around. Glaxlomax has nothing (Officially) against the Serene One, but the woman''s tendency for sex and way of looking at things really grates on her nerves, though she is really good at hiding it even from the Serene One. Thinking about sex seems to distract the Serene One enough to keep her oblivious to her real feelings on the matter.


    2 days later, Shari-goth, dragon spy, now assigned liaison officer to a Goddess, who according to rumor made her old human companion in to a Demi-Goddess with dominion over perversion and slavery. Ok, so being turned in to a Demi-god is not a bad thing, it''s the type that worries her. Well not too much, she loves a lot of perverse things herself, but never in the history of dragon kind has there ever been a god dedicated to it. Which is ironic given the number of dragons who have such impulses. She knows a dozen alone who like things most dragon kind find to be perverse. The part that worries her is the Slavery side, dragons don''t normally keep slaves ¡­ ok Evil dragons have been known to but it''s not a common practice.


    And now here she is, coming from the Caravan camps, dressed as an adventurer, toward the semi-permanent camp of the Goddess and her group, of which she has heard so many rumors that she does not know what to believe. Everything from a Death Cult, to show girls, to the League of Assassins (which as far as she knows is only a legend based on some old Cults that may or may not exist and no one has ever proved in either direction.)


    She easily spots the tall Red haired half-elven woman she was told to report to. The fact that she is curing leather, and not ass deep in books on dragon lore and law, is hopefully a good sign.


    She walks up to the woman, who does not even glance up at her, "Um pardon me ?"


    Woman, "If you¡¯re here to worship the new sex goddess she is taking a bath in the lake."


    "Ah no mam, I was sent by Glaxlomax actually." That gets the woman to look up, "What does that old stick in the mud want now ?"


    Sheri is taken back, "Sorry what, I don''t know what you mean ?" The woman picks up what looks like a sheet of elephant hide, smacks it down and starts working on another sheet of hide, removing the fat from it so it can be tanned properly, "Last time she sent someone it was a dragon with a tree up his butt to go over dragon rules with me, He was very annoying. I only got rid of him by pointing out about 10 of these so called Holy Rules that counter each other or in the case of 5 Rules, that came out of the same council meeting about 500 years ago actually neutralize each other. Making the whole of them completely pointless. You''re not another Rules Lawyer are you ?"


    She shakes her head, the woman''s hair caught on fire as she was ranting about this other dragon. Unfortunately she knows so many that would fit in the GB she has no idea who it could be. "No mam, I am Shari-goth, I am to be your liaison officer. Um that means I am to live here and work with you and help with stuff between you and the Golden Balance. I have a letter of introduction if you want it."


    She looks at the girl for a long minute, "Better not, in my present state of mind it would likely burn to a cinder before I got to read it. I am Anwen by the way, prefer you call me that and not Mam or Serene one. I am beginning to hate that title. I am not Serene, not by a long shot. Too much Fire in me to be Serene for very long." Shari slowly nods, she is really wanting to run screaming in to the lake right now, but her training is the only thing keeping her from doing that.


    Anwen looks at her, "Why are you afraid of me ? I am Not Glaxlo-Pole-Up-Her-Ass-Max. Stupid Lawful bitch does not really get that I did not ask or want this job. I got it because The Queen Mother Bitch, wanted payment for fixing a problem done to me by Bast the cat-bitch, and failed to mention what the job entitled only that I would be working with this Golden Balance group. I think Ms. T is having a great laugh at turning me in to a Law Officer¡­ Oh don''t look at me like that, my period started last night and it puts me in a horrible mood. Makes me really bitchy and miserable. Cramps are bad enough, but my roommates are vampires" pause "That''s blood drinkers in your language. Which means I end up sleeping in a one person tent made of canvas well away from them. I hate sleeping alone. I have tried sleeping in dragon form, just cannot get comfortable. Which also does not help my mood."


    She slowly nods, "Yeah I don''t stay in dragon form if I can help it either. Prefer a bed to a pile of coins or the like. Never could stand such things which kind of makes me weird by dragon standards. Lots of things about me make me weird by their standards. Why do you think the Mother making you a supreme law is a joke ?"


    Anwen grins, "I was a Mage - Thief before I got pulled in to the god business. Adventuring type thief mind you not a house breaker type. Still, hard to go on adventures when your more powerful than almost anything out there. I really wanted to be an adventurer, but life did not work out that way for me. Truthfully I am pretty miserable here. I have a strong case of wanderlust. I Love going places, though there are a few I don''t want to travel through right now, tend to teleport around those if I can. Glax-head-up-her-ass-max actually tried to get me to move in to one of those temples. Freaking Stone prison is more like it. Even Less freedom there than I got here. She really does not understand why I would not willingly lock myself inside one of those holes."


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.Shari is nodding like her neck has been replaced by a spring. "Oh I know what you mean. I had to go through 5 years of training in one of those temples when my family placed me there. I Hated it. I lucked out when I got assigned to surveillance. Got to live in a human city, see sights, eat the food, meet the people, actually have fun, even though we are not technically supposed to have fun while on assignment. The head of the order there has written me up several times for un-dragon like behavior while on duty. For things like dancing at a wedding, or drinking with dwarves and other things that were part of my cover. I am Supposed to act like a human, not an Elf with, how did you put it, a Pole up their Butt ?" Anwen nods starting to like this girl despite her bad mood.


    Grinning slightly, "I take it your superior never actually did any field work before ? They are just a ''paper pusher'' one of those types who keeps track of reports and logs and such."


    Sheri nods, "Oh yeah. Even though she has been in humanoid form for over 30 years she still does not know how to lighten up or live a little. Everything is by the book."


    The Goddess nods, "I know the type. The kind that would not last a week in the field, could not improvise if their life depended on it. If it''s not in the book then it''s wrong.


    The more I see of this so called Balance organization the more out of balance it looks. I am all about Balance, but more on a cosmic scale. Cause when it comes to a mortal scale after a little while I just want to blow it up and start over. And these overly lawful, rule following types just speed that up allot. One thing about me, I was not born a dragon, The Mother turned me in to one, with the Fathers blessing to boot. I was a half-elf psionicist who was trained by an Prism Dragon in the use of those skills. As far as the Mother goes, that opened the door to my ''upgrade'' as she put it. Well that and getting screwed over by the Egyptian gods. I like the Egyptian people, their gods I no longer trust.


    The Mother was being Ironic I think. I am a purely amoral Neutral individual, know what kind of dragon she turned me in to ?"


    Shari shakes her long red haired, head, "A Gold. Adolescent age cause that matched my physical age. I can see it from the point of view that I have allot of fire in me, but that is it. And the fire was a side effect of a screw up in something Bast tried to turn me in to. Unwillingly I will add. That reminds me, that kind of dragon are you really ?"


    Shari gulps, "Bronze Miss."


    Looking thoughtful , "That the chatty ones ?"


    Shari shakes her head, "No Miss, the chatty ones are Brass. They love the desert and will talk people to death. Bronze tend toward being curious and live by water if we have a choice." Anwen nods, "ok then. I used to know all this long ago. Probably could remember if I put my mind to it. Just don''t feel like putting in the effort."


    Shari nods again, "Um mam, where should I set up then ?" She indicates her mule loaded down with she is not even sure what. "The temple gave me supplies but I am not sure what all they included, only that I was assured a nice tent and such."


    "Knowing your temples it could be anything from a pup tent to something a flight of dragons could fit in." Shari grins and nods, "Would not put that past them." she agreed.


    What they sent turned out to be magically shrunken, till they went to unwarp it. Knowing she was at least delivering this stuff to the supreme one, and that the camp site was a poor looking place. They sent a tent and supplies suitable for a Sultan, though one sized to be a dragon. They actually had to hire help from the Caravans to put up the monster tent. And once it was up a strong wind, caused by a large dragon flying overhead, made the whole thing collapse on itself. Anwen looked at it, shook her head at how poorly designed the thing was to start with and sighed. Then she asked who assigned this monster mistake to them. Fortunately it was listed on the invoice. So She teleported the whole thing, in the pile it was in, back to them. She kept the extra''s though (lots of nice gold and silver items. Very impressive and not something any dragon (or thief) would likely let go of easily. Divans, and furnishings that were supposed to be in the tent.) While talking with the workers she learned that the group that made the tent tried to warn those that ordered it that it would not work in windy conditions. They did not listen and this was the result. As Anwen paid them she commented though, it did look good for the 4 or 5 minutes they got it to stand. Then she spent another 15 minutes trying to explain what a minute was.


    2 hours later, via crystal ball, the depot and clerk that sent the mistake of a tent tries to yell at Shari for the tents return. Anwen takes the globe from Shari, "Excuse me. Are you the one who sent that tent ?" The clerk, a young looking man with slightly green skin nods, "Yes, and who are you to question me ?"


    "I am the Serene One. I am the one who teleported that stupid, useless item back to you after it fell on us when a full sized dragon flew overhead. Now while I have you on the globe, I will explain a little something. The Reason we don''t have a fancy-smancy looking place is we don''t want the humans to know how important I am. Some get stupid idea''s around important people. Secondly, I can read your thoughts from here, thricely loose the green skin, it does not make you look special, it makes you look like your diseased. Oh and I am keeping all the other items you sent. If you really thought I, a dragon, would send back such a nice array of gold and silver items when I was done with them, your both younger and dumber than I thought." She passes the ball back to Shari, who looks at it, then shuts it off. Then she cracks up laughing, "He is a green dragon who uses a spell to change his appearance. He really thinks showing his real color mixed with his human appearance makes him look better ?" Anwen nods, "Yes. He is only 50, but only been around humans for like 3 years. And not much that way. I think a relative got him that job to tell the truth. Cause he sure did not get it for his intelligence skills. Of which he does not have any."


    Shari nods, "They will send someone to try and collect the treasure items since they are not going to be used ''properly''. "


    Anwen looks at her, "Are the ones they are going to send gods ?" Shari indicates no, "Then they are going to have trouble getting the stuff back. Besides I look on them as gifts to my perfect self." she states with a straight face, which she can only keep for about a count of 5 before cracking up with laughter. Shari smiles.


    Anwen turns to her, "So tell me, if you hate being in the GB so much why don''t you quit ?"


    Shari sighs, "It''s forbidden. Once you are in, you are in for Life. As it is a Religious Order not even You can get around that rule."


    "Wanna bet ? So, if you die, you are out of the GB ?" Shari looks sad, "They lock your soul away in a special ceremony so you can''t be brought back, for the security of the realms they say."


    Evil smile, "REALLY ? Well how completely and utterly Evil of them. I may have to do something about that."


    "You are not the Mother or the Father or IO. Not much you can do."


    "I know allot and I may actually have a way around that. Just someone I got to talk to." She goes quiet for a while, then actually flickers in and out of reality then for a moment she is more Real than everything around her, then normal and smiling triumphantly, "That rule, it''s against the rules of this universe. No Soul is to be locked away from Resurrection or Reincarnation, to do so is against the laws set down by the AO of this universe. That is the Supreme Law maker for all this reality. Anyone who says otherwise is Breaking Laws not even Io can break. Are you getting the picture here ? If your church has been doing this, then they have been breaking a LAW, a big one to. Several evil and Entropic forces have been trying to enforce laws from Other realities on this one for a while now. Even tricked some of the gods in to believing those laws are in effect here. But I came in with several of those laws known to me. I think the Lady of Fate put them there so I could tell others about them and break the hold these dark powers are trying to enforce here."


    Bouncing around, so very excited, she actually summons Glaxlomax to herself. Glax is in human form, holding up a mirror in one hand and a dress she was thinking about in the other. When she realizes she is not in her rooms but in an open field she clutches the dress to herself and spins around. Spotting Anwen she loses it, "WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE YOU STUPID LITTLE" Anwen holds up a hand and Glax goes mute, "I am the Supreme Judicator and Law-Maker for Dragon Laws. All of them, Social, Judicial and Religious I looked in to it. The Only ones who can over turn me are the Mother, Father and Io and AO. I spoke with AO and he/she/it was kind enough to explain so many things that you and the rest of the High Council never bother to tell any Serene One. Well several things actually, things you don''t want us to know cause then we would know exactly what our true purpose is supposed to be and none of you want that. That for all effects and purposes I am Supposed to be the acting Empress of the Dragon Kind in this World. You in your utter need for Law and Order have gone to the point of Breaking Rules set down on this world by both AO and Io in the beginning. Like locking souls away. Oh and as I made an Official Report of this to AO those souls are even now being set free on the other-side.


    While I may not want this job, I will do my best at it. Starting with dissolving the High Council effective now. Trust me on this. I am being nice about it. I have it with in my power to just Dissolve you down to your component cells with a thought. Mother and Father gave me that kind of power cause they Knew about how your group has been misusing the powers you were given. Oh and you are hereby stripped of the powers and title of the High Priestess of the Golden Balance till such time, if ever, I find a reason to put you back in place. I will be going over all the records and information available to me and making adjustments accordingly."


    Glax is furious and calls out a prayer that would strip Anwen to her bones, Nothing Happens. Nothing at all. Anwen adds, "Yeah, I also removed your ability to use any magic that is not inborn when I stripped you of your titles. Same goes for the rest of the ex-high council. They were only supposed to exist to aid the High Serene One, ie me and my predecessors. But instead you all decided to just run things and give the Serene one a job that you could work around and when they learned what ¡­" Anwen turns, looks at the lake, and something out there just explodes in to a white cloud. "Right, removed your ghostly assassins to. Not just the ones hidden in the lake, but all of them worldwide in that instance because They were against the rules to. You know, you are actually a very evil little girl with delusions of being good and nice. I agree the society is better than what was before, all the small families and solitary living stuff. But you went too far. You started down a dark path, lied to yourself and others and really underestimated the gods. I know now why I was chosen for this job. Cause while I may complain about it and not be a happy camper, I will do it and I will follow the rules set down before me by my superior gods and I will Enforce those rules, as needed. You and yours, well for now you have a lot to think over. Bye Bye now."


    Glax vanishes.


    Anwen turns to Shari, whose eyes are Huge, "you really are a god, not just in name but for real and true." Anwen sighs, "Yeah, and now I can remember why I became mortal in the first place. I used to be a god a very long time ago. Before even dragons existed. I was not happy then either. But I did my job and such till one day I decided that there was so much I did not understand. So I applied to become a living being, to learn about the universes. I learned allot, but it was never enough. I did it for so long I forgot I had ever been a god. Now, on the other end of time, I am a god once more. I know more, but I am not really that much more perfect. I will make mistakes, I will fail at times. Because I am not perfect and really, well I really don''t want to be. Perfect tends to be boring."


    Shari nods, "So what of the Golden Balance, they only answered to the Council, what now ?


    "Well now they answer to me. Which means you still have a job and are still my liaison officer, which just went up in prestige allot. Though I suspect I am a nicer boss than they were. I also plan on offering retirement plans that don''t start with a grave. Definitely going to work on hiring practices to. It needs help. Like getting a certain little green guy out of supply. It really is not his strong suit. So what do you say ? Willing to work with a very strange, over sexed, once and future goddess to try and fix the problems of the dragon kind, and maybe the world along the way ?"


    Shari slowly nods, "ok. Sure, sounds like a lot of work, but um, do I get days off ?" Anwen thinks about it and nods, "Sure, we can talk about it. Also dancing, I really want to go dancing sometime." Shari smiles, "I know a few places."

 Wish of a Life Time - Alternate History

    Chapter 7: Meeting with the King of Kings


    Ptah, "This would have been easier while you were asleep, but your mental defenses make that a hassle."


    Anwen blinks, "Wait, we are going Now ?" Bast nods, and Anwen vanishes.


    Ptah, "What ? Where did she go ?" Bast laughs, "To fix herself up I suspect, brush her hair, change her dress, things like that. Meeting Ra is a big deal after all and she probably wants to look her best."


    Ptah looks at her then at the space Anwen had been in and sighs, "Knock her out, grab her astral self, go to Ra, so much easier."


    The cat shakes her head, "Ptah my love, do you know what she is likely to do if you attack her like that ? While she carries that staff ?"


    Ptah, "oh right That staff, I wonder how Ra will react when he sees it. Considering it''s from a different Pantheon and god king."


    Less than 20 minutes later she is back, in her armor and cloak and really looking pretty good. Bast looks a little surprised, "Armor, really ?" Anwen shrugs, "It''s actually my nicest looking outfit. No offense but I really don''t care for the local women''s costume." Ptah grins and shrugs, "Don''t look at me I have not changed my look much in centuries." Bast smirks, "It''s because you have such an impressive chest isn''t it ?" Anwen nods, "I keep falling out of the local stuff. My armor actually has some built in support so I am not being pulled down so much and they don''t swing wildly." Bast nods, "It''s why I keep my breast on the smaller side. I tried those like yours and well, it is a bit much. But I know you did not know about that when you designed the body."


    Anwen nodding, "Well that and the time period I thought I was going to had undergarments designed to help keep them up or at least under control." Bast looks thoughtful even as she shifts to her cat head form, "Point."


    Ptah opens the way and Bast takes her arm to guide her, "Now stay close my dear. I know you know the dangers of distraction but the path is purposely tricky which is why there are 2 of us with you Oh! Hello Anubis, I did not know you were here." The jackal headed god nods to her, "I am here about something else. Thousands of souls imprisoned in this place need to be freed, but we need mortal help to do so."


    Anwen nods, "A scholar I met says the place needs to be dedicated to a new god, so that the spirits can be free to move on."


    Anubis looks impressed, "Yes that is so. Though finding a good god to dedicate that place to will be difficult. The god whom it is presently dedicated to is not well liked. By anyone, including the other dark gods."


    Nodding, "The more I hear of this being the more he sounds like the evil one from the main religion back home. They call him Satan there."


    The others are quiet, leading her through a long trail then Anubis nods, "The name fits for this being. He and his counter point want all the attention and do not like to share it with the other gods. Trying to make themselves out to be the Only gods of good and evil."


    Anwen sighs, "Yep that sounds like the ones alright. They push for no god walking the earth and other ''rules of conduct'' that work in the long run to cripple other religions and give them and their fanatic followers the edge in the world. Their trick is to send ''Angels and Demons'' that are only under Their control to act as their agents. This works as not being a breach of the agreement, but they make sure any other god who tries the same tactic is labeled a Devil and forced to either join their pantheon as a lesser being, or be turned on by the masses. I have watched hundreds of world and seen this happen in every one." Anwen moves forward ignoring the sights around them and paying attention only to the 3 Gods she is with. Peripherally she notes things trying to distract her or make her take the wrong paths, or once something sent shadow versions of the gods to lead her astray. She said something and a Light appeared over the group, dispelling the shadows to a goodly distance from them. The gods actually looked impressed.


    Ptah, "You have learned some things during your time at the Center."


    "Actually I learned that one recently from something the Cloak told me. I just combined it with a spell for light I use normally and as my people say ''walla the Light of Truth''. Not sure how well that would work in the physical world though."


    Ptah and Anubis both look at the light, Anubis states, "It would drive back the shadows, both figurative and spiritually quite well. Keep the evil spirits at bay nicely. I would not have thought to try that. Do you mind if I teach this to my priest ?"


    Smiling up at him, "Oh not at all. I am happy to come up with something so useful." The others smile at her.


    Ptah from the lead, "I have to wonder why you are in that place though. Last I heard you were corraling monsters for an attack on the People of the Sea."


    Anwen sighs, "Kitten, Althea and I were having a secret meeting with a group of Immortals of her type, when we were attacked by a group of Setites. One that had some idea how some of my powers worked and took precautions against them. They tried to trap us all in a building and moved in to kill us. I heard them coming and dropped a fireball on their advanced scouts. That seemed to be a signal for their psions to block my psionics and keep us from just teleporting out. Became something of a protracted battle but I finally remembered to use the Angery Badger, threw him right on to their leaders head. The Badger went berserk all over his face. Then the Immortals went on the defensive with me tossing out weapons or whatever I could grab from my cloak to help fight off the snakes. Lots of thralled asp actually. Found out an old rowboat makes an effective wall when dropped in front of a door, crushed a few of the snakes to when it appeared 5ft in the air. Weapons wise was a bit of hit or miss, same for getting an exit out the back. Pulled the straw door, which worked as far as an exit went, but I was hoping for an Iron one, that at least could be locked from the other side.


    The other side however proved to be 6ft from the ground and the ground was covered in snakes. so I pulled out my pit traps and dropped them. Which made the ground, and the snakes, some 16ft down. Digging around I found the crossbow, one of the immortal warriors took it from me, I tied my rope around it and turned it in to an impromptu grappling gun. Worked quite well. He secured it to the far wall as I tossed out anything that felt like a weapon from my cloak to the battling immortals. Very random period that. Once out of weapons I turned to leave but well one normally very brave immortal is afraid of snakes and would not cross the line over the snakes, so I searched around and found a 10ft block of Ice in among the patches, dropped that in to the middle hole, crushed a few snakes and made her feel better about getting out. I went first, then the others followed. The scholar, he cast an illusion that made it look like we were running away upon climbing over the wall. The enemy followed them while we regrouped. While everyone was doing that I located the psion block, which turned out to be 3 old bald men in grey robes. I tried to fireball them but they were protected from spells. I turned once again to the cloak and found a pair of mastiff war dogs. I sent them after the men. They were Very effective. Killed all 3 then returned and asked for more orders. I set them up to guard our flank. Nice dogs, very well trained. Oh shit, I forgot to let them out for walkies before we left." The others grin at that last part, Bast states, "I am sure the immortals can look after them."


    Anwen frowns, "If they don''t eat them first."


    Anubis nods, "There is a chance of that. What were they doing when you left, the Immortals I mean."


    "Clearing the entrance tunnel and shoring up the walls and ceiling. I sent 3 of them, with some coin, to get more supplies from some local businesses." seeing the look on Anubis''s face, "oh no worries they ate before the events with the snakes. And not in Egypt. I teleported them from the places they were previously to the meeting place. Which was an old warehouse on the edge of the desert. I just know we are not getting our deposit back on that one."


    Her story and theatrics while telling it, took up much of the journey and made it more interesting for all.


    Soon they arrived at a large impressive dock with a much less impressive house sitting next to the dock. Moored at the dock was a large Egyptian styled ship with dancing blue lights around it and an empty throne at the back. The gods though did not go to the boat, but instead went to the house. Ptah knocked and a spirit opened the door and allowed them entry. This simple looking house turned out to be where Ra relaxed after his nightly journey. Instead of a grand palace, or manor home he chose something simple, almost middle class, if Egypt at the time had a middle class.


    Inside, sitting in what was unmistakenly an Ez-boy recliner was Ra, dressed in a bath robe with his feet up. "Come in, Come in. Have a seat. Anyone want a glass of Tea ?"


    Anwen nods, "I for one would love one." A spirit comes with a tall cool glass of tea. Anwen takes it, thanks the spirit and takes a sip, "Ah, that is good tea. I have not had any sense this whole thing started." She sits on a comfortable looking loveseat and nods in thanks to the King of the Gods, who smiles at her, "Most of them don''t care for black leaf tea. I found it very relaxing after a long trip." He takes a sip of his own glass.


    "So you are Anwen Cinaed aka Robert Pennington, yes I know who you are and were." Anwen does not even react other than to sit back, cup her tea and sigh contently.


    Ra looks at the others, Bast is keeping her emotionless cat face on. Anubis is pointedly looking at a picture and Ptah is slipping in to the kitchen.


    Ra turns back to her, "They did call it, you really don''t care that I am a king or a god."


    Anwen shrugs, "I got a comfy seat and a glass of very fine tea, for the moment I am happy. I respect your authority and job but with this much comfort it''s hard to care about much."


    Ra actually laughs at that, "Yes I get my furnishings from other worlds. I love my people but they have a long way to go in comfortable furniture." Anwen nods, "I been making do, but I miss my innerspring mattress and indoor plumbing. The comforts are about all I miss from my old life really."


    Ra nods in understanding, "I can imagine. I have been going over the reports on what you have been up to since coming to our time. Over all I am impressed. A few things I did not care for, but your motivations are mostly to the good. Your knowledge of future and past events in multiple worlds is very helpful. For one I am not letting our group be talked in to that ''taking the backseat'' stand point again. I heard your arguments and insights in to how it always turns out and think your correct. So while yes we need to be more organized in our religions and how the temples work, especially for prayers and magics received through them, I don''t believe my people need to with draw from the world to do it. Having a physical presence sometimes bolsters faith more than a few parlor tricks."


    Opening one eye and looking at him, "You and Amun are not the same beings are you, despite what the mortals believe."


    Ra now sits up, "True, he and even Horus are separate beings from me. The churches just like to try and force us all in to one being. I rule the afterlife and am King of the Gods, Amun is a creation god who would have people believe he created himself. So not true, but getting mortals to believe that has proven impossible. They get an idea in their collective heads and that''s pretty much it. Only a few know the truth and they tend to keep it to themselves. Unfortunately it is safer that way for them.


    Hm, how did you know ?"


    "Your aura, you don''t have that ''self-centered prick'' feeling to you. Amun always came across to me as a Narcissistic asshole."


    Ra chokes on his tea for a moment then smiles, "Oh good I am not the only one that feels that way about him."


    Anwen nods, "Well he goes on and has all his priest basically say that all other gods are just extensions of himself, so yeah. He is much like the Christian gods in that regard. I have seen the Center, I know what it is and I know no mortal really worships that and even if they did it would not care. And it is as close to the concept of an over god as is likely to exist. Seeing as it literally is the seat of all knowledge."


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.Bast nods and corrects, "But it is not truly sentient. It only receives, sorts, and releases knowledge There is no self-mind to it."


    Ra and Anwen share a look, take a sip of their tea and don''t comment on that.


    "Well by any account you¡¯re an advanced soul and perceptive person. I can see why the White Lady let you stay in our world. She is a bit of a meddler but she usually means well. She is a great one for testing people and gods to. Not sure what her long term goals are though. That has always been something of a mystery."


    "No clue, except she was having trouble with something polluting her realm till recently. Causing all kinds of problems. Have not heard anything since though."


    Ra nods, "Yes she came and tried to fix the problems her minions created. That is rare in and of itself. Though it had nothing to do with you personally, she was doing that with everyone who had been affected thus." Anwen nods, looks at her empty cup, frowning slightly. A gesture from Ra and a new cup was brought out to her. "ah thank you." she says to both Ra and the spirit.


    "As I was saying prior, I have been looking things over and I think you will be good for Egypt in the long run. I have looked over the things You came with, skills, knowledge''s and the like, even the staff you carry, which was created by an old friend of mine and, oh he gives you his blessing to use it. He is pleased it is back in the world and being put to use by such a creative mind. Which reminds me, wait here a moment." he gets up and leaves the room for a few minutes when he returns he hands a package to Anwen, "Some new patches for your cloak. Nothing fancy mind you just a few small items I hope you will get some good use out of. One patch pulls forth a pitcher of cow''s milk, pasteurized and grade A as you call it, one is a 3 pound bag of natural sugar, crystalized, and there is also a selection of tea''s including the black tea and a small container of basic coffee, roasted and ground. Oh and a coffee pot, camp style crossed with drip style. Basically you pour the hot water in the top, over the coffee or tea leaves and gravity takes care of the rest."


    "Cool, thank you. I was having a horrible time finding cream or milk for my morning coffee." Ra smiles, "I know they are not the most Useful things I could have given you but I thought you would appreciate them."


    Anwen places them in the cloak, which absorbs them then moves them in to places for use. The cloak is humming happily. "Oh no, they are fine actually. I like to cook and those will come in most useful for that."


    Bast rolls her eyes at the gifts, "Normally when you take a personal interest in someone they get better gifts than food."


    Anwen looks at her, "But it''s good food, multiple uses, and a coffee pot. I like them fine."


    Ra nods, "Helps to know your audience to. Now back to business. I understand you found one of he whom I shall not name''s old temples. Anubis told me of the trapped spirits in it. But it''s up to you to pick which god gets the dedication."


    Anwen nods, "Been thinking on it and well I am a mage, so I thought to be appropriate to my primary occupation, that the goddess of magic Heka."


    Ra and the others cough, "Um, Heka is a god, male. Where did you get the idea he was a woman ?


    Looking blank, "Oh, I thought he was one of the ones who came and mooched my last bottle of Evermead from me, has all the runes and words swirling around them ?"


    Anubis, "That was Maat, goddess of justice and truth."


    Anwen, "Ah, no not her, nope. I don''t think I am in her good book by now anyway."


    Ra smiling, "No probably not. You have stolen things, granted they were from an enemy, but still, you have killed, allot, and you consort with the Immortals who are unrepentant killers themselves. No, you are not high on her list. But she does love Evermead and is not beyond getting some anytime someone is giving It away."


    "They mooched my wine. Bast asked me to take some to her temple to give to her priest to ''share the happy'' and they all showed up, with cups out and I just could not say no."


    Ra nods, "Intimidating bunch even for you."


    Anwen nods, "Oh yeah. I just hide my reactions well. Totally blank my face, cry in my pillow at night."


    Anubis slips out of the room at that point, him being first in line at that time.


    Everyone is quiet as Anwen reviews her knowledge of their gods. Occasionally she ask a question and Ra or Bast answer. Eventually Ptah returns, carrying what looks like a Dagwood sandwich and a cup of milk. Then he to answers questions, between bites of his monstrous meal.


    One thing becomes clear, while she knows many of the names she is lax in some of what the names mean or who they belong to.


    Eventually though she settles on Nut, Ra squirms a bit about that one. "Why her ?" He ask in an aggrieved tone, "Well, I am thinking of all those trapped souls. It is my understanding that she is one of the gods that has to do with passage to the afterlife. Also I like stars. Bright, old, and many are long dead but we still see their light."


    Bast snickers, "And there is the scientist in her. She knows things that would make the scholars of this world head''s spin."


    Sadly, "I saw a stars light go out once, when I was a child." Bast hugs her head, "It died a looooong time ago. Still it can be a sad sight to see a stars last light fade away."


    Ra squirms, "any other choices ?"


    Anwen shrugs, "Well Bast, but I can''t really see Cats like being in what is effectively an underground bunker." Bast ends up laughing in her ear, "Wait you thought of me, then decided against it because of my cat aspect ?"


    Anwen nods, looking up at her furry headed friend. Bast looks at Ra, "She does have an interesting way of looking at thing''s doesn''t she."


    Ra smirks and nods, "I think Bast would be a better one for that place. It''s actually on the border between upper and lower Egypt And she is a war goddess as well as a goddess of protection and motherhood."


    Anwen nods, "And fertility from what I have heard." Bast nods, "Yep I do like my sex as my lovers can tell you." Ptah nods, "Yes she does." Anwen giggles in her throat, "Ok fine, Bast then. But if they try burying mummified cats in that place I will mummify the ones doing it, without bothering with them being dead first." makes a ''zap'' gesture. Bast still smiling, nods, "Ok no dead cats in your place and I will help get the spirits out to. And I won''t bar your new nasty little blood drinkers from that place either. I don''t know why you even like them but it''s your life so I won''t pry, too much."


    Ra clears his throat, "She is partly of them actually. She is a Revenant."


    Bast eyes open wide then she nods, "OH well that certainly explains allot of her mental powers."


    Anwen nods, "The glowing eyes, high resistance to domination, and my little fanged teeth to. Came about cause I tried to convince the White Lady to make me a Dhampyr, all the benefits none of the problems with being a vampire."


    Ra laughs and hits the arm of his chair, "HA! Yes I can see that not going over well. Good compromise though. More balanced. "


    "She made me pick a weakness though, so I chose Weirdness Magnet. I think it''s a little strong cause I seem to attract gods."


    Bast, "Well better than attracting dragons. Sure you don''t want to be a priestess of mine ?"


    Anwen grins and shakes her head, "Thanks but no. Feel weird worshipping my friend. Don''t mind promoting you a little but no."


    Switching to a different language that Anwen can''t understand:


    Ra nods, "She is to far advanced to pull off being a Priest of ours really. Also with her set up of 3 minds in one form, if you tried to add more to her it could be bad for her."


    Bast looks up, "What do you mean ?"


    Ptah points it out, "She is a composit being, human soul mated with a Immortals essence and a touch of Elven Spirit, all perfectly balanced by the White Lady to make her the way she is now. IF you tried to add to that, either by making her a priestess or her daydream of being a shifter, it would both alienate her from us and unbalance her both mentally and physically. As it stands though she likes the people of our lands and most of us to. As Ramsey''s said, she is good for Egypt because she Likes us. I don''t think getting on her bad side would be good for us."


    Ra nods, "She also has knowledge she is keeping to herself for fear of advancing the people to fast. For her they are small things, pieces of a greater whole. But in some ways she is right. Hm, though ... maybe we can get her to introduce some of her math. The concept of nothing is known but not as a number. Basic accounting would be a great boon to the world really."


    Ptah nods, "The down side is she really wants to advance things a little to fast. Some would be ok, advances in ship building, building from the frame outward and block and tackle would be in the realm of what our people could do and not upset the balance to badly. Not sure beyond that."


    Bast nods, "Ok I see what your saying. Still can flirt but don''t take her past that to ?"


    The men nod.


    "Do you know about this Quest she is on ?" Bast ask Ra. He nods, "Yes. Kitten was in Sets control for a time. They have her heart, or did. The idiot got it and it''s hidden Somewhere in Kemet, don''t know where. The quest is to get that and return it to Kitten."


    Bast nods, "So it''s likely somewhere in Amuns unholy places." Ra nods.


    They turn back to Anwen. Bast sighs, "Ok so what we worked out, you would not do well as a priestess. Your to far advanced as a soul for that. Can''t do the shifter thing either because of your Revenant part, not compatible."


    Anwen nods and waits. She heard names but that is all she understood.


    Ptah, "We were also disgussing certain knowledges we know you have but have been keeping to yourself. We worked out a few you can let in to the world that would not greatly upset the balance. Them being Math, the number zero and negitive numbers. That alone would help with commerce and keeping track of supplies."


    She nods, "That one is hard on me, I keep wanting to point it out but I know it''s not supposed to come around for about 1500 years or so."


    Ra shrugs, "The Elves and Dwarves know it already but they like to keep the humans ignorant. Same for block and tackle. Dwarves has had it for a couple hundred years now."


    Slow nod, "You talking to my human side now." she says with a narrow look at them. They shrug.


    Ptah grins, "Ship building hints would not hurt either. I know you don''t know much but what you do know would give us a leg up against some of the non-human races."


    "You all know I am trained in the Sciences to, Natural Laws and basic Physics. If I had arrived where I was supposed to, this knowledge would not have been so bad. Still advanced but not to the level it is now. Some of that I can put to your scholars, post it as Theory and let them go from there." She offers.


    Ra slowly nods, "Not a bad idea really. Posed as Theory it could help the people advance but not to an over powering extent. May annoy Thoth a bit though. Though I think you intimidate him a little. Something about star ships."


    Wide smile, "Battle of Worf 359. There are actually 3 or 4 different versions on that, one involves a ship accidently being pushed out of time and how that one event radically changed the future. Holo-Novels are such fun."


    Ptah just chuckles and nods, so understanding something now. He looks at Ra, "It''s a work of fiction, shown in a scientific form of Illusion magics. From what she has hinted at, her people have nucular energy and Primitive space craft, Not the level from their imaginings, not yet. But Thoth, well I think his threat to send her ''home'' makes her pull up every bit of science fiction she knows and uses it as a defense against him."


    Ra and Bast slowly nod. Thoth, for all his strenths, has a bit of a short sighted problem with sharing knowledges ''to fast''.


    "So basically you want me to help increase their Financal side of things over the war side right now ?" Anwen ask.


    Ra nods, "Don''t mind your war help agains the Assurans, People of the Sea and such, but also things to strengthen and improve the peoples wealth and the wealth of the nation would be much appreciated."


    She nods, "Ok, makes sense." She stands and smiles, "Wish I could take the furniture with me though."


    Ra nods, the chuckles, "No. Nice try though." She shrugs, "So tempted to teach someone to make an innerspring mattress." She sighs.


    Ptah grins, "On that, I almost agree. But the metal work needed does not exist yet."


    She nods and sighs, "True."


    And with that the interview is over and she is led back to her people.

 Chapter 8: To the Future

    Bast returns with Anwen to her ''lair''. Time was only a few minutes have past when they left in the mortal plane.


    "I will send some of my priest here. Will take a few days. Take care of yourself and the kitten." Bast kisses her on the cheek, "That is for luck." she winks then fades out.


    Shaking her head she heads down to the bunker. As it''s only been a short time so the others are not back yet but progress is still being made.


    Anwen calls out, "You guys want me to move anything outisde from here ?"


    Ulva thinks, "Are you strong enough for that ?"


    Anwen laughs, "I just teleport heavy objects out of the way."


    Ulva calls back, "Then try and move some of the larger rocks, but also try not to destabilize the roof."


    "Will do." Working in a combination of actual physical labor, teleportation, and telekinesis they manage to get a narrow passage open enough for two way safe travel. It is close to dark by this time and the Immortals are finally outside.


    Anwen, sitting on a pile of rocks and rubble, "I would offer you something to drink, " before she can finish Gwen is there, "Don''t mind if I do." She makes like she is going to bite Anwen, when she finds herself on the top of the structure.


    Anwen smacks her lips, "As I was saying, I don''t really have anything you can have right now. Also try that again Gwen and I will teleport you Much further away. Like straight up away."


    That makes them all nod.


    Kitten comes around, handing out mugs of warm blood, "Not as good as fresh but it works." she states. The others nod in thanks to Kitten for the drink.


    "I will have to head back to the Palace soon and check on my messages ... OH SHIT!, I completely forgot about the slave Ramsey''s gave me. I just told her to clean up the place and nothing else. That was two days ago."


    Kitten grins, "She will be fine. If you are not there she will just go to the Palace kitchens for her meals and such."


    "Unless she finds the leather bag and starts playing with it''s contents like you did. You know what can happen, as I recall you got yourself completely tied up when you moved wrong and the hooks crossed."


    Shule looks at Kitten, "What is in that bag ?"


    Kitten, looking in to her cup, "Leather items. Anwen is a trained leather worker and makes some, um, interesting leather wear."


    Anwen nods with a grin, "Bondage gear for sexy times. There is actually a pretty good market for that stuff."


    All of them sort of stop for a moment, then several nod, thinking of interesting ways such things could be put to use. Both in their diets and in Other ways.


    As they are contemplating that when the sound of horses and a cart is heard and shortly Brawn shows up with a cart full of lumber and a dozen slaves to help clear the place.


    To Anwen, "You were not kidding when you said Silver is worth so much here. I still have 5 pieces left from what you gave me." Turns to Kitten, "Orsa and Rutt will be along, they were looking for more slaves and some food and cattle."


    Back to Anwen, "Sorry to put you out like this but do you have enough food for them right now ?" nodding to the workers.


    Anwen sighs and starts to move to a clear spot, levitating some of the flatter debris around to make impromptu tables, "Sure just let me get set up. We got a narrow passage opened so far. Oh and Bast talked me in to letting her banish the influence here, but said she would leave the place so other Immortals could visit." looking pointedly at the group sitting around and sipping their ''wine''.


    Nast''al gets up and helps her set up a place, "We will need to set up some shelters for them to. Hope you thought of that Brawn."


    Brawn nods, "I got tarps and such to make tents out of and there is a village not far from here with a deep well. I got a couple good sized barrels. I thought Anwen could just pop over and fill them then pop back."


    Anwen shakes her head, "That''s right make the mage to all the heavy lifting." she gripes even as a thousand pound chunk of rock floats overhead and settles in the middle of her prep area. Looking over the ''table'' it is very uneven and she sighs, "Need to fix that. Well might as well ask an expert of such things."


    She walks well away from the group, pulls out her staff and talks to it for a moment, then draws a large circle on the ground, puts a few runes around it for good measure, then proceeds to chant to herself (Adding in a little prayer to Geb, asking for a nice earth elemental) before calling on the power and summoning up a being made of stone. It ''looks'' around then down at the mage, in a voice that sounds more like rocks rubbing together than actual words, it speaks, "Hello little mage, why have you summoned me ?"


    "Hello large and rocky, sorry if I disturbed you but I was in need of someone of your description. I was wondering if you can shape stone with out making rubble out of the item being shaped ?"


    It thinks for a moment, "Maybe, depends on what needs to be done."


    Anwen points to the ''Table'', "I am trying to make an area to use as a table so I can feed these workers. They are to clear out this old temple so it can be dedicated to Bast."


    The elemental nods, "Why Bast ?"


    "Ra talked me in to it actually. Her being a war and protection goddess and the location of this temple between upper and lower Kemet." she explains.


    It nods, "Good reason." It moves over to the stone in question and looks it over, then carefully it rubs one ''hand'' over it till there is a fine layer of sand. The surface is smooth as glass. Anwen looks it over, "Wow you do good work. I have no idea if I should pay you or something for this small service."


    The elemental ''looks'' surprised, "Well if your willing" it reaches in to itself and pulls out a limestone slab with some writing on it. Mostly heiroglyphics. "A report on my job performance would be appreciated. Don''t worry if you don''t know the local language, Geb has translators for nearly any language."


    Anwen looks it over, cast a minor ''read language'' spell and gets the gist of what is needed. Then carefully using a provided stone chisel she writes a report remarking on his good interpersonal skills as well as a completion of the required task and workman ship as excellent. She wrote it in elven. Then she reads it back to it, "How is that ?"


    It nods, "Oh very nice. Thank you. We don''t get pay the way mortals do. But good reviews mean when jobs are called for we get better ones more suited to our talents. This works for us much better than some past things that were tried. Elementals like myself actually volunteer to be summoned for such things. On a personal note, I prefer jobs like this one over combat. I like making things."


    Anwen nods, "I like being useful to. It feels good."


    It nods in agreement, "Is there anything else ?"


    Abwen looks about "Up to you really. I would not turn down any help in getting more set up though." It considers this, the puts away it''s slab and helps set up the seats and gets them polished down so the soft ones can use them easier. "Ok I think that''s everything. You all have a nice evening." it then returns to the circle and vanishes. Anwen rubs out the circle, says a little prayer of thanks to Geb then returns to the others.


    All the slaves, Immortals and even Kitten are looking at her in awe. She looks around, "What ?"


    Slave, "You commanded the earth and it obeyed you."


    Anwen shakes her head, "No I asked Geb if he would be kind enough to send someone who could help me here. He did a good job, so I wrote him a nice review, he did a few more things then left. I thanked Geb for the helper, end of story."


    Althea, now leaning on the end of the entrance, "Anwen, honey, even the mightiest of mages can''t do what you just did."


    Anwen pulls out her black book and looks it up, "Conjure Elemental is just a 5th ranked spell. Any experienced mage could do that."


    Althea shakes her head, "They can make them attack things, or do crude work, you just walked up to it, told it what you needed and it went and did it. I have seen mages conjure those before, none worked that well."


    Anwen, "How many politely ask an earth god for help prior to the conjuring ?"


    Kitten nods, "None that I know of. Interesting."


    Anwen nods, "Most human mages tend to be arrorgant to the point where they think they can do better without the Gods help or intervention. I am not that stupid."


    Several slaves and a few of the Immortals actually laugh at that.


    Her next trick the Immortals have seen before, so are not as impressed. The new people are once more left in awe as she pulls food from thin air. Large fully cooked bird, piping hot with all the trimmings, stuffing, Mashed Potatoes with skins mixed in, 24 dinner rolls, cranberry sause, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie, green bean casserole, gravy in gravy boat, large knife to carve the bird and large 2 pronged stainless steel fork to help serve it.


    For drinks she pulls out a quart of steaming coffee and a half gallon pitcher of milk. Searching her cloak she finds 1 set of silverware in a cloth napkin and a soup ladle which she puts in the gravy.


    Digging around for more she accidently pulls out a live she goat, that needs milking and a tree. The tree she looks at then drops to the side of the entrance, where it roots, spreads it''s leaves and promptly sprouts large red apples. Anwen ooo''s and picks one. Patting the tree, "Red and Delicious apples, Nice."


    Then she vanishes for a few minutes only to return with a good sized brazier, already burning. She places her fire grate over it and pulls out some ground beef (5 pounds) and rice, (3 pounds) and vanishes again only to return with an pot full of water and oven mitts, so as to not burn her hands, "I am sure the Palace with not miss this stuff" she mutters as she sets up her cooking area.


    Looking around she sets off a loud whistle, "ROMULUS, REMUS, COME!" out of the ruins the two massive dogs come running. One of them has a little grey kitten clinging to it''s leather clad back. They skid to a halt before her and look like soldiers at attention, "Ok boys, how do you like your hamburger ?" They look sideways at each other but don''t move. Romulus growls, "Raw mam."


    Anwen nods, "Me to actually." she whispers to them with a wink. She slides off a pound of hamburger each, "Sorry there is not more. Got a whole bunch of guest with no warning they were coming." the dogs nod.


    Anwen pulls over a couple of small stone slabs, "Got no plates either. Well not tonight, will have to see about getting some tomorrow. She puts down the food and waits, they wait, she thinks,"Well ?"


    Remus, in a side whisper, "you have to tell us to eat mam, oh and what about this little one we found. She is fearless little thing ... can we keep her ?" Anwen smiles at them, "She was a gift to us from the Goddess Bast, local cat god, so yes we can keep her. And I will make a small plate for her from the turkey we got."


    Both dogs heads turn that way and they can almost here the subsonic whimper, "Sorry boys that that one is ear marked for the humans. If there is some left overs then we will talk, ok ?" they nod, "Ok well eat up." she looks at the humans who are practically drooling. "Brawn did you remember things like plates and such ? Cause I don''t have any more than what you see here."


    He goes over to the wagon and takes out tin plates, dull knives and spoons and a large barrel of wine and enough cups for 3 times the number of slaves. Anwen smiles, "Ok then."


    He passes out the plates and cheap bronze wear items while Anwen carves the bird and sets each plate with a small portion of each item. "Ok the white stuff is called mashed potatoes, it¡¯s a kind of plant of the tuber variety. Meaning it¡¯s a root vegetable. The bird has been stuffed with a mixture of nuts and bread to soak up its juices and well it''s good to eat to. The rolls are nice, they are supposed to be white, it¡¯s the type of floor used to make them, the red stuff is called cranberry sauce, some people like it some don''t, if you don''t then give your share to someone who does like it. For desert I have 3 different kinds of pie and the apple tree. Be nice to the tree, upsetting it''s spirit would not be healthy. The greens are Green Bean casserole and the brown stuff is gravy made from the bird''s juices. The bird is called a turkey, in case any are wondering. Every item here is from my homeland. I hope you enjoy them."


    Kitten looks the items over with a touch of envy, "You come from a rich homeland.''


    Althea gets in line for the food to, she comments to the slaves around her, "I have had some of this before, it''s really good. The white stuff is a little bland, but works well with the gravy mixed in." She gets her plate and takes a seat at the big table. One burly slave looks about and then ask, "Mam, would you happen to have an ale or beer. I have not had any in a while and I have a powerful craving for it."


    She looks through her stuff then puts a large stein of German Ale next to him, "Only one I got I am afraid. I don''t care for it myself so I did not bother to stock up." The stein is a large affair with a smiling dwarven face on it.


    He points, "Looks like a dwarf." She nods, "Dwarven ale, supposedly some of the best I am told." He takes a taste and nods, "Gort that is Good ale, thank you mam." She smiles at him and moves on.


    He says to the fellow next to him, "I don''t know where she is from, but they have good ale and good food." The fellow next to him nods forlornly, "I suppose. I just hate that we only get it cause we lost and are now slaves."


    Little dark haired girl is walking around the table and over hears them, "What did you lose ?"


    The narrow faced man turns to her, "We were adventurers together you see. He and I were part of a large group. Thought to come down here to Egypt to do a little treasure hunting, but we ran afoul the local army, they decided we were looting tombs or some such. We weren''t mind you, just some old forgotten temples. But they attacked, we lost the fight and in the end they sold us off for slaves after taking all the stuff we recovered. Only Henric and I are still together after all that."


    She nods, "I have done some adventuring myself. Well I and my boyfriend. Our last adventure was against some of those evil Snake people, I think they were called Setites. If not for the mage we would not be here. We fought and she made an escape route for us. Then brought us here. She is digging out this old temple. They are going to rededicate it to one of the local gods or some such. Have not found anything like treasure yet. She only managed to get 3 rooms cleared and then moved in to them so she can be close to her work."


    They nod, "Having some people who know something of this sort of work is good. She is really smart and powerful, but a bit strange to."


    Henric nods, "She seems nice. Not everyone would give a slave an ale just cause they asked."


    She nods, "She seemed to like you, else she would not have done it. Though I doubt it''s a personal like. She can read a person''s soul, you must have a good one."


    His partner nudges him in the arm and Henric blushes slightly.


    The girl moves on and then returns to her friends.


    Suddenly Anwen calls out "HA!" and puts down two metal cylinders, "I knew I had those in one of my pockets. One is salt the other is ground black pepper. Feel free to use them." she pushes them toward the workers. Several pass them around and thank her for their addition to the feast. Kitten to Nast''al, "Well she is enjoying herself." He nods, "Yes she really does like helping people. I wonder how many she will adopt before we need to feed again."


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author."Well Orsa is supposed to be bringing more, and Ruttag was to get the supplies and food for them. Hopefully he remembers what food is." Nast''al grins, "Remember Jonon and how he was sent for human food, came back with 3 humans and a dying cow." She nods, "He never was very bright. Nice enough fellow but that dead cow was smarter." Nast''al nods, recalling lost friends.


    Kitten, "How did he die ?" Nast''al, "as I recall Borno told him it was possible to put his own head up his ass, he actually ripped his own head off trying to do it."


    Kitten shook her head, "I swear only he could die from being stupid and he went and did it to."


    Anwen comes up behind them, "Hi. I thought you would like to know. The scrawny fellow with the long face next to the big guy I gave the ale to," They nod, "He was silently praying to the ''god'' Nast''al the Undying to smite his enemies or give him a blade and the opportunity to do it himself." Nast''al looks very surprised, "That was the nickname my old gang had for me. Mind you most of them were thralls."


    Anwen nods, "Remember what I told you about thralls and their children ?"


    Nast''al''s eyes light up, "Do you think he could be one of them ?"


    She shrugs, "I cannot honestly tell. I just know he thinks your a minor god of death and assassins" she grins, "He also thinks the big guy next to him is one of the nicest, most loyal friends he has ever had. The big guy is a little thick but nice enough. Well think from my point of view which isn''t saying much cause most of you are as sharp as a bag of rocks." Grins the pops way before of them can get her for the gibe.


    Kitten grins and shakes her head, "She is learning. What, I am not sure of, but she is learning."


    Nast''al, "good insult really, though I suspect that''s somewhat true. She is one of those dangerously smart people with just enough talent to stay out of range of a good return strike."


    Kitten whispers, "you like her" he whispers back, "yes I do. she is strong and loyal and you know how I feel about loyalty." She nods. For all his faults he has a loyal heart and prizes loyalty above everything else.


    After dinner Anwen takes the few left overs and makes a plate for the dogs and kitten, "Now boys, I expect you to train her in proper etiquette and such. She is a cat, and they can be stubborn but with proper training they turn in to good guards." the dogs nod and begin their instructions that evening. When Anwen thinks to ask the kitten its name it proudly declares its name is Mew Mew Kit. Then growls ''want to make something of it ?'' she gets a head rubbing from an amused Anwen.


    That night, in her room she removes the boys armor and gives them both a rub down, Romulus "You¡¯re the best master we have had in a while. Our last one was all military, tough as nails, and never gave us rub downs or table scraps. Very strict about everything that one."


    Anwen nods, "Well I am not like him, I am not like anyone really. I am part elf, part something else and part human and maybe a little magic in the mix to. My jobs are a mage and thief. Oh don''t look at me that way, I only steal for my people, not in some lame attempt to get rich. Presently I work for Kitten who is in Egyptian Intelligence. So we do espionage and such as well as other covert jobs." The dogs nod understanding things better than most humans would believe. "Kittens people are not nice people but they are loyal, more or less, to each other. Thing is they are from 3 groups and not everyone from each group gets along with everyone from the other group."


    Remus nods, "We have seen that before. Sometimes they get vicious about it to." Anwen nods, "oh isn''t that the truth. Now my Direct commander is Althea, she is the one who got bit by a snake the day we all met. She is a good fighter, and will defend her people with her life. Kitten is her commander, so I tend to go around Althea, who while nice is not a good sergeant in my book, besides I am from a different division than her, but if you boys have been around military types I am sure you know what they say about military intelligence." They woof in agreement. "Right, somehow you get a supposedly group of smart people together and they tend to make stupid decisions." dog laughter ensues.


    "Anyway I am allot more lenient than the type your most used to. May treat you more like pets than soldiers from time to time, but that does not mean you get to go lax on me. Just sometimes I like to play things like fetch or run around and such."


    Remus nods in a human fashion, "Semi retirement." she grins, "Close enough. Say do you know the human date you are from ?"


    One looks at the other, "Yes mam. December 12, 1919." low whistle from her, "Well boys, you have been moved back in time to the late Bronze age. About 3100 years Before you were born. I am from a future time to, farther along than you in fact. So no canned dog food, premade treats or even electricity. On the other hand Magic is stronger than ever."


    They think on that but give no answer to the news.


    The next day: Washing the dogs is fun but wet and leaves her with a new level of Stink. Orsa, in a foul mood, returns with another 20 strong slaves, a few carts of supplies and an attitude that could peel paint. Anwen wisely gives her a very wide berth. 4 hours after that Ruttag comes in with 2 large wagons being pulled by the local variant of oxen, loaded down with enough supplies and food for an army of workers. He on the other hand is in good spirits. He got slave girls (for food and fun) though he made sure none had breast to much larger than Melidea. He did not need that sort of grief.


    A laughing, dripping, wet dog smelling Anwen meets him, "Hola, Boy did you get the supplies."


    "Boy ? Did you forget my name already ? I did not think I was gone That long." he gets close then stumbles back, "Did you wash the dogs or go swimming with them."


    She grins and wrings out her hair, "Little of both. The boys love bath time it turns out. As surprisingly did Mew Mew Kit. Oh that¡¯s the name of the gray kitten Bast gave me the other day."


    "Oh yeah, what did she and the dwarf want ?"


    Lightly smacking his blond head, "some respect, that dwarf is Ptah and a powerful god. They came to summon me before Ra. He wanted to meet me in person. Actually seems like a nice guy, gave me a few spelled items for my collection. Nothing fancy mind you, just a selection of tea''s and a pot to make them in." he nods, "Meeting the king of the local gods, nice. You sure do attract some interesting people." The slave girls behind him are all wide eyed listening to this.


    "Well being one of the most powerful mages in the world has it''s perks as well as its responsibilities." He nods in agreement. Even as Anwen calls out for some of the men to come unload and store the supplies.


    She turns to the girls, "If anyone wants a bath I dug out a spot, lined it in leather and filled it with water Just for bathing. It''s over that way past the stone table." they nod and some go look. There they see the two giant dogs and the little kitten, whom they seem to be trying to get to walk a certain way.


    One brave girl ask Anwen, "what are they doing ?"


    Anwen smiles, "Trying to train her to be a guard animal. Those are my war dogs Romulus and Remus. The cat is called Mew Mew Kit. She is a brave sweet little girl. " another girl ask, "What kind of dogs are they. " Anwen answers, "Mastiffs, Not sure if they are the English or Tibetan type though. I got them from an old soldier. Very well trained to."


    Third girl not timid but suspicious, "You were just joking around about talking to actual gods right."


    Turning to look at the girl, then turning her eyes red, "No. I Never joke about that stuff." The girl swallows hard and backs down. The light goes out and Anwen is back to her cheerful self. "We are clearing this old temple out and rededicating it to Bast. Behave yourselves and you might live to see it. Piss me off and I will feed you to something."


    She turns and leaves. That last one pissed her off and she could Feel her skin getting tight and hot. She sets the dogs to guard the girls and tells them to make sure none leave the camp.


    They do that and work with teaching Mew Mew Kit how to watch and corral such things.


    Walking back in to the tunnel she remarks to Brawn, "There is one girl out there I am tempted to hang by her feet, slit her throat and just watch her bleed out in to a tub."


    Brawn grins, "If you do let me know so I can get some bottles for the good stuff." she nods and walks on to her room closing and locking the door behind her.


    Orsa looks as she passes, "Yikes she may have some bite after all." she says in a joking condescending tone.


    Althea walks in and puts a pot of water on the camp stove in the middle room, "Oh I know she does. She tortures people for fun." Orsa has to stop and think about that for a bit.


    ---


    Day three, the slaves are making good progress and using Anwen''s design to hold up the ceiling is working better than the ''experienced'' miners thought it would. She still uses her powers to move larger objects and help hold up pieces normally too heavy for humans. The problem is she is getting cramps, bad ones, as she has not had a period yet she thinks that is what it is but it''s cutting in to her focus.


    She is barely able that night to pop herself back to the Palace, where she collapses in her bed. Sarah finds her there and takes to mopping up her sweat and trying to help her deal with the pain. She is feverish and hallucinating about Elven Assassins looking for a traitor that may or may not exist.


    Sarah knowing she is friendly with Bast seeks out their priest. Finding one in the Palace she explains the problem to the slender woman, who comes and see''s the elfin woman.


    The priestess examines her then sends Sarah to get some special herbs.


    While she is gone, the ''Priestess'' who is actually Bast sighs, "You went and got a bad infection. This is not good, but fortunetly you have me for a friend. Mind you this is going to hurt."


    Not that Anwen is there enough to understand. Bast calls on her sister Sekhmet, "Sister we got an evil spirit trying to take over our little Elf, I need your help in getting it out of her."


    The Lion Goddess comes in and looks at the girl, "Yikes. Been to close to one of His temples I take it ?"


    Bast nods, "Clearing one out so it can be rededicated to me actually. So the spirits in it can be laid to rest."


    Sekhmet inhales and nods, "Yes I heard, little jealous on that part, but well you are the one who befriended her so I understand it. Ptah explained it to me." she sighs and helps Bast extract the evil spirit that is trying to eat the soul of this child.


    They manage to get it out and fix the damage. Anwen wakes and then sneezes. Both goddesses roll their eyes, "Right and she caught a normal cold on Top of the other problem." Sekhmet sighs. She summons one of her healers and tells the woman what is needed. The priestess grins, "Well this is actually something of a relief, so many were thinking she is a lesser goddess or the like."


    Bast smirks, "We offered but she turned us down. "


    Sekhmet grins, "Only reason you keep offering is she knows how to make evermead."


    Bast shrugs, "Well she won''t make any."


    Anwen opens one eye, "Cause I need honey from giant bee''s."


    They both look at her and the light slowly comes on behind their eyes. THAT is, ok that explains one reason even the cheap stuff is so expensive. Giant bee''s make very good honey but are very dangerous to harvest from.


    She coughs, "Regular honey lacks something and it makes a very weak mead by the way we do it. Has been tried but it comes out like normal human mead, mostly. Some semi-magical properties but no one ever figured out what it''s good for as it''s just not as good stuff."


    Giant Bee honey was almost as expensive as the cheapest evermead. As it''s the main ingreadient in the stuff, so much is becoming clear.


    "Cat''s should not drink evermead anyway." sighs Anwen, "Elven version of Catnip is one of the ingrediants."


    Bast nods, she figured that, so did the Lion goddess. They lick their lips and nod.


    Ramsey, having heard Anwen is sick, pokes his head in. "Hello ?" He ask quietly.


    Bast walks over to him, "Hello Ramsey. Anwen has a bad cold. Been working for me in the desert and caught a chill, but don''t worry, she will be fine." Bast smiles at him and he nods, "Thank you my lady." he nods, "I do worry about her sometimes."


    Bast nods, "She is special to us to. She is good for you and Egypt and really likes the people here. We approve of that."


    Sekhmet comes over, "Bast here just wants her to teach us the secret of evermead so she can make her own."


    Ramseys grins and nods, not realizing whom the other woman is. Bast just clicks her tongue and walks in to the mirror, vanishing.


    Bast picks up her Priest for the rededication and transports them and herself to the place. Warning them of the foriegners helping around the place and her agreement with them.


    At the temple, the priest move in and set up while Bast speaks with Kitten, "Anwen went and caught herself a bad cold. She will be alright now. But was running a high fever for a few days. I made sure to send a healer to help look after her."


    Kitten nods, "Ah thank you. We were a bit worried when she did not come back."


    "My priest are doing the cleansing and dedication and as per my agreement with Anwen, cause she likes you people for some reason, I will leave it so your people can stay here unmolested by my guardians and such."


    Kitten smiles, "You really like her."


    "She is my friend, and well I think she would make a good cat some day. Ra made me swear to stop trying to talk her in to being a priest or god though." she shrugs.


    Althea, "I don''t think she would do well as a goddess. Other than the smarts, but she really does not like being in charge of much. Though she is a better leader than she believes."


    Bast nods, "Oh yes. It''s her fear and self doubt that is holding her back really. She had 1 bad experience as a leader a long time ago and it''s clouding her perceptions about what she is capable of."


    The other women, having seen her lead the slaves and such know that Anwen can be an effective leader. As long as she does not think she is in charge. As soon as she realizes it she panics and hides or tries to put someone else in charge.


    Althea thinks to ask, "Do you know what made her sick ?"


    Bast nods, "Combination of to much work and catching a chill." she is purposely leaving out the information on the evil spirit. Does not want to cause a panic. Though it''s why she is there in person. Looking for any more of those sorts.


    She moves around the place, quietly dealing with the ones seeping up from underground.


    After the rededication is done, She is able to call in Anubis and get the souls out of there. Which removes all the Evil ones to.


    Construction wise the place still needs a lot of work but at least the spirits have been put to rest and Bast just put in a shrine to herself in the middle room. She thinks, for now, that will do.

 Chapter Nine: Keep Moving Forward

    Takes about a week for Anwen to get over the cold. She was miserable and does not make a good patient. But once better she returns to work, bringing Sarah and the rest of her belongings with her. This includes a nice medival 8 man tent she never got to use. This is set up in a courtyard near the apple tree near the ''temple - bunker''.


    She moves all her stuff from there in to the tent for now as the contstruction has moved in to that section.


    She did inform Ramsey of the move, so he will not worry. Tells him they are in middle Kemet region working on restoring a temple of Bast, as a repayment for her priest taking care of her during her illness. Ramsey''s understands and agree''s its a good thing to do. Keeping the Gods happy is always a good thing. She also told him she will be watching for enemies, just in case.


    Her way of watching is when ever the People of the Sea attack an Egyptian town, she sends in the Immortals to teach them the error of their ways. Orsa, Ulva and Gwen love the excuse to let go and just kill raiders. Really helps them with some frustrations.


    Sekhmet has taken to sending in her avatars to (Lions). Visiting her personal destruction on those who would attack her people.


    Anwen puts tracking spells on the raider ships, carved via magic in to the bottom of the ships. This way she can track them and when they meet with other ships she puts tracking runes on them to. After a few months, with the help of the Queens mages, they know where every enemy ship in the Meditarian is or is going. Using this they are able to learn where their ports are and from there who is behind them. Though that takes longer.


    In the mean time Anwen quietly taught the people about the Number 0 and the basics of accounting and such. It''s made a huge difference in how business in Egypt is done. Also she shared the block and tackle, at first at her site, where she worked out the kinks, brought in the building ships from the frame outward, using a row boat provided by the cloak as an example and how it can be done. This sped up military ship building by a lot (block and tackle, cranes based on that and the new ship building techniques) She also introduced the Cog ship and that was another boost to the merchants of Egypt.


    Ramsey''s is Thrilled, especially when she let drop that some of this stuff was from the dwarven and elven nations. He believes, because of hints, that she was driven out from those lands do to their short sightedness and saying she can''t be an elf cause she is to tall. He thinks she was Bullied to the point she left home to escape it. The story works even better when his intelligence people report on what the elves think of her, that she is really some ''barbarian'' pretending to be an elf, cause she is to tall and busty to be a ''real elf''. It really helped her backstory in the end. - He knows she sometimes claims to be from a future time, but believes that is more from her Oracle ability to see in to those times is clouding her mind from her real past. Still it does not hurt her effectiveness so he leaves it be.


    After the little underground Lair is blessed by Bast priestesses and finally cleared, a small group of spirits, once they learned of the blessing, stayed behind. They were all musicians and actually just want to play music.


    It took a little time but Anwen with the help from some local mages, figured out a spell called Ghost Pipes, which actually creates ghostly musical instruments and engraved it and a memory watching spell on the walls of the haunted room. It became known as the Hall of Musical Memory - any song anyone can remember can be played in the room simply by holding a rune inscribed orb.


    Anwen is known for some wild and strange songs (Heavy metal, rock and roll, country, Wierd Al, Bach, Mozart, etc).


    The entire complex, though incomplete, turned out to have a huge central chamber that was the main temple, with 3 corridors leading off of it. The corridor that the Immortals shored up was actually a back door leading to what used to be store rooms for the temple. Those are the rooms that Anwen claimed for her own.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.The next corridor which ended in the crypt was to be guard and priest quarters. The water room Anwen sensed beyond the Hall is actually a natural cavern housing an underground lake. The top side of that is a small village that centers around a deep well that drops in to that lake. The village has farms of date palms and other produce and is on a well-known caravan route.


    Once a clear path to the lake is made Anwen started a new project, pipes running from the lake to a wide section of the outer courtyards, where she has been bringing in soil from some of the most fertile lands in the world. (Lots of volcanic stuff and stuff from the elven lands - very careful about making sure no Seeds come in with this soil either.)


    She makes a 50 acre area fertile and sets about on a long term project to grow certain kinds of plants. Mostly grains.


    She gets Geb interested in this as he appeared in a dream and wants to know what she is up to. Her plans, which were playing out in her dreams, show reclaiming large sections of the desert and turning them in to farm lands. Geb likes the idea, loves she is using otherwise wasted soils from other lands (the volcanic stuff from uninhabited islands, ones where there are no gods to lay claim to them - she got sneeky there and put shrine / monuments to Geb on many of those islands, laying claim to Egypt in the process. Expanding the Pantheons power in to parts of the carabean and certain Pacific regions to. - from Several of thier points of view these islands are like holiday get away sights now.) She also ''invented'' the windmill in order to pump the waters out of the cavern and in to her project. She built others to help grind grain and such to, so she could makes other things easier. (The first windmills in Normal history were created in 500 AD by the Persians.)


    Her other goal, which she is spending much silver on, is giving her brewing / distilling skill a work out. Presently she has to buy (or steal) all her ingrediants.


    She steals from the People of the Sea warehouses, ships etc. At one point she just started teleporting off the PoS items and persons that caught her attention and at another point an entire cargo ship that had managed to capture an important personage to a neighboring country. She popped the ship right in to the middle of a large group of pre-warned Egyptian soldiers. Both the ship (advanced design) and the other prisoners turned out to be a major win for Egypt.


    On the military side of things. Using illusion magics, Anwen is able to Show advances in tactics and training from the age of the Romans. How they came up with the most advanced infantry system in the world and how That became the basis all other human soldiers were trained in for the next 2000 years. She also included other things, some past, some future all with slightly different strengths and weaknesses and how to combine them in to a more effective force.


    She even taught them Sciences and natural laws, and taught the mages the ''secret'' to her power in Egypt is calling on the appropreate god when doing spells in their area of influence. Used Elementals to do this, Her elementals could do complex assignments cause She Asked the Gods help. Theirs tended to be attack or defense and not much else. It Really sank in after that and yes it added little to the ''casting times'' but it more than made up for it in power, effectiveness, and versitility of the magics. Better understanding of Natural Laws, Physics and Sciences helped to in many ways. She even managed to talk Ramseys in to starting free schools for the people, pointing out that this would, in the long run, make his people even greater than they were now. The addition of an educated workforce brought with it (shown in her illusions) people capable of doing more complex task, keeping up with numbers, and more. She also introduced her number system and English letters as a written language basis for the schools - Hieroglyphics was still kept as the Language for Temples and Tombs and other religious things which worked very well in the long run.

 Chapter 10: Quest

    16 years later


    A Prince comment at a dinner party celebrating the arrival of Anwen to Egypt, on the quest she was bound to. Why had she not asked Althia what the quest is ? After all it was Her quest, not Kittens.


    The Face Palm was great, Anwens answer, she never thought of it and Althea never told her.


    Althea, for her part, just shrugged and stated things kept coming up. Life intrupted and things happened. She finally lets it out. Set''s people stole Kittens heart. Ramseys insane grandfather had it next and hid it somewhere in Egypt. She just wants it found so her love could be whole once more.


    Anwen, now a much more advanced mage slowly nods. "Actually, back then I could not have done that. I did not have the knowledge to do it then. NOW, now I have the knowledge and ability to do it."


    The Prince got a kiss for his brillant yet simple question. He was thrilled (Anwen is after all a very beautiful woman).


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.That night, in her rooms, with Kitten, Shule, Nyst''al, Gwen, Sarah and Althea present she uses the Mirror and a very powerful seeking spell, asked 3 Gods for help with it, they find not only Kittens heart but a treasure trove of Lost relics for many of the gods and most special of all SETs own heart. Kitten got her heart back. Bast and Sekhmat got to feast on Set''s heart, killing that evil one permanently.


    The holy relics where ''cleansed'' of the evil influences on them and returned to their respective temples.


    When Kitten put her heart back in to herself a ring of pure white light rolled out between Anwen and Althea, showing the disolving of their bond.


    They had been together for so long though that neither really noticed any difference in how they felt about one another.

 Chapter Eleven: History Notes on the Immortals

    Most wandered off, or were sent to other places by Anwen, on thier request. Orsa though got sent away after she tried to kill Kitten, she found herself in Austrailla. Anwen just said she put her on a large island in the southern sea''s. That it was inhabited and so she would not starve. (Austraila is where she sends Anyone who annoys her really. Including that one nasty elven man and a bunch of his Immortal hunters - put them on seperate islands off the coast of Australia.)


    Gwen, with help from Melidea Finally got to tell Anwen about her feelings and why she acted the way she did. Anwen smirked about it. But accepted the womans offer of friendship and affection.


    She, Anwen and Sarah are all now lovers and Sarah is Gwens happy little thrall, though she loves Anwen more and Gwen knows it. Is fine with it cause she loves the Mage to. She already knew True Love beats out blood love anyway.


    Shule see''s and treats Anwen like a little sister. They have just that kind of bond.


    Shule learns she is a Goddess, the Dancer is worshipped in her old lands by Prostitutes low to high, female adventurers, and theives. She is revered for her grace and beauty and being calm under pressure. She does not know what to make of that but does not actively support or deny any of it.


    Nast''al, he comes and goes as he pleases, but he Finally admitted he thinks of Anwen as his friend, and as such (once his followers knew he was BacK) outlawed taking contracts out on the Royal family of Egypt as he was allied with them now. Interestingly in the Meso area''s he is the god of Death and Assassination - in Egypt however he has become the God of Loyalty and Honor. (People with out either he will happily kill - so he is seen as a Lawful Neutral with Evil tendancies sort of God). Tickles him to no end about that. Owen and Hendrik serve him openly with Owen working more for the Death aspect (he is an assassin after all) and Hendrik a philosopher of the virtues of Loyalty and Honor (he does not work well as a priest, but his mind works quite well as a philospher). Both are Nast''al''s thralls and quite aware of his true nature.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Brawn ended up being a teacher, University level, in Cairo about a decade after the schools were introduced. His love of Magical Items, Spells, and Spirits is now being taught and his Long sense of history on these topics really brings insight to the modern scholars.


    Of Melidea, Anwen Finally found a spell that Flesh Crafted her and mixed in some other effects making her about 16 years old physically and gave her a nice if small end D cup. Ruttag loves playing with them and Melidea loves them to. She loves Anwen like a favored aunt.


    Ruttag and Meidea pretty much took over a town and run the local Merchants guild and Inn there. Anwen still calls Ruttag ''Boy'', which he really does not mind as he is a happy sort of person at heart as well as a true romantic. They are happy in their new lives and share that with the few they pull in to their twisted evil little family (some really kinky thralls in their group - Sarah level fun people).


    Brandwen managed to get himself in to Ramsey''s intelligence groups. Just slipped in one day, brought some good intell, and has made a nice place for himself there. Still quiet and sneaky and very very good at his job.


    Sule went home, to the hittite lands. He was curious about what became of his people. They have not heard from him since. But Anwen has peeked in on him and knows he is fine.


    Ulva, after looking over the world, came back to Egypt and took over patroling the coast looking for pirates and raiders to fight. She just loves a good fight and will join in to wars with happy abandon.


    Though she does also run a semi-secret group of magic hunters and scholars. Inspired by Anwens story of the Librains who hunt down cursed and dangerous magic items and seal them away from the world. (or destroy them if possible) They are based out of Thebes and have a nice assortment of normal ''common'' magical items in a Museum / Library there. That part is open to the public and see''s many scholars and mages.


    Astrider left to explore the world. She knows Anwen checks up on her, as she sends Astral projections of herself and they talk from time to time. Mostly gossip really.


    She found herself a good group of people with the same kind of wanderlust she has and they are exploring places off the edge of the known world. Anwen gave them a ''map'', the World. As seen from Space, kind of map. They get in to all sorts of trouble, but enjoy themselves to no end to.

 Magus Adventures in Time

    Prelude


    Once apon a time, there was a man called Rob. He was by no means extraordinary, or special. He was disabled and a dreamer and attracted to unusual things.


    His fate changed one strange day when for no real reason beyond curiosity and the need to get out of his rut, he went in to one of those antique / this and that shops that dot much of the country. He was just browsing, looking at the interesting things and chatting mindlessly with the counter man, who was happy to have a potential customer on this overcast day.


    For entertainment of himself and the clerk, he picked random items and would make up something based on them. A ring to call forth a storm, a walking stick becomes a wizards staff, a candle stick (no candle) that could be used to talk to ghost. Things like that. The clerk to joined in, and they made up stories just to pass the time. Amoung the odds and ends in a shelf of random items Rob found, stuffed in the back, an old thin wood Tarot card, the Moon. Asking the guy about it, the clerk did not know, but theorized it may have fallen out of an old deck at some point. They did carry such things on consignment from time to time. Rob shrug and laughed, telling him about a Deck of Fate he read about in a story many years ago as a teenager, the moon card was supposed to grant 1 to 4 wishes when drawn from such a deck, at least in the story. But you had to be careful cause there was a time limit, depending on how long the card was active affected how many wishes it could grant.


    Picking up the cane from earlier and holding it up like a wizards staff, the card held aloft in the other hand he jokingly said, "Oh mighty Card of the Moon, grant me my boon, I wish I could live in another world of ancient magics, powerful places, and potentials undreamed of in the hearts of the people of this world, that there I was a mighty Wizard, with my staff in hand and knowledge of all things mystical and arcane, and that I was young, strong of body and mind and very healthy, and wealthy and that I *coughs through the next words (meant to say ''had'' but garbled it so the magic thought he said ''was'')* a girl as beautiful as they come, large of breast, slender of hips, firm of butt and strong of will (under breath) and kinky as my dreams." Winking at the clerk, "This I so wish, so mote it be" and with that he brings down his ''staff'' and strikes it on the floor. The card glowed with a brilliant blue white light and in a flash Rob, the card and the staff vanished. The clerk jumped up and ran around the counter, but all that was left was a swirling pool of glowing mist and Rob''s shoe prints burned in to the floor.


    Prelude Part 2: Of unknown wishes and new worlds.


    Waking on the floor and fearing the worst, in his case one of his few though disorienting mini strokes, he looks around, but this is not the store. The floor is cold stone and white mist covers the walls and very distant ceiling. His head is splitting and he hurts literally everywhere.


    Coming out of the mist was a strange ''woman ?'' dressed in a luminescent white gown, she speaks in a soft yet deeply echoing voice, "I must say, that was the most dramatic wish we have gotten in sometime. Well worded though, I especially liked the line ''Ancient Magics and Potentials undreamed of'' That by the way is a tall order, not impossible just tricky. I suppose by your worlds standards you were thinking of what your people think is fantasy. Oh please do speak, I want to get this sorted out right. Would not do to get this sort of thing wrong, bad for business you know."


    Thinking he has dropped in to a dream sequence, not unheard of as vivid dreams are not that unusual for him, " I hurt, all over, especially my head."


    "Hmm, oh dear, that will not do at all, can''t do an interview if the subject is in pain." she saying something to someone he can''t see and the pain levels drop to almost non existence. But he still can''t move. Part of his mind supposes he is in a hospital and that is the pain meds kicking in. Mixing reality and dream.


    "Better ? Good good. Now then what sort of world were you thinking of ?"


    "Well Advanced Dungeons and Dragons or similar you know. That''s a fantasy game system. Though left to me, and my proclivities I might mix in some World of Darkness VTM version. Um there are multiple versions of both systems but I prefer the 2cd edition versions of both truth be told. An Earth variant is ok, but you know with the variant races, elf, dwarf, gnome, halfling, gobliniods, dragons, etc. The intelligent sort of dragons mind you, not the moron beast types. Can''t stand all ''pure instinct and no intelligence'' types in any race. Takes the fun out of talking to them don''t you know."


    The entity nods, "All good points, and the smart dragons does narrow it down some. Hmm, time frames, future, with cars, atomics etc, steam age, renaissance, medieval, dark ages, and yes I know that medieval and dark ages are often confused or at least mixed depending on world history, where was I ah, Iron age, bronze age. Well you get the picture."


    Tries to nod but his head still feels ''wonky'', "Yeah. That''s a tuffy, something to be said for all of them. Well hmm, something without christianty would be nice, wider variety of faiths, none of that one faith to crush them all nonsense," the entity laughs and nods, "Maybe Rome failed to take over the world. Pushed back by combined humanoid armies or the like. Never making it much out of Italy, or what is now Italy in my world." more nodding and now he can see her flipping through a book, "Age of legends maybe pushing it. Though, hmm that is an interesting thing, that time can happen multiple times, it''s just not obvious to those living in that time. On my earth for example there is the ancient one with the Greek hero''s like Hercules and them, then the later times with King Arthur, and later still with Robin Hood, and so on. Each different but each leaving behind legendary figures. I admit my knowledge of such is limited to what was popular in my own culture." more nodding but nothing said, "For my ideal though, would be somewhere in medival level technology Full plate would either be new or unheard of, depending on races. Guns, hm, no. I can see them having existed at one time or another, but well, that sort of knowledge tends to come and go. Like how the ancient Babylonians had electricity, then the knowledge was lost, only to be found again later. Or the Orcs or one of the other races figured out black powder but not guns or cannons, as it''s good for blowing stuff up or making fireworks. That maybe more the mage or shamans thing though, something to wow the people ya know."


    The entity smiles, "My you are a font of knowledge aren''t you. Read allot I take it. That''s good. Mages need to be able to read. Oh on that part, we can''t make you a mage of great power to start off with. We can give you the potential for it though and the basic knowledge you will need. Like having gone through a full apprenticeship, so in your terms you will likely start off around 3rd level or so. We will see how things work out. Do you mind having other potentials as well ? "


    "Understandable about the mage thing, other potentials, you mean skills or occupations ? I don''t mind really. Always been a bit of a mystic and paranormal researcher, at least as a hobby, or at least I used to, before the strokes. Those really made it hard to learn new things, actually hurts trying to learn new things now days."


    "AH, so that''s what that is, yes will have to fix that for certain. No worries, we will make sure your very healthy. And yes that is what I meant by potentials. Actually your old hobbies work in nicely with what we were considering. May find some churches looking to hire or convert you. Those hobbies tend to attract them as well as make a better mage. Ah, do you have a specialty in mind for magic ?"


    "Always partial to enchantment actually, but I would most likely not specialize as that is to limiting, granted specializing can grant abilities a generalist can''t get normally, but a generalist knows things that specialist can''t learn Because they are specialized. Though, I can see myself collecting a goodly assortment of enchanted items. Cause like I said, I find them interesting."


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.She just giggles, "Your flair for the dramatic may serve you well as a generalist to. They do tend to be a little showy. Any other hobbies or interest we should know about ?"


    Shrugging, or trying to, "Well I like swords, knives, staves, wands and such as collectables, art, though mostly fantasy. Used to be able to draw ok, was better with clay though, studied music when I was young, could play piano and cornet ok. Really wanted to learn Mandolin but could not afford the course and the instrument at the same time, that is one I would love to be able to do as an extra profiency by the way, " she makes a note, "Gamer, obviously Role playing games mind you, though my dad taught me chess and some poker. Online games I tend to play artillery, ie anything with a good range attack ability. Um, I love vampire stories, supernatural romance''s of all sorts, On the world of darkness stuff I know allot about vampires and shifters for those systems. Even to the point I created a few of my own clans for both groups. Um, I have some pet cats, I know they are telepathic, experimented with that to be sure. Though I have to be looking them in the eye to get any idea what they are thinking. It''s usually limited as it''s draining for me to do that. Works a little with dogs to, but the only dog I had to experiment with was a golden retriever puppy. His favorites were food and ''play with me''." still grinning she nods.


    "Quite an elective assortment of interest, I imagine there is a few more but this will do. Weapon skills you would prefer or already have ?"


    "Well I trained with Staff for a long time, know a little about sword fighting and fencing but not enough to be skilled in it. I think Blunt weapons about covers most of what I know, hammer, club, that sort of thing, does using a bush axe count. Lots of yard work and clearing out huge wisteria vines. Really got to hate whom ever had the bright idea to bring them from their original country and plant them in America. No natural predators or anything to keep it in check, so it took over allot of areas. Sorry, pet peeve of mine. Uh weapons right let me think. Oh archery and thrown weapons. I used to do both for a time, when I was young and had access to them. I got ok with a long bow. I could at least hit the target board, was better with throwing stars and knives. I know how to use rifles to, but not care and maintence of them so it''s a little moot there."


    "Ok, staff, blunts, well staff is a blunt but I get what you mean. Thrown weapons, yes we can do that to. So some warrior training, mage started as hobby but switched to it more full time, say cause of peace or the like ?"


    "Works for me, may want to mix in a little rogue actually, and ninja, well kind of. I tried to imitate what I knew of the Shaolin and stuff from movies, mostly how to walk without being heard and not drawing attention to myself. Also well I was not a very honest teenager, fortunately I mostly grew out of that. Still get tempted from time to time you know."


    "Ah, ok so Rogue mage, also workable. Race, hmm, oh they want to know about the race, though to be honest, if your interest in vampires includes one day being one I would suggest half elf or human as Elf vampires tend to be sticks in the mud, also need your starting physical age."


    Thinking slowly, "Well of the two, half elf I suppose, I like the longer life span that offers, though of a lineage of a family of the same race, also like tieflings but I am not sure that is a good idea if your using the standard appearance or half god. Meh, probably to powerful just from their starting natural abilities at any rate. Having to curb my Power Gamer mode. Having no real power tends to do that with some people, like myself. Kind of crave it and not because I wrote allot of stories and worked out that if a character is to powerful they are hard to come up with plots that don''t fry my already damaged mind. Kind of want to mix in Marvel Universe power levels and abilities. Sorry tend to ramble. Oh I want to make sure of a couple things though."


    She nods, "That is fine. Best to do it now cause later you won''t have that option."


    Pauses, thinking how to word it, "Ok one, how are you going to do the female companion I asked about ?"


    Blank look, then searches her notes. Then yells at someone he can''t see. Then long suffering sigh, "They had you down for Being the girl. Good thing you asked or you would have woke up female." she looks miffed. "Really hate it when they miss important things like that."


    "Actually I had a coughing fit during the wish, so that may have been the problem." he tells her. She considers and nods.


    "Ok, reworking a few things - now, I suppose you want to be well endowd as a man ?"


    "Well yes but not Huge, I think a max length around 10 inches and a width, I don''t have hands now do I, hard to gesture with out hands."


    Smiling, "Just picture it, we can get it from there. Allot of men get a little crazy about the length but you apparently have it worked out."


    "Bi-sexual actually. Like girls more but have had some boy friends in the past. I like breast, allot. More so as I have gotten older. Tend to like slender lean muscles over the bulkier type to. Don''t like tatoos at all, well the permanent kind. Not sure why. Just don''t." he sighs, "Sorry started to day dream a bit there."


    She laughs at that, "Ok when next you wake your wish will be fulfilled. Mind you we operate a no refund policy. Once it''s done that''s it. No further changes can be made unless you find one of our cards and make another wish. Those are Very rare to. Most cards are limited to mage replications which lack the ability of our cards."


    "What about the girl and the wealth ?"


    "Oh right, need hair color, the rest is pretty self-explanatory, though kinky is giving them some trouble, hmm if I could get a wish it would be for them to give me a list of things in order, oh well. You will get some starting gear and money maybe a few magic items Oh and the staff, you actually found a dormant Mages staff, they are waking it now. It will be bonded to you so it can''t be stolen. Also because of the complexity of this they want to add in something of a ''limiter'' to you. I will let you pick something but it needs to be good. Game balance as you put it."


    "Ok, girl first. Partial to red heads, fiery type not that ginger or auburn stuff, like brunets to with long to, at least waist length though knee length is good to, heck long enough to pool around feet is interesting, but I leave that to you all, Tall, I like tall girls, long legs, even, small feet, don''t know why I like small feet. Kinky, um, I like BDSM stuff, high pain tolerance, open minded. I have limits on that but love sexy clothing, leather, pierced nipples. Pierced ears are ok to. Not noses though, that''s a little to far out for me. long tongue, something sexy about a long tongue, but then I like fangs on a girl to, well sharp looking canines anyway. Part of my attraction to female vampires in that I think... Though part of me wants a harem but that''s more of a teen wish. The idea of two girls or more who love each other and me equally and maybe sexaully, bit of a turn on you know ...on Limit. Well my favorite has always been Weirdness Magnet, sometimes called Weird Luck, think Swashbuckler kit, then amplify it a bit. Not usually enough to kill the person but if there is something strange going on, the character is likely to find it, stumble on to it, or at least walk along the fringe."


    "That will do, good limiter, makes sure you¡¯re going to have an interesting life, whether you want one or not. On the girl, they got a question, any problems with her being a vampire ? We actually get request for love interest from them to. Got a few who fit your preferences amoung them a couple vampires. A couple day walkers and some Night walkers. Mind you these are Potential, you still have to win their heart and they yours."


    Hm, "I don''t have a problem with that really. Though from what I recall, the Daywalker would be easier to be around in some respects. Though really I just want someone who is a good match for me both intellectually and emotionally you know."


    She smiles and nods, "Sleep now, when you wake you will be in your new body and world. Good luck."


    And he does.

 Chapter One: New Life of OOPS

    At first the dream like qualities remain, then the world starts to come in to full view, and Smell, and FEEL. From an alley he can see a nice medieval looking town, men and women and even a large red bearded dwarf walking about, doing business and enjoying the day. Standing up from the place he appeared at he takes 2 steps toward the exit and the ground vanishes beneath him. His last thought before vanishing through the hole is ¡®so this is weird luck in action¡¯.


    Next thing he knows he is falling down a long tunnel in to nothingness and glowing white mist then after an unknown amount of time the bottom opens up in what appears to be a stone room lit by distant torch light. He hits the floor chest first, knocking the wind from him. He lays there for a bit unmoving, taking slow stock of his new body, internally checking for broken bones.


    As he lays there he hears voices. Both female and not too far away, first voice, somewhat muffled, ¡°Ok what Exactly did you wish for again ?¡±


    Second voice, closer, and pretty sounding, ¡°Um Someone who could rescue us who was tall and beautiful ?¡± First voice, now sounding tired and annoyed, ¡°Why not just wish us out of here ? We only had one wish, oh wait, this is because your lonely isn¡¯t it. You wanted someone other than me to talk to and maybe play with.¡±


    Second voice, ¡°Well it was day time and you were asleep. I was thinking it would be nice to have someone nice to talk with. Someone I could compare knowledge and hobbies with. Not necessarily sex you know. But intellectually stimulating. Tall and pretty was sort of an after thought.¡±


    First, still annoyed, ¡°So did your savior appear here in this magically warded room ?¡±


    Second voice, ¡°Uh yes, fell right through the ceiling. Though they are not moving, all I can make out is a patched up cloak and a large bag across their back. I have not built up the nerve to look closer.¡±


    First, exasperated, ¡°So get up and see if they live for one. Two if they even speak our language, and 3 if they are willing to help us or just kill us and there by help us to the afterlife. Or maybe just you as your thoughtlessness ripped them from where ever they were to this pit.¡±


    Second voice goes quiet, except for the sound of careful movement. Then the edge of the cloak hood comes up and a shadowy face looks under, ¡°Are you alive in there ?¡± she whispers.


    From deep in the hood a voice emerges, one that speaks of untold pleasures or slow death, depending on mood, ¡°I was just 2 steps from my new life, then whoosh no ground under my feet and I fall through nothingness only to land here. Why did you make me go Whoosh ?¡±


    Tentively, ¡°I found a um device that could grant me one wish. Well I and my Mistress are trapped in here and needed help to get out. So I used that wish and well the spirits picked you. Um not sure if that is good or bad.¡±


    Partial nod from the covered head, ¡°I understand wishing. I found a device that granted me one too. I wished to be healthy and wealthy and such. I was getting a new start on life. I was there, in the town where my new life was to start, then whoosh I am not. From what you said, I can only guess that whatever force gives out the wishes got lazy and grabbed the last person or maybe nearest, dimensionally speaking and dropped them or ME here to help you out. So tell me the situation while I try to determine if I have any broken bones from the long fall I just had.¡±


    Girl, ¡°But the ceiling is not that high up.¡±


    Muffled voice, ¡°Althea my pretty, they had to have fallen Through the ground above us, at the least, to appear through the ceiling, that is a pretty long fall.¡±


    Althea, ¡°Oh yeah. Sorry I am very hungry, they don¡¯t feed us down here. Hunger makes it hard to think clearly.¡±


    Figure sighs, ¡°Oh yeah, I know that feeling very well. Ok, stand back, I am going to attempt to stand.¡±


    Althea scurries back from the figure. The figure slowly pushes up to its knees, takes something in to consideration then pushes up and carefully stands. Looking at the figure, even in this poor light and those raggedy looking clothes she can see he is very tall, powerfully built but not hugely muscled. Glinting from under the cloak Althea can make out the hilt of a sword and something more, possibly armor of some kind, but then the poor light filtering through the grill in the door makes it hard to see much of anything.


    The man looks about himself, pauses as if listening to something then grunts something in a language neither woman knows. Seems to be talking to someone only he can hear. Althea finds this worrying.


    "Who are you talking to ?" she ask with a touch of fear.


    He looks down at her, "My cloak, it''s enchanted and the spirit in it was pointing some things out to me and making some observations. From what he says your wish intersected with my wish and for some reason we were pulled here. By all accounts that should not have happened and he is trying to figure out why it happened. Bit of a mystery there."


    Althea''s eyes are Huge, magical anything is rare, and to have one capable of speach is a wonder. The cloak moves it self around, like in a breeze then stills. The man grunts something then sighs.


    "Ok then. You summoned me cause you needed help with something, escape you said. So where are we then ?"


    Voice from a box, "Prison of the Assun-an people. They been kidnapping or out right replacing people with look a likes. We got caught in one of their schemes and they locked us up here. We need to escape and warn our people about what is happening."


    "Why are you in a box ?" he ask.


    Voice in the box, "It''s safer for you, if I was out there I would kill you and drink your blood."


    "AH, vampire, got you." he says.


    Althea ask, "What is a vampire ?"


    "Sorry slang term for blood drinker. Taken from a kind of small bat that drinks blood to live." he explains, "If I don''t pay attention I will use allot of slang. Some of it I can''t fully explain. Um, I will warn you, I can get chatty, that''s talkitive, and give overly complicated answers sometimes. Came from being around people who seem to need that to understand simple things. At any rate, first we get out of here. Find the gaurds, feed them to the lady in the box. Then see about what to do after that."


    The voice in the box chuckles, "I like the way you think. But how are you going to get us out of here ?"


    He pulls around his bag, checking it over, Althea ask, "um do you have anything to eat in there ? They don''t feed us here and I am starving."


    He slowly nods, "Right let me see."


    First he pulls out a walking stick and taps it on the ground.


    Althea, "Ah magic does not work in here. Rune sealed room you see."


    The figure looks down at her, "If Magic did not work the your wish would not have worked. Ergo only certain levels or types of magic are blocked by these Runes. Or they are getting old and no one has throught to renew them. Runes wear out over time you see. Dirt, stains and such obscure them and without careful care they stop working."


    The voice in the box sounds amused, "and there were made decades ago and never reworked. Oh my, we have a mage."


    The mage bows to the dark toom, "Yes, though not greatly powerful, I have studied allot of things and know more than most." Tapping the staff again he quotes a word of power and the brass ball on the end creates a light a few inches above his hand, the pure white radience shows the stone room nicely. The room he can see is roughly 12 ft sqare with a 7ft cieling. It has a solid looking heavy wood door with bars in a small 6 inch window, from which distant torch light is coming through, a low slung bench / bed is against a wall and the long coffin like box, with other boxes on top of it are against the other wall.


    Once that is all taken in the man turns to his bag and starts to search it, but right on top is a note.


    Dear Rob,


    We hope this finds you in good spirits. As a gesture of good will we have included here in a complete list of your starting gear and items of magic. Also a list of new or more completed skills that were granted you to make your transition easier.


    Also all listed below as well as a basic ¡®character sheet¡¯ using your AD&D for a reference point. Somethings maybe wrong as the world we are sending you to is only like that game in the loosest of terms. Though the vtm is very much the same by the time period we are placing you in. (The 13th century) All other points of your request should still be present.


    Lastly we chose a new name for you, hope you like it. Robert Magus, I found the irony interesting as you get to keep your first name and really your profession.


    Also, your cloak is a Holy Relic of the Hermit, he chose you to carry it as you are a Seeker. Your staff turned out to be another Relic, belonging to the Gnome God Garl Glittergold, he is tickled it was found and is once more in the world. It is a staff of the Arch Magus (Mix of Power and Magi) plus it amplifies non combat spells by 10% effectiveness. By his blessing that staff can not be stolen from you and he wishes you a good journey to.


    You got some really nice magic items, all randomly picked out for you by our own system. Hope you enjoy them and your new life.


    Hands of Fate, Card Company


    He gives a low whistle as he rereads the missive before even looking over the completed list and stat page. "The ones who granted my wish included some choice magic items for me. Said most of them were randomly picked, but 2 actually came from different gods. Vag aka the Hermit, he is an Elder God with dominion over travelers, seekers and such. Seekers are Mystics and Mages, just so you know, but he also watches over the poor and similar to. One who likes to help those less fortunet but deserving. He is a non-pantheon type god but respected by many none the less."


    Ag whispers something to him and Robert pulls off a patch, blows on it (for effect) and it turns in to a platter of beef sausages and cheese. "Here, eat it slowly or you will make yourself sick." he hands it to Althea, who nods in wonder, and does as she is told, despite wanting to wolf it down.


    As she is eating he walks over to the door, puts a hand on it, then uses his new found gifts to seek beyond it, to see what can be seen.


    What surprises him is how simple the doors really are. This must be an ancient prison, as the doors have simple though stout crossbars to keep them closed. No locks anywhere, though they are effective for the kind of doors. The rest of the place looks to have been carved from solid rock, so underground. His mind moves up the corridors, seeing many fading life lights behind many doors. Some stronger, some weaker, and one Undead of a sort different from the vampire in his room.


    2 levels up he finds a wider, heavy door with bronze hinges, beyond it is a good sized room with 3 rough looking men in simple tunics and carrying heavy cudgles. They are playing a game and arguing about coming down to rape the new women, but one worries about what the captain would do to them if he found them away from their post.


    Robert listens for a long minute, then pulls back in to himself.


    "Found the guards, 2 levels up. 3 of them, argueing about coming down here and raping Althea, one is against it as he is afraid of what their captain would do to him. Also, there is some kind of undead in one of the cells 1 level above us. Not a vampire, but, I don''t know. It''s not a signature I know. Seeking spells are picky things sometimes." he sighs.


    Althea''s eyes are the size of saucers, "How do you do that ?"


    Robert shrugs, "Training and Magic, how else ? Your mind has not quite caught up with things yet has it ?"


    Althea slowly nods, "Sorry, right your a mage. I know that, but you don''t act like any mage I have ever seen."


    Robert nods, "My teachers were Elves. I am a Half Elf you see, so I can imagine my skills are strange. Also, well one of my teachers was a dragon. So I learned some of thier secrets to spell casting. So while not hugely powerful as mages go, I know allot of things from different sources and styles."


    He turns back to the door, extending his mind past it, he focuses as Ag tells him to, and moves the bar with his new telekinesis. He giggles softly to himself as the door swings open on it''s own, whispering to Ag, "so cool."


    Then he turns back to the girl, "Do you need help with any of those boxes ?" he ask, even as he puts his pack back on.


    Althea waves him off, "I will carry the boxes, don''t you worry. I am much stronger than I look."


    Slow nod, "You''re a thrall aren''t you ?"


    Althea, looking impressed, just nods. Robert nods to, "Cool"


    Althea looks perplexed, "What ?"


    "Sorry slang, one of those hard to translate phrases I mentioned before." he shrugs.


    Nodding but still not understanding, "ok"


    After she gets the boxes organized she follows the tall mage out of the cell and up the long passage toward the surface. They pass cell after cell, some empty, some with dead bodies and some with living or mostly living people in them. Those Robert, using his TK, opens them as they walk past, but does nothing more to help those inside in any other way. The one with the Undead in it, he leaves alone as he is unsure of it''s nature.


    Voice from the dark of that cell, "Why you let the others out and not me ?"


    Casting the light from his staff in to the cell, he makes out an armored form, mostly skeletal in appearance, but with glowing eyes.


    "Well... well, your so not what I was expecting. We are trying to escape and well you did not show up on my Life scans. I am only opening cells with the living in them." he explains.


    The creature slowly nods, "Yes, I see. My form is due to a cursed item. Was supposed to sustain me, keep me from dying, but as you can see, it did not work as expected."


    Thinking on it. "From what I have been told, these cells have some old Dampner Runes in place. Apparently they are malfuctioning, most likely do to age. It is possible they interfered with your device in unforseen ways, resulting in your item getting corrupted."


    The living skeleton sighs, "Your a mage aren''t you ?"


    "Warrior mage actually, but yes. I was summoned here by a powerful item with the given mission of rescueing those trapped here. If you promise to behave and not attack anyone, myself or prisoner wise, I am not opposed to letting you out. I am fine with you attacking any guards though."


    The skeleon seems to consider it then nods. "Very well. I so promise on what''s left of my soul."


    The mage stares at him, mutters something and the Skeletal Knight glows, then nodding he removes the bar and pulls a small item from the cell to himself. It looks like a silver ball covered in runes. "This is the item ?"


    The skeleon nods, "Yes."


    "Yikes. Ok, Well come along. AH, I am Robert." He nods to the Skeleton.


    The Skeleton moves slowly forward, "I am, or was, Alric Twinblade."


    "Still are actually, Your mind and spirit are trapped in there. Not sure if you can be restored or not though, will have to think on it and talk to some people I know."


    Alric slowly nods, "Well I will hope for it, but don''t expect much will change, with out some serious godly intervention."


    The others keep their distance from the living skeleton, but still follow.


    Alric ask, "Don''t you have a title or second name ?"


    "Yes, it''s just a bit ironic. It''s Magus, which means Learned One in my people''s language or a kind of Priest in Persia or Magician in Latin. Thing is I am of Nordic descent, well partly." Robert explains, "I have come across other such names that sound similar. Interesting thing of note, your name is from the Germanic people and actually means ''Ruler of All or King'' with the Title Twinblade, it changes to mean Master of the Twin Blade, which is a combat style, as I am sure your aware."


    Alric considers this then nods, "That is actually interesting, I did not know that. But then I am Persian not Germanic. Who are the Germanic people ?"


    "Hm, I believe they are related to the Goths, not totally sure. See names and their meanings is a bit of a hobby of mine, not always good at recalling more than the origin on a name, in the point of geography. "


    Alric chuckles, "Ah I see. Well there are worse hobbies I suppose. How are you Partly of Nordic descent ?"


    "Other part is Elven well partly there to. Bit of a mutt really. Family is a mix of nobles and merchants, so ancestory is from all over Europe and such. Ancestory like mine comes from pacts made using marrages as the seal between nations or groups."


    Alric slows a bit, then shakes his head, "Yes I can actually see that happening. So your Half Elf but not ?"


    "Well the thing is, the half elf blood stays true up to 3 or 4 generations out from the first of the line to carry it. In my case I got slightly pointed ears and the slower aging process. To look at me you would not realize it, but I am actually 60 years old." the mage tells those listening.


    Alric and Althea slowly nod. Althea sighs, "I thought you were closer to 20, though it does explain how you know so much."


    Alric jumps having not realized the small, strong woman was behind them. He takes in the boxes and stares at her for a long bit, then turns back to the mage, "Why is she carrying boxes ?"


    "One of them has her Mistress in it. She is an Immortal and it''s just safer for us if she stays in her box for now."


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.Alric slowly nods, "and now I am happy to be undead." he whispers.


    Robert whispers, "I am happy I know fire shield spell personally."


    Alric nods, "that is good to."


    At the guard door, Robert lets the lady with the Box go first.


    The guards are so distracted with their game and ''discussion'' they don''t even see the bar remove itself, or the door open. They do notice the sudden burst of cool air, and turn toward the door, only to see a demon leaping through it and on to them. None lived long enough to even raise the alarm.


    Alric and Robert watched, Alric from behind Althea, who is quietly giving directions and warnings, Robert via his special sight.


    A few minutes after the screams stop the blocking box moves to one side and Althea peeks around it, taking in the carnage and her happy feeding mistress, she ask, "are you safe yet ?"


    Sucking down the last of the blood from a heart she nods, "Yes, oh good stuff. These were well fed morsels." she is lying in the center of the guards table, licking herself clean, in a very cat like movements.


    Althea enters the room, followed by the mage, Alric, then the rest of the prisoners.


    Some of the more fit ones ignore the mess and look for weapons to use on the rest of the trek from this hell hole.


    Robert moves to the only other door and starts doing his seeking spells again. Seeing what is beyond here and where they need to go.


    "Yikes, there is but one tunnel out of here and it goes right through the baracks."


    The Mistress looks at him, "Can''t you magic a way past them ?"


    Shrugging, "For myself sure, but for everyone else, no. Well not with out killing most of them. Fire does a wonderful job of that."


    She nods, "Ok no fire. Like to avoid that fate."


    Looking perplexed, he notes, "Lots of bronze weapons here, not much in the way of armor either. Odd for a prison, would expect better equipment."


    Old man, holding a cudgle now, "Army gets the best stuff, these places get the left overs, in guards as well as gear."


    Nodding, "Ah, that makes a little more sense. I take it this is a pure human settlement ?"


    The old man looks oddly at him, "Of course, why do you ask ?"


    "I am not human." he says with a shrug. That gets him some wide eyed stares by many present. A different oldster, a woman in once fine leather, "I over heard some of your story with the dead one here. He is part elf, part other things." she tells the group with a suspicious look.


    Alric sighs, "I am going to get so tired of people calling me a dead thing."


    "Yeah, welcome to my world. I get people calling me Thing, never mind most of my anscestors are human. Granted a few aren''t, but still more human than not. Not that most people care." The Mistress and Alric both nod to that.


    The old man, glaring at the woman till she backs down, "So why are you here ?"


    Robert nods at Althea, "She made a wish so strong it pulled me here from where I was before. Personally I think the Gods have it in for me sometimes. Stuff like this happens to me more often than is normal. Adventure has my name, or so it feels like." deep sigh, "Was just on my way to get an inheritance and the moment I step in to the town proper, poof yanked away and dropped here."


    Younger fellow, in what were once nice clothes, "sounds to me like the Gods think you to be a hero. If you get us out of here you will be on your way to such I am sure."


    Waving that away, "Hero''s tend to have short lives, I was hoping to live longer than that."


    Alric chuckles at that, nodding in agreement.


    While they are talking, the prisoners make short work of the guards meals and Robert pulls out his papers and looks over them for an idea. He reads something and moans, "I am an idiot. I completely forgot I had that."


    Digs through his pack and pulls out a silver mirror of unusual quality, He stops and stares in to the face in the mirror.


    "I seriously need a shave." he mutters as a reason for staring at his face for so long. Looks at Alric, "Never can get my beard on the sides to grow any thicker, just does not look right."


    Alric nods then reaches over and pulls the mirror around and stares at his own face, "Ok I look worse than I thought. don''t know why, but I kept thinking I still had skin. I miss having skin." he sighs, "When we get out of here I am going to hunt down the mage that made that ball and have some words with him, and probably punch him a few times to."


    Robert nods, "I completely understand that sentiment." he says even as he waves a hand over the mirror. The image in the mirror changes, moving up from the room, through the earth and rooms above that, through the ground and along the wall, till he is looking down on the prison from above.


    As he is looking the place over he see''s this thin man in grey robes looking about before pulling something out and looking around through it. Eventually he stops, looking directly at him from his place on the wall. His crackly voice comes through the mirror, "HA! Thought you could fool old Neberkez did you. Trying to scry a way out, well not on my watch. Take That!" makes a tossing gesture and something clear shoots at the mirror, but Robert gestures himself and deflects whatever that was. Neberkez looks surprised, "So you got some skill. Don''t know who you think you are but your no match for ME!"


    Alric looks at the mage in the mirror, "What is that strange light around him ?"


    "Spell shield I suspect. Means using magic against him directly won''t work. So hm." Robert notes some bolders off to one side. He make a little gesture of Pull and Drop and a Huge one vanishes from it''s spot only to appear above the wall, where it falls toward the mage. He tries to run from under it, only to underestimate the actual size of the rock. The whole of the prison shakes as the bolder, which is the size of a blue whale, hits the wall, crushing not only the mage but several of the guards and that section of wall to.


    Looking over at the impressed crowd, "You know that rock looked smaller from here. Glad that spell has nothing to do with wieght limits." said in conversational tones.


    Alric turns to Althea and her Mistress, "Well I for one hope to never anger him. I really don''t want to know what it''s like to be Under a rock like that."


    The others all nod, impressed and a little scared of the power of this mage.


    Old woman, in tones of wonder and fear "Neberkez was an arch mage, and you defeated him with ease."


    "Difference in training. I am a war mage, he was not. I am trained to fight and kill foes at range. Knowing how mages fight helps. Most mages, when faced with other mages, forget there are ways to kill with out using magic directly on an opponent. Ergo teleporting the rock on top of him like that."


    Althea grins "Splat" hehehe.


    "Ok, so now that I have no more outside interferance, I just need to know where to aim so I can teleport you all to safty." Robert tells the crowd.


    Several idea''s are batted around. These people are from all over the Mediterranean region and it''s hard to get them to focus on Where to go.


    As they argue, Robert just raises the view higher and higher till he is looking down on the world from the level of the top of the clouds. "Well we are on an island." he points to the island (tiny dot) then to the nearer lands, "I can send you all to one of these areas easiest.


    Well dressed young man, "A city would be best. Possibly one on a coast where we could possibly find a ship to each of our own lands."


    Althea and Mistress are talking quietly between themselves and the Mistress whispers an idea to the Mage.


    He changes the focus and moves it to the southern contenant (toward Egypt) and the city of Tanis. It''s a port town, as well as a trade city.


    Getting fed up with all the argueing and feeling the guards gathering in the barracks. Robert teleports the lot of them, minus Althea, her Mistress, and Alric to that city.


    "Ok then. I get you two want to go somewhere else. Need to hurry, my life spells are telling me the guards are filling the barracks." Robert pauses, like he is listening. Then he opens the inner door, walks some 10ft up the corridor and there is a sound of metal on stone. He comes back. "Ok that will slow them down some."


    The others go look and see there is now a thick iron door with an iron bar driven in to the wall, blocking the passage. Alric looks at the ladies, "I think I will stick with him personally. With the kinds of magic he has, he maybe able to find out how to free me from my curse."


    The women nod then return to the guard room.


    Mistress points at the door, "Where did that come from ?"


    "Vag." Robert states.


    Althea slowly nods, "Right, the cloak."


    Alric puts a fist in to his palm, "A cloak of the Vagabond, Nice. That explains so much. Item blessed by a god." he tells them.


    "Only useable by Followers of the God to." Robert informs them.


    Althea comments, "It talks to him to. Something about a spirit living in it."


    Alric nods, "Yes, I have heard about that. They are made by an elder god for his chosen faithful. Don''t know allot about the god. I got a cousin whose hobby is stories of magical items." he explains.


    Robert nods, "I got that hobby to. It''s what got me to take up magic really. I want to be able to make my own magic items someday. Not knowledgeable enough yet to make stable enchantments. That is a higher end of magic than I got. I can make lesser items though."


    Alric nods, "So wands, scrolls, and ''charged'' items at this point ?"


    Robert nods, "Yes. Most of what I am doing now is Item magic. I don''t have any spells memorized at present, well nothing combat like, just some useful things, mundane, magically speaking. The teleport for example comes from my cane."


    Mistress nods at the explenation, "So scrying magics and such are all you have at present, anything else has to come from a device you have."


    "That or some innate magical abilities I was born with. I opened the doors with an ability called telekinesis. The power allows me to move objects with just the power of my mind. It also allows me to form a sheild around me, to protect me from attack." he goes explains.


    "Anyway I take it you all wanted to go someplace different ?" He says as a change of subject.


    The Lady nods, "Well that and to ask some questions."


    The Mage nods, "ask, though I resever the right not to answer."


    Althea smirks, "Are you a mage or a judicator ?"


    Blinking slowly at her, "What I can''t be both ?" Alric chuckles at that as the Lady rolls her eyes.


    "Althea, I will ask the questions, ok ?" Althea nods.


    "Now then, let''s start with your name."


    Shruging, "Robert Magus."


    She stares, "Your name is Mage ?"


    "No, Magus, Means Learned One in my native language. Just sounds similar to Mage is all." he explains.


    She nods, "Ok if you wished for wealth why the poor appearance ?"


    Smiling widely, He does a dramatic twirl and removes the cloak, as he does so the obviously high quality gear, fancy sword, and the rest show his stunning good looks. He bows and proclaims, "Robert Magus, Warrior, Mage and Adventurer at your service." Ends with an even wider smile and hands on his weapons.


    Alric nods, "Nice style."


    Both Mistress and Thrall stand there in stunned silence looking up at the powerful and now wealthy looking mage.


    Althea to Mistress, "ok NOW I am impressed with what the magic sent us." The Mistress just nods.


    Alric explains, "The cloak has a curse on it. Makes any who wear one look poor. But as curses go, it''s not a bad one. Especially given what it''s capable of."


    Mage to Vampire, "Ok, so your name ?"


    The lady nods, "Right, only fair. My name is Kitten. No second name or fancy titles. My Companion is Althea Fei, warrior and my best friend and sometimes lover, when I have control of myself."


    Althea smiles at the men, then ask, "So what now ?"


    Robert sighs, "You called me to get you out of here, so I need a location to get you to. Then I need to find a new path as my last one was hit by a fast moving truck."


    Everyone looks at him in confusion, "A Truck is a large wagon, used in moving cargo, usually pulled by teams of horses." That gets a nod of understanding from the others. He puts his cloak back on, "Ok so destination ?"


    Kitten, "Why don''t you come with us ?"


    He thinks about it, "Truthfully, I tend to attract trouble or strangeness. One of the reasons I trained to fight, to protect myself from some of the more hostile things that have tried to shorten my lifespan. Very few chose to stay around me for long because of that."


    Alric, "I am a strange thing at present. Still I would rather travel with you than not at this point. If you will have me sir."


    Robert nods, "I don''t mind that Alric. I don''t know how much help I will be with your curse though."


    He nods, "Oh I understand that. But well, point of honor here, you are getting us out of here and I really have no other way of paying you back for even that except by offering you my service for a time. I was an adventurer and mercenary before I got locked in here. Been in here a long time. Before the present group of prisoners actually."


    Robert nods, "That goes a long way in explaining the armor. Though it looks elven in design."


    He nods, "It is actually. Good eye there."


    Kitten clears her throat, "Excuse me. We were asking you to come with us."


    Robert shrugs at Alric, "We to attract trouble, it''s how we got pulled in to this place, so you would fit in that way with us. Minding our own business, then suddenly we are in a conspiracy and people are dying or disappearing. Well we know where some disappeared to now."


    Robert, looking distant and a touch dangerous, "I can remove this place if you like. Make it rain rocks all over it. Big ones, little ones, if I aim right, Flaming ones. Or just a couple large flaming ones, IF I can aim just right."


    Kitten, "How can you do that ?"


    Shrugging in a ''no big deal'' way, "Teleport a rock high enough and the air friction will make it burst in to flame on the way down, and that is Science not magic, just so you know."


    Althea ask, "What is the difference between science and magic ?"


    "Anyone can do science, magic is a gift of the Gods. You either got it or you don''t." he explains.


    Althea nods in semi-understanding.


    "So Destination ?" he ask again.


    Kitten looking at him, "Where were you thinking of going ?"


    "Was thinking England, Always wanted to go see those stone circles that dot the land there. Heard some rumors about them and how magic works around them."


    Althea, "What else is in this England place ?"


    "London. England is also called the Isle of Britain. It''s just west of the isle of Ire, also called Ireland. Trivia point, more red heads found in those two countries than almost anywhere else in the world. Or so I have been told."


    He is now scanning that region with his mirror, and starting to look worried. He is not seeing any of the places, the cities, or the technology, "Where have you pulled me to ? None of it is there." Moving faster, shifting the view to Europe and moving at speed over the region, looking at this very different world, "Oh Godz and little fishes, from what I am seeing here you pulled me back in time." said in an almost whisper of a voice, fear very evident.


    Vampire and servant look at each other in surprise, "What do you mean ?" Ask Kitten.


    Robert counters with, "What is the most advanced technology of this era ?"


    Althea grins, "I got a really nice bronze dagger from Greece right before this recent adventure. It was one of the best I ever had."


    Robert pulls out a steel dagger from his gear, "This is what my people use. It''s Steel, made from Iron and special techniques and additives. It''s a couple of steps beyond iron in technology and understanding."


    Alric looks at it and whimpers, "oh I so want swords like that."


    Both the ladies look in awe, it was a finer work than either had ever seen. Kitten reaches out to touch the blade, but Robert stops her, "Don''t, the oils on your hands can damage the blade. It''s really annoying having to clean them." Thinking on it, he reaches in to the cloak and pulls out a couple of match sets. He gives one set to Alric and one to Kitten, "I will teach you how to care for them, but you can have these for yourself."


    Alric nods, "so wish I had a face right now, so I could smile." he chuckles, "Thank you sir."


    Kitten nods to, "Thank you."


    Althea thinks, "I have seen iron weapons before, they are just very expensive and only a couple places sell them. Mostly Dwarven or Elven. But even they don''t have anything as nice as those."


    Nodding, "Actually these are elven made. From my homeland. They are called Stainless Steel as they resist rusting better than iron weapons. Still can rust, but takes poor care and longer."


    Kitty thinks some more, "Maybe Egypt, I have allies there. Actually have worked as an agent for the Pharaoh a few times. But I don''t know if the one I like is still in power."


    Robert scans the region and finds the palace. With in, sitting in court and looking quite bored, sits a regal individual. Kitty squeels, "HE LIVES!" and Hugs the Mage. Slowly he pushes her back, "I need to breath ..." she pulls back, "Oh Sorry, forgot myself."


    Taking a deep breath and slowly letting it out, he says, "I like hugs, but not so tight, I like breathing to."


    Kitten giggles, "So when we arrive, then what ?"


    "From their perspective you will appear from thin air." he listens to something, "I can work a spell to clean you and Vag has a cloak, non magical type, you can have to."


    She looks down at herself, "Yes, both sound like a good idea. Rammie knows what I am but still best not to show up looking like this."


    Robert cast the washing spell first, and soon she is cleaner than she has ever likely been before. Then he pulls out a long hooded and very Medival deep blue with white trim cloak for her.


    Alric taps him, "Um would you have another one of those ? I really don''t want to scare people with my present appearance."


    He digs through and finds one, "Last one I got."


    He puts it on over his armor and pulls on the hood. "Nice."


    Kittens cloak drags the floor on her, but she thinks it gives her an air of mystery, she likes it.

 Chapter Two: Of Kings and Drama

    For the sake of Drama, Robert has her walk forward, like she is passing through an invisible door, and teleports her so she appears to walk in to the room, she watches her old friends reaction as he sits in court. Then Poof she is there and Everyone is at attention, she walks up to the proper distance, even as the guards suddenly run in to position, a moment later, in the same spot, a large wooden box on the shoulders of the tuff little Althea appears. She waves at Queen Neferatari, who was close to a heart attack before recognizing the small woman.


    Kitten does the formal bow, then straightens and flips back her hood, "Hi Ramie, Thought we would come by for a visit."


    Ramsey''s the Second waves back his guards and smiles, "How many times have I told you not to call me that in public ?"


    Kitten Shrugs, "To many to count most likely." Doing a spin, "Like my new cloak, it was a gift from my new Mage."


    He sighs and grinning nods at her theatrics, "It''s very nice Kitten."


    She speaks of frivolous things as she waits (and hopes) for the mage to follow.


    A few of minutes later a tall, hump backed raggedy man appears, with a smaller, darkly shrouded man just behind him. He walks forward with a cane in hand and exudes both power and untapped sexual presence and oddly poverty. He comes to stop next to Althea, whispering, "Sorry I took so long, the rain of bolders took a little longer than I thought it would."


    Althea grins at him, and whispers back, "You are only a bit hehind us. No worries. Kitten was just mentioning you to the Pharaoh."


    Neferatari looks at the regal but bedraggled figure with distain, "No offense Kitten, but you mage looks a bit, um, how to put this."


    Robert, grinning, "Poor, unkept, dirty, I can go on if you like."


    The Pharaoh clears his throat, "That is not how you speak to a queen."


    Shrugging, "I know, I just don''t care."


    Kitten face palms.


    Ramsey looks at him, "Are you a Royal ?"


    Shrugs, "Not anymore. But you know how such things go I am sure."


    Ramsey shakes his head, having had experiences with deposed royals before and how some just don''t know their new place in the world. "Your obviously a destiture person now and ... "glancing at Kitten who is smirking, "Kitten why are you smiling ?"


    "Appearances can be deceiving. He dresses like that so people will underestimate him. But he just destroyed the Assur-ans Secret Prison. By raining boulders on it from on high. After freeing all the Prisoners who were in it."


    Neferatari, in a distainful tone, "I am sure their mage would put a stop to such a thing." Refering to the arch mage known to be stationed there.


    Althea speaks up, "He was the first to die actually. Tried to sheild himself from magic, so he dropped a REeeally big rock on him. He was Crushed under it, as was a large section of wall and a few dozen guards." she is absolutely giddy about the destruction.


    Ramsey nods, The destruction of that prison is good news to the rest of the world. Now if the rest of that cursed country could so easily be destroyed. Looking at the disguised mage, "Do you know who I am ?"


    Robert nods, "Ramsey''s the 2cd, greatest pharaoh of all time. Ruled Egypt for 66 years 2 months. Known after his death as the Great Ancestor. Became a legendary figure during and after his reign. Considered one of the best military leaders of his age. Married Neferatari, the Great Queen, whose beauty and diplomatic skills are remembered in the top 4 most beautiful and powerful women in the world for the next 3000 years."


    Dead Silence.


    Someone drops a plate somewhere and it pops everone out of their stunned state. Ramsey looks to Kitten, "He do that often ?"


    She looks uncertain, "Actually yes. He remembers things than have yet to happen. He was looking for a city earlier, it has yet to be built, won''t be built for another thousand years. Talks about people who don''t exist, yet and other such things. You can see why I keep him around yes ?"


    Ramsey slowly nods, "Are you sure about the length of my rule ?"


    Shrugging, an Image of a book appears. The language is unknown (save to the court mages, who look ready to plotz) but the images of Kemet of a future time, well worn statues, and worn down pyramids, and other things that are now New, or still under construction are shown there, "Well the book I read it in will not be written for another couple thousand years. Your works lasted the test of time. It''s one of the reasons you are so well remembered. And it does list you as the Greatest, most powerful Pharaoh of all time. The most well known to. Though the statue''s you litter the place with helped with that. Your queen is still popular in name and likeness " Image changes to advanced drawings of her and others of this age, (anime) " as well. Mind you, time is a fluid thing. Nothing is written in stone, you may die tomorrow or 50 years from now. I can only see in to one time line." The image changes, showing dozens of different earths, all in a line, curving through a black void, "I have pictures if you want to see ?"


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report itAlric taps his shoulder, causing Robert to look over at the images. He looks surprised before sighing and tapping his cane against a silver bracelet. The images fade out.


    The Pharaoh shakes his head, "No that is quite alright. What you have said is fine for now." having seen the images and that last one, well it fit with dreams he has had when trying to make a hard but important decsion. Still it''s a disturbing feeling seeing that so clearly represented.


    Neferatari slowly speaks, "Do you have any skills beyond magic ?"


    "Sure, doesn''t everyone ?" said in a calm tone, "But I am a scholar and a warrior as well as a mage and know quite a few things. "


    She slowly nods, "What of crafting skills ?"


    "Yes. I have training as a tailor and leather worker."


    Smirking, "So you made that cloak then ?" she interrupts.


    Shaking his head, "Oh no, no, no. The Cloak of Vag is Old Magic. Far beyond my skills. The cloak is thousands of years old, created by an Elder God. I am just the one chosen to wear it. Trust me, if it one is not chosen, it can be unpleasant." The cloak chooses that moment to move, making a threatening pose (cf the Vampire Cloak flair) "See it''s alive."


    The crowds eyes go wide.


    Robert releases it''s catch and it stays there as he steps forward. Showing the hump is actually a large bag on a black harness, he is wearing finally crafted black studded leather armor with it''s own hood. Sword at his side and black leather gloves and boots. The feeling of of quiet danger and sexual presence got even stronger when he did that. Smirking at the queen, he lets her take him in.


    Neferatari, parly stunned, nods as does the Pharaoh, his aura with the cloak was alluring, tempting even, without it he is almost over powering. There is just SOMETHING about him. Danger and power, he is a force to be recond with. There is No mistaking that now.


    Ramsey glances at Kitten and see''s the smile. He has know that immortal most of his life and knows she loves trouble. She is a great ally and a dangerous foe. She was the secret behind the negotiations with the Hittites all those years ago. It was her idea to use both languages and for each to claim that the other begged for peace. She also worked out a trade negotiation with the Dwarves of the Stone Hills, getting their stone masons to carve the reliefs of him and his wives. Not to mention the wines from the elven lands and the silkes from the dark wood. While his wife worked with the royals, it was Kitten, working behind the scenes, which helped his kingdom to become one of the greatest in the world. So he will not interfere with her new mage. He is sure that one will pull out all kind of trouble in to the open, where it can be dealt with properly. Also one Never knew with Oracles, they are the voices of the Gods after all. Though he knows a few such are a bit Touched to. Something about it tends to make them like that.


    It is almost an after thought, but an adviser whispers to the pharaoh about the Other figure behind the mage.


    Even as Kitten is pulling her mage in, the Pharaoh ask. "Who is this other person ?" Nodding at the black shrowded man.


    Alric sighs, "No one special. I am just in Lord Robert''s service." his voice is anything But human, as it echo''s through the Mind instead of the ears.


    Robert nods, "Actually he is under a curse, I am trying to help cure him of it. Trust me, you don''t want to see what is under that hood. Fewer nightmares that way."


    The Queen ask, "Who were you before you were cursed ?"


    Robert shrugs, so Alric bowing, "I am Alric Twinblade."


    The room goes quieter once more. But it is the captain of the Royal Guard who reacts though. "Alric !" He bows to the Pharaoh, "Pardon me sire, I know whom this person is. He is a known Persian hero who disappeared some 10 years ago."


    "Was in that blasted Prison actually. Been there almost 10 years now. Nice to know someone remembers me though." he sighs "Master Robert freed me from where I was kept. Promised to help break the curse I am under to, or at least try. Magical device I had, something went wrong with it and well." Holds out one of his iron bound skeletal hands, "Lets just say it''s not a pleasant existance."


    The court recoils some from that. The Pharaoh nods "I see. Well I hope the mage can help you then."


    After a quieter discussion, rooms are made ready for Kitten and her group. So they can freshen up before reporting on world events.

 Chapter Three: The Mage Comes to Town

    Later the Queen seeks out her mages. "So what do you all make of this foriegn mage ?"


    The court High Wizard Dessan bows to her, "He has knowledge we do not. His training looks Elven, though his style is all his own. He seemed angry though and from what we learned, he is not of our world. Pulled here by a powerful God level device by Althea, while looking for help to escape that prison."


    Second mage, Kempt Rah "We believe he is from a future time. Though how far in the future we do not know. But the Images he showed you all in court came from Books on History of the world. They were memories of his, so that was not an Oracle reading, but from his point of veiw, a reciting of History. Which actually makes his statements all the more true. Of his magic or skills we can''t fully say. But we suspect he will show wonders never before seen. And attract all kinds of troubles and things. He has this Presence we have seen before. The weak do not survive it. The strong get stronger from it."


    Dessan nods, "And mages with it tend to attract gods. Which for now, we will wait and watch and hope the Gods are friendly."


    The Queen slowly nods. She knows her Pharaoh will not really believe all of this. Ramsey''s is a great man, but he is a bit blind to the workings of magic and mages. It is just as well that she rules the Mages. "Thank you for your insight and counsil Master Dessan and Master Kempt Rah." she bows to them and leaves. She has much to think about.


    --


    Once in the very nice rooms in the east end of the Palace, Althea see''s to unpacking the very full trunk and coffin while Kitten arranged for a bath and food for herself and her companions. Alric looks over the room from a defensesive point, while Robert finds a seat and just collapses in to it. Thinking back to the events before joining these two here.


    He had just sent them here when the guards finally made it through the iron door and were pounding on the inner wooden door, screaming obsenities and promising death to all with in.


    Using the mirror sight he teleported himself and Alric to the side of the mountain, over looking the prison. From there he noticed the prison was actually built in to the side of the mountain itself, which meant starting a land slide would not be enough to end the horrible place. Looking about and seeking an answer he came to realize that this was not just a mountain, but a sleeping volcano. He giggled and explained as much to Alric and what he was hoping to do. Alric asked to be moved out of range of the coming destruction. So Robert teleported him to the far shore of the island, out of range of the coming destruction, but from a possition where he could witness most of it.


    Searching his memories and new knowledge on such things he determined if he could somehow stoke it''s flames he might be able to set it off in a direction that would bury the prison in molten lava. So he started to tunnel in to the mountain by teleporting out large chunks of rock and dropping those in front of or on top of the entrance to the Prison. Singing to himself, "One way in, one way out, Block the road and no one lives through Boooom town." not any kind of rhyme and a simple melody but for his own amusement it did not have to make sense.


    Once the tunnel is deep enough he uses the staves magic and his own new powers to launch in several lightning strikes and fireballs to ignite the gasses with in. It works to, better than he expected as both the side and the top of the no longer sleeping giant explode.


    He is just able to teleport himself to Alric, where they get to watch from a safe distance the destruction of the enemy prison.


    "There, prison destroyed, prisoners set free, job done. Now maybe I can get back to my life." he says to Alric as he turns to walk away only to have the White Lady appear before him. She looks slightly miffed, "You have to return to Althea now." states the spirit.


    Looking surprised, "But why, I did what they summoned me for."


    The spirit is still, looking a little pensive but she explains, "It''s the wish she made you see. Her wording was all over due to the starvation and what her Heart really wanted in the wish. From what we put together, well ... your with her for life, yours. Lets see. You know the Page card from the Fate deck in that game of yours ?" Robert nods, "Well in effect she drew your card, binding you to her. The only way out is another wish or to somehow complete a quest she is not even conscious about."


    He looks striken, "But my wish ..."


    She nods, "Yes it irks me to. Your not even in the same world I sent you to originally. This world, fits in some ways, but not in others. For example it has 2 visible moons. The larger one is actually a seperate planet with elves and fay peoples living on it. That is this universes Arcadia. Need a powerful spell or a spelljammer to get there. Though you could just teleport. You are for all effects a minor or lesser god in this world due to how you were built. I was sending you to a Marvel type universe, this one is more a world of darkness type universe.


    On the plus side for you, no christians. No Rome for that matter. You are in the end of the last age. A blank space in the history of your world. You come with magics yet undreamed of in this world. Which ironically was part of your wish. See Wizards in this time are limited to 6th ranked spells with a few figuring out 7th ranked spells. But you however don''t have that limitation. Your spell book has things in it all the way to the tenth rank in spells."


    Robert shakes his head, "Actually I have looked, I don''t have a spell book at all."


    She looks thoughtful and pulls up an image, "That silver and crystal bracelet on your left arm." he pulls his sleeve back and holds it up to her. The stone is solid black. She sighs, "That is your spell book and it looks like someone forgot to activate it."


    She does something and the black stone flickers then turns clear before a ''screen'' floats up from it showing a 3D kind of effect. "That is not just a spell book, but an entire mages library of knowledge. Sort of a magical computer that only You can use. It is soul bound to you and has all sorts of useful features in it. Copies of all your skills and gifted knowledges are in it as well as any book you have ever read in your life up to when we made it. You can set it so only you can see the image, or you can project the images so others can see it if you wish. I was having a bit of fun when we designed this for you. Mind you, in the way WE work spells, Cantrips are level 1, despite what you may think. So level 10 is level 9 in your game books. Though, um, in this world, and given your power levels, you could eventually get God level magics. Other things, you can scan other works in to it, like your cell phones, the bottom of the bracelet has a smaller set of crystals for just that use. It has a translation program in it to allow you to read over any magical writings as well. Or if you scan a magic item, and if it has a listing in your books, you can learn about it that way to. That is sort of a Legend Lore feature."


    "You were having fun with my Potentials Undreamed of line weren''t you ?" he ask with a slight smirk.


    She nods, "Yes. Sometimes I like to drop new items in to the worlds. I bound it to you though because, well people will want to steal it. For anyone else it''s a Mythreal and Adamantium bracelet. Pretty but won''t do anything. You can summon it to you if it''s ever stolen, even through Godly level barriers. Unless their mine or maybe the Hermits, but he is unlikely to take it from you as you work for him."


    She pulls herself back in, "Right. Now then the Human world here is following much of the same history as your own world did, a few minor changes here and there because of the other races, but major human on human events are remaining the same up to this point. Your at a point After the Hittite war with Egypt, but the People of the Sea events are playing out now. That is how your people remember them, but in this world, they are called the Assun-an. Just to give you the perspective. They are advanced in some ways and not in others. In the Natural course they would be wiped out in roughly 500 years. But with you here, with your advanced knowledges and all, well you can help speed that along or not. This is not your world, so you don''t have to fear about erasing yourself by accident. There is lots of trouble for you to walk in to, work around, or help create just because of your nature."


    Slow nods, "Ok. I get some of this is from my wish, some I feel you are just trying to make things easier on me because this other wish interfered with how mine was supposed to play out."


    She nods, "Things like this are rare, but it has happened before. Even we have resource limits and unfortunetly your description fit perfectly with her Need so you got picked. I know it''s not fair to you. Oh and um, if any god wants to know whose pantheon you belong to, you can claim mine as I did create your form and all. I am just known as the White Lady, I don''t give out any other names usually. I am like Hermit, who is also part of my Pantheon, or I am part of His. There are not many of us left anymore, so it''s a really small pantheon mostly made up of minor gods or elder gods. Well 3 Elder Gods. The last is Mortality, just so you know."


    Blink Blink, ok then.


    "Oh um, may I ask an unrelated question ?" he ask as he pulls out Alrics ball.


    She looks at it, then at the Skeleton, then back to Robert. "Ah. Alric Twinblades. He is actually the 7th person to ever suffer from this particular curse. He is what you know of as a Skeletal Knight, though his mind is in better shape than most like him. I can''t help you much with him, only give you a few clues. But you are correct about How he became what he is. That ball, originally was a precurser to a Ring of Substance. But as Rune items sometimes do, it malfunctioned, then crossed with the magic dampening of the prison, well it changed how it worked and the magic went a touch sideways. The results being his present state. I can''t say if you will be able to free him from the curse or not. To many variables.


    Ah, on your romance, I will see what I can find as potentials for you. It really irks me when I can''t get a persons wish right. I had 3 potentials in your original world. If I can I will try to put my choices in your path. Now mind you, there may be others out there that are a good match that are not part of your wish to. The Multiverse is like that. Now then. You need to go take care of that girl and try to live the best you can." she pats him on the head then vanishes.


    Looking at Alric, who looks surprised about what he saw, "Well ok then. At least she gave me a clue and a confirmation as to what happened to me. Though I am sorry your stuck with that fool of a girl."


    "That fool of a girl is a thrall and probably several hundred years old. Her Mistress is an Immortal of the Blood Drinking kind. Your present state makes you an Immortal to. Just so you know. Me, well I got youth, health and power and some really nifty magic items but was not expecting to become a god. Lets keep the god thing between us for now ok."


    Alric nods, "As you say Master. AH! I formally vow to act as your protector and helper ... I had a whole speach worked out in my head and I forgot it when she appeared." he sighs.


    Robert claps a hand on the warriors shoulder, "That is alright Alric. I understand what your saying. I also welcome you to come along on the strange trip that is likely to be my life."


    Alric chuckles, "I love how you put things. Thank you Master. Though I really need to get new swords."


    "No worries, I am a trained smith. If I can get the needed matterials and a descent smithy I can make you some swords, or repair your armor to."


    With that, they follow Althea and appear in the Palace, where a slightly depressed Robert almost challenges the King of Egypt and Pushes back on his fate a little bit.


    Now, sitting in the provided room, he pulls up the bracelet, works out how to pull up the image of his library, and looks over what he has available to him. This is a True Book of Infinite Spells, as well as something on par with the Library of Congress in sheer volume of books and knowledge. It includes everything he would ever want to know about creating magical items, scrolls, alchemy and more.


    (Authors note: present Library of Congress has 16 million books and 120 million ''other items'' from wood block prints to CDs. His library is closer to to 60 million books, items, etc - more given it''s hidden features.)


    Althea comes over and sits at his feet, "What''s that ?"


    Robert, distractedly, "My spell book. Mages have to constantly study magic if they want to work spells."


    Althea nods, "I have heard that. I wanted to be a mage when I was younger, but kept running in to dirty old men who saw me as a sex object instead of an apprentice. Long story there, ended up learning to fight instead, found Kitten, saved her life, fell in love, she fell for me, we are together now. End of story."


    Robert shakes his head, "You would never make it as a story teller." Alric chuckles and silently agree''s with him.


    Kitten comes up behind them and leans on Robert''s shoulder, "True, but new question. Why did you come to us and not just leave once your mission was completed ?"


    Looking up and sighing, "I can''t. I tried but it turns out Althea''s rambling wish bound me to her. I can''t leave till one of us is Dead. Also I can''t purposely kill her or work on her demise as my life is now linked to hers. She dies, so do I, so that is not an option either. So your stuck with me, A mage from 2000 years in an alternate future world. My world so you understand has only 1 moon and no daywalkers, like you, in it.


    BUT the spirit of the wish assured me that the human history pretty much runs like it did in my world, save where the other races come in to it."


    Kitten slowly nods, "Good to know. So other than skills, do you know of any future devices or tactics that could be of use to us."


    "Sure lots, just got to sort out things in my head first, and a nap. I am very tired. Blowing up a mountain is not easy." he sighs.


    Althea leads him to a near room and a pallet with a rag mattress, "You can rest here. We will call you when the food is delivered." Robert nods as he lays down. Pulling his bag with him and holding it to him.


    In the other room Alric approaches Kitten. "Just so you know. I have sworn myself to his service and he accepted me in to it. Also it was the White Lady who sent us here. She is the power behind thier wishes. I learned a few interesting things to."


    Kitten nods, "Do tell."


    "The White Lady, she does have a pantheon, but only 2 other major gods, both with odd names that sound more like descriptions. Hermit and Mortality."


    Kitten sits, "Ouch. I know a little about the Hermit. Passive kind of god who watches over travelers be they physical or spiritual. His priest tend to care for the poor and help out those in need when they can. Many Spiritualist follow his path to. Much like this Vag Robert mentioned really.


    Of Mortality, well he is a Supreme Death God. Stands above the ones known to mortals. So the Goddess of Fate, The God of Death, and the God of Travelers. Odd mix if you think about it."


    Alric nods, "Said there are other gods to, but all are of lesser status and power. I get the feeling some were adopted in to their pantheon to protect them from those who would seek them harm otherwise."


    Kitten nods even as Althea returns to the room and takes a seat, looking thoughtful and worried. "I screwed up didn''t I ? I did not mean to bind anyone to us." She says forlornly.


    Kitten pats her knee, "Yes you did and he is bound to you not me."


    Althea grins at Kitten, "But I am bound to you, so US. I like being yours though."


    Kitten nods, "But you had a choice, he did not. He is a strong person I think and being bound is chaffing on his soul. He is not one to give his allegiance easily I think, either. But in so many ways he is a child and probably needs us. Not that he is likely to admit that. Strong people often don''t. What worries me is while he said he can''t kill you or do anything to get you killed, well he is a mage and I really don''t want you to end up a toad or the like. Having a toad as a thrall is just not all its cut out to be."


    Now looking a touch fearful, "I don''t want to be a toad either. Do you think he has that kind of power ?"


    Petting the girls black locks, "Love he moved a mountain and dropped it on the prison. Other than Gods I don''t know of anyone who could do something like that. So I suspect that yes he can do something as simple as turn you in to something else. I will give you this, when you mess up you do it right."


    Althea bits her lips, "Each time I mess up it seems worse than the last time around. I don''t know why you put up with me sometimes."


    "I put up with you because I love you. Only reason some days, but you do good things to you know. I would not still be here if not for you on several occasions. Remember that to." Althea nods, leaning in to Kittens hand.


    Alric speaks up, "From what I over heard the White Lady tell him, part of your wish came from your Heart. Something your Heart wants is part of the quest holding him here. Oh and of the mountain. Turns out they built the prison in to the side of a sleeping fire mountain. All he did was wake it up and let the spirits with in it do the rest. Angered the spirits and aimed them at the prison and those with in it."


    Kitten nods, "So he did not do the dropping large rocks on it then ?"


    "Oh no, he got the rocks, the hot flaming kind and the rolling boiling kind to. Though he did bury the entrance in stones Before he awoke the fire spirits. Was a glorious bit of destruction that I was quite happy to watch from a safe distance. He was kind enough to send me to the far shore, where I would be safe from the destruction but could still watch it happening."


    Meanwhile in Robert''s dreams.


    He is in a large crowded room. There are people and things moving about. Some look like monsters, or mythological creatures or even Gods of multiple pantheons. There are many glowing beings to, some look to be in bandages and cast, as they help the assorted beings.


    Striding around the group is a man with the head of an Ibis, he is talking to some other strange looking people, some with the heads of animals, some who look like stylized animals or beings made of stone, glass and metal to, while some look like people in a very loose sense of the word.


    Robert knows them to be the Gods of the Nearby countries and realms and chooses to avoid them despite his curiosity.


    Trying not to draw attention, he slides toward the back of the room, only to trip over a mau cat, that was chasing a lion cub. Both cats wrap themselves around his ankles and almost cause him to fall. He looks down at them and calmly says, "Sorry did not see you down there. I hope I did not hurt either of you."


    The cats smile, as much as cats in dreams can and purr. The Mau, in a womans voice, "Oh not at all. We were just looking for comfy shoes to sit on."


    Looking perplexed he replies "I can never tell if cats are joking or serious when they say stuff like that."


    The cats give him a curious look, "You talk to cats often do you ?" she ask.


    Nodding, "Well back home I had 2 cats who lived with me. One came to me after her mistress died, the other was born under the house where I lived. I took them in, cared for them, got scratched up allot as they were semi-wild and I like to hug."


    Both cats giggle about that in their purring tones while the lion meows, "Yes I can see that happening." The mau nods, "But Talking to them and they answering is unusual is it not ?"


    He shakes his head, "Not really, I mean it''s all telepathic and tricky to learn cause they don''t always want to share. But I worked it out, not that I can do it everytime."


    They nod and the mau states, "So that is why your not surprised we can speak to you."


    He shrugs, "Well this is a dream scape after all."


    She sits up on her hind legs, "How do you know your dreaming ?"


    Nodding at the crystal people and the ones who look to be made of smoke, "Well them for one. Also the words on the boards up there change only when I look away. In all my training of dream control I have never been able to keep things from changing once I look away. I can talk to anyone, read books and papers, but I can''t keep things from moving around or the words to stay the same if I turn a page then look back again."


    The cat almost falls over, "You are an interesting one. I may have to keep an eye on you. What is your name strange one ?"


    Robert goes quiet, "Not really sure anymore. I know who I used to be, but I am not them anymore. I don''t live in that world anymore. See I got a Wish from the White Lady, but something interrupted it as it was coming true and I was pulled in to a totally different world than where I was supposed to be. Now, now I am bound to someone not as bright as myself in a world I have little knowledge of and am ill equiped to deal with. It''s so primitive. Bronze age, while I am from the age of Steel."


    The cats look a little glassy eyed but the lion one speaks up, "Well I am Sekhmet and this is my sister Bast. From what we understand, and why this place is so full of the strange, your not the only one whose wish was sent off in the wrong direction. Some outside forces are messing with the White Ladies works. There are several pantheons here trying to help sort out what is happening."


    Bast paw slaps Sekhmet, "Do you know our names ?"


    Slow nod, "Egyptian cat goddesses. Bast is protection and fertility where as Sekhmet is healing, motherhood and the reason to fear the wrath of Mothers, ie the Goddess of Destruction and heat."


    Sekhmet, "I like his version better than the normal one. Fear of Mothers wrath."


    Bast chuckles , "Oh yes, you know. I see you gettng many cats around your waking self."


    Robert smiles, "I like cats. Ironically I am traveling with an immortal called Kitten right now."


    Bast rolls over, "OH I know her, she is nice. Great friend to Egypt she is. Annoys the king by calling him Rammie. She would make a good cat."


    The lion nods at that to.


    Robert grins, "Just need to learn Protean, at level 4 that power set grants an animal form."


    Sekhmet, "Once we work out which reality your in, I am going to send you many friendly cats. Maybe a few lions. Oh how do you feel about shifters ?"


    "Don''t know. Never met one before. Would love to talk to a few though. I have read about them though." pulls up the bracelet, "This holds my library with in it. The White Lady gave it to me as part of my wish, see I am a mage and this is SO much easier to use than trying to carry the same amount in Book form."


    Both Goddesses nod but before more can be said he vanishes.


    Waking World


    Althea touched Roberts arm and he popped awake a glowing ice ball forming in his hand, Althea yelps and falls back, practically screaming, "I DON''T WANT TO BE A TOAD!"


    Robert slowly takes her prone form in and the ball disappears, "What ?"


    Althea pulling herself together, "I saw the magic ball and well you are a mage and your peeved with me so ..."


    Robert nods, "No worries, I don''t turn people in to toads or frogs."


    Kitten, who rushed to the door when Althea screamed, "Well that''s good."


    Robert nods, "I prefer bunny''s. Big plump white ones, good for cooking."


    Althea just rolls over in a dead faint even as Robert smiles mischieviously, Kitten slowly blinks.


    Kitten, "You said that just to scare her didn''t you ?"


    Nodding, Robert cheerfully tells her, "I don''t presently have the spell to transform anyone handy. The spell ball was a defensive measure in case I was being robbed or attacked."


    Kitten nods, "You''re a light sleeper to."


    Robert nods as he gets up, "I was poor for a long time, but people still rob the poor, so I have some purely defensive spells."


    Kitten nods, knowing about how people can be. "She came to wake you cause the food is here. Well your food, they are still looking for mine."


    Robert nods and sighs, "Oh right, food. Meh, I was having an interesting dream to."


    Kitten smiles, "Really, care to tell me about it ?"


    Shrugging as he picks up his bag and lightly kicks Althea''s foot, which has the girl bolting awake and then running to hide behind her Mistress, "Sure. I was in this huge hall full of all sorts of people, mosters, demons, gods and other beings. I was trying Not to get the gods attention as they seemed busy with something. As I was skirting the edge of the hall I tripped over a pair of cats. Tried to excuse myself but they decided I was worth talking to. Don''t recall all the conversation, but they introduced themselves as Bast and Sekhmet. They asked me my name but I could not remember it and I told her I was uncertain about who I am now. They started to say more, but I got woke up."


    Kitten nods sagely, Althea faints again. Robert twist around to watch the dark haired warrior hit the floor, "She keeps fainting like that and she is going to hurt herself."


    Kitten waves it off, "Mundane things she can handle, talking to gods, even in dreams, and well you being a mage and all, it''s a little much for her."


    Robert nods, "Gods I can handle, not the first time I have spoken with them. Some gods are very approachable, others take a bit of work and lots of flattery or groveling. Part is being a mage, part is I am a Seeker, or Mystic as some call it."


    Kitten stares down at Althea, silently wishing she could faint to. If Robert is not a god, he is certainly likely to become one, and due to Althea''s messed up wish he was bound to them. For the first time in their partnership Kitten considers just leaving the girl to her fate. But then she looks at that familiar face and knows in her heart she could never do that. Self-preservation or no.


    Robert gestures and Althea floats in to the air as he walks in to the next room. Robert takes one look at the ''food'' and puts Althea down next to it. Lightly kicks the girl, which is all it takes to wake her. He stands back as she goes for the food. Only for Alric to stop her, "DON''T!"


    He grabs her hands, "Master I don''t know How I know. But I think this food has been poisoned. It has a strange evil glow around it. Can you check ?"


    Blinking slowly Robert nods, "Hang on, I need to look up the spell. Though I don''t count anything there as Food. Yech."


    The feast consist of roast crocodile, deep fried locust, Monkey brains and a bowl of dates and nuts.


    While looking through his spells he comments, "I tried alligator once, tasted like fish crossed with chicken, I did not care for it. Never been able to eat insects though, something about the idea makes my stomach rebel, and I don''t want to try monkey brains, to close to human brains for my taste."


    Kitten makes a face to, "Yeah I used to miss food, but in my day it was fresh roasted meat and fruit, nuts, or special grasses. What they eat now rarely looks appetizing to me. So yes, I will stick with blood."


    Robert nods, "Given the choice of this stuff and blood I would take the blood to."


    Kitten burst out laughing as her meal is delivered. Alric intercepts them and moves the slave off to one side. The guards give the Undead warrior a wide bearth.


    Once the guards and other servant leave Robert cast a spell, ''Seek poisons and foul substances and show us their light'' is part of the spell.


    The food glows an ugly green, while the fruit is a sickly brown. The food slave however is Black with toxic green lines running through his body.


    Everyone stares at the hansome black slave, who is showing signs of nasty mix of disease and poisons that would be fatal even to an Immortal.


    "Ok the green is poison, asp or scorpion. The sickly brown is a reversed preservation spell, which would just make the poisons in the food work faster. Hm, Black, disease but I don''t know the type other than fatal. Same for the green lines, magical poison is all it says in my book."


    Reading over his Special spells (from his being recognized as a God here) he finds the ''prayer'' that allows him to fix the food. He reads it over, then intones in a Deep Resonating voice, Calling on ''The Potential of the Universe Within'' he says a prayer that calls for the curing of all poisons and diseases from the food. The mortal fair glows with a silver and gold radiance and the poisons are removed from it all. Making it safe to eat.


    Turning to Kittens food though, the Green faded some, but the rest remain.


    Robert sighs and reads over his book. "Well pooh. From what I see here, the only spell I got would not help in his case as some of the poisons in this fellow are magical in nature. I am not skilled enough yet to do anything about that level of corruption. HOWever." looking at something in his book, "If we can find something only he and the poisoner touched I can do a reading spell and learn who did this."


    Althea, now that the food is safe to eat, is doing so, but slowly while she watches the others go over the slave.


    Kitten makes a small bark, "Stuck in his neck, just under his collar, a sliver of something. Could that be what you need ?"


    Looking close at the spot, Robert nods and slowly, using his telekinesis, pulls out the long black silver needle from the mans neck. The needle glows with a sickly green color to, "It''s how the poisons were put in. Good eye there Kitten.


    Being very careful with it, Robert sits and focuses his mind on the object, trying to peel back the memories surrounding it. Taking him on a backwards trip in time to the owner of the needle. He cast a simple image spell, so the others can see what he is seeing.


    They see the man, smiling and active, flirting with a pretty girl, then a man with a jealous look, took the slave to another man. The new man, one with a snake tattoo on the inside of his underarm, pulled out the needle from a hidden pouch in his belt and jabbed it in to the black man''s neck. Then the slave is led by a different servant to the lady. That servant was there when the poison was administered, as was the guard who came with them.


    Kitten calls to the posted guard to please get the servant who brought the slave.


    While that guard is gone Robert is rolling the memory of the men who were present when the needle was first drawn out and they see 3 other guards and another figure who is hidden in shadow, but looks female by it''s form. One of the guards is the one Kitten sent to look for the servant. She is now furious.


    Robert calmly states, "Let me handle them, I am the unknown here and as such the one more likely to cause more fear in them. Also I can do things you can''t."


    Althea, now eating a purified piece of fruit, "He''s right you know. He is more scary than we are."


    Kitten nods and sighs, "That is true. After all, all we can do is torture them. You can do far worse things than that." Robert smiles wickedly and nods.


    Alric is chuckling about it. He understands about fear and how it can be used to.


    Robert whispers to Alric, "I can think of a way to use your condition as a way to scare them. Threaten to make them like you, not that I can actually do that, but they don''t know that."


    Alric nods, "Oh I understand, we two are scary people in our own ways and well these sorts have no honor, so I am ok with you making them think that. Or we can just tell them that I can go in to the lands of the dead and drag them back here for you to question them, if they don''t copperate."


    Robert nods, "Threaten to make them undead and you their forever leader. Not sure if that counts as evil or not though."


    The cloak shakes a little, Robert nods, "Vag says, yes Purposely making someone undead is evil. Though Threatening them with it is a grey area."


    Alric nods. "I am trying Not to become evil, but I feel it a bit now and then. The desire to just let the anger take over and start killing things."


    Robert nods, "That is not limited to you. I get that feeling to sometimes." holds his hands apart and wills a thick stream of lightning between them, "Some days I just want to walk around and blow stuff up."


    This is the sight the guard and servant walk in to, the black shrouded warrior talking in low tones to the mage with Lightning playing between his hands while the servant girl eats her meal and the food slave, just stands to one side, oblivious.


    The guard playing dumb, and the servant who glances around, sweating a bit at the sight of the Power of the foriegn mage and the overheard comment about ''blowing stuff up''. He glances over at the slave, "Was this slave not to your liking mistress ?" The servant ask.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.Robert answers, "Do you know where this slave was taken from ?"


    The servant shakes his head, Robert tells him, "He is one of the Queen''s personal servants. Kitten could not possibly make use of him as it would be a major insult to the Queen." He moves forward, "Also" the black silver needle floats in to the air before him, "He has been poisoned by the man with the snake tattoo, the one you both witnessed as it happened." The guard goes to draw his sword, only for Alric, moving increadibly fast, to intercept him and knock him to the ground, putting one of his iron shod boots on the mans chest, his glowing eyes bright he hisses, "Stay down or else." The guard can see up in to the hood and the Skull face stareing down on him. The sight is enough to cause the man to faint.


    Robert nods, "Now then, who sent you ? I can find out by either you telling me, or pulling out your soul and learning from there. Spirits you see can''t lie, the Magic forces them to speak Only the Truth. But it''s messy and if I do it wrong, well it''s a bad way to die."


    Alric nods, "Not that you get to stay dead though." Pulls back his hood, "I can assure you of that. Someone tried it with me, now I am like This cause they got the spell wrong."


    The servants eyes roll up in to his head and he falls over in to a faint.


    Alric looks at Robert, "Some weak willed sorts here."


    Robert nods as Kitten shakes her head, "You two do Over Kill so well. Not much on sublity are you ?"


    Robert shrugs, "I was being subtle, but using fear is a tricky thing. To much and well I have heard of people dying from it. To little and it gets laughed off. Finding the useful medium is tricky."


    Alric nods, "Though I can tell you, that was fun."


    Robert grins, "I know, though she is right, we need to tone it back if we want them conscious enough to answer questions."


    Alric and Althea search the two and remove all the weapons while Robert opens his large leather duffle bag and pulls out some interesting metal and leather items, which he uses to bind them up with.


    The others look at that stuff and Robert shrugs, "Some is slave gear, some is actually made for sex. It''s my sample bag really, I know how to make all this stuff. There is actually a good market for this stuff back home."


    Alric and Kitten look the items over and both can think of some uses for the items. Alric holds up a belt with a leather dildo on it, "Ok now this has to have a story to it."


    "It''s an item for women to use on others while pretending to be a man, sexually."


    Alric nods then finds one of the full body suits, "Say Master, do you think you can make me one of these suits. I really miss having skin, wind going around my bones feels wierd."


    Robert slowly nods, "Maybe. Truthfully I did not make any of these items. But I know how to. It''s from one of the skills the White Lady gave me."


    The others nod. Robert steps out of the room for a moment, then returns with the last guard, whom he paralyzed with a spell. "This is the last one here. There is still the poisoner, another guard and that woman to go."


    He searches through his bag, then pulling out a ring, puts it on and stares at the prisoners. "Servants of Set, hm they call Kitten the False One."


    Kitten looks at him oddly, he nods to the ring, "Enchanted to allow me to read minds. It''s both easier and harder with them being unconscious."


    The others nod.


    Robert gets his cane and waves it over the prisoners. They morph in to large white rats though their clothing and the binding items remain unaffected. Robert sighs, "I love my toys." Alric just nods as Kitten shakes her head.


    He turns to Kitten, "The woman is called Nelloran, she is a high priestess of Set and they are planning to do something to Ramsey''s but I am unclear save that the poisoner is his new food taster."


    He stuffs the Rats in to a bag, then gets his stuff before getting all his gear.


    Althea ask, "Why are you taking all your stuff ?"


    Robert snaps, "I am NOT Leaving anything of mine behind. Never know when I will get thrown in to another place and time. Not taking any chances." his mask slipping and his true face showing for just a moment. Then he pulls himself back together.


    Kitten nods, understanding more and more about this calm face their new mage is showing the world. Of the fear that face is hiding almost perfectly. Having a wonderful gift given only to have things go wrong was bad enough, but not even being able to enjoy that gift before having it used to make a servant of him to someone not nearly as bright as he and in such a different and alien place. Yes she understands, he is terrified it or worse could happen again. He has very little in the world and he is not likely to let it out of his sight if he can help it for a very long time.


    The others, dressed properly, follow along, curious to see how this will play out.


    Part way along to where Kitten says the Royal chambers are, an overly officious servant tries to stop them. Robert does not even slow his pace, forcing the servant to jog to keep up with the tall man. "You can NOT just enter the Royal rooms, It is Not done. You must follow protocols and procedures. I don''t know who you Think you are. Even visiting Gods must follow procedures, ARE You squeak squeak squeak." his droning voice suddenly coming from very far away as several cats come from all over the place and surround the group.


    Looking wide eyed at Kitten, "I didn''t do that." Robert states.


    A moment later a pair of tall elegantly dressed women step up to them, the one on the right say, "I did that. He is such a bother, always trying to tell everyone how things Should be done. But saying that even the Gods have to do things in such a manor was going too far. Gods go where they please, mortal rules be damned." The other one nods in agreement.


    Robert looks sideays at the woman, "Your voice is familiar but your face is not."


    The woman smiles, "Oh I thought it might be you. We were interrupted earlier, you just vanished. I suppose someone woke you."


    Slowly he nods, "Your Bast and Sekhmet then ?"


    The women smile and nod, Alric catches Althea before she can faint again.


    Sekhmet smiles, "Yes very good. Most mortals do not have good dream recall, we are pleased you remember."


    Robert nods, "I remember most of my dreams, at least to some extent. Sometimes for years after, sometimes not. Your the first people I ever met in the waking world I met in a dream first though."


    Bast smile lights up even more, "Well I feel honored then. So What is the hurry ?"


    Robert nods and straighens his thoughts, "Group of Settietes tried to kill us during our meal, poisoned the food, poisoned Kittens food to. I manage to capture 3 of them and learned they have something planned for the Pharaoh. I know what 2 of the others look like and that One of them is Ramsey''s new food tester. I also have the name of the High Priestess of Set who is behind this plan."


    The ladies smiles fade and they look grim, "Then we have no time to lose. As you may know, Set is an old enemy of ours. I will not allow him nor his in my places if I have a say in the matter." Bast states as she moves to his right side and Sekhmet moves to his left. The 3 make a formidable wall moving in to the Royal Chambers, with the Goddesses freezing guards and servants who get in the way. As they enter the room, where the Pharaoh and his chief wife are just sitting down to eat, Robert cast a Detect Poison spell. 4 candles glow with a frozen blue radiance, a basin of incenses turns an ugly shade of green and their desert turns a strange shade of red laced with tendrals of black. Sekhmet freezes the escaping food taster.


    Ramsey jolted at the sight of his food, stands and in his best God of Man voice, "What is the Meaning of this ?"


    Before the mortals can speak Bast steps in, "You got snakes in your house. The mage here caught them trying to poison him and his companions and got 3 of those in league of the plot. His magic even now shows things of poisonous natures in this room."


    Robert nods, "The food tester there is part of the plot. If you check you will find a tattoo of a snake under his left arm."


    Bast unfreezes a couple of guards and with the Pharaohs ok they check. As Robert stated, under his left arm, in the pit, is a small tattoo of an asp. Neferatari looks stricken, "He was chosen by one of my handmaidens."


    Robert grunts, "Nelloran."


    Neferatari nods, "How did you know ?"


    The mage sighs, "I learned from one of my prisoners that she is a priestess of Set and the one behind this conspiracy."


    The Pharaoh, looking quietly enraged, "where are these prisoners of yours ?"


    Shrugging, Robert dumps out the 3 unconscious white rats, "I turned them in to rats for ease of transport."


    The Pharaoh nods, "Then please turn them back." Robert nods and waves his cane over them. They shimmer then morph back in to human form. "There is another guard and the Lady to." with a wave of his hand an image of the two appear in the air. Ramsey''s sends guards to apprehend them.


    While waitng he turns to the group, "Thank you for that, but who are these new persons ?"


    Sekhmet nudges Robert and he sighs, in a dead tone, "Pharaoh Ramsey''s it is my pleasure to introduce you to the goddesses Bast (nods) and Sekhmet (Nods) both foes of Set of the Serpents."


    Bast gives Robert a look, "You know you could have put a little more emotion in to that."


    He nods, "Yep, but I am tired, hungry and pissed that my meal was inedible. My head hurts from all the magic and psychic powers I have been forced to do on an empty stomach. Your lucky to get that nice of an introduction from me right now."


    Sekhment chuckles and nods even as Bast grins, "I like him. Does not are if your a king or a god. He is so very much like a cat."


    Ramsey''s is quiet for a moment, then grins, then softly chuckles at that and nods. That said from the Goddess of Cats is saying something and helps lower the tension in the room a little. Assassination attempts are not new, but this one managed to get closer than most.


    Neferatari, distracting herself from the presence of the Gods focuses on the mage instead, "Something more bothering you sir ?"


    Robert nods to the candles, "I have never seen that aura before."


    The queen nods, "Those candles are enchanted by the priest of Re to protect us from air born poisons. The incense over there is a mild narcotic, so it is poisonous in large doses but it smells nice. See ?"


    Robert nods, "Ah the candles counter act the incense and stop any other such poisons. Nice."


    Ramsey looks forlornly at his desert, "I was so looking forward to that. We don''t get this often here as the fruit is from far away." he explains to the mage.


    He slowly nods, "Ah, what is it made from ?"


    The queen sighs, "Apples from Greece actually."


    Nodding and speaking in low tones to the spirits, Robert grunts, "Ok, Bast, Sekhmat, the spirit of my cloak ask if it can manifest here. He wants to take a closer look at the substance in the Royals desert, but as he is from another source, needs your permission."


    Sekhmat and Bast talk in another language then nod, Sekhmat speaks, "Permission granted."


    The cloak goes limp and the feeling of destitution from it fades. Then through a door an old man, in dark grey robes, carrying a black staff with a lantern hanging from it enters the room. He nods to the Goddesses then shambles over to the desert, carefully looking it over and poking the Ether around it.


    Both Goddesses, recognizing the being, look on in surprise. Bast slides up to Robert who is watching the old one, "How is it you know him ?"


    "He gave me the cloak and well, he is a distant relitive, few generations between us you know." he whispers in the Language. Bast slowly nods, "Your part god aren''t you ?"


    "Not immortal so not a god. Lots of mortal inbetween. Bit of a mutt really, little human, little elf, some other races mixed in, couple lines of gods to. All that''s left of the Pantheon really are him, the White Lady and one other whom I would much rather not mention. All the rest are people like me. Distant relations of a forgotten people." he explains quietly.


    Both the Goddesses listen and think they understand. In the Grand Scheme few actively worship these gods. The Hermit is known by many names and in many forms, but always follows the same kind of path. Protector of the way farers, travelers, vagabonds, and seekers of knowledge, be it worldly or spiritual. He is one of the First Gods of Creation, one who seeks to enlighten the soul and bring harmony to all. He is a gental soul, the teacher, the guide, the one you really never want to get angry. He does not usually do much when angry, he has friends who are more than happy to help with that. He holds one of the few possitions of neutrality with the active pantheons of the worlds. Like the White Lady, he is from Outside them all, yet works with them all.


    The Royals, they watch the old man to. They heard the mage ask permission for him to be here and from that understand this one is a foriegn god.


    Robert explains to them, "That is Ag, he is not a God, he is a spirit who works for a god. Though he does take on the appearance of the God when manifesting."


    Bast nods, "Sort of a minor avatar in effect. It''s to show who he is representing. This one is a god of scholars and seekers of knowledge. Does not have priest in the normal way of things. Mostly followers who share his teachings, and seek to understand the universe. More mages than you would think, but priest to. As he is a Non Pantheon power, many people of other faiths and pantheons call on him or his aspects. Vag the Hermit."


    Robert coughs a bit at that name. Sekhmet ask, "What ?"


    "Vag is sanskrit for Hermit. She just called him Hermit the Hermit." he explains.


    Sekhmet grins, "Oh. Well his real name was lost to history and he never uses it, so it''s a moot point."


    Robert nods, "When I first got the cloak, the spirit introduced himself as ''Bond, Vag A Bond. I pestered him to know what the A meant. Never could get him to tell me." wide smile.


    The Goddesses get it and grin at the spirit. He looks at them, "He turned my joke around on me so fast it caught me off guard.


    The substance in this is a mix of dark magics and Nightwalker blood. It''s made to control the people who consume it. So they were trying to gain control of you two, make you slaves to the dark god KinSlayer. He is the power behind Set and many other Gods around the world. Robert being here changed your fate it seems. Had he not been here, Kitten and Althea would still be in that prison, and you two would be the slaves of a God so Dark he makes Set look like an ok person."


    Both royals (and many nearby servants and guards) look on in shock and surprise.


    Ramsey ask, "Tell me. Where is Robert from really ?"


    Ag considers, "Another time really. He was pulled here by a powerful artifact that granted 1 wish of the White Ladies power. She is an Elder Goddess of Fate so you both understand."


    He turns and switches to The Language, and talks now to the Goddesses. "He was not supposed to be Here. He was being sent somewhere else, to a time several thousand years from now, but Something interfered with his mission and changed his course to this place. The one who was meant to come here, we don''t know what happened to them. That is part of all the excitement in the Halls of Fate. Some outside force is trying to throw chaos in to her place." He slowly fades out and the cloak comes back to ''life''. Robert mutters at it as it starts to gesture and move. Apparently the spirit ran out of energy while talking and was pulled back in to the cloak. It seems miffed it did not get to keep center stage longer. Robert pats it though and it calms down.


    Robert turns to the Goddess and in The Language, "Sorry about that. He does not get to talk to, to many other people so gets chatty when outside."


    The Goddesses nod. Taking in what the spirit had to say and getting an idea about all the drama lately. Behind the scenes as it were, Outside forces trying to take over other realities is about as common as wars between mortal nations. It happens allot and Some forces tend to ignore the Laws most adhere to. Thinking they don''t apply to them. Others just don''t care about Others Laws, they will do anything to win, to expand their terrortory or just destroy other realities because they can. They don''t know if what is happening is such a gambit or just the side effects of someone elses war bleeding in to their reality. Sometimes these things have possitive effects for worlds, sometimes not. It''s really hard to tell How the Mage will affect this world in the long term.


    Robert turns back to the Pharaoh, "Um, I may have a different desert if your interested." The Pharaoh looks intrigued so Robert looks around inside his cloak and finds the Pie Patch. Pulling it out produces a still warm American Apple pie, "This is a pie from my home land, made from apples with a touch of cinimon and nutmeg for seasoning."


    He carefully cuts it so all the people there can have a slice. It goes over very well. Especially when Robert produces a caraff of arabian coffee which accents the pie nicely. Alric sighs, "I miss food. I miss a sense of smell to for that matter."


    The queen, herself a skilled mage, ends up talking to Alric and Alric gets Robert to show the Queen the cursed ball, that caused his present state. He tells her how the dampening magics used in the cursed prison messed with the spells on the item and confused it''s spirits in such a way that they Sustained him right in to a living skeleton. His soul is bound to his body now. Robert has agreed to help research his condition and they hope to find a way to break the curse. He does understand it''s a long shot simply because of the nature of how it happened. He goes on to tell her about the Goddess he already spoke to, who told them that Alric is the 7th such cursed one, of this type, ever. So not a lot of information on his state.


    The Queen is in charge of the Mages here. She tells him she will ask her people to look in to it to. If they can free him, or at least work out How the curse came about, well it may save others from being so affected. He understands and while he hopes they can free him from the curse, having a better understanding of the magics and How it could happen is important to.


    As they are finishing the pie, Lady Nelloran and the guard are escorted in to the Royal Presence. Glaring at her guards and bowing to the Royals, "Pardon but what is the meaning of this ?"


    Bast and Sekhmet walk around the woman, poking at the air around her suspiciously, then Bast pulls ''Something'' from the girl and holds it up, "Snake skin, interesting. Made to hide her true nature from magical scans. They are getting trickier all the time."


    Neferatari looks disappointed. "You tried to kill our guest, and to feed us potions to control us. I am very disappointed in you. If not for this mage here and you may have succeeded. But we are fortunate he is here."


    Robert grins, "Try it, I will happily remove you from the human race. Nope that won''t work. Why yes I am reading your mind, it''s easy now that Bast has removed that vale. Yes that is indeed the Goddess. You may shit yourself now. No I am just a mage, do you really think She is not reading your thoughts to. Boy you are stupid."


    There is a flash of light and the girl, who was making a gesture, turns in to a legless mouse.


    Robert to Bast, "OOoo, that is nice. I never think to remove the limbs like that myself."


    Bast nods, "Makes it harder for them to work spells without limbs. Well this one I will take with me. I am sure you can deal with the rest. I will speak with you later Robert." and she is gone.


    Sekhmet stays though, as do the cats who are begging for and getting scraps.


    The loyal guards quickly gather up the remaining assassins and take them away.


    Ramsey looks thoughtful, "I need to think of a proper reward for you now. I could offer you a position in my court ?"


    Robert frowns, "Sorry I can''t do that. I am under prior obligations, of a magical compulsion variety."


    The queen sits up straight, "Who put you under this obligation ?"


    Althea raises her hand and looks sheepish, "I did, by accident. See we were trapped in that prison and I had this magical card for years, it had one wish attached to it and I could never think of anything to use it for. I was starving and my Mistress was in her box and well between the lack of food, little hope and my own dreams, I made a foolishly worded wish. That wish brought Robert to us, who freed us and all who could come from the prison. Then he destroyed the prison cause we asked him to. At the time we thought that would be the end of his obligation to us. But it turns out I worded something wrong and he is bound to me till one of us dies. Given we are both long lived beings, this can take a while."


    Ramsey looks at Robert, "This is true ?"


    Robert nods, "See I am part elven, which comes with an extended life span, minimum of 400 years. I am only 60 now."


    The Queen looks from Althea to Robert and back, "Just based on their ability to talk I would say they are a good match."


    Kitten, trying to suppress a laugh, just nods, "They are similar alright, though Robert is the more knowledgeable of the two."


    The two just look at each other then the rest of the court. Althea looks confused, Robert looks thoughtful.


    Ramsey shakes his head, "Having a King in your debt is no small matter sir."


    He pauses, looking thoughtful, "At any rate, you are proving an asset to my court and I hope you will continue to be so."


    Robert shrugs, "I presently serve Althea, who serves Kitten, who is serving you, so." shrugs again.


    He nods, "Kitten serves Kemet actually. She has made that plain to me a long time ago. Well from my perspective. She likes this country and wants us to be great. I rely greatly on her advice and knowledge of other places. She has acted as a secret ambassador, a peace negotiator, and a trade advisor among other things I don''t fully know about and most likely sleep better not knowing about.


    Now she brings us you, someone who gets glimpses of the future, who can sense things beyond the normal human realms, who walks with Gods like they are equals. Whether you realize it or not, you are a special person and I hope to make use of your talents in the future to."


    Robet smiles and bows, "Thank you your Majesty. Though like you, I am descended from Gods. In your case it makes you a great leader, in mine it gives me a better knack for magic and increased memory for facts and trivia. But on my abilities. I am also a trained warrior and have knowledge of how armies of the future are trained. I know tactics and stratagies from over 1000 years in the future. I wrote allot of it down, though it''s in elvish, but I am willing to share this information with you. I also know a few things known to the other races, that they have kept to themselves that may be of help to you as well. If your interested."


    Sekhmet Smiles widely, "Like Iron smithing and certain tools and devices both the elven and dwarven people have had for centuries." she looks at the Queen, "Had you let him finish speaking of his skills when he first arrived you may have learned he is actually a Master weapon and Armor smith of the Elven styles. He knows Their secrets in metal working and leather working to."


    Robert sighs, "I think I intimidated them some and she was hoping to lessen that effect. Though I do wish to appologize to you both on how I acted. I had just learned a few moments before that I was bound to Althea and well, I took some of my frustration out on you all."


    Ramsey nods, "I for one I am glad I did not have you arrested."


    A new voice comes from the hall, a powerful presence fills the Room. Sekhmet drops to her knees and bows as Ra enters the room, "That would not have gone over very well had you tried that. Robert here is far more dangerous than you all realize."


    Everyone in the room save Robert is Bowing or on their knee''s before the King of the Egyptian Gods. Robert just looks confused, not realizing who this is.


    Ra walks up to the young God, grinning, "I am Ra, King of the Gods of Egypt."


    "Ah that explains this feeling and why everyone is suddenly on the floor." Robert just stands at attention then Nods to the High God.


    Ra accepts the military reaction. "You all may stand." he tells them, "This is an informal visit. As Ramsey''s can tell you, I normally don''t manifest, but something extraordinary is happening. YOU are not supposed to be in this world. Though I do approve of your care in dealing with things. Given your capabilities and all. I don''t mind you sharing the common knowledge skills of the elves or the dwarves with my people either. Putting them on a more even footing with the other races is good in my opinion." Time for the mortals Stops so he can have a private conversation with Robert.


    Robert nods, as Ra continues, "I know from talking with Fate and Destiny though, we can''t send you back to your own world. Seems it''s not there anymore. The world you were supposed to be in was Destroyed by a Void Maker only Hours after you were supposed to arrive there. So your being Here actually saved your life." Robert swallows thickly, "We still don''t know Why the wish grabbed you as the one who was Supposed to be here was a woman, given the two ladies are lesbians and Althea wished for a woman, though her wording was Tall and Pretty. Your just man pretty. Or as you put it, a person of high charisma and the ability to lead.


    I have decided to allow you to remain in Egypt and not interfere To much in your life here. Though I hope you will try and help my people and defend them from the enemies who would harm them."


    "If I get the chance, can I kill Set ?" Robert ask.


    Ra grins, "With my blessing. He is not really a God you know. Just a powerful undead monster. Kitten is also an Undead. But she is a good one and I don''t have a problem with her or the other Good ones. Kinslayer is another one I would love to see erased, if you get the chance. As you are a non pantheon god, you have greater freedoms than those of us In an pantheon."


    "Actually I am in a Pantheon. The White Lady accepted me in to hers, The Hermit and Mortality are the only other Gods in that pantheon, as far as the upper levels go." he informs to God King.


    Ra considers that, "Ok, well good to know. But they are an Over God level pantheon, meaning 1 step below the AO in authority, so it gives you a small amount of protection from that point of veiw. Still you are a lesser God and I hope you will count my people as at least friends."


    "Thank you sir. I will try not to scare them To much."


    Ra nods, restarts time and looks around. He takes the poisoned pie, "I am going to have this examined by Ptah. I formally welcome Robert to Egypt as well he is really a minor god, though he tends to down play that a bit. His skills in magic are on par with mortals, but he is from a much more advanced people. Oh, and Ramsey, Neferatati, Only you two mortals are aware I was even here. None of your guards or servents will remember my being here and they will only recall Sekhmet as being a Priestess of Her''s. Bast though, well she is known to wander the Palace, so I don''t need to hide her presence.


    I have given Robert permission to work in Egypt and to use his gifts in defense of the Land and it''s people.


    As for a reward for him, I suggest a nice set of rooms with a good work room Outside the palace proper but with in the Palace grounds. Magic training wise he is a Mage, 4th ranked spells and all that. He is learning them just as mortals do. Most of what he has done so far though has been from Items he owns."


    Robert scratches his head, "True. My God stuff is more destructive or senseing type things really. Um, I need a room of thick stone that can take great heat. As stated I am a master smith, but I also know how to make Glass items. I just need to make the tools to work it."


    The Royals nod. Glass making is a rare skill that is a closely guarded secret of the Elven people. Having someone who can make glass and iron items is a great blessing to them.


    Ramsey ask Ra, "Sir, now knowing what he is, how should we treat Master Robert ?"


    "Like a very skilled person. He is not really the sort to lord over people and from what I understand, does not want people to know he is more than a child of a god, just like you. As he was saying, his gifts went toward crafting and magic while yours to Ruling. Lastly, he really is from a future time. Though not of this world, some major differences between the two worlds."


    Robert nods, "You got 2 moons, one Huge and green, one small and white. My world has a small white one and a tiny one that most people mistake for a dim star. Magic works much the same though. We are just further along in our understanding of it than you."


    "Also human history up to this time went much the same in his world as it''s been going here. But I am hoping with his help your people''s future will be even greater than it was in his world." Ra tells them.


    "The problem is, the next thousand years is a blank place in history. No written records, no one knows What happened in the period after your rule. At least in my own worlds history.


    Ah on magic, from my peoples perspective I am an advanced Journey man. But we have 10 levels of spells. 11 are known but you have to be a god to use Those spells. A full mage in my peoples understanding has access to 5th level spells. Just so you know the difference of my perspective to yours."


    The Queen nods, "I am going to want to pick your brain on magic. Ramsey runs the priest, I the mages. I am trained in magic to. Though I understand, do to your cercumstances, you are not under my direct control."


    Robert bows slightly to her, "I scare you and your trying to deal with it, with out getting antagnonistic ?"


    She sighs and nods, "Yes. You are an imposing and powerful person and now we learn a god. I am Trying not to let that scare me but it is not easy."


    "I do understand. Growing up I was raised as a mortal. Did not know of this godly stuff till recently. Day before yesterday actually, I just thought I was gifted as some people are. I am hoping to keep some of my humility though and I admit I am overwhelmed by all of this myself. On the plus side, Ra gave me permission to kill Set if I get the chance."


    The Queen actually chuckles at that, "Well that is something, and I understand being overwhelmed. It''s how I felt when I learned as Queen I was in charge of the Mages and was only an apprentice myself at the time. It takes a lot of work and patients to learn what you will need to. I will Try to be patient with you as well. Though as a warning, I got a few mages who think They know better than even the Gods on how things must be done."


    Nodding with a ''know the type'' face, "oh yes. That is not limited to mages, there are all kinds of people out there like that. Little secret for working spells. Helps to add a small prayer to the gods when casting spells under their preview. Adds to the control and effectiveness of the spells. I have some experience doing that. Most schools don''t teach That secret and many mages don''t think they Need to do that. But really, having a blessing added in to it helps."


    Neferatari nods, "I know I ask Nut for guidence when I do scrying spells. AH, do you know much of crafting of items ?"


    "A little, but I have books that list all the known magic items and has descriptions of them. Well maybe not ALL of them, but a good number. Of my own skills, I can make charged items, potions, and scrolls, and know some runic enchantments to. The White Lady gave me a special magical item that contains my library. Thousands of books on multiple topics including magic and alchemy and all the skills I have to. The item is bound to me, to keep it from being stolen. But she also locked it in such a fashion so only I can use it. However, by combining it with the power of the cloak, I can make scrolls and maybe books from its list."


    The Queen looks excited, "Oh that sounds wonderful. I would welcome any help you can give us. Mundane to magical."


    Robert nods but before he can say more Ra puts a hand on his shoulder. Stopping him from gushing something, "Robert."


    Nods to the God King, "Sir."


    "No giving them the Keys to the universe. I love my people, but I know how they can get. I don''t mind you teaching them your understanding of magics and such. But lets keep the more dangerous secrets, secret for now."


    The Queen and Robert both nod to him, with the Queen thinking ''oh well''.


    Ra nods, looks around, then walks out.


    All anyone recalls is a powerful mage-priest came and spoke with the King and Queen. Sekhmet is treated as a High Priestess of her faith.


    Alric slips out from where he was hiding when Ra came in and up to Robert, "I hope that is the last of the Gods showing up for a while. That was a very scary period."


    Robert nods, "Tell me about it. Learned a few things and have a lot to think about. The really scary part of all this for me, this is just day 1 of my new life."


    Alric nods and looks about, "Well good omens at least. Being welcomed by the King of the Gods is a great honor. So lets do our best."


    "Thank you for your words of support Alric. Though right now I want to find a place and hide for a bit." Robert tells him.


    Alric nods, "me to really. The world is a scary place in the normal way of things. But gets more so when the Gods get involved."

 Chapter Four: Oh Gods!

    Back in thier rooms, Kitten is pacing. She called it, Robert IS a God. Though a friendly if touch dramatic one. Robert, followed by Alric and several cats and 1 lion cub, enter the room.


    Alric is shaking his head, "She warned you she would do that and now your attracting cats, little ones, big ones, I am just waiting for a changing one to show up."


    Robert nods to the lion cub, "That is one of those, just to young to shift yet."


    Alric looks at the lion cub, "Ok then. I don''t mind cats, but please keep them from crawling around inside my armor. It''s uncomfortable."


    "All I can do is ask them. Cats are very independant sorts." He tells his cursed friend.


    Alric and Kitten look at him, but Kitten ask, "You can talk to cats ?"


    "Animalism, rank 2. Telepathic communication with animals. See I am also part Revinant." he tells them, "So I have some thrall type gifts to."


    Kitten sits down and sighs, "A god with the powers of a thrall. What is next a Daywalker god ?"


    "Technically speaking your a Goddess Kitten." Robert says off handedly.


    Kitten glares at him, "I am not a God."


    "Your of the 2cd generation, a child of Uriel the first Immortal. By the rules of this world, that makes you a God. Just like Caine KinSlayer and Set. You have that kind of potential. All the Ancient Immortals are recognized as Gods by the Rules of this world." he pulls up one of his Books and points to the sanskrit lines telling how those of the Immortal Lines are Gods. She reads it over then sighs, "I don''t feel like a God."


    Robert shrugs, "Neither do I. Sure I can destroy a city with ease, but I don''t think that makes me a god."


    All 3 of them stare at him, then Althea, fearing the answer but asking anyway, "Robert, just what kind of Godly power do you have ?"


    "Elemental, Fire, Ice, Lightning and Weather Control. No earth power though. Most of it is wrapped in to the Weather Control, but I can increase or decrease the energies giving me dominion over heat, cold, and electricity. Other than that, telekinesis, healing powers, and clairvoyance. My healing power will even work on people like you Kitten. It''s a form of Psionic ability instead of magic." said all matter of factly.


    Alric snaps his fingers, "Your a minor sky god then."


    " Effectively." Robert nods, Alric squats in front of him, "That is just awesome. I just feel it''s a shame I had to die in order to meet you."


    "Yeah, well as a God I don''t have the power to free you from your curse. Truthfully, from what I recall, no one in my own time line worked out how to break the curse with out killing the one so cursed. They did figure out how to purposely make people like you and similar ones. BUT and this is something I find interesting. Your the only one who can still Talk. That Never happened before and I only know of 3 other times it happens later. And of those 3, 2 were just Skulls, no bodies. The last was bound to his armor, no body left."


    "Ok I don''t feel so bad about being a skeleton now. Being bound to my armor alone would be Much worse. Glad I am not just a head to."


    Clapping a hand on his shoulder Robert tells him, "There are some perks to your condition. I believe you have developed powers to. We will have to practice and see what all you have access to. THAT may give us a clue to which sorts of spirits changed you in to your present state. Or at least make being as you are less annoying."


    Alric nods, "Less annoying is good. Powers could be interesting. Still want skin though, but will settle for leather body suit."


    "Ok, I have it on my list of things to do for you. Body suit, swords, fixing your armor, there are some holes in the back and a bit of rust on it."


    "The armor used to have an attached cloak, the cloak rotted off, the holes are where it was attached. This was actually my dress armor. I was a Hero back in the day. Famous in my own lands and well respected. But as such I had enemies to. They caught me as I left a banquet for me and well, that is what lead to me being trapped in that place. Left me there to rot. It was not in use back then. Just a forgotten place. Then the Assun-an came, fixed it up and well I tried to escape. That mage you killed forced me in to that cell. They would occaisonally put people in that cell. I think they hoped I would kill them. I didn''t. Mostly I talked to them as they starved to death. Horrible way to die, so happy you killed them all in fire."


    "Actually some lived, trapped behind that iron door. Sharing the fate they put so many others through now." Robert informs them, his eyes glowing as he looks north west.


    The others nod, Kitten sighs, "Fitting end for them then."


    Kitten ask, "Robert do you know what happened to the First of my kind ?"


    He looks in to the Middle and slowly nods, "Fell in to a Well of the Worlds and got trapped in another place. He is not the only one trapped there. But do to the nature of the place even Gods have trouble navigating it or finding those lost in it."


    Ag mutters something to him, he looks thoughtful. "You know that might work." pulls out his Mirror and stares in to it. Kitten, being curious comes over and looks over his shoulder. All she see''s is unending blackness with the strange feeling of motion. Occaisionally Something appears in the distance, at one point a skull rolled passed and then Robert stops the images, places the mirror against a wall, and the mirror Grows till it is 7ft tall and 3.5 ft wide oval. Then he continues his search. At one point he comes across what looks like mountains of junk and trash. Squeeling happily Robert steps through the mirror and starts to dig through the piles of Stuff.


    Alric looking at the place sighs, "I have heard stories of that place. When ever something gets Lost for long enough time, it has a chance to appear in there, The Lands of the Lost Things. In this case, magical items, all kinds of lost magic items."


    About 2 hours later, carrying a huge assortment of stuff, Robert comes back, stumbling over the entrance and unknowingly dropping a few things. The gate closes behind him, becoming a mirror.


    Robert looks at it and sighs, "Ok, well not likely to find that again any time soon. Still I found some nifty items."


    He lays out his finds, then frowns, "I thought I had more stuff."


    Alric nods, "You tripped coming back through, some items fell off you when that happened."


    Robert frowns, then sighs, "Oh well. At least I kept the majority of it."


    Goes through it all, "Lost 2 books, a mace, a dagger, a cloak and a strange talisman. Still good haul. I shrank a bunch of it so I could carry it all and now I got Presents for you all."


    Picking up a small silver ''manikin'' with twin swords on it, Robert puts it to one side and releases his shrinking charm. It grows in to a suit of Full Plate Armor of Elven design.


    "I found this full suit of Elven armor for you Alric, Its enchanted to allow freedom of movement, I put the swords on it though. They are enchanted to, sabre style."


    Alric draws one and whispers, "oh now these are nice. I am specialized in sabre, so good find master. Thank you."


    "The armor is made of Mythral to." Robert whispers to him. Alric stands up straight then just stares at the magical armor, "Oh well, I will have to beat off thieves while wearing that. It''s impressive to."


    Robert helps him out of his old armor and in to the new, highly enchanted armor. Alric reports that there is magic in the helm to, he can see through the metal likes it''s not there, giving him a full view. The armor also changes shape till it fits him like a second skin. Robert comments, "Now you have metal skin."


    Alric considers that then nods, "Ok this is nice. Moves well and like you said, I don''t feel like I am wearing armor. More like a well tailored suit."


    Robert grins, "Now you can pretend to be an Iron Golem. Scary in a different way."


    Alric chuckles, "Yes, this suit makes me less Monster and more Armored scary."


    Robert sat down, picked an item up and before anyone knew it fell asleep against the wall. Seeing as it''s after midnight now, and a long day to be sure. It was surprising he was awake as long as he was.


    Alric went and got a blanket and a pillow for his master but let the man sleep.


    The next day Althea has shown Alric where she practices at, so he is sparing with her there. Kitten is asleep in her dark room, when a servant accidently wakes the foriegn mage while trying to ''clean up'' the mess around him.


    They were throwing away all his treasures.


    Robert looks about in worry, "My stuff, where is it ?" He demands of the servant, "I threw out all that junk." he says defiantly.


    Robert growls, "What gives you the Right to get rid of Other peoples belongings ?"


    "It''s my job to clean these rooms, and you made a MSSS" the last being him being levitated up by his throat by the enraged mage. Pulling the fool behind him, Robert stalks out to the guards, "Either of you know what this fool did with my belongings ? He said he tossed them out with the garbage."


    One guard runs down the hall while the other stares wide eyed at the slowly sufficating servant. The first guard returns with a second servant, who has a cart full of the mages belongings, "We did not know that any of these items were taken from you sir."


    Robert looks through the items, then strip searches the two servants, finding several items and pieces of jewelry of his on them, "They are not servants, they are theives. My ankh, my bracelet." pointing at the one who had it on his arm, "You are lucky I did not just call for this, it would have ripped your arm off before returning to me." the servant pales.


    Robert finds his mind reading ring and scans them. Then Snarls something in the Language and both scream and shrink in on themselves, becoming snakes. "Set''s creatures. They were not human to start with." The guards look shocked even as the palace cats attack the snakes, and kill them before the asp can attack the humans.


    He did not Know what they were, he just cast a Dispell Magic enchantment, with his ire and status as a god behind it, it changed the magical beings in to their ''true forms''. He only knew that he could not read them with the ring.


    Robert looks at the cats, "Well that makes it harder to question them, oh well." He sighs. Should have known there would be more than those few serpents here. Looks like weeding out the snakes is going to be part of his job while he is here. He does note, the Only things they took were his magical items. They left all his non magical things behind. He is not sure what they were looking for and with them dead he can''t ask.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.Looking at the cats, "Any of you kitties know where Bast or Sekhmet is at ? Physically I mean."


    They look at him, then the lion cub takes off at speed, though not with grace.


    One of the guards gives him a stink eye and the mage shrugs, "The Goddesses sent these cats to keep an eye on me. So it was worth a shot to ask them. Hopefully the cub is going to look for one of them, if it can stay focused. Kittens are not known for great focus."


    Looking thoughtful, they seem to understand That at least. Also the idea that Bast would send cats to look after someone is a well established belief around here. The Mage returns to his room and starts sorting what they took and marveling that they were able to remove items with out waking him. Normally anything unexpected will wake him. Sleeping in strange places included.


    He gets distracted from his sorting when he finds this puzzle box from the Lost place. It''s a nifty wooden box with a strong feel of magic coming from with in. Being a mage and highly interested in magical devices, he could not resist its pull or mystery. The design, for him, is not all that complicated, though he recognizes the symbols on it being from the orient. But does not know which provence. Still it''s an old and to his way of thinking, easy kind of box to unlock. Just takes time as the pieces are stiff.


    The ''High Priestess'' of Sekhmet is just walking in to his room when he gets the box open. The blast of magic from it nearly blows the Goddess right out of the room.


    With in the box is a copper pendant with a dark red stone inside. The pendant looks like two 4 sided ''boxes'' with overlapping sides (8 point star) with and 6 point inner part that the stone is with in.


    Giving a low whistle of recognition. Its a Relic from another world. Belongs to the Goddess of Magic in the world of Krynn. He has read of it. Pulling out his ''library'' he scans it and does a search for it and Finds it. Its a holy relic of Lunitari, she of Neutral Magic and represented by the Red Moon. He does not know why it was in that box or why the box was lost. Wonders if it was lost when the Cataclysm happened that threw the Gods of Krynn out of the world for a time.


    Sekhmet looks to be standing in a high wind and is having to push herself in to the room, "ROBERT! WHAT EVER YOU UNLEASHED PUT IT BACK!"


    Looking up and then in to the entry room he see''s her fighting the force. "Oops." puts it back in the box and closes it. The ''Winds'' just stop and the Goddess stumbles forward, but catches herself.


    "What is That ?" she practically growls.


    "Holy symbol from the world of Krynn, belongs to one of their Gods of Magic. Neutral force."


    She takes a deep breath, "A Holy symbol would not have That kind of Power."


    "Well I think it was an item that was used when she and another god tried to trap Chaos. They failed, but the Item that was used was lost. I um, found it, I think."


    The Goddess nods and glaring dangerously at him, "How ?"


    Nods at the large mirror behind him, "Magical Mirror that can open portals to other places, including the Land of Lost Items."


    Blank look, "Where ?"


    "It''s part of the Void between worlds." he supplies.


    She turns and walks Out of the world.


    Fearing where she may be going, or more like Getting, Robert packs up Everything he owns in to his bags and wonders if he is strong enough to teleport himself out of a gods prison.


    He just decided to run away with a short, broad chested bald dwarf of a man steps out of the Ether in front of him. He looks amused, "Running would not be a good idea. Would anger her even more. Your to come with me. Ra wants words with you."


    "Your Ptah right ?" the mage ask with despair.


    He nods, "Yes. Now come along." the little but incredibly strong man takes ahold of the mages arm and guides him to Ra, who is on his boat, doing his daily voyage.


    Ra does not look happy. As Robert is approaching him Aphosis attacks Robert, hoping to get the magical device. Robert does not even see the God of Destruction coming, but his normal defenses do. A shield appears around him and the Power with in him unrolls and unleashes a lightning strike more on par with a Greater God than the Minor god everyone there thinks he is. The giant snake is blasted back in to it''s realm with enough force that it is unlikely to return today.


    Ra and the others did not miss That display of unconscious power.


    Ra turns and using a device calls the White Lady while Robert stands before him, fearful as to what is going to happen to him now.


    Ra has a heated discussion with the White Lady, to the point she comes in person and looks over Things.


    "Robert." she says, "The box please."


    He hands it over with out arguement, "In this world, this is an item of pure power, as such It amplifies any being holding it." she explains not only to him but the other gods present. "As such Roberts unconscious defenses became that much stronger. I will take this to where it Needs to be. As for you Robert, Be more careful about things you collect. You almost started a Gods war."


    And Roberts legs give out and he just Sits down, in shock. Then he mutters, "shit" and stares at his bracelet, which he used to Scan the Amulet while looking for information on it. He decides not to tell them he did that.


    Ptah is looking at the box, "How did he get that open ?"


    The White Lady explains, "Puzzle Boxes are quite common where he is from. They are used as childrens games to teach problem solving and logic skills. One like this would be very simple for him."


    Ra shakes his head, "This is just his 2cd day here and this happens."


    Robert shrugs, "My day started with 2 transformed snakes, pretending to be servants who tried to steal everything I own with the cover of Cleaning my room."


    Ra sighs again, "I know your a wierdness magnet, but I wonder at the Levels. Did you bring any thing else from that place ?"


    "Yes sir. But nothing else particularly powerful. Suit of elven armor, couple swords, Protection scroll, book on making golems, I gave the Armor to Alric, the skeleton, the swords to."


    He pulls out most the rest of the items. Leaving only the 2 mirrors in his bag. The Gods look the items over and nothing else is particularly powerful or dangerous, "I had more items, but I tripped on the exit and they got left behind. But there was nothing special about any of that stuff either. I can''t go back either, the way that place works is one visit per person with out some serious magical help, which I don''t have."


    The Lady confirms that to them. "Need a Special magical device to go there, and even then it was Pure Chance he even found that place."


    She then turns and looks at him for a long minute, "Robert, Why were you scanning the Void ?"


    He quietly collects back all the items before answering, "Was looking for someone. One of my books said he was lost in the Void."


    She grips the bridge of her nose, "Its a god isn''t it ?"


    "Sort of."


    "ROBERT!"


    "The first Immortal, Kittens Sire." he mutters. The Gods all look shocked, the Lady sighs. Ra shakes his head, "You were thinking of letting that in to Kemet were you ?"


    "Not nessisarily Kemet, but I was thinking that if anyone could be a threat to Kinslayer it would be Him as he was known for policing his own." the scared man explains.


    Ptah slowly nods, "That really is not a bad plan as such things go. He was a pretty honorable person really. Neutral Power back in the day. Not sure how effective he would be now though."


    The Lady looks surprised at how these people are reacting to the news of what the boy was planning. "Still the Void is a truely big place with Lots of lost beings in it. The chance you would find The one you were looking for is quite small." Ptah continues.


    "I think I was close, but got distracted by the mountains of lost magic items. I was using Kittens signature as a way to track him. Like seeking Like type thing." the mage explains.


    Both the Lady and Ptah nod, Ptah comments, "On the right track there, really need Kittens no account brother, little sister, and Lilith to really do it properly though. But she disappeared after Caine made that infamous deal and you know where she is don''t you ?"


    "The Dark has her. Trapped in a border realm. But which realm I don''t know. She has been found and lost several times over the centuries." he shrugs. Pulls up the bracelet and finds the book and shows them the stories. Ptah does something and a physical copy of the book drops in to his hands, "Thank you. This will prove very useful." Sekhmet shakes her head and sighs about her husband DOING that.


    Robert shrugs, "I figured out how to do the same trick using Vag actually." he tells Sekhmet, "He can pull forth scrolls and such, so combining his creation abilities, crossed with the information in the bracelet, instant book copies."


    The White Lady looks surprised, "I never thought of that, but your right. Huh. That is a good and useful idea." She looks around then fades away as she is no longer needed, taking the magical box with her.


    Ra sighs, "I am not upset with you Robert. You were not being bad, just overly curious and well pretty standard mage really. I just ask you remember your luck before picking up strange items in the future."


    "Strange items seem to come looking for me. It''s how I got the cane." He nods to the Gnomish staff. Ra grins and nods, "Garl is a good one and we have gnomes living in Kemet to, mostly in the north east region. So their gods are here as well. Good hard working people. Little crazy when it comes to invention and magic though."


    "Is the most feared word in the gnomish language still ''OOPS'' ?" Robert ask.


    The gods look at one another and shake their heads.


    "Ok, then they have not gone That way. The gnomes of Krynn went That way. A few settlements no longer exist after one of their inventions went more sideways than usual. Like the ones trying to make a really powerful light. They worked out how to build a Hydrogen Bomb. Was Very Bright for a few seconds. Not that anyone lived to see it."


    That causes them all to pause and Ra looks thoughtful, "We hope that sort of insanity stays on Krynn." With that, they send him ''home''.


    Robert looks around, then puts an Iron door in the opening to his room, and glass-steel windows along the open walls, then crawls in to his bed and hides from the world for a bit.

 Chapter Five: The world goes on

    Sekhmet sent a couple of Her people to keep an eye on Robert. Told them while Robert is not a bad sort, he does not always think things through. Also the snakes seems to be targetting him now as he stopped one of their schemes to take over the minds of the King and Queen. These two understand about Alric to. How he is under a curse and hopes Robert can help free him from it with out killing him in the process. They did not know about his new look though. Walking metal man with the soul of a great Hero in it. Scary and powerful being. When he learned why they were there he welcomed their presence. He is tickled that the male of the two knows his stories. Happily talks about them and corrects a few things, mostly bard additions to what really happened.


    Althea listens to the stories and marvels over some of them. She loves to hear about other peoples adventures.


    Kitten wakes to hear the rousing tale of how Alric out smarted a dozen bandits by making them think he was an attacking dragon, using a metal tube and a bowl to amplify his voice and make it sound like a Roar. Shaking of tree limbs and lantern light focused on a bronze mirror to simulate the dragons fire. It worked and the bandits all fled, never to be seen again.


    The story teller is a high priest of Sekhmet, Darr Nal. He Loves adventure stories as his life is more boring. Priestly stuff, occaisionally has to cast out a demon or the like. But nothing like in the stories of Heros.


    Alric chuckles, "My friend, things you take as ''boring'' are adventures to other people. That story with the bandits, that was pure desperation and I had HELP, a troup of entertainers in fact. They did all the dragon parts. I just made lots of noise. The Bards, they changed things, added in parts and removed all the other people who really did allot to make that story happen. Problem is, most people don''t want to hear about the Truth, they want excitement and thus Hero''s are born. Not to say I don''t do my part, fight the battles and all. But I was part of a group, The warrior. My cousin was the mage, Velvex. Till some stupid bard decided to protray him as a villain cause that bard hated mages. His stories destroyed my cousins reputation, he had to flee the country. Then that Stupid Bard made up stories of me Battling Velvex, defeating him in some terrible epic. It never happened. It was friends of Vels that locked me away. Thinking I had killed him because of the Lies of that stupid bard, Terr-an Starspeaker."


    Darr listens in shock then sadness, "I don''t know what to say. I heard those stories to, they are well crafted and told. Never occured to me that they were fantasy though."


    Robert opens his door, "I have heard of Velvex, I got a book written by him, well a copy of a book he wrote really. He went to the elven lands far to the west. Never got over how he felt about bards who make up stories. I don''t know if he still lives or not though."


    Alric nods, "Well I am glad he got to write a book. He was always reading scrolls and researching things. Uh Master, what is with the iron door ?"


    "Set sent in theives to steal all my magic items. I got it all back, but well. I just needed to feel safe after that, so I made this room as safe as I can make it. Little stuffy in here now though. Forgot to leave room for air flow." They look past him, at the wall of thick wood and clear crystal sheets. The air is warmer in there than where they are now.


    The female priestess, Bel-kna shakes her head, "I think this is part of what the Lady meant, about him not always thinking things through."


    Robert makes a face, "I found a strange magic item, I did not know what it did and she seems to think it was a lack of wisdom for me to get it. I got Alrics armor and swords there to. I get no complaints about that though."


    Kitten giggles, "I imagine it''s because they have not Seen the armor yet. Its from a future time isn''t it ?"


    Robert looks at it then shrugs, "Maybe. Called Plate Armor, very expensive, stuff like this is normally reserved for Royalty and Great Hero''s. But it was lost, so finders keepers and all that."


    Alric looks at him, "You know how to make this type of armor don''t you ?"


    Shrugs, "Yes, and I can tell you. It most likely took them a minimum of 20 years to make that suit. Maybe longer. Elves tend to be perfectionist when it comes to such works. But a human version would take years to make to, would not be as pretty either. But can be done. But there is a learning time to use it and it has it''s own special weaknesses. But you being as you are, well you don''t have to worry about Those weaknesses."


    Alric leans over and whispers, "Like having to pee, it takes several minutes just to open that part of the armor up." The others chuckle about his observation.


    Robert adds, "Also falling down. A non magical version of that kind of armor, the person can not get up on their own. The enchantments in this particular suit though makes it so he can move normally. Though swimming won''t work, to heavy. Sink right to the bottom. Have to learn to walk across lakes."


    Alric shrugs, "In my present state, that is something of a given."


    Leaning against his door jam, "So is the lady of heat still miffed with me ?" the mage ask the priest.


    The woman nods, "Oh yes. Though a few sacrifices would not hurt."


    Makes a face, "What sort of sacrifices ?"


    Dell grins, "Wine usually works. Give her enough and she falls asleep."


    "I got some bottles of evermead actually." gets up and gets his magic bag, pulls out a bottle and hands it over to the priest. They look at it in awe. "So" swallow from the male, "do you know how much this is worth ?"


    Althea speaks up, "Robert, silver is worth more than gold around here. So adjust your thinking that way."


    Robert leans back, mutters something to Ag, who considers then tells him, "Ag says, following the conversion of prices, 100 silver for that bottle."


    Bel-Kna takes the bottle, holds it up and intones, "Sekhma, Mother Goddess, Private Lable Evermead." She is just There, crystal flute in hand. "ROBERT MY BOY! Good Sacrifice, you are forgiven." she states even as she takes the bottle, purring deeply.


    "If I knew it was that easy to get on your good side I would have given you a bottle yesterday." He says with a grin.


    "These are hard to come by. Even In the elven lands." she sighs as she carefully opens the wax seal.


    "Counting that one, I have 18 bottles of the stuff." he tells them.


    She slowly looks up at him, "18" he nods, "counting this one" nods again "I will warn you, if you want to keep them don''t let the other gods know about them. This stuff is much prized by those of us who like to drink. It will get mooched off you so fast you won''t know what hit you."


    "No big deal, I know where it''s kept and how to get around the wards." he confides in her.


    She leans in, "Your not very honest are you ?"


    He pulls out his sheet with his stats and powers on it and hands it to her, pointing to 2 lines in particular. She looks at that, at his ''Dex score'' then at his list of starting magic items, then at him, "This explains SO much. Though not so much on the Other thing."


    "I am from a Marvel universe." he tells her.


    She looks blank, then quietly calls on Ptah, who appears, "Yes my dear ?"


    "What is a marvel universe ?" Ptah looks at Robert then back to her, then tells her, in their language. She slowly nods, eyes going wide. Then she hands him Robert''s sheet and Ptah looks it over to. He nods, "Nice stats, AH That explains much, Wierd Luck crossed with animal attraction. Explains the Sex God feel you give off. Once people around here get over your strangeness you may have to use Alric as a shield to keep from being swamped by admirers. Ah Psionic wild talents on an Immortal build, nice. Good selection of crafting skills to. How is it you have weather control and weather sense ?"


    "Weather sense Helps with the control. Gives me an idea how easy or hard it is to cause certain things to start or stop or diminish existing things."


    Ptah nods, "Ah, good point. ... you have a bag of leather bondage gear ?"


    "I have had some kinky lovers in the past. Also that stuff sells pretty well in some places." he informs the God of crafting.


    The God nods, "Oh I know, just surprised you have it is all. Given your leather working is listed as ''armor''."


    "Armor, torture devices, sexual items. I am multitalented and a little perverted. I would love to find a lady interested in this stuff, from a submissive side. Have not had much luck in that though." he quietly tells Ptah. Ptah hands him his sheet back, "Powerful items and I understand you a little better now. Oh no more than 1 bottle of the mead for her. It''s not really healthy, has a bit of catnip in it you see."


    "Yeah, I know about that stuff."


    Ptah kisses Sekhmet oh the head and reminds her she has a meeting later, so go easy of the mead. Then he is gone. She sighs, thinks about it and puts the cork back in, "Have to save this for later. Thank you though. Still leaving these two to look after you though."


    "I am fine with that. Shifters are good gaurdians to have around." he tells her. The Priest both look surprised at him. He shrugs, "I see Aura''s, constantly. So more often than not, if I am paying attention, I can tell what sort of being I am dealing with."


    Alric nods, Kitten already figured that out. Althea though is just as surprised as the priest.


    Robert pulls himself back in to his room, "Well I will talk to you all later. I am going to lay down for a bit." with that he closes the door and does just that.


    Laying on his bed, but looking over his bracelet and using his new psychic gifts, he is seeing what he can learn of it. Thinking of the amulet and realizing the power it had, he is wondering if by scanning it, it could have changed the nature of the bracelet.


    He grips the bracelet by placing his fingers over the 3 small ''gems'' on the bottom and putting his thumb over the main gem on the top, then tries to do a Deep Scan. What he finds is this bracelet existed Before the Ladies people repurposed it. It Used to be a magical version of a technomagical item called a Bracelet of Wonderment. A more advanced version of the Cloak of Vag really. With a much more extensive and supposedly stable library of items. Supposedly as most of them went random about 50% of the time and could be very annoying in getting what you wanted. Later versions dropped to 25% chance, which increased in magically unstable area''s. The least versions summoned items like food or furniture, the advanced ones could summon magically created life forms. Kind of living golems really, or in Technological terms, Cyborg life forms, living flesh with artificial minds and ''souls''. They would have manufactured memories and skills. Sort of like how his body was made really.


    From his scans all they did was remove the connection to the creation library and lock it on the Book section, added in a way for it to read his memories, allowing it to have all the books, stories and such he has ever read or seen. But when he scanned the Godly magical item, it unlocked those locked features, and slightly supercharged it to. From what he is getting, had he left them together long enough, the power in that amulet would have transfered in to the bracelet completely. But as he was interrupted, it was unable to forge a more complete link and really, given there was an Intelligence in the Amulet, it''s a good thing it was unable to make the full connection.


    He has the idea of Brainiac type senario having happened. The Intelligence could have used the power of the bracelet to make itself a physical form and thus escaped from it''s prison.


    He decides to ''test'' it. Getting up and moving the pallet, he searches it''s ''new'' library and finds a king sized innerspring matteress Bed and Summons it.


    A glowing box appears, then forms in to the bed. It came with a full set of sheets and all displayed coverings to.


    He test the matteress, medium density, very comfortable to his way of thinking. Sighing he enjoys the feel of it, having missed this level of comfort during the first day here. After a short nap, waking more from the oppresive heat of the room than anything else, he gets up.


    Looking at the windows he lined the room with he first summons forth some good quality curtains. These Help cut down the heat some, but really he needs better ventalation. So he talks to Ag, who is miffed with him having a Better way to get things than him.


    Robert ends up explaining how the bracelet was originally a wonderment device that the Ladies people had reworked in to his library and how that strange amulet had some kind of intelligence in it, how it was trying to rework the bracelet so it could escape. But the changes it made only unlocked the original functions of the bracelet, with out disableing the library functions. But Sekhmets arrival stopped it from completeing it''s transfer, as such its mind was still in the amulet.


    Ag listens, then tells him how to use the Mirror to contact the Lady as she needs to know about the true nature of that amulet.


    Grudgingly he does so. What he finds though is her sitting in a small office, reading over reports. SO Not what he was expecting from a Goddess of Fate, which gets him thinking, mostly that she is not THE Goddess, but an avatar or maybe a minor god in the service of the Goddess.


    "Excuse me ?" he says in to the mirror - gate. The Goddess jumps, then looks up and around. He leans forward so his face is coming part way through the gate, "Hi."


    She takes a breath then nods, "So you figured out how to contact me I see."


    "Ag helped. But it''s important. Do you have the medalion taken from me earlier ?"


    She looks blankly at him, "Your not The Lady are you ? Just a representitive of hers ?"


    The lady sighs and nods, "You are correct. I am a lesser goddess in her service. Work as a case worker in the Wishing department. I am Your case worker in fact. Now what is this about a medalion ?"


    "I found the Land of Lost items. Lots of magic items you know." she nods, "Well one of them was inside a puzzle box. One of your counterparts retrieved it from me earlier today, from Ra''s boat during his tour of keeping Apothis in check. I just relized that there is an intelligence trapped inside it. I realized it as it tried to remake my bracelet in to a wonderment item, so it could form a new physical body and escape. My bracelet by the way can now summon furniture but still has the library function to."


    She gets up, walks through the gate and looks the bracelet over, "Shit" she sighs, "Ok, I did not know they just reused one of Those items and I see what you mean about what the intelligence was doing. Ok I will report this to my superiors, really all I can do at this point." She sighs, then straightens, "But while I am here. I was looking in to your romantic leads and found a few possible matches that are in this country now. Found a few others in the world, but 2 are trapped and very dangerous."


    "Immortals ?" he ask. She nods, he adds, "The ones In Vesuvious ?" She nods again, "couple of them are good matches for you, emotionally speaking at least. But I can''t tell if romance or just friendship wise. Fudging things a bit I can give you their ''signatures'' so you can retrieve them, at your discretion. Though given their natures, I would be careful. On the mortal side, or more or less mortal side, there are a few that meet some of your criteria as well, but again I don''t know if the attractions would be emotional or just lust. Intellectually is the hard part. Your Really smart now, god levels of smarts and all. That makes this harder than it would otherwise. Also because of your situation, well they need to be able to understand the situation your in with Althea. Some of them are slaves to. I can give you their aura signatures, which will lead you to them. 3 are in the Markets now, ironically, your idea''s of beauty are seen as plain to ok but not the type seen by most as being sexually pleasing. Also I made sure they are all at least 18 years old, or physically that level in the case of the non human ones. I know you have mental blocks concerning those much younger than that. Lastly there are some adventurers in town. Well lots of them really, but at least 2 of them, from different groups, have the potential matches. One is elven, one is human. Take Alric if you go wandering the town, with your luck you will need him. That is all I can do right now. Oh, no one I picked for you is inheritently evil. Though a few are a little dark, given their natures and all."


    Robert nods, ''looking'' over the signatures she gave him, "Ok, Thank you for this my Lady. I really appreciate all you are doing for me."


    She smiles, "I like working with people like you Robert. I know you have done customer service before, so you can at least imagine what we agents go through. Customers like you though make it worthwhile." Smiling she returns to her office and makes a call. The gate closes.


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.He turns back to Ag, "Well that was interesting and gives me a bit of hope for my romatic side at least."


    Ag shrugs, "She did not turn off the bracelets summoning features."


    "Ag, It Only summons furniture and limited selections of food. The rest is just a library of images. Trust me on that. Besides I rely on you for more than just making stuff. Your intelligent and have sound advice. I like You more than the items you make for me. Granted those are nice to, but with out you, well it would not be as special."


    Ag considers then sighs, "I see your point. Just a little jealous I guess. But the Potential to make other stuff has been unlocked to. Worries me that it may replace me. But as you say, I am more than a device for making stuff, I am a friendly intelligence to. Someone you can talk to and who understands much of your slang and strange ideas."


    "Friends are important to me Ag. Never had many and well given my presence now, having a few around me who I know I can trust is even more important. I trust you. I trust Alric to for that matter. AND I have an idea how to free him from his curse, just not sure it will work. See I found a fully charged Rod of Resurrection in that place. Need to do some research, but the idea I have is using it, your creation matrix and stuff from the Library, I Might be able to recreate his body and move his soul in to it. I am not telling him this idea yet as I don''t want to get his hopes up. Lots of work to do Before we can even try it."


    Ag considers that, then nods, "Possible, though with my creation part he may come out as a monkey. Not sure if that would be better than he is now or worse. Some people get picky about that stuff."


    "Like I said, lots of research to do first. Though I may tell him I have an idea. We will see. First though, I am freezing a curtain so the room will cool down." States even as he does Just that. Encasing a heavy curtain in ice, which cools the room as the ice ''melts''


    Ag fudges one of his ''doors'' for Robert, making a 10x10 inch heavy wood door. (they are normally 10ft square), which allows Robert to put it in the middle of a window and open it for some air flow. That helps with the rooms comfort levels to. "Thank you Ag, that was inspired." Robert tells him as he leans out the new ''door'' and breaths in the air from the gardens below.


    The rest of that day Robert spends in his rooms. Coming out for food, finally got some ''normal'' food by going to the kitchen and getting what the servants eat over what the Royals get. Much more to his liking and really made the cooks day when he complimented them on That kind of food. He tells them, before coming here, he Worked for his living. Is a smith who side lined in magic really. They take that better than many would suspect. The fact that this most impressive of persons was just a common man in his Own lands gives them hope that with his help, they will become as great as his own people. He tells them really the only difference between his people and them is education. Better educated the people, the smarter the people, the smarter the people the better they do and the stronger their country becomes. Over the course of a few days he teaches them some minor ''secrets'' that inspire them. Like Steam, how it''s what causes the pots to rattle, and some tricks it can do that are entertaining, and some basic natural laws, and how Magic is a gift of the gods, but Science is something anyone can do. How Science is found in everyday life. Cooking, smithing, growing of things, building of things. All are forms of Science, of gaining the understanding of the world and from that the secrets of the universe. He inspires people to learn and to see the world in new ways. All that in just the first few days he is in the Palace.


    Althea and Kitten have been doing their own things in this time. Seeing contacts, checking in with their agents and similar, leaving the mage to his own devices.


    One of those devices is on the 5th day, following the signatures the Lady gave him, he is in the market, with Alric and a guard from the palace acting as a guide. Alric draws more attention than the black clad and poorly dressed foriegn mage. The tall wall of walking silver metal has most people giving them a wide bearth. The Palace guard, Kessen, is amused by this. The chief guard told all his people about the cursed Hero Alric and how he is in service to the foriegn mage, in hopes of being freed from his curse. Even told some of his stories, not well as he heard them as a child. But the awe of meeting a childhood hero, even though he is now cursed, was evident to his people. What the few guards who have met Alric come to know, he is a proud man who has been humbled by his experience. He is still strong of character and honorable in spirit and is doing his best to not let the curse get the better of him. Through him they are seeing the mage, while strange and powerful is also a nice person who cares for those in his charge. The gift of the powerful magical armor to Alric adds to that feeling and some are beginning to respect the foriegn, though strange mage.


    Kessen understands that Robert asked a goddess for help in finding possible lovers. She sent him some visions of possible matches for him. Some of them are in the city now. He knows at least 2 are presently slaves, so they are going to the slave market to see if they have that needed ''spark'' or not. Robert tells Kessen that he had to go that route do to his nature. The rumor mill already has it out that he is a half god at least. Like their beloved Pharaoh, but his gifts are more in tune to magic than leadership. Ramsey''s from what Kessen has heard, believes this also, and believes that the Gods welcome the mage to Kemet because his own homelands were conquored and as such he needed a new home. They see the secrets he holds as being a blessing to the people. While talking to him, Kessen has learned Robert knows the secrets of Iron and once they get things set up right, he will happily teach those secrets to the smiths here. Which explains to him all the activity in the old buildings behind the palace. They are redoing those places for the mage, where he can work in peace and have room to teach the peoples secrets of the elven smiths. That will help the glory of Kemet greatly.


    The only problem Kessen is having is Robert gets distracted pretty easily. He keeps stopping and looking at things, or chatting with strange people or even to shop at a stall. If not for Alric he would have lost sight of the tall mage several times. He understands better why Alric chose to move as the rear guard after the 3rd such divergence from their course. The big mage is somewhat child like in how he reacts to the markets of the city. Though he explains that markets like this did not exist in his homeland. They were more subdued and lacked in some of the excitement that is evident here.


    At the 5th divergent place, Robert walked up to some beggers, gave them each some food and a few coins, spoke a blessing to them and then moved on. Never explained his actions other than they were worthy of the gifts.


    Alric explained to Kessen that the Cloak Robert wears marks him as a follower of the God of Traverlers and one of the rules of such is to help the less fortunet. Such followers were as close to priest as that god gets anymore. No priestly miricles, or grand cerimonies. Just small acts of kindness, and spreading a little hope to those who need it. Tells him that such sorts are usually understated and found all over the world. Has met a few in his travels. The gods of most lands leave them in peace because the God himself is well respected in most lands.


    Couple times he stopped and bartered or haggled for something but either did not get anything, or bought firvolous things. Though once he got him and Kessen some meat on a stick from a vendor. Kessen appreciated that as he was hungery. Last place before getting Master Robert to the promised slave market was a merchant from the Arabia''s who had all sorts of odd items, rugs, decortive bottles, lamps and other knick knacks. Robert stared in to the shop in wonder, then went in and looked it over. Chatting with the merchant and mentioning stories he had heard as a child about the Arabia''s. The merchant laughed and showed him his wares. Robert looked things over and told the merchant about the stories each item reminded him of. Stories of flying carpets, good and evil djinni''s, magical bandits, and strange lands found with in items found in only in the lands of the Arabia''s. The merchant loved it and actually sold the mage a few such ''wonderous items''. Though he did say the magic of them was only in the dreams of one such as his tall customer.


    Alric kept his own counsil on those items while Kessen shook his head, "Ok I can understand the rug, it is a nice item, especially on cold mornings. But not the rest."


    Holding up a strange brass object, "It''s a lamp, oil goes in the base and it has a wick that comes out the spout. Also I liked the look of it. The bottle, once I get the cork free, will work to hold cut flowers or the like. With the designs on the side, I think it will look nice." The guard slowly nods. Those make more sense to him now. "Also the rug is enchanted, I run a low end detection spell through the day. Not sure what the magic does yet, but still, Magic." said in happy tones. Kessen looks up at the mage and grins. Ok that is good to, provided it does not kill him. He has heard stories of rugs that attack their owners, or look like ones that fly, only to suck the owner down in to a magical pit and so on. Very few were ''good finds'' in the stories.


    Once at the slave market Kessen explains how it works and how bids are made. Robert listens intently even as he walks among the slaves, looking them over and looking for something only he can see.


    Normally the slavers would have chased off the poor looking man, but the armored form following him puts them off, the Palace guard with him also makes them wonder what is going on.


    He picks out 3 that interest him then waits for them to brought up to be bid on. Two are dark haired women, not special to the locals point of view, the last though is a red head with an ample chest. SHE gets allot of interest though some of it from unhealthy sources.


    Robert, senseing evils presence, quietly calls up a storm. The sky slowly darkens as the rain clouds roll in. Alric eyes the sky nervously. HE is walking around in all that metal and he knows Metal attracts lightning. Seen it happen a few times in his life.


    The first two girls barely gets any bids over a few coppers. Robert bids to, keeping his bids only a little higher than the ones he is bidding against. The hooded one gets to 1.5 gold because Robert really wants her. The one bidding against him gives him an evil look but as it''s evident Robert will not give up on getting the girl he gives up for now. Kessen did not miss the looks Robert is getting though. The second girl got to 8 copper as she is small and slender. People here prefer heavier set women. Those with more muscle and wider hips.


    The red head though, they are up to 10 silver on her when the Slave Master challenges Robert to prove he has enough coin to cover his bid. Alric marches forward and opens a coffer with several hundred silver in it. This close the Slave master can see the Enchanted Warrior is encased in Mythral, something he knows is worth far more than even a Kings ransom. One of the slavers, being bold, or perhaps foolish, tries to rip the armored forms helm off, Alric draws one of his swords so fast the man nearly lost his arm, "Touch me not Mortal, lest you wish to die." his hollow voice rings out. The first one berates his fellow, "What do you think you are doing ?"


    The fellow says he wanted to see what was inside the armor. The armor laughs, "I am a Persian warrior whose master is very generous and knows some very fine Elven smiths. This Armor is of Elven make you see."


    The crowd is quitely impressed with that. Elves are after all known for their fine skills so such a thing is not beyond the imagination of these people.


    The 2cd one nods at Robert, "Then why does he dress so poorly ?"


    Alric shrugs, "He is an Arch Mage, show me one such who does not dress strangely."


    Robert mutters to Kessen, "so not an arch mage, really wish he would not say things like that." Kessen grins but does not say anything.


    Someone in the crowd throws a visible Detection spell over the crowd. While many have some item or another, Robert lights up like a magic bon-fire. Alric glows to for that matter, but nothing like his master.


    Robert sighs, "Now see what you started with your boasting ?"


    Alrics head drops, "Sorry master."


    The sight of all Roberts silver, and the amount of magic on him, pretty much ends the bidding war over the red head. Also ends their shopping trip as Robert was trying to keep quiet about how much coin he has available.


    Kessen notes, "Huh, the carpet really is enchanted. Was not sure I believed you about that."


    Robert pays the Slavers and collects his girls, "We need to go now. That glow will bring out the thieves even more than the sight of the silver will."


    The slave master has to ask, "Why the patched cloak ?"


    "Holy item. See I follow the God Vag, those in his service either have a much patched cloak or a black staff or a black everburning lantern. He is the God of Travelers and Guides you see. Each symbol reflects that. The much patched cloak, of one whose life is spent traveling. The staff of the wanderer, or the lantern of the guide. See ?"


    The fellow slowly nods, "So it''s blessed by the god as a mark to others of your faith."


    "Well that and it has enchantments that protect it from heat and cold, so it''s comfortable to wear no matter the weather. It''s also water restistant, just because of how it was made." The merchant nods, "Ah, good enchantments. Useful."


    With that Robert has Kessen lead them back through the market. More alert now, and less of his ''ooo pretty'' reactions. About half way back to the Palace Robert sighs, "We are being followed, at least 3 groups. 2 seem unaware of the others though." The slave girls all look surprised as he has been looking ahead or at the stalls.


    Alric nods, "One group has been following us, or me actually, since we stopped at the arabians tent. I see at least 2 elves in their number. Not sure if it''s my armor, or another reason for their interest. The 2cd group has the feel of a gang of theives, probably after your silver master. The last group is following the 2cd group, though I am unsure of why. By the way, I am loving the magics on this armor."


    "The second group are Settites. They likely want my head as I keep messing up their schemes." Robert informs them, "Probably waiting for us to move in to a place that would be easy to ambush us. Hm, Oh I see. There is another group of them ahead of us, waiting for us to walk in to their midst."


    Alric sighs, "Master why not teleport back to the Palace ?"


    Grinning, "Now where is the fun in that ?" he says, just as thunder rolls across the sky.


    "You summoned the storm didn''t you master ?" Alric sighs.


    "Yes. I felt their evil, so I thought to set up some defenses. Having that up there gives me some lovely options." Robert sounds almost gleeful about those ''options''.


    Alric sighs, "Lightning, high winds, rain, though I keep seeing Lots of lightning in my future."


    Robert looks back at him, his eyes glowing with an inner white light, "Oh no worries Alric, lightning won''t kill you. May make you a bit sparky though."


    "Of course lightning won''t Kill me. I am already dead after all. I just don''t like being Sparky. It''s annoying." he grouses.


    "Just place the tip of one of your swords in to the ground, that will cause the lightning to pass through you and in to the ground with out it harming you or making you sparky."


    The slave girls, listening to this insane conversation, all look at their new master with fear, and maybe something more. He is tall, powerful and undeniably handsom and each for their own reasons, hopes he will be a good master for them and that he did not collect them as magical components.


    Kessen, not wanting to get fried in a magical battle, "That may work for you sir, but what of the ladies here ?"


    Robert looks at the 3 lovely ladies and sighs, "Ok point made. I suppose we can play with snakes later."


    He focuses on the Palace entrance, then raising his cane, teleports them all there. Looking at Kessen, "Happy ?"


    Kessen looking around, "That is a very strange feeling. I can see why mages who can, travel that way."


    Alric nods, "Make a trip that normally would take months in a matter of minutes instead. Though I understand it''s a high level spell."


    "Level 5." Robert supplies. Alric and Kessen nod.


    The slaves are looking up at the Palace in wonder. The red head ask, "Where are we ? "


    The small black haired beauty replies, "The Palace. Why are we at the Palace ?"


    Alric looks at them, "Master is a guest here."

 Chapter Six: Life in the Wierd

    Althea is surprised to find Robert went out and bought himself some slaves. Little exasperated with him to. Though she supposes it''s her fault for not explaining that they travel allot and keeping slaves is not practical. Sure the Pharaoh is all for keeping Robert here, but he is bound to Her, and She to Kitten and They travel, doing things to make Kemet great.


    The other problem she is seeing, he is a collector of items. Sure it''s all magic and mostly useful, but really that kind of thing is not practical for people like her and Kitten. But everytime she goes to explain things to her he Glares at her.


    She gets it, he is angry with her. Her thoughtless wish messed up his life. But he needs to accept his new reality as much as she does. Kitten has made it plain to her, Robert is Her responciblity, which happened after it came out that he is in fact a god, and that scares Kitten. Kitten does not like most of the gods, they scare her. It''s one of the reasons she refuses to take up that mantle herself, despite the Rules of such things. She points to what happened to her Sister Lillith as to why it''s bad to take up that mantle. Lillith was a Full on Goddess and yet her own child took control of her and then banished her from the world, after he got rid of any who were not of his line. All her children, gone never to be seen again.


    Now because of her poor choice of words and a secret desire of her heart, she bound a God to them. To her. And he is Fighting it, pretty well from what she can see.


    She saw the slaves, they are all very beautiful. She can see the attraction there, especially that red head.


    --


    Robert see''s the ladies to his assigned rooms. Explaining he is a guest here and a mage to. But he is in the employ of someone else who works for someone else still, who in turn answers to the Pharaoh. He tells them that Alric works for him as a guard and helper and that the armor does not come off.


    Alric told them in private the armor does come off, but because of a curse he is under, it''s less disturbing for everyone if he just keeps it on.


    Not really knowing what to do with the girls now that he has them. He sets them to cleaning and straightening the outer rooms. He retreats in to his own private room, locks the door, then digs out the Master Mirrors and sets about scrying the girls past. Looking in to their histories and trying to learn about them and their motivations.


    Brea Lyn, pretty girl, dressed in a simple white tunic with built in hood.


    He finds she was trained since she was a small child to be a compedent assassin. But her heart was never really in it. As she got older her desires to be punished grew stronger. Everytime she killed someone, or stole some information or item. The Desire to be punished, tortured, made Less, became stronger and stronger. She is a high end masochist. Trained to resist torture, but unknown to her masters, she grew to love the pain, to thrive on being punished. There is a bit of a self destructiveness to her desires. For the right master, she would happily end herself in the most painful and terrible ways. She really has a loving heart though. Damaged though she is, it''s in there.


    She ended up a slave after she was captured, her masters killed and she and the other women in their group sold in to slavery. Mostly as the ones who did it did not know or believe that women could be assassins. She, for the most part, is enjoying the life of a slave. She only ended up in the market today because her last mistress feared her husband was attracted to the girl. So got rid of her legally.


    Sarah, Stunningly beautiful girl, small in stature, but wonderful figure.


    This dusky skinned beauty with the naturally red lips and soft eyes was raised a slave from a family of slaves. Its'' the only life she has ever known and is quite happy to serve. She has a strong sex drive and a love of being dominated and humiliated. There is very little this little pain doll does not enjoy. But she has a hard time deciding things on her own. Despite that she is a very intelligent sort and from what Robert can see, she is a half elf. But it is only her height that betrays that point. The girl seems to be looking for someone who can love her, for herself, for her kinky ways. Beyond that she has a wonderful work ethic and loves to be useful. Trained as a maid, cook, and laundress. Useful child.


    Shule, the fire haired girl who is the child of a rape. Father a Norse explorer - raider, mother the daughter of an Egyptian merchant. Her life was ok. She is intelligent and strong willed, but never felt she fit in.


    When her parents died, her relitives threw her out. She tried to make it on her own, but in the end sold herself in to slavery, seeking security in life that way. She spent the next few years being passed around from master to master. Used mostly for her sex, which she loves it turns out. But the masters all kept selling her, though why she never figured out. She always worked hard and was always willing to what ever perversion her masters put her through.


    Which was the problem. All her past masters wanted women they could destroy, not someone who actually Enjoyed being treated that way. She really is a fun person once you get past her strangeness.


    Looking at them Robert thinks how he got them. Then recalls his bit about BDSM girls in his wish. Yep, these 3 fit that part of his horny mind. But now that he has them, he does not know what to do with them. Never had much luck with women in his prior life. Though, given these three''s desires and proclivities, he could get them to model all that bondage gear they gave him.


    As a distraction he pulls out the carpet he got and runs an identify spell on it, just to see what he got. Turns out to be a flying carpet. Nice 4 person type. He runs over it''s memories and see''s it was accidently mixed up with a batch of normal carpets, which is why he got it so cheap.


    The Lamp is Just a lamp with a ''Nystfuls Magic Aura'' on it. Something to trick people in to thinking they are buying a magical item. Well it worked, but really he only paid what a lamp of it''s type cost anyway.


    The last item has no magic to it. It really is just a nice piece of glass work. he got it with the idea of using his gifts to working out how they got the colors in its mix. Still he works on getting the jammed in cork out first.


    No Sooner is the cork pulled than a deep lavender and purple smoke billows out and forms in to a beautiful though mildly frightening looking woman. She looks around and slowly the anger fades, being replaced by confusion. She looks up at Robert and in a confused tone, "Your not Jael, where is Jael ?"


    Blank look, "No idea. I just bought this bottle in a market earlier today."


    She stares at the bottle, her deep blue skin fading to a light blue. "aw crap" she mutters. Robert grins at her waiting to see what she will do.


    She looks up at him again, "Um. I guess you know what I am ?"


    "Going by the smoke and your coloration, I would guess a noble Djin, high ranking one going by your color." he supplies.


    She frowns, "Yes you know."


    He shrugs, "I am a mage, comes with the training."


    She mutters ''shit'' again, looks at the bottle in his hands, then kneels at his feet. "I guess your my master."


    "Why ?" He ask.


    She stares blankly at him.


    "There are no bindings on this bottle. No runes of power or anything like that. Nothing here to hold you really, other than the cork was stuck tight." he calmly tells her.


    Her eyes go wide, "You mean your not going to try to get wishes out of me ?"


    "Only got one wish and I doubt you have the power to make it come true as it would mean breaking a Fate level wish." he sighs.


    She stares, "Ok that is true. But now you got me curious."


    "Short story version. I got a Fate wish, by accident no less. Wish was granted, was 2 steps from it starting when someone elses wish snagged me, ripped me from the place I was, and bound me to Them till either a quest they are not consciously aware of is fullfilled or they die of natural causes. they die any other way and I go with them."


    She slowly nods, "Oy, that is one heck of a situation."


    "Unless you can make it so she Knows what her Hearts Wish is and a way for me to complete it, I am stuck with her for a Long time as she is a Thrall to an Immortal and I am a half god." he tells her.


    Eyes going wider, "ok, and now we are to yikes. Just need some kind of Undead warrior to turn this in to some kind of epic."


    "Oh, I got one of those to. He is under a curse, I promised to try and help him with it. Alric is a good sort as such things go. Honorable type, but a sustaning device malfunctioned and bound his soul to his Skeleton, so he is now a living skeleton of the Knight order." he informs her.


    "I think I heard this story before. Or one similar."


    She takes on a more human appearance. Very nice one in Robert''s opinion to.


    "Got an army of over sexed slave girls to ?" she ask with shakey humor.


    "Do 3 count as an army ?" he counters.


    Her head drops, "This is right out of the Adventures in Time stories, with Robert Magus and his wierd luck." she sighs.


    "Um, what ?" He is staring at her intently. It is rather unnerving.


    "Fictional story I read once. Fun romp in places, but totally impossible."


    "I am Robert Magus, I am not in my world or my Time and I definitely have wierd luck." He tells her.


    She stares at him for the longest time, before just sagging down and silently crying, "I got sucked in to a terrible place as the unnamed Noble Djin. I am so doomed."


    "So what is your name ?" he ask.


    With out thinking it over, "My friends call me Ellan."


    "So your not unnamed then, Ellan. Story changed. Besides I know how such stories go. Sounds like a Dreamer has seen parts of this story and then wrote out what they remembered, probably added in other parts and published it."


    Ellen looks up at him, "What ?"


    "In your story, how many slaves did he have ?"


    She thinks, "By the time the Djinn arrived, 5. But more later on."


    "How long did he have them before the Djinn arrived ?"


    She thinks, "About a week. Lots of sex in the Sultans Palace."


    "Sultan, so it took place in the Arabias ?"


    "Yes." she says forlornly.


    "Ok several differences already. See we are in Kemet, aka Egypt in the Palace of the Pharaoh. I only have 3 girls and only got them Today. But the Fate, who is helping with the Romantic side of my wish said there are others in this city at this time. I know where other possible ones are to. But I would have to free them from a mountain prison to get them and nothing is Sure about it."


    She looks up, considering. "In the story the Djin was a man to, albet a very feminine one. One of those who acts more girly than actual girls to. I am Definitely not a man or really all that girly."


    Robert stares at her chest, "Ok That way I am a girl sure."


    "Why were you in that bottle ?" he ask.


    She sighs, "My relitives stuck me in there because I refuse to marry this Marid for a Political Allience. One I am against mind you."


    He nods, turns to the mirrors, "what is the Marids name ?"


    She thinks, "Malcor-ne-Alm. Pompus piece of floatsam."


    Hmm. Scanning the Elemental planes, "Looks like he has been arrested. Along with some minor nobles for some illegal plans."


    Her head snaps around and she finds herself stareing at what passes for a news paper in her realm. She looks at the date on it and slumps. "That date is 2 months After I got stuck in that bottle."


    "That is today''s date if I did the search right." he informs her.


    She rolls her head on her neck and stares at the paper, reading what all happened to her no account relitives and what their treaty amounted to. She notes she is listed as ''missing'' and foul play is suspected.


    "Can you read this ?" she ask him.


    "Using a spell, yes. Though some words don''t translate right." he tells her. She nods, "ok then. They got me listed as missing and suspect foul play. Really I think I will remain missing for a while. I loath politics."


    "I am complete agreement with that sentiment." he tells her, she grins at him.


    "So, what is this about Romantic wish ?" she ask,


    "My wish was accidental really. I made it while adlibbing things in a consignment store." from there he goes on and tells her his story.


    Afterwards, she is sitting on his bed next to him, "So you thought it was a combination of a dream and drug induced one at that because of your illness ?" she ask him.


    He nods, "Till I woke up and could feel EVERTHING! Heightened Senses will do that. Really drove home I was not dreaming."


    She nods, "I can imagine. If this was a fantasy I imagine there would be more sex by now."


    "If it was, you would be dressed a bit more provocatively by now." he sighs. She grins at him, "Think I am pretty ?"


    "Very. Though when you first materialized it was an even split between beauty and terror. You looked powerfully miffed." he nods.


    She nods, "Well I was expecting my no account and now imprisioned cousin to be the one holding the bottle. It''s just a good thing he never learned how to do binding magics. Or I would be in trouble now."


    "How do you figure ?" he ask curiously.


    "I would be calling you Master and waiting for you to make me do things against my will." she states.


    "Ah. ... Nope I can''t see me doing that, beyond a few day dreams. Not in my nature to do that. Heck I got 3 lovely, highly submissive women out there and I can''t bring myself to act on that idea. Outside of my fantasies I have no idea."


    "Your a virgin."


    "In this incarnation, yes. In my last one, no, but not a lot of experiences and most of those did not inspire much confidence in that area. Lots of broken people or people who turned out to be untrustworthy." sighs and lays back on his bed as she nods.


    "Oh do I know how that goes. Being a Noble and all, even in the least of my relationships I learned to watch for those who just wanted me for my power or purity of my bloodline. I am an old lady now, not a virgin, but hurt in unpleasant ways many times."


    "I can relate to that. People here want me for my knowledge. Bronze age civilization and I know how to make Iron weapons and armor. As well as Glass, something the locals are not very good at yet. I bought your vase over there with the idea of scrying the secret of the black color in it."


    She looks at him, "I can see that. Knowing only one peoples secrets, you desire to learn more so you can increase your worth to those who want you for your skills." she nods, "I don''t have very many skills because of how I was raised. Noble women are not raised to know much, be a good wife and baby maker pretty much covers it. Never mind having free will or our own desires. Mostly I know how to shop and can read and write in several languages. But there is not a lot of call for that. Have managed to escape being bound to a lamp or the like. So I have not been forced to grant wishes or service things like many have. Managed to keep from being made a sultana or other service type job to. Family is wealthy and I am it''s matriarch. Not that that means much the way they treat me."


    "Ok, hurt in unpleasant ways ? As opposed to ?" he ask.


    Grinning, "Well done right, pain can be quite enjoyable."


    He sighs, "You got the same mind set of those 3 girls I got."


    She smiles, "Ah, well seems I fit in to your dream girl ideal to."


    "Problem with Dream versions is the waking mind is not always in to the same things. I like the costumes and such but I am an empath, and I see aura''s. So it takes on whole different feelings for me. Not sure how well I would do in that kind of thing. Other than the dress up part. I got a whole bag of bondage costumes the White Ladies people gave me as a Sample Bag. The plans for them are in my head to."


    She looks at him, "They set you up to be a dominator, but forgot to put in the training for it." she snickers about that.


    "Oh I know How to do it, but I seem to lack the emotional motivation to do it." he sighs. "Besides I scryed the time lines and 2 of those girls would have come to quite horrible ends. The red head was to be tortured then eaten alive by some of Set''s pets. The brunet was cooked and served, while still alive to a cult of canabils." he shows her their fates in his Master Mirrors. She pales, "Not fun ways to go at all. You are right about that. Ick. I can see why you got them. That is a near future to going by their looks."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.He nods and sighs, "I got them, not sure what to do with them cause anywhere else they come to bad ends, and I just can''t have that." he sighs.


    She gives him a long look then nods to her self. "Your a good person at heart. You like being helpful and want to be able to help others. Even when it gets you in over your head I suspect." he shrugs.


    "Well for now, I think I will stick around and help you where I can. Besides I owe you for getting me out of that stupid bottle. That is a point of honor, just so you know." she tells him.


    "That is how I ended up with Alric actually. Freed him from where he was trapped to, he decided the only way to repay me was to offer me his service. I said yes cause I see a good man trapped in a bad curse really."


    She nods, "Well I maybe able to help there some. I know magic, have studied it some. In mortal terms I know up to 5th level spells."


    "Do you count cantrips as a spell level ?" he ask.


    She looks surprised, "no. Why ?"


    "They do here. So by Local standards your up to 6th level spells. I am only up to 4th but I have read more and studied other things including mystism and supernatural stories."


    Grinning at him, "Parapsychology ?"


    He nods, "That to. Yes. Truthfully I would not turn down the help. The local mages are trying to help, but their understanding of magics is just not up to the same level as my own." he shrugs. "I do have some help already. The cloak has a very knowledgeable spirit in it. It''s a Cloak of the Vagabond, the spirits name is Ag. He has been very helpful and gives me good advice to."


    She looks at the cloak, "Oh nice. Holy Relics are impressive magics. Actually I am a follower of Vag myself. Bit of a Seeker you see."


    "Me to. I even went around today and played lay priest to some of the cities poor. Ag guided me to those who needed his blessings." she nods in understanding.


    Ag speaks up, "Ah Another seeker, wonderful. Someone else I can talk with. Mind you, Only Robert can call forth my items, with out his permission, at anyrate. It''s a bit of a safty feature so I can''t be used against him or the like."


    She nods, "I completely understand. And I bet people are going to steal either that lamp or bottle, thinking I am bound to one, once they realize you have a djinni in your service."


    "I have tracking spells and magic mirrors, and control the weather. So not really someone you want to be on the wrong side of." he states.


    She stares, "Your a weather god ? Wind control and all that ?"


    Shrugs, "More or less. Lean more toward the energy control side of it than the wind side. High end Kinetic, tele, pyro, cryo, bio, and electro types mostly."


    She nods, "Lovely. I am an Air Elemental, which means you have some power over me in that regard. Though by your list you could probably control Effrete to."


    "Maybe. Something I normally try not to do. I rather work with things than enslave them. Oh all these girls can not be freed because they don''t want to be freed. Shule, the red head sold herself in to slavery. Sarah was born a slave and knows no other life and Brea Lyn, well actually she is an assassin who feels the need to be punished because of that life. She was forced in to it as a child. Raised in to it, but she is actually a good person at heart, and as such she became a masochist in order to be punished for her crimes."


    Ellan looks at the mirrors, showing the girls, "Ok that last one is broken but happy to be so. Um, would you have any problems with me playing with them ?"


    "Not at all, provided they are willing. It''s a thing with me, forcing people to do things against their will bugs me."


    Ellan nods, "I can see that. Especially given your present circumstances."


    With that he leads her to the outer rooms where the ladies are straightening and really just doing make work type things as there is not a lot for them to do.


    Alric about falls over when the Master comes Out of his sealed room with another beauty.


    Robert calls them all over, "Ok. Everyone this is Ellan, she is staying with me for a bit to help me with a project. She is a mage. Ellan, this is Brea Lyn, Sarah, and Shule." points to each surprised girl as he names them.


    Brea Lyn ask, "How do you know our names ?"


    "I know because I researched you long before showing up at the auction today. I knew exactly whom I was coming for. I am a mage and craftsman with some highly sought after skills. So I am careful in finding people to work for me. Also, well 2 of you would have come to a rather bad end had I not been there today. Settites were in the crowd and they wanted you as human sacrifices to some really nasty dark gods which would have consumed your souls."


    3 sets of shocked and fearful eyes, and one face palming warrior. Alric sighs, "Robert sir, you really need to work on how you put things."


    Althea clears her throat, as she was standing just outside the door to the rooms, "I think he did that because I am here. He seems to get more honest in why he does things when I am around." she pauses in thought, "This is part of the compulsion isn''t it ?"


    He nods, "Yes. Not allowed to knowingly lie to you, so when your near I find it''s really hard not to just blab things I would rather not say. Or I talk way to much about things of little import. Not how I am normally, just something about being in your presence brings it out."


    She nods, "I have noticed that. Seems the closer I am physically the more it happens to. On the other hand I am not so miffed about the slaves now. But which two ?"


    Fighting it, in tones of it being dragged out of him, "Brea Lyn and Shule."


    Ellan gives him a compassionate look. Her people know all about Compulsions and Bindings.


    "So why the other girl ?" Althea pushes.


    "My wish. She is a potential from that wish, Told you about that already." he grouses.


    Althea looks blank. "Huh ?"


    Alric face palms again, "You really Don''t listen very well do you. You know he was granted Most of a wish when your Wish pulled him to you. The White Lady is Trying to finish his wish with in the limits he has now. His wish for health, wealth and love. The Miss, being a slave, the Only way he could meet her was to buy her. Or are you just to Thick to understand that." He is practically yelling in the thralls face at the end of that. She looks ready to deck him though. She turns to Robert, indicating Alric, "Keep your servants in check Robert."


    "Not my servent, he is my guard, Servants work in a different capacity and besides I agree with him. Your a twit." pure honest appraisal.


    Althea screams and then storms out of the room.


    Ellan shakes her head, "Ok then. You are in a bit of a spot. Bound to that girl and all. Those truth compulsions are annoying to." Ellan looks at Alric, "From what he told me, your with him as a point of Honor."


    Alric nods, "I was trapped in a prison, he was rescueing all the prisoners. Most he sent on to other places. But I asked, because he is a mage, and well the curse I am under, if he would help me. He said he would try."


    She nods, "I was trapped to, he freed me by accident no less. So I offered my skills as a mage and person who knows about magical bindings and compulsions, to help him in researching your curse. That is why I am here. In that vein I need to look you over, with out the highly enchanted armor. See if I can find out anything, so in to the room you go." she ushers him in to Robert''s private room. Robert waves as he goes by, "Don''t worry Alric, she is an expert in this area."


    As soon as they leave, Robert finds himself the object of the women''s curiosity mostly about this Wish for Love ?


    Althea is miffed with Robert, with this whole situation really. She does not want him in their lives either. May have been different if she had gotten a pretty girl, but looking back on her wish and what she can recall of it, she never said male or female, only tall and pretty and smart, which he is. But he is also arrogant, insufferable and Magical. Ironically those traits in women she likes, in men she finds them annoying. The magic gave her a near perfect match, just the wrong gender for what she desired.


    She runs in to Valdis. Another of Kittens thralls and a good woman to have at your back. A bit stiff in Althea''s opinion but the woman is pure warrior really. Valdis looks at her, "Kitten told me about your misadventure with that wishing card. Bound yourself a good looking, god like man who you can''t wrap around your little fingers."


    Althea glares at the other woman, "You know I don''t like doing that. But no, he can See peoples motivations and he does not like me, at all. Made that very clear to me just now. He went and bought a bunch of slave girls. Though two of them he got for pure reasons. To keep the Settites from getting them."


    Valdis nods, thwarting the snakes is a good reason to do lots of things. "I was talking to Kitten, she is looking in to the Assun-an conspiricy on the local front. She say''s their pattern is getting them closure to Cairo and we need to try and capture one of their teams. See if we can learn what their long term goal is. The mage maybe useful in that area, if we can get him to focus. Though I see asking you to ask him is likely to get you made in to something small and fluffy."


    Althea''s eyes went huge, she had managed to forget about that threat. Being made in to a Bunny. He can''t kill her, but he can make her less annoying, and furry. She knows he is trying to find a way to break the spell binding them together to. But as it''s from the White Lady, she of the Grand Fate, that is unlikely, unless he can figure out her hearts desire, something even she is unaware of, she can''t see him doing it. At least not yet. But her real fear is he will figure out a way to make it so he can live his life with out her around to interfer with it. Being a bunny is the least of her fears around him. He is far more powerful a mage than any she has ever seen or heard of. Of course him being from a future world has a lot to do with that and makes him even more scary a person. She has nightmares of being trapped inside a mirror or shrank down and locked in to a tiny house or put in a bottle with a spell on it to keep her ''fresh'' forever. Kitten would be furious of course. But then he just might stick her in a bottle to. Which also scares her. The only reason he has to let Kitten live, is she needs Kitten''s blood to keep living. No immortal blood and she will become a very old lady very fast. She has seen old thralls die before. It''s not a pretty sight. Her life is tied to Kittens, which till this time, she had no problem with. But now she has this mages life tied to hers and she is only now seeing how hard it is to have that with another person.


    Valdis is watching Althea''s mind go round and round. She is so easy to read, or push in to thinking certain things. It''s not that she dislikes the other woman, it''s just she is jealous of her relationship with Kitten. She is the Special one. Kittens true love. All Kittens other thralls are jealous of the girl. But most respect her to. She is loyal to a fault and a formidable warrior. If not for Caine''s curse on Lady Kitten, most believe she would have been elivated to Immortality by now. But Caine cursed Kitten by making it so anyone she tried to turn would die horribly or worse would happen. So she resist doing that now.


    Valdis leaves the whimpering girl as she heads to the Mages rooms. She is hoping he will be more cooperative with her and her mistresses needs.


    What she finds is a very uncomfortable man, surrounded by 3 beautiful and amourous women who are intimidating him with their forwardness and desires to be good proper slaves and sex toys.


    Valdis stares at these women. Finding just One like that is rare, and he has 3 of them, from one day of shopping. Man has a knack of a different sort, and it''s likely to embaress him to death from what she is seeing.


    From his style of dress, she suspects he is Arabic, or from somewhere close to that part of the world. Though his fair skin and blue eyes speak of other origins. She recalls he is part elven, which would explain the eyes. But the over all effect makes him an exotically beautiful man. The hieght and build don''t hurt either. Yeah she could see bedding him to be fun. Provided he did not die of embaressment first.


    Grinning at his predictament, "Pardon, Master Robert ?"


    The girls, looking mildly disappointed at the interruption of thier tormenting on their new master, let him go. "YES!" he almost jumps at the new girl.


    "Kitten sent me, she would like to request your help."


    "Of course, what does the lady need." he slips easily in to a professional demeanor, pulling his clothing straight and becoming almost instantly the confident mage she was told to expect. She finds it interesting in how he was able to do that. Not many men, in her experience, are able to just change emotions so quickly. Not many women either, she thinks really.


    "Private discussion please."


    "My personal rooms are in use by a collegue of mine at present." he explains.


    The white robed slave giggles, "His female collegue and his guard are making use of his bedroom."


    Robert looks at the girl, "Ellan is a professional and Alric is Undead and incapable of that sort of activity."


    Valdis has to ask, "How undead ?"


    "Living Skeleton. Magic item he had got corrupted by outside interference and how it worked changed him. We are trying to figure out how and why it did that in hopes of setting things right. Mostly by removing the curse in such a way that it does not just kill him in the process."


    Valdis nods, Good motivation and oblivisouly not something they are keeping secret about. Which she supposes is a good thing in some lights. Undead are not well liked, but those who try and Fix them are treated some better than those who make them. Though all are treated with a certain level of suspicion.


    Kitten is going over reports of her agents when Robert is brought in by Valdis. He stands at ease in front of her table, waiting for her.


    She glanced up and noted he is not wearing his cloak, but is dressed in an arabian styled robe with his armor under it, sword at his hip but no cane. Odd that, he usually has that with him even if nothing else. Though with his gifts, she suspects he can just call it to himself from where ever he left it with a thought.


    She looks up at him, "We need to find and capture one of these Assun-an groups that are replacing officials. I was hoping you could scry out a group and help capture them."


    He thinks about it, then gestures and 2 large oval mirrors appear on either side of him.


    The odd thing about them is they were not reflecting him Or the room but some place else. He puts a hand out toward each one, mutters something in a language she has never heard before, not even the Magic Language. (he is speaking in computer slang and numbers actually, which is not nessisary, just doing it to add to the drama of it.) The images with in move around and change focus, showing a variety of places, then they lock on to a group that fit the actions of the ones they are looking for. They are in the home of a govenor. They confront him, a shrouded one pulls off his hood, revealing the govenors duplicate even as the agents move to capture the govenor. Robert steps through a mirror behind them and with a word freezes the humans.


    The clone turns and attacks only to be struck down by a lightning strike. Robert cane appears in his hand and with a wave of it, all the agents become small, legless bunnies. The clone though, that one he wraps up in something like a mummy. Nods to the govenor, and with out a word vanishes.


    Stepping back in to the room with Kitten, he changes the focus of the mirrors, "There you go, one group of enemy agents and a doppleganger. Dopplegangers are shape shifters. Can look like almost anyone and can read minds. It''s how they can emulate people. Oh their reasons are simple really. They want to destableize the region, make it easier to destroy this nation. Their entire motivation is to drop the world back in to the stone age. From what I got from the Ganger, they are agents of Kinslayer and his need to control the world is all the motivation he has. Now then do you need anything else ?"


    Kitten stares wide eyed at him, "Um no. That was most helpful. Thank you for your help."


    He nods, shrinks the mirrors down to hand sized and puts them in a pocket.


    She recognizes them as the mirrors he was using to scry with back in the prison.


    "Uh, Robert ?" she starts, "If you had those mirrors in the prison why not use them to teleport everyone instead of the way you did it?"


    "Cause there are only 3 of these in existance that I know of and I would like to keep the number of people who are aware of them down to a very few. I am presently trying to aquire the 3rd one. All 3 together are even more useful." He nods to her and walks away.


    Valdis and Kitten watch him go before gathering up their prisoners and getting them in to magical cells, where they can interogate them properly.


    The doppleganger, twitching in pain, laughs, "he will never get the 3rd one. The master has it. He will die if he goes after it."


    Kitten nods. She hopes he does get it, and kills this things master when he does it.

 Chapter Seven: On the Seventh Day the World Rest

    On the 6th day in Kemet, land of Mystery. The Pharaoh gifts Robert with the newly renovated house in the rear of the Palace grounds. It used to be an Embasy house for the dwarves a couple decades ago. But they long since left and it pretty much had everything needed for Robert''s use. It''s made of Stone, it has several large work area''s and fine rooms. Really just needed cleaning and some updating on the kitchen and furnishings (the Stone Land dwarves liked sleeping on stone beds. Those were hard to move out.)


    It also came with a good sized dwarven level smithy, but they took their tools with them. The Pharaohs people did their best to get it set up for the Master smith though.


    Moving him in was not all that hard. Robert just shrank his few larger items and then carried them all over.


    There is more than enough room for all his new slaves, and any additional servants he may want. Place even has a nice sized basement with 8ft cielings. (because the dwarves liked being underground.)


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.Robert though found a secret door and a much more complex underground area that the Pharaoh and his people did not know about.


    Its a nice area but almost no furnishings left. Only what was built in to the place and a picture showing what each area was meant to be.


    Robert is tickled by his discovery, the Pharaoh is miffed that the dwarves built all this but never bothered to tell him they had done so. Even so, he does not begrudge this and as it makes the mage happy, is a good sign to him.


    Robert calls it his Guest Rooms as he really does not like being underground. He does use the bracelet to furnish it in a more useful style and Ag''s ''instant pits'' to make some area''s larger and more useful to him and his. (The Bed Chamber for example is made to have higher cieling and some extra 20ft wider and the Temple area is squared off and he turns it more in to a swimming pool / bathing chamber. Ellan helps by setting up magic lights and stones to warm the pool to a more comfortable tempeture. This all on the 1st full day they are there.

 Chapter Eight: Fates Pawn

    That night, exhausted by all the work in making the new place more a home and getting everyone settled in, Robert crawls in to his huge bed, cuddles up with his pack (which has become something of a teddy bear for him since coming here). And drops right off to sleep.


    His sleepless guardians, the shifters and Ellan are busy killing settites and capturing theives, but the Master is never disturbed even once by them.


    His dreams are another matter. Lots of strange things, demons and monsters attack his dream self. But his Dream Self is a Full God and they don''t stand a chance. It''s actually having fun defeating all the monsters who try to attack the sleeping god.


    But at midnight, on the dot, His mind is summoned to THE WHITE LADY. She smiles down at her servant, "Hello boy. I have something I need you to do." she hands him the blood moon amulet, "Trapped with in this is Lillith. I need her back in the world and only you have the power to make that happen. Using that Rod, the Library, and your own formidible control of energy only you can cleanse the Darkness from her and restore her to her full glory and power. Needs to happen soon to. Caine is close to getting something that will increase his power and make him all but unstopable."


    "Got it, kill Caine, let out Lillith, free the children." he replies.


    She grins, "Or you could do that. At any rate Lillith is needed in the world again."


    He wakes the next morning with the amulet wrapped around his hand. Ag about flips when he senses it. Calms when it is explained to him that the White lady sent it as someone the world needs is trapped within it. He enlist Ellan, and explains things to the others about what is happening. So there will hopefully be less chance of something going wrong. Sets Alric at the top of the stairs above his new office, with orders to stop any demons from escaping up them if he needs to. Otherwise stay up there as his presence may interfere with the magics Robert will be working.


    Robert walks down to the new basement, in the Masters Office, he sets up protection wards, runes, and some mundane things to. Puts his master mirrors up - Past and Present -, set them to the Void. Anything attacks him during this is going to get Really Lost Really Fast.


    Has a light breakfast, double checks all his notes and the needed supplies. Then at precisely Noon he wraps the amulet chain around his arm and the Rod of Resurrection he found in the void, to the back of the Amulet.


    Then using his potent energies, he runs it Through the stone on the amulet, along the rod and back in to the Creation Matrix of the Bracelet. Burning away the darkness and corruption and at the same time controlling and building a new body for the Ancient Goddess.


    He influences her form but not her nature or power, save in removing the Dark Corruptions and restoring her to her Day Walker power and Might. She comes forth with knowledge from his library, with His understanding of Magic and understanding of the way the world is Now.


    She looks about the cold dark stone room and at the tall glowing man who returned her to the world and then at the doors in to the void on either side of him. Those scare her more than anything else. Then she see''s Something step in to reality behind him, only to be torn in half and each half sucked in to seperate portals. Her understanding of those holes in to the nothing makes a lot of sense now. He has them set up as a way to thwart those who would stop him from summoning her back in to the world. From the gore on the floor behind him, that was not the first thing to attempt to stop him.


    She considers how she Feels. The anger is missing as is the hate she has felt for the longest time. She is not Hungry either. She stares at him, "Why do I not hunger ?"


    He stares at her, "After all that, that is your first worry ?" Shakes his head, "Because I made Sure your form would be Full as I brought you in to the world. Your an Immortal to your original specs though different appearance. I set you up to my level of pretty. Which is a little more slender than the common mans ideal in the present time, but more to the liking in my own time and place."


    His portals close and become the finest mirrors she has ever seen. In them she is able to look over her new form. Full breast but slender hips, youthful face and lovely dark hair and eyes. She smiles and see''s her teeth are straight and bright and only show the hint of sharpness of her canines. "I like this form. Strong and healthy and while new I feel my old power running through it."


    "I had access to the Library of the White Lady, I made use of it to give you as close to your old strength and physical powers as I could. I gave you access to my magical knowledge to, so you would understand the changes better. Mind you I am a more advanced mage than any of the ''modern'' ones. But I was pulled here from an alternate future world. Several thousand years in the future actually."


    She compares the knowledge of her old self with the knowledge HE gave her and she almost feels like a child once more. She knows she has much to learn, but what he gave her lessens that by a lot.


    "What of my people ? My friends and Family." she ask in an almost desperate tone.


    "Kitten is in the city. I don''t know what her name was in your time, but she calls you her elder sister. The womanizing bastard is still out there. He is good at hiding otherwise some of us would have ended him by now. The others, if they live, are locked inside the mountain. I know Which mountain but not exactly Where with in."


    She nods, "Caine used dark magics to cloud my mind, getting me to help him trap all the children not of our line. Some did not come or were lost before the call went out. Then he locked me away. I fought it best I could, till somehow I was locked in to that blasted amulet."


    "Ironically its the holy symbol of a Neutral Goddess of magic from a foriegn world called Krynn. Amulet of the Blood Moon." he tells her.


    He holds it up so she can see it. She rubs her arms, "You can keep it. I never want to see that ever again."


    He nods, puts it in a pocket and carefully removes the Rod from the bracelet. That took a lot out of him, so glad he had breakfast before trying this.


    She looks around again, "So clothing ?"


    "Upstairs. I got a small selection of robes and such as I was unsure what you would look like prior to this."


    At the top of the first flight of stairs she comes to the mythral statue, "That is a lot of Mythral, you must be very rich."


    I grin, "I found it in the void, same place as your amulet actually. Has some nice enchantments on it." She stares at it and the head turns and looks down at her, she about jumps out of her skin


    "How is it moving !?" she ask.


    Alric sighs, "Cause it''s Armor and someone is inside of it."


    small voice, "oh" ... "I don''t sense any life with in that."


    Alric, "That is because I am undead, more so than even you."


    "Alric here is under a curse. Turned him in to a living skeleton. I am researching it with the hopes of restoring him with out having to kill him first."


    She nods and in a small voice, "ok..." and goes up to the next flight, at the top of these stairs is a long hall, which ends in a 4 way passage, the path directly in front is more stairs. Robert nods to it, "Up there."


    At the top of these stairs is a well lit room with 4 women moving around in it. 1 of them smiles at her and has a couple items of clothing for her, "If you give me a couple of minutes I can get your measurements for some better clothing." she offers the ancient. Lillith allows it.


    "You don''t smell human." Lillith observes. Ellan laughs, "That is because I am a djinni, a Air elemental."


    "I know what a Djinni is. I was not locked up That long. Just surprised you are here." the Goddess tells the Djin.


    "I owe Master Robert a debt, so I am helping him out with things as a way to repay him." Ellan explains.


    Lillith considers that and slowly nods, "I see. Robert ?"


    "Yes miss ?" he answers.


    "What do I owe you for my freedom ?" she ask.


    "Please don''t eat my people when you get hungery." said with a grin.


    Alric sits at a table, "I offered him my service when he freed me from a prison I was locked inside of. Ellan there had been sealed in a bottle by her relatives because she refused to marry someone for a very sketchy alliance. As we understand it her relatives and the Marid they were trying to marry her to were all arrested for attempted treason a few days ago. She offered him a wish, but has not the power to grant him his one wish."


    "Over God level compulsion." is all he tells her.


    She blanches, "Yes that would be a hard one to overcome."


    Ellan conjures her a very nice dress in colors suited to her complexion. Lillith looks them over and smiles, "Your quite gifted. Thank you."


    Ellan smiles, "Thank you. As for what you owe him, that is up to you. He only did it though because he was commanded to by a Higher Ranked God."


    "The White Lady, aka The Grand Fate, she said you Needed to be back in the world now and I am the only one who had the power, equipment and insanity needed to make it happen. Had to remove A LOT of Darkness and Corruption from you, otherwise all that would have come out would be something I would have had to destroy. The Darkness promises power, but it gives you more weaknesses and takes power From you that you would have had otherwise. Basically it lies as it''s end goal is the destruction of all of creation." She considers that, then thinks of the hate and Anger she felt for so long while trapped and starts to understand what he is saying. The Dark cares not for good or evil, only for itself and destruction. She knows she was Weaker when under it''s influence than she is even now.


    "I set you up a room down here, its off the servants chamber, nothing fancy as I only had a couple hours notice on when I needed to summon you." Robert tells her.


    This pretty brown haired girl with a leather slave collar comes over, "I can show it to you when your ready. This place is not all that large but we only moved in to it the day before yesterday. It was a gift from the King of these lands to Robert as he is a man who knows many secrets and mysteries."


    "Like Iron working and glass making." Alric supplies. The Goddesses eyes go large. The Dwarves were only Beginning to understand iron when she was locked away. Men still played with stone and lived in tribes. She does not know how long she was gone. But she feels it was a very long time.


    "Robert ?" she says quietly.


    "Yes mam ?" he inquires.


    "Could you bring this Kitten to me. I feel she maybe able to explain things to me better than you all can."


    He nods, then looks in to the middle ground before just vanishing.


    Ellan grins, "He is a god, lesser status though, so earth bound." The Goddess nods, understanding about that much at least.


    The girl Brea shows her to her room. In it is a nice bed, a chest for clothing and a pair of chairs for sitting. It''s fancier than anything she has seen in her previous life and He called it simple. Brea smiling, "Yeah his idea''s of Simple impressed me to. He is from a rich land and as such his idea''s on what is Poor is more impressive than what is common in most the rest of the world."


    Lillith nods even as she tries out the bed, marveling over the mattress, "This is going to spoil me I think."


    Brea nods, "oh yes. I know what you mean. I am just a slave and my bed is better than any I have ever had in my life. Mind you I have to share it with the other 2 slaves, but still its a wonderful bed."


    The goddess nods, "I was right, he is rich. Just does not really know it or comprehend it I think."


    Robert appears in a hall just up from where Kitten is helping to interogate the prisoners. He waits for her to get free and amuses himself by annoying some guards who think they can arrest him for being there.


    Kitten comes along and stops them, explaining to them that He worked for her division and was the one who captured the prisoners they have at present.


    Then she turns on him once the guards are gone, "What the Hell are you doing here ?"


    "I came to get you. I have someone who Needs to speak with you. Daywalker stuff. I need you Now as I don''t know how long I can keep this ancient from just coming in here Looking for you on their own." he explains in a put out sort of tone.


    She blinks at him, see''s he is not just being Dramatic (well not much) and is serious about an ancient. So she agree''s. He teleports them to his new secret lair. Then walks her to the common room. Sending Sarah to get the girl.


    Lillith slowly comes up the stair with the 2 slaves following her. She is uncertain how this one will react to her, given she helped lock the others away and all. She see''s the girl and knows her instantly. Catra, her 2cd sister, The one after her, Kree, she knows is in the mountain. She clears her throat, "Hello Catra."


    Kittens head snaps around. No one has called her that name in several hundred years. Not since she escaped Set.


    "Who are you ?" she ask, voice full of suspicion, not recognizing the woman before her.


    "Lillith." the woman says quietly, "I was released by the God here, he made me a new body after he destroyed all the Darkness Caine had filled me with."


    "2 high end magic items and a Lot of my own power. Will not be doing that again anytime soon." he sighs.


    Alric slides over to him, Robert whispers, "have to kill you completely, stuff your soul in an object, then run it through a couple of artifacts and even then, as your a mortal, there would only be a 2 in 10 chance you would make it out alive and sane."


    The undead considers that, "what is the worse case senario on that."


    "Your soul gets trapped in a gem for all time." the God Mage tells him.


    Alric nods, "ok, so not a first option kind of thing. Um, why it work with her ?"


    "Lillith is a Goddess of the Old Order. Stone age type. Her enemies demonized her, but she was a servant of Innah for a time before she was trapped in the void, where I found her remains."


    Alric kindly drops it. At this point he thinks he maybe lucky to be undead. He has heard some of the stories, both good and bad, about the dark goddess Lillith. Either way not someone to get on the bad side of. Her good side could be bad to from what he recalled. She is one of the Oldest of the Blood Drinking Gods.


    Of Lillith and Kitten, Lillith whispers a few secrets that only the two of them would know. Much to Lilliths surprise, Kitten does not try to kill her, just hugs her and cries at how much she missed her. Robert seeing no sign of anger or blood shed leaves as he feels the serious need for a nap.


    Upstairs, tired but to mentally wired to sleep, Robert decides to do some temporal scrying as a form of entertainment. He scans back on Alric, from the prison going backward. He see''s originally Alric had just been marrooned on that island with his gear by some men who looked allot like him. He did ok for himself, found the old prison and redid parts of it as a place to live. Was that way for a couple of years till the Assun-an came, acting like pirates then. Which from what he can see, that is what they really are. An entire people based on piracy as a way of life. He backed up from the time on the island, to see Why these people marrooned him. Saw his cousin and him have a huge arguement about the use of magic. Saw him take the Ball from his cousin, His cousin was meddling with things he did not really understand, was what the arguement was all about. Also saw this nasty little man watching the fight.


    Being miffed, Velvex cast a teleport spell but put in the wrong ''dimensional codex'' and accidently sent himself to the far western lands - not that anyone in that part of the world knew that. The man who witnessed it all turned out to be Starspeaker the evil Bard. He did not really hate mages, he hated Alric and wanted to destroy him. He did a really good job at it to.


    Thinking on this, Robert uses what he heard from the temporal scry, his own aura sense and a tracking spell to find Velvex.


    He finds him living in a cave on the edge of one of the Great Elven nations. He is older of course, though by no means doing well. The elves treat the lone human rather poorly and he is rather defensive now.


    Still ... Robert has to try.


    "Velvex" a powerful voice speaks from the air.


    Fearing another childish elven prank, he tries to ignore the voice, "I need to speak to you." says the voice.


    "Sure you do, what foolishness do you think to try on me voice ?" he says, filled with suspiscioun.


    "Well I wanted for you to know I was here so you did not shoot first and ask questions never." states the voice, just before a tall, powerfully built humanish man steps in to reality before him. The style of dress and look is not from this part of the world. Which helps a little, "What do you want ?"


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site."I was doing some temporal scrying on Alric." the man starts.


    "OH looking at the Great Hero. Pah!"


    "He is not a hero any longer. Bard called Starspeaker convenced people he murdered you. Your friends captured him and marooned him on an island over 10 years ago. He still had that ball he took from you all those years ago." Robert tells him.


    He looks shocked, "Ah, well. How is he these days ?"


    "Undead. See that island held an old mages prison, the dampening runes corrupted the magic of that ball and turned him in to a living skeleton."


    All the color drains from Velvex, "oh no... I never meant for that to happen."


    Robert nods, "I know. I am actually here hoping to bring you home, so you may help me find a way to restore him. Ah, I am in Egypt by the way. He is with me."


    Velvex sits, "I have dreamt of going back home, or any civilized land. One with no elves in it."


    "Well I can''t help you there, I am in Cairo, there are some elves in this city to, and dwarves, and other races to. But if you are of a mind to, I will bring you to the city."


    The mage sits and thinks, "I need my belongings. I got a few things worth keeping here."


    Robert nods, "Ok. Want help packing ? I know shrinking spells."


    Velvex grinning nods, "Yes thank you."


    Robert nods, "Ah, I am Robert, a mage in the employ of Ramsey''s the 2cd, though ironically not as a mage." He looks sideways and waves his cane. Several scrying devices and spells are interrupted, some violently, "annoying pest." Velvex sighs.


    Robert nods, "Yes."


    Takes about an hour, but with Roberts magic they get everything packed up and are just about to leave when a group of elves show up. All mages.


    "Your going no where!" the leader announces. Robert looks them over, then slips on a ring and Reads them. They want his magic items and to turn him in to a slave, like they have done with Velvex.


    "Ah theives. Lovely. Go away children." he tells them. The lead elf laughs and throws a binding spell. Robert blocks it and throws a Lightning bolt. Reduced the lot of them to ash in seconds. Velvex is floored, "How ?"


    Holds up his cane, "Godly Item, created by the Gnome creator god. Amplifies any spell I cast by a Lot. I did a favor for him, he gave me this to use."


    Velvex has no problem believing that and happily steps through the portal and in to Roberts home.


    Closing the gate behind him, "Welcome to my home. I can give you a room here if you like while you get reaquainted with this part of the world."


    Velvex looks about and graciously accepts the offered hospitality.


    As he is settling in Alric comes looking for his Master and about faints at the sight of his cousin. He is not sure if he should hug him or punch him, or both.


    Velvex spotting the suit of elven armor hides behind Robert, "Elf ?" he ask in fear.


    "No, possibly worse though. Alric. He works for me these days, I believe I mentioned that before." Robert explains.


    Alric walks slowly forward, "Hello cousin. Part of me wants to punch you for what your device did to me. Part wants to hug you for just being alive."


    "Robert here told me what my sustainer did to you. Turns out you were right about it. I am truely sorry for what it did to you." he has tears in his eyes.


    Alric removes his helmet, "Well it''s not all bad, I don''t need to eat or sleep anymore and apparently I can see poisons and diseases now. Used that to save a couple of lives and helped expose a group trying to assassinate some people here. Though I really miss having a face."


    "Well on the plus side you were never a good looking man to start with." Velvex says with sad humor.


    "True." Robert nods.


    Alric stares at him, Robert shrugs, "I was looking in to your past. Saw how you got marrooned on that island, and how the item you kept as a keepsake, cause you missed your cousin, malfunctioned. I need to go watch that some more really. But well I went back further and was scrying how he made it. Was on the right track really. Just a few points off that messed things up for you. But I saw the arguement and I saw that Starspeaker slime watching you both. Saw Velvex cast a teleport spell but get the parameters wrong and ended up on the far side of the world, in an area full of rather nasty elves who were more interested in stealing his magic and tormenting the strange ape that wandered in to their area."


    Velvex nods, "They tried to capture him to."


    "Lightning bolt ?" Alric ask.


    Velvex nods, Alric nods, "Robert is a Half God, of the Sky God variety. Lightning is his go to attack, followed by wind and then cyclones and more lightning. It''s very effective."


    Velvex looks at Robert, who looks embaressed.


    Alric shakes his head, "He normally tries to live that side down. But the local gods come and pester him allot. Heck I got to kind of meet the King of the Gods here, I was in the room. Trying to hide really. Given how I am now and all."


    Velvex looks surprised as Robert mutters about needing an invisibilty spell. Looks at Velvex, "I am trained as a weapons and armor smith in the Elven style, so I know how to make iron objects. Something the locals have not worked out yet. Ra asked me to share those secrets with his people. I agreed. That was just over 7 days ago. HE Asked because of the nature of my godly parent. Different pantheon. Don''t want to get in to it. Really, I just want to study magic and make stuff. But life keeps getting in the way."


    Alric nods, "Fate has him in the palm of her hand and makes him work for her."


    Velvex grins, "Oh I know that feeling."


    "Trust me, you don''t. I got 2 gods running around in the house now. Sekhmet keeps sending her priest around to try and keep me out of trouble and the cats are Bast little spy''s. This is a strange house hold. Oh I have 3 slave girls, they are interesting to say the least. They Like being slaves for one. There is a woman in arabian dress, treat her nicely she is a royal and a mage. I think thats everyone, for the moment." He explains.


    Velvex smiles, "Human girls ?"


    "I think one may have some elf in her anscestory but only because she is tiny but full grown. Pretty though. The others are human. I got a red head and a brown haired girl to. They work as maids and cooks presently. The tiny one is also trained in doing laundry. Got more women around me than men for some reason." he sighs.


    Robert nods to them, "Well I am going to go rest, maybe this time I can actually get some sleep."


    Alric shakes his head, "Physically tired as he did a powerful spell earlier today, but his mind is just running around. You understand how that goes."


    Velvex nods, "Oh yes. Been through that many times. Also times when the mind is tired but the body is not. Want rest in either case but can''t get any."


    A few minutes later 2 lovely women walk through, one with short red hair stops by Alric, "Where is Robert ?"


    "He went to his room to rest Lady Kitten. Ah, this is my cousin Velvex, Robert just rescued him and brought him here."


    The dark haired girl looks surprised, "I thought he went for a nap."


    Alric shrugs, "Could not sleep, so scryed for my cousin, who was lost."


    Velvex nods, "Never cast a teleport spell when angry. I ended up in an elven kingdom, where I was being forced to make magic items for them. One''s I am now aware are dangerously flawed."


    Alric sighs, "He is the one who made the item that made me like this."


    Lillith and Kitten both nod, Lillith states, "yes that is dangerously flawed alright. Hope they get to learn the error of their ways though."


    Alric points the way to Robert''s room and they leave.


    Alric says to his cousin when they are gone, "Those were the Goddesses the Master was talking about. Kitten down plays that allot the other one is the Dark Mother."


    Takes Velvex a minute to remember, then his eyes go wide as Alric nods. Yikes.


    --


    Robert is on top of the top of his bed. As such the room looks empty. But these two can sense life, so they find him pretty easily. Lilith looks at him for a long minute, "Why are you up here ?"


    "Could not get comfortable on the bed, so I thought to try up here. Not really working. Body is tired, brain won''t shut up. And it''s all random stuff to."


    Rolls off the top, stops about half way to the floor then floats till he is upright, "So what can I do for you ladies." said as he lands.


    Kitten ask, "If we showed you where Caine is could you destroy him ?"


    "Is he weak against fire ?"


    They nod.


    "Then yes, easily. Don''t even need a spell."


    Kitten shows him the location in one of his mirrors. While looking through it Robert spots several items of interest to him. Instead of covertly just blowing up Caine as he deals with this slimey looking group of elves, he walks in to the room and up to a mirror. He is not missed by the group.


    Robert looks at the spell balls. "Huh so this is what your doing with Velvexes spell balls."


    Caine looks surprised, "You know what these are ?"


    "I got the original one and whats left of the fellow that had it. Not a pretty sight. Things have a dangerous flaw, if you die while one is in your possession your soul gets sucked in to the Void."


    Caine looks at him, "Who are you and why are you here."


    Looks up at him, "Oh right, my bad." Taps his cane and the room is engulfed in white hot flames. So hot the spell balls all melt and the magic implodes. Caine, despite having many items to protect him from fire is destroyed in seconds as is every other creature in the room Except Robert and a few items Robert saw and wants. After the fire burns down, Robert opens a portal to the void and blows all the remains in to it, just to make Sure he will not be coming back. That done, he gets the Master Mirror (a powerful scrying device, but it lacks the gate function his other mirrors have) and a few other nice magic items. Whistling he goes home.


    "There Caines dead, and all those cursed spellballs went poof to."


    Lilith looks at Kitten, "What does he need us for ?"


    Looking at her, "Aunt Fate said you are needed in the world. Caine was not needed anymore, so I was allowed to remove him. Need anything else ?"


    Lilith looks at him, "Which pantheon claims you ?"


    "The white one. I am a Lesser God in the White Pantheon." he states.


    she nods, "Neutral gods who all keep the balance and are Over the Gods of the mortal world. Explains SO much. He is a Lesser OVER God." Kitten looks ready to faint, or run away. Lilith continues, "That is why you could purge the corruption from me."


    "Could you keep your voice down. The locals have not figured that out yet and I really don''t want them to. As to why I am here, Her chief thrall made a wish on a Fate Card, even I am under the control of such cards. Also being in human form I am weaker than I would be in the spirit planes. There are Rules in place about how powerful a being can be and walk the mortal world. I am at that limit in That aspect. But skill wise I am only at mortal levels.


    Kitten slowly nods, "So in the Human realm you are just what you said, a lesser god with dominion over weather, fire and Ice."


    "Lightning, fire, ice and force, aka telekinesis." he corrects. "Now excuse me, I got some new toys to identify."


    "The first silver-backed scrying mirror, nice nice. As a collector this is a lovely item to have. Magically speaking it''s not as nice as the ones I normally use though." he is absolutely giddy about his aquisition.


    Kitten to Lilith, "and that is why he went in person. To get the magic items. He compulsively collects them. I sometimes wonder if there is some dragon in his anscestory to."


    Robert shrugs, "There are rumors." is all he says.


    Kitten pokes him in the chest, "You are a scary individual. I don''t even know why your still here."


    "Find Althea''s hearts wish and I will do my best to fullfill it. Then you won''t have to worry about me any more. Unless she annoys me After that point. Then you will have a bunny for a thrall." he points out, "May have one before that if she annoys me enough." he growls.


    Lilith is intruiged. Kitten scared. Both decide to leave and celebrate the death of Liliths misbegotten protagy. Robert turns to Kitten before she can escape, "Oh Kitten, Caines curse on you and your line. He meant he would hunt down anyone you turned. He had no power over you really, just made you to scared to make new childer."


    She sighs, "Set took my heart, with out that I can''t make new childer with out them being pulled in to the dark."


    Robert turns to his mirrors, "When did that happen ? Give me a period to work from and I maybe able to find it and return it to you."


    She sits down and stares at him for a long time. He waits, very patently. Eventually Lilith kicks her and Kitten jolts. Then she gives him an estimate on the time. He turns to his mirrors, set so they reflect in to each other, then scry''s the past. Takes a while to find her and see what happened to her, how they stole not only her heart but other parts of her essence. He calmly tracks them and where they all went. One mirror showing the past, the other the present, between them he is able to find the hidden temple of the dark god Amun, where many treasures are kept. Robert steps in to that place and it''s guardians all attack, but this place is in the Border spirit realm, where he is the most powerful. He cast a spell of True Light, which destroys all the Dark and removes all the curses of the false god Amun. Still there are other things to work through, traps to get around or through and puzzles to unlock. It will take time.


    5 days later, Robert returns to the mortal world. With many lost treasures and powerful magical items stolen from all over Africa by the mad pharaoh.


    In the presence of the Pharaoh and his whole court he presents a magical package to Kitten. Restoring not only her heart but her stolen essenses. Once they are returned to her, she Glows, her heart is absorbed through her skin and her nature as a Goddess is made manifest.


    The Moment that happens the Binding Magic holding Robert to Althea releases as a white ring of power. Both Feel it leave them. Robert sags, Althea cries and Ramsey and the rest of the mortals are terrified at what they have witnessed.


    Robert walks up to Ramsey and hands him a jar, "Here. This is Sets very own heart. With it you can destroy him. Don''t try to use it to control him though. His people will only focus on killing You if you do."


    Ramsey''s looks at the jar and nods, "What are you ?" he ask.


    "I work for Fate, always have, always will. I am a lesser God in the White Court of Fate. Otherwise I am a mage and person of skillls. I will still teach your people the secrets of iron and glass as per my agreement with Ra. I have allot I still need to do. Curses to unravel, seeing to keeping Kemet one of the greatest countries of this age. I did agree to that and I am a being of my word."


    Ramseys nods. Though he is scared, he is humbled to. He inhales, "Very well. Um, what was that white light ?"


    "Seems the bond holding me to Althea is gone. I accidently completed the quest she required of me. Oh also I killed one of the powers behind the Assun-an a few days ago. From what I know though, it had 4 hidden leaders. I don''t know who the other 3 are though. If I find out, and it''s with in my power, I will erase them." Ramsey nods, "Good man. Does this mean I need to find a reward for you now ?"


    "I got a nice house, I am Free of that fool girl. Nope I am good. I like the house, lots of room for my collections. I love magic items and tend to collect them. Some are just curious items, some powerful and a few only interesting because they were the first of their kinds. Give me long enough and my house will become a museum."


    Ramsey snorts a laugh, "Ah, well it''s good to have a hobby. Uh, how do I destroy this ?"


    "I suggest a hammer and fire. Break the jar, throw the shrivaled thing inside it in to a fire and stand back. Ooo, wait. I got an idea. Need mages and a couple priest."


    He jumps over, grabs the mage Dessen, "Need your help, also. AH"


    He grabs the ''high priestesses'' for Bast and Sekhmet, "Need you two, got an idea for a spell, if it works, there will be a lot fewer snakes around here."


    Pulling something from his library he shows it to the goddesses. They give it a wide eyed stare. A spell that links Like things to Like things. In this case, Set''s Heart and the Hearts of all his Childer - IF they can get the spell to work the way Robert thinks it will, when Set dies, all his dark children will go with him. Not all his followers though. Robert explains, "There is a legend about this happening. When the head blood sucker dies, his childer go with him. This spell Should make that story true." he explains to Ramsey and the others. So with the help of the Foes of Set, the Pharaoh of all Kemet, and the Arch Mage of Kemet, and one slightly insane over god, they cast a master spell. (5D10: 10,10,10,7,6 diff 8 = 6 successes)


    When Ramsey throws Sets heart in to a brazier every Settite Vampire in the world burst in to flame. This included all the nearby thralls, ie with in Cairo. Several in the Palace died in flames that day. Set was Erased from the world and his cult took a major hit.


    Lilith sighed, "To bad you did not think of that spell when you destroyed Caine."


    "I don''t think I could have held him still long enough to get everyone needed together to do that." he points out.


    Ramsey''s ask, "Who is Caine ?"


    "He is the one who created Set and a few other dark gods. He was also a rogue child of Lilith the Dark Mother. I destroyed him with her blessing." he explains.


    Ramsey''s eyes go wide then he nods. "ah. one of these days I will remember not to ask such questions."


    "He was the one who was one of the leaders of the Assun-an. I know there is a faction of Elves in the mix, but not who they are beyond that. I have killed off several of their agents though. Still lots of work to do and things to get done before my time here is done. With a little luck you will live long enough to see it my Pharaoh."


    Ramsey nods, "would be nice." he sighs, "but somehow I doubt it."


    Robert shrugs, "I know how to make potions that can grant youth." said off handedly. 4 gods, 2 mages and a king all stare at him. He smiles, "Well I am from 2000 years in the future after all."

 Chapter Nine: Life in the House of Odd

    Couple days after the End of Set and the End of the Curse of the Twit as Robert calls it. He Finally got his forge set up and got all the tools he wanted (he stole a bunch of them from people he just does not like, ie the Western Elves). He makes a sword, just to prove to himself he can do it. Takes weeks to forge it, from smelting the ore, then crafting the blade, working out the kninks. He also makes some fine leather and crafts the promised suit of leather for Alric, so he has his ''skin'' once more. He loved it. (Used the Chromite Salt trick to cure the leather faster - something not even the elves or dwarves know the trick of yet, he taught the local leather workers this trick though, giving them a massive advantage over the rest of the world. The thing is Robert does not realize that at this point as no one told him. Ra and Ptah don''t really mind though, it''s not what they consider a huge secret, and so they let it slide.)


    Of the sword, being his first one, he presented it to Ramsey in court a couple days after he finished it and it''s sheath.


    He has a Huge grin when he enters the court and patiently waits his turn.


    "Greetings my Pharaoh. I decided you to gift you with the First Sword I have made in the place you have given me."


    The blade shines in the light, the hilt is bone and the weight is perfect. The Pharaoh and his people are very impressed.


    He puts it on his belt and smiles at his new smith, "So you are ready to teach then."


    Robert nods, "Yes sire."


    One of the generals ask, "Where did you find the tools ?"


    Robert shrugs, "I stole them from some enemies who were suppling weapons to the People of the Sea. Not like they needed them after I was done with them anyway."


    Several people chuckle about that. No one here has any problem with the destruction of anyone who has anything to do with Those raiders. Dessen speaks up, "My mages and Robert have been busy finding and destroying as many of their supply stations as we can. Lady Sekhmet''s priest have taken to patrolling our shores, with their trained lions, watching for the raiders to. Those raiders come here, our people will make sure it''s a fatal mistake for them."


    Everyone is quite pleased with that to.


    A few days prior, in private, Robert had gifted Ramsey''s with a book. Sun Tzu''s Art of War, translated in to greek. He Loves the book, marvels over the idea''s with in it and plans on lending it to his generals when he is done with it. Never occured to him that Robert could have more copies of the book. Robert explained to him that the book would eventually be written 500 years from Now. In the far off lands of China. But it is seen as the Best treaty on tactics and stratagies for the next 2500 years. Ramsey''s is both awed and inspired by this knowledge. Robert did warn him though that some of the concepts take thought as Sun Tzu is both a great general and a philosopher.


    Life for the next couple of months is nice. With Ellan''s help he finally works out how to use the girls in a way that makes Everyone happy. He has a lovely sex life and 4 willing playmates. Lots of models for some inovated leather outfits and designs. Also makes some leather armor of advanced design for the royal guard (most can be worn under the brass armor they normally wear, giving them better over all protection but with more comfort to.) His little cheats and short cuts that actually produce better quality goods, which he teaches to the craft-people, has the added benifit of increasing their profits in the short and long run.


    He is teaching people secrets to bring them up to the other races levels and researching magic to, and encouraging things like schooling for the common man, from morning to noon, reading, writing, and math. Teaching them Accounting with the number 0 and negitive numbers, in the form of have and have not, also has been a huge boon to the commerce of the kingdom. Told the Pharaoh the only real difference between himself and his people is he is better educated. Something all Elven children get for the first 16 to 20 years of their lives. Being Educated in such simple things makes for a smarter work force and allows for more skilled workers, thus increasing the influence of the country and making the country a better and more profitable place over all. Much to Roberts surprise Dessen and the mages as well as several priest all agreed with him and with a little pushing a public school was set in to the works, run by the country and open to all, rich or poor. It would take time to get it up and running, but there is a good push for it now that Robert put it out there and provided a plan for what is needed.


    On the magic front Velvex has been a huge help once he got a better understanding of how his sustainers were flawed (Robert provided him with scrolls on Runes from his library). He has been working with the Court mages and they have made huge strides in their understandings of Runic magic and how things should and should not be combined.


    With the destruction of Set and his immortal children, his cult is weaker than ever and the Cat gods have been happily finding and destroying all his remaining followers and temples. Which makes Robert happy as they are out of the Palace and leaving him alone for now.


    Being curious about '' Romantic Possibility Things'', Ellan worked out how to set it up so Robert could meet with the other 2 women in town who Fate said were good matches for him (her being from a Harem culture is part of this, she loves to have a large extended female heavy family). She made up a quest, gathered the adventurers and had them meet up at Roberts house.


    3 groups showed up. In those groups were the 2 women who were said to be a good match for Robert.


    Things though don''t go as Ellan hoped. She hoped they would just Click when he met them. But she forgot to include his Luck.


    Two very suspicious elves are in the mix. They are rather upset or intigued about a human having a suit of Kingly Elven armor. They completely throw the meeting off track by demanding to know how He came by such a suit of armor and won''t accept that he found it. Mostly it''s the male one making all the fuss. The female, Lady Nyesha, is more reserved and at least respectful enough as she is a Knight. But when she learns Robert is an Elven trained smith and is sharing Those secrets with the Humans, she almost attacks him. Those two totally destroyed any chance he had for getting to know anyone there and ended the meeting and possible profitable venture Ellan had set up for the other people in the groups.


    The two women were a human girl, who is like Robert, a collector of magical items. She is a trained warrior to, called Dagrun. Very pretty, smart, and has an interesting Feel to her.


    Lady Nyesha is the other prospect and really had Alric just stayed hidden they may have had a better first meeting.


    Outside of the Palace the other groups turn on the nosey - pushy elves and nearly come to blows as they ruined what looked like a profitable deal for all of them just because the Master of the place is trained in Elven smithing styles and was hired by the Pharaoh here to use them.


    Kessen is on gate guard duty and hears all this stuff and how the Elves think he Stole the knowledge.


    Kessen, wanting to defend the mage corrects them, "Master Robert is a half elf. His people taught him these skills. But his people where nearly wiped out by the People of the Sea and he was with out a home for a long time Before coming here. The Elves turned their backs on him cause he is not a Pure Blood type. So" he shrugs. Allot of what Kessen said is rumors from around the palace, speculation and such, some based on how some high minded elves act around any sort of breed type.


    Most of those who live and work in and around the Palace have gained a great deal of respect for the knowledgable mage. He has done or helped do many great things and has earned that respect. From the way he treats everyone with resepect and kindness, to his little things to make life easier for those around him. Small knowledges, and insights, and general good humor or strange but silly things he does that make him more human to these people. He has been known to wander around singing silly songs or playing games with the children. Gives gifts and games to people. Helps out sometimes with out being asked and always has a kind word for everyone save Althea, whom pretty much everyone knows, he does not care for, she does not like him either, and the drama between the two is very entertaining for the common people to. Especially his constant threat to turn her in to a Bunny. Not that he has ever done that. Some evil sorts have been turned in to Rats and one fellow in the market one day ended up being a donkey for a few hours after he assulted the mage, calling him a begger and other insults. Took his families begging to get him to turn the man back in to a man. The drama around that is seen as both a warning and a lesson about how you treat others. Just because someone is poor does not mean they don''t have skills, is how Robert put it. Most people put it that you never know when the Gods will find a way to put you in your place for such behavior.


    Grumbling the adventurers all leave, going their seperate ways and afraid they will not be invited back to that house of wonders.


    See before the Elves went all High Minded on the Master and his servant things had been going well.


    The guild had been contacted and people with certain skills asked for by a servant of Master Robert. She hinted at a quest to find some particular objects for her Master.


    The groups arrived at the Palace gate all in awe just from that point. Even as the guards lead them around a wide avenue to the grand house in the back, where the sounds and smells of metal working could be heard. But there were also the smells of fresh bread and wonderful scents of exotic foods.


    In a side yard to the grand house they were lead, with in 3 young women in exotic leather suits saw to their needs. Water and cold Cows milk for drinks were provided, pastries and other light fare was offered as refreshment for this morning meeting. In case none had had time for breakfast, the head woman stated.


    The Master came out, tall with a powerful presence, dressed in a style from the Arabia''s more than the local type. He greeted everyone and had a friendly air about him.


    He sat with them and explained. He is a collector of magical items. Some are pretty common, others rare. Some he wants are only special in that they are the first properly working versions of items. He shows them the Master Mirror, arguably one of the finest scrying devices known to man. He tells them he took it from the halls of one of the Assun-an leaders, right after he blew the man and his court to hell in fire. Very animated telling of that story to.


    After he let everyone calm down and enjoy their snacks, he explained because of life, and his responcibilities here, he can not just take off to go look for fun treasures anymore. So the lady Ellan, the woman they took to be a servant it turns out, came up with the idea of hireing adventurers to go out and find such things for him. He is willing to pay them for anything they find, be it from merchants, to crawling around in ruins.


    As he was laying out what he wanted his guard came about some matter. The tall thin silver clad warrior''s appearance set Telkna-kral off badly. He seemed to have recognized the armor and was all over the Master about where he Stole it from. Would not accept he found it in a ruin as it''s a Master Work and no Elf would leave such behind. The Lady Nyesha tried to use reason and calm her fellow elf, till Robert spoke of how such a suit is made and it came out he is a trained elven smith. That is when the elves understood the sounds coming from the far side of his house. That he was giving the secrets of Their People to the Humans. The 2 high minded elves went even More mad and in the end all of them were thrown out, under heavy guard, from the Palace.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.The palace guard, who told them of Master Roberts past, well to most the adventurers, that explained much. The Pharaoh, known for his sharp mind and great wisdom saw the advantage of such a skilled person and set out to get him in to the service of his people. They understand the skillful workings of such things. The Elves though just see it as proof of his treasonous behavior. Well Telkna-kral does. The Lady, being more worldly and a great deal older, she is not so sure. She will have to think on it.


    --


    Ellan sighs, "Well that was a disaster. What compelled you to come outside Alric ? Even after Robert told you to stay in the house."


    Alric, looking at his feet, "Dwarves. A group came to the metal works, a few hinting at this house Belonging to Them and some were looking to be ready to make trouble."


    Ellan sighs, "you could have sent any of the other guards you know." Alric sighs, "I did not think, I am sorry."


    Robert, hearing that, vanishes. Teleporting to the Works hoping he is not to late to stop what ever mischief these dwarves have planned.


    There is a good number of these hard men there, all carrying smithing hammers and weapons disguised as smithing tools to. From what Robert over hears, and learns from his mind reading magics, they are here to put a stop to the humans learning about Iron. They don''t want the humans to have such knowledge and are quite willing to kill everyone here to stop it.


    Robert walks forward, cane in hand, and faces the self rightous dwarves.


    "What gives you the right to dictate what other races are allowed to learn or do ?" Robert demands.


    The head dwarf just draws his weapon and attacks, hoping to kill the mage and thus end the humans chances at gaining more power.


    Robert just points his cane and speaks a Word of Power. The lot of them Vanish. Leaving behind all their clothing and gear.


    The dwarves, to a man, appear on the sides of a mountain in the northern most region of the most northern of dwarven territories. A place where the ones who live there don''t even like other foriegn dwarves. Takes some fast talking from the now naked dwarves not to end up dead.


    In the works, Robert and his people (who are now in even greater awe of their Master) gather the items, tools, and weapons the dwarves had and Robert explains the nature of some of the disguised tools and what their real purpose is. One of the smiths happily points out that the dwarves unintensionally gave them even more clues and and tools to work for them.


    The Pharaoh is informed later that day about the assult by these dwarves. All of whom came from groups who were making statues for Ramseys people.


    That Almost got the dwarves asked to leave his country. But Robert interviened. Explaining the ones who attacked were a minority group who were all young and very opinionated. That the leaders of the dwarven community here did not support them or the actions of that group.


    Robert told the dwarves who were in attendance that he did not kill them. Just sent them to one of the dwarven countries, well outside of Kemet. North, across the sea, in the mountains.


    From what they have heard of the powerful mage, they decided to take his word on that. None really wanted to find out the hard way if he was speaking the truth or not. Besides he spoke up for them to the Pharaoh and his word kept things from becoming far worse that it could have been.


    A while later, via a prayer to one of their gods, it is confirmed that those fools were indeed sent to a far away dwarven kingdom. The dwarves also learn that Robert is not a mage, but a minor God pretending to be a mage, from their God, Dumathoin, Lord of the Mountain, Keeper of Secrets. So attacking him or his works would be very foolish.


    The idea Ellan put out so Robert could meet the ladies, though in a round about fashion, intrigues him on a different point. Mainly his hobby of collecting magical items.


    With a little disguise work, a suit to make him look bigger, a heavy cloak over his normal cloak, a couple spells to keep him from melting from the heat of all the heavy clothings, and a simple cream that makes his skin darker on his hands, arms, neck, and face.


    He slips off to the adventurers guild where Ellan hired all these people from. He is in a mischevious mood and feels the need to add in some drama in the form of a fictional rival. Someone who is also a collector of similar things. He plans to find the adventurers with the idea of seeing if he can set them up to seek out the treasures, acting like they already have a deal with Master Robert. Then seeing if he can persuade them in to secretly working for Master Dis (bad name, he thinks, but given his characters last name is Guise, well it works for his strange sense of humor).


    The main groups are all at the same table in the guild common room. Minus the group with the elves in it.


    The big, very silent man slides up to their table with such stealth none there even noticed him. He listens as they grouse about such a lucritive oppertunity. He gets to learn just which ones would happily cheat him on items, buying them cheap then selling the to him at a dear price.


    He happily notes that Dagrun counters that as a collector of such things he would be able to tell what the items are, what they do and probably knows the fair price for them. Collectors she points out, especially those who work for a living, keep track of such things and just because he lives at the palace does not make him rich. Just means he works for the Pharaoh. Besides the man is a mage and has a fearsome reputation for dealing with thieves. Mostly in that they end up dead or covered in fur and walking on all fours.


    This one big man scoffs, "Bah, mages tend to be wealthy and a bit stupid about the real world."


    Robert coughs, "Oh I would not know about that. Many mages work for a living and are quite worldly." he says in a bad arabian accent.


    They all jolt and stare at him. The second crook ask, "How long you been standing there ?"


    "Oh several minutes now. Long enough to hear how you were thinking of cheating my rival collector and how this young miss corrected you in your assumptions." He nods to Dagrun who blushes lightly in embaressment.


    The first ''thief'' stands, and finds himself a lot shorter than the man before him, "How is it you were able to slip up unoticed ?"


    Bowing slightly, "Ah, introductions, yes. I am Master Dis, a humble mage and collector of all things magical. It was brought to my attentions you all were brought before Master Robert, to seek out items for his collection. So I thought to myself to seek you out and see if I could make a good counter offer."


    Dagrun, before the others get a chance to affrim or deny, "Actually the deal was not struck do to the actions of a pair of elves. They decided he was a thief and had many other accusations. It got so bad all of us were removed from his presence. We have no deal with him."


    Master Dis nods in a sagely fashion, "I see. Hm, well then your misfortune works well for me then. I still wish to find people willing to look for specific items. I will pay in either silver or gold as you wish, I have traveled enough to know that silver is not the standard of wealth for all the world. But like my collecting rival, life does not allow me to go seek such things. My wives simply will not allow me to go trapsing off on adventure anymore." he adlibs a bit. Several of those here nod in understanding.


    The big man grunts, "So you have a list of items for us to look for then ?"


    "Yes and a rough idea where some of them lay. Or so rumor says. Of magic items, I will identify any you find for free, and any I wish for my collection I will pay a fair price for. You may of course keep any other treasures you find on such ventures. Also I am an alchemist and know how to make healing potions. So as a partial payment, going forward, I will provide some to any group willing to work for me." seeing some looking confused, "I mean that I will give you all some potions, which normally cost a goodly sum, as a sort of advance in getting me the items I want." The ones who looked confused get it now. "All the rest I shall work out with your guild, as is proper." he adds, which has the guild guards, who had been moving up behind him, come to a stop. The guild does not like being cheated out of their share of the profits, as they see it.


    Warrior on the far side of the table, "You felt them coming for you didn''t you ?"


    Master Dis bows slightly, "I did my share of adventuring when I was younger. Though not through a guild, I do understand how these places work. Also the guard frown on we mages turning people in to animals when annoyed." glances back at the guild guards, who are giving him a suspicious glare.


    Master Dis turns to them, "Would you good men be so kind as to direct me to the ones I must formally speak to about hiring some of these good people ?"


    The guards look blank for a moment, then one nods and takes him over to the people he needs to speak to, to make a formal request. Takes a couple hours to set up, with his bonuses to those who accept his offer given. He states do to his business he would prefer to meet with them at the guild. Which is not all that uncommon it turns out and they do provide rooms for such with more than one entrance if need be. Thus Master Dis puts his plan in action.


    It is only as an after thought that he went to Master Kempt Rah and told him what he was up to and asked for help setting up a backstory for the mage - alchemist Master Dis. (side note: He played with him a bit, as Master Dis, before revealing himself to the mage)


    Kempt Rah is The person to see on such things. Normally he handles the Intelligence network for the mage side of things. But this sort of thing is a bit of a hobby for him and a good way to train people in such work as they have. He loves it that Robert decided to go this route as it lets fewer people in to the Palace grounds and creates some mischief people like him thrive on.


    So they get a store front, some agents, both experienced and in training, and thus Master Dis, arabian alchemist, who came to Cairo to set up shop, with his 2 wives (both very skilled mage-rogues) and a couple of local apprentices. Robert provided them with many real potions and the formula for them. Specializing in Healing, vitalization, and health potions. The shop is in the middle class area and has the feel of a profitable but fair minded owner.


    Ellan is informed of this plot a bit later as It''s not a good idea to leave her out of Things. Also she is really good at this sort of thing it turns out. She and the chief agent work out that they are ''friends'' who gossip with each other, which is how Master Dis knows Master Roberts plans.


    By the time the Adventurers guilds ''spies'' find where this Master Dis is what they find is just what the Intelligence service wants them to.


    Kempt Rah also thinks this is another good way to hire adventurers for covert operations, with out them being the wiser of what they are really doing or working for.


    Robert has been a ''bad'' influence on Kempt Rah. He has been giving him spy novels, ones edited to fit more with this world, but still high adventure and fun stories. Mysteries to, all kinds of things that give the clever mage Ideas. The Bond stories, done with the gadgets being a combination of magic and technology has really inspired the ''Q'' branch of the Intelligence networks around the country. On the other hand, the clues they have learned from the better mystery stories has improved thier detective skills greatly to.


    Several months of stories of ''other worlds'' like Sherlock Holmes and such has taught these inquisitive people many great things and simple, though interesting ''wonders''. Like finger prints and Deductive Reasoning. It''s giving them new things to learn and a greater edge on the world at large.


    Also he has taught them how to make different kinds of paper and given them hints on inks and things they can do to improve themselves in other area''s.


    The scribes love the heavy paper made from papyrus he taught them. Makes keeping records so much easier.

 Bonus - Deleted Scene

    Deleted scenes -


    Chapter 8 mid way down: took this from the Adventurers guild line as he went ''kill them all'' then just rambled along and made things worse and I really need to watch what I am doing after dinner. I find the later in the evening it gets the more antagonistic I can get. SOME of this is useful, but the time periods are off and I really alienated the love interest here.


    ===================================================


    "Oh about the time your large friend came up with the idea of robbing merchants then selling the stolen goods to the mage. As if he would not be able to learn how you came by such goods. We collectors tend to keep a close eye on the sources of items. Though from what I hear from you gentalmen, I do not think I would trust you enough to hirer you for such a job. Thieves have their place, this is true. But merchants are hard working people and don''t need to have their throats cut just because you want their goods." he states, having a hard time maintaining his accent as the one in his head wants to play arabian nights on him. (ie bad arabic accent, something from disney)


    The big man grunts, "Then get out. Your obviously not a member of the guild so you got no business here."


    Frowning, "Ah stupid to. Interesting. Not everyone who comes here works for your guild little man. Some come here looking to hire people to, or how do you think job offers arrive, out of thin air perhaps ?"


    Several of the others chuckle at the obvious foriegner, though most agree with him. Jobs come from people who come to hire them. Some jobs are legitimate, some are not. Collectors are not an uncommon type job either. All kinds of people collect all kinds of things. The poorer ones seek their collections on thier own. The richer ones hirer people to get things for them. Some rival types even hire others to steal items from their rivals. Others, like this one, are more honest about it. All these here know that and understand this one would not knowingly buy stolen goods. Still if he is snooping around, then he is likely both new to how things are done here, and likely trying to get a feel for the people whom he would be hiring before doing business with the guild. Or he is foolish enough to think to get around the guild masters and try to hire them with out going through the guild. That almost never works and certainly never with anyone this nieve.


    One of the group, not liking this fat man, goes and reports him to the guild masters. How he is snooping around and seems to be looking to hire people with out going through the guild.


    This gets the large man escorted, under guard, to the Guild master himself, so he can Explain things to him.


    In the guild masters office, the unusually calm man faces the Master of the Guild, a huge wall of muscle and completely lacking in humor.


    GM, "So you thought you could just hire people with out going through Us did you."


    "Actually we tried going through your group earlier. But the ones who showed up ended up attacking the master and accusing him of treason to a foriegn power of which he never had any allience of before. So my master sent me to try and learn more about the ones who showed up for the interview. To see if they all held similar views or if it was just a smaller group. What I learned are some of those who came would happily murder others then try to sell items they killed for to my master. Had that happened, he would be most displeased and they would likely find themselves in a very bad situation."


    The guild master scoffs, "Oh and why is that ?"


    "My master works for Ramsey''s. Directly answers to him. One of his jobs is to put such people in to deep dark holes and make sure they never see the light of day again." he explains.


    The GM comes to a stop, there are a few such people in the pharaohs employ. Some are minor officials, others are ones it is dangerous to cross. This big man is not giving much away. Of coures he could just silence this one. One minor official, snooping where he is not wanted. He doubts anyone will miss this fat fool.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.As a signal the guards try to jump the fat man, weapons drawn. The fat man moves with a speed and grace that belies his size, draws his own weapon and easily dispatches the guild master and his guards. Sighing he pulls out a small mirror and calls the palace, "Clean Up Isle 10" he states then gives his location. The code tells the people there that someone did something stupid and the most dangerous man in all Kemet had to kill them. Now they need to come clean up the mess he made. He explains how he came there in disguise to learn about some people he was thinking of hiring, only for the Guild Master to decide that his snooping warrented him to be made ''missing'' and tried to have him killed. He submitted to having a truth spell placed on him so his story could be verified. (not that such actually works on him. But no one has figured that out yet.)


    While they are investigating the guild they come to find out it''s the cover for a Thieves and Assassin Guild to. Which is why the Guild Master was so intent on making anyone snooping around disappear.


    Now not everyone in the guild knew about the other two ''specialty guilds'' here. They knew their were specialist sure, but not about what they specialized IN.


    Needless to say, that particular guild ceased to exist. It was not the only such guild around though.


    Adventurer guilds in this time and place are pretty much worker contractors, warriors, mages and such needing work contract through such places and most do honest things. From guards to research, to finding lost things and even recovery of persons or merchandise.


    Collectors always look for competent people to help them expand their holdings and more such occupations.


    When Ramsey''s hears about what happened, he just nodded and let it go. He has come to understand about the Luck Robert has and how if there is trouble or a conspiricy or anything dangerous, he is the one likely to walk in to it and make things happen. Sometimes Just because he walked in or By such a place. Its really one reason he helped set up the magic call system with Roberts code words in it ''clean up on isle and a number to tell what sort of mess he made ''today''. Anything from slavers, to monsters, to murder, or more than likely, He killed someone cause they did something stupid and he defended himself. He knows from talking to and seeing him spar, that Robert is as competent a warrior as he is a mage. It was his own generals who dubbed Robert the most dangerous man in Kemet. He agree''s and is happy he is loyal to Kemet to.


    It is a few days later that Ramsey''s while talking with a mildly depressed Robert, came to find out that all happened cause he was trying to learn about a girl that a goddess told him looked like a good match for him romatically. She is smart, good warrior, and like him a collector of magical devices. She lacks the Knack but is smart enough to have learned how to research things and how to check for enchantments with out resorting to magic.


    The Pharaoh agreed she sounded like a good match alright. Robert even went on to say she was pretty to, but because of all the excitement and everything he lost track of her and does not know where she got to, save she left the city.


    This is when Ramsey''s learns that Ellan is a noble amoung her people and while she is friendly with Robert he does not know how long their relationship can last do to her family obligations and such. He has learned that Robert has two main sides. Confidence in his skills and magic but lacking in that when it comes to women and romance. He actually finds that to be a bit of a comfort as it makes him more human in his eyes. For all his vaunted power, Robert is a very human person as well as one of the nicest people he has ever met. Full of advice and wonder and really wanting to make the people here better than anyone else in the modern world. Teaching so much, secrets not only of the other races but things his own people found that make life easier. Wind and water mills, plumbing, running water, innerspring mattresses (that one took a bit to do and only the wealthy can afford them, but they are nice. = the secret to them is he conjured one from the bracelet. Then took it apart to see how it was made, once he knew that is was not to hard to craft them on his own.)

 Book 3 Magical Companions

    ...


    She nods, "That is fine. Best to do it now cause later you won''t have that option."


    Pauses, thinking how to word it, "Ok one, how are you going to do the female companion I asked about ?"


    Blank look, then searches her notes. Then yells at someone he can''t see. Then long suffering sigh, "They had you down for Being the girl. Good thing you ask or you would have woke up female." she looks miffed. "Really hate it when they miss important things like that."


    "Actually I had a coughing fit during the wish, so that may have been the problem." he tells her.She considers and nods.


    "Ok, reworking a few things - now, I suppose you want to be well endowd as a man ?"


    "Well yes but not Huge, I think a max length around 10 inches and a width, I don''t have hands now do I, hard to gesture with out hands."


    Smiling, "Just picture it, we can get it from there. Allot of men get a little crazy about the length but you apparently have it worked out."


    "Bi-sexual actually. Like girls more but have had some boy friends in the past. I like breast, allot. More so as I have gotten older. Tend to like slender lean muscles over the bulkier type to. Don''t like tatoos at all, well the permanent kind. Not sure why. Just don''t." he sighs, "Sorry started to day dream a bit there."


    She laughs at that, "Ok when next you wake your wish will be fulfilled. Mind you we operate a no refund policy. Once it''s done that''s it. No further changes can be made unless you find one of our cards and make another wish. Those are Very rare to. Most cards are limited to mage replications which lack the ability of our cards."


    "What about the girl and the wealth ?"


    "Oh right, need hair color, the rest is pretty self-explanatory, though kinky is giving them some trouble, hmm if I could get a wish it would be for them to give me a list of things in order, oh well. You will get some starting gear and money maybe a few minor magic items Oh and the staff, you actually found a dormant Mages staff, they are waking it now. It will be bonded to you so it can''t be stolen. Also because of the complexity of this they want to add in something of a ''limiter'' to you. I will let you pick something but it needs to be good. Game balance as you put it."


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there."Ok, girl first. Partial to red heads, fiery type not that ginger or auburn stuff, like brunets to with long to, at least waist length though knee length is good to, heck long enough to pool around feet is interesting, but I leave that to you all, Tall, I like tall girls, long legs, even, small feet, don''t know why I like small feet. Kinky, um, I like BDSM stuff, high pain tolerance, open minded. I have limits on that but love sexy clothing, leather, pierced nipples. Pierced ears are ok to. Not noses though, that''s a little to far out for me. long tongue, something sexy about a long tongue, but then I like fangs on a girl to, well sharp looking canines anyway. Part of my attraction to female vampires in that I think... Though part of me wants a harem but that''s more of a teen wish. The idea of two girls or more who love each other and me equally and maybe sexaully, bit of a turn on you know ...on Limit. Well my favorite has always been Weirdness Magnet, sometimes called Weird Luck, think Swashbuckler kit, then amplify it a bit. Not usually enough to kill the person but if there is something strange going on, the character is likely to find it, stumble on to it, or at least walk along the fringe."


    "That will do, good limiter, makes sure you¡¯re going to have an interesting life, whether you want one or not. On the girl, they got a question, any problems with her being a vampire ? We actually get request for love interest to. Got a few who fit your preferences amoung them a couple vampires. A couple day walkers and some Night walkers. Mind you these are Potential, you still have to win their heart and they yours."


    Hm, "I don''t have a problem with that really. Though from what I recall, the Daywalker would be easier to be around in some respects. Though really I just want someone who is a good match for me both intellectually and emotionally you know."


    She smiles and nods, "Sleep now, when you wake you will be in your new body and world. Good luck."


    And he does.

 Magical Companions Chapter One: New Life of OOPS

    At first the dream like qualities remain, then the world starts to come in to full view, and Smell, and FEEL. From an alley he can see a nice medieval looking town, men and women and even a large red bearded dwarf walking about, doing business and enjoying the day. Standing up from the place he appeared at he takes 2 steps toward the exit and the ground vanishes beneath him. His last thought before vanishing through the hole is ¡®so this is weird luck in action¡¯.


    Turns out he stepped in to an open man hole, but his new reflexes save him as he makes a perfect landing in a large tunnel. Looking up he gauges he fell about 20 some feet. He is impressed with that. Mostly that he was not hurt by the fall. He does not see any ladder or such, so he wonders how to get out.


    Failing that he looks around, Sure is dark in here. the only light coming through the hole he fell through.


    Almost an after thought he pulls around his bag to see if there is anything that can help. He finds a list of his new gifts and an equipment list. From it he see''s he can fly, jump great distances, which explains his landing, several nice psionic abilities Some vaguely Kindred based. Nice magic list, hmm purse of counterfitting, not its real name just how he precieves it. He locates it, pulls out 24 gold, silver, and copper coins and drops them in to a blue leather purse.


    Thinking on it, weird luck, should he follow it or return to the surface, descions descions.


    Then someone shoots arrows at him. He instictively throws up a shield, causeing the next volley to bounce off harmlessly.


    ----------------------------------- 1st person from here on -----------------------------------------


    The next volley is not arrows but glowing acid green bolts of light that actually ''hurt'' when they hit my shield. That decides me, I take off running the other way. That felt like I was smacked in the head. Not hugely painful but not something I want smacking me and no telling what other horrors who ever out in the dark has to throw at me.


    The bad part is I can barely see where I am going, its dark with the occasional area of light caused by those open man holes but they are few and far between. I am moving at speed when I come around a corner and see a shadowy person stand, then their swords light up as they are on fire. I whip on past them as the woman started to say something but I don''t even stop and soon that one is after me to, for all I know she is one of them. (I am scared not blind)


    This part of the tunnels is a little different as there are lanterns on some walls and it has more passages and there are ''people'' around. I put it that way because some are very obviously not human, goblin or something else maybe. In my present state I am to scared to really stop and ask directions. I probably would have found out where the tunnels ended but I was taking a moment to look behind me. Where in the distance I could make out the person with the flaming swords still giving chase. While I was so distracted I litterally ran in to 2 lovely women who themselves were distracted in an arguement. We ended up in a 3 person pile up while others just sat back and stared, I think a few laughed, but no one offered any help one way or the other.


    The pretty brunet sighs, "well that''s one way to stop an arguement."


    Red head, whoses nice breast stopped my face from meeting the floor, lets out a hiss, "Get Off" And flips me off of her. I am just shaking and disorrented and having trouble keeping my sheilds in place,


    I land on top of the brunet, my head on her lap. She looks down at me then over at the other one, "Pretty and very scared man." she observes.


    Before anyone can say anything more the woman with the flaming swords arrives, huffing from her run. "That one ran right past me, so fast I did not even have time to challenge him." she sounds miffed, wonder why.


    The brunet taps me, "What you running from pretty man ?"


    "People were shooting at me, Arrows, which bounced off my shields, then these freaky acid green lights that hurt. The hurt made me run."


    All the women look at each other and stay in unison. "The Cleaners."


    The red, "I would have run to, those people are insane and immune to reason." The brunet, who is playing with my hair and does not seem to mind my head in her lap, nods, "Oh yeah. No telling how many there are as they use all those invisiblity and non detection spells. So running is usually your best bet. By why run Here ?" I stare at her blankly.


    Lady of the flaming swords, "He was not thinking, just running scared. Explains why he did not stop for me. Your new here aren''t you boy ?" I slowly sit up, then stand. Everyone got a lot shorter. "Yes. Don''t know where ''here'' is actually."


    That seemed to surprise them, well the 2 pretty girls, the one with the swords not so much. She just nods, "He came down the light tunnels, I bet you the Cleaners pulled one of their, take the lenses, tricks so unsuspecting people fall in. Just to have someone to hunt. They have done that a few times. Not enough homeless down here anymore because of them."


    I nod, "I was just walking along then I was down a hole.,Getting my bareings when the shooting started. First couple of arrows missed me. Let me get my shield up, second set bounced, the third were those green things."


    They nod and sigh. The sword woman shakes her head, "Never occured to you to use that." points at my staff, I look at it then shrug, "Just got it today, not sure how to activate it yet. Today was supposed to be the start of my Journeyman travels."


    Brunet smirks, "Oh my, pretty boy is one of Those sorts." The Red nods. While the one with the swords looks like she is trying to decide if she sould just chop me up or smack me around. I am like, "Um, what sorts ?"


    Red, looking amused, "One of the kind of people that when you reach a certain level of training your instructors or such send you out in to the world to see if you can make it or die in the process." I decide to go with that as it''s a lot easier than the truth. "I got teleported to a random location with my belongings. I was litterally in the city about 3 seconds when I fell down here. I was trying to figure out if I should have gone back to the surface or explore when the descions was made for me."


    The 3 women grin, "boy you are pretty and very unlucky aren''t you."


    I shrug, "Its called being a Wierdness Magnet. All my life Something always happens. Good luck is Very good bad luck either run or hit it with my shields."


    Warrior, "You don''t Have a shield," Brunet, "Magic sheild Carrily. Natural mage if I don''t miss my guess."


    "Actually psion wild talent." I tell her, "But I am a mage to."


    "No boy, what you are is Food" one of the ugly ones states then leaps at me, I don''t even think about it, my shield snaps up and he face plants right in to it. Splat. All Fangs and drool as he slides down my shield. "I tell you I will never get used to the feel of things drooling on my shields. Its a really wierd feeling." They all stare open mouthed, till the Brunet holds up her hand and light appears around it, "OH I get it. Its a pure instinct thing. Something he was born with the counter the Wierd. Nothing Physical can get through it. Magic though Hurts. Never been hit with magic on those sheilds I take it." I shake my head she nods, "Near perfect defence. Means the Noss are just going to keep bouncing at this rate." I don''t get what she is saying till I look around me. On the ladies side nothing but when I look behind me about 4 of these ''Noss'' are pounding on my shields. I don''t even feel that. I look back at the ladies, "What is their malfunction ?" The one with the swords is pointing her sword at a different Noss who is giving the flaming blade a wide birth, "Your mortal, they are vampires, ergo your food."


    I think, then gesture in their direction. They get slammed in to the far wall, hard. Did not even break my shield, felt like a layer of it peeled off and played wack a mole with them. "They were getting annoying." I state to the surprised women. The red ask, "So like how much can you move with that shield ?" I think. "Well the extension, like I just did, about 1500 pounds of force. Though the shield can handle far higher levels of impact force."


    Pause, "If I gave them a horse you think they would stop drooling on my shield ?" One tried to hit from above, mouth first, he is slideing down the egg shaped shield, leaving a wet trail. The Red gives me a stink eye, "If you had such a thing they would have eaten it already. The Cleaners mean we don''t get to leave these tunnels, so we are all very hungry sorts and rats gets old fast."


    That Paused me, then I ran over the checklist in my head. Its where the Goddess of Fate and Destiny put my ''character sheet'' Much better than a paper one. MUCH harder to lose it. I concentrate of Life Detection and note with the exception of the woman with the swords, everyone else in my range is a vampire.


    The look on my face must be interesting as they all look amused.


    In the name of self preservation, I pulled my cloak around and started scanning it. I pull out a riding horse patch and toss it. One of the Noss actually caught it, "He is throwing Cloth ''OOHMPH'' " the last as the riding horse just appeared on top of him. They pull back (the ladies) and then the brunet claps her hands, "Cloak of Many Items right ?" I nod, she does a little dance. "He can pull out all sorts of things, horses, dogs, and such as well as tools and weapons of all sorts." I am ignoring the screams of the horse. Just not looking as it is ripped apart by the hungery night creatures.


    The tall pretty red head looks thoughtfull, "Got any dogs in there ?" I nod, "I don''t think you would like them though." She grins showing some pretty little fangs, "Oh I have yet to meet a dog I did not like." I shrug and pull the patch. Dropping it at my feet. The cloak told me what these are. I am impressed really. Very large solid black war dogs. Come up to my waist, They look normal, they are not. They sniff me, then look at the vampires. They are not impressed. I grin at them, their collars are marked Stan and Ollie, someone has a sense of humor. "Stan, Ollie Guard." I say calmly, They spread their legs, their eyes glow and hell fire drips from their mouths. I look at the Red woman as she gets behind the brunet, I shrug, "Hell Hounds."


    "Ok I was wrong, there are dogs I may not like. HOW THE HELL DID YOU GET THEM ?" she shrieks as they took a half step forward.


    I pat my cloak, "Artifact."


    The Warrior and the Brunet both nod and move back. That would do it. Artifacts are scary types of magic. Unpredicable, some even are alive after a fashion. All are cursed though the curses run the gambit of harmless to leathal. "I grin, it likes me, thinks I am interesting and as such I get some of the most interesting things from it." It choses then to do a ''dramatic pose'' kind of flares up and spreads out its sides like there is a great wind under it. or it''s trying to do the ''vampire cloak'' bit. I am not quite sure as it does not tell me. "It''s also a dramatic ham at times. But as I am a mage, it helps with the image."


    I feel a ''knock'' on the back of my shield, I turn and look down at a non bloody Noss, "You got any more horses in there. There are allot of us you see." I consider, "I just ask you take them further from here and take off the gear. They come with some nice gear. The screams they make are hard on the conversation." He(?) smiles and nods. I pull out 2 draft horses (mule varient) and he happily takes them to his group a bit farther in. Still hear them die but now its not right next to me.


    Warrior, "How many horses you got in there ?"


    I consider, "1 more riding type, which I am keeping, and 4 medium war horses with barding." The cloak ''taps'' me and we have a quiet conversation about candy and the ladies. "Ok ok I will ask." Look at them, "Telepathic communication" they nod, "He wants to know if any of you like candy or chocolates.


    Lady of the swords, "What kind of chocolate ?"


    I shrug, "Foil covered coin shaped, that''s all I can tell you. 100 count though."


    She puts a sword away and makes grabby hand at me. So I hand it to her, she sniffs one, Puts the sword carefully under one arm and opens one. Takes a nibble then melts a little." These are good. Thank you. I will let you live now."


    The red looks at her, "You accept candy as bribes ?"


    The warrior shrugs, "Just good chocolate. Bad chocolate I get extra stabby."


    I nod, "I kind of feel that way about bad chocolate to. Had some once, was Fresh and it tasted like it was 2 weeks past the sell date, ie stale. I to this day don''t know how they managed to take fresh ingreadiants and get stale chocolate out of them." shakes my head. I actually Do know how that can happen, but the story sounds better this way. Not properly cleaning the pans they are cooked in will do it.


    She nods, "Extra stabby and choppy for stale." I grin at her, she smiles at me, we found a little bit of common ground. She heads back to her post, nibbling on the chocolate coin. And swating at any of the blood drinkers who get to close to her. I turn back to the pretty vamps. Red is thinking, "You got an invulnerable sheild, and a powerful magic item, why are you still here ?"


    Shrugs, "Well it''s not everyday I get to talk to such pretty and interesting women."


    Brunet, "also he is lost and does not know how to get out." The red considers and nods, "Good point."


    "Actually I can leave anytime I want. Just don''t have any place I need to be." nod at the staff, "It has a teleport feature, it''s been feeding me it''s specs since I calmed down enough to listen."


    Brunet, "How many powerful items do you have ?"


    I sort of stop and think, "hm, elven long sword, amulet of regeneration, magic armor, " taps the studded leather I am wearing, "Amulet of invisiblity, scrying mirror, Vag, Staff of the Arch-Magus, boots of speed, pouch of accessability ... I think that''s it."


    Red, "Vag ?" I nod, "The cloak. Vag is his name. Short for Vag A Bond not sure what the A stands for, he won''t tell me. His mental voice can get as dramatic as his poses. Introduced him self to me as ''Bond, Vag A Bond." I shrug.


    The Brunet ask, "So what is his curse ? All artifacts have at least one." I nod, "Makes me look poor, fades my clothing, gives me a less appealing over all appearance. But given what he can do, I don''t have much of a problem with that. Good trade off in my opinion. Also well he is someone to talk to."


    Red, pure curios at this point, "What would happen if someone put it on he does not like ?" I shrug, "either nothing, just looks like a patched up cloak, or if he really does not like them, try and kill them. Smothering is one of his favorite ways, though he has strangled a few people. And there was one he dragged off a cliff. He can levitate himself and move about slowly on his own. Bunch of people thought he was a cloaker for a time. Especially after throwing that one git off the cliff. HE picks who gets to use him, not the other way around."


    Red and Brunet just nod, wide eyed. Red ask, "why throw someone off a cliff ?"


    I frown, "All he says is ''stupid git''. He really hates stupid people. His biggest pet peeve before theives. Well people who try to steal Him. Does not care if they steal anything else."


    Brunet, "so you got him for life."


    I nod, "or until he gets tired of me and decides to eat me." I get smacked by the cloak for that with the bit ''he does not eat people'' I calmly point our that some of his past masters had ended up as spell components to him. He settles thinks about it and sags. That was true. He was miffed with them and did not know he could do that the first time. The second though was not his fault at the git tried to soul bond him to himself and the result was he became a patch. Bit of a mindless thing now. So many centuries in a patch and all.


    I consider, ''he is still in you ? Where ?'' I get the feeling, patch hidden in the middle of my shoulder blade region. ''Would you mind if I fed him to the ladies here ?'' He considers, ''well he is pretty much brain dead now so sure, someone may as well use him.''


    He lets me take him off so I can pull the patch and toss it between the ladies. "He told me what happened. Seems this fellow got so attached to Vag he tried to soul bond with him. Did not work out at all well. He ended up as one of the patches. Vag says his mind is gone, so you can have what is left." The man who appears is middle aged, with a long beard and Nothing behind the eyes. Just lays there and drools.


    The ladies nod to me then fall on him. I admit to getting a bit aroused watching them feed on the shell. Something about female vampires is a turn on for me. To my surprise they don''t kill him. Though I can tell it was a struggle for them.


    The brunet comes up her eyes glowing softly. Love the effect. Takes a deep breath, "So you got a regeneration device right ?" I give her a look, "Yes ... Ah your hoping to borrow it to heal him up for another round of num num time."


    She grins, "Nice way of putting it and yes. Truthfully would rather eat you right now, but mostly as your quite healthy. But your dogs would likely eat me if I tried it."


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.I nod, "I can understand that. Not sure if you could handle what I am though."


    Red looks up, blood dripping from her chin, "What you mean by that ?"


    I shrug, "I am half elf."


    She snorts, "We have eaten those before."


    "You did not let me finish. Half Elf, Half something Else, don''t know what else but I got some interestng abilities from it."


    The Brunet nods, "OH I get it. Most people think half elves are always half human, but that is just not so. can be lots of other things. Not as many as can be crossed with a human, but still a good vareity."


    I nod and sigh, "I even heard of a half elf half dragon once. I keep getting this kinky picture in my head about how that could happen." The red one looks thoughtful, "Love to see that image." So I shrug and do a picture cantrip (still image at most 2ft x 2ft)


    [Image is in CGI format of a smallish black dragon having sex in a standing pose, him behind her while his long tongue is down her throat. He is gripping her breast.]


    She grins, "Oh yeah, that is a good image. Why such large breast ?" I grin, "I like large breast. Like yours and hers. " she looks from my face to the bulge in my groin, and grins, "He got turned on watching us feed."


    I shrug, "Vampire women are one of my favorite fantasy idea''s. Your actually the first I have ever met." shrugs again.


    The brunet grins. "So your loading all your lustful thoughts for later day dreams about us aren''t you."


    "Somewhat yes. Your both very beautiful, obviously intelligent, a bit dangerous. Definitely a turn on for me."


    She points at me, "Your a virgin aren''t you ?"


    I nod. "Just have bad luck with women in general. I seem to attract the crazy ones. So I have almost stopped looking."


    The brunet pulls out something, a card of some kind, the red one jumps on her, "NO." The brunet, smacks her hand, "I have not done anything yet." I see it, moon card in New Moon phase, no wishes left. Red, "We can''t use that yet, and just cause he is cute is no reason to try and force the issue."


    "Pardon me ladies." They both look at me, "That card is dead. New Moon, no magic in it." They look at it and then almost look like they are going to cry. "We have been holdng on to it for years hoping to wish for something special." Red says. I nod, "The magic of those cards is only good for 1 year then they go dormant. All non used wishes vanish."


    The looks of shock on their face is priceless. The look of disappointment not so much. The brunet sighs, "How do you know about these ?"


    "Used one once, it''s how I got the staff and vag actually. I wished for some really nifty magic items that could not be stolen from me. I got bullied allot when I was a kid. The staff is soul bound to me and well Vag likes my nature as a magnet of the wierd and unusual. Lets him get creative with the items he pulls from the multiverse. He has all the normal things that most robes and such do but some unusual things to. Stuff not found in any other such item."


    They nod, "So you just got your wish filled today." the brunet states, I nod.


    Red, "How many wishes did you get ?" She is pushing at me with some kind of Presence ability. I give her a side look, "I can feel that and it''s not working. I have the standard elven resistance to such abilities." She looks confused, so I explain, "Elves are 95% resistant to charms and mental domination attacks like the Presence your trying on me now." She sighs and lets it drop. "I got 2 wishes. I got the items and sent somewhere New." I start to add more then stop myself, don''t want to chance jinxing it.


    Red nods, "Somewhere no one knows you. Where none of the people who made your life a living hell can find you." I nod, she nods, "I did that once, it''s how I ended up with an eternal thrist for the living. Well in the end. I thought I was being offered something much different then what I got. Lying skeezeball."


    I nod, "Know the type, really well."


    She grins, "Make nice get your hopes up then turns on you."


    I nod they both nod. I sigh, "beat up the freak, I got that allot. My shields are the only reason I survived to adult hood. Not everyone treated me badly, mostly the Greys, elitest scum. Big on Racial Purity types." They nod. Brunet smiles, "makes you want to feed them to something."


    I nod "Could not find a volcano that accepts Idiot sacrifies though." they snicker. Then they notice something and then usher me back the way I came, "Bad news comeing we got to move you or they will just try and over power you then eat you." the brunet states. I look back up the hall, then my eyes start to glow (having a sort of ''now you decide to work'' moment) THEY notice that, "Why wait till now to do that ?" Red ask.


    "Cause It gives me a bit of a head ache to use it much, eyestrain type." I see them and the rooms much clearer now. Lots of old bones littering the sides of the tunels, some not so old bones and moldering corpses to. Sort of thing one expects to see in an area full of hungry vampires, but till my eyes decided to work I was blind to it. The girls at least still look delightfully hot. If a touch paler. I gesture and the mad mage follows us. The brunet sighs, "He can see through the illusions now, see us how we really are." Red looks dejected.


    I am curious "Why the dejected looks ?" I ask them.


    Red looks at me, "What do you see now ?" holding her arms out, I think, look her over as we walk to a different area, "Pretty girl, with a nice figure, lovely hair, a little on the pale side, but that works with red heads and some brunets." I glance back at the Brunet as I say that, "Though I imagine you would look more flushed if you had enough to eat." She nods, "Very true. Still dead thing walking though."


    I shake my head "I have seen dead walking things, you don''t look anything like them." I make a picture pulled for a Living Dead movie, medical zombies. "Those are dead things walking"


    They look at the picture, "ok that is a good point. but those are zombies."


    I shrug, "Soul eaters actually, but you can see the difference." They blanch. I shrug, "I told you, I get the wierd shit. That is some of it that still gives me nightmares."


    Brunet nods, "Would give me nightmares to. Yikes."


    The area they take me to is cleaner more organized and no Noss. The ones here are fewer in number and look more human though just as starved. They look at me, note my eyes and leave me be. Then we meet one guy, has a whole undead pirate / scoundrel look going for himself. "Hey Dawn, hey Rose, where you find the Revenant ?" he says looking at me. I look back with a bit of a blank look.


    Red sighs, "He found us. The Cleaners chased him in to the warrens." The guy nods, the brunet has her head in her hands "Why did you just tell him our names ?" He waves, "Chill Rose, its not like he is ever leaving this place you know."


    "I have a sudden desire to introduce him to a fire ball, is that normal ?" I ask the girls.


    Red snerks, "Yes actually but this area has a heavy magic dampening field so that won''t work."


    I think, "Artifacts." they start then nod "Oh right, those may work."


    The guy grins, lightning quick draws a sword and bounces it off my shield. The look of surprise on his face, nice. "Artifact level shielding" I tell him, "Means your dampning magics have little to no effect."


    He shrugs, "They got to come down some time, then we eat you."


    I draw my sword, blue flames light up along it, "Not if I kill you first." I point out.


    Dawn and Rose back off, "Way to go Harold, piss off the guy carring an arsenal of magical weapons."


    I grin as he smirks, "Got to catch me first, turns and can''t moves, "Oh I already did. The shields do a great deal more than protect me, I can wrap them around other people to. Now your just a head ready for removal."


    I don''t do it though. I let him think that over. Actually as I have never killed anyone before. Well I am not sure I can if I am not fighting for my life. So I just bop him on the head with the flat of the enchanted sword. Does no real damage but scared him good. "You just lucky I actually like vampires over all. Otherwise your head would be rolling on the floor while the rest of you burned from the magic fire of the sword."


    I pull my shield in and he falls over. Eyes wide in shock. He gets up and runs off though at normal speeds.


    Rose, "That was not to bright, killing him would have been bad, not sure if this will be worse. He is the child of the one who rules this section.


    "Quick question, how many down here are day walkers ?" I ask. Dawn thinks, "Well me and Rose. A few others, most are nightwalkers, why do you ask." I grin an tap my staff, "Has the ability to create sunlight." They blanch the idea really sinking in. Daywalkers as the name implys can walk around in sunlight, Nightwalkers tend to burn.


    Dawn looks thoughtful, "Well that would help with the over crowding down here. Be a lot less competition for food if you went all Sun on everyone down here." I nod, "There is that to."


    Harold returns shortly with this average looking man who radiates authority.


    He carries a big stick with a wicked point on the ''bottom'' an old pack and looks like his clothing was once nice a century or so ago. He stops about 10ft from me and the girls who move more behind me and the floating snack. He looks me over as I lean on my staff looking him over. He is far more than he seems and he recognizes that I am to.


    He licks his fangs then in a heavy New Jersey accent mutters in english, "Well is this a pickled shit"


    I Blink and in a southern accented english ask, "Pickled shit, ok I have not heard that one before."


    He jerks, eyes goes wide then a slow smile, "You from the USofA boy ?"


    I smile back, "South Carolina, certa 2040, You from Jersey going by your accent."


    He nods, "Yep, certa 1990. How is the old girl ?"


    I sigh, "Back in 2016 some rich shit conned the white people in to voting for him. Pretty nearly destroyed the country. Got sent to prison for treason when it came out he only won because the Russians had tampered with the election results and the lying sack of shit knew all about it."


    Carter shakes his head, "Now I am glad I got out when I did. Been here about 500 or so years local time."


    I nod, "Yeah time space therory states everything happens at the same time, just faster or slower in the time stream to keep it all seperate."


    He grins, "You a scientist or a mage ?"


    I smile, "Parapsychologist" he laughs. Everyone around us is looking confused. They don''t know what we are saying and we are smiling and laughing. Dawn ask, "Uh you two know each other ?" I glance back at her, "No. But we come from the same country, he was asking me about how things were back home."


    He nods, "Under a pile of shit like always from the sound of it" he says in the common tongue. I nod he nods and then he sighs, "Hate to do this to a fellow contry man but" his eyes glow white and I Feel this pressure, "You belong to me, your life is mine to choose what to do with Do you understand ?"


    I smile, "Drop dead - I am Immune to all forms of mind control, part of my contract."


    He slumps and swears up a litteral storm. It rains on him for a few seconds which does not help his mood. I watch it happen. I heard the English he used I get a thoughtful look and he see''s it, "Yes some words in our language can make magic happen. But it''s hit or miss. Some stuff that feels like it should work doesn''t its like it has its own slang and unless your a mage you''ll never figure it out."


    I nod, "I am a mage actually and that explains why I got computer speak running around in my head when I try to call up my spells. It''s written in a computer language. My brother would love that, he is a programmer. Me not so much, which is why they let me have this ... OH I GET IT!"


    I move to the middle of the passage and useing my staff like a big pen I start working out a ''magical diagram'' The staff helps with it and with in a short bit I end up ''hacking the world''. I look at this place, how it''s set up and I understand. The one who built this prision did a hack job of it. Someone with low understanding of the code of the world. I like that he got parts Right because studing those I can figure this out. Its not a difficult language provided your from the right point in time and have the kind of education I do. Its a Mix of Basic, tiny bit of pearl and lots of Parapsychology slang and ok Market Speak. But I Get it. I use this Magical diagram to pull up the schematic of the place and note that about half these so called vampires are ''npcs'' and not real, that is put simply, window dressing. Made to make the place have a more ''lived in'' feel. I just remove them and a few other ''color'' items. In doing so the walls take on a more ''modern'' theme, white with light poles and it starts to look more like a giant subway station minus the area for tracks.


    I make another discovery, the "Cleaners" are actually a set of spirits who''s program is corrupted. That is why they attack everything. I fix that the easy way, I erase it. That causes an additonal shift in the look of the place. Several side rooms appear. Gear and such in them, the belongings of everyone who the cleaners killed. Skipping around a bit I make a couple other changes, one of which ends which ever mad man that made this place stop getting the Souls of the people killed down here. The vampires are an unwitting part of that. They kill the people cause they need to feed, the souls are collected and fed to someone calling himself ''God King Harold Laserous Proudman''. Looking at this insane thing I see that the Gods who used to rule here were imprisoned further down as one of the power sources for this insanity.


    That takes a bit more work. I happily note that the girls are still here as is the local king but the prick vanished in the second wave of changes. He was not ''Real'' but part of the magical forces here. "Ok to tell you whats going on. Magic here works in part like a computer program, using things from Parapsychology and for some reason Marketing speak. This whole place is made to Feed souls to this God King Harold person. He has you all trapped down here to help with that. You kill people that get chased in here you get the blood he gets the souls. He set it up so you would not feed on each other partly because allot of those down here were not Real. They were left over bits of souls he fed on. I freed them which means you all still here are real people and not part of this insanity. I am noting there are some real gods here, trapped further down. No idea how to free them. Not sure I want to going by the information I got on some of their stats."


    The old man is nodding, "Ok I understood some of that, but what happened to the tunnels ?"


    I look around, "I got rid of the Mood Lighting, or Color aspects this is what the place really looks like. Much nicer I think. Those rooms that showed up, that is where all the gear of people killed by the Cleaners went. Oh you could not reason with them because they were pure spirit. And their program was corrupted."


    The vampire king nods. "Ok I see what your saying. So your using what you know to fix things."


    I nod and move some scripts around "I am leaving the ones that make it so you all don''t see other vampires as food. Just seems safer for you all. I am looking at how the locks on the doors are set up. Seeing if I can open the exits. Which may or maynot work as from what I am seeing some may have had buildings built over them at some point."


    Dawn points to my diagram, "Some of the words are moving on their own."


    I look and frown, "Someone from another location is trying to undo my fixes." I look at it, open a new ''window'' and then set them in a recursive loop and the point in time they are in. My staff tells me that won''t last long as we don''t have the power to maintain that. I ask if we can shift the powers of the Godly power source to our full control. It runs the calculations and we make it happen. My staff it seems is more of a super computer with a built in interface which allows the user (me) to access the world control system, though on a small scale. As I am with in such a constructed area I have a greater amount of control. That said we manage to over ride the God Kings control of the power source and in doing so change the Ownership of this location from him to Me. Not that I really want it but it''s better for all concerned at this point. Though I do feel now this niggling nasty voice trying to tempt me to use the soul energy to make myself the new king. I call the dogs, "Stan Ollie, find the agressive spirit and make a chew toy out of it." BIG doggy smiles and they vanish. Takes a few minutes till the niggling voice becomes a low end far away scream. I can deal with the screams better than the constant ''you want to do this to give yourself more power'' shit. Now that I can concentrate again I set up a search engine for the system and start learning how it all really works where its broken or fixed incorrectly and what the places True function is.


    Turns out it is a prison for corrutped gods. Ones that ''fell to the darkness and sided with those who would destroy the world.'' Seeing that and looking over it''s parameters I find how this King hacked it. Pretty much how I did it really. He has the same kind of staff I do but his was more power mad in it''s use. Takes me a few minutes to figure out how to use that agianst him and impliment it. It is like mine, soul bound to him. SO I summon his, put it in a crystal prison, Then SUMMON HIM to it. He is Furious with me, telling me I don''t know what I am doing etc etc. Using my telekinesis I strip him naked and let the vampires have him. They are not gentle about it. With him Dead the remaining stolen souls are all released. That was not a good idea it turns out.


    Blew us off our feet and pretty much a good chunk of the roof to. Pillar of white fire is what it looked like as possible hundreds of thousands of souls collected over at least a couple of centuries or so are released and allowed to renter the Circle of Life.


    The effect on the rest of the world (though none of us know it at the time) is immense. Whole area''s that had been falling to the Corruption are suddenly wiped clean. The miasma that had time and again nearly destroyed the world was pushed out to beyond this world. It was Never part of the world to start with but these corrupted gods and people like King Harold had been feeding it and bring this world to the brink of destruction.


    Of we 4 - we awake in a room of white mist and a very happy Goddess of Light and Dreams.

 MC Chapter 2: New Beginings Again

    She is dancing around her rooms. Singing (off key I notice) and laughing. "Oh MY OH MY I never expected you to do that. I kept trying to send in people to fix that world. Most made it worse, some fixed or patched parts of it but you you my wonderful man made the Outsider forces leave completely. All because you figured out how to hack the system of one small prison. SO Wonderful."


    We all look at each other. The man, who I now know, though I can''t say How I know, is John Carter. Ranger and Elder Vampire. And just as confused as I am.


    Rose ask, "Um Miss, where are we ?"


    Dawn adds, "Are we dead ?"


    The lady sighs and walks over to us. "You are in my place, I can''t explain it better than that as you would not really understand it. And yes you are. That blast pretty much erased your physical forms, BUT because you were there and certain other things I am going to resurrect you someplace else in the world."


    I observe, "Someone in the group has an unfullfilled wish with you and you Really can''t stand that can you."


    She smiles and nods, "Couple of them and yes. I am a wee bit of a perfectionist. Your wish was never completed. Hell you never got the chance to get to any of the 3 locations I had potential persons fitting your desires even in." Turns to John. "Your in the same boat Sir. Your wish was never completed either, thanks to the Outsider interference. And you ladies Did make a wish on that card, At the same time. You were argueing over it on what to wish for while each holding the card. So your wish went through."


    We can''t really move so my desire to hold up a hand does noting, so I state instead, "Two wishes or one on the card."


    The Goddess skips back to me, "2 and very observant of you Robert."


    To the girls, "Meaning you each got a wish pending and I am betting being in that prison was interfering with the wish taking place."


    The Goddess nods, "Partly true, made Rose''s wish a great deal harder cause the first one I sent got eaten. As did the next 2. Never could find you before." she shrugs.


    "She is one of those you mentioned to me as an example on romance isn''t she ?" And she is back to me, "Very good you are on a roll today." I would shrug if I could but state, "well romance was part of my wish so it kind of fell in to place."


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.She smiles, "And you were kind of hoping one or both of these ladies were possible canidates." She smiles wider, "They do have some of the qualities you asked for but only about an 60 to 80% match and I tend to want 90% or better in such things. I find the relationships last longer that way." Everyone goes quiet as she got a little glimpse of madness in her eye when she said that. She warns everyone who comes by her, she is a perfectionist. People like that are scary to start with. Give them the Power of a God and it gets a little worse. Me and John look ''skyward at the exact same moment'' "Lords and Ladies of Light and Shadow protect us from the Insanity of those who would be gods" , its a quote from a book. I forget the title, but he and I try to grin at each other. Only to see the walls all fall off and the back drop of Stars and Things I really don''t remember, to much for my poor mortal mind. But the ''Goddess screamed and she was flattened by an unseen force. Scooped up and dropped in a dumpster, for all effects and purposes.


    The Force ''looked at us'' then a New more dangerous feeling entity appeared. A being a Pure Balance?. "Hello Children. Nice Prayer there well timed. For that one was quite mad. It had 1 Job, It was supposed to monitor the Cards of Fate and make sure everything was handled properly but somewhere along the line it decided it was a God, and things needed to be done Perfectly. Most imperfect plans came about. She was the largest problem we had with several worlds falling to Absolute Law. But because of the Rules we could do nothing till at least 2 souls asked for help. You two in perfect balance I must say did just that. Thank you. Now we will set things right. Your all are getting your wishes, just maybe not the way She planned. Also giving you all some bonus gifts because we can. Nothing to out there though. I am Perfect Balance after all, I have some things that I can and can''t do."


    "I think if I could pee myself right now I would. Perfect Balance on a Multiuniversal scale is a bit beyond my pay grade." I say to the room. PB smiles, "A smidge but you at least understand in a basic way what I am. So there is hope for you."

 Chapter 3: Univeral Balance or Time of the Elder God

    This time I appear in a heavily wooded area. Got all the same gear as before plus a couple of new items. Pair of bracers, one bronze with a clear toward green gem and the other silver/mythril with a huge perfectly clear diamond in it. After I scan them I want to bury them. These things throw ''game balance'' out a window. They are So over powered and ''monty hall'' like I want to Explain something to that entity, but then I find they are cursed, well more than usual. Some call it soul bound, but when dealing with items of Lawful Chaos, cursed fits better - 2 Bracelets of Wonder. Each with slightly different items they can summon. The bronze one is a normal set like found in a robe or cloak of useful items. The Silver one however is more along the line of the Evil version. It includes such things as Slaves of nearly any race, Food for things that Eat other options like blood and soul energy. It can do some normal stuff to, but all of it will come with a gothic theme skulls, black or blood red etc. Nothing in it is Evil, just looks that way. Well possibly some of the animals, reading over the list I see hell hounds, succubie, minor demons, nightmare and anti-unicorn mounts stuff like that. This is the problem when a being of Pure Balance is allowed to make a magic item. The Bronze one is ''Good'' ie normal while the other one is Evil but from the point of veiw of someone who does not really understand what Evil is and tends to think more cosmetics than anything else.


    One problem is I already Have an item that does what the bracelets do. The cloak, it has a longer recharge time but I don''t have to worry it''s going to go all random on me either. It has what it has and that is it. The bracelets have a few thosand items more. Also they attract the greedy the same way the cloak repels everyone. I look to the heavesn "Lady of Light And Shadow, You really don''t understand Balance at All. THESE ARE WAY OUT OF BALANCE!" I yell at the sky. To my surprise she appears, "What do you mean ?" I look at the image, then I explain in Detail what the items are and how they throw the World balance out the proverbial window. I also point out the curse on them means who ever is wearng them is going to die horribly. Making them useless cause no one will Live long enough to use them. If she is going to make a dead world she is one the right track.


    She looks them over, then takes them from me. She does Something and the Cloak reaches out and Smacks her, causing what ever that was to explode. Vag explains that was Not part of the balance. That was something trying to make itself Look like the balance so it could destroy as much of reality as possible. So nice when you have an Elder God watching out for you.


    The cloak went limp after that. So I went for a walk. I ran in to John who looks shocked as Something in front of him just became a shower of black flakes. I sigh, "Something gave you a cursed item to ?" He looks around at me, "Yeah and when I tried to point it out, this huge guy in a grey robe showed up and beat it in to a pile of dust." I nod, "That was Vag. these things are part of the miasma that was driven off when we blasted the roof off the tunnel. Vag is not a happy god right now."


    He gives me a stink eye, "Never heard of a God called Vag." I nod, "He is also called The Hermit." blank look, "Tarot cards ?" he nods, "The Hermit is one of the Good cards in a Fate Deck." He smiles and nods, "The Hermit is a Titan." I finish, he now looks impressed and a little scared. I nod. "And he was riding around in my cloak." Yeah there we go, if he could shit he would.


    We hear the girls scream then the world tips sideways and we come to in the bottom of a well of light. Bits of dust and debree from the now non existant ceiling drifting around us. John is now looking a bit wispy himself as the sunlight is burning him to ash. Then HE is there. Hermit, looks about, reaches in to John and Yanks something out, crumbles it up and stuffs it somewhere. Does the same to me and the girls. Nodding he fades out and the cloak returns to active status. I know I will never be able to Hack the world as I did earlier ever again. Also my ''ownership'' of this place has been voided.


    The War Dogs happily return from the spirit plane and sit next to me. "So you two are sticking with me ?'' The nod, spirit voice from Stan, "Your the boss now. We obey only you. You can''t sell us or get rid of us either."


    I grin, "Well I could sell you, but you just keep coming back to me." They grin and nod. "So Alignment wise what are you two ?" Ollie answers, "Neutral with evil tendancies. We do eat the occaisonal corrupted soul after all. Oh and thank you for letting us make that imp in to a chew toy, that was fun." I nod.


    Vag interrupts, "Ok I think I got things sorted. Rob your going to need to talk for me as I can''t really do that from in here."


    "Ok." I mutter.


    ''Vag'', "I set it so these 3 will never see each other or you as Food. I actually like them you don''t have to tell them that part."


    "Vag wants me to tell you things. First he set it up so we 4 never need to worry about appearing as food to each other or well you know." John grins, "I am not on fire, I am ok with you not being a meal Why am I not on fire ?"


    "Vag fixed you, pulled out the corruption spirit that made you a night walker, welcome to the daywalker side."


    Vag to me, "Good lad" clears his throat, "Ok next John is still the Undercity King but it now includes all the undercity." I look mildly surprised, "Your the king of the Undercity ?" I ask John he smiles and nods, "Vag says your domain is now All the undercity not just this section. I think he may have unlocked some skills you had as a mortal when he upgrade you to."


    John moves off to one side, test a couple of things, then does a fist pump before returning. I am giggling at his antics he shrugs. Rose ask, "What do we get, other than lack of the desire to eat each other ?"


    John answers, "That is a great gift really. But I was King of the whole of the City before Harold came and locked me and the rest in to this area. So all Vag did was allow me to return to my place of power at the rank I originally Held and Unlocked some abilities I had as a mortal. A couple of which my sire liked and for some reason thought I would keep after I was turned."


    Vag (via me) "That is because your sire was a Corrupted Daywalker to begin with. Daywalkers keep most of their mortal gifts though some need a bit of a work around to do. Like magic. Nightwalkers because of the Corruption lose those gifts. The Corruption likes to tell people it will give them great power, which it does, but it also takes away more than it gives. The losses are not worth the gains."


    Dawn, "So what is Robert really ?"


    Vag hms and haws and finally, "One ancestor was a revenant. But it''s so far back that all Robert gained was some of the Psychic gifts but not the other things." John knowing more about what Robert is just nods as he is the same way. Created life form. John and I both know he purposely skipped really answering that question to but it seems to have been an adequate answer for the girls. John though, "Ok now I got to ask you Robert, what psychic gifts did you get."


    "Well they came in as a set of wild talents, but the first 3 levels of Auspex, hieghtened senses, aura sight and object reading, also have the first two levels effectively of Animalism and Gleaming Eye which is a Protean varient gives me excellent night vision."


    Rose, "Effectively Animalism of 2 ?"


    "Animal Telepathy. So I can talk to animals. Level 1 requires eye contact, Level two just a matter of proximity. Allows me to talk to Stan and Ollie for example." The dogs nod and ''smile'' at them.


    John looks them over, "What kind of dogs are these ?"


    Huge Smile, "Hell Hounds, Neutral version. Makes them more loyal and a lot more dangerous as they can work in both the physical world and the spirit worlds at will. Evil ones need a lot of power to stay in the physical world." the dogs just nods to that.


    As we are talking the other vampires not in our group are moving closer. A hungry and stupid noss leaped from the shadows at me, the noon sun streaming through the roof took care of him. I just got his dust all over my shields. None of the other nightwalkers even try.


    "Say Robert" John Starts, "You got a scrying device on you ?"


    Looking at John, "Truthfully I am a scying device. My Other powers include Clairaudence and Teleportation, makes things easier for my long distance travel if I can actually see where I am going."


    Evil smile, lots of sharp teeth. I sigh. Then focus outward, I find a nice group of Cavaliers suiting up, getting ready to come down here and clear out this Nest of Evil before the Evil comes up to the city. I focus and start popping them out of their armor and ''in to the nest of evil'' the screams as the vampires find them is interesting to me. I find I lack any feeling for them at all. They were all self rightous and almost paladin like in their Suredness of themselves.


    I did find a pretty blond one that I popped naked to me. Held her in my lap as her friends became breakfast. She tried to struggle but I calmly pointed out, "Don''t Only thing keeping me safe is my shields you get away from me you get to get eaten to." She looks at me and the dogs. We are against a wall and my shields flash when something hits them in the half light I am sitting in.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation."How did I end up here." She indicates my lap, "I saw you appear over in the light stream and used my staff to pull you to me before the Daywalkers got you." As she was dazed for the first minute she believes me. Watching in horror as all her comrads die around her. "How is King Harold not here." she wonders aloud.


    "He is dead is how. When he died all the souls he had been feeding on to power his godhood were released which is what caused that huge hole in the cieling."


    She looks back at me in shock. I nod, "I know but I got to see the Very pissed off Elder gods taking the magical field apart. Seems he grabbed someone very important to them. I don''t know who, but it was enough for them to finally act."


    She slowly nods. Mutters about a foriegn priestess of high rank he had locked up for trying to subvert his people. Now she is in more awe and scared than ever before.


    My problem is I am watching the girls feast on all these people and its making me Really horny. So I try to get the girl to look at me the first time she looked away just as I tried to cast a spell on her. The second time my hood slid down over my eyes, but the 3rd time she looked me straight in the eye. I took that opertunity to cast a charm spell on her as I smiled. she scooted back in to my arms and let me hold her, even feel her up some. I would have done more but the two lovelies finished with their man meat came over, still covered in blood, "Robert what are you doing ?" Dawn ask me, I shrug, "Cuddling with a pretty scared girl."


    Rose grins, "He is super horny. We noticed this earlier, watching us feed makes him hard. I bet he charmed her so she would let him do her here."


    Dawn sighs, "Rose your such a perv sometimes." Dawn turns to me, "She loves watching guys screw other girls. Almost as much as she likes being screwed herself."


    Rose smiles, "You don''t mind it so much when your the one getting screwed." Dawn shrugs, "Well that is different, You an I are an item, we screw each other and if the meal is willing them to."


    "You two are sounding more and more like one of my wet dreams." I sigh.


    John pulls along this pretty brunet, "Oh lighten up it''s not like any of us are nice people and have not done that before. Screwing our meals is fun and you both know it."


    "She is a pretty one John." He smiles, "I know right, yours is cute to, Charm spell ?" I nod, "Nice. To bad your not a vampire to, then you could keep her longer."


    I shrug. "You know how it is."


    He nods, "Oh yeah I remember, New to the life, horny as hell, completely amoral for that first year. Then your new personality will start to set in. Very few manage to keep the amoral part much over a year." He stares in to space then shrugs, "I might keep this one, if she is a good pet."


    I keep staring at the girl and he notices it, "Hm, sorry your brunet there is in my ... I don''t know, sort of a feeling coming off of her."


    He looks surprised then smiles, "Right that other part of your wish. Like she could be one of the possible romantic interest."


    I nod, "Kind of. I put in some phyiscal varients I liked but also included someone who is intellectually and emotionally compatible and I put in the idea of a harem to. Was alone the last couple decades before this. You know I supposed."


    He nods, "Oh yeah I was a skinny bean pole of a kid girls did not even look at me. You ?"


    I sigh, "Thyroid went our when I was 8 was 250 by high school. Nothing I did changed that, was a mix of muscle and fat and was of the build it was hard to tell where one started and the other ended."


    He shakes his head, "Yeah I remember guys like you. Perma gut. Nothing worked. Had a friend like that, was as tall as he was round, ate far less than anyone else, worked in a ship yard. Lots of heavy manual labor. Made no difference."


    Rose ask, "Whats a harem ?"


    John smiles, "A person with more than one lover living in the same home. Sometimes the others in the harem will have sex with each other and the Head of the harem, common form is a man and many women, 2 or more usually."


    I add "comes from the Arabia''s where the rich and powerful often have more wives and is seen as them being more viral. It''s part of their culture. Or it was in our world."


    John sighs, "Back before this prison thing I had my own harem of pretty thralls. Most of them died to feed my peoples hunger. I miss many of them. But we are free again and I may make a new one."


    I push myself up and sigh, the blond looks tiny to me now. Heck John is shorter than me, "How tall are you John ?"


    He smiles, "6''4'', you look closer to 6''8" to me."


    Huge grin on my part, "Always wanted to over 6''6" So WOOT!" then I laughed.


    John nods looking thoughtful, "Say Robert, wanna trade girls, I am more partial to blondes, " I push the blonde one to him he easily over rides her mind as he takes her the brunet comes over to me and smiles up at me.


    I shake my head, "You have one powerful gift there John."


    He nods, "Does make my life easier on the food and fun people part. Thing is it was not this strong before Vag upgraded me, so there is that."


    I look over to the girls as they have been quiet and see they are licking each other clean. John walks up next to me and we just watch, as they strip each other to get all the nummy off. When they are done they get up and smile at us, "Well it was nice meeting you Robert, hope you find the women your looking for. Sorry we are not it. But we just looking for a 3rd girl for our little love group." Rose states.


    I look at Dawn and her eyes say otherwise, "I think your wrong there Dawn. Rose does not agree with you. "


    Dawns head snaps around, "Rose honey we talked about this." Both I and John Feel it not as strong as his but Dawn is trying to over ride Roses free will. I take my staff and knock out the red head. Rose jerks then starts crying. And suddenly I have my arms full of busty brunet vampire. John looks surprised at her choice of directions. It slowly comes out that while she was still new, Dawn who is older had tricked her in to becoming blood bonded to her. Then kept trying to make her want girls over men. She was ok with having women but prefered a strong man in her life. Dawn only see''s men as food or well food. They are not even of the same line.


    Vag informs me he removed the bond as the girl was miserable under the forced happy couple routine. My knocking out Dawn is what snapped her out of it completely. I tell John about that and he sighs, "I know it''s a bit of a double standard, I don''t have a problem doing that with humans, but forcing another vampire in to that is wrong in my book."


    I nod, "Makes since to me. Humans are food, servants or play things for vampires while your people to each other, normally. Dawn just likes her people wrapped around her control. Shame she is such a pretty little pile of feces."


    John smirks and nods, "True. Hate to say it but you should go. It has been a real pleasure to have you here though, given you freed us all. I do have one question. Where did you find all these lovely meals ?"


    Evil Smile, "Ex-Paladins of Harold. I popped them right out of their armor as they were suiting up to come down here and ''clean out the rif-raf. I can read lips and saw the orders being handed out. I popped down several of their support personel to and a couple priest who were in the area of effect of my group shot." He grins, "Well that is one worry down, tastily to. If you ever become one of us I would be honored if you returned for a time."


    Grinning, "It was actually on my wish list, but I think I will try out the new body first."


    Very wide smile from John, "oh alright. Take care of yourself, eat drink and screw lots of pretty women."


    I laugh, "At least a few named Mary ?"


    He laughs, "Better to screw Mary than be one in my book."


    I snort. I toss the brunet slave over my shoulder as Rose takes off down the tunnels. "Oh and Robert, my hold on that girl will fade in a month or two, so don''t get to attached."


    I nod, "Thanks John. Hopefully I will have her in a complient mind set by then."


    He nods and I walk toward a newly opened stair next to one of the store rooms. I note some nice magic items in them, I look back at John, "Hey John, Can I get a bag of holding I see in there ?" Pointing to the store room of adventuring gear. He comes over so I nicely make all the magic glow for him. Being the old adventurer he is he seperates out the items then tosses me up a backpack, "Here, I think its a Hewards by the size of it. Good luck out there boy."


    I salute him, "I will do my best " then a proper nod, "Your Majesty." Huge smile, looking every inch a king. "Off with you now. Not sure how many Real vampires are left down here and I really don''t want to see my new friend get eaten."


    I just made it to the top of the stares when I hear, "I am going with him" and Rose joins me. John just shrugs and lets her go. She has a large pack and a few bulky items. She shrugs, "Not everything was bad between us, but it''s my stuff and I am taking it." I let her pack as much as she can in to the back pack (after we empty the bag of what was in it first. Mostly clothing of questionable taste with 1 dress we put on the mindless one.) That done we leave the new entrance to the Undercity. Walk in to the greater city, with the idea to explore the world.

 MC Chapter 4: Life, Love, and Travel

    We shopped for needed supplies in the city, explored it a bit learned the mind dommed ones name is Sarah Applegate and she used to be a priestess of Harold. Seems most of his priest fell in to 3 catagories, smiling or drooling mental zombies (which they think Sarah is and they are happy she has people looking after her), some died, either by their own hand or from their spells all suddenly blowing out there minds - that was most of the higher ranking ones - the last ones screamed, cried, or just walk around looking lost because their King is dead. Caught right in the middle of that pillar of pure spiritual energy. Some few are thinking he will return when he is able to reform a new physical body, another group put forth he ascended but lost control of the energies at the end and that is what the pillar was. So the Cult of Harold still exist, but it''s priest have no spells and it''s few remaining Paladins are just Specialty Cavaliers now. Rose teases I missed a few. I point out that they were not in the city at the time which is the only reason any are left.


    Thing I learn about Rose, she is a compulsive thief. Small items tend to disappear into her bag. I talk to her about it and learn she is of the Daywalkers version of the Ravnos. Compulsive criminals are the norm. I also learn she is of Shules line. Which I find fascinating. She is impressed that I don''t mind as long as she does not get caught. Which eventualy brings out my side job as a rogue. Though I explain most of mine is being very sneaky and good at hiding. As I look more like a warrior type, muscular, and tall most never make the connection, which is fine by me.


    We check in to some of the Adventurer guilds, Look them over and move on. Some are ok, others a bit shady and one was a front for slavers. Not any more. Rose is scary when frenzing. I just sat back, zapped a few with my staff and let her have fun ripping up the people that tried to enslave us in to meaty chunks. We burned the place to the ground when we left. Then we had to escape the guard cause the local branch all knew of the place and were on the take.


    Outside of the city. I thoughtfully got some maps. This is Earth but with different contries and layouts of same. The other races all have their own countries and as such that changes things. Rome exist as a city, but their empire never grew much. Got as far as Florence in the north and Naples in the south. The isles all belong to different peoples being anything from Sea Elves to gobliniods (Corsica has a good number of these while Sardina is a sea elf kingdom). Harolds kingdom was actually in the area Robert new as Austria closer to the border with switzerland which is a dwarven kingdom called Drummond in this world.


    Rose pulls my sleeve as we walk along the road, "Robert, I think you forgot one thing, Food for me. Sarah there will not last all that long if you and she are my only food. We really need at least 3 people for me to run on minimum and 5 is better still." I shrug "Not a problem, you get hungery I can alway teleport someone from elsewhere to us for you to nosh on." She considers that and nods, "Ah saving us the hassle of having to take care of extra mouths good idea." she is much calmer after that.


    Later that same day Vag informs me he has modified my cloak with some new or different options. Like the Loyal Pet one. Which I shake my head over. Some items are gone, like most of the useless stuff, new useful things or more of the useful things have been added, like food items. several now have 3 or 4 patches instead of one. This is a great help really. I do tell Rose about the new Pet patch and how it now has a 50% chance of summoning a humaniod slave with the slave mentality of likes being a slave, and highly sexualized to boot for easier control I suspect. She nods and puts out that Vag was putting in an emergency food ration for her or a new sex toy for me. I point out it could be both and she just smiles.


    Two days later, we have stopped at a nice clearing and are just watching the sunset when Rose ask, "So why haven''t you screwed the girl yet ?"


    I just give her a long look and slowly Rose shrugs, "I been Wondering why you have not tried me either."


    "You never expressed an interest as for her, well there is just something that feels wrong about using her when she lacks free will. I don''t know. I am learning about myself. Some things bother me others don''t. "


    She looks me in the eye, "You are not normal sir."


    I decided then a there to be honest with her, "True. I am a reincarnate, my body was created by the gods, they equipped me and sent me out in to the world. John understands that as he was the same way, 500 years ago. That is what he meant about the 1st year bit."


    She consders then ask, "How did you die ?"


    "Moon card, wished for a new life, healthy body, few special gifts. like that, this is my new life. All grown up memories from my old one but this body never had a childhood. Lacks any of the physical scars such things bring. Also I am not as jaded as John. I am learning to feel again, to be human .. ish. again." she smirks at my humanish line. "Some of the old me is still in here. My training and etiquette and such. I was brought up to respect women. So just taking you or her feels wrong to me. Ironically I don''t have any problems with you killing people but I found I could not kill Harold back there, much as I wanted to. Exicuting someone just is not in me. Much as I want it to be sometimes. This calm face, it''s a mask over the emotions running around in my head."


    She nods, "Your much like a fledgling vampire. I get that, your having to reinvent yourself but at the same time you have all these urges and are unsure what to do with them. Totally understand that."


    I grin, "Been there done that got the T shirt."


    Blank look, "A T shirt is a shirt that someone painted a saying or picture on. They are normally sold as souvineers of places or events." She slowly nods, "Ah I don''t completely understand but I think I get the saying now. Been there done that, meaning ... meaning you have had similar experiences and the T shirt is the proof of that ?" I nod "Yep got it in one." she smiles and surprises me by sitting in my lap. "I don''t know if your my Wish or what, but I do like you. Your kind, understanding and sexy as hell. Super smart and you seem to like me despite my being a monster."


    I shrug, "I got a vampire girl fetish. Loved vampires since I was a small child. Took me decades to learn why. From what I have been told by some beings who would know, I have been a vampire at least twice in my souls history. Ironically both were killed by the Tremere though for different reasons."


    She shakes as she tries to hide her giggles. Shaking does wonderful things to her chest. She pulls my large hand up to her face and licks my palm then puts it on her chest, making me cup one of her boobs, "You can play with these all you want. I love having them played with. Something Dawn never understood about me. I got a boob fetish, mine or other people, I like both men and women pretty much equally and am a kinky little monster. I like that you find me attractive and even that your drawn to my monster side a little. As far as anything more goes, well we will see how things work out. And I really understand why your not just raping the girl. I think that is sweet."


    Sarah comes up behind us, "You can use me if you want. I really have never been under Johns control, it was just the shock of Harold dying. Still working that part out. I heard everything that was said about him, how he was stealing souls to power his godhood and all. I don''t know how I feel about that. As for my being here. well ... I got no place else to go really. Also I like being used, spanked, tied up and spanked, um well I don''t know. Never found anyone else as kinky as me and as such I don''t know what my limits are. I do like being ordered around by strong people. It''s one reason I joined the priesthood, there is a lot of that sort of thing in the training. I was a bit disappointed there was not after I was annoitned a full priestess though."


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.I look at Rose, she at me and I state, "She is very kinky. Masochist by the sound of it." Both ask, "What is a masochist ?"


    "Ok, A Sadist is someone who enjoys seeing others in pain or inflicting pain on others for their own reasons." They nod, both stating they know that. "A masochist is someone who enjoys being in pain, be it physical or emotional. Extreme versions like being slaves, told what to do, how to dress, who to fuck, being tied up and used by a prefered master or mistress. There are different levels to that with the highest limit being so far into it that being eaten alive would turn them on and give them pleasure. That level is scary. There are other things beyond that to, I just don''t like to think about them. Its all part of what people call the BDSM life style Bondage Domination Sado Masochism."


    Sarah nods, "Ok I get it, I don''t think I would like being eaten alive, well maybe fed on by miss Rose, but not till I am dead. I want to live, I just want to do it while being punished by someone who enjoys it with me. I am a pervert I know it. Please use me."


    I shake my head, "Sex is only a small part of your passions I take it" She nods, "I like working, I don''t normally complain unless I feel I need to. I know we are living on the road for now and your an adventurer. I can help there to. I may not have my priest spells anymore but I do have my training. I am a skilled nurse, I know how to care for animals, dogs cats, horses and such. I am skilled with a mace and have killed rats and other small monsters as part of my training. I can use a shield to. I have no sense of modesty either. Only wear clothing because its expected of me. I would love you to put a slave collar on me and just have the dogs fuck me while you watch to. I think, never actually done that, but I do fantasize about it from time to time."


    Stan and Ollie look at each other then me, "Please no. No offence boss but we find human females quite ugly." I laugh. "Sorry Stan and Ollie don''t want to use you that way. They don''t care for human females." She shrugs, "It''s not about looks, its about being humiliated and used for anothers pleasure." she sighs. I look at Rose, who looks very intrigued, "So your saying Robert here can have you do pretty much Anything that won''t out right kill you and you would be happy ?"


    She drops the dress and smiles, "YES PLEASE!" I just rub my face then look at her. "What do you think Rose ?''"


    Rose considers, "I say you fuck her little brains out while I watch. But I am a horny girl and while not as over sexed as her, I have my moments."


    "As far as I am concerned Rose, you can screw her all you want. I need time to process this." Rose gets up and test things by kissing Sarah. Takes only a minute for Rose to go down on the very willing Sarah. I watch for a little bit then I get up and wander off. I need to think. I don''t go far, Just to the road. The offer is very tempting, right out of my darker fantasies. Not sure what to make of it though. Ergo the thinking.


    In my old games now would be the time for a random encounter of some sort, from brigands to pest. But nothing like that happens outside of my imagination. As much as this is a fantasy type world from my perspective it''s still a living vibrant and not 2D world. All kinds of things going on in the background many of which I will never see or experience.


    Ollie comes over, "Hey Boss, we heard what you told them about your origins in this world. Got to say never expected to be working for a new old soul before. That''s what we call you type who are new to a world but existed in another for a time. Me and Stan can kinda get what your saying to cause we were not always dogs ya know."


    I look down at him, "Ollie, I am a mystic and parapsychologist back home, I know a little something about your nature in that you were likely souls converted in to your present state" I make finger quotes, " ''By the forces of darkness'' right ?" Ollie nods, "That about sums it up We don''t recall much of our previous existance because the process is a litteral hell experience. But we know what kind of people we were because almost all hell hounds come from that sort of people. Don''t go torturing animals. All I am going to say cause I don''t think you''d make a good hell hound." I grin, "As a rule I don''t torture animals, well physically. Had cats for a while, closet to torture they got were unwanted hugs." Ollie thinks about that and smiles. "Ok That I can see but not what I meant." I nod,"You mean like putting baby animals is a bag and drowning them, or tying one out and letting them starve, stuff like that, or thinking on it certain kinds of sociopaths get off by hurting and torturing animals. I along the right track ?" Ollie nods, "Dead on boss. Don''t do it we really don''t want to see you as part of the pack that way. Prefer you how you is now." I grin, "Thank you Ollie. I do appreciate that."


    "Stan wanted me to tell you that includes making him fuck the crazy girl back there. For some reason that really wigs him out. Um boss, your eyes are glowing." I nod, "Yes they are, got to remember Ollie I have spirit sense amoung my abilities, I can sense the true nature of many forms of spirits. I think I know how Stan ended up on the Doggy track. Hmm yes that would do it. Explains allot about certain south american religions." Ollie shudders, "Ok you just went scary there boss." I look at the giant dog, "Oh no worries Ollie, I already knew about your sins. I may not look it but I used to fight legion demons and one very nasty demon general whose name I refuse to say cause he tends to get pissed to the point of breaking the rules if anyone does." Ollie nods, "Know the one. Yeah no. Don''t need him becoming aware of this world. It''s screwed up enough as it is. Does explain your ability to see beyond the physical aspects though, ones like him make you learn fast or die horribly." I nod and sigh, "He tried but I had friends on the other side back then. Don''t have them in this world though. Not sure if any of my old friends or aquaintances are in this world." Ollie does not ask and I don''t hint at it anymore. Even if they were I doubt much would come of it. "Your an odd one Boss. Nice guy who gets along with me and Stan, got a potential vampire girl friend, and a nice if nutty potential girl friend. Then you got a Litteral God living on your back. Him I can''t figure out."


    I grin, "He is hiding. Kind of something he is known for actually. And he is not on my back but connected to the world via the cloak. Which is a ''holy relic'' deal really. He is a neutral power of the old order." Ollies smile comes back, "Not going to say his name."


    "His real one no one remembers and well Vag and Hermit are the same word just from different languages. Which is why calling him Vag the Hermit always confuses me, cause litterally that is saying Hermit the Hermit. Which is a really wierd name if you think about it." Ollie has rolled on his back, "Boss your cloak is shaking, you sure he is not just living in the cloak ?" I shrug, "He is an Elder God, I don''t know what he is doing. Don''t know if it''s the full god or just an avatar either. Don''t really want to know. I like he is letting me use the cloak cause it''s a really nice cloak." Ollie thinks then nods, "Ok Boss. Looks real ratty to me though." I rub his chest, "It''s supposed to. All Artifact items must have a ''curse'' it''s in the rules. So his is ratty and poor looking and makes the person wearing it look that way. Which has good advantages and bad. Perception of the person wearing it is most people think the person is poor. Good way to judge someones character is to see how they treat someone they think is worse off then them." Ollie''s little doggy mind just went ''boom'' I am watching it happen, it''s a strange sight to see on a dogs face. That''s when the screaming starts. Looking back I see it''s cause Sarah is orgamsing all over Rose''s face. Ah good to know, the girl is a squirter. Will need towels around when fucking her. She is loud to, which I really don''t mind as I prefer a girl who is vocal during sex. Hate the quiet ''dead'' fuck types. If I wanted to fuck a corpse ... not that I do and vampires are not corpses. They walk, talk, eat and screw. Corpses just lay there and molder. And who am I lecturing, this is just my journal...Sometimes I wonder about myself.

 Chapter 5: City of the Damned or Insane People make good Dog Food

    Day 5, Rain. Can''t set up camp cause everything is under water. I am hoping we come across and inn or something. Been testing my limits on my sheild by using it as an umbrella, so at least we are dry from the waist up. I think the girls appreciate it, I know the boys do as they are sticking closer to me, which is the center of my umbrella field. Fire types are not happy with water falling from the sky.


    Only ''town'' we saw we left behind, Goblins do not like adventurers. Their guards made sure we understood that. I think they were surprised we left them in peace. Sarah certainly was. I pointed out that killing the goblins was about the same as killing humans. They are an intelligent species and I am of the mind to live and let live. Besides they out numbered us by a few hundred to 1. Rose chuckled over that one.


    The cloak provided us with 2 water proof travel cloaks that magically fit the wearer. That helped the girls mood a tiny bit. Presently Sarah is riding on Ollie because we were talking about the animals in my cloak and I let slip the dogs came from the Riding Dog patch. Ollie does not mind to much as it means he gets to share her cloak. Stan is happy not to have her on his back, Sarah scares him. He does not mind Rose though. Vampire and all. Thinks I should give her the lance and let her ride him. They could play Knight and Insane Biting horse. Stan has a pretty good sense of humor. Picks on his size, my size, not Ollie cause he has heard all his jokes and is picky about his humor. Me and Stan though make the self effacing jokes and laugh at each other. Over all we get along pretty good all things considered.


    I been mentally going over my list, which is the only way to do it as it''s stored in my head anyway. I found I got mandolyn and Singing in my skills and an exceptional mandolyn in my bag. So I get it out, tune it and start playing, curious as to what songs, if any are in my memory. I got Skyrim songs All of them. Which really is a goodly number especially as I got the bard upgrade versions. Which gives me some not original to the game like Scarbourogh Fair. Still fun songs even if they are not this world type. Bunch of Celtic songs as well as Jimmy Buffet. Find I have a deep baratone kind of voice and I like the sound of it. So apparenly do the dogs and Sarah. Rose is not much for singing. She likes instrumentals fine though. On the other hand she liked Ragnar the Red when I played that, so I think humorous songs about people dying she likes to. Not sure if that is just her or the vampire side. Even she admits her taste in entertainment is more bloody now than it was when she was mortal.


    After my 4th Celtic song Rose remembers I can far see and teleport. She ask why we have not done just that. The reason is simple. I forgot I could. I am still not used to all my powers and I sometimes forget things while dealing with other things. Thus I sent my mind outward Following this road and looking for an Inn. I see a bunch of things I would rather avoid to. Brigands, a town under siege by a strange looking army and then out beyond the rain a nice looking town, multiple races, looks like a trade town. Not sure how far it is. My people get in close and I port us there. I Thought I chose an out of the way place but I was wrong. Or my Luck kicked in. Appeared on the edge of the market area. People did not react well when a wet group of people just appear out of thin air. A few screams, someone making a sign against evil and guards all heading our way. I look around confused cause this is not the town I was aiming for. It''s the one under siege. So Not good.


    Less an hour later we have been herded in to a guard house. No one got close enough to try and take anything, but the dogs gave them some pause. I managed to get my mandolyn put away. We are very surrounded by the time we are in this house which has it''s own guards and 2 grey robed mage types in it. They are muttering in butchered English about stopping all Travelers of Time and Dimension over and over. I look over at an officer type "Hello, why are they blocking all teleporters ?"


    He looks surprised, "They are casting a spell to keep the evil out of the city." I shake my head, "No I can hear them quite plainly." I repeat the spell using the common tongue word for word. The officer winces at some of it, "That is all they are saying bad grammer to." The officer sighs, "Your a mage I take it ?" I nod, "Yes sir. We were on our way somewhere else when we got yanked to here. I suspect their spell is the cause." We are still dripping over everything. The city is dry and has not seen rain in a while.


    Sarah starts to ask about incence which gets both me and the officer to give her an odd look and she states that the spell these two are doing sounds like something from the Followers of Harold, but lacking the inscence and the bells. That strikes him in an unpleasant way for us. I explain she is an Ex priestess of Harold. He ask about how someone can be an Ex, I explain Harold is Dead. Got himself blown up in a backlash of spiritual enegy that wiped out his castle and a good section of the area under it. Turned out Harold was really a very Evil being who had been stealing souls to power his god hood. Another god found out and ''fixed things'' ergo the pillar of souls he had stolen all getting released in one massive blast. His priest and paladins all lost thier magic and are now just Ex everything. Though a bunch of his paladins and high ranking priest all died to. We know as we were there when it happened. Nice ring side seat as we all got blown back by the blast.


    Needless to say he did not believe me. Turns out the Army outside are the infamous Church of Agnes. Convert or die, types. They have not lost any power. I point out they don''t worshop Harold, they worship Agnes. It''s in their name and there is not a single priest in their ranks. Lots of demon sorcerers though. That gets me questioned as how I know that. I explain I scryed my location for teleport First, saw this army during the scry and decided not to get involved, Only to have the two idiot mages here yank me out of my destiation and pull us here. He is just about to have us Shot for being spy''s when word comes another 12 people have appeared all over the city. 2 of which are Very recognizable. 15 minutes later the new people are hearded in to the same guard house. I don''t know any of them but 2 in question are getting better treatment. Turns out One is a King and the other a well known ''meddling mage'' who only shows up where their is trouble. Lots of yelling and people trying to figure out what is going on. Me and mine just lean against the wall and watch. The Kings guards push him behind them and he ends up next to me. Turns out he is an elf.


    I nod, "Welcome to the insanity." He looks left, then up then stares, so I smile. "You a giant ?" he ask.


    I smile wider, "Half Elf actually." his eyes go big, "Wow ok then. Do you know what is going on here ?"


    I nod to the 2 mages further in, behind a couple sets of bars, "Those two are casting a spell that pulls anyone teleporting here. They seem to think its a protection spell at least the officer over there does. I can understand them perfectly and they are seriously butchering that spell."


    He nods, "Your a mage then." I nod he nods and sighs.


    "We got more fun, this town is under siege by the church of Agnes according to the that officer over there. They are a bit high strung about visitors right now."


    His head drops, "I knew I should have just taken the long route and gone by carriage but my mages assured me that teleporting would be faster and safer. Never has been before. But no I let myself get talked in to it."


    I nod, "Your one of those people that if something bad is happening it comes looking for you."


    He nods and sighs, "Oh yes. 210 years old and I get more drama cause it has my name."


    I snort, "Me to actually."


    He looks up again, "Prove it."


    I nod to the dogs, "Tried summoning war dogs got them. They are hell hounds. Neutral aligned hell hounds."


    He blinks then nods, "Ok thats a good start."


    I pull out my staff from my purse, his eyes bug out, "How did you get that ?"


    I shrug, "Woke up one morning and it was there, waiting for me. Talks to me sometimes mostly suggestions and commentary on my life and how I should study more. "


    He nods, "The staff of the Arch Magus, one of 5 legendary items. I studied those in my youth."


    "Only 5 ?" I ask with a touch of humor.


    He grins, "Well amoung my people anyway. There is a sword, the staff, a cloak that a god is supposed to ride in that looks like ... your wearing it aren''t you ?" I nod. "You have the sword ?"


    I think, "I hope not. I have a sword but it''s just a rank 3 long sword that has blue fire for it''s light aspect." he sighs, "Not it then. Where was I ah, A shield with a purple maiden in it. Um thats I forget the 5th I always forget that one."


    "I have heard of the Maiden shield supposed to be in the hands of the Care Taker of a flying city, As-something or other. I forget to."


    He nods, "That''s the one. It''s an odd name never wants to stay in my head."


    I nod, "I tried writting a fictional story on it once, got stuck about half way and never finished. I used to write stories in my youth, just for my own fun you know."


    He nods, "Oh yeah I did poetry myself. Father did not approve but my mother loved my simple poems. She kept them in a book."


    I nod, "Mothers often do things like that." he nods and sighs.


    "We were on our way to Harden Castle about the disaster that happened there. They say Harold is gone." he sighs again.


    "Gone, dust in the wind, good ridence to that evil s.o.b. He was stealing souls to power his so called God Hood. I got pulled in to one of his soul factories, full of all kinds of undead. The staff proved its value there, capable of projecting a sunlight sphere so many burning undead. I found a few other people down there in my predictament and met the King of the Undercity, descent sort for a vampire." the elf king is chuckleing in to his robes, "sorry sorry" he gasp, "John Carter, I met him once as a boy. He actually saved my life from some people trying to kill me as they wanted my younger brother to take the throne. He was a magnificiently terrifying being. Turned out my sister had a crush on him and kept sending him missives. He was only there at that time to tell her he was honored but spoken for. Let her down easy kind of thing. He knows how elves feel about vampires. But he is a true gentleman for an evil blood drinking monster."


    I smile, "Yeah he is. Good New Jersey man." I get an odd look, "He and I are from the same part of the world. I come from a mountain region south of where he is from."


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.He nods, "Ah that makes more since" he nods. He straightens, "I am Elfrond Arango Telfassian King of the Elves of Treafall Forest. At your service sir."


    I smile and nod, "Well met your majesty I am Robert Magus, Mage, traveler, part time adventurer, person trying to survive the luck the gods put on me."


    He giggles a little but pulls himself together, "Well Met sir Magus."


    I shrug, "Not been knighted but thank you. I am desended from royalty but its so far back that its pretty meaningless these days."


    He nods, "I was trying to get back in to the king role. I have only been king for 2 years. Still feels new and I keep forgetting I am Supposed to act a certain way."


    I nod and sigh, "Oh yeah. I understand that. But in this case, extraordinary circumstances and all, I think a little leeway is in order. Cause being a King means little when your backed to a wall by a bunch of paranoid sorts that are close to shoot first and all."


    He snorts, "True. You don''t seem worried though." I shrug, "I got an invisible shield and 2 artifacts, 2 loyal hell hounds and a girl who is a berserker and a mage, interesting combination that."


    He nods laughing, "good mix." Sarah pulls on my arm, "what about me ?" I smile at her, "Oh right,ex priestess of Harold. She was in shock when we met and followed us when we left the city. Seems attached to me for some reason." I say with a grin.


    She looks up at me, "Extremely sexy man, thick as a stone though." The Elf King gets a wider smile coughs in elven, "Love struck".


    I switch to elven, "You think so ?"


    He nods, "She acts like it. You''re not that way ?"


    I shrug, "Only known her 5 days hard to say in that short of time."


    He nods, "True. Your a careful type. Heck so am I, we with the luck of the gods tend to become that or become dead to soon."


    I nod, "True. I been doing this for 70 years now. Took a few blows to the head, so to speak, to get me to realise about my nature."


    He nods, "Me to. A few close calls and learning you can''t ever really hide from it. I tried that for a time. Real home body you know."


    I nod, "OH yeah. that was my writing period. Seemed to help if I focused it in to my stories for a little while. Then 5 days ago I just appeared in Harolds city. Wierdness build up is how I am catagorizing it."


    He smiles, "oh so that is what is going on. All us God Touched are being pulled here. That is not good."


    "Another not good thing, those mages chanting over there, they are illusions. Something Else is casting it and the interferance. I am a clairvoyant, been looking around so to speak. Something is really off about this place. None of the guards or that wall ... Pardon me I want to test something."


    I push past the guards and move forward. I reach the very nervous officer and then reach forward, my hand passes through his middle. The other prisoners all see this as I nod, "Thought so, He''s a ghost." I walk toward a guard and he swings his sword at me, goes right through, no harm. I hold out my hands, "Mix of illusions and ghost, interesting. This place is not what it seems." Turning back to the Elf King, "Your majesty, You mentioned John, How old was he when you met him ?"


    He thinks, "About 200, why ?" I nod, "Because when I talked to him 5 days ago, he was just over 500. I am afraid your a ghost." he looks very surprised. Thinks about it then nods, "ok then ..." and he is just gone as well as a few others.


    The ''meddler'' bumps in to me, then jolts, "Oh your real, well that is good I suppose." he is unsure of himself.


    He reminds me a bit of the Doctor. "Ollie Stan, Deaths Howl please."


    The hell hounds look at each other and shake their heads then move out to the yard and do so. A few moments later 3 medium level ''collectors'' show up and look around then nod to the dogs, "Good dogs." the middle one says, "You may return to your Master now." so they trout over to me and sit down. The 3 beings look surprised. I shrug, "A god gave them to me." That gets 3 sets of nods. Then they proceed to gather all the Lost Dead. In the matter of a few minutes we are alone in a ruined city. Only ones left beyond myself and my people are the "meddler'' and his 3 companions. They all look around and a cute girl in his group, "Did you do that Professor ?" I smirk at the name, nailed it. He is a Doctor type.


    Professor, "No my dear, the tall fellow figured it out before I could. Well played sir." I bow to him, "Not at all sir." He shakes his finger as he walks around, "How did you figure it out ?" he ask.


    "The Elf king, who told me he was just over 200, had met as a boy a person I personally know, that person when the King met him was 200 then. He is 500 now. The ages did not add up. It was the illusions that threw me at first. Then that bad recording of the mages. I knew something was off. So I had my boys call the Collectors."


    Girl, "What are Collectors ?"


    The Professor fields that, "Death my dear, spirits of death, one for each type of soul, good evil and damned."


    "Neutral is not damned." I point out he shakes his head, "They must be one or the other, there is no True Neutral, that is a lie."


    Stan snorts, "You are a stupid git aren''t you. Of course there is. Mostly only Tree spirits though. Humans can never maintain it for to long is all. But to say all those of Neutral is damned is like saying You are not a stupid git."


    "STAN! Stop it." I shake my head, "Sorry he is a hell hound, Neutral evil and all that." He looks mildly insulted, "You should banish those."


    "Can''t they were a gift from an Elder God, one does not send back gift like that with out insulting the source."


    He pahs, "No Such thing as Elder Gods."


    I think, "Do you believe in Titans ?"


    He nods, "OF course!"


    I nod, "An Elder God IS a Titan. Titan is just the Greek word for Elder God."


    He looks ready to come to blows over being corrected, but my cloak is laughing and that throws him off. Then the Hermit manifest, "Gerald you always were an over opinionated know it all."


    Gerald ''the Professor'' looks shocked. He obviously recognizes the spirit before him, "You don''t exist. Your just an evil dream. Now go away."


    I look at the Hermit, "He is a touch insane I take it ?" the hermit nods, "Got close to the center then went and fell in to a time hole showing all the Doctor Who shows. Decided he would become this worlds version of him. Problem is he has not the age, experience or knowledge of that estimed person. So he does what he can to fake it and if he could have taken credit for what you did here, well he would have. But you have witnesses to and he can''t chance they would talk. So he had to bow down to your solving this. Though I am surprised you knew of the Death Howl."


    I shrug, "I remember it from a book and put it together with their nature, so I tried it, it worked, alls well that ends well."


    Hermit smiles, "You did not know it would call the deaths. "


    I bow, "Either that or a fear effect. Both would work for my mutliple plans. plan 2 was distract and run."


    The Hermit shakes his head. Looks at the Professors companions, "He is not what he appears to be. And the last of his companions who realized it he killed. Says they went off on their own journeys. He is really quite insane. Oh and I am an Elder God. Just to get that straightened out." He bows and vanishes.


    The ''Professor'' tries to stab me in the back, he breaks his wrist on my shield. I turn and look at him, "Sheild spell Professor, goes all the way around, but you did just prove your dangerous and can''t be trusted. Rose love, you want him ?"


    She smiles fangs dropping, "Yes actualy. Have not fed in days after all." she chased him all over the ruins. I know how fast she can move when she wants to, so she is playing with her food.


    I go over to the other group, "Sorry about that. Vag normally does not manifest, so he must see something in one or more of you."


    Boy, watching Rose chase the professor, "She really going to eat him ?"


    I shrug, "Probably though not likely to kill him. She is not that hungry. Vampires drink blood but rarely kill unless starving."


    Other man, "Vampires burn in sunlight." he states like its fact.


    I nod, "Those whose heart has been given to darkness do. Those who have not given themselves to the dark don''t. It''s a choice when they are turned. Though it can happen later to."


    He glares, "You are in league with evil!"


    I nod, "Your point being ? You Helped the professor kill the last group. Vag is whispering to me your secrets. Your the only companion to live through his madness, because you like being able to kill." He pulls a wand and Ollie leaps and tears off his arm, then Stan comes in and takes out his throat. That just leaves to two innocent ones. I look at them. "Your call, what happens next."


    The girl looks green, the boy looks ... oh not good, he is enjoying watching the boys eat the evil one. I nod to the girl to look at the boy, she does and then moves away from him. The look on his face, as the other is eaten says allot. Dangerous level of perversion. He is getting off on it.


    She runs and hides behind Sarah. I look at him, "Like what you see there do you boy ?" He turns to me, "of course not." I sigh, "Then stop smiling like a horny idiot. You got a hard on watching that idiot die. So easy to see through you. Only one in your group not evil is the girl." I snap my fingers and the boys drop the body, slurp up the last of the corrupt soul and trot over to me.


    Sarah hugs her, "It will be ok. Robert will protect you, he is good at that." The girl is shaking and in shock. I can''t blame her. The look of fury on the boy though, I put my staff between him and her, "I would not she is scared and in shock and what ."


    He shoves my staff out of the way and tries to grab her. Sarah to my surprise Grabs his hair from behind, pulls him backward then kidney punches him till he is down. Then she kicks him in the nads so hard I think it broke his dick. He ended up howling and rolling on the ground.


    The girl went with Sarah after that. And they stayed in the shelter of the old guard house.


    Much to my amusement Ollie went and peed on the crying little moron. A scream in the distance tells me Rose finally cornered her prey. Hope she enjoys him. After Rose has eaten (and collected the Professors head as he bit her back and she really did not want That running lose in the world.) She dropped the head on the broken one, got caught up and is happy to have another potential donor on the road.


    We search the place, find some nice items, money''s and the like then walk out the broken gate, look at the open grave yard that is the forgotten battle field before finding our way back to the road.


    I ask Vag, "What is with all the manifesting ? That is not like you." he sighs, "People of this world are forgetting me. I used to have a presence here, but other than ones like you most are starting to forget me. I decided to put myself out there. Be seen like these younger gods. See if my people will remember I exist and have not completely withdrawn from the world." and then he whispers, "and help you get that harem you wanted." but it was almost to soft to hear.


    The Girl, Sarah learns, is called Angel Leeks and has been picked on cause of her name more than she likes to remember. None of us say a thing about it. Well the boys think a few things but as only I can hear them it does not matter.

 MC Chapter 6: Onward and Downward

    Been strangely quiet for me over the last week. Angle has slowly come out of her shocked state and is taking to our strange group pretty well. She joined the Professor cause she prefers Intellectual type adventures over the dungeon type. Has done some and considers herself a ''general adventurer''. Sort of a Rogue class as I put, not a fighter or mage or priest. Have to explain that Rogue is a catchall for anyone who is not any of the other 3 and she agree''s to that. Adventurer is her Class and is an accepted class in many guilds. Including the one she and Herman, her ex, met the professor in.


    We are presently in her home town, at the guild telling them about the professor and his henchmen. When asked what happened to them we told the truth, they got eaten the Professor by Undead and his helper by Hell Hounds during an adventure that cleared out a haunted city. As for Herman, well he was jacking off as the other guy was being eaten. The sick putz then tried to feed Angle to the hell hounds cause he liked watching people get eaten alive. Sarah saved her by beating him to a pulp. Then I and Rose showed up and took them out of there. The city is actually documented as a strange place where souls of those who die in volence show up for a time. No one knows why. We also reported the appearance of an elder god who stopped some of the evil and warned Angel about the nature of her traveling companions. Angel confirms that a Titan showed up. Old man in a grey robe holding a lantern. I had to point his image out on a wall hanging that showed all the Fate Deck cards. They never realized the Major Arcana were Gods or such. They made a note of it and thanked us for saving Angel. Then tried to pair her with another group but she begged off claiming she was grieving. They accepted that and let her go for now.


    She mentioned to us they could get a little pushy sometimes but it was good work that payed well. The guild people told me there is ''no such thing as a part time adventurer'' I corrected them. Any Traveler is a part time adventurer simply because travel is a dangerous thing. The Guild master laughed his ass off and agreed with that synopsis.


    I then went out in to the city and used the chicken dinners to feed the poor and remind them of Vag. Made Vag happy. Asked me if I wanted to be his priest, I said lay type and he is fine with that. I barely use my mage magic now. I do study on it at night though. My Spell Book is In the staff. So I hold the staff to study magic. Which has the added benifit of a built in teaching program or spirit, the way it talks I am not sure which it is.


    Angel put us up at her place. She used to share it with her ex and another girl who went off somewhere and never came back. I got the girls old room. Rose took the exes room and Sarah sleeps on the floor next to my bed. Or in my bed if I let her. (I would but she is a bit overly familar.) She just does not get why I am not using her for a sex toy. Not that she minds Rose using her, she just wants a dick in her. I finally broke down and showed her my bondage toys. Which I demonstrated on her. She is happy with that for now.


    I went out minus the cloak and armor, the first time and bought all the stuff I needed to make my leather goods. I am finding a market for it, just in my little group. I even found a shop that sells some of the kind of items I can make, but their supplier is far away and it the selection is poor. But the want is high. So I contract out and make them 10 of each item in my repertuar. They sold out in the first 10 days. So I am now working on a larger order, using Sarah and Rose for setting the fittings and such. Between us we make about 30 of each item, and get them to the store. Comes back to us a tidy profit.


    On a side note, once a week I go do the ''feed the poor'' thing and talk about Vag. Some stay and listen, most don''t, all do appreciate the good food.


    One fellow tries to steal the cloak as he realized that is where the food came from. Pair a very nice rotwillers chased him back to me and the guards I was reporting the missing cloak to. The Dogs don''t answer to the wearer of the Cloak but the Owner of the cloak, which is me. The fellow complained I had so much and he so little. I point out I work for a living and have so much because I Work for a living as for the cloak its a holy item as all priest of Vag have that or a magical lantern.


    One old guard remembered Vag and his teachings. Spent a couple hours just talking with him on that. Learned some things I didn''t know. Like how some Kings decided the worship of Vag Encouraged homelessness and outlawed the religion. I asked if that lowered the numbers any and the guards all said ''nope''. Showing the Kings were just fools. They agreed to that on a general basis.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    I am skipping around a few things, I know it. I know this is my own private journal to. But still I get a little embaressed about it. Being I finally bedded the girls. First just Rose but then we pulled in Sarah and Angel walked in, found us playing naked games and joined us. So I ended up fucking all 3 of them several times in all holes, using bondage gear and spanking them and all that. I had fun, so did they and I learned I am a very viral man. I may eventually give a better description of how I went down on Sarah and Angel cause it turned out both were virgins till that day. Sure they had flings with girls but I was their first Guy in the roll of my big cock Inside their bodies. Rose helped me teach them how to deep throat and how to take it up the ass and generally she is a bit of a dominatrix. She prefers to be more incharge and the other two are submissives though Sarah much more so then Angel. I found I really loved anal fucking Sarah, so tight and makes such wonderful sounds. Angel just grunts a little and while nicely tight that is not as much fun for me. Rose loves the anal fucking and tends to talk with things like ''oh baby'' and ''harder make it hurt'' and so on.


    Fine - I learned to that using a mirror while taking a woman from behind is fun. Sarah is so slender I can see my cock push up her stomach as I slide in to her. Watching that happen is a major turn on for me. Can Kind of see it with Rose, but works better when I stood and went down her throat with it. Rose had me cum in her throat then helped me ''force'' the other two to learn to swallow it all. Rose also loves licking me as I am fucking either girl, especially if she is getting eaten out at the time.


    We got a little crazy to. All drank Roses blood and she ours in a mock blood bonding ritual. All it seemed to do for me is increase my virility. Sarah proved unbondable and Angel belongs to Rose now sort of. She see''s us, me and Rose, as equal Master and Mistress of her life now. Rose accuses me of having addictive cum. Given what I am I am not putting anything past that being so or not. But I do love going down on my girls. (The Boys are more than happy to sit outside and guard the door so we are not bothered. Hell Hounds and Rotwhilers.)


    Vag seems happy I am enjoying the girls. He says it''s healthy for me and them. I made a point of leaving his cloak in the other room. Don''t mind the girls watcing me take them but him not so much. He did not seem to mind.


    A month later I find myself in jail. Turns out This is one of the Kingdoms where the Worship of Vag is against the law. They tried to make an example of me. They Tried to Burn Vags cloak. That got one VERY ANGERY Elder God to manifest and well things did not go well after that. I don''t know all that happened but I know they need a new government as Vag did something to the old one and no one can find any of them. Vag made sure I got my cloak back. I noticed a group of patches along the bottom edge that can''t be pulled just yet. The number matches the missing people. I think I know what he did and I am reminded why I don''t want him upset with me.


    With the Manifestation of the God of Vagabonds, Travelers and Seekers his church got a boost. Also the other kingdoms not wanting to be made Gone removed the sanctions against the religion very quickly. He is happy about that as he Hates being proactive. That is my job.


    I got released and every last thing they took from me was returned down to the penny.


    The real down side is I was to well known and the store I had been making goods for refused my products. So I got about 20 items and no one to sell them to.


    We leave at the end of that month. But Angel, sweet girl she is, got us a second hand caravan and some horses to pull it so we would not have to camp on the road in the tent anymore.


    I am not much for the color (Green and gold with red interior) but it is nicely appointed and there is enough room for us all plus 2 more if they are friendly.


    Angel and Sarah are all for having more Fuck toys though I think Sarah is hoping for a man or a she male, someone with a penis at any rate.


    Which she gets as we are about to head out She see''s just such a person in a slave line up. Being sold as a freak only good for breaking. From the womans expression she does not speak the language. The bids are insane and every one who is bidding is evil. I fixed that by sending my hounds out ahead of me. Sort of worked, some pretty and very evil priestess had her own and challenged me. She made a Lovely doll (Shrink and hold person respectively). I asked Her dogs if they wanted a chew toy. They loved Her that way (she did not treat her hounds with any kind of respect - which is a no no with such beings).


    After that the slaver tried to hit me with his whip. He sprouted so many arrows it was astonishing. The city guard is watching me it seems. They don''t want to chance another Manifestation. THEY give me the girl and any other slave I want. With Vags guidence I got one other. Though why her I don''t know other than they got her in a full body bag with air holes for her to breath through. Can only tell its a woman cause of the shape.

 MC Chapter 7: On the Road with a Sex God and Goddess

    We are well out of town by the time I am able to get back to unlocking the lady in the bag. Nice locks, took me a while to pick them. Once the bag is open I see someone drove a mythreal spike through her heart. Rose about fainted at the sight of the woman.


    I pull the spike out via TK and she ''comes to life''. Pulls out the straws from her nose and wheezes. Keeps her eyes closed, "Thank you for that, now if you want to live let me out. Cause I am .. can''t move " eyes open and she looks right in to my eyes I smile,"Telekinetic field. I have seen more than enough of your kind in a frenzy to know to be careful about that." She smacks her lips and nods, "Good boy. I need blood." Angel hands her a cup of her. She has my anhk on which is closing the hole she put in her arm to get the blood out. "Here mam. All I can spare at the moment." The woman smiles and takes the offering and sucks it down in one long pull. She sighs and licks the cup clean before handing it back.


    "Not nearly enough but thank you none the less." She nods then looks at me with a touch of Hope. "Sorry I gave last night. Your not the only Immortal in here." I nod to the prone Rose, "Child of Shule." She nods, "AH that explains what the girl said." Vag nearly strangles me getting my attention and Reminding me about the Special Patch.


    She watched as my cloak tried to kill me, I gasp, "Ok ok, I get it." I pull the spot around (hard to reach) and pull it. A dark looking man flops out. Takes one look and tries to run. I made a corridor in my field and let the lady pounce on him. I am pretty sure that was one of the counclers that outlawed Vag. Was being the opperitive word I just manage to bubble the two before his blood sprays over everything. She does not bother with taking her time. She tears him open, eats his insides, then seeing the blood dripping down the walls of the bubble licks that clean to. By the time she is done there is no blood Outside her body. I am just leaning back against the wall holding her in the bubble and trying not to get off on the feel of her licking my mental walls. Tactile Telekinesis is a strange power. I can Feel things through it.


    She is watching me, I can feel it. She runs a hand along the slick walls of my shield and I shudder lightly. She smiles. "You can Feel the field ?" I nod, "Yes. Its a really strange feeling having you lick the inside of my mind."


    She laughs, nice throaty sound. She is not pretty in my opinion, face is to wide for my taste, nice body though.


    "Why did you rescue me ?" She ask while rubbing her self against my walls. "Vag told me to." she comes to a complete stop. "Vag, the Hermit ?"


    I sigh, "Yes, he uses the cloak to talk to me, and strangle me if I don''t respond fast enough it seems." She smiles, "VAG DARLING!"


    I growl, "You don''t have to yell, he can hear you just fine." I get up take off the cloak and shove it through the field to her, "Here you talk to him, I got to see about finding a way to dispose you left overs."


    I am just stepping outside when this collum of knights in chain armor waving a flag with a symbol I have never seen (and not sure I want to see again, perverse is an understatement) I note they are all armed with crossbows and mythral bolts. So Immortal Hunters. The lead fellow stops, "Pardon us. We are looking for a tall shabily dressed man with a group of slave girls and a pack of feral looking dogs."


    "Sorry what ?" I say as I blink up at him, face screwed up in confusion. Ollie comes up next to me and stares at the guy, tells me telepathically, "using detect lie, guy is pure evil, be careful." I reach over and rub his head.


    The fellow sighs, "We are looking for a tall shabily dressed man with a group of 4 or 5 sex slaves and a pack of ferial looking dogs." I think about that, sounds like the rumor mill at work. "Sex slaves ? Huh. I got one of those myself, she is driving. Fun girl. But I don''t believe I have seen anyone fitting that description myself. But we just left town." pointing up the road, "a few hours ago. Some dang God went on a rampage and wiped out the govenment and a bunch of stuff. Cost me my business and most of my customer base. Now I got to move and find a new place to set up shop." I am miffed with Vag about losing my customer base. I was making some good money there. Which is making what I say register as Truth to his medalion.


    Second in line, "You sure it was a god ?"


    I nod, "20 some feet tall, shooting fireballs out of a giant lantern, stomping on things. Then there is the fact that the king and his entire court are just Gone. No bodies or anything. I think that pretty much says God and not one of those fakes you hear about from time to time." The knights in hearing range all nod.


    I ask, "You hear about the God King Harold ?"


    The leader shakes his head, "According to what I know, he was a fake god to, was stealing souls to power his godhood. Vag the Hermit showed up there and went about setting some stuff right. But Harold is dead, something happened and a piller of pure soul energy rose up from the Undercity and right through his palace, he died, lots of his priest and paladins all died. Complete mess. To me it sounds like some of the Old Gods are getting pissy about these fake ones." Having been at ground zero, and seeing the god get pissy I am not kidding. His medalion shows I spoke mostly the truth and my ''opinion'' in there cleared in his head about the ''untrue'' parts. People mixing in stuff they don''t know with truth is a common problem.


    Toward the end of the line I see wagons full of leather bags, A scan shows many of them have bodies inside of them. I put a mental tag on them And just nod on their way by. Once they are pretty far down the road I get Sarah to get us going. I get inside, "We got problems" I tell everyone and tell them about the Immortal Hunters looking for false gods and the wierd symbol.


    The Lady vamp has me show it to her and is miffed, its one of Her symbols. Then I tell her of the bags I saw, Just like the one she was in. Wagons full of them. Many with bodies in them. I counted about 500 of these well armed and armored prits to. All with crossbows and mythreal bolts.


    From here I know where we are. I port the lot of us to the Dead City. Which already has a few spirits up and about. They look very surprised to see a wagon appear. We are near the guard house this time. As we have the time I go do some exploring. In the bowels of the old building I find the remains of the two wizards, still at the table with a shreaded paper with the spell on it. I remove the paper and replace it with a new one (Mary had a little lamb, its fleece was white as snow and every where Mary went the lamb was sure to go.) I do it as a test. I also included some porno pictures of ''Mary'' and a girl dressed in a kinky lamb costume.


    (Outside, a few minutes later, an illusion based on those pics and poem appear and wander around the town.)


    I check around them and under their table but find nothing of interest. Then move on. Find 2 secret doors. One opens and the room is filled with very old poison darts and wood dust. I prop the door open the see about opening the second one. Scyth blade swings down, breaks at the haft and flies across the room, imbedding itself in the dart trap wall. A few other old traps try to go off, most break or are so old the motors all break. I push past them and find a curse generator. Its flickering and trying to go off. My staff just absorbs all the magic out of it. I did not know it could do that and I swear I heard it burp when done.


    Few more ancient and failing traps brings me to a soul collector orb with a crack in it. The aware ghost all make sense now. I search the room, find two more that are inactive and take them all up to the others. I imagine Celst the Ancient or Vag can figure out what to do with them.


    Vag is intruged and ''swallows'' them in to the cloak.Which causes all the spirits to vanish to and the illusional pair of kinky girls as well.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    Meanwhile Rose has informed Celst that if they can nail me down I can teleport food in to them. Which is how I get cornered by two vampiress who are hungery and want me to send out for their meals. I tell them we need a secure place first or their meals with just get away.


    Takes a little work and an iron door but we manage to make an old Gate house in to a prison for vampire snacks. (Sarah is ''kind enough'' to distract the new girl. By screwing her.)


    After that I locate the Immortal Hunters camp and start covertly teleporting them, minus their equiment, to the prison. I get close to half before they realize something is wrong and get a barrier up that stops anymore from being taken. But they left those wagons ungarded along with most of their horses. So I took those instead. (I swear Vag and the Staff are loaning me the power cause I can''t see myself remaining conscious otherwise.)


    Corralling the horses is not hard, we just blocked off an old plaza and put one of the heavy wood doors in as a gate. Shame about those lovely horses, but vampires need to eat.


    Celst and Rose get the locks off, and the bags open. Celst is miffed, they are all her childern, her clan. We face them in to the corral, and I pull the stakes one at time via tk. Their insticts take care of the rest. 24 Immortals, 500 horses 3 horsey survivors. Though to be fair allot of the horses died from their fellow horses. Stampeed in a closed stone area.


    They are quite happy to be rescued and calm down even more when they learn the reason "Mother Celst'' did not save them was because they got her First. The only down side for me was all her childer, male or female, hitting on me. Celst chased them off, reminding them some people are not that interested in just jumping anyone.


    Rose tells them I am taken anyway as I am hers. A few grouse on that cause I am one Sexy man. Their words not mine. I know what is going on though. They are affected by my Animal Magnetism, another semi curse effect, like the wierdness magnet. Has good side and bad side. Being hit on by every person who is attracted by my form is the bad side. It got old in the first day. The good side is I learned how to use it when haggling with women or gay sales people. That took a while and a lot of help from the girls (they help me through Lots of things really). I explain to Celst about the Animal Magnestism and how it works like a low end Presence aimed at sexual attraction and how I can''t turn it off. I am a Weirdness Magnet with added Sex Appeal. She nods. Turns out she is the same way she just embraced hers while I just let it out around select people. She says we are two sides of the same coin. I am fine with that. I tell her she is the Horny side. She cracked up and agreed. I don''t know why but she and I just click. She gets my jokes, even the lame ones, I get hers. She understands some of the wierdness of my life, of being an old soul in a young body, of so many things I can''t even put in to words. I really like her and I have only known her a day. She seems to like me to. Though that maybe wishful thinking on my part. The ''childer'' are told about me being 3 months old as I am a Reincarination and still learning about my new form and limits and such. Most of them get it and then just start ribbing me or joking around. Some of the older ones explain it to the younger ones the way Rose put it. Like being a fledgeling, learning all over what it is to just Be let alone who they are now. That pretty much did it. They got it. Did not stop the flirting one bit.


    I stopped it by pointing out they all stank of dead horse and that is in no way a sexy smell.


    They had to agree with that then set about building a giant bath tub out of the wagons and then reused empty leather body bags. That is how I learned that Vampire Priest still got spells. Lots of create water was used to filling and find all the holes and patch them. Then more to fill the giant group tub. I gave them 2 bars of soap and left them to it.


    I returned to the wagon only to find the new shemale pounding Sarahs cunt. I move past them and lay down where I can watch them if I want. I knew it was going to happen. Sarah is a slut after all. I hope the new girl works out cause otherwise she is vampire food. that was my last thought before the exhaustion took me.


    I have an odd dream where I get turned in to a vampire by a midget with a issues about good looking people. Tries to turn me in to a puppet version of myself. I kicked him in the nads then stuffed him head first in to a gaint ant nest. They ate off his head.


    I don''t know what happened next as someone reached under my pants and was feeling me up, I snap awake and find the new girl, "If you don''t let that go I will have to hurt you." she has a large knife in one hand and a glazed look in her eye. I tked her hard enough it should have knocked her out but she just got up and came at me again. Second time I Bubbled her. Then saw to my girls. Took some healing potions to save them. It is very obvious the she male is being controlled. I go to the door and call in Celst. She comes takes in the situation and easily finds who is controlling her. Sends me the telepathic location, I Far See the point and the evil people who are using her. I can''t teleport them, to tired and tell her that. But she is able to see where they are and sends some of her childer who Can teleport to take care of them.


    They return with them, and the control device. Celst works out how to deactivate it. Turns out they use girls like that one to ''find and kill perverts'' I tell them they are sick. They point out I bought her. I point out I did not, I just killed all the people who wanted to torture her to death, she came with me of her own free will.


    That actually surprised them. Celst located the rest of their group, sent the babies that were still hungery and that was the end of that organization (not all her babies are even here, she has them all over the world and used them.) This actually took most of the day on my end.


    During the down time I tell Celst of my wierd dream. She tells me about Kittens brother, he is the midget with the issues. So a 2cd generation type. She is tickled that my dream self stuffed him in to a giant ant mound. She tells me he was likely trying to take control of me through my dreams. I tell her my mind is protected by Vag and what ever lives in my staff. Not even she can figure out what is in the staff, except it''s very old and a little cranky. She thinks its an old spell set up a long time ago what I would call an AI. She has met enough of us Soul Travelers to learn some interesting things.


    After the evil organization is taken care of I scan the hunters. They are on their way here, following the tracking spell. I tell her it took us a week on foot to reach the city we started from. They are moving at speed so she guesses maybe 3 days. I smile and point out we got their horses, so they are on foot. So 3 to 4 days she says.


    I nod and go back to bed. While I was asleep Celst fixed our new toy friend. Removed the control spells and reprogramed her in to a proper sex slave. Then gave her a nice test run by sharing her to all the childer who wanted some nice fuck toy. I am surprised there is anything left of the girls mind after that. But Celst has a lot of experince with this and fixed her right up.


    By the morning of the 3rd day Celst convinces me to fuck her. It was different and well I really enjoyed it, she taught me some fun things, I showed her I could control when I cum. She loved that. She did confirm that there is something in my Cum that works simiar to their blood in the bonding way. Though it''s largely a sexual pull over the love pull. I tell her I think the Goddess who put me together was feeling a bit excited given all the sexual stuff in my build. She thinks that is quite possible. Then she blew my little mind with the best head I ever had.


    The army of Evil arrived about 3 hours before dark. By dark they were all either prisoners or dead. The leader was nailed to a cross by Celst herself because he is the one who betrayed her. Never did learn what made him go off the deep end. She did let my dogs have his soul in the end though. Happy Hell Hounds. Corrupted souls are their favorite food.


    We stayed there till the vampires ran out of food. Then much to my surprise Celst decided to come with us. I think its cause we got pretty close during that time. Not just sex but we really get along well.


    (She got me past some of my issues about sex to and now I like getting fucked by our she male toy, and fucking her to. We have the best orgies.)

 MC Chapter 8: Midget Warfare

    Keep getting those dreams about the Midget. I finally have enough and sit him down.


    "Little man, why do you keep messing with my sleep ?" I ask him.


    He stares then in a surprisingly deep voice, "I don''t like pretty boys like you. All those women just flock to you."


    I nod, "I don''t care for it myself. Hard to tell who likes me for me and who are just in thrall to the Presence, which I have no control over. "


    He actually looks surprised by that, "Surely its not that bad."


    "Little Man, I get hit on by young, old, pretty, ugly, male and female. I do not care for it. It takes me a good while to figure out who wants me for me or just because of the Aura. I am not Celst, she likes that sort of thing."


    He nods, "Yeah she is a complete slut and scarily proud of it."


    "Why do you call me Little Man ?"


    "Cause I don''t know your Name. Your very good at hiding it." I respond truthfully.


    He considers, "You can call me Mick." I nod, "Well Met Mick, I am Magus, priest of Vag the Hermit."


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.That actually paused him. "priest of the hermit ?" I nod, "When the universe is not trying to kill me or cause me undo stress and wierdness."


    He snorts, "ok I can see that is true. The wierd comes looking for you. " I nod. "Mick, I understand some of your frustration. I used to be very fat and got mistaken for being a woman, ALLOT. Hard to find a girl friend when they think your either gay or one of them and gay. Plus fat."


    He nods, "I see it in your past life. ... oh I see, you got a wish ... they like to send your sort to this world for some reason."


    "It''s a very messed up world with a high amount of corruption, so they are throwing people like me at it trying to slow it down or maybe distract it."


    He considers then nods, "ok I can see that. Still don''t like you getting the pretty girls though."


    I shrug, "There are normal sized women who like small men like yourself. Have you ever tried to find one ?"


    He thinks about it and shakes his head. I suggest he talk to a love god about it. Could not hurt after all.

 MC Chapter Nine: Love Hurts so Good

    After that I did not hear from him again. Well once or twice but only asking questions about dating things. I tried to help him with those questions. But no more psychic attacks.


    We are in Paris now. Lots of Elves and such here. We are on the east side which is more human types. I got an actual shop here. Making leather goods, including coats, jackets, and other none bondage stuff. Got that to, in a back room for Special customers. Both sides do very well. Celst made herself known to the vampire community here. She being a Goddess and all, she has temples here and Loves them both. One to ''dark pleasures'' and one to Wisdom and Insight. Vag has several shrines and 1 temple here to. Been in the temple 1 time. The priest there is one of those ''I am better than you'' types. I had to leave before I just killed him. The shrines are much nicer in my opinon and the two near my shop I help out when I can, do my weekly food for the poor thing and generally get along pretty well with them.


    Celst set up a dungeon in the basement of my shop, using my creations and her own perversions on paying customers (all worshippers from her Temple) who come for Special Treatment by the Goddess. The few who ask about me, she explains I am the front man and the one who designed all the fun leather items they use. Gets me some good business. The girls work in the shop to. Sarah and Tony like working in the dungeon to. I give them permission as they seek it from me.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Rose and Celst came to an understading, they share me. Did not ask me about it either. Vampire thing. So I tied them both up beat them then fucked them in to submission. Rose gave in first, took some creative stuff to win on Celst But in the end I am the Master and they the happy slaves. With Celst training all my slaves are now properly over sexed S&M slaves. Pretty much equal to Sarah. Who Finally got fucked by dogs and found she liked it. (The Rotwilers like fucking her to. The Hounds think they are perverts. I tell them there is noting wrong with that as long as everyone is willing.)


    I take the hounds out a few times a week, we hunt down corrupted souls. This seems to be keeping the Wierdness magnet in check, at least till I got a strange letter inviting me to a wedding of Mick and Vanessa. I went, with Celst and Rose as they got them to.


    Got to meet Little Man Mick in person. He hugged me, introduced me to the Lovely Vanessa who is very in love with him. He plans on turning her during their honey moon. I congradulate him and wish him all the best. He tells everyone there it was my advise that got him out and looking for someone and how he met Vanessa (she was at the same love god temple looking for her dream Little Man.) I picked him up and put him on my shoulder. He was happy to see from there all who came to wish him well. He was amazed. All his childer were there. They are happy he finally found someone. Never saw him again. But for a letter or two about how married life is working and that he is happy now.

 Magic Item: Cloak of the Vagabond, aka Cloak of Many Things

    Item List from Cloak


    6 high grade steel daggers (sets of 2, each set different but matched)


    3 Bullseye lanters, filled and lit


    2 Hooded lanterns, filled and lit


    2 Hooded lanters, empty but with wicks


    3 Mirrors (2 polished metal with steel backings one glass over silver in steel frame)


    4 10ft poles


    3 50ft coils of hemp rope


    2 50ft coils of elven silk rope


    8 large sacks, assorted materials


    3 bags of gold (100gp)


    1 bag of chocolate coins (100 ct) (wrapped in gold foil)


    2 silver coffers (6in x 6in x 1ft) est 500gp value


    2 Iron Doors, hinged self attaching with bolt locks and key. (up to 10ft x 10ft space and 1 inch thick)


    2 bags of gems (assorted, 10 each - 100gp value gems)


    3 wooden ladders (24ft long)


    1 Riding horse with tack, saddle and saddled bags


    1 Medium War horse with leather barding, saddle and saddle bags


    3 instant pits, 10ft cubed


    1 mule with saddles bags and cargo harness


    3 Rowboats (15ft long) with oars and rudder


    4 potions of healing (1-8hp)


    2 potion of Extra Healing 3-12 hp, 3 uses)


    1 potion of minor healing (1-3hp)


    4 war dogs (large dogs such as mastiffs trained to fight, guard, and defend)


    2 Riding dogs (war dogs also trained to be used as mounts or to pull wagons, ie working dogs)


    2 scrolls - each has 1 spell of 1st to 3rd level, randomly determined when drawn forth


    2 self attaching windows with glass backings, 2ft x 4ft up to 2ft deep - makes a nice shelf space in walls over 2ft thick.


    2 portable Rams (battering type)


    1 large mug of Coffee (Decaff with 2 sugars and 2 creams)


    2 Door, straw or thin wood. Good for keeping out water and drafts and nothing else. Flamable, otherwise the same as the iron door.


    2 heavy wood doors, slide bolt lock on inside or bolt lock with key


    1 Gem pop, candy gem on a cheap tin ring (grape or cherry flavors)


    1 Rowboat with no oars or rudder and a slow leak, fix the leak and its just a normal, albet old, rowboat - basically this can have any one of the problems rarely all of them


    1 broken portable ram, possibly useful for it''s metal content or as a door stop


    1 potion of Delusion (random effect)


    1 boot of jumping, 50% chance for left or right boot, may take multiple tries to get a boot for each foot, style of boot (or shoe) varies with each incarnation - always fits anyone who wears it however.


    A writing journal, with ink pot and quill (200 pgs)


    A 3" tall dancing tiki doll that sings ¡°it¡¯s a small world¡¯ (or other easily repetitive song) over and over (mages can reprogram these to sing different songs)


    A vodka martini, shaken not stirred, with a lemon twist, no olive


    A fresh pair of undies (breeches) and clean socks) sized to fit wearer


    One delayed blast fireball (15 seconds 8d6) (grendade)


    A ball of twine ¨C 10¡¯


    One angry badger (when pulled Throw as far as you can toward opponent) - can actually be any kind of highly agressive small animal such as wolverines - once calm they work as a pet / companion / guard animal for the Owner of the cloak


    A deck of cards from playing to tarot to fortune telling sorts (non magical)


    Wire cutters or multitool with wire cutters as an option


    A spider monkey (Loyal Pet)


    An anvil (medium) sometimes with assorted smithing tools attached


    One set of cutlery (knife, fork, spoon with a napkin) - never plastic


    A spyglass (small telescope)


    A magnifying glass


    A necklace of garlic (24 heads)


    One tuxedo (tailored to fit wearer) {or the equivalent fancy suit or dress in setting}


    a small wooden table with a chair (2ft square, or round, 29 inches high)


    a medium sized square or retangular dining table (no chairs)


    a small jar of cooking spices (random)


    One crossbow (loaded) (1 shot)


    3 lbs of uncooked rice


    One potion of minty fresh breath (mouth wash) - 8oz


    One goat (female gives milk, male will protect user)


    One carafe of hot coffee (1 quart)


    A pink flamingo lawn ornament (wood)


    A coconut cream pie (or apple pie, or any kind of pie the DM wants)


    One cat (its a cat, it does what cats do. Tends to follow the one who summoned it hoping for treats or scritches)


    One wooden stake


    One long sword (wooden practice - makes good firewood or poor torch)


    1 Meduim War Horse with chainmail barding and Western saddle and saddle bags


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.One continual light spell on a small cylinder object


    One 24lb turkey, fully cooked, piping hot with all the trimmings (Trimmings include: stuffing, Mashed Potatoes with skins mixed in, 24 dinner rolls, Cranberry sauce, Pumpkin Pie, Pecan Pie, Green Bean casserole, gravy in gravy boat. Large knife to carve the turkey, and large 2 pronged fork to help serve it) - actually any large bird will do and trimmings can vary, but there is usually enough to feed 6 to 8 people for one meal


    One torch (lit) (or large candle with holder or candle lantern)


    One bow and three arrows (type of bow is random)


    One nut cracker (the metal kind not the figurine kind)


    One jar; peanut butter (32 oz) assorted brands and type - crunchy, creamy, natural with oil, or mixed (chance at getting goober, with the jelly in it)


    One set of 12 climbing spikes


    A silver tipped lance


    One set of salt and pepper shakers (Full)


    One campfire (burning, with 6 logs on the side)


    One quiver of sheaf arrows (20)


    One Shield spell scroll


    One small jar of Grey Poupon (3 oz Mustard) really any form of mustard, but the God who made these likes Grey Poupon so that is the most common. size 3 oz to 8oz


    One hourglass


    Disposable Magic weapon. First round it is +3, Second +2, Third +1 Fourth normal there after, usually a good quality sword that was enchanted by an apprentice type mage (which is why its magic fades) or was a practice enchantment - styles and types vary


    One Delayed Blast Snowball (Ice Grenade 8d6, movement slowed through snow)


    A set of wind chimes


    One tower shield, (black)


    A soup ladle


    A lawn gnome ornament (Clay) - different poses each time drawn


    A gallon of random colored paint in a ceramic jar


    One raincloud (100 square yards, rains for 1 hour heavily)


    A small pot of glue (or bottle or stick)


    Magical Armour repair kit (good for one suit of armour)


    One hair brush (sometimes get a curring brush for animals)


    One set of thieves tools


    Magic Toothbrush (Kills plaque in a 1¡± rad)


    One rake or shovel (assorted types)


    One cloak (magical sizes itself to wearer)


    One pair of high soft boots (Thigh high, gender set for wearer)


    One garbage bin (10 to 13 gal)


    One scouring brush


    One water proof traveling cloak with hood (Extra large)


    A bag of 12 caltrops


    5 lbs of ground meat - random for type (uncooked)


    Just enough change (Whatever coinage the caster needs, under 1 gp or 18sp and 20cp [which comes out 1cp under 1gp] if no change is called for when drawn)


    A halberd (or other pole arm)


    One Spell spell scroll (lv 1 or 2)


    One full set of horse barding (fits first horse its used on) random type


    1 Universal Snake venom antidote (1 dose)


    One set of dice (gamer)


    One chicken (Live) (or other fowl type - just chickens are more common)


    One sombrero (or other hat)


    A full set of bandages (in a white painted wood box with a red + on it)


    A large laquered wood plate with four cheeses and some pate with crackers


    One large shovel, assorted types


    One Scroll of Protection from Fuzzy Creatures. (anything with fur is affected)


    One Marriage Certificate (Names blank) appropreate to culture wear is in


    One frothy mug of ale (excellent quality) - tends to come out in fancy mugs, including the ceramic dwarf head with the helm being the lid (assorted sizes to) (can pull this one out up to 12 times a day, it counts as the drink for the Feast Day patch)


    One small silver bell (worth 5sp)


    One Silence 15¡¯ radius spell (4 hours)


    One pair of warm woolen mittens or gloves


    One large white flag and a 10¡¯ pole (can be used as a large handkerchief if no one to surrender to is about, or torn in to strips to use as bandages), occaisionally a strange ''national'' or ''battle'' flag comes out instead


    One small hand axe or other hand tool


    One potion of floral breath (Everywhere the person breathes, flowers grow - 30 minutes)


    One bag of hard tack (12 wafers) or crackers (including sandwich crackers)


    One pair of scissors (from safty to tin snips)


    One shady tree (plants itself and takes root) (25% chance it bears some kind of fruit)


    A 10¡¯ x 10¡¯ x 10¡¯ block of ice (fresh water) (up to 4 of these in a cloak) - 74.81 gallons of water when melted - which is enough to fill a 10ft cu hole


    One toothpick


    A bar of soap (herb scented)


    One Disposable Magic Key (Opens one lock and vanishes)


    A 10'' x 10'' x 10'' pit (up to 4 of these in a cloak)