Hidden in the hay, Indel watched the Earther¡¯s pale figure as it went back and forth, kicking over containers.
¡°Where are they! Where are the goats?¡±
¡°Mr. Smith, I¡¯m very sorry,¡± the blue blur replied, her head bowed. ¡°They¡¯re not suited for the planet. As we¡¯ve tried to explain. The pigs we can harvest. The oxen even more so. But the goats¡ª¡±
¡°Fuck you, you big blue bitch. You have two weeks to repay me for that lot. Two weeks or I¡¯m bringing in some tractors and leveling this shithole to the ground!¡±
The Earther shoved the blue woman down and marched off.
Indel closed his eyes. Letting off a clicking sound from the back of his throat, he said, Summoners.... Oh, kill me now. If only the Earthers would squash each and every one of them from this planet.
¡°That is not a very nice thing to say,¡± the Summoner replied, staggering to her feet.
It took some time for her to come into focus, making Indel¡¯s weak condition all the more worrisome.
She dragged her work-robe down past her knees and professed, ¡°Levelers and Summoners are kin. The good Lord will see to it we are safe.¡±
Indel blinked at her from under a coarse fabric he couldn¡¯t remember using to shield himself. He was surprised she¡¯d understood him at all.
¡°Yes, we can still use the old language,¡± the Summoner said. ¡°Do not think me simple.¡±
Snorting out a laugh, Indel covered his head with the rough blanket, hiding himself yet again. The material was the same as the Summoner wore. He expected the robe from Summoners, while Levelers would sooner go naked than wear one continually. Indel longed for his first stage. There was no need for clothing then.
¡°Levelers?¡± Indel asked. ¡°You call us by the Earthman¡¯s markings. You even follow their god. I cringe at the thought that your blue was ever one with our red.¡±
He spat on the pale hay beneath him.
¡°You should all die a bloody death. Once we repopulate, perhaps you will do just that.¡± Indel¡¯s own words betrayed his thought process. His body ached; his groin heavy from the lack of release. It¡¯d been ages since he¡¯d mated. It had never been this difficult before the Earthers came. For the first time since he¡¯d been old enough to fall under the mating spells, he worried he might not find a mate in time.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
He was weak to the suns and weak to the night in this state. Sensitivity to sights, sounds, and odors made his body react to everything surrounding him. Of course he thought of mating, he could think of little else. Yet here, in the middle of nowhere, he had to wait. What was the alternative? If he tried to reach the mating caves in this state, he might pass out in the suns. Or worse yet, be discovered by an Earthman looking for a convenient experiment.
Remembering that his frame was smaller in this state, and his muscles, though firm, were leaner, too, Indel closed his eyes. He was done for.
The Summoner approached and sat with something warm. The sweet scent washed over Indel, flooding his body with relief. His tail twitched. He froze, hoping such a private thing went unnoticed.
One look at the Summoner¡¯s darkening cheeks told him it had been obvious.
¡°Go ahead and laugh,¡± Indel demanded. ¡°Laugh all you like! I do not care.¡±
¡°Peace, my lord. I mean no disrespect. Should it happen again, I will not make mention of it.¡±
Indel cursed himself, cursed that tender voice, and cursed the fact that the Summoner sat so close, her smooth legs ajar. It finally occurred to him that the sweet scent he was reacting to wasn¡¯t the food.
¡°You smell good,¡± Indel drawled. ¡°Why?¡±
The speed with which those legs closed made Indel chuckle.
¡°You are at the ready to shift from the second stage then? How interesting. I had thought Summoners had abandoned ascension in favor of looking more human. What is your name?¡±
Two clicks sounded against the Summoner¡¯s teeth and Indel calmed. At least he was being paid the proper respect.
¡°Nala? What an awful name. It sounds like something of a pet. It fits. Human pet. You are probably just that. Come, pet. What have you for me to eat?¡±
Nala pulled the hollowed out gourd away. ¡°This is not for you.¡±
A deep growl in the back of his throat, Indel demanded, ¡°Give it to me now.¡± He snatched it before Nala had time to argue. Using his bare hands, he dug in then brought a clump of the white substance into his mouth. ¡°This is rather good.¡±
¡°My lord, I do not have all that much. Please....¡±
Indel ignored her. Once he was finished, he threw the gourd down and snuggled lower in the hay.
¡°I like it,¡± he said. ¡°Bring me some more.¡±
¡°There is no more.¡±
¡°Country brat, Earthman¡¯s pet, bring me more or I¡¯ll have you whipped.¡±
¡°There is no more,¡± Nala attested. ¡°And you¡¯ve just doomed my sloth to death. That was enough food for six months!¡±
They stared at each other before realization dawned.
¡°Did you just give me the animal¡¯s food?¡± Indel gasped.
¡°I gave you nothing, you took it¡ª¡±
¡°I¡¯ll have your head. You¡¯ll¡ª¡±
¡°Be quiet!¡± Nala bellowed.
Animals cried out from outside the barn door. Indel fell silent, beyond shocked.
¡°Don¡¯t you talk to me like that!¡± he gasped.
¡°You...¡± Nala began, unable to even breathe, much less talk. ¡°You...you will stay right here alone until I¡¯ve returned.¡±
Indel looked the neat surroundings over. ¡°You will not leave me here by myself. Do you hear? You will not dare leave me here at nightfall unguarded. Do you hear!¡±
Nala stood, staring down at him. ¡°For such a handsome face, nothing pleasant comes from your mouth. How sorrowful it must be existing as you are.¡±
Indel flinched as if he¡¯d been struck. He didn¡¯t meet the Summoner¡¯s gaze.
Nala said, ¡°I must look for some root for my sloth. When I return, we will see about securing you a way to the mating caves. Short of carrying you there on my back, you will go.¡±
CHAPTER 3
A shiver ran through Indel, but he was too proud to vocalize his discomfort. Nala waited for the surly lord to gripe or complain.
Nothing.
He said not a word.
He was in pain, though. Maybe longing for that nectar he had whined about in his sleep. Nala had to focus on the nectar, because the other things Indel demanded in his listless rest had driven her to circle the barn in the dead of night to avoid hearing them.
They were safe inside this Earther structure, however. That had been the Summoners¡¯ downfall; these structures. The Earthmen came with their materials and technology. No one understood at first, that creatures and materials of this planet rotted when in contact with earth substances for too long. Animals noticed fast and kept their distance.
To stave off that rot, Summoners made sacrifices to keep their first stage for the benefit of their exoskeleton. In time, new generations simply could not reach beyond it.
Summoners, larger than Levelers but less interested in a fight, surrounded themselves with Earth matter as a way to be free of the Levelers¡¯ bondage.
Levelers were their protectors, their fighters, and admittedly, the ones to breed the most. Summoners, though bigger and stronger for labor, weren¡¯t as quick, weren¡¯t as violent, and weren¡¯t as...driven in desires of the flesh. They could succumb to them. Countless stories spoke of Leveler breeding males ravishing a Summoner female for hours, seducing her away from her clan. And Summoner males who fell prey to Leveler females were never heard from again. Their passion was unrivaled.
Unaccustomed to this new stage, this new body, and these new reactions, Nala felt on edge.
She had met few Levelers in her time. But to meet their king...her king, she was disappointed beyond words. The Leveler King was awful.
She could see now why Earthers had categorized them as they had. Meek and easily called upon; Summoners became the Earthers¡¯ allies. Violent, short-tempered and cantankerous, Indel¡¯s people were called demons, then Levelers. And it was true; Levelers were a truly horrible race.
¡°I apologize.¡± Indel¡¯s voice sounded sweet without its usual edge. ¡°I¡¯ve always made the journey in silence. This time my Viceroy suggested this new, ¡°faster¡± route. But it was an ambush. Perhaps if I hadn¡¯t been so...demanding, Viceroy wouldn¡¯t have been so eager to appease me. He would have been more thorough. The prospect of an assassination attempt troubled me greatly but that¡¯s no excuse. I apologize. I...you¡¯ve taken me in and I¡¯ve all but killed your Betty.¡±
Indel¡¯s smoky grey eyes held sincerity, something Nala hadn¡¯t thought the lord was capable of. They seemed gentle and full of longing. Nala found herself calming as well.
¡°It¡¯s not a Betty,¡± Nala grumbled. ¡°It¡¯s a sloth, and I didn¡¯t name it.¡±
¡°Oh.¡± Indel shifted under his blanket. ¡°My father talked of it. So many Bettys. It was a popular name for pets back then.¡±
¡°Is that what you plan to call me?¡± Nala grumbled. ¡°Since I¡¯m a pet, too, in your eyes.¡±
The young lord had the grace to blush, his pink skin darkening until it was nearly purple.
¡°Country brat, I have a problem,¡± Indel said. His choice of words, though distasteful, held no malice. ¡°I¡¯m in the ready for spilling my seed. But I have no means to do so. Would you allow me but a lay? If only to stave off the anguish. My groin feels heavy, and my body tight. It¡¯s a burden I bear. But I am in pain. If you¡¯d only offer your mouth...I would not disrespect you with the suggestion that you show your back to me and let me spread you.¡±
Each word hit Nala, making her chest feel heavy.
¡°What are you asking?¡±
Indel stared at her, his expression blank. ¡°I only ask that you take your king into your mouth for but a moment. Am I so unpleasant that you¡¯d refuse? My body¡¯s narrow, and I¡¯m full and thick. I know it cannot be my appearance. No Leveler female would ever refuse such an honor. Yet you shun me. Might I ask why?¡±
All unease with regards to Indel returned. He was speaking so gently now because he wanted something. At this moment he seemed agreeable, but for how long? Nala chose this small structure on this hill for the quiet. No complaints, no chatter, no fleeting whispers of Earther cruelty.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
Life was never lonely as a Summoner or two traveled through every few cycles. Earthers frequently came to her with their demands. There was no appeasing them as they¡¯d want more and more each time. But there was quiet, and there was no pressure beyond what she was capable of.
Now this. She¡¯d rescued a dreadful Leveler. Worst yet, one who had the ability to sound sincere.
What he asked was impossible; however.
It was true Indel suffered. Now he didn¡¯t even shift positions. He was in pain, but Nala wasn¡¯t the one to help.
Turning away from him, Nala pressed her mouth closed and remained silent. She could almost feel Indel¡¯s eyes staring her down.
¡°If you worry that I¡¯m as insensitive in a lay as I am in all else, you need not fear it. I¡¯ve been groomed by a stage two Leveler a time or two. I¡¯m confident I can make it pleasant for you.¡±
¡°Stop.¡± Nala turned to face him. ¡°Stop talking. Stop saying such terrible things. Stop.¡± A part of Nala wondered if Indel had been playing stupid when he stared at her open mouthed.
Little by little, realization dawned in Indel¡¯s eyes. He gasped. ¡°Am I to believe Summoners do not lay?¡±
¡°We do not lay for recreation and not with Levelers. No. Not anymore,¡± Nala said. ¡°It is wrong to do such a thing. We are two different kinds for a reason. We should only combine and fit in a committed and meaningful fashion, as the God of the universe fashioned us. And with our own kind.¡±
¡°Fashioned us?¡± Indel stared at her, mouth agape. ¡°If in a war, should I only kill those of a different belief as well? Should my disdain and my devotion, my two passions, only fall on no faiths opposite mine?¡±
¡°This is not devotion you¡¯re suggesting.¡±
¡°And if it was devotion?¡± Indel asked. He sounded genuinely intrigued. ¡°When you look at me, your body doesn¡¯t ache with the thought of me?¡±
Before Indel, there wasn¡¯t even a passing thought of the stages. The change had come on so suddenly that Nala was unprepared even for clothing. With her brittle exoskeleton gone, she fashioned this robe out of gunny sacks left over from Earther animal feed. Most Summoners who passed by at a distance mistook her for a youth because of her smaller size. She was still much larger than Indel; however.
Breathing shallow, Nala swallowed down her response. It would be useless to lie. Indel already knew the answer.
¡°My tail reacts for you. Does that mean my body isn¡¯t reacting to you in some way?¡± Indel asked.
Nala closed her eyes.
They stayed in awkward silence, Nala desperate to get her body under control. She wasn¡¯t lonesome; of that she was sure. But Indel was at an advantage in his stage. His smooth pink skin was unlike anything Nala had ever seen. The slant of his grey eyes seemed more exotic, and a time or two, Nala¡¯d noticed Indel¡¯s member, engorged to more than twice even atypical Summoner¡¯s. It would extend further once he¡¯d penetrated a mate.
In the morning before the suns rose, Nala could set off with Indel in tow. They could travel faster on the sloth and Indel would arrive at the caves in time to mate to his dual hearts¡¯ content.
¡°That is how they made the rift between us, those Earthers. Since the beginning, my kind and yours could join, soothing every ache. That was our way. Your kind in the day, mine in the night. In our mating season, your kind protected us, and we returned that favor in your time of need. When they came and told us our ¡®savage¡¯ ways were wrong, my kind fought them, nearly to our extinction. But you...your kind. You live by it. They summon you and you go to their call. But what of us? What of this land? What of me? I yearn for relief. And I¡¯ve stumbled on a Summoner in her second stage¡ªa stage most can no longer reach. The only stage where your kind and mine can be intimate without the risk of breeding. Doesn¡¯t that count for something?¡±
¡°Since I¡¯ve met you,¡± Nala said, lumbering to her feet. ¡°You¡¯ve killed my herd of goats with an explosion of some kind, you¡¯ve eaten my sloth¡¯s feed, and now you trample on my ideals.¡±
¡°Your ideals? Pet,¡± Indel said. ¡°You are a pet, and so you and yours shall remain. The land would be good to drag each and every Summoner back into it to their doom. Hail to the Earther who takes your head, too, pet!¡±
Charging, Nala swung, catching Indel across the face.
¡°I¡¯m no one¡¯s pet!¡±
Long hair draped before him, Indel hung his head.
¡°That¡¯s all there is to you!¡± Nala said. ¡°Just vitriol and poison when you don¡¯t have your way. But how does it feel now to be the weaker one? In your Warrior stage you might be twice my size, but you¡¯re not bigger than me now. I won¡¯t allow you to bully me. Yes, our kind watched over mating Levelers, but what did Levelers do when we changed?¡±
Indel gave no answer but Nala waited.
In time, Nala muttered, ¡°Your kind made sport of hurting us. And in the first stage, Levelers were simply forceful and cruel. But now I am stronger than you. So do not forget your place.¡±
Still hunched over, Indel said, ¡°Your voice doesn¡¯t sound all that strong.¡±
Nala readied herself for some retaliation. Her twin hearts nearly beat out of sync; she was so frightened.
¡°Did you enjoy it?¡± Indel asked. ¡°Striking someone you see as weaker than you? You live by their emotions, react by their emotions. These are not reactions true to our kind. Where are your ideals now?¡±
Sick with herself, Nala gave no response. In the stillness that followed, she meandered as she went about preparing the lodgings for the night. Indel would have to go in the morning.
They said nothing more to one another and Nala didn¡¯t even afford Indel a glance as she shuffled out of the structure and back. Nala¡¯s foul mood made time drag on.
It took a great deal of effort to scrounge up enough ingredients for a meal. When she brought the food intended for Indel, she hesitated. No doubt it would be met with complaints. Nala was tempted to throw it down on the ground.
Still and silent as if he hadn¡¯t moved since he¡¯d been struck, Indel ignored her.
Nala dropped down onto a stool, careful to keep her knees together.
¡°Eat,¡± she demanded. ¡°I must keep you healthy. You are still my king. If anything were to happen to you, Levelers would take unimaginable retribution.¡±
Nothing. The Leveler refused to meet her gaze, to move.
Nala waited until frustration won out. At the ongoing silence, she made a sound in the back of her throat and stood.
¡°I curse having met you.¡±
CHAPTER 4
Indel, unable to move from his hunched posture, resolved to sleep that way rather than beg the petty Summoner to help him rest again. Lying on his back was much more preferable but now he doubted it would matter.
It had been generations since their two kinds met on agreeable terms. Their symbiotic cultures were ones unrivaled before the Earthers¡¯ arrival ruined it.
That was the story. Indel had believed it. The fear in Nala¡¯s eyes when she¡¯d raised her hand said differently. She¡¯d struck, not out of anger, but something else.
Clenching the hay, Indel tried to lower himself.
It wasn¡¯t just fear he¡¯d seen. Indel knew fear from the hunts. The countless animals he¡¯d rendered to pieces with his hands often showed it.
At first glance, Indel expected Nala to be timid. The hit had confirmed it; it was easy to attack something helpless. It was a cowardly thing to do. True strength came from facing something beyond one¡¯s control.
The moonlight spilled through the crudely formed window, shrouding the would-be meal in white.
Despite the anguish, Indel reached out and scooped up the white paste. He examined the substance; it was the sloth¡¯s food. That Summoner mocked him openly by giving him the food of her pet.
Indel¡¯s body burned from the slighting. Biting down a cry as he shifted, he stared at the white substance.
He thought to throw it but in time, he calmed.
The Summoner had given him food. Had she left her Betty with bitter roots only to give the better feeding to the bitter Leveler King?
Indel scoffed as he brought it closer. Rather than eat it, he rubbed it against his stomach. Even that gentle touch was agonizing but the cold paste was soothing. With gnashed teeth, he gathered up some more and spread it on his arms as well.
The cold texture of the food brought relief but it wasn¡¯t long before it warmed. Indel found himself with yet another problem; he couldn¡¯t sweat. Now with the feed on his arms, the glands were blocked.
While before, the pain came with an aching sensation, it returned now with a burn. It was fitting that this gift only gave temporary relief.
A sweet aroma washed over him and he looked up.
Robe barely tied, Nala stood by him. ¡°What have you done to yourself and that food?¡±
Indel peered up at her and tried to laugh. ¡°I¡¯ve blocked the glands, I think.¡±
Nala hurried away. When she returned with a hollowed-out gourd of water and more bit of gunny sack, Indel¡¯s body stiffened in reaction.
¡°You can¡¯t. It¡¯s too coarse.¡±
¡°I know,¡± Nala said, dragging the stool close. ¡°But you¡¯ll suffocate when the feed dries.¡±
She wouldn¡¯t meet Indel¡¯s gaze as she poured the water onto the rag.
Indel allowed Nala to take his hand. The cleaning was by far the worst. By the second arm, Nala abandoned the rag, resolving to fetch more water. She poured it along Indel¡¯s body.
The water felt good and after Indel was turned onto his back, his stomach lightly doused, he caught hold of Nala¡¯s arm.
Those black eyes held fear, but Indel was solemn as he said, ¡°I thank you for the food. I didn¡¯t intend to waste it.¡±
¡°There is no more if that¡¯s what you¡¯re asking,¡± Nala said, jerking her hand away. ¡°Come, I will put your robe to dry, but you will need covering.¡±
Moments later when Nala marched out to hang the robes out on a tree, Indel studied his bare frame.
He looked rather fetching in this form. Below his smooth belly his pink penis stood erect, throbbing. He feared touching lower to determine the state of his sac.
Nala returned. She brushed Indel¡¯s hand away before he could continue his self-examination.
¡°No, no. Don¡¯t do that. That is an Earther habit I¡¯ve witnessed. It¡¯s a rather sad one.¡±
Fingertips still tracing his abdomen, Indel asked, ¡°What habit?¡±
¡°They coax it themselves.¡±
¡°Can they do that?¡±
¡°Yes,¡± Nala answered. ¡°They don¡¯t require as much force to coax it, I think.¡±
Indel nodded. ¡°That is a convenient trait.¡± In this current state, he could sympathize. ¡°I suppose when no one is around, it¡¯s better than the pain,¡± he confessed.
¡°No. They do it for pleasure.¡±
Indel considered the words. ¡°What is pleasant about being alone?¡±
Nala¡¯s expression hardened and Indel hurried to amend his statement.
¡°I had not meant that in offense.¡±
They stared at one another as Nala used her hands to fan Indel dry.
¡°I frighten you even now, don¡¯t I?¡± Indel asked. A shot of pain left him quivering. ¡°Morning cannot come soon enough.¡±
Nala combed her fingers through Indel¡¯s hair. Each gentle stroke against Indel¡¯s temple soothed the throbbing of his entire body. The intimacy of the gesture was shocking. Frantic thoughts raced through Indel¡¯s mind as he tried to understand Nala¡¯s intentions.
When their eyes met, Indel could see it, some sort of determination. And not just in her eyes, but in everything about her expression. She wrestled with those thoughts, perhaps, but he wrestled with something else.
¡°Does it really bother you so, to simply be? Don¡¯t you tire from going against nature?¡±
Nala ceased in her strokes.
When she lowered her hands in her lap, Indel wanted to protest¡ªto beg her not to stop.
¡°It is not nature. I am fine as I am.¡±
There was no conviction behind those words, however.
In this regard, Indel saw an advantage. He thought to take it but the gentleness and expectation in those black eyes robbed him of that intent.
¡°Come,¡± he said, lowering his gaze to the bed of hay upon which he lay, ¡°help me dry.¡±
¡°Did you want to say something?¡± Nala asked.
To what end? There was no point in asking twice, not when it meant so much to this foolish Summoner.
¡°I do desire....¡± Nala paused. She waited for their gaze to meet and said, ¡°But my faith is equally as fulfilling. It¡¯s rather calming to be here on a warm evening. The farm is alive with sound and I can hear them all.¡±
Sympathy wasn¡¯t a Leveler trait but Indel could call his feelings anything but.
¡°And I work well. Sometimes I get so many new crops to tend. The day flows by without worry.¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
But the more Nala spoke, the less comfortable Indel felt with the situation. This Summoner was mad. Leveler and summoner alike were gregarious. Only the wounded lived alone. Indel supposed Nala was that. She¡¯d been by herself for so long that she was convinced it was of her own making.
¡°So you do not relish someone to talk to?¡± Indel hazarded.
Nala eyes narrowed. ¡°But...we only fight.¡±
Indel held her knee. ¡°We can do more than fight.¡±
His action caused her to tense but she didn¡¯t push him back so he risked brushing the robe up.
¡°Force is not always terrible. It can be good.¡±
She caught his hand and he sighed. This was all tiresome.
The claw of her thumb spread his three fingers. Indel wondered if she now compared his hand to that of the five-fingered Earthers.
¡°I was promised a reward for living well,¡± Nala said, her eyes following the path of her hands. ¡°The goats were good fortune; that¡¯s what I had thought. They would multiply rather fast and I could trade some for better clothing.¡± The strokes slowed. Eventually, she reached out to touch Indel¡¯s face. A portion of Indel¡¯s hair in hand, she traced the length of it. ¡°Something¡¯s missing. I can admit that. I¡¯m happy here, but now and then, I feel there¡¯s something more that I need. I thought clothing would do it; proper ones, nicer ones.¡±
The tingling response the strokes had caused began to dull with Indel¡¯s realization that his presence might be more than just an inconvenience.
Nala cracked a slight smile.
¡°I thought that was what I was missing, nice clothing. But now I see...I have my reward because despite your vitriol, when you say nice things, it reaches to my core.¡±
Indel caught the hand, pressing it to his face. ¡°I can give you far more than words. Do you know this?¡± he traced Nala¡¯s arm up until he held the Summoner¡¯s slender neck. ¡°I can give you sensation beyond your night visions. Beyond all that you can fathom.¡±
Nala¡¯s face took on a darker color. Now, she resembled a Leveler in the ready; she was accepting.
¡°Perhaps you are my reward,¡± Nala said, sounding unsure. ¡°The chance of...of meeting you¡ªthe king no less¡ªit¡¯s so slim.¡±
The words robbed Indel of a response. Where he¡¯d felt driven just moments earlier, now humility stole that power. It was an unfamiliar unease, feeling discomfort. Nala was so lonely that she¡¯d forgive Indel his behavior for the promise of companionship.
Indel didn¡¯t know longing. He seldom felt sorrow or sympathy, but he could see Nala lose her internal fight again and again in spite of herself. The Summoner feared him, but still came to his aid. Was repulsed by his personality, yet took care with him. She had good hearts and continued to give Indel chances upon chances. The revelation stirred something in Indel. It wasn¡¯t pity, but rather a sense of respect; they were both suffering.
Silent, but looking pleasant, Nala stood from the stool. Her pace slow and hesitant, she undid the rope around her waist. She allowed the well-worn clothing to fall open.
Indel calmed, pleased. She was more fetching than he realized. All four breasts, the upper row and the lower, were plump and round. Two maturing lines curved down from her torso, reaching her groin. It was a thin exoskeleton rather than the thick armor of a stage one Summoner. As she stood before him, her body glistened from the oils her arousal brought up. She was a sight.
¡°I do desire you,¡± Nala admitted. ¡°But it is not my forte.¡±
¡°Forte?¡± Indel stared up at her, waiting for an answer. In time, he reached out to run his hand against the Summoner¡¯s rough skin down to her taut abdomen. The texture wasn¡¯t very appealing, but the offer was one Indel welcomed. ¡°I thank you. Fall to your knees,¡± he pleaded.
Nala eyed him before she complied.
Indel resolved to treat Nala with the courtesy reserved for the preferred mate of the king. He brought their lips close then turned until the sides of their faces brushed.
¡°Thank you,¡± Indel said again. ¡°Stand and I will coax you first.¡±
Nala let out a hungry moan. ¡°You are in pain.¡±
¡°I have been in pain for days, another moment won¡¯t matter. Stand. Bring your body to my lips. Your king wishes to take care with you.¡±
When Nala stood, it was with considerable discomfort. Her body was in the ready. She must have been inexperienced with mating to suffer under its effects so quickly.
Indel guided Nala closer, running his hands up the rough skin of the Summoner¡¯s shoulder then downward.
When Indel¡¯s fingers traced Nala¡¯s lower back, Nala tried to jerk away.
Indel held her. ¡°Your tail....¡±
Face flushed, body pulsating, Nala froze. Her eyes no longer held boldness and arousal, but rather shame. ¡°Yes,¡± she confessed. ¡°They cut it off at birth now, to keep us under control.¡±
Indel pulled himself up to sit. ¡°This is cruel. Beyond cruel.¡±
¡°We can...we can still breed. There¡¯s just less of a driving force. That way we can work. Work keeps us happy.¡±
Now Indel understood; calling Nala a pet seemed unforgivable with this newfound discovery.
Struggling for something to say, Indel opened and closed his mouth again and again. The stub where Nala¡¯s tail should have been was revolting. No Leveler would even look in her direction. In the first stage tails were hidden under the exoskeleton and showing it was a sign of indecency, but now....
Nala took a step back, but Indel held her firm. ¡°Let me see it.¡±
The curious expression Nala wore should have meant she wouldn¡¯t agree. Indel steeled himself once the Summoner turned to comply. Brushing the robe aside, Indel gaped his mouth. It looked worse than he¡¯d expected.
His instinct was to pull away; he almost did just that.
¡°Mana?¡± Nala called to him.
Mana? Do you trust me so blindly? Indel stared up at her back then looked at the tail. Nala had called him Mana, a title given to a first-time lover. Perhaps Indel wasn¡¯t the very first, but he suspected that in this stage, he might very well have been.
Eyes closed, Indel leaned in and kissed the scar. He felt ill for only a moment, but it was with himself. Here, Nala was being brave. Showing something so private with someone so dreadful, and she¡¯d done it at Indel¡¯s request.
Indel kissed it again. Using his thumb, he pushed the slender remains of the tail aside, spreading Nala with his fingers.
¡°Yes, Na¡¯am?¡± Indel answered, accepting the request to take the initiative despite being smaller. He¡¯d have to coax Nala to rapture first. Without it, her entrance would prove far too tight a fit.
Even now when Indel continued his timid exploration, his fingers gliding down Nala¡¯s crevice, the hole was so tight he could barely mark it.
¡°Oh, how lovely,¡± Indel whispered. ¡°You enjoy me.¡±
¡°I do.¡±
The remnants of Nala¡¯s tail twitched. The first time concerned Indel¡ªhe feared his nerves would win out against his intentions. When there was no second twitch, he found himself longing for it.
In an effort to beguile a response, he kissed the scar again. Indel kissed lower, and lower still until he traced Nala¡¯s tight hole.
One twitch turned into two, then three. By the fourth, Indel smiled, pleased with his efforts. Reaching around, he traced the Summoner¡¯s torso and chest. As expected, the four breasts, two rows of two, were full and warm; at least that was as it should be.
Nala was well past maturity but quivered. Indel waited for yet another flinch before he guided the Summoner to turn.
Putting a kiss on Nala¡¯s stomach, Indel whispered, ¡°Gone are the days where our kind would mate for solidarity.¡± His hearts held longing as he said, ¡°But we can change part of that now. I¡¯d welcome a connection to you of the physical. I would gladly allow you your freedom here. It is the least I can do for being so contrary. Anything you wish for, I will comply but I do need to empty my seed. Would you give me your mouth?¡±
¡°You are dominant. You need not ask.¡±
¡°I ask.¡±
¡°No...¡± Nala gasped. ¡°No. Never would I have guessed that you could be so gentle. You flatter me.¡±
Indel¡¯s curiosity got the better of him. He answered Nala with a smile. As he traced Nala¡¯s inner thigh with his fingers, Nala calmed. Relieved when his digits slid along Nala¡¯s crease smoothly, Indel allowed all his reservation to fall.
Maybe that was the Earthers¡¯ folly; they didn¡¯t become slippery when enticed. It was common for Summoner and Leveler alike, though the secretion seemed lessened without a tail. While Indel¡¯s skin became slippery, Nala¡¯s had only a fraction of that moisture.
Indel¡¯s body glistened and although Nala¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t as fruitful, he was pleased when one, then a second digit slipped in.
¡°We are the same age and yet...¡± Indel said. ¡°You¡¯ve never cared about seeing the benefit and wonderment of...a lay.¡±
¡°I wish to understand it now,¡± Nala confessed. It wasn¡¯t a shiver necessarily but Nala¡¯s body vibrated when she asked, ¡°What should I do?¡±
Her body warmed but Indel continued with his gentle prodding¡ªit still was too tight.
¡°It is a lay like any other. Once the pressure¡¯s eased, I will fit you quite easily.¡± When Nala¡¯s body tensed, Indel fought back his own cry. The ring of the Summoner¡¯s opening squeeze so tightly he had to settle for one finger instead. ¡°Calm,¡± he soothed. ¡°I¡¯d like this finger back.¡±
A rumble came from the back of Nala¡¯s throat but rather than mature into a chuckle, it petered out into an awkward smile. The reaction spoke volumes.
¡°I¡¯m not opposed to more than my mouth,¡± she admitted.
Running his hands up and down Nala¡¯s slick body in an effort to sooth her, Indel himself swooned. ¡°Hurry. Hurry. Let me have you.¡±
Nala¡¯s pace wasn¡¯t as quick when she shed the robe and spread it on the ground. She did a strange thing next; she lay atop it.
Body in anguish, Indel looked down at her. ¡°What is it you do?¡±
Curious black eyes peered back at him. ¡°I¡¯m readying myself. Have I done something wrong?¡±
¡°You...you lie on your back? Why do you do such a strange thing?¡±
The expression on Nala¡¯s face wasn¡¯t one Indel could easily read.
¡°I¡¯ve...Earthers...they often lay this way. I¡¯ve seen a few in passing.¡±
Nala seemed ready to get up, but equally unable to.
Indel understood. Nala wasn¡¯t aware of how she could correct her actions. It seemed impossible for a country brat to not know how it is done normally.
Playing with a lover¡¯s tail, pulling it with each lunge was one of Indel¡¯s favorite things in a lay. When he met Nala¡¯s gaze, he saw realization dawn in the Summoner¡¯s eyes.
¡°How foolish of me...¡± Nala began.
¡°No.¡± From the hay-bed Indel held her down. ¡°Let us do it your way, country brat. It¡¯s rather different, but all right.¡±
Even getting down from the hay aggravated Indel¡¯s now heavy groin but Nala¡¯s worried then eager expression was enough to wipe that away.
¡°Easy, Mana,¡± Nala said. ¡°If it¡¯s too much pain, we can do what is usual.¡±
Once Indel¡¯d crawled atop her, he pressed their foreheads together. He would give Nala her pride and take care with her.
¡°No, Summoner. I wish to try it your way.¡±
CHAPTER 5
When the morning came, nausea came with it.
She¡¯s poisoned me, Indel lamented. A flutter in his belly, he leaned over and heaved, emptying his previous meal from the night before into yet another container. ¡°You¡¯ve poisoned me!¡±
Nala¡¯s strong hand patted his head.
Indel¡¯s muscles relaxed. A woeful sense of dread came with it as he calmed, whispering, ¡°Did you honestly poison me?¡± the hurt in his voice sounded foreign to his own ears. He¡¯d known Nala only for days, but he¡¯d trusted the Summoner. Rather...his tail had trusted the Summoner. ¡°Leading with your tail, Indel,¡± he muttered. ¡°You fool.¡±
¡°Peace, my lord,¡± Nala soothed, her innocence betrayed by the helplessness of her voice. ¡°Perhaps it is some allergy.¡±
Resting on the hay once more, Indel turned with his back to Nala. He was too hurt by the betrayal to even push Nala back. A shiver ran through him, and it only grew. Little by little he started to recognize his discomfort.
¡°My nectar. I need nectar. I¡¯ll perish without it,¡± Indel cried. ¡°I am in need of nectar.¡±
¡°Nectar?¡± Nala asked, hurrying to her feet. ¡°There¡¯s a field not so far off. Please. Be still. Remain here and I shall return. I¡¯ll gather as many pods as I can.¡±
Eyes closed, Indel prayed for sleep to take him; anything at all was better than this aching body. By the time Indel was able to confirm Nala¡¯s return, his breathing was shallow. Each deep gasp for air he took left him winded. As if a great force was pressing down against his chest, he slowed in his efforts, resolving to just take whatever short breaths he could manage.
¡°My lord, I am here. I have returned. I¡¯ve found so many. What do I do with them all?¡±
¡°Give me!¡± Indel spun over, grabbing at the air. ¡°Give it to me now!¡± Two sticky pods oozed in his fists a moment later. His vision blurred, Indel opened and closed his grip again and again, disbelieving of Nala¡¯s cruelty. ¡°What is this? Some sort of joke?¡±
¡°It is nectar as you¡¯ve requested.¡±
¡°Boil it down first, idiot!¡± Indel threw both pods, striking Nala in the chest.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
The Summoner didn¡¯t move, she only stared back at him. What she did next surprised him; she marched to the chair by the door and flopped down into it.
Gut tightening, Indel hunched, crying out in anguish, ¡°The nectar.¡±
¡°I¡¯ve put up with far more from you than anyone has ever demanded of me,¡± Nala said. ¡°Last night I gave you my body and I lost a part of myself with it. I woke up longing for you. And when you became ill, I feared for you. But I will give you nothing more. Should you honestly need it, I suggest you learn to enjoy pods in their raw form yet again.¡±
Water would well from an Earther¡¯s eyes when he felt sorrow. A Leveler or Summoner became dry. Glands along their skin would slow in secretions, plaguing them with itchiness and irritability. Indel stared at Nala, loathing in his hearts for ever having trusted her.
Nala brushed her arms, again and again. When she finally scratched at her forearms, a cold frown on her somber face, Indel calmed. His own body felt dry but he refused to betray his true feelings as Nala had.
¡°I am sorry,¡± Indel said, finally. ¡°But if you could feel the agony I¡¯m in¡ª¡±
¡°And seeing you this way does not agonize me also?¡± Nala folded her arms, turning her face away.
At a loss for words, Indel doubled over as another cramp traveled up his back, nearly paralyzing him from the pain.
¡°Please. Do not abandon me in this condition. I beg you. Please.¡±
Nala didn¡¯t move.
Indel¡¯s vision dimmed until he could see nothing more. Seasons passed, the planet crumbled, died, and came back again in a matter of seconds.
Indel opened his eyes. All was red. He wasn¡¯t sure how much time he¡¯d lost.
¡°Easy,¡± Nala soothed. ¡°Drink.¡±
Unlike the sweet nectar he was accustomed to, Indel swallowed down the bitter brew. He drank so much that he licked at the bowl.
¡°More. More,¡± Indel demanded.
¡°There is no more, Mana. That was the last of it.¡±
¡°The pod,¡± Indel begged. ¡°Give me the pods.¡±
Something wrapped around Indel, gripping his body tight. When Nala brushed their lips together, Indel trembled.
¡°This is the raw nectar, long before it¡¯s corrupted by fire. It¡¯ll feel the same soon, but not with the awful after effects.¡±
¡°My gut burns,¡± Indel whispered.
¡°I know. But for someone who hates Earthers so much, you don¡¯t seem opposed to their brew. We Summoners put up with them for their structures. Is this what Levelers fear to lose should the wars come?¡±
¡°Now you know our shame,¡± Indel admitted. ¡°But we have little choice with chances of breeding so scarce. At one time Summoners would protect us in the suns, helping us wander safely at great distances. What choice do we have now but to wait until we can no longer stand it and we must risk traveling to the cave? With my absence this season, our numbers will surely dwindle.¡±
A silence lulled between them. In Nala¡¯s sure grip, Indel took the offered comfort, though careful this time to be mindful of making any demands.
The way Nala¡¯s body remained stiff and rigid made it seem as if she was waiting for yet another bitter outburst.
Pure nectar coursing through him, Indel decided that for a moment, he would allow himself to be vulnerable. Nala was sure, strong, and patient. It would be all right to just let all worries fade.
¡°I¡¯ll see to it that you reach the caves. As soon as you are well, I¡¯ll cover you, and we leave with the suns,¡± Nala assured him.
CHAPTER 6
Since Indel fell asleep earlier that day, Nala wrestled with a feeling of dread. Dread should Indel go; dread should he stay.
The Leveler looked nice when he slept. Using Indel¡¯s own robes, Nala covered him from head to toe. Everything was lovely about the surly Leveler when he was at rest; from the two toes on either foot, to the three fingers on his hands. Nala traced the second digit, her own rough fingers gliding along the plush skin of Indel¡¯s would-be grip. Once the mating spells ended, Indel would no doubt return to his usual form. This second digit which was a finger smaller than Nala¡¯s own second, would bear a talon sharp enough to rip out someone¡¯s throat.
Nala wondered for a moment if that throat might be hers.
Living in the wilderness alone, it seemed unlikely that Nala would ever live to reach her third stage, a fact for which she was thankful. She would be so much smaller than Indel was now.
Visions flashed of a short-tempered Indel snapping Nala¡¯s neck for moving too slowly when fetching water. It was perhaps a gross exaggeration, but the thought lingered in the back of her mind nonetheless.
She studied Indel for some time.
¡°Mana.¡± She chuckled at letting the word slip. As her eyes scanned the small barn, she let out a sigh. ¡°Beloved. You are incapable of such a thing as true affection. But for a moment, you let me make pretend.¡±
Using Indel¡¯s robe, she covered the Leveler¡¯s face and scooped him up.
Now it was time to think realistically. When Smith returned, Nala had to make certain she had a proper hiding place. Short of seeing her grave, it was doubtful the Earther would leave her in peace. So long as Smith didn¡¯t kill the sloth¡ªNala¡¯s only beast of burden now¡ªthere was hope.
The double suns greeted her as soon as she stepped out. Daytime, despite the bitter heat, was safe if no one knew of her cargo. In these piercing suns, even Earthers wouldn¡¯t dare venture out in large numbers. She could travel unopposed.
She should have left earlier. It was foolish to put it off. No doubt she¡¯d only hear another complaint once they arrived at the cave. Indel was seldom pleasant for long.
¡°You are temptation made flesh. It¡¯ll be good riddance,¡± Nala muttered.
Much like before, she affixed the surly Leveler to the sloth¡¯s hide, several gunnysacks stuffed under the rope to hide the fancy robes. Fortunately Indel crouched up, making him appear more like stuffs than a body.
¡°Na¡¯am...¡± came a groan.
The word gave Nala pause. A title like that was useless after the first mating. Perhaps Indel was still recovering from the effects of the raw pods and that was why he¡¯d said it.
¡°Na¡¯am...Na¡¯am, where have you gone? Will you return? Will you pull me to you again?¡±
Each groan came softer and softer still until only the name lingered.
A cooing sound accompanied Indel¡¯s quiet voice. ¡°Na¡¯am...please do not go from me. Bring the darkness with you.¡±
Staring at the gunnysack, Nala wondered what it all meant. No doubt Indel was feeling the madness of waiting too long to change form.
¡°Bring the darkness with you...?¡± Nala feared for him enough to loosen the rope. A third stage being was no easy charge. They required moisture lest their bodies dry out and they lose their senses. Nala had been careful. As her fingers loosened the knot, she feared she hadn¡¯t been careful enough.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
¡°Oh! Heave. Move, you miserable bitch.¡±
At the voice¡ªa voice Nala would know in even the blackest pit¡ªNala paused in her task.
Her eyes stayed affixed to that of the most important Leveler of them all, Indel.
Smith was coming.
¡°Move!¡±
Another cracking of the whip called Nala¡¯s focus. Down the hill, almost at the very bottom, Smith¡¯s figure came into view. His sloth, orange in color because it was poorly cared for, whined and screeched as it lumbered up the soft morning marsh.
Too stunned to move, Nala surveyed her small farm, panic sending her brain working. She had to hide. More importantly, she had to hide Indel. Should she leave Indel inside, Smith might bust in as he often did without warning. And leaving Indel hidden perhaps in the dirt might keep his skin moist for a time, but not an entire day, especially when those two suns were high up.
By the time Nala¡¯d decided to risk putting Indel back inside, Smith came into view. The Earther spotted them.
¡°Na¡¯am...¡± Indel groaned.
Nala struck him, hopefully on the head. ¡°Shush!¡±
¡°Na¡¯am....¡±
At the next groan, Nala was gentler, whispering as Smith neared, ¡°Mana. Do you hear me, Mana?¡±
Indel¡¯s deep moan meant that he had.
¡°Good.¡± Nala stepped closer, her eyes fixed on Smith¡¯s robed form and the miserable beast at his side. ¡°Good. Mana, you must be quiet. You must not move.¡±
¡°My loins ache, Na¡¯am.¡±
Damn you and your loins. Are we to die for the sake of your member? A thought occurred to her.
Smith neared but Nala held the gunnysack.
Stroking it and crooning, she said, ¡°Hear me, Mana. Do you enjoy my affection?¡± A deep groan answered her as the sack stirred. ¡°Listen, Mana, you shall have me again. Would you enjoy that?¡±
¡°Only if you secrete more, you were too snug,¡± Indel muttered. ¡°But it was lovely with you the other way.¡±
Nala wasn¡¯t certain what he meant by the other way. She didn¡¯t have time to give it much thought as Smith came so close that they almost met eyes.
Something behind Smith¡¯s sloth took up his focus.
¡°The other way then,¡± Nala whispered. ¡°You shall have me the other way. Any way you can claim me. You shall have me forever, but you must do me one boon?¡±
Several clicks and moans sounded as Indel shifted in his cramped space.
¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Remain still,¡± Nala said, her hearts beating frantic. ¡°Remain still, Mana. Keep quiet and remain still! I beg you.¡±
¡°Summoner,¡± Smith called but Nala was reluctant to leave Indel¡¯s side. The next shout came as a bellow, ¡°Summoner!¡±
Despite her fears, Nala hurried to the Earther. ¡°Yes, Mr. Smith.¡±
¡°Here. Look at this. Found it close by.¡±
A robe leading from the sloth¡¯s harness was affixed to a red foot. It was a Leveler, a badly injured one. Purple blood oozed from the patches where its exoskeleton took damage.
¡°There was another one there, too, well, parts of it. This one¡¯s still alive. Can you doctor it back to health?¡±
A Leveler. A stage one Leveler lay before her and all thoughts rushed to Indel. No doubt this was one of his fighters from that blast.
Nala looked from Smith¡¯s twisted up dark face, down to the ailing being on the ground. The Earther had dragged it a long way. An inspection of the Leveler¡¯s back confirmed her fears. The scales were nearly gone, leaving the back and the hump of its behind badly bruised.
Pity was all Nala felt for Indel¡¯s friend because now that Smith knew of his presence, he¡¯d no doubt take him for research. No one ever returned from research. And this, too, was the Earther¡¯s vice. No doubt he wanted this Leveler¡¯s tail. Somehow Earthers discovered that drying it and consuming it would bring on their own Earther mating spell, however brief.
¡°Can you help it or not?¡± Smith demanded.
Nala nodded, reasoning she could perhaps convince Smith he died or ran away.
¡°Yes. I¡¯ll take him.¡± She looked up to the Earther and pleaded, trying to sound sincere, ¡°But he¡¯s a stage one Leveler. What if he awakens and attacks me?¡±
Smith¡¯s dark brown eyes squinted. ¡°That¡¯s not my fucking problem. He¡¯s got a pretty good size tail on him and everything. If he dies before I come back, make sure and save his body. The boys could do with the new parts, especially that tail.¡±
Robbed of speech, Nala only nodded.
¡°Good. Make sure it doesn¡¯t die. It looks cute with that fake mustache.¡± Smith mounted his sloth with a deep laugh. When the beast protested, he tightened the reins. ¡°Damn these fucking things. I¡¯ll walk then.¡±
Nala thought to tell him that the harness was too narrow, or that riding a sloth bare was best. Earthers had their own way of thinking.
She waited until Smith was out of view before she put both hands under the Leveler¡¯s chest scales and dragged him inside.
Indel would be pleased to see his friend. Deep down, Nala could admit that despite her worries, having the bitter king share her bed of hay for another night filled her with warmth. Indel still called her Na¡¯am. It was foolish to use that word now; they were no longer new lovers. They weren¡¯t lovers at all.
CHAPTER 7
The new Leveler posed a problem: Indel refused to speak. Since the two had awoken, roughly at the same time, Nala had gathered a great deal of water.
Indel was quiet.
His injured friend must have held great importance for him.
As the day progressed with Indel so agreeable, Nala¡¯s enthusiasm for giving aid waned as well. She gave Indel the greater majority of the water because he was King, but he could barely sit up enough to swallow it.
When Nala tried to aid him, Indel eased her aside so that he might stare at his friend.
Nala understood. It was unheard of for a Summoner to examine or meet eyes with a Leveler for long. Unfamiliar with the tell-tale signs of a female Leveler, she¡¯d tried to use Summoner habits, shapes, sizes, markings to guess. Nothing on the exoskeleton hinted at it. But now, now Nala knew. Female. The new Leveler was female and so enticing that Indel never looked away from her, not even for a moment. Indel had boasted before about being groomed by females honored and fortunate enough to receive his interest. It stood to reason that he¡¯d carried a groomer with him to stave off the anguish of the mating spell until his arrival at his destination.
The second Leveler was in poor shape, what with the cracks all over her armor, but considering her importance, Nala resolved to treat her well. That proved a difficult task because Indel¡¯s friend scorned her.
Gathering enough paste to make food for both of them was a grueling task, made all the more difficult because Nala longed to return to their sides as quickly as she could.
When she came back to find them gazing at one another, she held her peace.
She handed Indel the greater portion, and again Indel pushed Nala aside and offered the new guest the food instead.
He was so careful¡ªso careful with the Leveler female, far more careful that he¡¯d been with Nala. Nala¡¯s skin itched. It felt so dry it nearly burned but it was foolish to be upset. She had no reason to be woeful. The king had his charge and obviously held affection for her.
Rather than leave the new Leveler on the ground, Nala decided to gather up hay and leaves to offer her a soothing resting place for her back.
The Leveler refused Nala¡¯s touch with a flinch and a vocal gag. Each attempt Nala made was met with a hiss. Nala didn¡¯t say anything back. Both lovers were silent with her there. Both stared at one another, and both barely ate of the food.
At the very least, Nala thought Indel would accept her food and water and save her the insult.
The day was tense, but by the evening, the second Leveler¡¯s scales began to shed.
She can even shift stages at will... Nala marveled. She¡¯d blamed the mating season for her own change but it wasn¡¯t something she¡¯d called on. Summoners could no longer will the stages to come. It was no surprise that this Leveler could.
Each scale which fell away brought fresher skin with it, healing most wounds, albeit crudely. This Nala acknowledged. Shifting forms left everyone renewed. If it was so easy for Levelers, no doubt this one would continue the shift until she was in her third stage¡ªprime for mating.
That was what Indel needed. A lay. A proper lay. Rather than bear witness to the new Leveler¡¯s beauty¡ªthat Leveler¡¯s tail, Nala took great interest in the floor whenever at rest.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
She considered giving them privacy for a time. No doubt Nala¡¯s lay had left Indel unsatisfied. The new Leveler might have been better skilled. Wandering around the barn in the dead of night was near suicide but Nala thought to risk it rather than bear witness to a real lay, a better one as Indel had complained even this morning that Nala¡¯s secretions were too few. A mate who wouldn¡¯t be so foolish as to lie on her back like a stupid Earther.
Standing at the doorway, staring out at the setting suns, Nala tried to understand how one day could change her emotions so entirely. What she felt this morning and what she felt now was such a great contrast that she worried for herself. At this rate, she¡¯d drown herself in the river by nightfall.
The first sun, Tjave, and the second, its slower and brighter brother, Pojn, dulled in the distance. Before Tjave rested for the day, Nala sent out a prayer to their long-forgotten gods.
¡°What am I to do with them?¡± she whispered.
There was no reason to ask. Indel¡¯s body still ached and his groomer was here. No doubt they would want to commence somehow.
Suicide and night predators be damned, Nala couldn¡¯t bear the thought of staying.
¡°Na¡¯am...¡±
The word left Nala¡¯s hearts pounding against each other. Was he calling her? Or...or the new Leveler? There was no movement save for her heaving chest.
¡°Na¡¯am?¡± Indel repeated.
With such gentleness in Indel¡¯s voice, Nala dreaded turning. She did so, however, ready to accept whatever Indel asked of her.
She should have answered, but the word ¡®Mana¡¯ would be too telling.
¡°Come here.¡± Indel extended his hand to her. ¡°The pain reaches to my very neck. Give me but a moment.¡±
Nala stared at him, confused and slighted. She would have taken it for mockery but Indel shifted the gunnysack covering to the side to show his meaning.
His member, no longer pink, was red and full.
One glance at Indel¡¯s groomer showed Nala the new Leveler¡¯s curious eyes¡ªthe only place visible due to the exoskeleton on her head. The newcomer was confused.
Nala¡¯s body swelled with pride. It was a foolish reaction but to get such a request instead of the Leveler was an unexpected thing.
A smile in place, Nala hurried to kneel by the hay.
¡°No, Na¡¯am,¡± Indel cooed. ¡°Undo your robe.¡±
And show my tail...? All interest and possible secretions faded. Now instead of foolish pride, she felt like a plaything. Indel was agreeable¡ªIndel was never agreeable without reason.
His fingers in Nala¡¯s hair, Indel leaned in and whispered, ¡°It aches. Please have faith in me. I need you close for tonight. In the morning we¡¯ll be gone otherwise.¡± Indel reached down for the rope that held Nala¡¯s gunnysack robe closed. ¡°Give me this thing, I beg of you.¡±
Staring up into those gray eyes, Nala decided one thing; she would allow no regrets upon Indel¡¯s parting. No regrets for herself. Her lack of trust made her skin dry¡ªmade it difficult for her king to penetrate.
Letting out a deep breath, Nala stood, shed the robe, ignored the other Leveler¡¯s gasp of disgust, and knelt with her hands on the ground.
It wasn¡¯t that far from the hay but even moving that much proved a chore for Indel who made a great deal of groans as he dismounted to kneel behind her.
With each second that passed on her hands and knees, Nala hated herself. She hated it even more because she didn¡¯t have the knowledge needed to make this a better memory to keep.
She glanced at the groomer-Leveler¡¯s feet rather than witness any disapproval in a possible gaze. The new Leveler¡¯s stage-shift was nearly complete, though her clawed hands took longer to shed.
Indel¡¯s presence at Nala¡¯s back drew her focus.
The king touched her, the dip of her back, then lower to her stump of a tail.
¡°If you prefer your groomer...¡± Nala began.
¡°I prefer you, Summoner.¡± Easing back on the hay, Indel pulled her along. ¡°Come, your body is dry. Lie by my side.¡±
Nala settled in with him, upset leaving her body to burn.
¡°But you¡¯re in pain,¡± Nala protested.
¡°You do not know much about a lay,¡± Indel whispered. ¡°A secreting body means it¡¯s pleasurable for both. I wish to romp with you, not injure you. Come. Rest here. Rest close to me.¡±
And so they remained until night took them. In the darkness, Nala stared at the groomer¡¯s glowing eyes for some time before she lost most of her own vision. Summoners weren¡¯t as well suited for the night, though some could practice themselves to be.
Nala closed her eyes, her body pressed to Indel¡¯s, but when she heard the groomer shift and rustle, she said nothing. When Indel slipped over her and fell to the ground, no doubt to join his own kind in a proper lay, she said nothing.
She wasn¡¯t sure when Indel connected with the other Leveler in the night, though she did know they were both lying as they did. At each groan and whine, she waited, shame robbing her of even the power to look.
CHAPTER 8
¡°Foolish, Summoner! You blasted Summoner!¡± Indel wailed. ¡°You foolish, foolish whelp!¡±
Nala feigned sleep even now. The king and his companion had been rather noisy all night.
Now Indel called her¡ªbut not with a gentle name.
¡°Summoner, please. I will not hold much longer.¡±
Nala opened her eyes with the intent to witness them. Would Indel¡¯s lustful gaze seem fuller?
Indel, his feet braced against the other Leveler¡¯s shoulders, held the ends of the rope with both hands.
¡°Summoner,¡± Indel called out. ¡°The rope will break. If you have a weapon of any kind, I am in need!¡±
No sooner had he said it, the rope, Nala¡¯s former belt, split.
The new Leveler flopped over onto her¡ªhis hands and knees rather than lying. It was a male. All but too apparent now with the exoskeleton gone. His back still bruised and raw, he dragged himself to his feet and hobbled out.
¡°Blast!¡± Indel growled, turning on his belly to crawl.
Each vocal complaint spoke volumes of his suffering.
The speed with which Indel scurried along the ground left Nala in a state of shock. Curiosity and awe fueled her to rush to the doorway and peer out into the dim light of morning.
Indel caught one of the stones by the fence, so big it was nearly the size of his head. He hurtled it without effort, striking the other Leveler in the back.
A growl ripped from the back of Indel¡¯s throat as he stood, hobbled over to the fallen Leveler, grabbed the rock, and slammed it into his foe¡¯s back, again and again.
¡°Do you think I¡¯m King because I have the biggest penis! Should you want to kill me¡ª¡± he slammed the rock down, a grunt coming from the beaten creature. ¡°You do it face¡ª¡± slam. ¡°To face!¡±
The second Leveler finally stopped moving. He didn¡¯t even twitch.
Blood-stained rock in hand, Indel watched the listless figure, his body heaving and huffing.
A moment later, Indel lost all power and crumbled to the ground. Whatever bit of energy he had left went into those blows.
Nala thought to inquire what was happening but something else drew her focus; the suns were climbing. Smith would come.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
¡°Na¡¯am...¡± Indel whispered. The way his head bobbed spoke of fatigue. ¡°I thought he¡¯d caught you somehow. Or that I¡¯d slept and you...and you...¡±
Each step Nala took closer, dread choked her.
¡°And I thought,¡± Indel whispered. ¡°Curse you, Summoner. I worried for you.¡±
Worried? Nala took the scene in. All through the night, the rough cries and grunts she¡¯d heard in and out of her night¡¯s rest became vivid¡ªthey¡¯d fought. And the two levelers had fought to a state of exhaustion.
Time wasn¡¯t a luxury they could afford. Rather than wait for Smith to arrive and discover his coveted Leveler very dead, Nala rushed back into the barn. She retrieved the coverings from the day before and cast them over Indel¡¯s twitching body.
¡°Dilen,¡± Indel said. ¡°We must bring Dilen. We cannot leave him.¡±
Nala prepared the sloth as fast as she could. It was when she led it to Indel that she noticed that the second Leveler, despite his chest baring the markings of several blows by the rock, still drew breaths. He was alive.
¡°We must bring him,¡± Indel said, even as Nala covered his head and attached the ends to the sloth for carrying. She then yanked on the rope, hoisting him up on the kneeling beast¡ªsupplies would go on one side, Indel on the other. ¡°The Earthers...¡±
¡°Do not worry,¡± Nala struggled to say. ¡°There is a river near. We can put him¡ª¡±
¡°No.¡± The robes muffled Indel¡¯s voice but he continued, ¡°We must bring him with us. We must. Please, Nala, I beg.¡±
Nala paused in her task.
¡°Please. He was with me in my travel. His armor helped him survive but he knew I could not. He did not greet me when he saw me. He looked fearful. We must bring him. We cannot leave him to tell the Earthers of our structure. We cannot leave him to...to come back for you when I¡¯m gone,¡± Indel whispered. ¡°Please. He is the one with the nectar. Please. I ask you only this.¡±
But this was asking a lot.
¡°Mana...¡± Nala began, cursing herself for still using that foolish word.
¡°Na¡¯am, please.¡±
The answer was soothing enough but Nala had a bigger problem.
¡°The sloths look big, it is true. But they slow with more weight. It cannot carry even the two of us. This Leveler does not stir. I cannot carry the two of you on the sloth. The sun cannot catch you directly.¡±
All was quiet for a long while until Indel said, ¡°If you wish to survive another cycle, you know that we must find a way.¡±
Visions and thoughts of a near dead Leveler climbing from the river tonight or the next night plagued her.
Even if Nala could drag him, she had yet another concern.
¡°What if he awakens as we move? What can I do then?¡±
¡°The same thing you can do now,¡± Indel muttered, ¡°nothing.¡±
Nothing. That soft word was the hardest threat she¡¯d ever suffered.
¡°But would you rather he awaken with me or with you alone?¡±
The suns were coming, and Smith would come as well. There was no time to hide the Leveler. Losing the goats was bad, losing a specimen along with it was life-threatening.
They had to leave, and they had to leave now. Nala had seen Earthers tie up more than a few Summoner specimens. She hadn¡¯t understood it all at the time, but she¡¯d seen it. She¡¯d even fetched vines for them for that purpose until she¡¯d noticed the pattern. Whatever Summoner they took, never returned.
She risked leaving the Levelers for a moment. Some vines were close enough that she could get them. It was a waste of time to try but she could think of no other way to bring the extra body.
Young, wet vines were the first ones she caught when she hopped up by a tree. If she¡¯d had her tail, she could jump higher.
A long sting of failures come and went before she gave up on tying the Leveler up.
She could make a loop however, and she dragged it by Dilen¡¯s ankle, the back-toe anchoring it in place¡ªright above a strange black marking.
The other supplies from the day before were still unpacked and she slung them onto the sloth but not before using the red dirt below her feet to carve out a message on the door with her finger.
Smith might wait a while if he came should a message be there.
¡°Be back soon.¡±
CHAPTER 9
The suns shown bright, but Nala lurched on, hauling the sleeping Leveler behind them. She had to drag him on her own or the sloth would tire, leaving Indel vulnerable. Gray dirt stretched as far as the eyes could see. Food was a long way off, as was a river. With her other hand, she tugged on the reins to prompt the sloth to stop.
She¡¯d lost count of how often she¡¯d given Indel water. This time she didn¡¯t bother asking; she only opened the robes and doused the crouched-up Leveler King¡¯s naked body. She didn¡¯t use much¡ªshe had to conserve it.
Indel awoke this time. ¡°Now Dilen,¡± he insisted.
Nala wanted to refuse, to remind him that they still had far to go, and as she was a Summoner whose kind went into the forest to breed instead of caves as Levelers did, she didn¡¯t know how far.
¡°Follow the suns,¡± Indel repeated. ¡°But please see to Dilen. Give him extra.¡±
While robes shrouded Indel, Dilen only had a gunnysack keeping the suns from frying him alive.
Though reluctant, Nala obeyed.
Water pelted Dilen, drawing out a groan.
Nala¡¯s silence prompted a rustle from the robes.
¡°What is it?¡± Indel asked.
¡°He...he moved,¡± Nala whispered. She stood from her crouch and surveyed the plush yellow grass. ¡°I have no weapon.¡±
¡°Unhitch me,¡± Indel commanded.
Nala thought to protest¡ªshe should have protested. Indel couldn¡¯t last long in the suns uncovered.
Instead, she complied.
Indel spilled out of the fabric, the rock in hand. The thing was still purple from Dilen¡¯s blood.
Crawling on his forearms, Lynel scurried the short distance to Dilen.
¡°Here¡¯s your weapon,¡± Indel said. He slammed the stone down onto Dilen¡¯s leg, dragging a harrowing cry out along with it.
Indel broke the other leg.
¡°Bring the vines higher to secure him,¡± Indel suggested. He crawled toward the sloth and managed to roll himself up to the robes. That made Nala¡¯s job easier.
The Leveler, Dilen, was awake. No matter. He couldn¡¯t get up to launch another attack. He couldn¡¯t get up at all now.
As Nala traveled, a ruckus behind her, two burning suns above, nothing was quite as awful as Dilen¡¯s cries.
He cried like an infant, or like a baying newborn. He cried and cried. And when he finally ceased in crying...he spoke.
¡°Summoner,¡± Dilen sobbed. ¡°Summoner. What is your name, Summoner? Where are you taking us? Where are you taking my king? Won¡¯t you leave me here, as I cannot walk? I would not pursue you. I am on your side, Summoner.¡±
The tip of a mountain came into view. It was still a long way off. They could reach by nightfall should no other surprises arise.
Dilen gasped, spotting it as well. ¡°No. No, you foolish thing. Don¡¯t you understand! Don¡¯t know you what they will do? You are a Summoner. Would your God allow murder? Are you allowed to murder? They¡¯ll kill me when I arrive. They plan to kill me, and you¡¯ll help them! This is murder.¡±
Pace slowing, Nala came to a stop.
She looked back at Dilen. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.
Despite the heat, his face the only thing visible behind the gunnysack, he glistened with sweat.
The fear he displayed was no farce.
Dilen calmed finally. ¡°They¡¯ll kill me, Summoner. But what will they do to you? What do you think Levelers would do to a Summoner? A Summoner with no tail? You have no tail! This is madness. Unhook me and leave me here. I mean you no harm.¡±
They locked eyes until Nala said, ¡°You wish to kill your king. There is no greater harm.¡±
¡°You have met the king,¡± Dilen scoffed. ¡°His hearts are gray and hideous as is his nature. Ridding this world of him would be nothing short of a boon.¡±
Had Nala kept her first impression of Indel, she might have agreed. Now she couldn¡¯t imagine it. The same one who¡¯d been so gentle...and patient.
¡°And you? What do you think they¡¯ll do to you?¡±
Nala had no answer to give.
¡°They¡¯ll kill you, too,¡± Dilen said through his sweat. ¡°They¡¯ll kill you.¡± He gestured at the sloth. ¡°Go on, ask him. Ask that king what you¡¯ll be good for upon your arrival.¡±
As Nala listened, she tried to consider the best course of action. All three of them traveling was a slow laborious thing. She thought to offer Dilen more water, but she dared not do so with the Leveler awake.
¡°Think for yourself, Summoner! What will become of you?¡±
Despite those words, Nala almost glanced back at Indel¡¯s wrapped frame. She corrected that action, but it was too late, Dilen took note.
The Leveler studied her. ¡°You favor him?¡±
Nala¡¯s skin went dry. It took all her strength not to starch at her arms.
Even that tense reaction was telling.
¡°You do?¡± Dilen looked her up and down, more disgusted than confused. ¡°No. You have no tail. It¡¯s not possible to enjoy him. Any Leveler with a damaged tail loses interest in mating as the sensation dwindles.¡± The silence between them stretched on until he said, ¡°And this second-stage body means even less sensation.¡±
Nala looked around her¡ªnot for anything in particular, just something else to focus on.
¡°But you.... No, you do enjoy it,¡± Dilen concluded. ¡°And if it¡¯s for no sensation, then what? What is the appeal?¡±
With nothing solid to hold Nala¡¯s interest, she gripped the reins of the sloth. The truth in those words confused her. The Leveler was right¡ªshe did enjoy Indel, but...not for the physical nature of it, not at first. Not really.
¡°Pride,¡± Dilen said. ¡°You take pride in being used in such a manner!¡±
Stunned, Nala regarded him. She couldn¡¯t look away from that gaze.
¡°You are perverse. Body and hearts. You are perverse. And now you bring me¡ªbring yourself to be slaughtered. Foolish, foolish, Summoner. Have you no sense left? You are naught be a linfth in our king¡¯s eye. What do you take yourself for? Something of value? You mean no more to him than the dirt upon which you tread. Release me! Show some mercy. You follow the Earth God. Then show me mercy! You are twisted if you do not.¡±
¡°Na¡¯am?¡±
Cringing, Nala remained silent.
She dragged in shallow breaths, but the air tasted bitter.
¡°Na¡¯am?¡± Indel called again, his tone the sweetest yet.
Now when Nala heard that word, she doubted its sincerity. It was a good question; what would happen when Indel no longer had a reason to sound gentle and agreeable?
¡°Na¡¯am. Unhitch me, please,¡± Indel begged. ¡°Na¡¯am?¡±
It took far too long for Nala to comply. After she did, in the blink of an eye, Indel jumped to his feet.
His two-toed foot over Dilen¡¯s chest, the Leveler King swung downward in a sweeping motion.
Crack was all Nala heard.
This time when Indel backed away, he did so turned toward Dilen. The violence and suffering Indel left behind now was the least forgivable. He¡¯d struck with such force that the bottom half of Dilen¡¯s face sunk in. Now he couldn¡¯t talk.
Seeing Indel struggle with this Leveler despite his own pain had been noble and brave, but this...this was only cruel.
Indel caught her gaze. Whatever he found in Nala¡¯s eyes washed his satisfied expression away. They looked at one another, neither speaking.
¡°Come, Na¡¯am,¡± Indel said at length. ¡°We must go.¡±
¡°But....¡±
As disdainful as Dilen was, he¡¯d been right of one thing¡ªNala¡¯s Earth God forbid murder.
¡°What will happen to him?¡± Nala whispered.
Indel studied her. ¡°You do not believe in your king, Na¡¯am?¡±
But Nala did. As foolish as it was, she believed in him blindly.
Levelers and Summoners were kin. But a Leveler was a difficult thing to read. They didn¡¯t mimic Earther habits. Nala, much like all other Summoner who valued their hides, learned early how to read an Earthman¡¯s anger, frustration, wrath, deception, praise.... And they¡¯d done it so long that they, too, began seeing that mimicry reflected in each other. Nala considered herself beyond it. But today, today she knew, she could not deny, the Earther sense of self-preservation above friendship came to her in waves.
And this broken Leveler¡ªthe same Indel insisted come¡ªwas hard to carry.
What were they bringing now? A weak stage three Leveler with a damaged face, and two broken legs? One leg was so dark that it was nearly black at the ankle.
A red glow blinked again and again on Dilen¡¯s broken foot.
Something flickered at Dilen¡¯s ankle and Nala barely caught it. There it was again.
¡°My king....¡± Nala pointed. ¡°There is an Earther device in this Leveler. A tracking device. Smith will find us.¡±
CHAPTER 10
The familiar tickle at the back of Nala¡¯s throat told her to start swallowing now lest she be overwhelmed. Indel reached the height of his release finally, shooting his seed into Nala¡¯s mouth.
This wasn¡¯t the time for it, but it¡¯d become a matter of life and death; Indel couldn¡¯t quiet.
Nala waited, the member hardly shrunk this time. The coaxing was faster at least. No sooner had she taken Indel from her mouth that she saw the penis fill and jut out.
¡°It is unmanageable now!¡± Nala complained. ¡°The more I give you release, the faster your excitement comes.¡± She met eyes with Indel, genuinely pensive. ¡°Mana, I cannot¡ªI cannot swallow anymore, and we do not have the time. I must dig more.¡±
While before, Indel could move about, now he could hardly relax his muscles enough. Even the rock he clutched was more for lack of body control and not because he favored it.
Nala looked the dirt over.
¡°We should spill it. We should spill it,¡± she repeated to herself, looking for a good area.
¡°No,¡± Indel grunted. ¡°No.¡±
Determined to ignore him, Nala set about finding a good enough place. It would be quite a lot but at least it was coming quickly. The old ways of never leaving seed on the ground be damned. They couldn¡¯t run anymore.
¡°No!¡± The shout might have come about more out of anguish than protest.
¡°Blast you and your old beliefs,¡± Nala lamented. ¡°We must.¡±
¡°Too sweet,¡± Indel said, his body twitching. ¡°Animals come. Too close to the cave. You¡¯ll doom my kind. We need the caves.¡±
Their eyes met and Nala found no help there. She wasn¡¯t familiar enough with mating to know anything beyond what she could surmise on her own. She did know this rule, however. Not that it mattered as the force needed to coax required a mouth if not mating itself. But even Summoners gathered in a clutch and abandoned that part of the forest after the season faded. And wherever they mated, they would not return to that area for multiple seasons. Indel could very well be speaking the truth; spilling his seed might attract predators of sorts.
¡°No,¡± Indel pleaded again. Rock in his grip, he raised his trembling hand toward the mountain. ¡°We move.¡±
¡°We cannot move. Not if it must be all three of us.¡±
Nala looked over her shoulder to Dilen¡¯s figure not too far from them. The Leveler had witnessed it all¡ªtheir short coupling. A time or two he¡¯d stiffened in reaction. That didn¡¯t matter. Each time Nala told herself it was for her king, it became easier. But damn this Leveler.
¡°He cannot speak now, Mana. We must leave him. Smith cannot ride sloths well but if he comes with one of his Earther vehicles, he¡¯ll overtake us in no time. We must go.¡±
Body tensed as if a sharp pain had shot through him, Indel muttered through tight lips. ¡°Heal.¡±
Nala watched him, her hearts aching in response to his obvious suffering.
¡°Heal. Warrior stage will heal. Everything returns.¡± Even saying that much was a struggle.
Looking over her shoulder at Dilen, Nala processed the words. Warrior stage.
Nala knelt up as it occurred to her. Much like the day before when the Leveler shifted to a higher stage, he could shift back to the first. ¡°Do you mean all his bits will return when he completes the cycle?¡±
Nodding fervently, Indel grunted. ¡°Yes. Everything.¡±
Thoughts of her own severed tail filled Nala¡¯s head though briefly. Leaving Dilen was no longer something to consider, but neither was that leg with the Earther device.
Nala decided on her old plan. ¡°Very well, Mana. I must leave you two here and fetch your people.¡± When no grunt or yells came, she took it as a sign of agreement.
Indel caught her arm before she could stand. ¡°Don¡¯t...¡±
The grip was strong and seemed one the Leveler King was determined to loosen with little success.
¡°Stay.¡±
The words confused Nala all the more because she was uncertain if they should fit together or apart. Apart...would mean sharing Indel¡¯s company longer. It was not an awful thought, in fact, her hearts fluttered in response.
Loosening Indel¡¯s grip for him, Nala interlocked their three fingers, her hearts slowing. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
The taste of Indel¡¯s seed still in her mouth, Nala put their foreheads together and whispered, ¡°If I could remain by your side, Mana....¡±
¡°No.¡± Indel tightened his hold, stifling a groan.
That was one word that left no confusion. In the distance Dilen watched them. Nala feared finding what his gaze held. Time was of the essence. And Nala had wasted it making such a foolish plea.
¡°Leave...and run,¡± Indel whispered. ¡°Your tail, Na¡¯am. They cannot see it.¡±
Two suns shown high above, beating down on the one Summoner with her Leveler charges. Their outcome for the day was uncertain, yet despite the harsh suns, Nala felt cold.
¡°Mana....¡± The rejection was something she should have expected. Nala wanted to laugh off her moment of weakness in thinking Indel had wanted to keep her close. ¡°I can...I can wait until the mating season is over. I can come here again.¡±
A shriek left Indel¡¯s throat as he pulled away. ¡°Don¡¯t....¡± He crouched up as he struggled to speak. ¡°Don¡¯t....¡±
He resembled a boli flower closing up at night.
¡°Your tail....¡±
Nala watched him for a moment and then remembered herself. It was enough now and there was no sense coming so far for nothing.
If there was one thing Summoners knew, it was how to dig. She¡¯d burrowed several holes thus far, all the way down to where the soil was soft. In her haste she could only make six, but should the worst happen and Smith find them, maybe he¡¯d choose wrong and would take his time to dig them all up.
It took a lot of work to grab the rock from Indel¡¯s hand.
Dilen started to suffer in the heat, his skin nearly brittle. The fear in his eyes as Nala approached was misplaced, however. Unlike Indel who seemed fit and ready to break the Leveler¡¯s body, Nala¡¯s intent was for the black beacon that would beckon Smith close.
She struck it, causing Dilen to wail. This time, too, it was to no avail. She decided to strike it just once more. Whether by luck or misfortune, the bone broke instead.
Nala might have apologized but she was too grateful. Several strikes against the flashing light yielded no results. She took the thing up and hurried to the sloth. The well-trained animal could only return home on its own.
Sending Smith to her unguarded barn once more was the last thing she desired, but she saw no other alternative if she wanted to reach that cave in one piece.
¡°Come,¡± Nala cooed, willing herself to calm lest she make the beast uneasy. ¡°Come, Betty. Come.¡±
Nala wasn¡¯t sure where that foolish name came from, but she used it again and again to soothe the sloth to cooperate. As suspected, without other food to beguile the thing, it lapped at Nala¡¯s hand but refused to eat the Earther device. She resolved to give up and turned to voice some apology to Dilen. The Leveler¡¯s shriek spooked the sloth enough for it to toss back its head.
Nala slipped the strange beacon inside its mouth, keeping its head up to force it to swallow.
¡°Don¡¯t fret. It¡¯ll come out the other end soon enough,¡± she promised. ¡°Now go. Return home.¡±
A stern slap on the beast¡¯s rump sent it charging. Its six legs kicked up dirt when it picked up speed.
Alone without a saddle or some nonsense like that, sloths were rather quick.
That might buy them some time.
Nala refilled the holes, careful to make them look identical in length and size. Because Indel remained crouched up, it was easier to put him inside.
Dilen struggled but not for long. Tossing him in the same hole as Indel wasn¡¯t an option but Nala was half tempted to put him with the king to straighten him out.
When the holes were all filled, each identical with an iltus reed shoved in to provide a means to breathe, Nala gathered up one of Indel¡¯s robes which she hoped other Levelers would recognize and thus not kill her on the spot.
She tied it around her waist and set off toward the mountain. The caves weren¡¯t that far off.
Walking into a clutch of Levelers was the least wise decision she¡¯d ever made. She hadn¡¯t traveled far when she spotted four stage one, warrior Levelers, ushering soft skin stage three females along. There might have been some stage three males as well, but as they guarded from themselves rather poorly from the suns with large leaves, it was hard to see.
Hidden behind several great boulders high up, Nala looked down at them. She was so close. Those Levelers could carry Indel the rest of the way. Never mind Dilen, who had accused her of murder.
The distant red spoke of the Levelers¡¯ migration. Leveler after Leveler gathered, moving in a large horde¡ªall heading this way. Nala wondered for a moment if these few below her ledge had not become lost or separated somehow. She had to hurry otherwise they would leave to catch up with the others.
These rocks beside her, although firmly in the ground, could move if she¡¯d tried.
Being fearful was foolish. She should run down there and show herself. Perhaps it would be all right for a moment. The sight of a Summoner, a lone female Summoner might make them curious. Or...playful. Images flashed of them making sport of rendering her came and went.
Everything inside her said it was a chance worth taking but instead, she inched between two boulders, pressing her back against one, her feet against the other.
A boulder loosened and went crashing down the slope.
¡°Blast!¡± Nala shouted out but calmed with relief as it missed a third stage female by fractions.
The stage one Levelers rushed together, chorusing, ¡°Earther! Did you hear that Earther?¡±
¡°I heard her. Send word to the caves. You two follow. Keep your claws at the ready. We must fight.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no fight left,¡± another one said. ¡°Without a king¡ª¡±
¡°Keep your tongues! We¡¯ll fight.¡±
¡°We should hide.¡±
¡°Like boneless Summoners? Better to die in a fight!¡±
¡°Quiet!¡± one shrieked. When they fell silent, he said, ¡°Quiet. I smell something strange. A...A Summoner.¡±
¡°Then leave it. This is no time for a romp.¡±
They turned to search no further but, instead, walk on. Panicked, Nala grabbed a stick and threw it. She threw several more to no avail. Finally, she set herself between two more boulders and shoved one down.
Nala wasn¡¯t sure she¡¯d gotten their attention. She wasn¡¯t sure if she¡¯d perhaps struck one of them. She only set her feet on the ground and ran. Summoners weren¡¯t apt for fighting, and running without a tail was challenge enough, but she ran.
Fine voices gaining speed told her she¡¯d at least gotten some form of help.
¡°Earther! Halt. Earthers have come!¡±
With each shaky step Nala took, she saw it better and better; a huge tank: the war machines.
¡°Smith....¡±
Smith was already here.
CHAPTER 11
Knowing there was no longer aide to find, Nala rushed back to Indel¡¯s burial site.
She broke through the brush top speed and came to a silent halt in time to find Smith digging at a second hole.
The Earther, strange suit and all, worked sluggishly against the heat. He was only two holes away from Dilen. Three before he reached Indel.
Nala stepped back and crouched down. It wasn¡¯t enough to hope the Earther found Dilen first and stopped at that.
Smith¡¯s tools were better. He was still slower than a Summoner at digging, but he¡¯d manage it in time.
Glancing back confirmed Nala¡¯s fears; the Levelers weren¡¯t coming.
Short of attacking the man, Nala could think of no other outcome. If she injured an Earther, other Earth-men would come. Or worse yet, she¡¯d have to try and tend to him. And Smith would take retribution. And what of the caves?
¡°Alpha Walker one. Come in. Do you read? Any signs of hostiles?¡±
Smith slammed down the shovel. ¡°Negative,¡± he screeched back. ¡°It¡¯s like they all up and left. Make a note of it, but not of my location.¡±
¡°Copy that.¡±
¡°Oh, and Jones. This¡¯ll be our biggest fucking payday yet. You shoulda seen the size of this thing. It¡¯s fucking massive. The longest tail ever. Maybe even bigger than the fabled Level King.¡±
A screech came with a chuckle. ¡°Hot damn. It¡¯ll be whores and booze. Be safe out there. You never know what you¡¯ll get with a red one. Better off sticking to the blues. Easier to round up.¡±
¡°Not on your life. Reds are more potent. This is one we can¡¯t pass up. It¡¯ll make up for having to live through this fucking Shakespearean nightmare. Oh, Earther, oh Earther, don¡¯t take my fucking tail, Earther.¡±
¡°Well, I heard that the ones on the other side of the planet got the hip-hop tutorial when we first landed. Can you imagine it?¡±
Smith dug another empty hole, his voice muffled by the white suit as he cursed, ¡°Fuck!¡±
Swallowing down her rampant hearts, Nala stood and charged. She tucked her head down, striking Smith in the back.
The Earther dropped the shovel at least, but he drew something else¡ªone of his strange fire pistols.
Nala froze, her hands extended. ¡°Mr. Smith....¡±
Unable to see Smith¡¯s face behind the helmet, Nala held her ground.
¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir...I didn¡¯t know it was you,¡± Nala lied.
Smith stepped to the right. Nala matched him, going opposite him¡ªall the better if he¡¯d shift away from Indel¡¯s hiding place.
¡°I...I have the Leveler, sir. He¡¯s...he¡¯s at the barn. Is that why you¡¯ve come?¡±
The Earther¡¯s dark eyes held suspicion.
¡°What are you doing here?¡± Smith demanded.
¡°I...¡± Nala struggled for an answer. ¡°I....¡±
A strange scratching noise came from the ground. And then Nala saw why. The reeds to help the Levelers breathe were gone. Smith must have pulled them all up.
One hand struck through the soil, then another. Little by little, Dilen¡¯s mangled head came into view. The Leveler had dug his way out.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.
All was quiet until he used the last of his strength to free himself, turning onto his back to rest.
¡°My specimen!¡±
Nala looked between them then darted for Smith and that weapon. She caught hold only once before it went off.
Right away, Nala let go, her hands raised again.
¡°Oh no. Mr. Smith...no,¡± Nala pleaded, stepping back. Faced with her own end, Nala thought of Indel, the Leveler King resting below the soil, his now frail body crouched up like that of an infant. She hoped she herself could be put to rest as gently. ¡°Mr. Smith...¡± Nala tried again. ¡°I can explain.¡±
A rumble from the soil was the first sign that something else was coming.
Smith stepped back and Nala risked looking behind her to see what was such a fright. Levelers, at least ten or more surrounded them.
That wasn¡¯t what caused the rumble and Nala considered that maybe it was her own fear instead. The Levelers weren¡¯t attacking, they only watched.
A stage two Leveler emerged from the fray, a pleasant yet weary smile fixed in place.
¡°Earther, peace be to you. Have you lost your way?¡± He pointed to himself and then the Levelers at the ready. ¡°We can help you navigate again. It is not wise to tarry so close to this area as predators are abundant. Let us guide you back to your kind, as is our agreement.¡±
Smith raised the weapon and the Leveler stepped back.
¡°I have business here,¡± Smith said.
The stage two Leveler glanced at Nala, then down at Dilen and said, ¡°I can see that. The Summoner is yours, of course, but we thank you for our Leveler brother. We will care for him.¡±
¡°Don¡¯t you fucking move. I¡¯m not leaving without it!¡±
The Leveler took a shaky step forward and Smith fired on the ground.
Shrieks and clicks hummed as Levelers scurried. In the confusion, Nala did something she regretted, she ran. She kept running, stumbling without falling, pumping her legs without gaining much speed, but she ran.
Her steps slowed when she saw no one and nothing. She looked back to the commotion and confusion she¡¯d left behind. There was nothing there for her. Her sloth had no doubt returned home. The Levelers had Smith. Smith had his specimen, and Indel...he could not last long as he was without air.
Nala told herself to run on. No one pursued her. She could have said something. She should have shouted that Indel lay buried, even in the old tongue. There the Levelers all stood, gathered around their half-dead king, and Nala...had run.
She began to walk toward the noise. Her feet fell faster.
¡°Hold your ground,¡± the stage two Leveler warned. ¡°We cannot spill Earther blood, and not here. Tell the others to prepare to retreat to another cave.¡±
Two Warrior Levelers disappeared into the brush, missing Nala by fractions. She dropped down, hiding herself but she could see the clearing.
The diplomat gave Smith a weak smile.
¡°Peace, Earther. We only send for our king so that he may wax an agreement with you, of course.¡± He bowed his head. ¡°Your Summoner has left but we can help you find her again, so that you may carry on your business with her. How does that sound?¡±
Smith let out a cry as he lost footing and toppled to the ground.
His wry body covered in dirt, Indel broke through the rest of the soil, robes in hand. He caught Smith around the throat and dragged him down.
The diplomat gasped. ¡°No! We cannot afford a dead Earther! Get him out!¡±
A flood of Levelers rushed to the last of Smith¡¯s boots before they disappeared underground.
¡°And the pistol,¡± someone asked.
¡°Blast the pistol. It is our heads if the warmachines return!¡±
Working together, the Levelers dug far enough to snatch Smith out of the dirt, and someone else with him.
¡°Moon for which we rise, it is our king!¡±
The diplomat rushed to see. ¡°The king?¡±
¡°Blast you, let me stand on my own!¡± Naked and bolder than the day he and Nala had met, Indel stepped from the hole, his body no longer frail.
Nala fell back to sit on the ground.
Indel. He lived.
Though the king¡¯s legs seemed unsteady, he stood his ground as he gestured to Dilen. ¡°Get him inside.¡±
Excited chatter died down when the diplomat raised his hands. ¡°We cannot force a shift without¡ª¡±
¡°No. No shift. His clan is no longer of us. Keep him for the newborns to feast upon. They should taste the flesh of their enemy early.¡±
The diplomat had no response but in time he nodded. ¡°If you are certain.¡±
¡°I am.¡± Indel tossed the robes down as Levelers gathered around him. ¡°Do not touch me. I will walk.¡±
¡°In your condition¡ª¡±
¡°My condition is fine. I will walk,¡± Indel repeated though his body trembled.
This was what it meant to look like a king. The Leveler King nearly hunched from the pain, but he was determined to show his might.
Nala watched, frozen in awe at Indel¡¯s body strength. It seemed impossible that he could endure the pain enough to stand, but there he stood.
¡°What of this Earther here?¡± the diplomat asked.
Indel didn¡¯t look back. ¡°He still lives. Bring the Earther back to the city. Have the others sink this blasted machine.¡± He started for the Warrior Levelers but paused. ¡°Was there something else?¡±
¡°Something else?¡± the diplomat repeated.
¡°Yes. A...Betty?¡±
¡°No. No sloth. There is nothing. Come, we must get you cleaned.¡±
Indel¡¯s strides slow and laborious, he disappeared with the setting suns leaving Nala staring after them.
CHAPTER 12
¡°And the warmachine goes boom, boom, boom!¡± the Earther fool exclaimed.
Idrus rested his chin on the palm of his hand. Though it was better to allow his scales to cover most of his face as well, he forfeited that protection from the suns so that he might get a better view of the performance.
The open craft hummed along. Three bodyguards walked on the right of him, three more to the left, but Idrus, riding in the hover carriage, kept his eyes on this frail Earther who was nearly baking in the heat.
This fool was one of the few Earthers left over from the wars.
It seemed hard to believe that only four cycles had passed since Idrus awoke alone in the wild. Abandoned and forgotten. Four cycles had come and gone since he¡¯d walked into those caves as Indel and feasted upon his every desire and whim until he was physically sated.
He glanced behind him at the army of Levelers, still too young to leave the first stage, but fit to fight. More than half were his breed. He¡¯d come out of those caves forever changed. No craving for nectar, but hungry for a fight.
As king he was known by a new name in each of his three forms. Stage one: Idrus, Stage two: Idsel, and Stage three: Indel. Before the battles, before the fights, before that Summoner, Idrus took on the second stage as Idsel. As that stage was less intimidating and more favorable to Earther eyes, it was the preferred stage with which to conduct talks.
The time of talks had come and gone. Now he couldn¡¯t stand the thought of remaining in that stage for long. Other than potentially dealing with Summoners, he saw no reason why he¡¯d need it anymore.
Summoners had vanished.
Dilen¡¯s clan was the first to fall. It was then that Levelers had discovered the terpins. Small animals, unstable in their third stage and highly combustible, but easily harvested. They¡¯d lined the nectar in small doses for years because although they could be deadly, they were incredibly sweet.
Most Levelers from that time had perished in the first fight. Idrus found that fortunate, as most could barely stand an existence without that gentle humming in the back of their throats from the sweet drink.
The fool perspired. Idrus reminded himself that it was brought on by the heat or perhaps fear, and not a show of disrespect.
In the distance, he spied a hillside and as always, he watched it till it was nearly out of sight. This slow route was one he¡¯d traveled each and every cycle. It was laborious, long, unmanageable, and out of the way. It was also the only place he remembered of the Summoner who had thrown him away.
Days came and went when he remembered it differently. After the first cycle passed, he convinced himself that the Summoner had risked much by taking him so close to the caves so that he¡¯d be seen. A Summoner without a tail venturing near unruly Levelers with no king seemed impossible.
Sometimes he imagined that Summoner looming over him, touching their foreheads, whispering sweet assurances and maybe an apology for having to part ways.
Whenever this season arrived, he built on that memory, making it into something far more than it ever was. Now when he¡¯d thought of it, they shared an embrace and maybe a promise to keep safe. He¡¯d lost his head by asking Nala to remain and that Summoner had lied and said she¡¯d wished to do the same. They¡¯d tumbled together in the dirt, Nala taking him into her mouth for a final time before someone¡¯s approach forced her to stop. In the latest daydream, memories of that severed tail and a fear for what danger it might bring forced them to part.
Idrus scoffed at the foolishness.
Still, he¡¯d instructed the new Viceroy to leave this land undisturbed, for all the good it did.
Other times he felt unexplained rage. So much so that if Summoners were still about, he feared what he might do.
Now with the Earthers driven back, this might be the time to usher in new peace with the Summoners. Idrus should have met with them in his second stage and sought out a comfort coupling from one of their females, maybe even their queen. Females with intact tails.
Maybe he should have sought out Nala.
The very name put Idrus in distress. Nala¡¯s kindness and strength had changed Idrus¡¯s entire world. As did her cruelty in not allowing him a proper goodbye.
The hillside had all but faded from view.
Maybe Nala hadn¡¯t survived the conflicts. Earthers were caught off guard in the attacks; none had expected it. Without Earther food and protection, many Summoners perished. No doubt Nala did, too.
No. He wouldn¡¯t seek out Nala. There would be no point in looking for something he feared finding.
¡°Get your damn hands off me, you bastard. Get your damn hands off me. Those are mine. Those are my fucking specimens. Don¡¯t you dare touch them!¡±
The caravan ground to a halt. Idrus sat up, his cumbersome body heavy from the extended period of dormancy.
An elderly Earther was arguing somewhere close by. Getting loud was common for Earthers so Idrus resolved to ignore it.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Idrus raised his claws, intent on instructing the fool to carry on with the silly story.
¡°Get your hands off me! We¡¯re traveling unarmed. Don¡¯t you see that? We don¡¯t have anything.¡±
A soft groan in the back of his throat, Idrus sat up and let out a screech.
The Levelers with the Earther screeched back, indicating their location and the trouble. Idrus turned to his right. The red faced Earther looked familiar, though it was often hard to tell as Earthers took on their years rather fast. It made no sense wasting time with him, however, as Idrus would have to change to at least the second stage to speak in the Earthman¡¯s tongue without struggling. He refused to do so now.
His teeth chattering, Idrus instructed the Levelers to let the Earther go. Nearly all Earthers had fled two cycles ago. The final batch would be gone by the end of the season.
The series of clicks that came back in response drew Idrus¡¯ focus. Summoners. The Earther had Summoners.
Idrus raised his left hand and all Levelers fell silent.
¡°Those are mine, those are mine,¡± the Earther went on.
Smith. The old Earther¡¯s name was Smith.
Idrus jumped from the hovering craft, his cumbersome scales shrinking down until he was Idsel. There would be no going back to the first stage from the second; he¡¯d have to complete the cycle, but he didn¡¯t mind. They¡¯d arrive at the mating caves soon.
¡°Earther. All Summoners have taken to hiding. Where have you found Summoners?¡± Idsel asked.
As Idsel neared, he smiled at the sight of the sloth. What lay atop the animal made his blood run cold. Parts. Summoner parts, all tied up neatly on its back.
Idsel froze dead in his tracks. He counted each appendage again and again. At least two full-grown Summoners; female, in their second stages.
He hurried around to the other side of the animal, expecting to see the heads.
Nothing.
Other than some useless minerals and sacks of food, the Earther had nothing else.
Idsel reached out without thinking. He meant to cut the parts free.
Excited chatter from other Levelers reminded him of his action. They¡¯d agreed to allow Earthers to leave. Smith had the right of passage as he appeared harmless.
There was nothing harmless about what he carried. Smith¡¯s leathery skin, creased and worn with age, meant he¡¯d only last another cycle, but not two. What the Earther carried was troubling, but as their life expectancy was only about eight cycles, he¡¯d at least be dead soon enough.
When Idsel quieted, the Earther collected the reins of his sloth and walked on in the heat. The last Idsel saw of him were two blue tails, cut clean and brushed, no doubt taken as charms.
The day was hot and others began to fidget under the suns. Idsel stared out at the hillside for some time until he began to walk. The Levelers at his back shifted with him.
Sometime later, Idsel found the broken-down structure he recognized to be a barn. The fields lay in ruin, the building barely held on its hinges.
There was no one there. The sight of the burial mound made his hearts miss their rhythm, especially when he saw the marking of the Earther cross.
¡°Oh Nala, you fool. Why didn¡¯t you find shelter? Or go back underground like the stories always said.¡±
He needed a moment to slow his breathing. Now looking at that cross, he wished he hadn¡¯t come. Before, the memories would have kept. Now he had to imagine that a war he initiated stopped all trade for Nala. It interrupted the livelihood of weak Summoners. And after the Earthers left, who was to know what Levelers would do to the Earther sympathizers who remained.
By the barn door, a large container stood. On the side, the words, ¡°Betty¡¯s food¡± were crudely etched out.
A ghost of a smile peeked through Idsel¡¯s sorrow.
In time that smile faded when he imagined Nala living off that food instead; it might have been easier to get when trades stopped.
Idsel hated the thought, even more so because this wasn¡¯t how a Leveler King should behave. He should order the barn knocked down. If he was still in his first stage, he could easily tear through it himself in its current dilapidated state.
Intent on giving the Summoner a proper place of rest, Idsel ordered the grave dug up. Graves were an Earther thought. Although he wanted to respect Nala¡¯s wishes, in this one little thing, he wanted to honor her properly as well¡ªwhat Summoners had once known to be proper. He ignored the fighters who came to tell him the night would come and they were best to move. He ignored as stage one Levelers fell to their hands and knees to dig up the body. And he ignored the feeling as if he was crumbling from within.
The memories had been good enough. He¡¯d been greedy to seek out more. Gluttony was an Earther folly. Even now that the Earthers had gone, they¡¯d left far more damage behind than they¡¯d ever know¡ªor care.
With plush trees as far as the eye could see, it would be a waste to not use one as a marking point.
No sooner had they dug up what appeared to be a sloth corpse that he heard the commotion. They¡¯d dug up a structure as well. At this distance, it was hard to tell the shape. Two Levelers reached into the hole and dragged something out. A pale figure slipped from the Leveler¡¯s grip in a scramble to escape.
It fell at Idsel¡¯s feet. The creature was so slim he half mistook it for a puppet of some kind. Whatever it was, it was covered in the coarse fabric of a gunny sack.
Idsel crouched down, taking the thing by the dull, gray hair.
Pale blue eyes stared back at him.
The face was slender, its breathing ragged, but those frightened eyes were unmistakable.
Nala.
The figure leapt up, darting past. A moment later the barn door swung shut.
Several Levelers stepped forward to give chase but Idsel held up his hand.
A Summoner in her third stage.
Idsel stared at the door wondering about his best course of action. Life would be easier for them all with Summoners coming out of hiding once more.
As Idsel, he still had an exoskeleton¡ªthough not as prominent. He took off what remained of his head covering.
After he gave the orders for everyone to return to the caravan, he watched their retreat. They wouldn¡¯t go far, but a Leveler army was an unwelcoming sight.
Summoners would be helpful rebuilding their world. Idsel¡¯s duty to his people dictated that he bust down that door and demand answers as to their whereabouts. That was the way of the fist Leveler King, and the second and even the third. A bond was necessary, in the long run. They would all need it, Leveler and Summoner alike.
Today, however, he was only concerned with the one Summoner shut up in the barn.
As the suns set and night came, Idsel waited. When Leveler after Leveler approached and warned of the dangers of the night for many of the mating Levelers, Idsel still waited. He waited so long that he nearly forgot that he could move.
Finally, he stood and approached the barn. The door wouldn¡¯t budge. Idsel could easily break it down. He would have done as much four cycles ago.
Instead, he closed his eyes and exhaled.
Scales flaked and cascaded from his body. In the morning he would have to risk traveling uncovered. That was tomorrow and he only cared about today.
No.
He didn¡¯t kick at the door.
He didn¡¯t break through.
He had no more demands.
Once more in his third stage, Indel was gentle as he knocked.
End
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 1
Sitting on a hillside across from the gaping mountain caves, Nala watched Indel¡¯s slender frame in the moonlight.
Nala¡¯s own pale hair boxed before her in the small breeze, contrasting to the black of Indel¡¯s.
The naked Leveler King, a beautiful robe clenched in his hand, sauntered forward. Though he wore a scowl, no doubt displeased, Nala smiled at the sight of him.
¡°Country brat, when did you arrive?¡±
Nala gave him a smug look and waited.
In time, Indel reached her. ¡°Did you not hear me?¡±
¡°I heard you,¡± Nala said, that smile still firmly in place. ¡°But that is not my name.¡±
Indel flopped down beside her in the wet blue-green grass. He glanced at Nala and then at the caves. ¡°I am surprised to see you here. I thought you would stay and tend to your festering farm.¡±
Nala¡¯s smile grew. ¡°The festering farm you visit almost daily?¡±
¡°The same.¡± Indel examined the robe in his hand and said, ¡°I gave you another robe. If you refuse to change to a lower stage, then at least protect your skin.¡±
¡°I do not need your fancy robe,¡± Nala said, bowing her head. ¡°I¡¯ve survived this long without it.¡± She gestured to the base of the mountain and the openings there. ¡°They look bigger this time.¡±
¡°There are seven main caves in all,¡± Indel said. They were silent for a moment until he muttered, ¡°I should have brought you with me when I came here. Do not think it was my intention to leave you. And you recall...I tarried with you as long as I could bear.¡± He took Nala¡¯s right hand in his. ¡°Do you wish to come?¡±
Nala slipped from his grip. ¡°Which cave is that of the king?¡±
When Indel didn¡¯t answer, their eyes met.
Indel studied her. ¡°I know it¡¯s been some time, but...but you do not call me Mana. You can call me Mana. You know that I would not take it wrong.¡±
¡°Take it wrong?¡± Nala blinked at him.
She had her misgivings about the Leveler King, even now, one month in.
After their brief encounter nearly a month prior, Nala had remained at her barn; ten stage-one Levelers left to guard her. It was a foolish notion¡ªshe¡¯d survived this long on her own. But with even the sloth gone, she hadn¡¯t complained.
It had been overwhelming. Not only had she been forced to hide in that grave whenever she heard a noise, but for Indel to come and...seek her out. She¡¯d been stunned¡ªshe was still stunned. What more, Indel asked nothing of her.
Like today, he would catch hold of Nala¡¯s hand a time or two, sometimes her hair, but nothing ever came of it.
As Indel would visit her often since then, Nala found herself unable to stay away for long; even from the caves where she knew Indel would be sating himself with countless others.
When Indel stared out at the caves without answering, Nala leaned against him as she often did.
¡°Which cave is that of my king?¡± she asked again.
Indel relented. ¡°There are seven caves in total. The openings here aren¡¯t accurate, some lead nowhere. Inside there are seven main ones and I will visit them all. One female controls her collective. I will mate with her first, then some of her stronger charges. Then after that, fighters will come and the females can select the ones they think have the stronger hearts. Then I will visit all seven clutches.¡±
Nala tried to imagine it.
¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not much different from Summoner mating patterns,¡± Indel said. ¡°Females choose their males.¡±
¡°The fighters do not have first choice? They are stronger. Surely, they would choose the females.¡±
Indel studied her for some time, seemingly unable to respond. ¡°That is not common. Might does not control all. You¡¯ve taught me that better than the old laws. Tradition for both Leveler and Summoner alike is the female¡¯s choice. Now because of you, I understand; despite our drive to mate, it is not like a battle. It is companionship. A female chooses. Forceful lust sounds like an Earther ideal.¡±
Nala lowered her gaze.
¡°This is also to help with fighters new to mating,¡± Indel continued. ¡°More experienced females can see to them so that they won¡¯t hurt themselves in the heat of the moment. Or if an eager male with experience becomes impatient.¡±
A small smile formed on Indel¡¯s face and Nala gasped. They both laughed, remembering their first time in that barn and the vigor with which Indel had released his seed down Nala¡¯s throat.
¡°Forgive me my folly, my king. I had not timed it well.¡±
Indel¡¯s smile grew. ¡°I was too impatient. The fault was mine.¡± He let out a small sigh. ¡°I¡¯d hoped that I had helped you reach this third stage but maybe I am wrong. Now, it¡¯s the proper season yet the mating spells don¡¯t take you.¡±
Nala had no response to give. She braced herself back on her hands and took on a more comfortable posture. This time when Indel put his hand atop Nala¡¯s, she didn¡¯t pull away.
¡°I am glad you have come,¡± Indel said. ¡°You feel like home.¡± When he stood, he allowed the robe to cascade. ¡°Come now, miserable Summoner. Don¡¯t be stubborn. If you plan to travel home in this weak stage, take my covering.¡±
The fabric of the robe alone was far better than any Nala had ever touched. Regardless, she shook her head.
¡°You will need it.¡±
¡°When the spell has ended and I¡¯ve completed my task, my body armor will keep me safe.¡± Indel crouched, undid the rope around Nala¡¯s waist, and pushed the gunny-sack robe which she wore past her shoulders. He dragged her to stand.
Nala chuckled. ¡°You will not relent, will you?¡±
¡°You do not shun a gift,¡± Indel said.
It came from the finest tadat silk, left over from the Earth-man¡¯s occupation. Smooth shimmering fabric like this was appealing to the earth eye due to its ability to appear like multiple colors as the fabric bent. Now, with the Earthers gone, very few remained. This was too good for her and she knew it.
Lydnel brought the robe over Nala¡¯s shoulders, going so far as to tie it. ¡°There. Now I will know you are well and fit.¡± He glanced back at the caves and a hungry groan left his throat. ¡°It will be soon. Do not linger here on this mount, Summoner; a predator might snatch you up.¡±
¡°I am not all that frail,¡± Nala said, shoving him back. ¡°To your work, my king. May you have a good brood.¡±
Indel held Nala¡¯s face with both hands and said, ¡°Thank you, country brat. Enjoy your wretched farm until my return. I will help you then.¡±
That was unlikely. ¡°Coming to complain is little help,¡± Nala said, nudging him. ¡°Your body secretes more and more. You should go.¡±
Despite Nala¡¯s words, Indel didn¡¯t move. In time, he nodded, loosened and retied the robe he gave Nala, and turned to make his way down the hill.
Nala watched on until that naked frame faded from view. She returned home before the sun came, but at dusk her legs took her to that hillside yet again.
Three nights later, her pale, blue body guarded by Indel¡¯s robe, Nala sat there watching the caves. Just how far in Indel had gone, she wondered.
She imagined the king, the most fit of all Levelers, having as many females as he wanted.
That wasn¡¯t worrisome. It was Indel¡¯s duty, his purpose; he was king. And besides, Nala was sure he¡¯d come around to visit again.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Most Summoner mating spells lasted days, weeks. Nala had to eat, so she resolved to stay just a moment more before retreating back to her home.
No sooner had she resolved to stand in the oncoming moonlight that she heard a commotion.
She held her ground, remaining seated lest anyone spy her.
One pink body emerged from the shadows of the cave, its steps unsteady from fatigue.
As it neared, Nala gasped. ¡°Mana?¡±
Indel¡¯s body glistened, his limp member still dripped, though it was shrinking down from its elongated size. Before Nala could stand, Indel fell down close, dragged Nala into his lap, buried his face in her neck, and whispered, ¡°I like you best.¡±
They sat there for a time, Nala struggling to make sense of what was happening or why the Leveler King had returned. Indel appeared drunk. But this was no nectar. This was his need to mate, his desire for it, his function as a king. So why was he here and not doing his duty?
Together in their third stages, Indel was the taller of them. Nala, still unaccustomed to being so small even after all this time, took pride in offering some sort of comfort. She wrapped her arms around her Leveler King¡¯s body.
They sat in the moonlight for only a moment more before Indel shifted.
The sour smell betrayed his state.
¡°Come, Mana,¡± Nala cautioned. ¡°You must go back. I think your sac is not yet empty.¡±
Pulling her closer in his lap, Indel ignored her. The night was peaceful, the sound of the wind lulling a tranquil quiet over them.
Indel stifled a groan against Nala¡¯s throat.
¡°Mana...come, you should go back.¡±
¡°I longed for you,¡± Indel muttered. ¡°I cannot go back.¡±
In all this time, Indel hadn¡¯t requested anything physical between the two of them. Nala kept to the farm. Now with the wars over, she could tend to it again. Day to day, Indel came by to complain about the garden¡¯s poor condition.
He never asked for a lay; he never asked for anything.
When Indel shifted position, his stirring penis brushed against Nala¡¯s body. That tail began to twitch. Nala finally noticed how close their faces were.
¡°Give me your mouth,¡± Indel whispered.
Nala tensed. Indel had just spent days mating. The request was less than appealing.
Still, the Leveler King hadn¡¯t finished, and without emptying his seed entirely, the excess would poison him. Nala herself felt ill if she went too long without some sort of physical coaxing. It wasn¡¯t just males who fell under the need for release. Indel thought she had no cravings. He didn¡¯t know that Nala was forced to hide and coax herself now and again in order to remain in good health.
For Indel, Nala did not mind this discomfort. She understood the pain well.
Using both hands, she guided Indel up, she herself turning on her knees.
¡°Yes, Mana. Bring your penis to me,¡± Nala said.
And Indel did just that. His fingers in Nala¡¯s hair, Indel used his right hand to heft his jutting member up.
Without hesitation, Nala took it into her mouth, leaning in to allow it to reach as far as Indel needed.
The sour taste made Nala gag for only a moment, but Indel didn¡¯t buck more than once.
¡°Na¡¯am, what is wrong?¡± Indel whispered.
Nala had no intention of moving. She waited for Indel to grab her hair and guide her.
Instead, Indel eased back, withdrew, and knelt.
¡°What is it? You do not want my penis in you?¡± Indel asked.
Eyes cast to the now yellowing grass below them, Nala shook her head.
¡°I do. It¡¯s just....¡±
The brush of Indel¡¯s fingers against her cheek sent a shiver through her.
¡°The taste, Mana...¡± Nala confessed.
Indel gave no response for some time.
Finally, he reached down to undo the binds of Nala¡¯s robe.
¡°Then you must spread for me, Na¡¯am. I¡¯ve missed you.¡±
Nala held Indel back.
Their eyes met, and long forgotten feelings of regret and anguish bubbled up within her.
Cycles ago after their first encounter it had been agony to wake up without Indel¡¯s complaints and vitriol. Coming home to an empty structure was dreadful. It was even worse after she¡¯d awoken to find herself in the third stage one morning. Visions of Indel drove Nala to fondled her breasts for hours until she finally gave in and coaxed herself, finding rapture on her bed of hay.
That had been the end of it. It was only now, after having the real Indel back in her life that the cravings didn¡¯t come so strongly.
She¡¯d feared Indel would request a lay and realize just how well-versed she¡¯d become in reaching completion alone for pleasure. And she¡¯d felt slighted when Indel made no request at all.
Now here, on this hillside, in the open moonlight, Indel finally sought that from her.
Nala struggled to answer.
Indel eased away. ¡°Oh Na¡¯am, have I hurt you? If you do not want my member¡ª¡±
¡°Yes, I want it. I want it deeply, but not here.¡± Nala¡¯s skin began to secrete in anticipation. She cursed her weakness. ¡°Mana, let us return home¡ªto my own home.¡± Nala brushed Indel¡¯s black hair back, the very thought lighting a fire in her gut. ¡°I¡¯ll spread for you again and again there.¡±
She expected a fast response, but Indel only hung his head, his voice shaky.
¡°I cannot travel that distance unguarded.¡± He sat back finally. ¡°I wish to partake now.¡±
Partaking out in the open wasn¡¯t something Nala found appealing.
¡°Then you should return to the caves and answer your lust there,¡± Nala said at length.
Indel stared at her, his gray eyes somber.
¡°No,¡± Indel said. ¡°Forgive me, Na¡¯am. I will go wherever you request it. Only don¡¯t send me back without you. I will travel if that is the only way.¡±
Nala¡¯s body ached. In time she would find it difficult to even stand in this stage, much like Indel when they first met. Indel trembled and Nala understood. Whatever she might have felt, the Leveler King, the most potent of the maters, felt it two-fold.
¡°Oh, Mana. Are you in pain?¡±
Indel gave no answer beyond a somber smile. He looked agreeable, ready to stand, despite his agony, and follow.
The vision of their travel troubled Nala greatly, as it would be no easy task with a slow-moving Leveler.
¡°Come, Mana,¡± Nala said, opening the robe as she lay back. ¡°Come let me coax you in my way.¡±
His pace slow yet determined, Indel crawled atop her. Nala meant to bring their bodies to touch. It would be difficult to coax Indel¡¯s member barehanded, though she wanted to try. Perhaps then she could swallow him down at his very release, sparing herself the taste of others while easing his ache for a time.
Indel misunderstood because he pushed Nala¡¯s legs up, held the soft flesh of his member, and pressed it against Nala¡¯s tear.
He waited a moment, but Nala didn¡¯t protest. She longed for this again¡ªmaybe not outside here, but there was not much of a choice.
Nala gave a nod, groaning when Indel¡¯s penis grew longer. The very tip parted her, then the fat nob. The flesh on the base of Indel¡¯s shaft was loose, but the core was stiff and lovely.
Indel pushed into her, and Nala, eager for the Leveler King to situate himself, leaned back, hoping to give her Mana better access.
Without thinking, Nala used her third fingers to pull the skin of her opening apart, a pleasing discovery she¡¯d made some time ago.
Clear liquid seeped from the top usually, today¡¯s plentiful secretions were no doubt brought on by Indel¡¯s pulsating member inside her.
Nala gave off a gasp as the secretion shot forward, it required both hands to keep the tear, Indel parted her by, apart. Having him snugly inside her made the sensation last longer. The force needed to coax Indel fully couldn¡¯t easily be achieved by hand alone. Considering that she needed both third fingers for herself, Nala conclude this was something similar with her physiology. Simultaneous stimulation was best. The liquid that dripped out of her at climax was a minuscule amount compared to Indel and his seed but it came with pleasure¡ªand she could do it more than once in one sitting.
Maybe Nala was too loud, too eager, but Indel stopped.
¡°Na¡¯am. What are you doing?¡± Indel gasped.
The tip of her claws slipping in and out of her slick slit along with Indel¡¯s member, Nala remembered herself and paused.
Indel stared down at her, shock written on his face.
¡°What is it you do?¡± Indel asked.
Nala¡¯s body warmed. At least she hadn¡¯t doubled over and flicked herself with her tongues.
Shame stole Nala¡¯s response. She¡¯d be forever grateful when Indel leaned in and touched foreheads with her, whispering, ¡°Do it again. You look so fetching and eager.¡±
Indel arched his lithe body until his tongues brushed that very claws, then the slit his penis snugly parted. He could only manage it a moment before he was forced to take on a more comfortable position. Hands on the ground, Indel bucked into her.
¡°Do it again, Na¡¯am. Coax yourself so that I can see it Is that what you were doing?¡±
Nala stared back at him, cautious but enticed. ¡°You do not mind it, Mana?¡±
Indel¡¯s hair draped before him when he shook his head. ¡°It surprised me. It still surprises me, but you look lovely when you do it. I hope it¡¯s not because my member does not sate you.¡±
¡°No. That is not it at all,¡± Nala assured him.
At first with a curious expression, Indel slowed in his thrusts as he asked, ¡°Can you mouth your opening yourself? You seem very eager.¡±
Nala didn¡¯t answer.
Indel waited a moment more before leaning in to her. ¡°What have I said, Na¡¯am?¡±
At their gentle rhythm, Nala leaned back. Indel seemed ready to forget the joke but Nala said, ¡°I can mouth the tear myself. I can mouth it very well. My body bends easily now.¡±
A growl in the back of her throat, Nala slipped her third fingers in along with Indel¡¯s slick member as her king¡¯s thrusts started long yet ended with a sharp jab again and again.
¡°Oh Mana,¡± Nala moaned. ¡°Mana, I¡¯ve missed you.¡±
No more sound came from Indel as the mating spell took him. Nala was aware of the Leveler King¡¯s ministrations, but Indel gave no verbal response.
¡°This way. He¡¯s over this way!¡± someone called.
Nala tried to listen to the sound of heavy footsteps over the low screech coming from Indel reaching his peek.
¡°This way. He¡¯s....¡±
And then there was silence. Nala hid herself under Indel, using her hands to slow the ramming of the Leveler¡¯s hips. It was ill-advised because the pause came with a thundering shout as Indel arched back.
Warm liquid gushed inside Nala, again and again. There seemed no end to it as Indel continued to empty his sac.
¡°Stop them!¡± someone yelled finally. ¡°He¡¯s wasting it on a Summoner! Pull them apart.¡±
¡°I cannot. I think he¡¯s in to the hilt. The base is too fat until he¡¯s done.¡±
And there Nala lay, arms across her chests to guard her four breasts, flattered by Indel¡¯s continued appreciation of her, yet troubled by the audience.
When Indel was finished, collapsing on her, Nala brought their foreheads to touch.
¡°Mana. You¡¯ve wasted your seed on me. Any brood I give you will be weak.¡±
¡°It¡¯s not a waste,¡± Indel muttered. ¡°I like you best. It¡¯s not a waste. Na¡¯am, it¡¯s not a waste.¡±
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 2
Idrus awoke with something clenched in his grip. He couldn¡¯t say for sure what it was. His bulky body, whole once more, was a comfort as he never felt truly at ease without body-armor.
Cloudy memories came back to him, and he let out a screech. ¡°Nala!¡±
¡°I¡¯m here, Mana,¡± a muffled voice called back with a wince.
Idrus rolled over, gathering Nala up. A strong stench forced him to recoil. That¡¯s when he noticed that they weren¡¯t alone.
Surrounded by Leveler¡¯s as far as the eye could see, Idrus turned until he almost lay on his back.
Each sharp intake of breath from Nala made him curious. The robe still in his grip, Idrus tried to sit up. He couldn¡¯t move. Something held him at the waist.
He twisted his hips, and Nala cried out, ¡°No. Please do not move. The spikes reach into my very flesh. Do not move. I beg.¡±
Flesh...? Though it caused Nala pain somehow, Idrus eased away. They were still connected at the hip.
Idrus had never awoken still attached. In fact, he feared it because a female¡¯s body donned a secretion in her spikes to ward off predators when with child.
He¡¯d seen a body reject him a time or two. Nala hadn¡¯t changed back to the first stage. That must have been why they were still connected. But Idrus was whole once more. He must have spent his entire seed to return to the first stage so easily. That explained the stench; he¡¯d released every drop of his essence here.
It¡¯d be best to move quickly in separating, however.
Idrus knew of one sure way to facilitate it and they were fortunate that it was still dawn.
¡°Solvent. Bring us solvent now,¡± he screeched.
¡°There is no clean water here,¡± a Leveler informed him.
¡°Best to risk sickness than to allow my skeleton to solidify when the sun dries it! Bring us solvent!¡±
His bellow was answered with a series of clicks which chorused, ¡°Yes, Jaga.¡±
Gourd after gourd of water pelted them. With each douse, Idrus shifted his hips. He paused a time or two when it became too much for Nala.
Idrus cursed Nala for not simply falling to her first stage so that her body would widen.
In the distance, the suns threatened to rise. Letting out a sigh, Idrus resolved to do things the hard way. It might cause injury but injuries could heal.
¡°Nala, you must move with me. On the next batch of water,¡± Idrus said.
The fear that greeted him was understandable but he himself was equally terrified.
¡°You must.¡±
¡°No,¡± Nala said. ¡°No, you cannot¡ª¡±
Before she could finish her protest, Idrus called for the next gourd of water. His body didn¡¯t shrink down as well as he¡¯d liked, but it was something. Holding onto Nala¡¯s waist, Idrus shoved her off. A guttural cry came with it.
Turned onto her belly, Nala shivered.
Idrus tossed the robe aside as he fell to his knees and waited. He rubbed Nala¡¯s back, crooning.
¡°Let the change come. It will heal you. Let the change come. Let it come.¡±
But Nala didn¡¯t change. A series of gasps and pauses reminded Idrus all too well that Nala¡¯s bare back, and her sheared tail was up for public view. Still, he waited for the transformation to come.
When the whispering clicks of chatter became too much, Idrus brought the robe over Nala¡¯s back, a portion of it soaked up the purple blood.
The wound wouldn¡¯t heal well in this vulnerable state. Gathering up as much saliva as he could, Idrus resolved to brush the robe aside and spit on Nala¡¯s sore crease.
It helped a little but not for long.
Knowledge that he was the source of Nala¡¯s injury plagued Idrus with woe.
The face plate had formed but he broke it with a squeeze of his hand; he could reform it later on.
Lips to Nala¡¯s slit, Idrus circled it with his tongues.
¡°Mana?¡± Nala groaned. ¡°What is your intention?¡±
Idrus didn¡¯t answer. He was too angry. Being forced to care for the wound in such a manner¡ªand publicly¡ªhe was beyond angry.
It helped Nala though. Each brush of his tongue found the area smoother. Once the bruise was nearly gone, Idrus sat back, a growl in the back of his throat.
¡°Now change!¡±
Nala took some time to kneel. Taking the robe in hand, she didn¡¯t afford Idrus even a glance as she stood and lumbered through the sea of spectating stage-one Levelers. Now with the mating spells gone, those Levelers would become restless.
Idrus waited for Nala to acknowledge him. The rude Summoner paid him no such courtesy as she walked on without looking back.
¡°Retrieve her,¡± Idrus screeched. ¡°She¡¯s still unwell and that solvent was unclean. Whatever offspring she brings will need care.¡± He meant to step forward to go after Nala himself, but his legs lost power. ¡°Curse this Summoner. Bring her here!¡±
Nala¡¯s temperament was the worst as two stage-one Levelers flanked her. Idrus hadn¡¯t intended for his Levelers to show the spikes of their armor but the act of aggression got Nala¡¯s attention.
The way Nala walked looked strange, stranger still because she appeared to have the intention of running.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
It would be days before Idrus¡¯s energy would return. He feared for what would become of Nala in that time.
¡°We must take her with us. That wound is not yet fully healed. She will bear young on her own. It is unwise.¡± Idrus ambled to stand. He was faced with the problem of the how.
Short of tying Nala¡¯s hands and forcing her to walk, it seemed an impossible task to carry her with the bulky spikes of his current body.
The suns¡¯ shine stiffened their armor quickly. One shriek came, then another and another still.
When the news reached Idrus, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to shriek back. Their expected batch was less than the usual travels to the cave; that was the message. The previous night¡¯s memories came in dull waves, and he couldn¡¯t remember why he hadn¡¯t spent the last of his seed with the fit females he¡¯d intended.
Nala took up his attention again. The foolish Summoner struggled into the fancy robe and tried to leave. Four more Levelers blocked her path.
As they surrounded her, Idrus regretted his brash orders. One Leveler was enough to render a gentle Summoner, of any size, limb from limb. Now five surrounded Nala¡¯s weak stage-three body.
Idrus decided to force his body to change. As Idsel he could carry Nala comfortably with few spikes. No sooner had he allowed his scales to fall, the clutch of Levelers to see him took to panic.
¡°What has happened? Should we all change?¡±
¡°But the suns dull!¡±
¡°We¡¯ve never forced a change since the Earthers left. Is there one here now?¡±
Idrus shrieked back, ¡°No. Do not change. I will make the change. Keep yourselves dry. It appears we¡¯ll have some rain.¡±
Finally as Idsel, he pushed past the Levelers surrounding Nala and picked the bitter Summoner up into his arms. It was hard balancing at first, but in time he steadied.
¡°My lord, is it wise to force the change so soon?¡± someone asked. ¡°It is undone. If we must bring her, put her with the other females.¡±
Putting the king¡¯s favored with common Levelers? As rude as that suggestion was¡ªeven the females walked¡ªIdsel ignored it.
One drop of rain led to two, and the air dampened. That was regrettable because Idsel could have done with more sun to dry himself.
¡°What are you for, Mana?¡± Nala asked, resting her head on his shoulder. ¡°Bring me to my farm.¡±
A shiver ran through her and Idsel hid his fear as he walked on. After a day, the fit females would require help. Nala.... So would Nala. Idsel considered putting Nala with them, but the spikes of a female with child were deadly. No. Carrying her was best. He would take Nala home with them and see to treating her injury, and maybe find a way to force her back to her first stage where she was safest at a time like this. In all the cycles where Idsel had sired countless Levelers, he was never this excited. He¡¯d keep Nala¡¯s brood, every single offspring. It was common for females to raise the young away from the males but Idsel preened at the idea of watching Nala care for their children together. There was no telling how many would arrive at one time. Considering just how much of Idsel¡¯s seed the Summoner allowed, it could be countless. Hearts swelling with pride with each step, Idsel decided to separate Nala from other pregnant Levelers. He was eager to gaze upon a face mixed with both their shared expressions.
Idsel looked up at the graying skies and lamented their poor luck. This was the driest season, the best for mating because of the harsh suns. He couldn¡¯t recall ever finding rain so soon after mating.
¡°It is misfortune to bring that Summoner.¡±
¡°It hasn¡¯t a tail. Did you see?¡± someone else whispered.
¡°And now it brings the rain. What if we cannot dry?¡±
It was all nonsense. The rain would stop. Nala would heal...and Nala would bear young. Nala...would return home.
If the Levelers¡¯ numbers weren¡¯t as high this season, no matter, they had a good clutch the cycle before. Next cycle would be even better. Idsel was sure of it. He resolved to keep Nala¡¯s batch close to the roost. They could be scholars. But none for battle. He didn¡¯t want to lose even one.
As soon as the thought left him, he slowed. The envoy obeyed his movements, confused.
Idsel remembered himself and walked on again. He didn¡¯t want to lose even one. This was the reason for the mixing of the broods, to ushering equality. A king could keep one and only one offspring close to him¡ªhis replacement. But Idsel didn¡¯t want just the one. He wanted them all. But only the ones from Nala¡¯s batch.
With each step he found his resolve. It would go against tradition and it was undone but he¡¯d keep each of the Summoner offspring Nala brought. He doubted anyone would challenge it.
Droplets of rain pelted them, coming faster the more resolute he became in hid decision. An old Leveler would call the rainfall a punishment from the old ways¡ªthat his contrary thinking had brought it on.
He cared not for those old stories. No matter if he had to fight, he would keep each and everyone of her offspring. And when they were big enough, they could go to the farm to help her.
And he...he would visit and watch them grow.
Nala didn¡¯t protest further as they walked, a fact that concerned Idsel greatly. Perhaps she was ill. Each shiver Nala gave off made Idsel step faster, he needed to bring his Summoner home into the city, into a dry place.
¡°Move. Let us hurry,¡± Idsel commanded.
¡°My lord, the rains. They will hinder us. We can stop to rest¡ªl¡±
¡°No. We must return today. Tell everyone not to stop even to rest. We must find a dry place. If the females move too slowly, then a male should carry one each as I do.¡±
He hefted Nala, held his entire head covering and yanked it off. As his long hair casted out of his armor, he examined his head covering. It resembled a helmet greatly and he held the quiet Summoner with one hand and put it on her head instead. It wouldn¡¯t protect her entire body, but her head would be safe from illness. Idsel himself wasn¡¯t as fortunate.
¡°Is that wise? You are in a poorly guarded stage, my king.¡±
Idsel ignored the warning. The moment Nala curled into him, wearing the red helmet against her blue skin, Idsel felt whole. Now they had to hurry.
It was night when the glowing simmer of the city flickered through the fog and mist of the downpour.
That didn¡¯t matter. Nala still tucked close, sleeping in the helmet.
As was a consequence of fearing Earthers, a Leveler city could be entered only two ways, by climbing the mountainous wall that bordered it, or digging deep to go under it.
Wave after wave of Levelers dug, desperate to get the females out of the rain. They¡¯d lay in days, but not well if they didn¡¯t get dry.
A Leveler hurried to him and held out his arms for Nala but Idsel held her tighter without thinking. He didn¡¯t want to lose track of her.
¡°No. I will carry her.¡± And he did. It was hell climbing the wall. His first attempt had him sliding down tot eh ground when he could no longer find stones to keep him moving up.
Nearly all Levelers had either scaled it or dug the females to safety by the time Idsel resolved to try one last time.
He used the last of his energy to take a running start. This time when he reached the top, he threw himself along the jagged edge. His hold on Nala was firm and he slid over, taking a slippery spill on the other side. That fall was considerably shorter but he felt every bruise.
¡°Jaga!¡± It came in a chorus of worry but Idsel was pleased.
¡°Get her to my roost and dry her. I will return once I¡¯ve completed a cycle. Bring the healer to her first. The other females can wait a moment.¡±
Several Levelers approached with a gunny sack used to carrying food.
The sight of it displeased Idsel but it he decided he would receive no better material at a time like this. Once Nala was safely on the makeshift gurney, Idsel couldn¡¯t stand it.
¡°Give her back. I will bring her.¡± He ignored their shock and did just that. Moments later, Nala resting on his bed of moss, Idsel lay beside her, watching the rain from his bare window. There was no glass like that of the Earther structure, but he was half tempted to perhaps search for some in hopes Nala would find it suitable. Then it would look similar to her farm and she would find no reason to go back.
Sleeping under his left arm, Nala clutched the helmet tight. Idsel stroked her face, tugging on several strands of her silver here.
Outside his door, Leveler came en masse. Some argued, most shouted at one another, but one word remained constant. Summoner.
¡°What is this Summoner?¡±
¡°The healer¡¯s delayed. Why?¡±
¡°She must come here first, he¡¯s said. This is undone.¡±
The chorus grew, morphing into a miserable noise that rivaled even the rain. But they could fight; Idsel did not care. He¡¯d made up his mind.
¡°You will have a fine brood,¡± Idsel promised Nala. ¡°And I will fight to keep them all. Every one of them. I swear it.¡±
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 3
Idrus submerged yet again. He wasn¡¯t sure where he was, but the warm water surrounding him was well-needed. He felt somehow he¡¯d earned it.
Swimming through the marsh had been one of his favorite pastimes when he was young. Returning home covered in dirt and muck from head to toe to his fathers¡¯ and mothers¡¯ chagrin was even better.
This water was soothing and upon opening his eyes to find it clear and blue, he realized where he was. He was in the city. He was home, but he was alone. That also meant Sessel was about.
He decided to swim up, an easy enough endeavor. Once he broke through into the hollowed out black room illuminated only by the pool of water, he screeched.
¡°I¡¯m coming, I¡¯m coming, my lord. Calm yourself.¡±
Sessel was one of the few Levelers who refused to leave her second stage even after the wars ended. Idrus reminded her again and again that Earthers were leaving, and there would be no need for diplomacy. Still, Sessel remained in her second stage, a long robe guarding her body most days.
Her jet-black hair, streaked with silver, was her most noticeable feature. It was always braided, streaks of red and yellow woven in. It was a very gaudy way to carry oneself, but it was Sessel¡¯s way, and no one dared oppose her, even after Idrus¡¯s first parents¡¯ passing. Sessel was all that remained of the three of them.
Dragging himself from the pool, Idrus turned onto his back and crashed to the stone floor.
¡°Why was I put in?¡± Idrus asked.
Sessel was careful as she shuffled around him, gathering up moss to pat him dry.
¡°You were filthy. And you had an awful stench to you. When they brought you here, you were still part way through the change. The solvent did the rest.¡±
Idrus sprawled on the stone, relaxing. ¡°That time was difficult.¡±
¡°Daga, we must talk,¡± Sessel said.
It was never a good sign when she got sentimental enough to use her ranking as second mother so boldly.
¡°What is it, Sessel?¡±
¡°It? It is the Summoner you¡¯ve returned with. The Summoner for which you are shortening your very life by going through the cycles unprompted and unprovoked. That is what it is. You cannot carry on like this.¡±
Idrus had long suspected this conversation would come.
¡°Everyone¡¯s uneasy. We are having rains in the season of heat. We had no plans for such a time. What if we run out of food before the rains pass?¡±
¡°It is but rain. It will last a few more days. Nothing more.¡± He said it casually but prayed it wouldn¡¯t affect Nala¡¯s pending births. ¡°It is but rain,¡± he repeated.
But it had lasted the entire week¡¯s travel from the caves. Instead of the pregnant females preening in the sun, they¡¯d cowered together in the wet marsh home. Males had to fetch leaves to cover Nala up. Bringing her back had been no easy charge. Idrus understood the unease.
¡°And then to bring on a cycle at will for no reason...¡± Sessel began.
¡°I know what you are asking, Sessel and there is no danger. Should I run out of life, simply allow another king¡¯s selection.¡±
Sessel didn¡¯t answer for some time. Finally, she said, ¡°But what will become of me, Daga? If the king is not directly from your blood, I¡¯ll be cast out. I am on my last cycle as well.¡±
Idrus took off his face plate when he said, ¡°Then let us make the selection anew. Is that enough? It will secure your function.¡± He was sure to leave out his plan to select one of Nala¡¯s offspring for king. His hearts thumped with pride at the prospect. But as the king¡¯s selection was no easy feat, he¡¯d have to find a way around the bloodshed to come.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
Sessel gave off a faint nod. ¡°I¡¯m grateful. And you will send this strange Summoner on her way now that she is healed?¡±
For that, Idrus was slow to answer. ¡°She can leave at any time. I doubt she should tarry long. I worried for her taking care of so many offspring alone. That is all.¡±
¡°Offspring?¡± Sessel asked. ¡°Of what offspring do you speak, Daga?¡±
Idrus turned his head to focus on her fully. ¡°What is the meaning of your words? What other offspring but the one I¡¯ve given her? And it was not of her choosing so we must take care. I¡¯ve put her in my bed of moss, to...to separate her from the others as her spikes haven¡¯t come. With her body so narrow in this stage, perhaps she cannot give as many young.¡±
The quiet drove Idrus to sit up, his bulky body forcing Sessel back.
¡°Oh, Daga. What were you thinking? There are no offspring for a female Summoner with a severed tail!¡±
***
Moss hung before the wooden bark of the door. Idrus eyed it, enraged. ¡°I ordered her not to be put here with the others.¡±
Holding a banan leaf above her head to stave off the rain, Sessel insisted, ¡°No one put her there. She walked in by herself. Get her out, Daga. It is a disgrace to have her sniffing around dead bodies hunting for a welp like some sefer mutt!¡±
Idrus faced her, stunned. Such a terrible accusation would have gotten any other Leveler their jaw knocked off for a season, forced to walk around like that until the cycles came.
Sessel knew her power, and she stood defiant. No one would dare say this to the king but her. But her words towards Nala were still unforgivable.
That wasn¡¯t Nala¡¯s intent. She wasn¡¯t sifting through the throwaways for something to salvage. She...perhaps she got lost. But as Idrus turned to face the door once more, his hearts faltered.
Leveler after leveler gathered. As most females had already given birth and cared for the young, the females who stood by now were the ones with a complaint of some kind.
¡°Back into the roost,¡± Sessel hissed. ¡°There are more than enough for everyone. Do not be so proud!¡±
One by one, Leveler females obeyed and left. The males lingered. Idrus wanted to command their departure as well but could find no fury to make it sound less like cowardice. This was Idrus¡¯s doing. He should have put Nala here in the rook. If he had, Nala could have mixed with the other females. As the births happened at night and came with a maddening fever, it wasn¡¯t uncommon for barren females to mix in and pretend to have given birth as well. The numbers were so high that there was no way to keep track of whose was whose.
But Idrus wanted Nala¡¯s...separate. So now everyone knew. And she was...in the rook. Doing what?
¡°I will go, Daga, if you will not.¡±
¡°No. This is my responsibility.¡± Sans a faceplate, Idrus reached up to tug at the hole in the bark, making the door give way. Once he stepped in, all was pitch-black at first. Little by little, an amber glow came into view. The pool below was quiet save for a gentle rustle.
Nala.
The sight of her forced Idrus to stop in his stride. The rook was a controlled space. Sauder spiders consumed everything left behind within a day, keeping it pristine.
What Idrus saw of Nala stole his power of speech.
Crouched down, the Summoner watched the shallow breaths of small white body. In time it stopped moving. The sound Nala made wasn¡¯t one Levelers were familiar with.
Idrus, sure she¡¯d noticed him, waited. Every part of him begged the Summoner to stand and claim the child. He would play along. He prepared his lie. Better to have a weak brood than none at all.
Ah, Summoner, we will have another. That was what he would say.
But Nala spoke not a word. Instead, still crouched, she crossed her arm like a pitiful Earther and remained perfectly still.
This strange behavior carried on for some time. Whenever Idrus thought to approach, Nala posture frightened him into keeping his distance. She looked helpless, nothing like the bold Summoner who¡¯d slapped him upon their first meeting.
A time or two, Idrus found himself scanning the moss for any signs of a throwaway who might live long enough to bring Nala some peace. There was nothing. Only remnants of what might have been.
It took everything in Idrus to stomp his feet and march toward her finally.
¡°Summoner!¡±
Flinching, Nala turned her face away.
¡°What have you got there?¡± Idrus demanded.
Nala stood. She seemed intent on running, but there was no exit to this cave. The way she trembled prompted Idrus to scoop her up.
¡°Do not cry over your young,¡± Idrus soothed. We¡¯ll have more. Why couldn¡¯t he say it? He willed himself but the words failed him.
What was this strange behavior, even from himself? Because while Nala looked sorrowful, Idrus felt it. This disappointment was new. That emotion only came when a hunt wasn¡¯t as fruitful as he¡¯d anticipated. But not in this¡ªnever in this. Not until now. His body ached from the dryness. He almost cried like a Earther. A Leveler¡¯s body dried when filled with despair. Nala¡¯s flaked, it was so dehydrated now.
¡°It was a waste,¡± the Summoner whispered. ¡°I was a waste.¡±
Idrus opened and closed his mouth more times than he could count. He should have said something, but it wasn¡¯t a Leveler habit. Still, he thought to try.
The moment she wrapped her arms around his neck despite the spikes and pulled him tighter, was the moment he could accept this as well. Idrus scanned the rook one final time, more than certain Nala would have no need to ever step foot into it again.
With the pitiful Summoner in his arms, Idrus marched up the stone steps, hating the Earth-man more now than ever.
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 4
¡°And I say the selection shall come from us Shoki. Up to three of our females went ungreeted by our king. My Jaga, They waited for you, they waited too long. We¡¯ve lost a third of our numbers. Not to mention the worry of my clutch,¡± One Leveler went on. The white markings of his red armor spoke of his skills has a warrior.
Idrus regretted this clutch¡¯s folly. By politely waiting till the end to receive their king, they¡¯d now suffer with small numbers for the hunts.
A redder Leveler brought his head low. ¡°But we are next in line. We go with the cycles and the next king comes from our clutch.¡±
¡°Your clutch mated first!¡± the Shoki reminded him.
¡°We were denied a king once before. We will not be passed over twice!¡±
Shrieks broke through the quarrel from other Leveler clutches, each with valid arguments, and valid complaints.
¡°With the rains and our low numbers, we cannot feed for long. What of our young? They will perish with no food. Full-grown can wait, our infants cannot!¡±
Despite the chaos within that room, outside the open window on Idrus¡¯s right, something calm commenced far below.
Idrus watched Nala from the window of the great hall. The Summoner caught a small insect and brought it to the yapping plants in the flowerbed.
Today, too, Idrus had awoken to find Nala gone from his bed of moss. This wasn¡¯t where his focus should lay now, but each morning he feared the Summoner had left during the night. Nala was free to return to the farm at any time. Her injuries had healed months ago. Since then, days of sunshine were few. Now, though most of the suns¡¯ rays still remained hidden by the thick clouds, the rains stopped at least. But they reminded him just how necessary the suns were.
The knowledge that Nala hadn¡¯t left put Idrus at ease for another day. At least that would soothe him.
¡°And the Summoner! Seven sloths she has while Shoki suffer!¡±
Idrus sat up, those words dragging him from his comforting thoughts of Nala.
¡°The Summoner¡ª!¡±
¡°Let us mate with the Summoners,¡± Idrus said without thinking. It was a strange assessment, and it shocked the room into dead silence. When they all quieted, Idrus repeated his words. ¡°What if I mate with the Summoner Queen? She will bring her people. No doubt they have hardship with desperate animals looking to feed. The garden below in this very roost can keep us for a time. Summoners can care for plants above and plants below. They are good with sloths and sloth meat will fatten us if the time arrives.¡± When no objection came, Idrus asked the tattooed warrior. ¡°Would this suit the Shoki?¡±
The Leveler leaned back, standing tall as he considered it. If the hunts were difficult, a large amount of Summoners farming in the roost would ensure they manage several cycles more.
¡°And Shoki can select the Summoner numbers?¡±
A Leveler spoke up. ¡°The first selection should be ours.¡±
Idrus gave no answer as another called out and another still. All the better if they vied for first choice. That would make the prospect all that more appealing.
With pressure to send Nala away¡ªmost insisting that the weather would improve upon her departure¡ªIdrus was thankful to keep all arguments from that vein again. He¡¯d endured it now as much as he could stand.
For now, the only Summoner he wanted Levelers wondering about, was the Summoner Queen.
A week later found the sky equally as gray, and not only Idrus¡¯s nest but the great hall empty. It would fill with quarreling Levelers soon enough, but for now he could at least enjoy the view of his Summoner far below, busy in the garden.
Nala didn¡¯t always leave their nest before the suns rose. Idrus blamed his exoskeleton. His Summoner hadn¡¯t complained but bruises along her arms might have meant Idrus had caused them in his own restless sleep.
Far below, two stage-one Levelers passing Nala gave her a bow and showed a large, black orb.
Idrus hoped Nala would play today at least. The rare instances when she could enjoy herself allowed Idrus an easy day. Nala couldn¡¯t always do the sports well but she often tried.
Today she refused, gesturing instead to the garden.
The Levelers bowed low, but they wore a look of relief. They glanced back at Nala and chuckled before walking on.
As they descended the stone steps leading into yet another lower area, Idrus understood.
Perhaps they spied him watching Nala. Whatever the reason, they were being polite. The sheer force with which they rammed one another on the field told Idrus Nala would be no match for the game.
Nala must have known as much.
Idrus considered a gentler sport he could suggest at the next meeting. Short of puzzles and weak sports meant for the children, he couldn¡¯t imagine what Nala was capable of in her stage-three body.
The other council members still hadn¡¯t gathered so Idrus stood and stomped his way toward the door and down the steps. They slowed him up so he jumped onto the wall and crawled along it the rest of the way. Others followed this method but he hoped they would be courteous enough to use the steps when Nala entered since she couldn¡¯t climb as well.
This early, not many Levelers stirred. Times of peace meant some only rose from slumber to fulfill a bidding.
All who passed Idrus paused and gave him room. He paid them no mind as he continued on.
He came to a sharp stop at the garden and stood there for quite a while, waiting for Nala to pay him the proper courtesy reserved for the king.
Continuing her work digging up the soil and spacing the plants, Nala kept her eyes on the task at hand.
¡°What is it you want, my king?¡± Nala asked.
Idrus wanted the Summoner to meet his gaze. He wanted the Summoner to rise in the morning with him despite the armor, and he wanted to be called by a title of affection.
After careful consideration, Idrus crouched down and asked, ¡°Did I sleep roughly again?¡±
Nala shook her head. ¡°No.¡±
Idrus waited for more. Finally, he said, ¡°It can be lonely here, I know. But that is only if you wish it to be. You have food and conveniences.¡±
¡°I miss my farm,¡± Nala said without looking at him. ¡°But this flowerbed will do for now.¡± She glanced to an open area on her right and said. ¡°I think I should like another.¡±
Nodding, Idrus said. ¡°You shall have it.¡±
¡°And perhaps another sloth,¡± Nala muttered.
All worry faded from Idrus as he asked, ¡°Anything else?¡±
Returning his gaze, finally, Nala looked smug as she said, ¡°I will inform my king when I¡¯ve become bored with these and wish to have more.¡±
The humor in her eyes told Idrus that the Summoner didn¡¯t honestly want anything. Even teasing about the sloths was Nala¡¯s way of saying it was all too much. Still, Idrus decided to give Nala yet another flowerbed and another sloth as soon as he could.
Catching hold of Nala¡¯s white hair, Idrus tugged a strand to him.
Nala¡¯s skin dampened.
That bashful response made Idrus smile.
¡°Is it necessary that your flowerbed is here? It distracts me to see you when I meet the others for council.¡±The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
Nala continued in her work, closing her eyes now and then when Idrus brought the strand of hair up and used it to stroke Nala¡¯s cheek.
There was never any telling what would cause Nala¡¯s body to secrete. Idrus enjoyed it even more when the Summoner denied the fact.
Still crouched, Idrus eased closer and asked. ¡°What have I said to make your neck damp?¡±
Gray eyes still on the plants, Nala said, ¡°My king thinks too highly of himself. What you see on my skin is dew from the morn.¡±
Eyes narrowed, Idrus glanced to the window from which he¡¯d watch Nala earlier. The room still appeared empty.
He was gentle as he reached under Nala¡¯s gunnysack robe to find her slit slick and wet. Pleased, Idrus took Nala by the arm and pulled her up. ¡°Come with me, Summoner. I must speak to you in private.¡±
¡°The last time we spoke in the garden, my king, you hardly made a sound.¡±
Eyes on the window, Idrus led Nala under a pillar and then to the darkest corner he could find beneath an arch. He leaned out again to see if anyone might have noticed them.
They were alone, at least in this shaded area.
The clicking of his voice soft, Idrus asked, ¡°Tell me again, Summoner, what have I done to make your body react so?¡±
Despite the darkness he could see Nala clearly when she smiled. ¡°And I assure you, you are mistaken.¡±
A Leveler walked by but they remained still until the footsteps died away.
¡°And I assure you,¡± Idrus whispered. ¡°Your body is dripping.¡±
He was slow as he undid the strings of Nala¡¯s robe, anticipating a refusal should the Summoner speak the truth.
The oils slick breasts that greeted Idrus made him laugh.
¡°It¡¯s far worse than I¡¯d expected,¡± Idrus marveled.
Nala caught the ends of the robe and wrapped them around herself. ¡°Your spikes have cut me everywhere else, Mana.¡±
That one word made Idrus¡¯s hearts sing. ¡°Say that again,¡± he demanded.
Idrus pulled Nala¡¯s hands down while Nala in turn reached under the helmet to stroke his hair.
Her voice held longing when she said, ¡°I had meant to keep you at bay with my rudeness.¡±
Grinning, Idrus whispered, ¡°Your rudeness makes me want to tame you.¡±
¡°Tame me?¡± Nala held her breath when another pair of footsteps rushed by. Sounding doubtful, she reached down to tug at the large scale covering Idrus¡¯s groin and slipped her hand between the blades. ¡°Tame me how?¡±
It wasn¡¯t impossible to mate even in this form, but it was a painful endeavor, especially for Nala. She seemed willing if not eager to try despite the spikes along the base of Idrus¡¯s penis.
Idrus leaned away and surveyed their area. It was early still, and not many could see them unless looking closely.
Nala¡¯s coaxing lit his body up. A groan in the back of his throat, Idrus closed his eyes and allowed the first stroke, and then the second. By the third he gave in and forced the change.
¡°What is it you want, Mana? We are in the wide open.¡±
¡°Turn around and spread for me, Summoner.¡±
The second stage complete, he decided to allow the third.
Nala hesitated for a moment. She scanned the area beyond the shadow then complied.
They waited, Nala¡¯s body dripping from the secretions once Indel was whole once more.
Brushing Nala¡¯s severed tail aside with his finger, Indel pressed his body to the Summoner¡¯s.
¡°So slippery and smooth. I think you desire me,¡± Indel said, using the Earther tongue Nala was far more familiar with. ¡°I think you want what I have between my legs.¡±
Letting out a whine, Nala panted. ¡°I think you overestimate your charm.¡±
¡°Do you mean you do not want my thing?¡± Indel asked as he pressed closer. ¡°Don¡¯t you want the throbbing part of me?¡±
Nala¡¯s breaths came sharper. ¡°I do,¡± she confessed. ¡°I want it now.¡±
Indel slipped his digit in and out of her easily. He willed his own jutting member to shrink down until only the tip peeked out from below his belly.
Pulling Nala back, he rubbed his hips from side to side, the tip of his penis tickling Nala¡¯s mark.
With just the top visible, Indel popped in.
Nala groaned.
Indel removed it again. ¡°Shhh, Na¡¯am. Someone will hear.¡±
When Nala¡¯s body calmed and she didn¡¯t make another sound, Indel brought their hips to meet yet again. Popping his member in caused a moan from Nala this time as well.
¡°Shhh,¡± Indel whispered. He didn¡¯t dear leave the shadow for fear of being seen. Even the scales at his feet might alert someone to their presence. Regardless, he wanted to continue. ¡°I¡¯ll go slower. Can I allow it to swell?¡±
Nodding, Nala gasped. ¡°Yes. Yes. Allow it now. Allow it now.¡±
Slower footsteps approached. ¡°Well, have you seen him?¡±
¡°No, sir. The Summoner is gone as well,¡± someone answered.
Hand over Nala¡¯s mouth, Indel gave a slow thrust.
By the time the voices grew distant, he¡¯d found a steady rhythm.
¡°Mana, please. You cannot be so slow.¡±
¡°Patience, Summoner,¡± Indel whispered back. ¡°We have until the suns¡¯ light reaches us. So stop talking and present your yourself a little better instead.¡±
Nala leaned forward, bring her hips higher and Indel took a firm buck.
¡°Steady, Mana,¡± Nala warned, reaching back to hold Indel¡¯s waist. ¡°I am about to come undone.¡±
Indel waited for as long as he could stand it before he began moving yet again.
¡°Mana....¡±
¡°Quiet,¡± Indel gasped. ¡°Endure it till I am finished and I can ravage you twice.¡±
Voices came and went but Indel kept to his task.
¡°Mana, I cannot wait,¡± Nala said again.
Indel boxed Nala¡¯s hands aside and fondled her breasts. With his right hand, he was careful to slip the claw into Nala¡¯s slick entrance as the Summoner sometimes did when they coupled. No sooner had he slipped into Nala along with his penis, he himself nearly buckled at the knees instead.
His own body trembling, Indel shot his seed into Nala¡¯s willing body again and again.
Even when there was no more to come, he slipped out and then into Nala¡¯s opening once more.
There was no keeping Nala quiet after that. She groaned and crooned and made a sound that betrayed her need.
To stop his own seed from falling to the ground on the scales, Indel plugged Nala¡¯s hole with a finger and got down on his knees.
Nala didn¡¯t hesitate to turn and put her finger into her slit as Indel¡¯s mouthed her.
***
Indel dragged himself from the water yet again, winded and exhausted.
¡°I will not be here to help you the next time you sneak in here to force the change when your body stops part way,¡± Sessel warned.
But Indel hadn¡¯t come because of that. The change he¡¯d forced this morning had taken, but a burning came after his lay with Nala. His attempt at changing to his first stage again yielded no gain whatsoever. It was too soon.
¡°I¡¯ve never had trouble before,¡± Indel muttered.
¡°Changing at will grows more difficult each time it is forced.¡± Sessel looked down at him. ¡°Be quick, force the first stage.¡±
¡°I cannot.¡± Indel lay flat atop the moss. ¡°I require more time.¡±
¡°We do not have it.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry to have missed the meeting. What was the final decision?¡± Indel asked.
Sessel remained quiet until their eyes met. The worry Indel found there stole his resolve.
¡°I am fine, Sessel. And I am giving you what you¡¯ve requested. A new king will calm everyone. It will bring joy.¡±
Brushing her hair back, Sessel let out a sigh. ¡°The Summoner Queen is eager for peace. She¡¯s already started to march here. Other Leveler clutches are excited. With the Summoner¡¯s help once more, we can survive any hardship, even a time with less hunts. The rain lets up only for part of the day. Hunting will become laborious. A Summoner alliance would serve us all well. The council sees it as good fortune that the Queen has agreed. But....¡±
Indel held his breath. ¡°But...?¡±
¡°But your Summoner...they say she¡¯s brought the rain and it would be best if she returned home before your selection of a king. Keeping her will bring misfortune. The rain is an omen.¡±
Sitting up, Indel scoffed. ¡°Such nonsense. It is because of her why I thought to engage the Summoner Queen. And with this union, we will all benefit, as you¡¯ve said. And Nala has nothing to do with the weather.¡±
¡°Do not forget what happens to a king who no longer serves his function, Daga. We are on a dangerous course. Should our people lose faith in you, it¡¯s the difference between them following you blindly or literally consuming you in an act of revenge.¡±
That went without saying.
Sessel helped him to stand. ¡°What will you do now? Walking around in this stage will put everyone on edge.¡± She considered it but came to a grim conclusion. ¡°It would be painful...difficult to change to the warrior stage yet again, but how can you greet the Queen in such a state?¡±
With this much fatigue, Indel didn¡¯t dare try it. Until he emptied his loins completely, it would be a challenge to force the first stage so soon.
¡°I will remain this way for a time.¡±
Though displeased, Sessel nodded. ¡°I will tell them it¡¯s in preparation for the Queen but you must take on the lower stage before she arrives.¡±
Indel¡¯s body ached but the thought of seeing Nala again overwhelmed that pain. Remaining this way was unintentional but at least Nala would be pleased. First Indel had to meet with the others and dispute this ridiculous claim about the rain. Then he would seek out his miserable Summoner and spend some time in her company.
He snatched an awaiting robe and traveled the long tunnel until he saw the mercy moths, their transparent wings fluttering as his only form of light.
Hand extended, he waited for one to land on his second finger. These were rather ugly creatures. Turning it this way and that provided a better view.
The Earthers had tried to rename everything. Levelers were having a hard time naming them back. He concluded he would change the term ¡®moth¡¯ to something else. It was an Earther term and those monsters were long gone. That was the only reason the Summoner Queen dared venture out.
One of Indel¡¯s fathers was the last Leveler King to breed with a Summoner Queen. This was a momentous occasion.
And the Queen was an old friend. Even now, he still remembered their parting terms. Too small to even win a fight, Indel¡¯d lost to her as a child and was sent crying like a yapping welp. He smiled.
Nala didn¡¯t come for second-meal. She was probably in the nest. Tomorrow Indel would have to deal with the Queen but tonight, he longed for his temperamental Summoner¡¯s company.
It was rude for Nala to not come; Sessel even went out of her way to make Nala¡¯s favorite.
No doubt Nala was lying in their moth bed.
Indel considered the best choice of words. Nala was gentle usually, but she did have a temper. She didn¡¯t strike any more, not since the first time, but she would become...quiet. Excruciatingly quiet. Sometimes she¡¯d wait until they were joined hip to hip before she simply stopped moving. Those times were miserable and awful. Indel dreaded them.
It was important to test Nala¡¯s mood.
Tomorrow he¡¯d tell Nala the good news. He¡¯d risk another transformation to greet Citel, the Summoner Queen in his second stage. The third stage was undone.
Tying the robe tight, he hurried down the hall lest someone see him running after a lowly Summoner.
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 5
Later that day, Nala hid herself behind a pillar in the courtyard and hurried to change her clothing. The Leveler King, often busy in the day, might see her wearing rags, covering for the injured or infirmed, but she didn¡¯t care. The other fancy robe drew far too much attention. She concluded that was the reason some females followed her.
Nala missed her farm. She longed for it now that she was left to roam the stone walls of the fortress without much to do. In truth, she had been sorrowful for a time. It was foolish, beyond foolish to pine for something she couldn¡¯t have. Despite knowing this deep down, she had acted foolishly with sulking. Her Leveler King¡¯s patience brought her back to her senses.
A series of shrieks from the playing field fueled her to work faster in hiding the fancy robe gifted from the king. She would go without it now, but when she retired for bed, she wanted to wear it. She didn¡¯t get many gifts from him, but she relished them all.
Tucking the robe neatly behind a row of bushes by the flowerbed, she waited for the fluttering petals to calm; she didn¡¯t want the damn things to eat her robe.
Shrieks after shrieks sound again and she was eager to go see. Summoners.
Nala rushed to the edge of the walkway and peered at the gates. The announcement must have been mistaken. But sure enough, the stone barriers receded to blue body after blue body marching into the roost. Again, when the shrieks relayed and she¡¯d heard that Summoners were entering the city, she nearly jumped out of her skin, she was so happy. She told herself the king¡¯s decision had nothing to do with her, but deep down, she made a mental note to give Indel whatever manner of affection he requested in the days to come. It might mean Nala would have to put on a performance. Even though she wouldn¡¯t admit to favoring them, now she didn¡¯t have to. She could say it was a reward for this. He was allowing Summoners to take shelter in Leveler roosts. That was far safer now with the Earthers gone¡ªtaking with them their Earthman provision of fancy structures.
She brushed her rags off and looked up to the tall pillars. The city was carved out of the very mountain, its black walls towered over her.
Though it was sometimes hard to tell Idrus apart from the others at this distance¡ªup close his larger size was recognizable¡ªNala could marked her king by one important factor, he didn¡¯t allow the shell of his face plate to form. And it was for her benefit. As anticipated, she peered up from her flowerbed and into the meeting room where the king often watched her.
At this distance, they could still spy each other. Today, rather than only the faceplate, Idrus¡¯s entire helmet was gone; he resembled Indel greatly due to the fact. She stared at the king, confused. He looked like Indel. But by now, since this morning¡¯s lay, the Leveler King had no doubt reverted back to a lower stage. The expression on Idrus¡¯s face made Nala smile. Sharp teeth gritted, Idrus shook his head, disapproving of her changing out of the robe.
Nala considered the best way to communicate her flattery. Legs apart, she turned and picked her tattered robe up at the back.
Her rear end adequately displayed, she turned again with the intent to gloat but fell silent when Sessel¡¯s disapproving frown was all that greeted her instead of her king. Idrus was gone.
Lowering the fabric, Nala tried to fight back her worry. Sessel despised her, and not just slightly.
In the king¡¯s presence the aged Leveler was generous and humble but other times, she threatened to take a whip to Nala¡¯s back like an Earth-man herding livestock.
Nala thought maybe that was an elder¡¯s way; force was something the Leveler¡¯s all knew well.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
Taking the stone steps two by two down, she leaped from one white perch to the next until she fell into the training grounds below. The area hummed with Leveler chatter.
It all fell quiet, and Nala, proud and stunned, watched as Leveler after Leveler fell on one knee in greeting the parade of Summoners. She hadn¡¯t expected an army to show such respect to simple Summoner refugees.
Pride welled in Nala when she considered that she was the king¡¯s favorite. And not just his favorite; she could say whatever she wanted, opposed whatever she wanted, and Indel would only gripe before giving in. The easiest by far was Idrus. He terrified Nala in that stage. Sharp spikes extended when a Leveler grew agitated. Idrus had only allowed it a handful of times before he simply waited until he was Indel again before discussing whatever issue bothered them.
Nala was the king¡¯s favorite. Her gut burned with the joy of knowing that.
The size of the stage-one Summoners who came through the archway stole Nala¡¯s very ability to breathe.
These weren¡¯t just refugees...they were guards¡ªbodyguards. Only one Summoner was ever safe from Earther abuse.
¡°The Queen....¡±
A shadow fell over Nala and she froze. She recognized it to be one of the Shoki females. Hearts racing, Nala told herself to be brave¡ªLevelers responded to fear. That fact, and only that, was why this specific clutch of Levelers shadowed her so often. That had to be the reason.
¡°Well look here. A blue vermin, straying from her sheltered garden.¡±
The red body to walk from Nala¡¯s peripheral came to a stop before her. Then another, and another. Ten of them. One Leveler was more than enough to cause damage.
As slow as Nala dared, she looked back at the meeting room to find it hidden by the ledge above her. Idiot. She¡¯d fallen into a blind-spot.
So this hadn¡¯t been her imagination all this time¡ªshe was being hunted.
¡°Summoner,¡± another one drawled, ¡°I will eat your head.¡±
Clicks sounded all around. Nala summoned as much courage as she could muster in her weakened body. Fear crippled her.
¡°When the king hears of this¡ª¡±
¡°So bold!¡±
The lead Leveler struck and Nala closed her eyes tight.
Nothing. No impact. One gentle click sounded, then another. The area was abuzz with chatter when Nala finally managed to will her eyes open.
Sessel, the one to have caught the Leveler¡¯s arm, spikes and all, threw it down yet again.
¡°Have you lost all manner of rational judgement? This is the king¡¯s favored.¡±
¡°He will not know who¡ª¡±
¡°Of course, he will know who. He can smell it.¡±
Sessel¡¯s admonishment calmed Nala. It also wrecked her with guilt for having been suspicious of her. The Leveler had good hearts after all.
¡°I understand the anger. I share it, too,¡± Sessel said, scanning the irate females around her. ¡°He wasted his seed on this one and left you with nothing. I understand it. But this one is different. Should you harm this Summoner, the king will seek revenge.¡±
The clicks this time came with stomping of feet, and not both, but one. The left dug into the ground, with the right of each Leveler there scratching, finding purchase before an attack.
When said attack didn¡¯t come, Nala scanned them, emboldened. All they could do was posture and nothing more. All this time, for months, she¡¯d avoided them. And it was unnecessary. She could roam freely without a care.
¡°Very well,¡± Sessel agreed, ¡°I¡¯ll let you have your way.¡±
Nala was slow to look at her. ¡°What?¡±
Sessel ignored her and told the lead Leveler, ¡°Five lashes for each of you. Is that fair? Would that appease the Shoki?¡±
The click that time showed dissatisfaction but Sessel¡¯s cold expression never changed.
Strikes? Nala stepped back. Did this crazed Leveler intend to let these females each strike her five times?
¡°But we cannot touch the Summoner if what you say is true,¡± one said.
¡°Best to kill it, so it cannot complain,¡± another echoed.
¡°You need not worry.¡± Sessel reached below her robes and unhitched something. When the whip cascaded to the ground, Nala stepped back. ¡°I¡¯d be more than happy to offer help.¡±
A cracking sound tore through the stillness and something sliced through Nala¡¯s back.
¡°On your knees, wretch. Do you think you¡¯re too proud to bow! You¡¯ve heard my decree.¡±
The gruffness in Sessel¡¯s voice was one Nala knew well, but the edge on it was unfamiliar. She turned in time to see Sessel¡¯s sharp glare before the aging Leveler struck again.
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 6
By nightfall, the rain started once more.
Nala closed her eyes at the sound of the silk vails falling into place.
It was sometimes painful having a lay with Idsel in his second stage due to size issues, but Nala never complained. Today, she¡¯d welcome that ache compared to the one in her back. She had only made the mistake of trying to run once before the whip caught her in the throat. After that she¡¯d waited until it had ended.
Idsel would no doubt smell the blood but maybe he wouldn¡¯t comment because apparently, if Nala didn¡¯t wash daily, her stage-three body would produce a stench.
Each second that Idsel neared, letting the moths out from the nest like he often did, Nala¡¯s anticipation grew. She didn¡¯t even check to make sure the king was in stage-two before she grabbed the bulky body close.
The feel of the soft flesh against her own took Nala aback.
¡°Indel?¡±
Hands pressed down on the moss below them, Indel chuckled. ¡°Na¡¯am, why do you call me so? Am I no longer your Mana?¡±
Nala¡¯s chest felt hollow, she felt empty. Rather than become slick which was ideal for joining, her skin dried as upset betrayed her.
When Nala tried to respond, all that came was a sharp puff of air. She¡¯d seen Earthers sneeze often, but she¡¯d never contracted anything herself.
The sneeze came again and again until Nala hurried to whisper, ¡°Put it in. Do not argue. Just please come to me.¡± A rustle from one of the fourteen bodyguards which slept against the wall stole Nala¡¯s further plea. There had been only two starting out. Sessel then insisted on seven. Each one stole Nala¡¯s drive to comply whenever Indel begged her to pleasure herself and let him see.
Today she was relieved when her Leveler King merely shed the robe and readied himself.
¡°Na¡¯am, you don¡¯t look to be receiving of me.¡±
¡°I want you, Mana. I speak the truth,¡± Nala insisted.
It was a tight fit and Indel needed to rub his hands along his own body for more of the secretion which he smeared along Nala¡¯s slit. Eventually the tip did pop in, and when Indel bucked, his extending member filling with each second, Nala felt at peace.
¡°It¡¯s too raw, Na¡¯am. I can hardly move,¡± Indel complained.
It was appropriate because Nala couldn¡¯t move at all. She couldn¡¯t respond when their foreheads met. She couldn¡¯t reply when Indel took a well-savored lunge. And she couldn¡¯t answer as all drive faded from her and she sneezed again.
In time Indel stopped.
Nala closed her eyes.
¡°What have I done now?¡± Indel asked. ¡°That you¡¯d go so still when I¡¯m bowing my back for your pleasure. What have I done now to deserve this disdain?¡±
Having no steady motion, Nala returned her focus to her back yet again. She worried she might retch right where they slept.
With what little energy she had left, Nala held Indel¡¯s waist, urging him away. The member shrunk down a moment before Indel was able to withdraw.
¡°Do you know what I risk to take this form for you almost daily? You stubbornly cling to this third stage and I allow it. Now this? This is the last time you fall silent under me. Do you hear? Speak! Tell me what I¡¯ve done now.¡±
Nala¡¯s eyes hadn¡¯t been as good since she¡¯d taken on the third stage, but that wasn¡¯t why she couldn¡¯t focus on Indel now. The aching of her wounds came back, but even more so, her inability to speak of them. And what would she say? She¡¯d selfishly been responsible for the poor Leveler numbers and bitter females, rightly so, longed to render her limb from limb? Now with this injury, the sin had been paid. Perhaps she didn¡¯t have to pay more.
A growl in the back of his throat, Indel said, ¡°Curse you and your miserable temperament! Lie alone.¡±
Though Nala didn¡¯t see in what condition her king left, she did hear several bodyguards stir and give chase. For Nala, however, she only turned her head to stare out at the single window in the entire room, longing to jump out of it.
***
This is foolish. Nala told herself this. She told herself those words at a constant. Night had come and almost gone before she found the strength to stand. Sitting up was a chore, the pain stealing her power to rise.
But she had to rise up. Indel.... It was one thing to lose the favor of others, but not his. She could stand everyone¡¯s disdain, she knew, but not that of the king¡ªher king.
The robes from earlier in the day rested crumpled up on the floor. Nala no longer felt pride wearing them. A whip to the throat reminded her of her place. Still, there was no sense in causing trouble, so she resolved to keep her pride.
It was paid¡ªher hubris was paid to the females she¡¯d wronged. Now that it no longer hung over her, she could perhaps roam safely.
After securing the robe tight, she pulled the hanging leaves aside, determined to go in search of the Leveler King.
She didn¡¯t get far.
Without a robe, Indel sat in the tunnel before the entrance to his resting area, sleeping.
The sight of him stunned her. On either side, one bodyguard slumbered curled up.
Nala¡¯s hearts broke. He hadn¡¯t left. Despite having stomped away. He...he hadn¡¯t found another more amenable female to sate him. He¡¯d...stayed. Sleeping outside his resting area like some common Leveler.
Nala looked him over, debating what to do¡ªwhat to say to him. She cared less about disturbing his restful state and more so about Sessel catching wind of this.
No. Sessel didn¡¯t like Nala all that well. Nala¡¯s food was often mangled, her robes prepared slowly. But that was only because Sessel feared for them. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Indel often sang Sessel¡¯s praises. He was so proud of his second mother.
Nala had to find a way to appear more agreeable.
A deeper sense of regret fueled her decision to urge Indel to perhaps stand and return to the nest. Nala didn¡¯t possess the power of persuasion. She often reminded herself that being a hermit for so many cycles had...changed her¡ªshe was poor with assessing others. Moreover, as a Summoner, to argue wasn¡¯t her way.
But Summoner¡¯s did communicate. Nala found that a challenge. This was the time for diplomacy. If she hadn¡¯t gone so silent after their first argument, Indel might have never known his armor had cut into Nala¡¯s skin when he grabbed her arm.
She had allowed their affection two nights later but stopped part way. The shock of it rocked Indel to the core. He¡¯d known why¡ªhe¡¯d suspected¡ªand he¡¯d apologized. He was rather good at understanding her, sometimes far better than she understood herself.
But today Indel hadn¡¯t understood what the matter was. He couldn¡¯t have known. And this was unfair to him.
The Summoner Queen was in the roost. Nala puzzled over the meager number of refugees. That meant official business. Indel had come out and said he wanted to get more Summoners into the city. He insisted it was to help with peace, but Nala knew it was also for her. Indel often grumbled she¡¯d become accustomed to this life in the presence of her own kind.
The Summoner Queen¡¯s arrival, however, loomed something far more terrible, though she couldn¡¯t readily say what.
But tonight, Nala owed Indel an apology.
¡°Mana?¡±
Fear fueled Nala¡¯s footsteps as she hurried down the path to kneel before him.
¡°Mana?¡± in a soft voice, Nala called, feeling haggard under the countless fluttering wings of the moths. ¡°Please return. I need you.¡±
The Leveler King, the most sensitive to danger and distress, roused. At the sight of her, he held her face in both hands, fearful.
¡°Na¡¯am. What is it, Na¡¯am? What is the matter?¡± Indel asked then embraced her. ¡°What is the matter?¡±
¡°Come,¡± Nala took him by the hands and tugged him back towards their nest.
The exhausted king managed to keep his eyes open as he watched her. ¡°You will not undress?¡±
Nala nestled close. When he tried to embrace her, she held his hand and guided it between them, making sure he couldn¡¯t stroke her back, as was his habit.
***
In time Nala came to know what the Summoner Queen¡¯s presence meant. No one really needed to say it directly. Sessel¡¯s constant smug grin all but confirmed it.
Nala wasn¡¯t sure what to make of her and Indel dining alone before the appointed night.
¡°When fervent mating took you, you¡¯d spend weeks returning to stage-one. Will it happen this time as well?¡±
Indel picked at the food with his claws, a firm frown in place. ¡°This food always tasted better at the other stages,¡± he whined. In time he shook his head, his black hair boxing from side to side. ¡°And I do not know. We will have to see.¡±
¡°You¡¯ve still so strong,¡± Nala observed. ¡°I thought you were too young to select a new king.¡±
Taking great interest in his meal, Indel propped his elbow on his knee and peered at her.
¡°Could you make the next meal? As she and I will be in this stage for the week, at the very least we should have good food.¡±
Nala twitched. Her skin burned and she spasmed again.
¡°If that¡¯s what you¡¯d like,¡± she answered.
¡°We should have better food.¡± Indel sat up again. ¡°Tonight, we will start but tomorrow it¡¯s best to have a good meal.¡±
Another sharp twitch of Nala¡¯s arms caught her off guard but her concern was elsewhere. ¡°How is she?¡±
¡°Oh, she¡¯s lovely! We fit well. For that I am thrilled because it means this will go on rather long. It¡¯s been ages since I¡¯ve been someone¡¯s first.¡±
A hiccup noise escaped Nala¡¯s lips next.
¡°And her body is very curvy and beautiful, too. You¡¯ll see.¡±
Giving off a nod, Nala said, ¡°You look thrilled.¡±
¡°It¡¯s not every day this chance comes along.¡±
¡°But, Mana,¡± Nala began. She wasn¡¯t sure why she¡¯d felt some resistance, but she did. ¡°Why must it go on so long?¡±
¡°Sessel reminded me that the first batch of a new breed is often unfruitful. Tradition dictates we select from the third in order to ensure a strong line. So it must go on for a while.¡±
Nala nodded again. ¡°I understand.¡± She got to her feet and Indel joined her.
¡°Are you leaving so soon?¡± Indel asked.
¡°Yes,¡± Nala affirmed. ¡°I know you do not wish to spoil yourself for the night and I would rather rest early.¡±
¡°You¡¯ve been acting strangely for days,¡± Indel said. ¡°I know you long for your farm but you will grow accustomed to the city in time. Of that I am sure.¡±
Nala nodded. ¡°I¡¯m sure, too.¡±
A commotion spilled into the meeting room and a stunning Queen came along with it. Black eyes narrowed into enchanting slits, body full and wavy. Flawless. And why would she be otherwise? A Leveler king was a perfect warrior. A Summoner queen, the perfect seductress.
Nala¡¯s spirits sank.
¡°Leveler King, I am ready. The anticipation is making me drip, too.¡±
Indel stood, shedding his robe as he did.
He caught her when she stumbled into his embrace. She took note of Nala and tilted her head this way and that, confused.
¡°Summoner, why do you linger?¡±
Indel took her by the waist and led her to Nala. ¡°This is my favored. I hope you will be understanding of her.¡±
Her eyes took Nala in. She did an unexpected thing after that, safely nestled in Indel¡¯s hold, she looked up at him and asked, ¡°Why is she favored?¡±
The king returned her gaze, stunned.
His confusion prompted her mercy. ¡°I only mean, what is her talent¡ªwhat does she do? Is she skilled at fights or hunting? What could a Summoner offer to a fierce Leveler King to catch his interest?¡±
Nala expected no answer, but Indel surprised her. ¡°My favored is lovely.¡±
Curiosity piqued, the queen pressed herself to him, hands tucked between hers and Indel¡¯s smooth bodies.
¡°How?¡±
Nala flinched.
The queen reached behind Indel and gathered up his tail.
The act was arousing enough to stir a response from Indel who laughed.
¡°Lady, we haven¡¯t begun.¡±
¡°It¡¯s just a reminder of the lovely things we leave behind, isn¡¯t it?¡± she said. She preened, taking great interest in him. ¡°And you react so well.¡±
When she approached Nala and tried to look behind her, even Indel called out, ¡°Come! That is too much.¡±
She let out a laugh when she grabbed Nala¡¯s robe, despite Nala¡¯s rapid movements to avoid her.
¡°So it¡¯s true,¡± she said, arms folded. ¡°You are common.¡± The queen wore a look of satisfaction when she turned to Indel. ¡°Best you get one with a tail. I have many who would suit you better. Should I bring one in the morning?¡±
Nala felt so much shame she was nearly numb. Indel, however, stared at the queen wide-eyed, breathing ragged. Small bumps formed and faded along his arms.
¡°How dare you? You lifted her tail? You lifted the tail of an adult as if she were nothing more than an infant!¡±
Citel, the queen, calmed out of her guarded posture. ¡°It is only a common Summoner.¡± She waited for him to answer but in time, she took on a challenging stance, claws bare. ¡°Are you suggesting that I remain in her presence even now?¡±
The glare in Indel¡¯s eyes was frightening. Nala feared he might transform and take off the queen¡¯s head. Then she remembered that the process wasn¡¯t as simple with returning to the first stage.
Indel grabbed Nala by the arm and walked past the queen. ¡°Lie alone.¡±
Citel turned to watch his retreat. ¡°You will not disrespect me as such.¡±
But Indel didn¡¯t look back.
Nala worried about the care Indel took with her. ¡°Mana, you cannot walk away,¡± she whispered. ¡°That is a queen¡ªa Summoner Queen.¡±
Wordlessly, Indel marched on.
He intended to risk it¡ªrisk an unforgivable offense against the entire Summoner race.
An insult Sessel¡¯d take retribution for¡ªtake retribution from Nala for.
¡°Daga! Daga, stop.¡±
Though Indel¡¯s grip suggested he wouldn¡¯t. He obeyed, however, to Nala¡¯s shock.
¡°Daga. This is my folly. I take responsibility.¡± Once Sessel stood before them, she held up both hands, soothing the king. ¡°I am to blame. I did not prepare her better. But do not leave this way. Take some time to calm. And as you do....¡± Her gaze settled on Nala as she entreated, ¡°Leave your Summoner with the queen so that they can become properly acquainted.¡±
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 7
Nala covered her mouth, but not soon enough. Indel stared down at her, surprised. That noise. That sound resembled that of someone injured. It was a cry, a sudden wail of panic.
The Summoner cast one weary glance at Sessel then twisted free from Indel with so much composure he nearly believed her.
¡°I¡ªI¡¯d love to tarry with the queen a bit longer, Mana.¡±
Indel observed her then glanced at Sessel to see the helpful smile.
Finally, Indel tested his theory. He nodded in agreement. ¡°Very well.¡±
Nala¡¯s entire posture drooped. The woeful expression creased into her face resembled that of a vera fox about to be slaughtered.
¡°Thank you, Mana,¡± Nala breathed out and walked on.
Indel watched her go. Sessel did as well.
Finally, Sessel smiled and said, ¡°In the morrors, Daga.¡±
When the aging Leveler finally turned to leave, Indel¡¯s annoyance compounded into hate. He marched after them, second claw bare, unsure of what he¡¯d do.
The scene unfolding before him stole some of his power.
Nala sat at the Summoner Queen¡¯s side, eyes cast low, as the queen smoothed out Nala hair.
¡°Come. We will drink and become friends,¡± Citel insisted.
The guarded posture Nala wore wasn¡¯t entirely unlike her, but it was distressing.
Sessel saw Indel¡¯s return and stood in protest. ¡°Daga. You mustn¡¯t be here¡ª¡±
Indel raised his left hand to silence her. Nala picked her head up. The relief that flooded through her was unreal.
Citel was equally pleased to see him. ¡°My lord, you¡¯ve returned. Will you join¡ª?¡±
¡°No. Please carry on.¡±
Eventually, Indel sat with his back against the wall, feet crossed at the ankle claws, observing them.
Sessel left then returned with Nala¡¯s favorite meal. And although the surly Summoner acknowledged no one, Sessel sung her praises.
¡°And she¡¯s the only one who could convince him to bring sloths into the roost, despite the stench. I suppose she and they have something in common.¡±
There was hearty laughter all around. Nala shrunk down but Indel failed to understand why. Here, Sessel was preening about her. Surely she could appreciate the aging Leveler¡¯s efforts.
Sessel talked non-stop, apologizing again and again for Indel¡¯s stage three state.
They returned to eating, however, much to the delight of the Summoner Queen.
Sitting on the floor, in a semi-circle away from Indel, they dined on the second meal. Indel, feeling no discomfort when he sat on the floor in his first stage, now, due to his stage-three body, found the stone below rather rough.
Although he enjoyed Nala¡¯s company, he decided he would be firmer in forcing the Summoner to take on a lower¡ªsafer¡ªstage. The madness had to stop.
Especially now as Indel sat, the king in his third stage, in the presence of the Summoner Queen and her people who were all dressed tastefully in robes, in their second.
Sessel, too humiliated to even look the queen in the eye all night, worked hard with the needed preparations.
Indel hadn¡¯t met eyes with Nala for some time. He put his hand on the spot by his right often, waiting for Nala to lick her wounds and come; it was more than permissible for her to sit beside him now with the main eating had finished. Two days without physical contact was unlike her but Indel didn¡¯t dare invite her now on his own. Not in front of his guests who treated her so well.
¡°Is there someone missing?¡± The Summoner Queen asked, brushing her long silver hair back. ¡°My king, you caress the spot at your side often.¡±
Before Indel could answer, Sessel interjected as she circled the hollow.
¡°Yes. The king is weary but won¡¯t retire without his preferred bedmate. She¡¯s often in a sour mood so do not mind tonight. In fact, feel free to take her with you when you depart,¡± Sessel teased.
A roar of chuckles erupted but Indel didn¡¯t laugh. His appearance concerned him. He hadn¡¯t expected to breed a king so soon. Even before the wars he was instructed to select one but refused, confident he would survive any struggle. And he could survive in his fighter¡¯s stage.
He hadn¡¯t decided on anyone worthy but now, the prospect of breeding with a Summoner Queen was welcomed. With all that in mind, he puzzled over why he¡¯d risked putting that in jeopardy. Mere hours later, the blinding rage he¡¯d fallen under at Nala¡¯s treatment had vanished. At this moment, he felt foolish. His seed, mixed with a strong mate, would ensure strong Levelers but a Leveler King with Summoner kin could mean a safe return to the old ways.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
What had he been thinking?
No. Taking up root with Nala wasn¡¯t a viable option. He would have to seek her out in the morning. He could leave her here with the queen before resting.
As if reading his mind, Sessel announced, ¡°You should rest here as well, my lord.¡± She gestured for three bulky bodyguards to follow once she got to her feet. ¡°I do not require my spot.¡±
Mouth set to refuse, Indel made the mistake of glancing at his Summoner. Nala trembled.
Curse this Summoner and her Earther characteristics. Did she miss him? Was this why she acted so strangely?
Indel feared appearing weak. When he stood, Nala shot to her feet as well. Citel was slower to stand. Tradition dictated the females acquainted themselves.
The best course of action was to leave them to it. So Indel could not explain why he approached and took Sessel¡¯s place by Nala¡¯s side.
His Summoner leaned into him. As foolish and quivering as a freshly plucked lof-fowl.
Everything in Indel said to cast her off and remain formal but instead, he wrapped his arms around her.
Citel leaned away to regard them. A moment later, she smiled. ¡°You are a good fit, I see.¡±
They dined in silence, that is to say, Indel didn¡¯t hear much of what the queen¡¯s official kept saying. Instead, he listened to the fervent thumping of his Summoner¡¯s hearts. Nala surprised him; she slept.
It carried on that way until the queen finally asked, ¡°Would it be so bold if we¡¯d be allowed a moment in one another¡¯s company tonight despite your preferred¡¯s slumber? You look rather distressed. I have a gift if you¡¯d permit me to share it.¡±
She clapped her hands and a pair of Summoners from her crowd scurried off. When they returned, Indel was stunned to see two tall glass bottles put before him.
¡°The finest nectar around. Now with the Earthers gone, you need not worry. We Summoners are more than capable of producing it. We can cull it and give out far more than the Earthers ever did. I¡¯m very excited to share this beautiful prospect with you.¡±
Frozen in time, Indel stared at those bottles. He was firm yet polite when he refused but watched with half disgust and fascination when the Summoner Queen drank down two glasses with the greatest of ease.
***
That night, rather than take his leave, Indel slept crouched up with the other Levelers, Nala nestled in his hold. He should have given this treatment to the queen and was sure the next day, the reckoning would come.
To his surprise, Citel apologized in the morning. ¡°Oh. I¡¯d fallen asleep without joining you directly, my lord.¡±
Indel forced a smile.
Humbling herself into a bow, she continued, ¡°And Sessel explained it all to me. I had not realized the disrespect I showed your favored.¡±
Indel watched Citel¡¯s movement with caution but calmed when she took Nala by the hand and said, ¡°Do forgive me.¡±
It wasn¡¯t often that Nala seemed flattered. Today she hung her head to hide her discomfort.
For Indel, it was the least Citel could do. Now when he looked at the queen, he could see her beauty rather than allow his vision to be clouded by bitterness.
Citel took her seat across from Indel in their dining circle that night.
The same ritual necessary before breeding for the purpose of a king was equal to that of a king¡¯s first mating.
Though it had been some cycles, Indel still remembered the custom of presenting the queen with her meal in the center of the circle. She carried his own also.
Twitch after twitch from Nala drew Indel¡¯s focus but he carried on.
Indel sat, his legs crossed at the ankle claws, while Citel knelt before him, offering a beautifully painted gourd filled with traditional grub the likes of which he¡¯d never seen.
When she held a black milk-leaf to him, he accepted it and took her by the waist.
The berries in the gourd were meant for her, and he was careful as he lowered them into her palm one at a time.
He¡¯d been stiff the first time he¡¯d performed this ceremony, too worried about making a mistake.
This time he felt at ease. It was fun to hold someone close and know that she could fit with ease¡ªthat they¡¯d know how. A Summoner Queen, like a Leveler King, was the most breedable. Even now, her body dripped for the secretions. The robe she wore draped her shoulders well, cover both rows of breasts but he could make all four out under the fabric. Her accessible body alone made his own react with anticipation.
Nala¡¯s twitch concerned Indel. It was a very strange action. Other than Earthers, he couldn¡¯t remember seeing any of his kind react that way.
Earthers took ill rather easily and would sneeze, or shake. He made a note to have someone look on Nala later on.
Citel rose on her long legs, offering a hand to him. When Indel took it, he did so with the intent of making Nala proud of her king¡¯s well-versed dance.
Sessel made the first click, then another in their company. It became a chorus in a matter of minutes, some females humming in unison with it.
Bodies pressed together, hands in each other¡¯s hair, Indel swayed.
The sharp intakes of breath from Nala had stopped and Indel, eager to see Nala¡¯s proud smile, looked back to find the space empty.
He was so startled that he nearly stopped. Completing the ritual was a must, however, so he continued.
Sessel stood, a small, smile in place as she bowed. She¡¯d no doubt see to Nala later. Indel wanted to make sure of it, but rather than risk interrupting the dance he¡¯d already initiated, he continued.
It wasn¡¯t as much fun after that. Finally, he took hold of her tail. She returned the gesture and the humming died down.
One by one, the Levelers and Summoners in attendance stood and turned with their backs to them.
Indel glanced to Nala¡¯s vacant seat again, his gut burning with worry. He wasn¡¯t sure why the prospect of mating without Nala¡¯s presence troubled him this much, but it did.
No matter, he would commence with the mating and see to Nala later on.
As their swaying bodies calmed, Indel fell to his knees and sat back.
Thoughts of Nala plagued him with worry.
The Summoner Queen spread out her robe and laid on her back, leaving him stunned.
Other than Nala, Indel had never encountered anyone wishing to mate face-to-face. Thoughts of the nectar she¡¯d brought, the way she knew of Nala¡¯s tail, and now this Earther way of mating put him in poor spirits.
Rather than complain, he decided to make the best of it.
He rubbed his hips against hers, but it was to no avail, his skin failed to secrete, and his member wouldn¡¯t react.
Having never been faced with something such as this, Indel continued with his efforts until he tired.
¡°I cannot. Sessel, I cannot,¡± Indel lamented, staring ahead.
In time, Sessel, still with her back to him as well as the others, turned to look at them.
¡°What are you saying?¡±
¡°I¡¯m saying I cannot,¡± Indel said again. ¡°I cannot mate. My body will not react.¡±
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 8
All but too happy to be away from the Queen, Indel paced back and forth as an elder saw to Nala whose body twisted and writhed as she sneezed.
Running a gilmont branch along Nala¡¯s thrashing body, the doctor chanted.
His efforts proved fruitless.
Indel growled. ¡°Leave us, you idiots!¡±
The nest emptied but Sessel remained.
Sessel did something unexpected, she approached the bed of moss, took Nala¡¯s right hand in hers, and whispered something.
Indel watched with relief when Nala¡¯s body calmed, each twitching muscle seeming to melt of all tension.
¡°What have you done, Sessel? Is she ill? Are we both ill?¡± Indel asked.
¡°Come here, my lord,¡± Sessel said, standing. ¡°All will be well if you embrace. Of that I¡¯m very sure.¡±
Indel felt unsteady as he approached the moss. Still dressed in nothing but his mating robes, Indel eased himself closer to Nala. The Summoner turned to put her face against Indel¡¯s neck.
Nala rarely showed weakness. Today it occurred to Indel just how much he depended on his Summoner¡¯s inner strength in all things.
Indel¡¯s own tail twitched; he didn¡¯t excuse it. He was pleased to see Nala so calm. The ardent body was a comfort. Without thinking, Indel reached around for Nala¡¯s stubble tail and tugged on it. At this, Indel could react. The Summoner¡¯s weak claws digging into his back told him Nala was all right.
¡°This is the consequence of spoiling the favored,¡± Sessel said, remaining in the shadows.
¡°I do not spoil her,¡± Indel replied.
¡°Strict tradition dictates that she returns to the first stage and remains by your side quietly until you have need for her again after the mating spell. Each time you complete a cycle, Daga, you lessen your years. All of us are born with a set amount of cycles. You, too have a set amount, yet you course through them again and again carelessly for this wretch.¡±
Running his hands up and down Nala¡¯s body led to an unpleasant discovery. The grooves on Nala¡¯s back weren¡¯t ones Indel was familiar with. He could only imagine that someone had taken a whip to her. No one but Sessel would dare injure the king¡¯s favored.
¡°For her to remain in this third stage constantly is vulgar. It¡¯s sending people to panic as they see their king shifting back and forth. Unrest and worry will plague us if we do not return to the proper traditions.¡±
Gathering Nala close to him, Indel asked, ¡°Is she ill?¡±
¡°She is not ill, and neither are you. Your mother suffered the same sneezing fits when your father had to make you. As her pods were too weak to bring forth a king, he had to seek out a stronger mate. The seizures lasted for day until a king was selected, that mate was put out from his bed and she could resume her place as his favored.¡±
Indel had no experience of his own with which to compare it.
¡°It is simple jealousy, a selfish jealousy and it will pass. I¡¯ve seen human melt into fits of rage. Some would experience it so strongly that their eyes burned and watered, and hideous sounds came from their mouths.¡± Sessel let out a sigh. ¡°She is so human in ways. She even wears the third stage and engages in mating with you for sport.¡±
¡°It is not sport,¡± Indel muttered. ¡°She must find satisfaction a time or two lest the secretions poison her. She¡¯s only surviving. At least now she has me to help.¡±
Sessel shot from the shadows. ¡°Do not say such a thing! Do not let anyone know what you do with this Summoner. A Summoner who shows her tail to you in public for sport. And if she¡¯s complained about the whipping then I hope she told you why. When you stood from the window, I went to close it only to find her tail pointing up at me. And because I knew you would not punish in accord, I had to make that sacrifice. I ask that you get from this bed, you engage the queen again tonight, and you do so quickly before your mood changes. Once you¡¯ve succeeded in one batch, the second should come faster.¡±
The prospect was less than appealing. Indel wanted to refuse.
¡°She has come all this way. It could mean your ruin if we do not conduct this properly,¡± Sessel reminded him.
Indel fumbled with the tail until Nala brushed his hand aside, uncomfortable with the show of affection in Sessel¡¯s presence.
Despite her actions, Nala didn¡¯t pull away. In fact, she eased closer. Indel had never seen her look so frail. It occurred to him that Nala had missed several meals, even if she came, she didn¡¯t eat, and in this weak third-stage body, she would need to feed almost daily.
Sessel crouched down to face Indel as she said, ¡°Daga. Mating with a Summoner Queen is one thing, refusing to complete the ritual and sending her back to her people in disgrace is quite another. You must complete this.¡± She glanced to Nala, though reluctant to do so. ¡°Your favored can remain during the ceremony. Her show of support is all you need, is it not?¡±
Indel supposed that it was. ¡°I¡¯ve never had any trouble with mating before.¡±
¡°You¡¯ve never mated constantly out of season before either, Daga. If we cannot complete this ceremony then we¡¯re all for naught. A Leveler King who cannot mate with anyone but one is our death. Even with a favored the king must spread his seed. Tradition dictates that a king who cannot produce is no King. Think of what you risk, Daga. And you risk it with someone barren. Think of what it¡¯ll mean if people realize you are unable to do your most basic function. You are King. Should all other males die tomorrow, you alone can revive us all again with enough females at your side. A dead or useless Leveler is of no consequence. A dead or unfruitful king, however, means a dead race.¡±
With a bow of her head, Sessel stood and made her way out.
¡°Wait,¡± Indel called. ¡°How did you calm her? What do I do if she takes ill again?¡±
¡°Calm her?¡± Sessel said looking back at them. ¡°I merely told her that you hadn¡¯t mated. As I¡¯ve said, she isn¡¯t unwell, just selfish.¡±
As soon as she was gone, Nala clung tighter.
Indel thought to go after Sessel, to calm her, assure her that all would be well, but he couldn¡¯t will himself to let Nala go.
The grooves from the whip lit Indel up with ire. ¡°Do not provoke Sessel. Do you hear?¡±
Nala stiffened. That action was enough to tell Indel his Summoner might have taken offense. Perhaps she considered it unfair but Indel had reason to worry.
¡°Sessel is my second mother. You must understand what that means. If any other Leveler injured you, I¡¯d take their hearts. If Sessel does it...I¡¯ll have to apologize to Sessel for forcing her hand. I cannot...I wouldn¡¯t do anything about it. Please, I beg you, anger anyone else, anger the very Shoki, but do not provoke Sessel to violence. She won my first father¡¯s affection and that must have been no easy means. Even I could never remember the former king giving me a kind word. Even when my first father died so mysteriously, I had nothing to say but the thought of losing Sessel....¡± He let out a sigh. ¡°She means well, Summoner. Can¡¯t I honor you both in kind?¡±
Another dinner came but without the usual chatter. Indel should have said something to break through the tension but he didn¡¯t know what. He certainly wouldn¡¯t apologize for losing interest.
He could almost forget his misgivings about Citel when she sat up and brought food for both of them.
Nala caught hold of Indel¡¯s robe, a look of disinterest on her face.
The queen retreated to her usual spot. The next move was up to Indel, he¡¯d have to bring her his own offering to signal a desire to continue.
Thunder rolled from the skies, but it was the mood within hall that felt grim and black.
All was drab and Sessel eyed Nala, fuming.
¡°Stage three Summoners are rare,¡± Citel said, sounding impressed. ¡°Very few can achieve that state without a tail.¡±
She must have meant it in a positive sheen but Indel was rather protective of Nala¡¯s tail.
¡°Yes. It is interesting that her queen¡¯s tail is intact while her subjects¡¯ were sheared off by the hands of Earthers,¡± Indel said.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Citel fell silent for a moment, forgetting how to even breathe.
¡°My king, I try to make peace. Won¡¯t you allow that for but a moment so that we may succeed tonight?¡±
Her request was reasonable enough. Tonight Nala didn¡¯t sneeze or twitch; she seemed as calm as ever.
¡°Make peace,¡± Citel said, noticing her headway. ¡°Allow her to return to her first stage and that will free up your loins so that we may try. We two cannot maintain this stage for too long¡ªit will lead to madness. The vulnerability is unbearable.¡±
Indel sat proud. ¡°Nala need not change.¡±
The queen¡¯s amicable expression dulled. ¡°But if she remains as such, she will coax you before I have the chance. That is somewhat unfair.¡±
¡°You assume she remains this way as a challenge to you. It is far from that. She¡¯s survived entire cycles in this stage.¡±
¡°How vulgar.¡±
By the time the Summoner Queen¡¯d said it and noticed her mistake, Indel was already prepared to answer.
¡°Vulgar? What is vulgar about surviving alone for nearly five seasons without help? That is strength.¡±
¡°It is hardly as heroic an endeavor as you say. Mating spells take us unless we return to the first stage. Leaving ourselves uncoaxed would make us ill, and no one can do it alone. I find it hard to believe that she survived that long on her own¡ªin the wild no less. My king, please do not embellish so. Let us be friends. As an offering of goodwill....¡± Citel extended her hand behind her and a male stood. Judging from the strength of his physique, he had the much needed experience for the situation. The colors of his robe pleased Indel. The queen had requested that her Chara¡ªmain groomerto groom Nala.
The Summoner Queen recognized Nala as the preferred at least, and was taking her proper place as second in his bed. Wonderful.
They ate, and danced, Indel standing at Nala¡¯s back, helping her to hold the Chara properly.
¡°The crease in his back is very tender from lack of fighting. I don¡¯t remember when mine no longer reacted. Here, press it,¡± Indel insisted but his Summoner backed into him rather than approach the Chara.
Indel guessed that the groomer was a little older than Nala, but patient.
During Indel¡¯s dance with Citel yet again, Indel noticed a problem. Nala wouldn¡¯t move; she didn¡¯t so much as shake a hip in the Chara¡¯s direction.
Nala¡¯s distress outweighed that of the Queen¡¯s. Indel still kept Citel in mind when he danced her around, heading in Nala¡¯s direction. So long as they kept in motion they could commence.
Wrapping his arms around Nala¡¯s waist, Indel swayed with her. Nala¡¯s body reacted, moistening in seconds. Holding Nala¡¯s hands, Indel guided them to the groomers beautiful skin.
Using so much expert speed that Indel was taken aback, Nala slipped from his grip and turned in his hold.
And just like that, the prospects for the night had fled.
***
Indel should have been angry when they walked the halls together¡ªCitel certainly was. She marched into her nest, her shamed groomer behind her, without so much as a glance much less a polite greeting. Moments later, the groomer was expelled from the room, him arms itching at his then dry skin as he scurried away lest the queen¡¯s wrath reach him.
For that Indel was sorry. The groomer had been lovely. He nearly rivaled Levelers with the length of his shoulders. While Levelers were fast at an attack, Summoners, true Summoner worriers provided great shielding. Citel blamed her groomer now, but in time, she would find out what Indel had to admit for himself, Nala was...uncommon.
When they reached their own nest, Nala didn¡¯t change her robes and enter the moss-bed as Indel expected. Instead, she walked to the window and stared out into the lightning and thunder sounding in the night.
Things had seemed possible tonight. Citel had sought out a modest place. She¡¯d given Nala the proper respect. Yes, her tongues were too loose, but she was a queen and Indel himself never needed to take care when speaking.
Indel sat down on the bed of moss, watching the floor as he asked, ¡°Is it that you do not enjoy Summoner males?¡± When the stillness of the room remained, he said, ¡°Is it the shape of something about him? His waist was lean, and he had a power in his stride for a Summoner. Even his claws gleaned. Was there something you wanted different? I admit, his hair was too long and the tail wasn¡¯t as full but he was a sight. Wasn¡¯t he? He almost resembled a Leveler he exuded so much power.¡±
At the silence that followed Indel said, ¡°I do not understand. If¡ªif the body shape does not suit you, perhaps she can provide you with a different Summoner male. A common one. Would that be best? Or a Leveler, perhaps. The third stage is hard but not impossible and¡ª¡±
¡°I do not know why I didn¡¯t enjoy him,¡± Nala interrupted. ¡°I do not have an answer.¡±
¡°All right then.¡± Indel said, ¡°Let us look for another male to suit you. Perhaps a Leveler is your preference.¡±
But when the time came the next day, Nala refused to even pick her head up to see the handsome Leveler Citel had sought out on her own accord with Sessel¡¯s help.
Indel was pleased with her consideration. Her extra efforts to appease Nala made her lovely once more.
Tonight, when Nala stared at the floor without acknowledging the arch of the males back, the width of his strong chest, or the power of the Leveler¡¯s hearts, Indel felt cross.
This was a fine Leveler male to be sure. Citel reached under the Summoner, to find the sac full and ready and tried to convey as much. The male¡¯s member was good as well and slicked easily with one touch.
Maybe this male Leveler would not be appreciated by Nala, but he took great interest in Citel¡¯s appraisal if the oils of his skin was any indication.
When Indel was sure the Leveler shined, he turned and waited for Nala to notice. He meant to call to Nala but even as Nala rose to her feet, bowed her head, and walked away, Indel only watched her.
Letting out a sigh, Indel turned to the Queen, regret stealing all power in his voice when he apologized. ¡°Forgive me. This is a most beautiful fighter.¡±
Citel stood, her frown deepening. ¡°Do you wish to have him here, if she returns? Or should I seek out another Summoner female for you? A common one as well?¡±
¡°As well?¡± Indel stared at her. He glanced to the male Leveler¡¯s confused face and considered her words. He was toned. He should have been a good fit for Nala. Finally, Indel shook his head.
¡°No,¡± Indel said. ¡°I will scold Nala. She is being contrary for no reason at all. Please forgive me. I will rest for tonight, and tomorrow we will succeed. Of that I am sure.¡±
Citel gave no argument. No doubt she would allow her female groomers to aid both the Summoner and Leveler males that they could return to a lower stage with ease. Without the mating spell, they need only meditate, finding peace in each other¡¯s presence would be enough.
However, they managed it, Indel hoped he hadn¡¯t soured his chances with the queen. Her reaction to Nala¡¯s behavior showed her in a new light. Citel was strong and patient, and Indel, sharing few of those qualities, respected her understanding. Even Nala wasn¡¯t as wise.
Tonight when Indel arrived to the nest to find it empty save for his sleeping bodyguards, he let out a sigh.
He decided then and there that tomorrow would be the day he stopped worrying about his surly Summoner and think of his people. They needed a king, and these past few days had proven to him that he was no longer reliable. If he didn¡¯t breed one now, he might never find the chance again.
In the morning when Indel awoke alone, he stood and walked to the window. The gray of the skies swirled as if they would consume all around them.
Nala was close, that much Indel knew, though he couldn¡¯t say why he recognized it.
¡°I do not fit here,¡± Nala said. Her voice carried; she stood at the entrance by the vails. ¡°I wish to return to my farm.¡±
The words held no power, and Indel, quite fed up with the trouble Nala had caused, didn¡¯t turn to look back at her.
His silence should have been enough. Nala could leave and she would be well to do so fast. Until now, Indel had ignored the warnings of others; ignored how other Levelers startled whenever they encountered their king in a stage meant for mating even though it was out of season. He ignored how lethargic he felt in this form, or how weak he truly was. And most of all, he ignored each time he went through the cycle and shortened his ability to return. Each time he forced the process it became harder and harder. The last time he awoke as Indel, he only feared for a moment that he could never return. But the prospect of seeing Nala, seeing those few instances of joy when his Summoner would gaze upon him with a pleasant look, all worry faded. For a moment a madness took him because he did not care if he would live out his days as such.
Now he only asked one thing, to give Sessel¡ªhis first father¡¯s preferred¡ªto give his people a king. And Nala refused to even try.
¡°I wanted it to be you,¡± the Summoner said.
The strange sound of Nala¡¯s voice only made Indel¡¯s blood boil yet again. ¡°What?¡±
¡°In the lays,¡± Nala muttered. ¡°I wanted to try. I longed to. And I know when I did not touch that grooming Summoner you saw me as less. I was weak in your eyes and you brought a Leveler male, a Leveler who¡¯s used to a fit female¡ªone with a tale, the very definition of what I am not and how can I explain to you that I felt nothing? You¡¯ll see that as weakness too. Or as me being purposely contrary, the same way you saw Sessel¡¯s whip as something I deserved. But that is not my intention. I cannot bring myself to touch another but you, but you don¡¯t see that as flattery. You do not understand or share my love.¡±
Indel was glad he watched the not yet lighted field withstand the heavy rain, still showing his back to Nala. Such foolishness made him scowl.
Love? Indel was aware of the word, but as there was no real translation for it in the old tongues, he had to admit that his definition for what it might have meant changed with each hearing.
¡°I only wanted it to be you,¡± Nala repeated. ¡°Hadn¡¯t you wanted it to be me as well?¡±
But what could Indel say in return? That they should remain in this nest together till the end of time, dooming his people into war and death when they tried to select a king? And not just one, but seven or more would-be kings who would fight to the death to take dominance. Visions came to him of clutches breaking off, fighting against one another, having to find separate shelters for the mating, then perhaps lay ambush and murder infants and pregnant females. Wars the likes of ancient stories wracked Indel with terror. And for what? For a Summoner who¡¯d refuse to touch another male but him? Who expected the same in return? In these months, it was true Indel hadn¡¯t a lay with anyone other than Nala, but there was no need for one.
And in truth, Indel¡¯s nest was usually full as the bodyguards slept close mostly. It was custom and comfortable for Levelers to sleep close for warmth and a sense of security. Indel had done away with that for Nala¡¯s sake as well. Not only because of the armor, but because Nala simply wanted the two of them to touch. Indel had never considered it or worried for the request; he¡¯d only done it. But to what end?
Was that supposed to be love? Some Earther notion Indel couldn¡¯t comprehend? Then what was the point of love¡ªand a singular love at that?
¡°Now you want to leave? We disagree, and your solution is to leave? You can leave,¡± Indel said. ¡°Leave and return to your pitiful farm. I¡¯ll be happy to be done with you.¡± He turned, waving his right hand to dismiss her. ¡°I¡¯ll be glad to be done with all that pertains to you and your whims! Leave! Leave and may you never know a day¡¯s peace again!¡±
Nala, wearing the rags of servants rather than the nice robes Indel had gifted her over the months, looked frail and pitiful standing there. She seemed ready to step forward and speak.
Instead, she stopped herself, the rope of her robe in her hands.
What could she say? She refused to make a new king when her current king was in need of something familiar and safe.
They stared at one another for a long while before Indel let out a shriek from his weak third stage throat.
Nala made a small sound, much like a dajin pup tossed onto the ground.
In time, Nala drew herself up to her full height, put the colorful robe in her left hand on the floor, and bowed.
When she turned to walk away, Indel faced the window once more.
¡°Be done with you, Summoner. I need nothing from your feeble temperament.¡±
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 9
Nala¡¯s head whirled even as she made her way down the long cavern and out through the courtyard. The rain didn¡¯t matter. Within seconds she was soaked through, it didn¡¯t matter. Nothing mattered but finding shelter somewhere else.
In the yard she selected the biggest sloth, certain Indel wouldn¡¯t care; he¡¯d allowed Nala every other whim.
Getting the covering and preparing it for a rider was a fast enough task and the protection of the roof was a safe haven to do so.
As soon as Nala mounted, her grip on the reins firm, she glanced upward to the window she knew to be her king¡¯s nest.
The sloth stirred but Nala shifted her body to calm the beast. She would have an easy enough journey. Even the rains had calmed now when she¡¯d decided to leave.
If she could see Indel one last time, she could go. She stared at that window for ages until she finally gave up and nudged the sloth with her feet.
Two clicks of her tongues later, the animal meandered in a circle then started off toward the main wall. Each Leveler to see her preened, all but too happy with her departure. Some nearly ran to open the gates.
As she neared one familiar face came into view.
Sessel stood with her arms folded. The expression on her face meant what little patience she had left had vanished.
¡°Get down off that beast before I drag you down by your hair,¡± Sessel said.
The sloth startled but regained its footing. Nala resolved to ignore her but Sessel stepped before her, a glare so striking the animal backed away.
¡°Down,¡± Sessel commanded.
The sloth¡¯s heart pounded so Nala took it to mean it was more aware of the danger; Sessel was serious.
Nala glanced at the empty window of the Leveler King¡¯s nest once more. No one.
A moment later, Nala found herself sliding to the ground. Sessel commanded two Levelers to take the animal.
Without looking back, Sessel set off toward the structure once more, Nala slowly lumbering behind her.
Nala¡¯s hearts pounded. She hadn¡¯t expected Indel to give in and send for her. She hadn¡¯t expected to return to that roost. And she didn¡¯t expect to feel such relief, flattery, worry, and longing all with that prospect.
No one greeted her when she entered, however, and instead of Indel¡¯s nest, she followed Sessel down an area she¡¯d never visited till now. It was Sessel¡¯s room. It even had a door.
¡°Sit down,¡± Sessel commanded once the door swung closed.
Nala remained standing, ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to go with your master to the mating, so why do you hinder my parting?¡±
Sessel¡¯s glare turned cold. ¡°Sit, before I break your legs.¡±
Though Nala wanted to be defiant and still remain standing, her body wasn¡¯t as willing. Eyes fixed on Sessel, Nala lowered herself to the ground.
Her action caused Sessel to cock her head. They were both in Sessel¡¯s nest, no doubt Indel was unaware of it, a Summoner was no match for a Leveler usually, even less so in this vulnerable stage-three body. The room felt smaller, like a pen of sorts.
Dark brown eyes watched her as the aging Leveler crossed the room and took off her robe.
While changing clothing, Sessel asked, ¡°Why did you sit?¡±
Nala finally surveyed the walls to see seven bodyguards on each side. ¡°You know why.¡±
Pausing while putting another robe on, Sessel turned to her. ¡°The next time I ask you a question, you¡¯d better answer it.¡±
They both glared at each other, but it was Nala who gave in and watched the floor. ¡°Even if you hurt me, he blames me for it. I know he will. He says not to provoke you. I won¡¯t provoke you.¡±Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.
The new robe finally on her shoulders, Sessel turned completely. ¡°Why do you think he gets angry?¡±
¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±
¡°And why do you change your attitude for him? Are you afraid of being injured?¡±
More than anything, Nala wanted to stand and walk away. She didn¡¯t see why she should be subjected to such nonsense, but each time she tried to stand, she had no will to do so. As if enchanted, she calmly confessed, ¡°I don¡¯t like upsetting him. At first it didn¡¯t matter to me, but now, when he¡¯s sad, it hurts me. More than anything. It hurts me.¡±
¡°And now you leave?¡±
¡°It¡¯s for the best,¡± Nala admitted. ¡°Keeping me here has always been a challenge.¡±
When Sessel turned again, a cupboard came into view. This Leveler had furniture not unlike Earthers. They reminded Nala of the sloths she collected. It shouldn¡¯t have been a collection, and really one sloth was enough for a Summoner, two was a great luck. But seven, seven was now a trophy.
Earther gadgets lined the room, and Nala wondered why Sessel had these trophies as well.
Sessel rummaged through the cupboard. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve noticed my own set of bodyguards.¡±
Nala had.
¡°They are not mine however, they belonged to the previous lord, Indel¡¯s first father, Girus.¡± When she took out a set of Earther clothes, she turned to face Nala once more. ¡°Indel¡¯s tough, and fair, and strong but he was birth for me after his brother was killed by Earthers in battle. Their father refused to leave me unguarded. Each clutch has a chance to make a king. When his brother died, the next clutch should have been allowed a king-select, but their father instead mated again so that the new king would be of his loins, and I would be safe. Indel is the king now, but he¡¯s not in charge here. I am. And whatever I say, he¡¯ll do.¡± They both stared each other down. ¡°The idea that he¡¯d ever turn a queen away just to please you is not only unacceptable but something I¡¯ll never allow again. He should put you from his nest.¡±
¡°You cannot force him¡ª¡± Nala shut up but it was too late. It was not her intention to say it aloud. Something inside her wanted to boast that she¡¯d decided to leave, not that she was turned out.
In the blink of an eye, Sessel glided forward and stood before her. ¡°No. I can¡¯t do anything to force him, but I can force you.¡± Her stern glare seemed soft compared to her harsh voice. ¡°I am the same age as Indel¡¯s first father. I was Girus¡¯s bodyguard, and he took me for comfort lays. Which was undone. He couldn¡¯t even admit that I was his favored.¡±
Sessel paused¡ªthe memory caused her suffering. ¡°I¡¯m no more than you.¡±
Nala flinched, surprised.
In time, Sessel calmed. ¡°I¡¯m nothing more than you. I know how you feel being a play thing. And the bodyguards must stay with you with each lay. I was the same way with Indel¡¯s first father, and he did everything to please me and more. But I lost sight of all that. I forgot my place.¡± Her eyes gravitated to the ground as her fuel ran out. ¡°We were happy together, but he could never claim me, and I expected him to.¡±
Folding the clothes once more, Sessel turned and put them in the cupboard.
¡°When Girus chose a preferred mate, one that wasn¡¯t a lowly bodyguard, it hurt too much. It hurt too much to see that I would never be anything more to him than a strange interest. He had a preferred mate and another who gave him a new king, someone he¡¯d die for, wage wars for, give his name, his title, everything.¡± Sessel rested her hands against the wood of the Earth furniture. ¡°I couldn¡¯t return to my post as a bodyguard, so Girus, made me an advisor. The Earthers were crushing us, driving us back. But I wanted these Earther things; they were so new and unique.¡±
Running her hand along a desk beside her, she smiled.
¡°I didn¡¯t believe in Girus¡¯s fondness for me until he made Indel.¡±
Though it was dark, Nala could make out Sessel¡¯s grim expression.
¡°I wanted so much from Girus. I wanted everything. For cycles, I would never let him near me. Ever. Then in time, he stopped asking to. The night before he died, that was the first time we¡¯d had a lay together in nearly ten cycles. ¡°He was lonesome and he came to me, and I gave in. But in the morning, I asked him to leave my nest, and told him to never come back.¡± Eyes closed, she muttered, ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to get hurt again.¡± Her weary eyes opened as she confessed, ¡°He killed himself the very night.¡±
In the stillness of the dark, Nala¡¯s breaths quickened.
¡°None of the bodyguards in your nest have a tail,¡± Sessel explained. ¡°Removing the tail locks them into one cycle. It brings the stages slower, and it solidifies their loyalty. The bodyguards have one cycle, and one cycle only because they know their lives depend on that of their king. That was my fascination with the Earthers; they had one course of life, yet they claimed power and took risks. It was so contrary to the king¡¯s bodyguards who keep their king safe, but think nothing of themselves individually. They are a collective. The bodyguards desire nothing, and they fight until a new king comes and they are allowed to travel the next stages and die in peace. But you....¡±
When Sessel approached then crouched down until they were face to face, Nala was silent.
¡°Indel cannot breed. He¡¯s fixated with you, and the longer he waits, the worse I fear it will become. And now you leave. Levelers will die for their king, but if a king cannot keep them safe, they will turn on him. They¡¯ll ask for your head, and he¡¯ll refuse. And then it will be his instead. He needs a king from his loins who will honor him and allow him to remain safe and rested. What happens if you leave and he cannot perform the ceremony? The queen will challenge him and he cannot win in the state he¡¯s in now. I would never allow that suffering.¡± Sessel leaned close to whisper, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about me killing you. I¡¯d never hurt my Daga like that. Ever.¡± She leaned closer. ¡°But if he does not breed, if he¡¯s unable to do so, before a challenger rips his head off instead, out of mercy, I¡¯ll kill him myself.¡± Her voice was filled with venom. ¡°I¡¯ll leave you breathing, and kill him, and the pain and guilt you¡¯ll feel for the rest of your life would eat you up inside and I¡¯d damn well know, because it¡¯s what¡¯s eating me up, too.¡±
Their eyes met finally when Sessel leaned away.
Sessel waited. Her expression held no satisfaction. ¡°The same reason you sat, is the same reason you¡¯re going to heed my warning. Be very careful how you tread with me.¡±
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 10
Indel¡¯s body burned.
Another groomer brought more sticky roots to rub along his arms.
Hunched over, Indel brushed them back. ¡°Do not touch me!¡±
It had been cycles since he¡¯d felt such discomfort. He¡¯d thought the very worst was the day he¡¯d met Nala, but today rivaled even then.
Every part of him ached. There was no moisture. He considered he should return to the lagoon below them lest he continue to writhe in pain.
The next hand to touch him did so with force.
Indel nearly flopped over. He sat up, his long black hair hanging in his face.
Bowl with more sticky root in hand, Nala knelt before him. She said not a word, only wore a pleasant expression as she took a good portion and smeared it along Indel¡¯s body.
Indel sneezed and twitched. It rattled him for a moment. He sneezed again, and again until Nala caught hold of his face and said, ¡°My sweet king, I apologize.¡±
Mouth agape, Indel stared at her. ¡°So I am no longer your Mana? I do not really care. You shouldn¡¯t have come back. You should leave.¡±
Nala gave no answer. She continued with her task and Indel let her.
Without saying another word, Nala brushed the robe from Indel¡¯s shoulders and rubbed the mashed roots from his face down to his loins and legs.
Indel lost his venom with each stroke but bitterness remained by the end of it. If not for Nala, he wouldn¡¯t even need the moisture. Nala¡¯s departure shouldn¡¯t have upset him this much.
For the rest of the day, Indel found it difficult to explain Nala¡¯s behavior. When the queen arrived to discuss their agreement, Nala bowed to her along with the other Summoners and lower-stage Levelers.
As the day progressed and it was time to eat and start in another pitiful attempt at mating, Nala disappeared in with the other servants. Indel had his misgivings. He didn¡¯t even feel pride when Citel complimented Nala¡¯s new agreeable disposition.
The meal was one of Nala¡¯s specialties and Indel was filled with wonder when he saw it.
Even Sessel looked smug.
It was that reason alone why Indel grabbed Nala by the arm and brought her outside the spacious room and into the narrow hall.
He opened Nala¡¯s robe, ignoring the Summoner¡¯s protest, and turned her around. No new lash marks. Other than the coarse skin where the others had healed, he could see nothing more.
Nala caught hold of Indel¡¯s hands and turned in his hold.
¡°What is it, my king?¡±
The words sounded even and true; Indel hated them all the same.
¡°Call me Mana,¡± he demanded.
Nala stared at him and shook her head. ¡°I cannot do that. Tonight your queen will call you that.¡±
It was proper conduct. What Nala said was the proper way but Indel worried.
¡°I do not understand what has happened. In the morn you set to leave. You did leave.¡±
Nala¡¯s surprised expression faded to one of sorrow. ¡°I did leave. I thought to leave, Ma...my king. I wanted to leave because I did not understand. But I know now, I understand it. I am your favored.¡±Stolen novel; please report.
¡°You were...yes,¡± Indel agreed, staying on guard.
Smiling solemnly, Nala said again. ¡°I am your favored. And tonight I will show you what gentleness I can. My task is important.¡±
Indel leaned in, their foreheads together as he whispered, ¡°Tell me I am your Mana.¡±
¡°My king,¡± Nala whispered back. ¡°If we can manage it, soon we can be like before. But do not ask me to break my resolve. I¡¯ve come humbled and eager to offer all that I can. Short of mating in your stead, there¡¯s not much else I can do.¡±
A chuckle bubbled up in Indel before he could stop himself.
¡°But I do not know the dance, however, I will stay and help in all I can. I wish to see the new king, too,¡± Nala said.
Sessel¡¯s voice carried from the entrance. ¡°Is something the matter?¡±
Indel stared into Nala¡¯s silver eyes and found peace there. It felt familiar and he felt saved.
¡°No, Sessel,¡± Indel said without looking back. ¡°Let us continue.¡±
Hand in hand, they returned to the room, much to the relief of all in attendance.
Tonight¡¯s food was perfect. The tepid and useless conversation was perfect. And tonight, the dance felt just as tense and stressful as Indel¡¯s first mating but each time he spied Nala¡¯s curious expression, he remembered his duty and continued.
The queen spread her robe and lay. This was one action Indel could hardly overlook; no opportunity to romp with her tail, just bare lust where there was none.
Indel hesitated to approach her. The tail was a sore point but he would have to overlook it.
Others in attendance were forbidden to speak. Indel himself wanted to call out to Nala. From where Indel knelt, he could see his favored¡¯s back. After a moment longer of silence, Nala turned to face him.
Nala motioned him forward with both hands and Indel smiled. When he crawled between the queen¡¯s inviting legs, he didn¡¯t look at her, but rather, stared ahead.
Their hips rubbed. Citel¡¯s body was slick, too slick. Nala¡¯s body gave off far less secretions.
Indel worried he¡¯d have to stop tonight as well. When Nala opened her own robe, Indel¡¯s member reacted. The bud formed.
On her hands and knees, Nala crawled forward. Citel didn¡¯t protest.
Braced on her right hand, Nala used her left to reach down and stroke the tip of Indel¡¯s penis. She even tugged at it when it refused to extend on its own.
Indel looked from it to Nala and smiled. ¡°Na¡¯am, it favors you,¡± he teased in a whisper.
Nala broke custom by bringing their cheeks to brush as she whispered back. ¡°To your duty, my king. I long to have you again.¡±
The tingle in Indel¡¯s groin told him this time might be different. Nala positioned them, though she guided Indel¡¯s hips, refusing to touch the queen. That was enough.
Cheek to cheek, Nala whispered, ¡°Think of me if it helps. I¡¯ve been awful to you. I will seek your forgiveness in other ways. Now buck your hips, and arch your back, Mana. Your Summoner misses you.¡±
And then they connected. Citel gave off a sharp cry. The look she wore when she watched Nala¡¯s retreat might have meant she¡¯d heard Nala¡¯s disrespect by using that title. To Indel it was always Nala¡¯s to take.
Without Nala close, his member failed to elongate further.
Indel meant to call Nala near again but when he spied his Summoner, his voice failed him.
Legs crossed at the ankle claws, Nala shed her robe and caressed her own body.
Displays like these were Indel¡¯s favorite, though Nala often refused to perform them around the bodyguards.
Nala eased her legs apart to display her slit before she brought her finger lower and popped it into herself.
Indel bucked. One thrust led to yet another and another still.
Today was by far the best display. The sight of Nala¡¯s body glistening, moist and slick made Indel hunger for her¡ªhunger to be on top of her.
And then Nala sat up, removed the digit, arched over, and running her tongues against herself instead. Slipping in and out again and again, Nala¡¯s tongues, the longer main one, and the shorter lower one below it, flicking along the opening which secreted more due to the stimuli.
When Nala moved her tongues, frantic, yet again, Indel¡¯s own thrust quickened.
Using both second fingers as aids, Nala continued with her timid exploration. She turned ravenous soon enough, body dripping as she lapped her own juices into his mouth.
Indel smiled, letting off a yell of triumph when his groin finally tightened and he released his seed.
Finally.
His eyes closed but he slowed in his pace and waited for that all but too familiar sound.
When Nala reached her own threshold of lust, Indel watched out. Some of the Summoner¡¯s oils and essence slipped from her lips but she scooped it back into her mouth.
It had been days since they¡¯d pleased one another; the length of Nala¡¯s rapture said as much.
Indel continued to move his hips, enjoying each flicker of the tongues Nala took. All too soon it was over, Nala was exhausted, and Indel grinned.
It worked. They could mate. This was a way for them to try yet again.
Indel regretted nothing more than looking down at his queen. He meant to conclude the ceremony, but she wasn¡¯t watching him as was tradition.
Instead, her upper body twisted, she stared at Nala, utter disgust and revulsion written on her face.
¡°What manner of vulgarity is this?¡± she demanded.
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 11
Idrus stared out at the blue-gray sky. The clouds rolled back and spill water from the heavens. He¡¯d seen heavy rains like these now and then, but this time was out of the ordinary.
In a way it was fitting, because he felt equally as torn in two. His gaze shifted as it always did, to the courtyard below, and the quiet Summoner who brushed the sloths there.
Months had passed since Nala last said a word to him. That was equally the same amount of time as Nala had shared his moss bed.
The queen¡¯s very vocal disgust with Nala had piqued everyone¡¯s curiosity, though Citel didn¡¯t dare go into great detail. She couldn¡¯t; Idrus had had enough. So Levelers ignored her, leaving her disapproval for a mystery no one cared to solve. But Nala...other Summoners stayed clear of Nala, and Nala had taken the queen¡¯s words to heart. She no longer allowed even Indel¡¯s affection. And Idrus, having wasted three cycles already, hoping to bring Nala to him again, now kept to his first stage. There was no point in forcing a change again with no yield. Day in day out, Idrus feared he¡¯d awaken to find Nala gone, but the quiet Summoner stayed.
Nala worked as if she was at her farm; taking care of the animals and the garden without anyone¡¯s prompting. She slept on the hay there as well.
Idrus had long since given up trying to talk to her, Nala never responded.
Today he thought to try again but it was less than appealing. His movements lethargic, due to his bulky exoskeleton, Idrus walked out of his nest.
Citel was fit and ready to put the eggs to rest. She had a bountiful amount. That was good because Idrus refused to stay in any room she¡¯d entered.
Tradition dictated that he should be present when the eggs came, but he decided to see to Nala once more. At least his Summoner was eating now, and that was a comfort because she¡¯d gone days without food some months after Citel conceived.
It had taken only one attempt. For that Idrus was thankful.
As he walked, his bodyguards scurried behind him. He traveled down the stone steps rather than crawl along the walls which was faster. He¡¯d had those steps designed specifically with Nala in mind, he wanted to walk them.
When he finally ventured out in the rain, the sight of Sessel, a large harala leaf as her only shelter, calling to Nala, surprised him.
¡°You¡¯ll get washed away in this rain, Summoner. At least come into the structure for a time!¡±
Nala kept at her work, steadfast and silent.
For a moment, Idrus feared Sessel¡¯s temper would get the better of her. Instead of letting out a shriek, however, Sessel put something on the ground, well out of the rain, and hurried away.
Idrus wore no covering as he marched out to see what it was. Wrapped in a leaf much like the one Sessel used to guard herself against the rain, was a sarel loaf.
The sweet was popular among the young. It made Idrus smile somewhat. He decided to take it and put it aside somewhere safe where Nala could find it on her own.
Today, instead of trying to talk, or demand a response, Idrus decided to follow Nala¡¯s routine. It would be some hours still before Citel was ready, and he was in no way eager to see her.
When Nala began brushing one of the eight sloths there, Idrus followed suit, careful not to squeeze the brush too hard lest it break.
The beasts didn¡¯t like Idrus much, he didn¡¯t blame them. Levelers preferred inos, big ones with armor similar to their own. When they rode, it would complement them in a fight rather than meander about as sloths often did.
Sloths were good for farming. They were slow and laborious but needed little food and rarely temperamental. Whatever the reason, these sloths didn¡¯t find much to like about Idrus.
He kept on, shadowing Nala, brushing the ones the Summoner had just done. It wasn¡¯t that he thought Nala did a poor job, it was simply that he had no real knowledge of sloths and could only copy.
The rain beating down on the matted roof above them, they worked on until each sloth had turned on its spot, lay down, and slept.
Nala was good with them.
When Nala sat down on a stool, washed her hands with the water there, then her face, Idrus felt it safe to speak.
Using the Earther tongue in this stage was hard, but he made the effort.
¡°Blast this...rain. Be sure you...keep safe and warm.¡±
Nala doused her upper body, then her face once more, but gave no response.
Idrus washed her for some time then took some of the clean water from the back of the shed and brought it to Nala¡¯s feet.
He expected the Summoner to even kick him away when he began to run his claws along Nala¡¯s legs, removing the small gnats there that often clung to whoever cared for the sloths.
¡°I¡¯ve heard of jealousy. I¡¯ve never experienced it until now, because I envy that these creatures can be close to you while you will not let me near.¡±
A glance at Nala to find her looking away, stole Idrus¡¯s drive.
¡°Won¡¯t you say but a word to me, Summoner? And I miss your surly chatter so.¡±
Silence.
Under this covering, away from all others, even the rain didn¡¯t seem as awful. If not for the taboo of it, Idrus considered sleeping out here with the sloths as well. It would pressure Nala, and perhaps even given the queen more fuel for any arguments she wished to make. So Idrus slept alone. From here he could spy his own nest and wondered briefly if Nala ever looked up at it.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
When the gnats were all gone, Idrus took Nala by the hand and they stood.
Nala was agreeable at least, although quiet. Today she even glanced at Idrus a time or two, while before she would have kept to her task without stopping.
Today was a momentous day, and it had to be more than just luck because here Idrus stood with Nala, and the Summoner didn¡¯t push him away.
A gentle grip on Nala¡¯s hand, Idrus led Nala through the rain. One crack of thunder from the heavens and he tightened his hold.
Even though the claws pierced the Summoner¡¯s skin, she made no sound. They went down into the catacombs until voices made them stop. Nala pressed herself against the wall and Idrus waited.
She wasn¡¯t coming further but at least she¡¯d managed this much.
Idrus went down without her, though he looked back often to see if she would follow. He had no such luck but Nala seemed content to just remain there.
The stone chamber wrapped in a circular path. Once Nala was gone from view, Idrus shook the moisture from his scales and lurched toward the lagoon. Female Summoners and Levelers alike surrounded the water¡¯s edge. That meant Citel was submerged.
Pockets of air formed and rose to the top, breaking again and again. A lifetime passed before they finally stopped. The water calm; they waited.
Idrus expected to see her surface but she never did.
Sessel watched from afar with the other Levelers in attendance. ¡°She should arise,¡± the aged Leveler said.
Nodding his head, Idrus agreed. The queen was the last person he ever wanted to help, but he dove in anyway.
Levelers were excellent swimmers. Summoners should have been as well. Whatever the reason, she did not surface.
He searched the now murky gray water for any signs of life. If not for a claw scratching against his faceplate, he might have passed her by completely.
Holding her close to him, he swam up and helped her catch hold of the edge. To his surprise, something brushed his leg. Another did as well. He reached down to feel one more orb before it fell.
¡°Sessel, she still lays!¡±
Sessel¡¯s eyes grew wide as she asked, ¡°Are you certain?¡±
Idrus dragged her to rest her naked upper body on the ground.
¡°Yes. Bring the Summoners. They must tend to her. I will see that the eggs arrive safely at the bottom.¡±
Sessel rushed to fan several stunned Summoners toward their queen. Idrus sunk into the water again, gathering up each soft orb he felt in the water. He couldn¡¯t remember the numbers of just how many there were.
When he was sure all were secure, he swam back up. Citel was gone.
¡°Her hearts were fervent. They¡¯ve taken her to rest. You should go and thank her for the bounty. There were many bubbles.¡±
Idrus avoided Sessel¡¯s gaze. Instead, he swam down to check on the eggs yet again. He took his time in surfacing once more.
No doubt Sessel would scold him, and he was ready.
Instead of Sessel, he found Nala crouching down, staring at the water.
Idrus¡¯s hearts leapt at the sight of her. ¡°Hello, Na¡¯am. Have you come to see the eggs? There are so many.¡±
He was gentle as he reached for Nala¡¯s hands in hopes of pulling her in.
¡°Come. Come see.¡±
¡°I cannot swim,¡± Nala muttered, taking her hands back.
She hadn¡¯t said a word in months. Idrus nearly jumped from the water to embrace her. In this form that would prove painful, so he willed himself to remain where he was.
¡°Do you want to see?¡± he asked, the Earther¡¯s language leaving his voice hoarse.
Nala opened and closed her mouth several times before shaking her head.
¡°I...I don¡¯t want to impose.¡±
It wasn¡¯t a no, so Idrus suck down in the water and gathered up the first egg he could find. Holding it in both hands, he returned but kept it in the water as he brought it close.
¡°It has to stay below the surface, but you can hold it. Come.¡±
Nala¡¯s grey eyes widened, wonder written on her face as she touched the water then pulled her hand back.
¡°Is it really all right?¡±
¡°It¡¯s all right, it¡¯s all right!¡± Idrus exclaimed. ¡°It was a good bounty. Put your hands in the water. It¡¯s safe.¡±
Kneeling on the floor, Nala did as she was told. Idrus allowed the egg to fall into his Summoner¡¯s hands.
Nala gasped. ¡°It¡¯s so soft.¡±
¡°Of course. Aren¡¯t all eggs? Even our inos put eggs in the water,¡± Idrus said, hoping to keep Nala talking.
In time, Nala shook her head. ¡°The sloth¡¯s eggs are hard. I...I thought all were like that. Is it really all right to hold it?¡±
Idrus studied her, his hearts missing their rhythm as he took hold of Nala¡¯s hands and eased closer. ¡°It¡¯s all right. We made these, all three of us. Of course it¡¯s all right to hold them. They are as much yours as they are mine.¡± Voice level, he insisted, ¡°They are yours.¡±
The awe in Nala¡¯s expression faded little by little until she wore a frown. ¡°Take it back. Please.¡±
Letting out a sigh, Idrus received the egg once more. He brought it back down again, surfacing with the expectation of seeing Nala gone.
Though his Summoner was some distance from the water, she remained there, her back against the stone of the wall.
Months had passed since Nala even looked at Idrus directly much less spoke to him. Idrus wanted to be patient.
His worry won out, and he climbed onto the ground. He made sure to keep his distance as he asked, ¡°How do you feel?¡±
Nala watched the black dirt below their feet, using her claw to scratch out patterns.
¡°May I come closer to you?¡± Idrus asked. In the silence that followed, Idrus ambled to his feet and approached.
This time Nala didn¡¯t pull away when Idrus held her hands.
Bringing Nala¡¯s fingers to his own chest, Idrus waited.
¡°Can you feel that? Despite my armor, can you feel it?¡± When he didn¡¯t get an answer, he brought Nala¡¯s left hand to his chest as well. ¡°And do you feel that one. How uneven I am. You haven¡¯t left and I wake up each day fearing that you might.¡±
Nala slipped from his grip yet again as she muttered, ¡°I long to have your arms around me, but that isn¡¯t a possibility now.¡±
Idrus found few things to be as awful as Nala¡¯s disposition. Without saying another word, he darted for the water and dove in. At one time shifting through the stages gave Idrus no trouble, but lately it became harder and harder. Today he¡¯d need the help of the water to sooth his aching body and force the change.
When he resurfaced, only a small fraction of his tough scaled remained. He exited but was forced to crouch down and wait for the other scales to fall off before he could approach as Idsel.
His footing unsteady, he padded over to Nala and sat at her side.
Nala slipped under Idsel¡¯s arm, hugging him around the waist.
Idsel let out a sigh and dragged their bodies close. He barely gave it a second thought as he rooted up Nala¡¯s robe and reached under to tug at her tail.
His Summoner brushed his hand away.
The action surprised Idsel but he deiced to trust his knowledge of Nala¡¯s body rather than the unfamiliar behavior.
Nala reacted similarly on the second attempt, albeit weaker. By the third, however, she eased closer instead.
Idsel longed to bring Nala back up to the nest. The eggs would keep and he had no interest in seeing Citel again. He decided to rest there for a moment before making the attempt. So long as Citel was too weak to come back, it would all right to hide away in here for a little while.
A pop sounded and then another. Idsel would have ignored it but Nala¡¯s gasp drove him to look. Eggs took several days to hatch; all the ones he¡¯s ever seen had. But there they were, gray bodies floating up to the surface.
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 12
¡°She kept them too long!¡± Idsel screeched, pacing back and forth in an effort not to reach for Citel¡¯s throat.
¡°Calm yourself, Daga,¡± Sessel soothed, her hands raised. ¡°This is the queen¡¯s first brood. It is not uncommon to keep them too long. It¡¯s inexperience and nothing more.¡±
Her words brought Idsel to a halt. He stared past Sessel to Citel¡¯s morose expression. It could be true what Sessel¡¯d said, but the way Citel moved when they mated said differently. She knew what she was doing, and she¡¯d done it before. There was no discomfort when he¡¯d penetrated her.
Beyond pleased, Sessel stepped past them and surveyed the water.
¡°This is a great batch. It¡¯ll strengthen the others to come rather easily.¡± Sessel turned to them, beaming. ¡°We must perform the ceremony yet again.¡±
¡°No!¡± Idsel traded a glance with Citel after they spoke at the same time, both voicing their reluctance to relive that awful experience once more. ¡°No,¡± Idsel said, quieter. ¡°No. We cannot do it again. We simply cannot.¡± At the entrance to the chamber, Nala stood, her shoulder pressed against the wall. She kept her head hung. The sight of her drove Idsel to repeat himself. ¡°No,¡± he said, turning to Sessel yet once more. ¡°We must take from this batch. I cannot do it again.¡±
¡°Nor can I,¡± Citel said, finally. ¡°I will not with...with that....¡± She gaged, fighting to find the right words. ¡°With that Summoner¡ªthat thing. With that lewd thing. I cannot. I won¡¯t share another mating ceremony with a Summoner so...so base.¡±
A deep growl in the back of his throat, Idsel darted to her.
They were face to face as he showed her his teeth and said, ¡°You¡¯ve given me a fresh brood and if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that you must nurse the new king, I would reach into your back and pluck your hearts right out of your body.¡±
Sometime in the months that had followed, Idsel had stopped considering Citel as a foe, a challenge, as anything but the cause of Nala¡¯s pain.
The queen¡¯s stern posture reminded him that she¡¯d earned her title as much as a king had earned his.
¡°Do not think to threaten me. It is out of respect that I don¡¯t declare you strange and select a common fighter to breed a new king to challenge any from your twisted loins.¡±
He looked from her to Nala then back again.
¡°Says the queen who allowed her people¡¯s tails sheared while she kept her very own.¡±
That stole Citel¡¯s drive. She struggled, unable to form a coherent answer.
This small victory came at a price¡ªshe didn¡¯t go toward the water as Idsel had seen others do. She didn¡¯t dip in, calling the newborns to her so that she could embrace them. In fact, she didn¡¯t move a muscle.
Rather than beg, Idsel turned toward the water with a sigh.
¡°Curse the day I met you,¡± he muttered.
Sessel hurried to intercept. ¡°Daga, you cannot touch them before the mother. They will feed on all other flesh.¡±
Idsel ignored him. It was only when he submerged, far colder than he¡¯d been moments ago, that he remembered himself, or rather, his form, his lack of armor, and eased back.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
As soon as he disturbed the water, the pool of gray newborns swam toward him, their pudgy worm bodies squirming and twisting.
Other than a nip on his skin, Idsel suffered no injury. He felt confident enough to enter fully when nearly all were to him but he remained safe.
Even Sessel was disbelieving. ¡°Remarkable.¡±
Time and again the newborns bumped into each other, their tiny legs and fat bodies bouncing around in the water.
¡°Na¡¯am,¡± Idsel said, not caring if Citel heard him use that title. ¡°Come. Come and see them. They are lovely. Come.¡±
Nala picked her head up. Maybe it was curiosity that fueled her steps but she inched forward until she could look down.
Idsel¡¯s heart swelled with pride when Nala smiled.
¡°Aren¡¯t they nice? And they¡¯re so fat. Look.¡± He held one upside down but lowered it again at the sight of the stub underneath where the tail should be.
¡°What is wrong with it?¡± Nala asked. ¡°Did I damage it when I touched one?¡±
¡°Touched one?¡± Citel asked, her wavering patience made all too clear when she gritted her teeth. ¡°You let this filthy wretch touch my brood?¡±
Idsel looked past Nala to meet Citel¡¯s gaze. ¡°It is my brood, my queen. Nala¡¯s and mine. You¡¯d be wise to remember that she will become the second mother of the new king. Do not forget your place.¡±
The queen only watched him.
Sessel slipped between them and said, ¡°It is common for the first batch to have some flaws. That is why we must have two or three more so that we select the strongest one.¡±
All fell silent, even Citel had nothing to say. She was equally as disinterested in the idea of mating once more.
¡°My queen,¡± Sessel cooed. ¡°Must we really be so contrary at such a beautiful time? Your blood is strong. Can you find it in your hearts to try for another batch?¡±
Pulling her robe closed, Citel approached her and said, ¡°I will try again. I have only one request,¡± she said, looking back at Nala. ¡°That he allow me to choose a second favored for him, and if he cannot do without this pest, that he regulate this Summoner to the ranking of third mother, if that.¡±
All eyes on him, Idsel shook his head and submerged.
The babes came with him. He¡¯d never seen other newborns for long. There had never been a need. As he swam forward and looked behind him to see the swarm coming his way, he felt pleased. Flaws and all, they were strong.
He floated up again, lest they drown by staying down too long.
¡°Come, Na¡¯am,¡± Idsel said, motioning Nala forward. ¡°They are lovely. Come and see. Come in with me.¡±
Citel, and even Sessel stepped forward. Nala seemed interested in the idea. She could only reach into the pool with one hand before the water became choppy and the swarm rushed toward her.
The water bubbled as they gathered, showing their sharp teeth along the way.
¡°Na¡¯am, move back!¡± Idsel warned.
Nala took her hand away just as one newborn snapped at her with such fervor that it leapt into the air and landed on the ground.
It was the stubble-tailed one; Idsel knew it from the unique markings on its back. Within no time, it wiggled until it fell back into the water again.
¡°It should be an interesting selection,¡± Idsel said, dragging himself out of the water.¡± He said to Citel. ¡°Go on and greet them. We will allow the selection soon. They¡¯ll be hungry in a matter of hours.¡±
Though she appeared angry, she marched to the water and took off her robe.
She put one foot in but dragged it back out again lest she suffer the same fate as Nala.
Babes attacking their mother was unheard of. Idsel guessed that¡¯s why Citel tried again. She let out a sharp cry shortly after. Purple blood gushed from one of her newly severed toes, leaving her with just two toes whole, and one injured.
¡°What has happened?¡± Idsel asked turning to Sessel. ¡°Are they ill?¡±
Sessel shook her head and said, ¡°A first batch, Daga. I¡¯ve told you. It comes with flaws. That¡¯s why we need two, maybe three more batches.¡±
His expression stern, Idsel said, ¡°And I¡¯ve told you, I cannot endure it yet again.¡±
Lowering her voice, Sessel begged, ¡°Then select another female¡ªsomeone strong. She can serve as a second mother. But don¡¯t throw away this opportunity. Negotiate. Choose another!¡±
Idsel considered those words for some time. First, he stared at Nala and then Citel and came to a grim conclusion.
¡°My queen broke the ritual¡ªshe looked at my favored. Now even the babes reject her. I no longer care what she¡¯s got to say.¡±
In the water, one growl was followed by a whimper as the stubble-tailed newborn bit into another hatchling¡¯s back.
It was faster than Idsel expected, but then again, everything was fast about this brood.
Nala stepped closer to Idsel. ¡°I think he¡¯s trying to eat the other one.¡±
Idsel looked at her and was in awe. ¡°Well, of course, he is. How else can we select a king?¡±
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 13
Idsel shifted his bodyweight, forcing the blasted ino to climb on. Its short legs kept its belly close to the surface, but each sharp claw digging into the wall promised an easy ascent; if only it would move up despite the weather.
The sting of the rain made the journey up the pillars a difficult one, but with this much rain, they had to force the animals to a higher perch. Seven days of storms with no end in sight.
He made the mistake of glancing down at the courtyard. Nala stood watching him, a look of fear on her face.
Against the rain, Idsel smiled. He wasn¡¯t sure when he¡¯d come to enjoy seeing Nala worry for him. It was unnecessary but those times he felt favored instead.
Once his ino and many others found safe purchase in the higher hollows up above, Idsel went about the daunting task of descending. He was fortunate to have chosen this second stage instead of the useless body of his third.
The rocks, though slippery, were easy enough to grip. Though other Levelers simply crawled against the stone wall and made their way down, Idsel had to be more careful in his footing and grip.
He slipped once, an action that brought a cry from the ground.
¡°Mana!¡±
The raw fear in Nala¡¯s voice told Idsel to go slower, and he did. His body cried out as soon as he put his feet on the ground and sucked in a deep breath.
An embrace covered his almost instantly.
¡°You foolish, foolish, Leveler! Let the stronger ones do this. You do not have the body for it!¡± Nala said.
Despite the venom in her words, she pulled Idsel to her, squeezing him tight.
The hold was lovely. Feeling Nala¡¯s hearts pounding against him was even better, but this was hardly the time.
¡°We must move the sloths before the water rises,¡± Idsel said, pushing Nala back. ¡°I would tend to them but they do despise me. They cannot go high so they must go into the structure. We must find room for them. Prepare them and I will look for shelter where another animal won¡¯t have access to perhaps eat one of them.¡±
Idsel meant to walk away, but Nala held his robe firm, unwilling to let him go.
The strange action caught Idsel off guard. ¡°Na¡¯am. What are you about? I must hurry.¡±
Gripping the robe in both hands, Nala opened and closed her mouth again and again.
Whatever she had to say, it would have to wait.
¡°To your job, Summoner lest you lose all of them!¡± Idsel broke free, slipping along the ground as he hurried toward the main door. The sloths would be filthy, and due to their broad size, there weren¡¯t many rooms they could use.
The nest was packed with Levelers, many unable to return to their own neighboring mountain caves. Idsel searched high and low for room for the sloths but short of putting them in his own private nest, there weren¡¯t many options.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Eight slots inhabited the shed usually. Only four managed to get in, huddling and shivering in the corridor.
Idsel decide the rest would have to fend alone in the impending flood. He stood watching them pile in. Images of Nala¡¯s grim expression when he¡¯d have to tell her the other four may drown came and went.
¡°No. I cannot allow that. Not when they are so dear to you,¡± Idsel muttered to himself. He shrieked to the other Leveler¡¯s taking to the walls in an effort to move about freely. ¡°Herd them to the upper corridor! Short of putting them in my nest, get them all in!¡±
¡°But the mess, my king,¡± one Leveler called back.
¡°And the smell,¡± another lamented.
Idsel was steadfast. ¡°All of them come in. Now!¡± It took some effort to get two more to squeeze into the door. These were animals of the wild, however, and the closed-in space was a challenge for them. Some planted their feet, showing the flat teeth of their long snouts, refusing to move forward even when whipped.
¡°Six...where are the other two?¡± Idsel squeezed his way through the wet hair of the beasts. ¡°Na¡¯am. The last two will have to fend alone, I think,¡± he said.
Nala didn¡¯t answer back with a fresh comment. In fact, Nala didn¡¯t answer at all.
¡°Mana!¡±
¡°Curse you, Summoner! We cannot bring all eight,¡± Idsel insisted. ¡°Six is plenty.¡±
As he neared the entrance, the rain clapping down hard, giving off a sound so menacing he almost thought someone threw boulders against the wall. He slowed in his stride.
A sloth¡¯s tail flopped into his face and he decided then and there to tell Nala off.
The tail fell away to show Nala standing rigid, the rein of two sloths in hand.
Idsel groaned as he approached.
¡°No. No! Keep there,¡± Nala said. ¡°The ground is not steady. This one here is far too low.¡±
Nala was safe but the beasts at her sides weren¡¯t as fortunate; the more they struggled, the more dirt they took onto their bodies. Their journey from the wet soil would be a cumbersome one.
¡°What am I to do?¡± Nala asked him. ¡°I cannot leave them here.¡±
Idsel didn¡¯t have much experience with sloths, but he decided to judge it as if they were inos.
¡°You must ride them, Na¡¯am. You get onto one and I will come for the other. But as they already sit low, you¡¯d be best to move them fast.¡± Ignoring Nala¡¯s look of fear, Idsel lumbered out into the rain. He sunk so low it was well past his knees. If it was looser maybe he could swim in it. He dared not try it now in this stage-two body.
When he reached Nala, the Summoner stared at him with wonderment and relief.
¡°Will you complain about my carelessness?¡± Nala asked.
Idsel cut her a glance before mounting the animal on the right. ¡°You and your damn sentiments. They are naught but sloths. We could replace them once the rains stopped.¡±
Refusing to meet his gaze, Nala mounted the other but muttered, ¡°They were your gifts to me. I only wanted to keep them as such.¡±
The journey to the entrance took some time. It was slow but, with a lot of cursing on Idsel¡¯s part, they managed to reach. After he dismounted, he used both hands to drag the blasted animal forward despite it thrashing its head all the way.
Nala had more ease with her filthy sloth.
With the beasts safely inside, Idsel stood on the stone entrance, letting the rain wash him, though he knew it would do nothing to ward off the sloths rank smell.
Nala stepped out with him, catching the end of Idsel¡¯s robe, right above the knee. They stood there in the rain, Idsel shaking his head as he watched the storm turn the courtyard to ruin.
¡°You are so much trouble, Na¡¯am,¡± he said but smiled at the sight of Nala¡¯s pensive frown. ¡°Your trouble keeps me fit,¡± he boasted.
¡°Apologies,¡± Nala said. ¡°It was foolish.¡±
¡°You kept my gifts.¡± Idsel turned to put his arms around Nala¡¯s waist. The height difference of the second and third stage took some getting used to. Idsel stared down at her and said, ¡°Would you share my sleeping space again?¡± He chuckled and added, ¡°After we are clean?¡±
Her wet hair stuck to her, Nala stared at him for some time. Finally, she nodded.. ¡°I¡¯ve missed you, my king.¡±
¡°Foolish, Summoner,¡± Idsel said looking up at the sky. ¡°I am your Mana.¡±
¡°The queen will not be pleased with seeing us.¡±
¡°Fortunately, what I have planned for us doesn¡¯t involve the queen,¡± Idsel said.
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 14
The entrance barred by the sloths¡¯ wide rumps, Idsel gestured up, yelling above the storm, ¡°Our level¡¯s not that high.¡±
Climbing up the rough ridges of the wall took some time, Idsel at the lead.
Fatigue robbed him of speed, but thoughts of Nala kept him in motion. He dragged himself up onto the ledge.
His body cried out for rest but he refused to allow it until Nala had also successfully completed the journey. As soon as Nala climbed up, she grabbed Idsel in the chest of his robe.
The action was aggressive but the unfamiliar expression on Nala¡¯s face told Idsel that somewhere in their journey from the ground, something had changed in the Summoner.
Nala watched him a moment more before letting him go and seeing to undoing her own robe.
Idsel caught sight of the Summoner¡¯s four breasts, slick with oil long before the robe was even open. This area, used mostly to store dried food was vacant but they were only one level away from their own nest.
Her shoulders bear, Nala dropped the wet robe to the floor and it fell with a graceless plop.
In the months that passed, Idsel¡¯s bed had remained empty. He¡¯d convinced himself that he wasn¡¯t waiting for Nala to come back into the nest. For a time his mind had been convinced, but now, as Nala approached and untied Idsel¡¯s robe, his body betrayed him.
Idsel guarded his eyes and tried to look to the upper level. ¡°Curse you, Summoner, we¡¯re nearly there.¡±
A sharp cry escaped Idsel¡¯s lips when Nala yanked him by the tail.
Her right hand pushing against Idsel¡¯s chest, Nala guided him backward until they were out of the rain.
Nala let go long enough to toss Idsel¡¯s robe down. Still with her left hand tugging at the tail, her right pushing Idsel back against the wall, she brought their cheeks close and rubbed their groins together.
The clicking sounds Nala made conveyed no speech, they were unfamiliar and strange.
Still weak from the day¡¯s labor, Idsel allowed his body to droop. He landed on his hands and knees, with the Summoner¡¯s right hand sliding under him.
Nala traced the length of Idsel¡¯s member, tugging at the tip until it oozed.
Idsel¡¯s tail. He couldn¡¯t remember the last time it had been touched to stimulate him. Citel had romped with it, but not for long, not properly, and Nala herself never regarded it other than brushing it aside without thinking.
Using that firm grip now, Nala dragged Idsel back, forcing him to stretch his body.
Idsel wondered about Nala¡¯s intent.
The quiet Summoner positioned herself under him but pushed Idsel¡¯s jutting penis down and he understood. It was similar to how he¡¯d gone about mating with the queen. It was also similar to how Idsel had first mated with Nala by forcing his way with a smaller tool for comfort¡¯s sake.
Nala turned and knelt under Idsel, pushing him back until she sat on his lap again and again. Each time Idsel¡¯s penis pushed at Nala¡¯s twitching slit. It popped in once, but Nala guided Idsel out then in again.
This time was deeper but she still yanked Idsel forward, using his tail as a prompt.
A groan leaving his throat, Idsel sat back and held on, refusing to let her get up again. He twisted his hips, beyond pleased when Nala cried out as his member lengthened, finally entering her fully against her will.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!
When it was thick and long, Idsel eased her up then down again.
Their size difference made mating a challenge¡ªIdsel being much larger now. They could not always do much on their knees but this was a new approach.
Easing Nala¡¯s body up so that she knelt, Idsel thrust under her. Hands helping to roll Nala¡¯s hips, Idsel kept on with Nala¡¯s initial desire to have him pop in and out of her.
As the top was the bluntest area, Idsel was always quick to get it in. He¡¯d never imagined it could be this pleasurable. Each time his penis slipped out, he longed to impale Nala¡¯s warm body again. A moment later, he was snugly in.
Nala yanked Idsel¡¯s tail so hard he nearly cried out.
The ache in that area mingled with the ache from the blunt tip of his member parting Nala again and again, and Idsel lost himself.
Making a deep lunge, Idsel knelt up.
Nala slipped a claw into the thin slit of herself, guiding it along with Idsel¡¯s pulsating penis, crooning and writhing on him.
When Nala¡¯s body tensed, the grip on Idsel¡¯s tail was excruciating.
Idsel lunged into Nala to the hilt, his member pressed against the twitching muscles inside her. He watched in awe as Nala dismounted, pulled the skin of his member back and up over and over as he released his seed with a deafening cry.
He fell silent a moment later, remaining rigid as his member pulsed.
Nala did something unusual, rather than allow Idsel¡¯s full release, she yanked the tail again.
Idsel fell to his hands and knees.
Crouched, Nala held Idsel¡¯s penis at the top, then motioned to it.
The action surprised Idsel. He was sure Nala meant that he should put his mouth on his own member and self-stimulate as Nala so expertly could. Idsel¡¯s back was shorter, however, and he could only lick the tip.
Groaning, Nala guided Idsel¡¯s head away so that she could bring the tool into her mouth.
The way her body could bend was a wonder. Nala took him expertly.
When Idsel could no longer stand it, allowing his seed to shoot down Nala¡¯s throat, Nala gave Idsel¡¯s penis another strong suck.
She swallowed again and again, groaning all the while. Idsel popped his finger into Nala¡¯s slit, wiggling it until the Summoner ceased in gyrating.
Nala allowed Idsel¡¯s penis to fall from her mouth and she collapsed beside him. She didn¡¯t push Idsel¡¯s hand away as she often had in the past.
Idsel continued to prod her, happy and at peace with the soft noises Nala made.
In the morning some of the clouds had ebbed, though not many. Now instead of the strong showers from the days prior, a gentle rain drizzled outside.
Idsel, laying behind Nala who eased back into the grip, toyed with Nala¡¯s tail aimlessly.
Nala caught his hand on one occasion and brought it around, asking for an embrace.
Idsel complied.
¡°Do you agree? Do you think I¡¯m...twisted?¡± Nala asked.
When she sounded like this, Idsel could barely recognize her. The up and down motion of Nala¡¯s mood was one he¡¯d grown accustomed to, but he still didn¡¯t like it.
¡°I think,¡± Idsel began, pulling Nala close. ¡°I think you are you. All of the things about you that you consider bad, I wish I could change them all.¡± Nala¡¯s body stiffened in his grip and Idsel said, ¡°Because maybe then you can be at peace. I do not always understand your concern and worry. Your Earther habits drive you but I wish my affection for you could be your much-needed fuel instead.¡±
In the silence that followed, Idsel waited for an answer.
Eventually, he said, ¡°Come, Na¡¯am. The rain has all but stopped. I can go a while longer as I am now, but you must eat.¡±
¡°Will we change when the new king comes?¡± Nala asked in a mumble.
Idsel tightened his grip. ¡°Change? I suppose. We will be a proper family. Citel can select a preferred. Then the new king will have two mothers and two fathers, like me.¡±
¡°And you had two mothers?¡± Nala said.
¡°Yes. My first father¡¯s preferred was my mother. But he had to breed with a stronger female. She brought with her my second father.¡±
Nala quieted for a moment then said, ¡°But you have three mothers.¡±
¡°Three? Do you mean Sessel? I¡¯ll be honest,¡± Idsel said. ¡°I am not certain how Sessel fits. I¡¯ve asked but she¡¯s never given me a straight answer. Regardless, you must eat. Come, let us wash and see about food.¡±
Instead of rising, however, Nala turned in Idsel¡¯s embrace. They stayed that way a moment longer before Idsel stood and went toward the storage door. It would lead to the hall.
The wood wouldn¡¯t budge. He tried it again and again.
¡°What is it?¡± Nala called out.
¡°I don¡¯t know...¡± Idsel paused and sighed. ¡°The sloths. They no doubt block the entrance. Come, we will climb up to our nest. It is not so far and the rain has let up.¡±
¡°I do not know, Mana,¡± Nala said, leaning out to peer down. ¡°This weather is strange.¡±
Idsel walked past her. Without saying another word, he caught hold of the rocks and began to climb.
¡°Take care, Mana,¡± Nala warned.
¡°Yes, yes,¡± Idsel said, moving faster out of spite. ¡°I¡¯ll take care, Na¡¯am. Do not fret.¡±
He caught the ledge of his nest¡¯s window and grinned. A menacing noise came from the heavens, and then a shock of light, missing Idsel¡¯s hand by fractions.
In his fright, he lost his grip and fell.
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 15
Indel opened his eyes to darkness. He was traveling. There wasn¡¯t much he could understand or perceive, but he was traveling¡ªfast. A rumble in the distance raced toward him, passed him by, then raced back again. Whatever it was, it sounded lovely.
He was moving. His body jostled as he floated on his back. The motion felt good. Such excitement that his hearts thumped against his chest one at a time.
And then it stopped.
It stopped and a strange sensation came with it. His skin burned as something ripped through it. First his shoulder, then his back.
For a moment, he didn¡¯t recognize it, but in time he understood, his body was completing a cycle. It wasn¡¯t supposed to do that against his wishes. He could control it; he¡¯d been controlling it now for some time.
With Nala¡¯s affection, he no longer had to wait until the changes came, he could change on his own.
Nala.
That name brought his muffled world into focus. He wanted Nala.
Searching the black before him for any signs of life, he called out, ¡°Na¡¯am!¡±
Not even an echo came back.
He tried again, and yet again until his tongues strained from the effort. The Earther language was hard in this stage.
Each sharp pain along his skin told him his scales were forming. They came with anguish and even more so because they were shifting again. No sooner had they come, they wilted and fell out.
This time it dawned on him and he took it as a comfort; he was being forced through a cycle yet again.
I fell, he thought. Everything in him stiffened at the realization. I fell.
A great fall with no exoskeleton.
With the newfound knowledge he began to hum; he¡¯d have to complete the cycle in hopes his body would repair, and he¡¯d have to help.
Voices erupted and spilled into his world once one cycle was complete but he still couldn¡¯t see. He wanted to resist the urging for him to complete yet another cycle, he didn¡¯t have many left.
He allowed the completion however, letting out a shriek as the black receded, leaving his world a blur.
Another shift through the cycles would be risky. It might overstimulate his body, trapping him in a random stage he¡¯d have no choice but to live out.
As he still could only feel the fingers on one hand, he decided to allow it.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
The process was nothing short of agony. Each scale came hot, burning his flesh as they ripped through him.
That time his vision wasn¡¯t blocked, though it diminished. He tried to reach up for the faceplate but as his left arm was restrained, he used his right.
Squeezing the scale covering his nose and chin was to no avail; his armor was new and hadn¡¯t dried yet. It would have to stay.
A thump sounded against his helmet and he smiled at Sessel¡¯s weary face.
Idrus tried to sit up but Sessel shook her head. She didn¡¯t otherwise address him, turning instead to whisper something to the elderly doctor with his gamoli leaf.
They squabbled and Levelers rushed around.
When the doctor raised his left hand to reveal a severed arm, Idrus tensed. Something was familiar about it.
Reluctant to confirm his suspicions, Idrus tried to move his left arm again. He looked down to it and stiffened at the sight of a small arm, no bigger than that of a child¡¯s where his usual hand should have been.
He tried to scramble away, as if it would fall off if he moved fast enough. That proved to be a short journey due to searing pain shooting through his body with each sudden motion.
¡°Easy,¡± Sessel said, rushing to hold his chest, urging him to lie yet again. ¡°It would not attach, the new one is growing but it¡¯s slow. You¡¯ve abused the cycles too often, Daga. So rest here and let it heal. It may take a long time to set. You do not want to injure it so early. It grows so slow.¡±
A sharp wail cut through Sessel¡¯s word and she looked back at the doctor, the only one by the window who nodded.
¡°It¡¯s the Summoner,¡± he said. ¡°And it¡¯s dead.¡±
¡°Summoner?¡± Idrus asked. ¡°Summoner! My Summoner?¡±
Sessel held him down. ¡°No, Daga. You¡¯re still too weak. There¡¯s nothing you can do for her in this madness. She must take responsibility for what she¡¯s done. Rest here, let your body heal. You forced two cycles. You need time to rest.¡±
Idrus might have listened if he didn¡¯t hear yet another guttural cry. He didn¡¯t feel quite as weak as he shoved Sessel aside and hobbled to his feet.
¡°Nala...¡± the Levelers by the door didn¡¯t move fast enough to intercept him. He simply kicked the door, sending it flying back. It shattered against the wall and he was in motion down the steps as soon as the pieces fell. Fatigue took him, forcing him to pause and rest on the steps, but he was in motion soon enough. Three more long pauses later, he reached the main entrance and shoved the door open.
Blood lined the courtyard. The blasted rain wasn¡¯t as strong, but it drizzled down on the carcass before him.
Idrus approached the dead sloth with a sense of caution. He inched forward until he was close enough to look over it to find another sloth dead.
With each step, his feet fell faster and faster until he broke out into the best run he could manage in his broken body.
His joints cried out, forcing him to walk lest he collapse under his own weight.
A naked blue body crept into focus, and a knife. Only, it wasn¡¯t an Earther blade, it was a claw. As Idrus inched closer, he could recognize that claw as his own.
Before Nala could attack the remaining sloth, Idrus caught the blade with his good hand and spun Nala around.
The naked Summoner broke free, swinging the claw as she did. It was to no avail against the exoskeleton, as soft as his scales were with no sunlight to dry them. A stage-two claw wouldn¡¯t cause much damage to a stage-one¡¯s armor.
Nala¡¯s wide stance may have meant she planned to put up a fight. Idrus remembered himself. With this faceplate, Nala had trouble telling stage-one Levelers apart.
He couldn¡¯t remove the scale.
¡°Na¡¯am, it¡¯s me,¡± he said.
The rage in Nala¡¯s eyes ebbed.
Nala¡¯s gray eyes took him in. It was a slow realization at first, but then the Summoner¡¯s expression changed. She rushed Idrus, exoskeleton and all.
Idrus caught her, ignoring the burning in his tender left arm due to Nala¡¯s vice grip.
Seven sloths lay dead around them. The final one had put up a fight. It cowered further in the shed after Nala let it go.
Idrus counted all seven as he patted Nala¡¯s head.
¡°My gifts...¡± was all Idrus could manage to say.
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 16
A robe covering his left arm, Idrus kept Nala in front of him as he walked. The roost was abuzz with chatter. It had been for the last three days. Even now walking was a chore but Idrus persevered; the queen wanted to see him.
Worry for Nala forced Idrus to bring her along. His Summoner remained quiet, yet jumpy. All boldness that he¡¯d come to love in Nala faded within the queen¡¯s arrival until now.
With each step downward to the birthing chamber, he regretted nothing more than allowing Nala to stay. Her farm was high up; she would have been safe there even in this storm.
Now Nala refused to leave Idrus¡¯s nest. She refused to go out even though others had removed the sloths and dressed them for food. At least now they could hold out a bit longer. Other neighboring roosts wouldn¡¯t be as fortunate. If the rain didn¡¯t let up soon, many children would starve. Adults could go some time without food, especially in their lowest stage. Growing Levelers ate constantly, however.
It was fortunate that Nala killed the sloths as she did. As soon as the rain weakened, they could take them to the other mountain roosts and let the Levelers there feast. Hopefully that story would spread and not the real one of Nala¡¯s temporary loss of her senses.
Nala dragged her feet but didn¡¯t otherwise put much resistance as they hurried down.
The lower they went, the less Levelers were there asking questions, or talking with each other. Voices haunted them until they entered the chamber, however.
Two weeks had passed since the babes¡¯ birth. Not many would be left.
They walked into the sight of one fat larva finishing its sticky meal. Green slime covered the cave far and wide. It was even on the walls.
Since this was Idrus¡¯s first time selecting a king, he wasn¡¯t sure what to expect. All of his studies told him it would be weeks before this many larva lost the fight.
Idrus hadn¡¯t laid eyes on Citel in some time. The large structure of the roost afforded him that luxury.
He saw her now, however, but not as he¡¯d expected. Instead of taking on a lower stage, Citel stood covered in a robe from head to toe¡ªstill in the mating stage.
¡°I wish to make another batch,¡± she said, a deep purple scar on her right cheek. He¡¯d never seen anything like it.
Idrus stared at her, stunned beyond speech. Nala gripped his right hand, bringing Idrus back to himself.
Without answering, he tugged Nala to stand behind him as he surveyed the chaos.
In Nala¡¯s current condition, the chances of Idrus mating with the queen again were slim. The displeasure in the Summoner Queen¡¯s eyes showed that she had no lust to try either, but she would.
Sessel gestured to the lone larva and said, ¡°She cannot hold him. It took all of us to pry him from her face.¡±
Idrus calmed, pleased with the news. ¡°So it¡¯s a male? It¡¯s a king,¡± he announced, smiling. ¡°It is a king.¡±
¡°Its tail is short!¡± Citel shrieked. ¡°Its tail is short and its apatite unyielding! Something¡¯s wrong with it.¡±
All eyes gravitated to the fat babe sniffing along the floor, looking for more to eat. There didn¡¯t appear to be more. It stopped, circled a small area, and chewed at the slime there.
Idrus¡¯s hearts filled with pride. ¡°He¡¯s a king,¡± he boasted, turning to Citel. ¡°Our apatite has no bounds. It is the same for the hunts; it is the same for the wars, and it is the same for the mating. That is our nature. So with that in mind, he is the fittest and he¡¯s earned it.¡±
¡°But his...his tail.¡± She hove a heavy breath. ¡°Its tail. It was the shortest!¡±
After studying her for some time, Idrus said to Sessel, ¡°It is easy to see why he rejects her. She¡¯s rejected him first. It¡¯s attracted to fear and as it cannot yet see....¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Sessel considered the words and nodded. ¡°He¡¯s mistaking her for one of the other larva.¡±
Despite her understanding, Sessel hesitated.
¡°You do not agree?¡± Idrus asked.
When Sessel met his gaze, she sighed. ¡°Daga, I agree, he is one of the strongest kings I¡¯ve ever seen and I was there when your brother was made king and then you after his passing. But, Daga...this babe is from a first batch. He¡¯s supposed to give that power to the coming king. It¡¯s too raw.¡± She glanced at Nala but didn¡¯t rest her gaze there for long. ¡°He¡¯d be better served nurturing the next batch. Please try again.¡±
Thoughts of his new hand hidden under the robe made Idrus sigh. He did not want to try again. He did not want to lay with Citel again. And he did not want to keep her here any longer.
¡°Forgive me, Sessel,¡± Idrus said. ¡°I cannot.¡±
Citel stepped forward. ¡°And what will everyone say when they see him? When they see that I cannot hold him.¡±
¡°Then hold him, lady! Hold your new king. Pick him up with the courage of the seffer wolves and inos combined. He is your king!¡± Idrus¡¯s shriek echoed until it faded.
¡°I won¡¯t,¡± she said at length. ¡°I won¡¯t allow you to shame me. It is the first batch; we will try again. You will put out that disgusting Summoner from your nest and choose another if that¡¯s what suits you and we shall do this again until we¡¯ve done it right!¡±
No longer geared for a fight, Idrus shook his head and muttered, ¡°We shall not.¡±
Citel, composed as ever, warned, ¡°You will do as I bid. You will do what is proper. Or I will have no choice but to mate elsewhere and have my select take your ¡®king¡¯s¡¯ head. So you will agree or I will find a different Leveler to give me a king.¡±
Raising his chin, Idrus stared her down and said, ¡°That is your right.¡±
Her glare was icy but it didn¡¯t come with a cry or even a demand. She calmed and said, ¡°And I will make it known far and wide what it is your Summoner does by herself. Every Leveler and Summoner alive will know what base company you keep.¡±
Her threats toward him were justified. They were her right. He should have honored her and given her more chances for a better batch. For denying her all that, he blamed himself, but for this...he had no sympathy to give.
¡°Yes. You do this, and I will let it be known that the Summoner Queen lay with Earthers. Lay on her back.¡± When her body stiffened, Idrus cocked his head to the right. ¡°And she did it for fun. I think you even enjoyed it. You let them take your Summoners¡¯ tails one by one. Chop off the one area which you yourself could enjoy with the Earthers you let abuse your people. So tell it far and wide whatever it is you think you know about my Summoner and I will make sure your own people chase you down, render you limb from limb and eat you in celebration.¡±
Stillness fell over them. All faded except the munching of the larva.
Something shrieked, albeit weakly, and the larva wiggled its way there. A second larva, weak and sluggish, lay under slime and excrement.
¡°There¡¯s yet another,¡± Sessel said. ¡°He will lose. The other one¡¯s far too strong.¡±
The second one turned over, a long tail flopping around as it tried to balance.
Citel gasped. ¡°That is a nice one. We can select this one!¡±
Sessel raised her hand. ¡°Be still, my queen. That is forbidden. They must fight.¡±
¡°But he¡¯s so much gentler. He cannot win against that monster,¡± Citel complained.
The larva collided and turned over, tangled together.
A small smile peeked through Idrus¡¯s anger. They appeared to be playing.
Nala peered around him. ¡°He won¡¯t eat him?¡± she asked.
¡°For now, perhaps. No matter. He will eventually feed,¡± Idrus said.
¡°No.¡± Nala gasped. She raced past Idrus before he had time to protest. The stronger Larva darted for Nala but missed. In one swoop, Nala scooped the calm, slender larva up. She carried it to Citel, her head bowed as she handed it over. ¡°Here is your king, my queen.¡±
From Nala¡¯s posture perhaps she couldn¡¯t see Citel¡¯s revulsion but Idrus could and it was hard to bear.
A hissing sound came from the larva Nala carried and it set Idrus in motion. He caught the slimmer larva before it could jump toward Nala¡¯s face.
Sighing, Idrus put the larva on his shoulder. He reached down for the second fatter one and did the same, on his left shoulder, and waited. Neither of them seemed interested in attacking the other.
Idrus and Sessel traded a glance and Sessel said, ¡°They will not feed. We must wait to see how many cycles each has earned in battle.¡±
¡°I fear this small one might not have many. But this plump devil....¡± Idrus chuckled, stroking the larva on his shoulder. ¡°He is a king to be sure.¡±
¡°You haven¡¯t decided that yet, have you? They are still gray yet,¡± Nala whispered.
Deep down Idrus knew the answer Nala wanted, so he gave it to her, though it was a lie. ¡°No. Not yet.¡±
Idrus¡¯s body warmed, a deep heat in both shoulders.
¡°Put them both down, Daga,¡± Sessel said. ¡°The chrysalis is starting.¡±
¡°I will have no part in this,¡± Citel said. ¡°I will have no part. It is the first batch. The chrysalis makes them poison. We shall break the chrysalis and begin again.¡±
Both larva safely on the ground, Idrus pulled his robe back to reveal his arm.
¡°How about now, my queen? Would you mate with me even now?¡±
Her eyes dimmed. She turned her back on him and walked away.
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 17
Sitting with one chrysalis in the crook of his arm while Nala sat cradling the other, Idrus listened to the world descend into madness. Outside the storm grew violent, inside the queen grew deadly.
¡°The sloths¡¯ carcass was a gift,¡± Sessel assured the crowd. ¡°Your king favored sacrificed¡ª¡±
¡°The meat was old,¡± Citel said, glancing at Sessel.
Today¡¯s circle was bigger, Idrus sitting opposite her.
He tried to make sense of the chaos. Everyone was frightened. Nala¡¯s power of speech had shriveled down into simple grunts. The only things at peace were the babes in their golden shell who slept without a single thought to the nonsense their mothers and father had caused.
¡°It is my thought,¡± Citel began, ¡°that this is a punishment. We have left the old ways. Your king wastes his cycles, choosing to remain in the one for mating while his vulgar favored does the same. And I cannot even speak of the night of those babes conception. No wonder they are strange; the means of their path into the world is a strange and uncommon one.¡±
Idrus stared her down; wondering if she would dare over-speak and lose her own head in the process. She held her peace after the murmurs erupted.
Sessel seemed old. The weariness and frustration in her voice made her appear worn out.
¡°It is only a storm. Stories of monsoons are not unheard of. It is only accidental that it should happen now. We should ration our food and be patient.¡±
¡°To what end?¡± Citel asked. ¡°We have lost our way. Should we cast the bad out, good fortune should return to us yet again. Mark my words.¡±
¡°The bad?¡± Idrus asked finally. ¡°Am I that bad?¡±
Her eyes settled on Nala for a moment and Idrus hoped it would remain there. Nala¡¯s arrival nearly half a cycle before she¡¯d even set foot in the roost would render that argument nonsense.
Instead of Nala, she focused on the chrysalis he held, then on Idrus¡¯s.
He understood.
¡°Then it should be a good omen for a king to come into life with such passion,¡± Idrus insisted.
¡°Passion? Passion? They are strange and uncommon. They were made in dirt and I regret my folly.¡± Tracing the scar on her face, Citel said, ¡°I will accept my mark. But I request that you allow me to choose a champion, a second mate to complete this process.¡± She gestured to the two chrysalises. ¡°I would say allow the new batch to feed off these, but as they are poisonous once they¡¯ve taken on the chrysalis, I ask instead that we break the pods now before they¡¯ve taken our shape.¡±
All was silent save for Nala¡¯s gasp.
Even now Idrus could feel the larva move within its protective case. It was strong and filled with life. To kill it....
¡°Fear is a disgusting Earther weakness,¡± Idrus said. ¡°These larva fought and killed to stay alive; they are warriors. But to take a life out of fear...that is cowardice. Do not turn us into murderers to hide your impropriety.¡±
Sucking in a deep breath, Citel rose to her feet. ¡°A child feeds from its mother, not of it. If you do not destroy them, you doom us all.¡±
She walked away, a flood of Summoners at her back.
Eventually Sessel spoke up, urging everyone to get back to their stations lest the flood waters enter and drown them all.
Soon only the three of them remained.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Sessel sat down on Idrus¡¯s left. ¡°Daga...¡±
¡°I won¡¯t kill them,¡± Idrus said. ¡°There were over five times ten. Two are left and it was by no means easy. You cannot ask me to kill a king after he¡¯s fought so hard for his life.¡±
Sessel¡¯s eyes gravitated to the window where the rain poured down.
¡°We cannot last much longer as we are now,¡± she said.
¡°So you believe it, too?¡± Idrus asked. ¡°What nonsense.¡±
¡°No, I do not believe it,¡± Sessel said. ¡°I do not believe it. I think it¡¯s is a good sign that they are born with such power at their backs that nature itself cries to greet them. I agree, but everyone is frightened and the queen¡¯s displeasure spreads rumors.¡±
Nala kept her hunched posture.
Letting out a sigh, Idrus said. ¡°It is foolishness.¡± He gesture to Nala. ¡°My Na¡¯am can coax herself to pleasure.¡±
Even with this harmless admission, Nala snapped her head up to look at him, eyes wide.
Idrus wasn¡¯t surprised by her reaction. Sessel¡¯s look of confusion was also understandable.
¡°That is a strange talent. How is that possible?¡±
Nala¡¯s gaze burned but Idrus matched it as he answered. ¡°She uses her mouth and fingers, and the Queen saw and both of them have been acting erratic ever since.¡±
Sessel waited. When they said nothing, she threw up her arms. ¡°Is that all? Is that all this is about!? The queen wishes to bury us for that?¡± she wailed.
Idrus nodded. ¡°It¡¯s laughable but perhaps Summoner culture and ours now diverge. They feel something that we cannot...shame.¡±
¡°Shame?¡± Sessel said. She let out a sigh. ¡°I see. It is true, we hadn¡¯t even covered ourselves in the third stage before the Earthers¡¯ arrival. Perhaps we cannot understand what transgression your favored has made, but the queen does and so does your Summoner, I assume.¡±
Giving off another nod, Idrus said, ¡°The queen was very vocal about her disgust. She will not take Na¡¯am as a second and I refuse to let her be a third.¡±
Sessel gave no response for some time. Finally, she put her hand on Idrus¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°Daga, think of your people. No, I do not agree that the babes are to blame for the storms....¡±
Her voice petered off to nothing, forcing Idrus to look at her.
¡°What are you saying?¡± Idrus asked. ¡°My favored is to blame?¡±
¡°No, Daga. You are to blame,¡± Sessel said. ¡°I believe you are to blame. You go contrary to the season. You go contrary to the cycles; you go contrary to our way. Our way is to have more batches. Our way is to shift into a lower stage, not live out our existence in the mating stage¡ªconstantly mating, constantly releasing your seed for no fruitful end.¡±
Idrus broke her gaze, preferring to stare at the floor.
¡°Go back to the old ways, Daga. Even when the Earthers came we lived by the old ways. It kept us safe and sane. Now you take a single person to your bed and you¡¯ve made two babes who do not love their mother. That is not our way. So I ask you, Daga, go back to the old ways. Put the Summoner out from your bed for a time. Select another, select a few others, allow yourself to grow attached to others. You¡¯ve fixated on this single one for so long it is all you know. Allow yourself another¡¯s affection and when you can do this, the queen will have you again and you can produce more.¡±
Each word stole Idrus¡¯s ability to respond. He looked down to both his and Nala¡¯s chrysalises.
¡°We will have to dispose of these two, Daga. You are right in saying that the one you hold has a fire in his gut that¡¯s stronger than the very first of our kind. It is power, and it is beauty, but short of allowing him to grow his legs and arms and feeding him to the new batch, which would be cruel, we can do nothing for him.¡±
¡°I do not understand,¡± Idrus said. ¡°I do not understand how this has all come to pass. This storm is nothing of consequence. These babes are as strong as any other. I feel...I feel this is our way. These two are our way back from all that we¡¯ve left behind.¡± His voice died down to a whisper, ¡°I cannot kill them.¡±
Sessel eased closer. ¡°Then train them as bodyguards. Bodyguards are the ones left over from the excess batches. Stronger than common Levelers but not as strong as the king.¡±
That seemed like a fair enough solution. As Idrus looked down at the pod in his grip, his spirits sank.
¡°We only need patience,¡± Idrus said. ¡°And the queen must leave us. She should not remain and poison other Levelers with her contrary ways.¡± He glanced at Nala to find the Summoner¡¯s posture as weak as ever.
¡°I will follow the old ways,¡± Idrus said. He turned to look Sessel in the eye. ¡°The queen is not of our ways. She is of Earther custom. She invited me to mate laying on her back.¡±
Sessel¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That is a lie.¡±
¡°That is no lie,¡± Idrus said. ¡°The rains came with her, and they shall leave with her as well.¡±
All eyes fell to the babe in Idrus¡¯s hands. ¡°They cannot be faulted.¡±
¡°If what you are saying is accurate these babes, too, cannot stay,¡± Sessel insisted. ¡°I had thought you meant to hurt her with your words. I did not know you meant this¡ªthat she¡¯d even mate in that fashion. If we cast her out now, she cannot go far in this weather. She would seek shelter with another clan and breed there. That is a threat.¡±
¡°But it is the only one we have,¡± Idrus said, standing. ¡°I will bring the babes beyond this valley.¡± He looked down to Nala. ¡°And I will return this Summoner home to her farm. When the storms ebbs and everyone has calmed, I will return and see about remedying this situation. And in return, the queen leaves as well. Her kind and her ways have no place here.¡±
Book: 2 | CHAPTER 18
Idrus secured the next chrysalis wrapped in a harala leaf to the sloth¡¯s harness.
Several Levelers gathered to go with him but Idrus shook his head. Sessel hurried from the other side to tie yet another bundle. She should have saved that meager food for the rest in the roost. The look on Sessel¡¯s face when their eyes met told Idrus that she¡¯d made up her mind.
Sessel gave Idrus a long hard look from below her own harala leaf used for shelter. ¡°Daga, won¡¯t you reconsider? Let another take the babes beyond the valley.¡±
There was no other. She¡¯d meant Nala. She would be rid of the Summoner and the two larva rather easily that way.
Nala couldn¡¯t go alone, however. ¡°Na¡¯am cannot swim. Should the floods catch her, she will not reach far. As for allowing another,¡± Idrus said, interrupting Sessel¡¯s speech, ¡°I have helped them come to life. I should be the one to take them beyond. They are strong and good. I only ask that you wait two days after we depart to allow others to see the queen speaks nonsense.¡±
Today the rain wasn¡¯t so bad. Idrus feared it might even stop before they departed. Then Citel could argue that the plan to leave was why. No. He had to hope the rains, however gentle, would keep on a bit longer until she left also.
A robe still guarding his left hand from the shoulder down, Idrus checked the nets holding each chrysalis yet again¡ªit was precious cargo.
When it came time for Nala to mount the sloth, she refused. ¡°You are still weak, my king. You should ride it.¡±
Idrus¡¯ armor still hadn¡¯t dried so it hadn¡¯t sharpened. It was soft in most areas, and easily bent.
It was still armor and he was far too heavy with those wet scales for the poor sloth to manage.
Today was the harshest he¡¯d ever been with Nala when he commanded in the Earther tongue, ¡°Mount, now!¡±
Nala held her breath a moment then complied.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
¡°Mind the babes,¡± Idrus cautioned.
Despite the rain, the courtyard teemed with curious eyes. The windows of higher pillars were all full. He took the harala leaf Sessel offered and handed it to Nala.
His own exoskeleton his only guard against the storm, Idrus took the reins of the sloth and led it around to face the gates. They couldn¡¯t open them for fear water might get in.
Idrus resolved to climb along the walls himself. The sloth, though slow, was a good enough climber. If not for the fact that an ino would eat the sloth eventually, he would have ridden one as well. Inos were fast and powerful though, a sloth would be better safer for the babes; they were also excellent swimmers.
¡°Can you ride with me?¡± Nala offered. ¡°You haven¡¯t recovered.¡±
Ignoring her, Idrus turned to Sessel and said, ¡°We will see how it goes. But whatever I decide, you must honor it.¡±
Her skin appearing dry despite the weather, Sessel held his shoulder and brought their foreheads to meet.
Idrus closed his eyes, appreciating the greeting to the fullest.
¡°Go with the calm, Daga,¡± Sessel said. ¡°May the lands keep you safe until your return.¡± She glanced at Nala but didn¡¯t otherwise say anything.
There wasn¡¯t much time to waste on pleasantries.
Idrus lead the sloth to the wall. First Idrus climbed up. Using the claws on both hands and feet made it effortless. Beyond the safety of those mountain caves the world look wet and uncertain.
Today¡¯s rain was gentle and he could even see some of the marsh along their path. Luck and good fortune were on their side.
He tugged on the reins. The beast was reluctant at first. Idrus hoped it didn¡¯t hold a grudge with Nala for the slaughtering of its kin.
Two feet went up, then the next two and it started its climb. When it arrived, Idrus was surprised to see Nala loosening the nets for the chrysalis.
¡°What are you for, Na¡¯am. I¡¯ve tied those.¡±
¡°They¡¯ll fall off,¡± Nala said. ¡°I can tie it better. You only had the full use of one hand.¡±
The trip down was a difficult one. Lying forward, close to the animal¡¯s head, Nala held on as it traveled the sharp incline below.
From here Idrus looked back at the roost. His own nest, the one he and Nala had shared, wasn¡¯t empty.
Citel peered out the window, a strong tattooed Leveler male at her side. Shoki.
Idrus had no worries. Sessel was not one to be toyed with. The aging Leveler would put the queen out soon enough. And as for the Shoki.... No doubt he would laugh Citel to scorn the moment they try to mate and she lie on her back.
They were both a trifle and barely a concern.
Idrus waited for the sloth to reach the bottom before he slid down feet first. The stones against his still tender feet and the rough landing reminded him just how much weaker he was than usual.
From there they set off.
As soon as they crossed the first hill, the roost nearly dying from view, the rain stopped.
End
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 1
There wasn¡¯t much sunlight in the coming morning but Idrus walked on; he welcomed it¡ªhe needed to dry his scales.
Nala rode the sloth, uncommonly quiet. Idrus was as well. He¡¯d waited for the rain to come back. In a way he almost wished it would return worse than before.
Sitting above the sloth, posture stoic, Nala rocked side to side with each sluggish step.
Finally, Idrus slowed the beast.
¡°We¡¯ve traveled in silence until now. Do you intend to remain contrary?¡±
Nala gave no response. She didn¡¯t even look at him.
The rocks in the distance would be a good place to rest and sun for a spell.
Idrus brought the sloth to a halt. Somehow, he felt that whenever Nala got like this, she responded better, faster to the Earther tongue than the old language.
As painful as it was to use it, Idrus persevered. ¡°Na¡¯am, you worry me. Please say something; please greet me.¡±
He let out a sigh at the ongoing silence.
¡°I must sun before the rain returns.¡±
¡°It won¡¯t return,¡± Nala said. ¡°Of that we can be certain.¡±
Rather than argue, Idrus handed the reins back and hurried to the stone. The larger one toward the side would be a perfect fit for his broad body.
Beyond the hill a small river babbled along. Water would help Nala¡¯s surly disposition.
Nala dismounted the sloth some ways down and tied it to a tree.
Idrus lay on the low resting stone, pleased to feel it hot. He tossed the robe down and flexed his poorly formed left hand. It took on no armor. No sooner had he lay, Nala sat beside him.
¡°You shouldn¡¯t stay here,¡± Idrus warned. ¡°The suns will damage your skin.¡±
Still with her back to him, Nala said, ¡°I had barely grown my scales in before I was separated from my clan.¡±
Guarding his eyes from the meager amounts of sunlight peeking through the clouds, Idrus stared up at her.
¡°In the confusion I lost my way. Stumbled a bit and then found a line with other Summoners talking of shelter. With no clan, no protection, we wouldn¡¯t have lasted long¡ªI wouldn¡¯t have lasted long.¡± She quieted before looking back at him. ¡°I let them cut my tail, even though I was wild.¡±
Idrus pulled himself up to sit.
¡°It¡¯s true, others do it sooner but me. I chose to lose it.¡± Her body hunched, Nala shook her head. ¡°It was a Summoner who did it. He even held it out and said it would be a nice prize for some Earther. I regretted nothing more.¡± She felt at her lower back. ¡°I used to romp so much but without it...without it I couldn¡¯t jump as high. I couldn¡¯t...I couldn¡¯t run as well. And I couldn¡¯t swim.¡±
The suns had already started doing their work; Idrus¡¯s scales hardened.
¡°I¡¯d run away as soon as I could¡ªthat¡¯s what I told myself. But I never did. I got a structure. I farmed the land, and I helped give the Earthers food.¡±
Idrus thought to hold Nala¡¯s shoulder but his fists grew brittle and sharp.
They sat in silence until Nala said, ¡°My king, I cannot go back with you. I cannot go back with you.... I will never go back there. I¡¯ll never trade comfort for my freedom.¡±
¡°Comfort?¡± Idrus could hardly call Nala comfortable. She always seemed miserable.
¡°You were my comfort. Your way with me. Each time you went through a cycle to appease me. Each time you¡¯d catch me in the courtyard and spread me in the shadows. And each time you played with this hideous stump on my back where a tail should be. It was my comfort.¡±
The scales on his right hand now sharp, Idrus had little choice but to use his left hand to hold Nala¡¯s shoulder.
He expected the Summoner to ease away but she took hold of Idrus¡¯s hand, holding it in place.
¡°It can be again,¡± Idrus insisted. ¡°The storms had everyone worried but now that they¡¯ve gone, we need only wait a while then return.¡±
¡°I am not returning,¡± Nala said again. ¡°I will go home, my king.¡±
Nearly one cycle had passed since Nala¡¯s left her farm. The condition it was in now, especially with the rain, meant it was an impossible endeavor.
Still the stubborn Summoner meant to try; already she¡¯d taken on a more confident posture.
This was the Nala he¡¯d longed to see. In a lay she was considerate but demanding. Until now, Idrus never understood how much he enjoyed that side of her.
In the roost Nala felt uneasy. In the roost Nala felt in the way. In the roost Nala feared discovery of her tail. Here in the wild she had no one¡¯s judgment to worry her.
Their posture stayed fixed, even as Nala held the hand in place on her shoulder.
Visions of returning without Nala came and went. Sometimes Idrus thought to leave the babes with her. Other times he thought...to stay. And he would have to see about the babes. Should he honestly do away with them, it was best to do so before they had awoken and looked him in the eyes.
Idrus brought his left hand up, cupping Nala¡¯s cheek. The Summoner leaned into it.
¡°My king...I will miss you with everything in me.¡± She looked down the slope to the sloth. ¡°The rain has stopped. Perhaps yours gods are pleased.¡±
¡°We have no gods,¡± Idrus told her. ¡°The land feeds us; the land shelters us. We feed each other. We shelter each other. The gods are we.¡± He wrapped his left arm around Nala¡¯s waist; it had no armor so it would not pierce the Summoner¡¯s skin as the right would. Now was the first time Lryus was thankful for the damage to his arm. Should the argument become heated, his spikes wouldn¡¯t extend. ¡°Nala,¡± he said. He couldn¡¯t remember ever saying that name alone. ¡°Think of what you say. I¡¯ve risked injury to the new king in my careless efforts to prove to you that we are the ones who rule ourselves. We excel ourselves and we damn ourselves. And you are asking for only that.¡± He waved his right hand, gesturing to the soft dirt as far as they could see. ¡°It will be seasons before your farm shows some yield. How will you survive?¡±
Nala gave no answer.
Idrus hated seeing her this defeated. She looked as though she hadn¡¯t realized the work ahead of her. As she was a farmer by trade, she must have known¡ªfar more than even a hunting Leveler.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
¡°So return with me,¡± Idrus pleaded. ¡°With the storms gone, all will be calm. The queen can travel safely as she is now. All will be calm, please. She¡¯s refusing to accept this but she must. The babes¡¯ temperament will change and she can nurse them. Perhaps I hadn¡¯t put out a strong enough effort. I let my temper lead me and not my head.¡±
Body tensed, Nala stared at the malleable dirt beneath her claws.
¡°Na¡¯am...¡± Idrus began again, unwilling to use any other title. ¡°My Na¡¯am...please....¡±
¡°And what of the king?¡± Nala looked back at him. ¡°What of the chrysalis below?¡±
Thoughts racing, Idrus tried to assure her. ¡°I will change. I will behave properly. Sessel had good advice. I will take another to my nest and ease the pressure from your body if that¡¯s what worries you. I¡¯ve become fixated, it¡¯s true¡ª¡±
Nala stood. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to have another but me! I don¡¯t want to share you with another. And would you have me sleep on the other side of you while I must listen to you romp with their fully-formed bodies until you pity me enough to crawl on top of me as well?¡±
Stunned into silence, Idrus watched her.
The days leading to now had been tiring, and they¡¯d been hell for Nala¡ªIdrus could see that now. But returning to the proper way was best.
¡°It¡¯s is naught but a trivial lay, Na¡¯am. You are my selected. You are my favored and what would it matter if another came to my bed of moss for a time? I would return to you in the end. Don¡¯t you see that?¡±
Nala turned her back to him. She muttered, ¡°Someone will take you. Someone whole....¡±
Idrus balled his left hand into a fist for fear of what his right might do.
¡°Curse this tail! Curse you and curse your cowardice!¡± As the spikes extended from his exoskeleton, Idrus stood from the stone to give Nala room. Today was the first time he feared he might box this Summoner in the face. ¡°What do you take me for? Blast you, Summoner! Is fear all that you know? What hangs between my legs is not the very thing that defines me and what hangs from your back is not what embodies you!¡±
Crossing her arms as her skin dulled, Nala said, ¡°I will not return with you, my king. And your queen does not want the babes. You¡¯ve made them with my help. The way I did it was wrong. It was strange, and twisted and uncommon and I will take them with me. It will be good to have the extra hands to run the land. And we can stay there; the strong one with the short tail, the whole one with the weak movements. All three of your unsightly mistakes and be better for it.¡±
Without another word, Nala made her way down the slope.
Each breath Idrus took tasted stale. He blamed his drying skin on the sun and not his upset. A second later, he sneezed.
¡°Na¡¯am,¡± he choked. ¡°Foolish Summoner. At least take out my hearts from my chest before you decide to crush them.¡±
The clouds rolled in and he looked up at them.
¡°What am I to do with them all? I have two kings instead of one, and a contrary Na¡¯am who I must constantly prove my favor to. I do not think even a king is powerful enough to endure this.¡±
Finally, instead of staring up at the miserable heavens, he stared down the hill at his miserable Summoner. Even now Nala seemed anew. She moved well. Strong. All the atrophy of the time in the roost all but faded. This freedom was her rebirth.
Letting out a sigh, Idrus made his way down. His left hand on Nala¡¯s back, he said, ¡°Come Na¡¯am. I shall see you safely home before I return.¡±
Fiddling with the harness, Nala took her time answering until she said, ¡°Will you still come to see me now and again?¡±
For that, Idrus had no answer. With Nala gone, Citel would no doubt return with a desire to breed. Especially once Idrus¡¯s arm healed.
The pain he felt within him compared to nothing he¡¯d ever felt before. It was best to forget its source, to forget this Summoner.
¡°I will see you safely home,¡± Idrus said again. ¡°That is all I can do.¡±
Nala glanced at him before mounting the beast. ¡°Good, because I do not wish for you to come.¡± Her further complaints faded when the sloth sat.
They were both surprised. It took a moment more for Idrus to realize that the sinking feeling he felt pulling him inside out wasn¡¯t just an extension of his sorrow.
The sloth took one step, disrupting the loose soil even more.
¡°Dismount, Na¡¯am!¡± Idrus cried. ¡°Get off it now!¡±
Idrus hurried to the harness and unhooked the first chrysalis.
Nala refused to get down. ¡°Easy now, Betty. Maybe you can walk out...¡± she urged the animal forward but the next step made both front legs submerge.
One chrysalis in hand, Idrus drudged around to the other side and tried unsuccessfully to get the second one.
¡°I cannot one-handed!¡±
Nala unloosened it for him just as the sloth¡¯s backside drooped lower.
¡°No...no, you¡¯re the last one.¡± Nala leaned closer, cooing by the long, floppy ear. ¡°You¡¯re the last thing I¡¯ll have from him. You must remain. Come. Let¡¯s us walk out together.¡±
Both chrysalises in hand, Idrus stomped through the muck until he reached a stone he could climb on.
In the dirt, Nala and the sloth were moving slowly but they were in motion. With enough time, they could perhaps escape the loose dirt.
Idrus looked down at the babes and regretted the order which he¡¯d taken them. The one in his right hand was light, but the heavier, no doubt the fat one, in his left was a strain. He held on, however, his eyes focused only on Nala who kept petting and soothing the sloth in its laborious journey.
¡°Perhaps this god you¡¯re so fond of praying to is hearing you today, Na¡¯am,¡± Idrus said.
One drop fell before him. Another on his right.
He looked up as the clouds rolled in and the rain began.
¡°Easy,¡± Nala said but worry was written on her face. She was losing the long battle.
Idrus should have told her to come down, to let the animal sink to its death but deep down he wanted it saved.
It would help Nala in the fields. He might be all Nala would have to talk to when the calmer days returned.
This would be all they¡¯d have together.
Nala¡¯s suggestion to keep the babes was madness. Leveler kings could and would eat anything in their way. The fear that Nala would fall asleep beside the chrysalis and the fatter one would bite her in the throat wasn¡¯t farfetched.
No. This sloth had to live. Idrus looked around for a safe place to put the chrysalises¡ªhe¡¯d help Nala by pushing the thing out if he had to.
¡°Come, you bastard!¡± Nala exclaimed. ¡°Come! Walk!¡±
Idrus¡¯s search came up empty. He looked back at Nala again, shocked to see her waist deep in the mud, pulling on the reins with all her might.
Nala froze and in the blink of an eye she was swallowed by the ground.
¡°Na¡¯am....¡± Idrus gasped. ¡°Na¡¯am?¡±
The sloth was the next to go.
Rain thundered down on Idrus. He made a hard choice and climbed up as high as he could. The wet soil wouldn¡¯t keep for long but he propped the chrysalises by a large rock and ran.
Jumping head first was foolish but he did just that, sinking easily into the dirt.
Idrus¡¯ useless left hand hampered his speed. In the black everything stopped.
He could go back up. Swimming in muck was all right in this stage but he couldn¡¯t stay for long. And then he thought of Nala and realized, he didn¡¯t want to go back.
If this was where Nala met her end, he wanted nothing more than to rest there with her. Earthers had a single god, Levelers had none.
Now he decided to call out to the one being that he¡¯d come to die for.
Nala.... You foolish Summoner.
Something caught Idrus¡¯s left hand. He mistook it for a branch or dirt until it squeezed him.
Nala!
He grabbed at it, too, resolving to use his right to dig himself out. The journey to the surface was a fast one and he broke through gasping.
His body filthy and heavy, he swam on. Even when he dragged himself up on the rocks, he didn¡¯t allow his body rest.
Nala came out shortly after, the sloth¡¯s reins stubbornly in her fist.
Idrus took one look at the reins and shook his head. Instead of telling her to throw it away as was his better judgment, he took hold with his right and pulled with all his power.
The sloth didn¡¯t move once it reached the stones with them.
Together they waited.
It cried out once then took sharp breaths.
¡°It lives,¡± Nala said, a proud smile in place.
Idrus wasn¡¯t quite as pleased. ¡°Foolish Summoner.... Don¡¯t you know my only gift to you is my favor.¡±
Nala looked up at him from beneath her matted silver hair. ¡°Thank you, Mana....¡±
¡°You call me Mana again,¡± Idrus observed.
¡°Yes. I will admit to those feelings at least,¡± Nala said.
Dragging her close by her left hand, Idrus leaned close until their foreheads met.
¡°Foolish Summoner. Even a king¡¯s hearts cannot best you.¡±
They gave the beast a moment to calm.
Nala looked around. ¡°Where are the babes?¡±
¡°Up high,¡± Idrus said. ¡°I found a good perch. Let me get them¡ª¡±
¡°No. I will go,¡± Nala insisted. ¡°You wait here and rest.¡±
As Nala scaled the stones, Idrus crouched down and rubbed the sloth¡¯s flithy gray fur.
¡°Good that you live,¡± Idrus said. ¡°Nala needs help on that blasted farm.¡±
¡°Mana! Mana!¡±
Looking up at Nala¡¯s frame, Idrus waited.
The Summoner said nothing, so he scaled the rocks and hurried up. He looked over Nala¡¯s shoulder expecting something awful, but the chrysalis was good and steady.
Nala stared down toward the river.
It was then that Idrus noticed what the matter was. ¡°Where is the second one?¡± he asked.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 2
The smaller chrysalis in hand, Idrus closed his eyes and let out a deep breath. He wanted to shriek, he wanted to cry out in anguish of it, but as he¡¯d managed to find a cave close by, Nala could only sit on the rocks, staring at the river below.
Idrus had to pretend. He convinced himself that if he truly said it didn¡¯t matter, Nala would believe it.
Levelers and Summoners handled grief differently. While he wanted to find something to kill, Nala sat down as if she were ready to die.
It seemed so contrary to the same Nala who had slaughtered seven sloths when she¡¯d thought Idrus wouldn¡¯t recover. And what good had that destruction done anyone? If they¡¯d had all eight now life would be easier. They would have kept going. The babe wouldn¡¯t be gone.
Rather than scream and cry and lament the baby¡¯s passing, Idrus tried to contain his grief. He had to. For Nala¡¯s sake.
If Idrus believed it was all right, Nala would be all right as well.
When he reached Nala, the Summoner didn¡¯t look back to regard him.
¡°The blasted sloths. All my selfishness. It¡¯s brought this to us. Still my need for gluttony. I should have been satisfied with one sloth. I should have been satisfied with your touch whenever the time suited you. I should have left you to mate in full and produce beautiful fighters the queen would like and nurture.¡± Nala shook her head as she muttered, ¡°And I should have humbled myself and turned back with you when you suggested it.¡±
Crouching down beside her, Idrus said, ¡°You speak of nonsense. What¡¯s done is done and we cannot change it. Whatever¡¯s meant to come to pass will come. The day you look upon me and trust in me and yourself and not these foolish Earther thoughts of longing for something beyond your reach, is the day I will truly know happiness. This was meant for you.¡± He lowered his hands, gesturing to the chrysalis. ¡°The other was too strong and ravenous. I could not leave him with you, but this one...this one has a gentle temperament. Perhaps he is meant to keep you company and help you and your farm when I¡¯m gone.¡±
Idrus looked down at the river.
It didn¡¯t flow well. Instead, debris and even animal carcasses in some cases bobbed on at an erratic flow.
¡°Perhaps we can follow the river and...and find...and find him,¡± Nala muttered.
Letting out a sigh, Idrus shook his head. ¡°No. We will continue to the farm. Sleep in the cave tonight and set off in the morn no matter the weather. But come away from this place, Na¡¯am. There is nothing here for us.¡±
He waited and when Nala eventually stood, he stood as well.
Idrus was gentle as he put the chrysalis into Nala¡¯s hands.
Left hand around the Summoner¡¯s shoulder, they turned and headed for the cave.
Nala had trouble eating but she did so and curled up to sleep beside the chrysalis.
Idrus looked out at the pouring rain from the mouth of the cave. From here he could see the river and all the muck it dragged on with it. A craning-mare cried out in the night, sinking and rising from the water. The currents weren¡¯t heavy but as her kind did not swim, he could imagine the fear she felt.
He was too bitter to go out and help her.
Luck would have it that a branch caught her by the throat. No doubt she¡¯d wiggle herself free in the morning.
Idrus swallowed down his sorrow and stood. The filthy robe at his left shoulder, he stared down at it.
He dropped it on the floor before curling up behind Nala to rest. In his time of confusion, he took all these signs to mean that he, too, sought gluttony by entreating Nala to remain. The Summoner was happier out in the woods. That was where she was home.
As king with no acceptable heir, he had to allow things to play out as they may.
He pulled Nala to him, and the Summoner turned in his grip, chrysalis and all.
Nala and the queen believed in some sort of punishment for wrong doings. Idrus hadn¡¯t seen that. He¡¯d seen fear lead to more and more nonsense and he¡¯d allowed it to take him to this place. The fear of loss, the fear of having to destroy the babes, the fear of Nala leaving or going mad while he was away. Even the fear of losing the respect of his people. They all propelled him here.
Somehow, he¡¯d sunken into it. Now they¡¯d saved the sloth but to what end?Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
When Idrus closed his eyes, his Summoner and his newborn safely tucked by his side, he decided to think like a Leveler. He¡¯d return in the morning, take on new bedmates and breed with the queen once more once the mood suited him. He¡¯d raise his new king and follow what tradition dictated.
When the morning arrived, sunlight came with it. Idrus stared down at the dregs of the river and nodded. The crane-mare hadn¡¯t escaped the night; now it moaned weakly.
¡°You fought very well, but every fight must end.¡± Those words were meant for the crane-mare, but deep down he knew they were meant for him as well. He¡¯d fought. He¡¯d fought against nature, against custom, against Nala herself. He¡¯d fought until he¡¯d lost an arm, a newborn, and his senses. And like that wretched crane-mare, caught at the neck, struggling to live when death was so certain, he wondered how long his own struggles would last.
What could he do? Travel with Nala to the farm, leave them there alone? Leave the would-be king there with the Summoner? With no protection, and no help? Or take Nala back.... The Summoner was pensive now, she¡¯d no doubt return at Idrus¡¯s request. But to what? To cowering in the shadows to keep out of sight; to fearing for her neck should the weather change again suddenly? To suffering the queen¡¯s scorn again and again day after day? Or to perhaps lose her way should the day come when Idrus numb this hollow feeling in his chest at the thought of leaving her? Should that day come, the day when another caught Idrus¡¯s eye, what would become of Nala then?
This was a battle. No. This was a war. This was a war that put Levelers and Summoners alike on a very tense line with no fitting end.
Idrus had fought it. He had his casualties. Now his insides felt bruised and battered.
That crane-mare would be best to give up. Lose all life and sink to the bottom.
This Leveler King, fighting against a force he could never understand¡ªthis longing for an awful Summoner who had only brought him grief¡ªwas no match, either.
Idrus looked back at Nala and the chrysalis. Further back in the cave the sloth still slept, exhausted and filthy. Idrus stood. This was no place for a king. This was no place for him.... And so he resolved to leave.
¡°Mana...¡± Nala whispered, as if anticipating the abandonment.
But Idrus didn¡¯t look back; he stared out at the destruction from the rains and jumped from the cave entrance.
Idrus wanted to run from that hill, the wind at his back and the fresh day coming anew. Maybe there was such a thing as good fortune. He¡¯d lost the stronger babe and abandoned the other to a Summoner who was unlikely to know how to care for it.
It was the fastest he¡¯d moved in months. It felt good to leave all that behind. He took to his feet, feeling free. All the complexities of Nala¡¯s foolish struggles didn¡¯t strangle him as he moved. The Summoner could fend alone¡ªshould fend alone.
Idrus didn¡¯t make it far before his run lost power. The distance wasn¡¯t great but he felt crippled with a sensation he couldn¡¯t quite describe.
If he left now, he could arrive back at the roost later the next day.
His stride slowed until he walked and then he stopped. When he turned to look back at the slope and the cave beyond it, he did so with reservation.
Maybe he couldn¡¯t go back to the roost. Maybe he was a useless king. Maybe this was for the best¡ªthis was where he should be.
¡°Nala....¡±
This was Idrus¡¯s moment of weakness but he felt he¡¯d earned it.
Nala would return to her place and Idrus his own. Before he left, however, he decided to take the crane-mare meat with him. It would be bloated but as others were hungry, they would be pleased to have it.
He climbed that hill and climbed down again wondering what would happen when he arrived back home. In this weather the queen couldn¡¯t have gotten far.
Idrus slid down the slope and took the crane-mare by the horns.
¡°Here now. I¡¯ve got you,¡± Idrus said.
The beast didn¡¯t respond.
Sighing he patted the black fur and said, ¡°I suppose you did die in the night. I cannot use your meat then.¡±
The body still pulsed despite outward appearances.
Something moved in the beast belly.
Other than a red wound on one side of it, Idrus couldn¡¯t determine what had killed it or why it stirred.
¡°Mana,¡± Nala¡¯s voice came from above the slope. ¡°Is something the matter? You ran off.¡±
Idrus concluded that he could run even now without affording Nala an excuse. He held his ground, however, a sense of regret for failing in his earlier attempt at leaving robbed him of his ability to look over his shoulder at her.
¡°Mana, something moves in its gut. Is it with child?¡± Nala asked, sliding down to meet him.
Body tensed, Idrus kept his gaze low. He offered Nala an answer, at least, because he knew not what else he should do. ¡°You mean it¡¯s ready to lay?¡±
¡°No. Crane-mares don¡¯t release eggs before the birth. It hatches within.¡±
Idrus touched the carcass to find something shifting. Using his claw he cut the underside of the beast and said, ¡°At least we can do with the meat.¡±
Something big and white spilled out, wiggling all the while.
Nala yelped.
All of creation stopped. The Summoner didn¡¯t move, and Idrus didn¡¯t dare make a sound.
¡°Is...Is that?¡± Nala gasped.
Eyes wide, Idrus opened and closed his mouth again and again. ¡°Is it?¡± he muttered. He laughed out in shock. ¡°Is it!¡±
At their feet, the once lost new Leveler King twisted and turned, fighting against nature and his own limited body to live.
Idrus smiled. ¡°This is a good omen.¡± He scooped the fat baby up, checking its feet and hands. All were in place. ¡°It¡¯s returned. It¡¯s all right.¡±
¡°It cannot be....¡± Nala asked, stepping closer.
Turning the baby to show her the short tail, Idrus said, ¡°It is.¡± He laughed. ¡°If the chrysalis broke underwater, he must have swum up. This beast caught here and he killed her and rested inside. This is an omen; this is a sign,¡± he said. ¡°This is our king.¡±
A weak cry broke out from the cave and they traded a glance.
¡°The other one¡¯s broken from the chrysalis,¡± Nala observed. ¡°We should check.¡± She paused before hurrying back. ¡°Where did you go to before I awoke? Is something wrong?¡±
Idrus stared into those somber gray eyes, willing himself to utter only truth and nothing more.
When he spoke, he did so with conviction and honesty. ¡°I¡¯d lost something. Something troubled me.¡± The wiggling child in his arms, Idrus let out a held breath and said, ¡°But I have you, and I¡¯ve found what I need. Come...let us see about our other one.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 3
Both babes¡¯ skin were pale and white, both sported a small horn on their forehead that would eventually grow into an exoskeleton, and both cried...a lot.
It only took one babe crying for the other one to join. That crying babe was often Boon, a name Nala selected to afford the weaker one good fortune. And despite being rather active otherwise, Crane never failed to cry with him.
Sitting with Crane, named after the crane-mare he¡¯d killed, in his lap, Idrus used his left hand to pat the child¡¯s cheek.
Nala wasn¡¯t having any luck with Boon. Other than sleep, not much quieted Boon once he broke into cry.
This time there was no slumber and no end in sight to the ruckus.
¡°Perhaps they are hungry,¡± Nala said crawling to Idrus. She was sure to keep clear of Crane¡¯s reach.
As anticipated, the stronger baby quieted for a moment, showing his teeth.
¡°None of that,¡± Idrus scolded. ¡°She is not food.¡±
Eyes perpetually closed, Crane broke into a cry once more, a series of clicks that grew to an excruciating pitch.
Boon pressed his face against Nala¡¯s belly again and again, searching.
¡°Yes, they may be hungry,¡± he said to Nala. ¡°But where will they get suck?¡±
¡°Gava!¡± Nala cried out. ¡°It¡¯s latched.¡±
Idrus chuckled. ¡°Stop being foolish.¡±
Nala turned to show the hole in her robe.
Gasping, Idrus put Crane down and hurried to take hold of Boon¡¯s body.
¡°Blasted child. Do you not even know a nursing female? There is no food here!¡± He managed to take Boon off, wiping the blood from the child¡¯s lips.
Both babes began to cry once more.
Nala stared down at her lower torso, fright painted on her face.
¡°I think he¡¯s taken the flesh with it.¡±
Idrus sighed. ¡°Worry more about falling asleep tonight next to Crane who won¡¯t be as gentle. Come. We must find them milk.¡±
Groaning, Nala took Boon back, cradling the pale body as she said, ¡°That was very unkind of you, little one. But I give you credit for the effort. Your father has never shown as much interest in that part of me.¡±
As Idrus rose to his feet, he paused. ¡°What are you saying?¡±
Nala¡¯s smile faded as she returned his gaze. ¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°I¡¯m a full grown male, of course I would not take interest in an area meant for nursing.¡±
Nodding, Nala walked past him. ¡°Hmm¡¯hm.¡±
Idrus turned and clapped Nala on the backside with his left hand. ¡°Enough joking. If we don¡¯t find milk, I fear for us both at nightfall. Another crane-mare would be good. Since one washed down, maybe a herd wouldn¡¯t be too far from here.¡±
Because the sloth still slept, recovering from the day before, they had little success in waking it.
Besides that, Crane seemed interested in the beast for the wrong reasons. They walked instead, black dirt and yellow grass under their feet. A world without Earthers meant more animals roamed in the open.
As the suns beat down on them, the noisy babies took on a pinker color. In time they would look purple.
The herd wasn¡¯t that far away. However, catching a crane-mare was no easy task as the crane-bucks were rather lazy and the females had the horns.
¡°Perhaps we can wait till night and let them feed as the animals sleep,¡± Nala suggested.
It was dusk now but these two wouldn¡¯t quiet. Idrus decided to catch a crane-mare. He¡¯d hunted them in his youth and remembered while it was no easy task, it was possible.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.
A bigger problem showed itself. Chasing the animal would mean leaving Nala alone with both babes. Boon she could always unlatch from her breast if he did something silly like that again. Crane was a worry.
¡°I will carry this one with me,¡± Idrus concluded. ¡°It¡¯s best if we catch a crane-mare now instead of waiting for nightfall with only the moon as our guide. Come.¡±
Babes in hand, they set off. They returned to that slope shortly after with nothing to show for it as the crane-mares scattered.
That failure doomed them to hours of crying until the moon rose high above.
Nala¡¯s plan was a good one though Idrus had his misgivings. He put Crane down beside one of the mares and stood ready to take hold of her horns should she awaken with a start.
Crane couldn¡¯t move about much, though he could roll from here to there.
¡°Let Boon feed first,¡± Idrus whispered. ¡°But you must catch Crane.¡±
Nala¡¯s expression said she disagreed but Idrus wasn¡¯t having it.
¡°I cannot do it all by myself. He reacts to fear. So stop fearing him! He¡¯s only a child,¡± Idrus said.
Boon attached to one of the crane-mare¡¯s ten teats.
The animal stirred for a moment but relaxed once more. By the time Boon let go and rolled onto his back as well, Crane had all but circled Idrus.
¡°Now, Na¡¯am. Get him now.¡±
Nala looked frightened at first, but she chased the boy and caught hold. A sharp row of teeth greeted her, but she was unafraid for the first time.
¡°None of that!¡± Nala growled. Maybe the knowledge that Crane would get proper food soon was enough to ease Nala¡¯s worry.
Crane took longer to latch; in fact, he refused.
In time, Nala had to pry the babe¡¯s mouth open and put a teat in.
The beast howled as it tried to stand.
Using all his might, Idrus pushed it down. Crane-mares were strong, but their legs weren¡¯t as good as other animals, so they often could not stand when the weight of their own body was pushed against them.
This one kept steady.
Idrus sympathized with it, because as Crane was a sloppy eater at first, he could see some discoloring in the milk that spilled; he¡¯d latched with his teeth.
In time Crane calmed and even cooed as he drank. He drank twice as long as Boon but eventually he stopped.
The peaceful expression on his face made Idrus chuckle.
¡°In that regard you are like your Summoner mother; a good meal keeps you content,¡± he said, his right hand on the beast as he used his left to pick the child up.
Nala chuckled, holding Boon to her.
Her smile faded in time. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t let the mare go; it¡¯ll be angry for sure.¡±
¡°I do not think it has enough energy, to be honest,¡± Idrus said. ¡°In fact, it might have lost too much blood to put up a fight. Come, let us return to the cave and we¡¯ll come back yet again in the night before they rise.¡±
When they returned some hours later, Nala weary and miserable despite being one to like an early morning, they found yet another sleeping crane-mare to feed from.
Boon drank a bit more, which was a comfort, but Crane drank even more still. Idrus had to pull him off.
¡°Enough. That is greedy, even for you.¡±
The baby slipped for his grip, biting into the flesh of the mare where he landed.
Despite the mare¡¯s cries, the beast didn¡¯t rise. It wailed, incapable of escape even as Crane nibbled into it, wiggling all the while.
Nala made the foolish attempt to get the baby¡¯s legs but Idrus pulled her back.
¡°No. He means to feed.¡±
The animal suffered for only a short time before Crane borrowed inside, reaching its hearts.
When it died, Boon cried yet again.
In truth, Idrus had no great knowledge of caring for young. He¡¯d fathered them, watched them hatch, visited a few clutches to see them feeding, and returned to his duties. Leveler young did feed on flesh, but he wasn¡¯t sure if this was too early. This was a female¡¯s forte. A part of him longed to ask Nala for guidance but equally he feared her reaction should she have no natural instinct for such things. Together, they were perhaps ill-equipped parents.
Regardless, he thought to try. What Boon did, Crane did, and perhaps it was best to keep with that agreement.
He took Boon and put him by the carcass.
¡°Wait! That is not right,¡± Nala protested.
¡°Peace,¡± Idrus said. ¡°It would be a waste to let all this meat go bad. I cannot eat it all, but I can try to get a good portion. You will have to try for the rest.¡±
Nala, less than keen on eating, nodded in time.
When the babies fell out of the half-eaten animal, messy but smiling, Idrus shook his head and picked them both up.
¡°I couldn¡¯t possibly have been as awful as these two when I was young.¡±
Nala cut him a glance and Idrus laughed.
¡°I assure you, I was a perfect creature and not in any way contrary.¡±
Boon fell into Nala¡¯s hands easily and curled up. Nala frowned. ¡°His skin is sticky.¡±
Idrus moved Crane from his left to his right hand. ¡°This one, too.¡±
They spent the morning in a worry, most of the other crane-mares scattered. Only one other remained and they discovered it was the one from the night before. Dead as well.
By midday both babes were covered by a thick white slime.
¡°It¡¯s another chrysalis,¡± Idrus observed. ¡°Once it dries, we¡¯ll see about getting ourselves clean and fed.¡±
They made it back to the cave without trouble. Nala sat down on Idrus¡¯s left. It took a moment for Idrus to realize why.
The still wet chrysalis in hand, he took Nala into a gentle embrace with his left arm. Now with the damage, the scales failed to grow back, and the texture was gentle against the Summoner¡¯s skin. Today was the first time Idrus was happy for this injury.
Crane¡¯s chrysalis dried first with Boon struggling to get out of his. They both chuckled at the sight of him. He became tangled in most of it before it finally set and he faded from view.
¡°He¡¯s rather silly, isn¡¯t he?¡± Nala observed.
¡°They both are but we¡¯ll have to hope this one won¡¯t keep killing crane-mares. I was impressed at first but the rotting carcasses reek.¡±
Nala leaned into him. ¡°I wonder how long they will sleep this time.¡±
Idrus was more concerned about what would happen once the young kings were awake once more.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 4
The babes slept in their chrysalises for two more months. Between the rough texture of the pods and the spikes along Idrus¡¯s stage-one body, Nala couldn¡¯t remember the last time she woke up without a cut of some kind.
Her bed of hay was crowded but she preferred it that way.
A robe covering the chrysalis, mostly for Nala¡¯s own safety, she stretched the morning¡¯s slumber from her body.
One pod nearly fell but Nala caught it in time. She compared it to the second one and smiled.
¡°Crane, of course.¡± She swaddled them in the gunny-sack sheet, careful to keep them close to the wall. Though the bed was low, she was always fearful one might roll away somehow.
The suns had risen so she decided to seek Idrus out. No one. The Leveler King was still gone. All that remained of him were the broken tools by the door which he¡¯d promised to mend.
Nala gathered the pieces now and tied the flat stone to the stick using parts of an old gunnysack robe. In her first stage, she would have used her bare hands to do the farming. She wished she could say the sorry state of her farm now was because of the long-forgotten war, or the floods, but that wasn¡¯t the true reason; she was just too weak.
She had the energy she needed, though long periods without food would leave her in distress. Too weak to farm, and too weak to get more food she needed in order to farm.
The week prior still fresh in her mind, she hated herself for allowing the Leveler King to return to the roost without her or the babes. Idrus hadn¡¯t offered, and Nala couldn¡¯t bring herself to.
Maybe he won¡¯t return. He¡¯ll forget us.
Nala didn¡¯t often work on tools within her structure. It was only lately that the Leveler King, in his stage-one body as Idrus, could take hold of a tool without breaking it. Keeping the broken bits as a reminder, Nala put off repairs until now. Idrus promised to take care of them. Today Nala did fix them without her Leveler¡¯s help, though, and she did it to remain bitter.
¡°You haven¡¯t even come...¡± Nala muttered. ¡°Six days.... What could you be doing so long?¡±
Before this cycle had ended, the Leveler King had lived it as Idsel. The nights he sated himself with Nala out in the brush as Indel in order to take on the first stage again was something beyond Nala¡¯s imagination. It had been bliss.
To think they¡¯d come this far. The Leveler King who, a season ago, had forgotten her here. Now and again when Idsel taunted her about the sorry state of the farm and food supply, Nala only smiled because it was so like the surly Leveler King who¡¯d imposed on her almost two seasons ago; changing her life forever.
Nala fought to keep thoughts of her Leveler at bay. She was alone now until his return. Growing excited at the thought of Indel would only lead her stumbling to a bush, far from the farm, to coax herself and return to her senses. Even now whenever she imagined her Leveler, her body secreted for hours.
Though she thought better of it, Nala stood and decided to answer her need, though she was rarely frequent anymore. A noise in the distance made her freeze dead in her tracks.
She opened the door to see a blue hand raised, about to knock.
Nala swallowed down a yelp. The tough stage-two blue skin reminded her of her own which she¡¯d shed seasons ago.
The face was nice to look at as well.
A tattered, half cracked, blue exoskeleton on his head, the Summoner stared at her wide-eyed.
He was young, and he plucked the helmet off, a wild mane of black hair stuck up.
¡°I¡¯m...I¡¯m sorry. I....¡± The stranger looked out at the untidy field and then tried to peer into the structure. ¡°Forgive me my intrusion. The rains have me lost. I¡¯ve newly awoken in this new stage and...and I have a hunger like no other. The berries I usually eat¡ª¡±
¡°Make you vomit,¡± Nala said, chuckling. ¡°I hope you haven¡¯t tried the roots.¡±
The youth¡¯s skin dampened. ¡°Three days¡¯ time I couldn¡¯t leave the bushes or stand. I thought my very belly would fall out of me.¡±
They stared at each other in awkward silence until the Summoner said, ¡°I can see that you are fit to mate. Should your male not oppose, do you have anything you can spare? I fear the season has taken me.¡±
¡°My male....¡± Remembering her own stage-three body, Nala opened and closed her mouth for some time. This stranger mistook her for a mating Summoner about to answer the mating spell. She wasn¡¯t sure if or how to correct that misunderstanding.
They didn¡¯t have much in the way of food. Other than the meat Idrus sometimes hunted, there wasn¡¯t much left of the fruit and grubs Nala had gathered. Distant memories of her own rude awakening alone and unsteady in changing led her to sympathize.
A Leveler might have made Nala nervous, but she feared no Summoner so she stepped aside and bade him enter.
Bowing his head, the Summoner stepped through the threshold. ¡°My name is Molin.¡±
Clicking her tongues, Nala answered him.
¡°Nala?¡± Molin said, a weak smile in place as he turned his helmet around in his hand. ¡°Nala-da, please excuse my bareness.¡±
Nala had barely noticed. She glanced down at Molin¡¯s smooth belly for a moment and realized the youth had been using his helmet to guard himself.
The notion was novel because Idrus had to be reminded to cover himself whenever he shifted stages at will.
Few Summoners lived in clutches, most keeping to small families, very much like Earthers had. Regardless, Nala still asked, ¡°Do you live alone?¡±
Molin shook his head as he waited by the door. ¡°No, Nala-da. My family had five in total. Our structure washed away with the floods. We found a cave but when I went out into the rain to find food, I lost my way and couldn¡¯t return. I¡¯m heading north; that¡¯s where we¡¯ll meet.¡±
Nala hurried to the metal containers stacked neatly on the shelves. She had some dried worms she could offer.
The way Molin looked the barn over fueled Nala¡¯s drive to distract him with something to eat. She settled on bringing the youth the entire canister¡¯s worth.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.
¡°Here. But don¡¯t eat too much, it¡¯ll make your throat sore.¡± Nala shoved the metal into Molin¡¯s hands and rushed for another one. ¡°And I have some nicer fruit. I can show you which ones to eat until you return to your family. They¡¯d be the best ones to guide you at this moment.¡±
At one time, Nala might have offered the hay for sitting but that was unacceptable now with Idrus sleeping there on the nights he wasn¡¯t hunting.
They sat on the floor across from each other. That was why Nala spied her now clean and dried robe the king had gifted to her.
She wanted to save it for an important time.
Molin looked within the containers and gasped. ¡°This is too much. Your Na¡¯am will be vexed.¡±
The exclamation startled Nala at first. Molin assumed her authority due to her generous offer. In time she smiled. ¡°No. Do not worry. And here, I will lend you this, too.¡±
She crawled forward to snatch the robe from under the hay and handed it over.
Molin shook his head. ¡°No. I couldn¡¯t take that.¡±
¡°You¡¯re not taking it,¡± Nala said. ¡°You can borrow it and give it back.¡±
Despite having lamented his bare body, and hiding himself, Molin seemed disinterested in taking the robe.
Nala concluded that maybe it was too nice and she was hurting the youth¡¯s pride. She stood and shed her own everyday gunny-sack robe and put the good robe on.
¡°Here. Hide yourself with this.¡±
Molin took the gunny-sack with a look of caution and then relief. He hurried to put it on, turning with his back to Nala when he dropped the helmet.
The sight of his long tail caught Nala off guard. The hairs were full and thick. It was nearly the size and girth of Indel¡¯s. He was a wild Summoner, something Nala hadn¡¯t beheld in some time.
Tying the robe, Molin said thank you again and sat down. He must have been from a good family. He addressed Nala with respect, using ¡®da¡¯ to indicate her age and status. He didn¡¯t feast on the worms, either, despite them being so fat and sweet. He shared himself a small amount and put the container between them.
Nala followed proper custom and ate as well. If Idrus came to see her taking part in an extra meal so early in the morning, he¡¯d surely complain.
¡°I¡¯m truly blessed to have met you,¡± Molin said. ¡°I¡¯ve been wandering around for ages. Last week, I changed and I was useless in my travels. I thought to sit down and cry out like a lost babe, I was so frightened. Nala-da, thank you.¡±
Few Summoners would waste time in this valley. It was hard to toil and gave little yield. For Nala it had been enough, mostly because no one else wanted it. Molin wasn¡¯t the first to pass through. No one stayed for long.
When Molin had eaten all but one worm, Nala made sure to finish eating hers otherwise the poor youth might never complete his meal. She stood and offered him a gourd of water. That he drank in a hurry and was too slow to remember his manners until he was sated.
¡°You¡¯ve come a long way,¡± Nala said, sympathizing. ¡°I wish I could help you in your journey but I cannot leave here.¡±
¡°No, Nala-da. I thank you. You¡¯ve even worn your mating robe and given me your very own usual. I couldn¡¯t ask for more.¡±
Nala stiffened. All she could do was blink. Today when she took in the fancy robes, she saw it anew. It was similar enough to the Summoner Queen¡¯s for Nala to form one very new conclusion¡ªIndel had honored her from the start. Nearly all the robes were fashioned similarly, but she knew too little about Leveler custom to realize it. This youth, Molin, knew.
A sudden need to see Molin leave crept into the back of Nala¡¯s head and refused to fade.
A thundering voice erupted as the door swung open. ¡°Come Summoner! It¡¯s been five days and I plan to have my fill of you today until the very moon rises! Deep and raw,¡± Idsel exclaimed.
All feeling drained out of Nala¡¯s body. Molin wasn¡¯t the only one who¡¯d recently changed.
The Leveler king had molted all his scales; now he was in his second stage, no doubt preparing to enter the third. Although that left hand still appeared somewhat smaller than the other, it did look better. Now Nala understood. It was the season for it. It must have been and as she and Idrus had talked and teased one another for the last two months, not much had come of it on the Leveler¡¯s part.
Now he¡¯d come, ready to indulge in the new stage.
As startled as Nala was at seeing her king there, Molin seemed incapable of speech.
He stared at Idsel and Idsel stared back as they tried to make sense of each other.
Before Nala could be questioned, she tossed the empty gourd in Idsel¡¯s direction. ¡°Fill this and come back,¡± Nala order, fearful that her attempt at sounding dominant might falter.
Idsel caught it, still wearing a curious look.
Hearts beating faster, Nala glanced at Molin who looked to her for guidance. The youth calmed. Nala was anything but.
Though breathing shallow from the fear of discovery, Nala managed to keep that fright out of her voice when she said. ¡°Now, Na¡¯am. And be quick.¡±
Silent, Idsel cocked his head to the right. His dark eyes settled on Molin and he chuckled as he turned to leave.
¡°Strange Summoner. I shall fetch your water like a good little pet,¡± Idsel muttered.
As soon as the door closed, Molin hurried to his feet.
Nala stood as well.
Molin wouldn¡¯t meet her gaze when he said, ¡°Thank you, N...Nala-da. Thank you, but I must leave here.¡±
Spirits sinking, Nala nodded. That much she could understand. ¡°I am...I am sorry. And I¡¯m sorry about him. I...I should have warned you.¡±
¡°I¡¯ve seen Levelers before...at a distance. You must be so brave to have command of one. But I¡¯ve heard enough stories about Leveler ways.¡±
Molin stared down at the strings around his waist. He looked like he was ready to remove it. Nala hoped he wouldn¡¯t scorn even the robe.
¡°Thank you for the food, and the water, and...and the clothing,¡± Molin said, inching toward the door. ¡°But I cannot stay here, Nala-da. Thank you. You¡¯re a good person and I hope I can pay you back one day. He may misunderstand my presence and injure you¡ªor us both.¡±
The journey to the door was one of the longest Nala ever took. She couldn¡¯t smile when Molin stepped out and turned to face her, albeit still with his gaze lowered.
¡°Thank you, Nala-da. Thank you.¡± Molin turned to leave but paused and came back.
He held out his hands but Nala hesitated.
Molin was offering a shake out of courtesy. Nala risked it, relieved when it was a firm grip and not a limp one to mask some sort of revulsion.
¡°Thank you, Nala-da. If I can ever repay you, I will. But I cannot stay and risk your injury. I thank you for wearing your Na¡¯am¡¯s markings on my behalf.¡±
Without looking back, Molin hurried down the hill. He nearly bumped into Idsel who was carrying several gourds up. To Idsel, Molin said nothing, he didn¡¯t even nod his head to acknowledge him.
Now with that over, another problem reared its head. Idsel put the water down.
Resting with his right shoulder against the doorframe, Idsel stared at her and then cocked his head, calling Nala closer.
Nala¡¯s body burned, her skin damp rather than slippery as embarrassment took her.
When she was close enough, Idsel caught her by the waist of the robe and tugged her near.
¡°Na¡¯am? I am your Na¡¯am?¡± Idsel asked. ¡°You¡¯ve guided my first mating now instead?¡±
Nala had no adequate words to offer. She opened and closed her mouth several times as she fought to find some.
Brushing the lower half of Nala¡¯s robe aside, Idsel ran his left hand up Nala¡¯s thigh until he slid his fingers between her legs.
¡°Am I no longer your Mana?¡± Idsel asked.
Nala shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s very difficult to explain.¡±
¡°What are you about?¡± Idsel asked leaning in close. ¡°Don¡¯t you enjoy the thing between my legs?¡±
When Nala hung her head, Idsel tapped her chin, prompting her to return the gaze.
¡°Answer me, Summoner. Aren¡¯t you pleased with the force of my affection?¡±
¡°I am pleased,¡± Nala said, finally. ¡°I am very pleased by it. Forgive me, I was foolish. It was nonsense.¡±
Idsel gave her a smile and said, ¡°I shall just have to earn my title again, Na¡¯am.¡±
A lay wasn¡¯t an immediate thing Nala longed for at this moment, but she did miss their embraces. It¡¯d been so long that even this very touch was enticing.
¡°Mana...¡± Nala whispered, holding Idsel¡¯s shoulders lest her knees go weak. ¡°About what I said...about calling you Na¡¯am, I want to explain.¡±
¡°Explain after I¡¯ve had you,¡± Idsel cooed. ¡°I found a safe place to molt to save you the cleanup and this is what I return to?¡± he teased.
¡°Mana,¡± Nala said again, hoping to keep her Leveler king focused. ¡°Speak to me for a moment. There¡¯s time later for a lay.¡±
An unfamiliar noise reached them, and after a short moment, a baby began to cry.
On the bed, both chrysalises bumped one another as one rolled.
¡°No!¡± Idsel hurried to catch it before it struck the ground. ¡°Well, this is a surprise,¡± he said, looking over his shoulder at Nala. ¡°Boon¡¯s about to leave his chrysalis first. But it¡¯s too early. Find me some rope. We must force him to remain in it.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 5
Binding the chrysalis was easy enough.
Idsel was brave, far braver than Nala because while he was able to leave the chrysalises unattended and gather the tools outside after securing Boon, Nala still remained at the bed of hay, keeping a close watch.
Waking up to see Indel the next morning confirmed her suspicions that the mating season was upon them. That explained Molin¡¯s uncontrolled shift.
Indel rose early from the hay, restless and longing to be outside. Wearing one of Nala¡¯s robes, he went back to the tools.
¡°Why go? Remain a moment with me here,¡± Nala begged.
Shaking his head, Indel opened the door. ¡°My cycles are running out. If I am to live out my final years in this third stage, I must practice survival while the time has arrived naturally. One day I¡¯ll wake up, unable to ever change again.¡± It was the first time he shared a secret like this.
Breath hitched, Nala gave no further protest as her king marched outside.
Later, Nala joined him. She watched Indel chip away at the gray dirt. Though she longed to engage him in chatter, perhaps urge him to take more care, she resisted that urge. This state wasn¡¯t meant to be used this long. Nala had used it, and it was going on six season now. Despite all that, nothing soothed her more than seeing Indel¡¯s face. Idrus was frightening to see, though the few times without the helmet were charming. Idsel also looked handsome but Indel...Indel felt like home.
¡°What a miserable excuse for a tool!¡± Indel exclaimed, tossing the shovel down. ¡°But if I could crush it even now.¡±
Even the complaints felt safe and familiar.
Indel tired faster than Nala, however. He wasn¡¯t accustomed to this form. He also grew hungry faster. Nala felt proud each time she gathered up enough to make a good meal. She herself took a smaller portion, which was ill-advised, but she could do nothing else.
Seeing Indel eat his belly full and fall back into the dirt was beyond satisfying.
Even when he lay that way naked at dusk, even when he flicked his tail to ward off insects. A time or two, Nala had to remind herself that Indel wasn¡¯t signaling her for affection, but instead, keeping the bugs at bay.
¡°You look so offensive when you do as so,¡± Nala teased. She sat, bringing a gourd of water up.
In time, Indel sat up and took the refreshment.
¡°Do what so?¡±
Nala glanced at him and nodded.
Holding onto his tail as he fanned himself, Indel chuckled. ¡°It is miserable here without the caves to keep us cool.¡± Indel looked back at the barn.
Whenever he studied the structure, Nala grew nervous because each time Indel said the same thing. This time was no different.
¡°You will have to abandon that Earther structure eventually, Na¡¯am. Why do you waste time here? What of a cave?¡±
Two birds bickered in the distance. They watched the interaction.
Indel chuckled as the male snapped at the female¡¯s head. ¡°What is this?¡±
¡°She probably interrupted him in something and it spurred him to anger,¡± Nala said.
Surprisingly, Indel turned to her and asked, ¡°Is it the same with you? Because you are rather angry with me often.¡±
Nala didn¡¯t¡ªcouldn¡¯t answer. In time, the female wandered off, but not far. When the male walked to her and vomited, they watched on.
A pile of berries lay on the stone platform in front of the female. She regarded it for a moment then began to eat the gift.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Indel laughed. ¡°Well, that is a clever way to gain forgiveness.¡±
Nala gave no answer. When Indel caressed her face, she tensed.
¡°Rather than vomit at your feet, how can I always win your forgiveness, Na¡¯am?¡±
Eyes fixed on the feathery couple, Nala muttered, ¡°You can let me sit in your company for a moment. At least now before you return to a previous state. You will have to return soon, won¡¯t you?¡±
Ignoring her, Indel asked, ¡°After one of our sons become king, what will become of you?¡±
This was a question bigger than Nala herself. Instead of answering, she asked, ¡°What did Sessel say? You are a day late in your return.¡±
After putting down the gourd, he pulled Nala closer, caressing her arm. He confessed, ¡°No one is pleased about the two kings here. But that is thanks to the queen¡¯s lies. She said the weak one is ill and the strong one deformed.¡±
Those words cut Nala to her core. She had to stop Indel¡¯s hand; it was a distraction.
¡°She wouldn¡¯t....¡±
¡°She had to. Shoki was too outraged when he tried to mate with her.¡±
¡°Outraged?¡± Nala asked.
¡°She...like you, offered herself to me lying on her back. You said you¡¯ve seen Earthers in this fashion. I¡¯m certain she¡¯s...been with Earthers this way. No doubt, Shoki was startled. She¡¯s no longer at the roost. She¡¯s gone on to another clutch. Eventually she will find someone.¡± Indel hesitated but admitted, ¡°Sessel says to choose one king now and return.¡±
Though Nala dreaded that order, she expected it to a point. Gaze cast low, she sucked in a deep breath and decided to be big about it.
¡°When do we leave?¡±
The smooth skin of Indel¡¯s left hand brushed along Nala¡¯s cheek as her Leveler whispered, ¡°We won¡¯t return now. Sessel will take charge, much like when I am away at war. She¡¯s given a decree to the queen and us...raise our selects mighty and allow them to challenge one another in battle when they are ready.¡±
Hearts beating frantic, Nala swallowed down her fear. ¡°Fight? Allow them to fight?¡± she barely recognized her own voice.
¡°Calm Na¡¯am...be calm. No strong Leveler warrior will bed a Summoner Queen who insults their king. She will find a fit enough Leveler in time, but it won¡¯t be of the strongest loins. As for our select, whichever one we choose, I will remain here and train him...them.¡±
The fluttering in Nala¡¯s gut died down. She all but melted when Indel brought their foreheads to touch.
¡°And they¡¯ll be all right? You are certain.¡±
¡°Ours is strong. And it is the only way.¡±
¡°What if...what if we don¡¯t fight, if we allow a new king from the queen?¡±
A fast answer would put Nala at ease. Indel offered her no such courtesy.
¡°Ours must fight,¡± Indel confessed. ¡°The queen will put Sessel to death if she wins. And then she will come after us. That is tradition. But don¡¯t fret so; ours are strong. Now....¡± Pulling Nala to him, he whispered, ¡°Stop speaking of such negative things, and allow me to enjoy your presence. Five days without you¡ª¡±
¡°Six,¡± Nala corrected.
¡°Six...and I was mad with worry; mad with longing; mad with craving your bitter words.¡±
He waited, but Nala wouldn¡¯t meet his gaze. Something else was on his mind.
¡°Summoner, hear my words,¡± Indel begged. ¡°I know you hate it, and I understand, but in this stage-three body, you cannot hope to carry on here forever. No dangerous animals come, which surprises me.¡±
That came as a surprise to Nala as well. No, there weren¡¯t many that ventured close from time to time, but some had come close. Since the flood, since they¡¯d been back, though Now, nothing ever came. The animals were fading, and although she wondered why, she was too afraid to give Indel too stern an argument.
Something was different, maybe a stronger animal¡¯s arrival had shifted the scale; Nala dared not consider it.
¡°In the end, though...when the time comes, would you come back with me?¡± Indel asked. ¡°Stay in my home, stay in my bed, and stay there with me?¡±
Nala gave no response as she watched the suns retreat for the day.
¡°How is that?¡± Indel asked, turning to Nala fully. ¡°Won¡¯t you come?¡±
¡°Because you hate to come instead?¡±
¡°Because I don¡¯t think it¡¯s safe here alone,¡± he insisted. ¡°Animals don¡¯t come up this high, but I notice it, in this form, my sight is weak. My senses dull. What if I am rendered to this stage longer than the others? What¡¯s to come of both of us then?¡±
¡°You will return with the king,¡± Nala suggested.
In time, Indel agreed. ¡°I must.¡±
¡°And I¡¯ll remain here. I¡¯ve survived four cycles alone. I can survive four more like this.¡±
¡°Why?¡± Indel asked. ¡°Why do you hold onto this vulnerable form like some Earther?¡±
Nala flinched.
Indel waited for her to protest or fight those words, but instead, Nala lowered her gaze. Rather than admit that she¡¯d tried again and again with all her might to change¡ªtried so hard that she¡¯d prayed for it quietly at night¡ªshe simply lied, ¡°I like this form.¡±
¡°With your skin bare? Who could like this form?¡± Indel neared until their foreheads touched. His left hand against Nala¡¯s cheek, he asked, ¡°Is it that I don¡¯t satisfy you enough why you never drop to the first?¡±
That wasn¡¯t it. Even this touch was satisfying.
As Indel¡¯s hand traveled down Nala¡¯s body, she fought to compose herself. Eventually it came to rest at Nala¡¯s waist.
¡°May I watch you?¡± Indel begged.
A shiver ran through Nala as she shook her head. The idea of performing...that no longer interested her. Even Molin¡¯s disgust, though unrelated, still lingered in her mind.
¡°I¡¯d rather not.¡±
Whispering, Indel said, ¡°Very well. Will you rest here with me in this third form...since you¡¯re so opposing to the first? The babes will hatch soon, and then they¡¯ll be a chore.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 6
Surprisingly, Boon was the first one to hatch, as miserable as ever. He wailed so long that Indel had to take him from Nala and pace back and forth, patting his back.
They¡¯d taken nearly one cycle to form.
With Boon¡¯s gray body slender and meek, Indel felt fortunate that he knew how to be gentle thanks to Nala¡¯s physically fragile state.
Boon struggled to rub his face against his father¡¯s throat.
Indel chuckled. ¡°None of that. We have a crane-mare now, so you won¡¯t be needing to be so desperate.¡±
Nala stood. ¡°Should I milk it?¡±
¡°No. It¡¯s not like a sloth. It¡¯ll buck when we get close. One of us has to hold it. We¡¯ll wait for Crane before trying.¡±
But Crane didn¡¯t hatch. Two more months passed.
Indel feared the worst.
Laying on the hay, Boon¡¯s small frame tucked between them, Indel stared at the chrysalis and said, ¡°We¡¯ll wait two more days.¡±
Nala lay to rest.
¡°But if there¡¯s only one, you will take him back, won¡¯t you?¡±
¡°The queen¡¯s brood is complete. She¡¯ll challenge us soon enough,¡± Indel meant to answer directly but he didn¡¯t want to think that burying one child would ever benefit them. It was true, he would have to select between the two in time.
Boon cried often, but with milk and some berries, he¡¯d calm again. Tonight, his temperament was good, which was rare as he would usually whine until he fell asleep nearly tucked under Nala¡¯s arm.
¡°He is so like you,¡± Indel said, genuinely pleased. ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡±
¡°Yes, but who¡¯s Crane like?¡± Nala asked. ¡°You?¡±
¡°Perhaps.¡±
When Boon turned over and tried to bite at his brother¡¯s chrysalis, they chuckled. Even Indel thought nothing of it, Boon was not the most veracious of attackers. The worst he¡¯d do was latch onto Nala or Indel¡¯s neck when they made the mistake of holding him while he was hungry. He still hadn¡¯t opened his eyes in the two months he was born.
To see him play with the chrysalis was cute until he took one bite too many and pierced the shell. It cracked.
¡°Gava!¡± Nala cursed. ¡°Gava, gava! Can we close it back?¡±
Indel watched on with a numbness he¡¯d noticed a month before. It hardly mattered anymore with the time running too long.
Boon¡¯s pod had been wet inside upon its hatching, Crane¡¯s was bone dry, all the nourishment gone.
They waited and when he didn¡¯t stir, Nala whispered, ¡°Can we do something?¡±
¡°There¡¯s nothing to do for him,¡± Indel said.
As was Boon¡¯s silly way, he bit into Crane¡¯s shoulders.
¡°He¡¯s latched again.¡± Nala groan.
¡°This child...¡± Indel growled as he tried to pry him off.
It came as a cough at first, then a wheeze and then a cry as Crane wailed from the pain.
¡°Help me get him off!¡± Indel said. ¡°He¡¯s really gotten his teeth in.¡±
Nala had to hold Boon¡¯s small jaws open with her hands.
Crane still drew in weak breaths as he curled into Indel¡¯s hold. He was big and fat as expected, and Indel laughed.
¡°You¡¯ve eaten so much it¡¯s made you lazy,¡± he teased.
And there they lay, Indel cradling Crane, Boon once again whining in Nala¡¯s arms.
Indel brushed the remains of the chrysalis aside and closed his eyes.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
¡°I do hope Crane won¡¯t eat you alive before I wake, Summoner.¡±
Nala chuckled. ¡°I doubt he has the energy today to make the attempt.¡±
Another day saw the babes back on schedule; Crane opened his eyes after one day. Right behind him, Boon did the same day as well¡ªtechnically after two months.
Fortunately, Crane didn¡¯t seem as interested in eating. Unfortunately, they found out the hard way that his digestion was working just fine.
Indel held him out, refusing to look down at his own feet. ¡°This stench is unlike any other!¡±
Two more incidents before midday forced them to abandon the bed of hay. Indel concluded that some things might need burning if they ever hoped to sleep in that structure again.
As fire was a difficult thing to make, Nala carried the straw out and threw it as far from the house as she could¡ªjust where the berries met the woods.
It took days before they could perfect a proper routine. Once Crane began eating fruit and berries, Boon mirrored him. Despite their young age they seem to follow each other¡¯s lead.
The mess after the berries had forced Indel to be adamant in selecting their foods.
One month passed with no signs of physical limitations for either child; both were fit and healthy. Fewer animals passed their gates, too.
Indel joked that the babes rancid bowels might have helped in that regard.
Caring for two of them was no easy task. Because Nala was better at working the farm, she was often outside while Indel remained within, determined to keep the wiggling kings from eating the fresh hay.
Once they were crawling, each morning was hell waking up to see just what they¡¯d managed to climb together. Indel considered tying themselves to the babes. In the end, they had to safeguard the room.
A cave would have been better suited for newborns.
Often times, Nala held onto Boon firmer as he slept because while Crane was impulsive, he always sought Boon out before starting his mischief.
Most days Boon and Crane wrestled with one another and when they were finally big enough to take their first steps Indel sat on the bed of hay and smiled at them.
¡°I will bring them to see Sessel,¡± Indel said. As Nala busied herself with making their second, and final, meal for the day, Indel waited for an answer.
Finally, he said, ¡°I cannot manage with both of them on my own. I must take on a lower stage to hide from the sun but their bodies aren¡¯t fit yet.¡±
Still with her back to him, Nala said, ¡°Forcing them to stay long hours in the suns is cruel.¡±
¡°But they are strapped to our backs most days as we worked the farm,¡± Indel contested.
Nala gave no reply. As soon as she sat down, both babes, who were busy trying to eat the hay, crawled toward her. Indel loved those moments, the times when they gravitated to Nala as all babes would to their rightful mother.
Crane picked himself up and took several wobbly steps before he fell yet again.
Indel smiled. He supposed if they went back, the nurses and other females would take the babes into their care. Even if they were in the same roost, he wouldn¡¯t see them often.
Boon tried to mimic his brother¡¯s action but didn¡¯t manage to even stand before he fell over, crying.
Crane was prompt in crying along with him.
¡°Oh, no, no, no,¡± Nala cooed. She stood, taking Boon by both arms, trying to encourage him to walk. ¡°You can do it, too.¡±
That was when she gasped.
Indel sat up. ¡°What?¡±
¡°Blue,¡± Nala said, her eyes wide. ¡°On the top of his head. His minor scales are blue!¡±
Leaning over, Indel tugged Boon close. Just above the forehead, above the false-horn, several blue scaled peeked through the red.
¡°Well, yes, I suppose Boon¡¯s would be blue,¡± Indel admitted. ¡°Summoners and Levelers are one in essence. Crane has eaten far more meat and blood than Boon who prefers berries and grain.¡±
Nala¡¯s gaze traveled from a wobbly Boon to Indel. ¡°You knew this?¡±
Indel shrugged. ¡°Yes, of course. Don¡¯t you know this as well?¡±
The glare in Nala¡¯s eyes wasn¡¯t one Indel could easily recognize but it held a hint of betrayal.
¡°Is it because he¡¯s gentler, he uses more thought, is that why you intended to doom him to be a Summoner!¡± Nala asked.
Indel sat up. ¡°Na¡¯am, what are you saying? You gave him so much greens, nearly twice what you gave Crane. I thought it was your intention for his scales to be blue.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no such thing as a Summoner king! So what is your intent?¡±
Her words, as truthful as they were, highlighted something stranger. When Indel looked at both babes, although he felt pride for them equally, he could never trust his people in the hands of a tentative ruler.
Crane¡¯s hearts beat without falter. Boon seemed the sort who would have to will them to respond yet again and again with all his thoughtful studying. Crane could eat anything and still wanted more. Boon often nibbled before he tried to consume what was before him. Crane loved to wrestle. Boon would allow it then cry.
When Indel compared them, as he would have to eventually, he¡¯d never considered Boon a true option. His intention was to go to Sessel and present Crane, Boon along with him as a protector or a private guard.
The disappointment in Nala¡¯s eyes fueled Indel to stand.
¡°I will find meat. It¡¯s been some time since I¡¯ve hunted, but I cannot in this form. Is that all right?¡±
That news troubled Nala even more.
¡°For how long?¡± she asked, but Indel had no answer. It would be a waste to do it for only a few weeks. Nala wouldn¡¯t allow more than half a cycle either. After the babes ate a good fill extensively, Indel was certain they would take on the third and final chrysalis. ¡°Three months.¡±
Nala¡¯s posture drooped.
¡°Three?¡±
¡°That is the fastest I can go before willing a change. When the mating season arrives, it¡¯s a bit easier but I no longer follow the seasons naturally. I was even able to resist changing to Idrus after the mating season ended. I fear my body won¡¯t allow a faster shift,¡± Indel said. ¡°We can leave the babes as they are now, allow them to take on their scales and the new chrysalis as they are.¡±
With that, Nala looked down at Boon, pulling him closer. She came to a new conclusion.
¡°No. Boon needs meat. Let¡¯s sacrifice and try it.¡± She hurried to add, ¡°But let¡¯s wait until they go down for a short sleep and you and I...we....¡±
Indel nodded, ¡°Meet outside in the woods one last time?¡±
Nala¡¯s skin dampened as she nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±
¡°Understood.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 7
Boon killed and drained his first crane-mare two days later. That was a comfort because Nala was ready to offer up her own arm if it meant getting him blood.
Idrus was disgusted by the suggestion at first but he came to understand; Nala blamed herself for not feeding him well.
When three more scales came in which were definitively red, Nala still worried.
¡°What of these blue ones? Will they go away in the chrysalis? I¡¯ve never seen a Leveler with blue scales, not even once.¡±
The babes were easier to manage when they were full. Even Boon¡¯s crying became scarce as he slept most of the day away.
Crane¡¯s skin bled white a week later, the start of his final chrysalis. Idrus, cautious of his own scales and spikes tried to tend to the farm while Nala took care of the offspring.
Idrus was sure Nala would one day forgive him for breaking so many more newly mended tools. He settled for turning the earth with his hands instead; it was much faster.
The day they awoke to find Boon in his chrysalis, then Crane later on, Idrus was thankful. Another week and Crane would have killed all of the food-animals for sure. That was one of the few times Boon didn¡¯t follow after Crane in all they did. Because while Boon drained one crane-mare. Crane had already drunk his fill of three, four if they counted the one when he was newly born.
The pods safely tucked away on the floor due to their large sizes, Idrus went out to molt. He hadn¡¯t told Nala that he could not return as Indel as she no doubt wanted. He dared not try it for fear he¡¯d become stuck as such.
Nala craved Indel. It was the only time their height difference was not too stark. When they were both in their third stage, although Nala often vocally urged Indel to ravage her, she would sometimes take the initiative in being bold enough to seek intimacy. In contrast, Nala often stared at Idsel instead, as if waiting for the right time to ask.
Idrus went far into the woods to shed. It was fortunate that he did, otherwise he might have missed the small army in the distance.
Battle inos filled the fields, countless Levelers marching. A pale blue body rocked steadily there, carried on a long abandoned Earther cart, a small chrysalis in hand.
¡°Citel....¡±
The queen was returning to the roost and whoever she¡¯d found to breed with, he had an impressive clan. Idrus concluded that it might have been three clans or more combined. He expected to see a Summoner, but other than her, there was no blue he could make out in the red.
Two bodies zipped passed. Idrus turned his face away and closed his eyes, willing his face plate to form. He felt his age because it didn¡¯t grow as fast as it once did. That wasn¡¯t as worrisome as his left hand which still, even now, no longer grew scales.
He resolved to keep it hidden against the tree.
Three more Levelers raced through the forest. One paused and backed tracked to shriek at him.
¡°Move faster! Two filthy Summoners escaped! Round up the rest as quickly as you can before we reach the new king.¡±
Head partially hung, Idrus nodded.
New king? The wench is bold.
They raced on and when two more Levelers slowed, Idrus said, ¡°Round up the rest as quickly as you can before we reach the king!¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
After those ones left, he decided not to wait around for any more. He¡¯d already started the molting process, however, but it would have to do. Fighting wouldn¡¯t be a problem if it came to that, he had the skill. The extra armor would be best, though.
The queen would reach the roost much faster than them. She¡¯d no doubt use the other Levelers to help train her son. And the familiarity, to call him the new king already...she was making a bold strategic move.
Idsel considered leaving now to challenge her stake, to at least keep his presence at the roost now and then to remind others that he wasn¡¯t dead yet, but...leaving Nala alone with two chrysalises, in her vulnerable third stage, and with Levelers moving through this land unchecked? That was unwise. The most Nala could do was bury them at the first signs of danger if the queen figured out where she was. And they were heavy.
When Idsel emerged from the woods to find Nala¡¯s barn undisturbed, he still checked the perimeter. That was the night he decided they should take on some pets. Inos were good fighters for a king to have. He would get two because what Crane got, Boon should get and vice versa. Deep down, he regretted putting Crane before Boon as his choice for a king so early, but he told himself he was being realistic. Crane could eat out the heart of any enemy. Boon...Boon would politely ask a challenger to die.
As not to worry Nala, Idsel wore the best smile he could. No sooner had he stepped through the door than the Summoner pinned him right there, asking, ¡°What kept you so long, my king?¡±
Idsel ran his fingers through Nala¡¯s long hair and asked, ¡°Had you worried?¡±
Nala ignored the question. Instead, she gestured to the door. ¡°Let us go into the brush.¡±
This was one of the few strange Summoner customs that Idsel couldn¡¯t understand. The young kept with the breeding clutches and then separate most of their youth. It was normal that Nala would prefer to do the same by mating away from the structure. Nala had even admitted to coaxing herself alone a great distance from the barn before they had reunited. But with chrysalis...this seemed excessive. Idsel questioned if it was really necessary to risk seeking out a new bush for a lay when there was no one to see them in the barn even now.
The chrysalises wouldn¡¯t hatch for another season. After Idsel convinced Nala that it was best to stay inside, Nala covered the pods entirely.
In the corner farthest away Nala took the lead in the lay, urging Idsel for quiet. This time didn¡¯t last as long as the others but Idsel enjoyed it all the same.
Nala¡¯s behavior made him smile, even when they lay tangled in each other¡¯s robes.
¡°I¡¯ve considered it,¡± Nala said, her head resting back against Idsel¡¯s chest. ¡°It¡¯s all right to take them to Sessel. Let her see Boon once he¡¯s hatched. I do not want to live there again, but if you would visit often, it would be enough.¡±
Idsel tried to lean over and see her face. ¡°What if she chooses Crane?¡±
Silent at first, Nala finally said, ¡°She won¡¯t choose Crane. We both know that. I hope the blue fades from Boon. If it doesn¡¯t...maybe we can pick it out. Right?¡±
Nala knew the lands. Nala knew the food. Nala knew a great deal of things, but Nala ultimately knew nothing of Levelers or the Summoners of old.
¡°One of the oldest Leveler king¡¯s upper body was entirely blue. No one will care. We Levelers care less about what¡¯s outside and more for what¡¯s within. No one will shun him for a little blue. In fact, he might appear more interesting.¡±
Nala calmed. ¡°Good.¡±
Idsel considered leaving the topic but something made him curious. ¡°And you say she would not choose Crane. You are certain of this but I do not understand why.¡±
The answer came in a mutter, ¡°You know why, Mana. Do not mock me so.¡±
But Idsel didn¡¯t know Nala¡¯s reasoning. He considered it a strange custom and left it at that. There were far more worrisome things to consider. The queen was marching on the roost. It wasn¡¯t to overthrow it, not with that small a force, but it was for a challenge, her new mate to fight her old. If Idsel waited too long, that challenge would fall to their children. She must not have known that he¡¯d abandoned the roost to be with Nala.
Idsel cursed her.
She, too, was very much like Nala in her ignorance. Idsel had to admit he was stupid as well. His disdain for Citel overshadowed something important. She¡¯d thought Boon and Crane wished to kill her, but now he could see it for what it was. They were Leveler babes looking for blood, maybe not even all that much. A Leveler female, just as gluttonous for a fight as a male, would have jumped into that water and dared her babes to bleed her dry.
The Summoner Queen offered them a toe. And one of them¡ªno doubt Crane¡ªhad taken it off.
Whatever the outcome, there would be a fight and Idsel would have to face it. If he could regain his armor, he would fight and simply select Crane once he had won. But if he couldn¡¯t return to the first stage...one of his sons would have to fight¡ªCrane would have to fight.
Idsel also had to prepare Nala for it as well. Should Idsel fall, it would be best to do so when the babes were grown and could offer Nala some protection and help with the farm if they could run and hide. The queen¡¯s new mate would kill Idsel but maybe Citel would leave the challenge there and not try to chase his sons. Idsel would tell Nala, but not today; not when they finally had some quiet.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 8
Crane loved Nala, he¡¯d follow the Summoner anywhere. Idsel knew it was because Nala was so quiet, allowing the boy to talk nonstop.
His speech was still choppy here or there but he was fast in mastering the Earther¡¯s tongue.
Idsel watched them from the doorway. Crane carried a large gourd back from the river again and again to give his Summoner mother some water as the suns began to set.
The small red scales along Crane¡¯s body were typical for his age, although his height was bigger than Idsel expected.
Idsel stared back at the corner where Boon still slept, hoping he would hatch soon. It would be best to travel with the children once both were able to move on their own. Depending on the outcome of any fight he gave Citel¡¯s new mate or mates, Crane and Boon¡¯s fate would be sealed. Nala may be allowed to run but the former king and his besets would be put to rest together.
Strategy was important; Idsel needed to be sure that in the worst case, all three; Boon, Crane, and Nala could flee. The season was nearly at an end.
When he turned to look out at the field again, he was in time to see Nala crouch low, allowing Crane to jump on her back.
Crane gave out a laugh as his second mother ran around in a circle while making noise.
Idsel could only imagine how much Crane¡¯s claws must have hurt Nala from that grip.
Still, the Summoner played on. When she tired, she lumbered to the barn, Crane still on her back.
That wouldn¡¯t be the end of it, however, because Crane could never sit still for long.
The boy tried to barrel through the door. Idsel caught him by the face and gave him a small smile.
¡°Come, Daga, you must be proper when entering a structure. You mind your manners and you request entrance.¡±
Crane¡¯s black eyes grew wide. The clicks he made were sloppy and although Idsel understood them as a greeting, he didn¡¯t allow the boy to pass.
¡°Use the Earther tongue if you must.¡±
Letting out a deep breath, he said, ¡°Bid me entry.¡±
Idsel stepped aside. Nala chuckled when she finally reached them. ¡°Between him and the farming, I do not think I can survive this season.¡±
¡°He has a lot of energy,¡± Idsel agreed, stepping back to give her room. He ran his finger through Nala¡¯s hair.
The Summoner lowered her gaze, indicating she understood. She muttered as she ducked by, ¡°Calm yourself, Mana. We have some hours yet before he sleeps and we can find a place in the brush.¡±
They sat down to eat. As was Crane¡¯s habit, he ran to Boons chrysalis and put a bowl down beside it. He often banged against the pod and while it was startling at first, Idsel and even Nala had come to know it would be all right.
It took hours of chattering nonsense before the boy finally fell silent in the bed of hay.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Both Nala and Idsel nearly nodded off with him.
Nala¡¯s firm strike in the arm roused Idsel from his sleep. He lumbered to his feet. It was dangerous to engage in a lay in the dead of night but as the opportunity didn¡¯t offer itself often, they didn¡¯t have much of a choice.
Idsel had found a cave but they both agreed it was too far away. So instead, they would find a thick enough bush for covering and they¡¯d since learned to be quick and quiet about it.
As they stepped out the door, Idsel raised his hands above his head and stretched.
¡°My body¡¯s become lethargic without activities,¡± he complained.
Nala exited after him. ¡°I hope you are adequately sated at least.¡±
Whenever Nala showed such strange concerns, Idsel did what he always did, he clapped Nala on the rear and laughed.
¡°Such foolishness. Come.¡±
Boon¡¯s arrival two days later was met with worry from a frantic Nala who kept picking at the blue scales on the boy¡¯s forehead.
¡°It¡¯s gotten worse.¡± Nala finally stopped when Boon¡¯s crying became too much. She¡¯d managed to pick out three but there were several smaller ones she couldn¡¯t take.
Idsel caught Boon when boy rushed him. He felt equally responsible for not stopping the nonsense sooner.
¡°Shhh, Daga, it¡¯s all right.¡±
Otherwise, Boon¡¯s body also bore red scales. They weren¡¯t as red as Crane¡¯s but they were enough. No Leveler would care usually, but this pink coupled in with the blue might garner him a few second glances.
Boon was much shorter than his brother. His frame was slimmer, too. Idsel watched silently as Crane came back to grab him by the arm and take him outside to play in the setting suns.
Crane named all the plants he knew to Boon, leading him down to the unruly flowerbed near the forest.
Idsel stood from the floor and peered out the door. To him, he was looking at two beings in contrast. He was staring at a mighty Leveler King and his gentle Summoner brother.
¡°I will take them with me and return to the roost,¡± Idsel said.
Nala stepped beside him. ¡°Both of them? Or do you mean Boon?¡±
Idsel nodded. ¡°Both. We¡¯ll leave as soon as Boon can make a proper greeting. It doesn¡¯t matter that he cannot talk yet, it¡¯ll come.¡±
A bout of silence fell over them until Nala nodded. ¡°All right. That will give me time to pick out more of Boon¡¯s scales.¡±
Letting out a sigh, Idsel shook his head. ¡°The smaller ones will begin to bleed. Leave it for now.¡±
Boon was the first to shriek, a noise so strong that Idsel¡¯s hearts nearly stopped.
Crane wasn¡¯t far behind him as they raced toward the barn.
Idsel jumped out and rushed toward them. ¡°Stay behind me, Na¡¯am!¡±
Both boys ran by, caught by Nala. When the door closed, Idsel surveyed the dim light. Should it be Levelers, he could perhaps bargain. Should it be an animal, with this little armor he might take on far more damage than he could repair.
Three blue bodies came out of the woods.
¡°Summoners?¡± And not just any Summoners, but three stage three Summoner males dressed in vests and trousers. He half mistook them for Earthers. Each with their hair tied back, but feet still bare, they watched him at a distance, talking with each other.
One Summoner took out a watch from his vest pocket.
Other than one of Nala¡¯s gunny-sack robes, Idsel wore nothing. Both Crane and Boon ran around bare. The strangers¡¯ appearance forced him to consider his own. He had nicer robes inside but these Summoners wore trousers. They looked like Earthers.
Idsel tried to appear as casual in his stance as he could, which was difficult considering Boon and Crane¡¯s fear.
When they neared finally, he could make out the whip in one Summoner¡¯s hand.
The one in the lead cleared his throat before trying to speak in the old tongue.
It was a poor greeting. Whoever they were, they hadn¡¯t been taught properly.
Idsel was curious about their struggle with the language until he realized why they tried. Most Levelers from the Earther occupation had perished in the wars. Very few still remained even now in the roost. As Levelers and Summoners rarely mixed at the time, or could mix using the Earther tongue, they assumed he was a new breed as well.
¡°I can talk,¡± Idsel said finally.
The three of them gasped, their skins dampening; they were embarrassed.
¡°Greetings. My name is Plasket,¡± the lead Summoner said. ¡°We heard there was a Summoner upon this mound.¡±
Idsel opened his fists to brandish his claws. ¡°What of it?¡±
That action made the other Summoners stir. It was in that instance that Idsel noticed the pistol on one Summoner¡¯s hip.
He cursed himself for not having his armor.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 9
Idsel turned and caught the hilt of the axe before Nala could step out wielding it.
¡°Calm, Na¡¯am, they are only Summoners,¡± Idsel said, trying to sound as humble as he could.
Nala lowered the axe as her gray eyes took them in.
Plasket extended his hand for a shake. ¡°Greetings, Sister, did we startle you?¡±
Holding the axe close to her chest, Nala shook the stranger¡¯s hand.
Idsel feared Nala would allow them to enter the barn. When he saw Nala close the door behind her and step out into the dusk, he calmed.
A ruckus from inside would put him at ease. Now he could only imagine the mess Boon and Crane would make.
¡°We saw two young wearing red. That is how we knew to come this way. I¡¯m Plasket and we¡¯d like a word if it¡¯s all the same to you.¡±
Idsel stepped close to the barn, resting his back against the door in hopes to keep the ones inside in, and the ones outside very much out.
The stone fence wasn¡¯t far so Nala gestured to it and offered them a seat there.
From here, Idsel couldn¡¯t hear much but he recognized the two crossing of hearts Plasket made. These Summoners shared Nala¡¯s faith. It had been seasons since they¡¯d even talked about beliefs.
They didn¡¯t converse for long and when the strangers stood and bowed to leave, Idsel could finally remember how to breathe.
Nala¡¯s radiant face came into view just as the last of the suns¡¯ light all but faded.
¡°They asked permission to come back in the morning,¡± Nala said.
Idsel eased off the door. ¡°And you gave it? You gave that permission without discussing it first?¡±
Remembering herself, finally, Nala lowered her gaze. ¡°Yes. I gave it. But I will keep them outside.¡±
In the morning, Idsel and his small family arrived back from bathing in the river, to find four Summoners instead of three. The newest one was young, and he was only at his second stage rather than his third. He also wore a gunny-sack robe similar to Idsel and Nala¡¯s.
¡°Molin!¡± Nala called out.
Idsel couldn¡¯t place the youth at first until they were near enough for him to see the tentative posture; the Summoner from nearly a season ago.
As they neared, Nala did a strange thing; she slowed and walked behind Crane, guarding his back.
¡°Please give us some time,¡± Nala said. She hurried in with Crane then came back with one of Idsel¡¯s fancy robes draped over the boy. It was so large that it dragged in the dirt, forcing Nala to tie it up.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.
Crane took Boon to see the plants, naming them for him as often did while they jumped around the field. Idsel stayed close to the crowd though he didn¡¯t interact with them.
Plasket smiled big when Nala returned and they all shared a handshake.
¡°You are a Summoner among royality!¡± he exclaimed, unknowingly accurate in his words. ¡°You have a Leveler male under your rule? And your two babes are Levelers, too.¡±
¡°I¡¯m sorry I misunderstood,¡± Molin said, taking a seat beside Plesket. ¡°I¡¯d...I¡¯d thought there was no offspring here, just you two. I¡¯d imagined you¡¯d been caught and perhaps overpowered by a Leveler, perhaps doing his bidding, but now I am happy to see myself mistaken.¡±
Idsel hoped Nala wouldn¡¯t correct them. The less they knew, the better.
Nala sat confident. ¡°What brings you to this area?¡±
They talked about nonsense; which Earther city Plesket and his friends had escaped from during the wars. They talked about the struggles and then finally the heavy rains that told them they were on the wrong path and needed to make a change.
Idsel gnashed his teeth to keep from laughing.
And then they said the one thing Idsel hadn¡¯t expected.
¡°We are the new face of Summoners. We¡¯ve discovered the secret to forcing the stages. Of course, you¡¯ve already managed to reach this stage, Nala-da. But many others still meander about like animals in their first stages. As we have taken over many Earther structures and stuffs, we can spend the rest of our days comfortably in these beautiful suits and scale-free bodies. We even cook our foods.¡±
¡°You have fire?¡± Nala gasped.
¡°No. No fire. The suns are hot enough. Will you feast with us and see? We will start this new adventure soon. No more eating raw meat like livestock! And thanks to us, it¡¯s mostly safe here.¡± Plasket patted the pistol on his hip. ¡°We¡¯ve cleared out most of the dangerous predators. None should bother you. That¡¯s power!¡±
Idsel stifled a laugh. As if animals are your biggest worry. Summoners ate plant-things mostly, though they could eat meat. Growing food was a must, however. The farm was hard to work. So difficult that Nala often tended to it at dusk and before dawn. During the day she did minimal work because of the harsh suns. She could go out into it, but eventually she would return in and out of the barn to keep herself safe. The meat Idsel hunted kept their offspring fed but wasn¡¯t to Nala¡¯s taste. But to cook it? No Leveler would eat meat that didn¡¯t run with blood.
These Summoners intended to seek out a third stage body despite the food challenges?
And those worries in comparison to the mating necessary was an even bigger concern. Nala was constantly seeking out affection, be it physical touch or a lay in the brush. Idsel recognized it because as Indel, his entire day revolved around that same goal¡ªmeeting Nala after dark. As Idsel it was only a nagging craving. Idrus barely cared. So as Idsel he could see his Summoner¡¯s ravenous appetite to mate for what it was, a body stuck in a constant state of mating-readiness. Nala was Nala, but she was also a stage-three Summoner.
¡°We have more than enough food and clothes for new members of our clan,¡± Plasket went on.
¡°You have a clan?¡± Nala asked. ¡°Not a family?¡±
¡°But of course we have a clan. And we¡¯re growing more and more. Smaller families can live close by; we help one another. And if you worry about...desires.¡± Plasket glanced in Idsel¡¯s direction but said to Nala, ¡°That too is not a worry. All the comforts that you seek out, we are able to meet for one another. I understand that your need for mating is what drove you into such a strange situation with a Leveler male as your chosen. As they cannot survive well in the wild in low numbers and Levelers eat at a constant, you are now forced to feed all four you. Should you join as well, that is not an issue. If you worry about wild animals, we do have several stage-one Summoners who go to and fro for us until they can reach their second stage by which time we grant them the rewards of the third.¡±
Molin bowed his head. ¡°I thank you for the gunny-sack,¡± he said. ¡°But when I reach my third stage I¡¯ll repay you. Somehow. I promise.¡±
Nala looked between them.
¡°Yes,¡± Plesket said, ¡°Molin is next to take on his third and final stage. Don¡¯t you know the power of the gamali leaf? It brings on the change¡ªforces it. With that we can control the shifts. We will grant Molin a long life in that handsome body to come.¡±
¡°But how?¡± Nala asked. ¡°In time the seasons will catch him and he will shift to stage one yet again, will he not?¡±
¡°Of course not,¡± Plesket said. ¡°Not after we cut off his tail to prove his covenant. God will grant him the third stage evermore.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 10
¡°Butchers!¡± Idsel barked as he threw the axe. It struck the tree.
Their visitors long gone, they spent most of the day in tense silence. This was the first time Idsel was able to speak. The response was less than favorable.
¡°It is not something I expect you to understand,¡± Nala said.
¡°I do not have to understand it,¡± Idsel said, retrieving the axe. ¡°To understand it would mean that it is not nonsense. And it is nonsense.¡±
Nala folded her arms, looking more like an Earther than a Summoner when she said, ¡°The queen has promised peace. There¡¯s no danger if more Summoners seek out a higher stage.¡±
¡°To what end?¡± Idsel asked. ¡°To cower away within structures to hide from the day? Then cower away in structures to hide from the night? It is nonsense.¡±
¡°We should at least see it before we judge,¡± Nala insisted.
¡°You judge,¡± Idsel said. ¡°Today I will take the babes to swim and catch water birds.¡±
Nala lowered her arms. ¡°I can keep Crane here.¡±
¡°Why?¡±
¡°With his tail so...so short, don¡¯t you think it best? Maybe he cannot swim so well. It¡¯s dangerous with you alone and two of them if he starts to drown. And it¡¯s too bad if he stays out of the water. Maybe he¡¯ll get discouraged at seeing Boon have fun without him.¡±
Idsel cocked his head to the right, puzzling about her meaning.
¡°No, he will come as well,¡± Idsel said finally. ¡°And of course, he can swim. Do not tell him what he cannot do before he¡¯s even attempted it. That is your folly, not his.¡±
Nala quieted, and although Idsel knew the Summoner meant well, he couldn¡¯t find it in him to apologize for being so harsh. The pensive look Nala gave him was enough; he¡¯d made his point.
The next day Nala set off alone. Idsel watched her disappear down the slope, worrying for her. He seldom feared for Nala. Until yesterday, until the moment he heard that no tail meant no ability to adhere to the cycle, he hadn¡¯t fretted.
All this time he¡¯d thought Nala stubbornly held onto that stage. It occurred to him that Nala simply didn¡¯t know how to change them at will, but never that she couldn¡¯t at all; that if she was near death, she couldn¡¯t change even to save herself.
There was no rejuvenation if she were injured. This meant she only had the one lifecycle. Knowing there was only one cycle changed Idsel¡¯s viewpoint.
The boys were terrors until they reached the riverbed. Getting Boon to step in was a daunting chore. Usually, Nala could convince him to come in and bathe but Idsel wasn¡¯t as fortunate.
He taught Crane for some time before Boon agreed to try and enter the water.
Crane took to the water without trouble. Boon clung to his father¡¯s throat until they were back on solid land yet again.
As they walked home Boon cried. He cried again after they ate. And before sleeping, when he realized Nala was late, he wept as well. At one time, Idsel hated it, but today he didn¡¯t mind. Boon couldn¡¯t swim because he feared the water, and Boon could barely sleep because he feared Nala wouldn¡¯t return. In a way, Idsel had trouble sleeping for the same worry.
Idsel¡¯s body filled with so much dread that he feared he¡¯d shift through the cycles against his will. Half of him didn¡¯t care because he knew if something happened to Nala that he¡¯d long for his first stage so that he could find those idiot Summoners and rip them limb from limb.
The other half of him just longed to know Nala was safe.
In the dead of night when the door finally swung open, Idsel shot to his feet.
He nearly mistook the Summoner before him for one of the others. Dressed in dark trousers and a white shirt, Nala closed the door and leaned her body back against it.
The deep frown she wore put Idsel on edge.
¡°You were gone so long I began to fret.¡±
Unable to speak for some time, Nala finally said, ¡°Today is the first time I feel whole. Today is the first time I feel at peace. An entire sea of Summoners with no tails and each one more brilliant than the last. And it was a sight.¡±
Despite her words, her expression spoke of woe. Today was also the first time they were alone together at night but did not embrace. Idsel was too fearful to try. Instead, he listened to Nala¡¯s stories of her day. He heard of the small village which Idsel considered too open to stave off animal attacks or otherwise. He heard of the Earther weapons that shoot light which they used to kill larger night predators though they seldom ate the meat because they hadn¡¯t mastered cooking it yet. He heard of the separation of tasks based on ranking, and how women were split into clutches much like that of Levelers. As Levelers and Summoners were kin, Idsel imagined the function of the clutches were similar. When Nala explained that some spent time making more fabric by hand, others cared for the young, and a larger amount provided physical comfort to most of the males in need of releasing their seed, Idsel held his peace.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.
He was too horrified.
The structure seemed unbalanced. The community seemed unbalanced. As Nala set off again the next day, an Earther book under her arm, Idsel and his two sons watched her until she disappeared into the woods.
Crane asked, ¡°Where Aza go?¡±
Idsel shook his head. ¡°I do not know. But we are going somewhere challenging.¡±
¡°Challenging?¡± Crane asked.
¡°Your Aza¡¯s ways are clashing with ours. That is the challenge and I do not know which way is right.¡±
Boon looked up at him. ¡°Challenging bad?¡±
Letting out a sigh, Idsel patted his head. ¡°Everything for you appears bad. A challenge is different. It is fine until it causes pain. Let¡¯s hope it only remains different.¡±
It took most of the day to find an ino nest. As inos had few young, Idsel resolved to take one egg from the four. It was so large that it reminded him of the babes¡¯ first chrysalis. He found another nest to take yet another.
When he returned to his sons holding the new eggs, he noticed the color difference of them both.
Crane¡¯s egg was bigger in comparison.
Boon said, ¡°I want it.¡±
This was one of the few times Crane didn¡¯t readily hand over whatever Boon requested.
¡°No, I like it.¡±
And then Boon began to cry. Idsel had heard that water came from an Earther¡¯s eyes when one cried. For Levelers¡ªfor Boon¡ªhe only made an awful sound as his skin grew dryer from his upset.
Crane held on to his egg until they reached the farm yet again. By then Boon planted his feet in the dirt and refused to return home without the egg of his choosing.
After looking between the eggs he himself carried and the one in Idsel¡¯s hands, Crane handed his over to Boon and reached for the other one.
Idsel crouched down to meet him. ¡°Are you certain?¡±
Crane nodded, ¡°Yes. He can have it. This one¡¯s blue like Aza.¡±
Nala came and went out each morning, and Idsel tried to tend to the farm with the boys.
Crane¡¯s egg hatched first, leaving Boon to poke at his own in disdain.
The verbosity of the ino that came out suited Crane well.
¡°A female. That¡¯s why it was smaller.¡± Idsel was less than pleased with this discovery. ¡°They are hard to ride. We can look for another one.¡±
¡°No!¡± Crane said. ¡°This one suits me best. It¡¯s got power and a mean temperament. Just like Aza!¡±
Idsel smiled at the comparison. Everything was like Aza, Crane¡¯s favorite parent. Sometimes, Idsel wished Aza¡ªNala would remain a bit longer with their growing family, as they missed her.
A few days later when Boon¡¯s finally broke free, a lumbering easy temperament male, Idsel had to laugh.
Crane¡¯s ino¡¯s feathers were quick to dry and in no time, he was chasing her around the barn. Boons took longer to do all things.
So the day when Boon announced that he wanted a trade, Idsel was less than pleased.
¡°You already have one and it¡¯s rather large,¡± Crane insisted.
Boon stared up at him, his body trembling from his anger. ¡°I want that one. I want the girl!¡±
¡°But you cannot have it,¡± Idsel said.
Stomping and wailing, Boon voiced his fury. It was the first and only time Idsel grabbed him and clapped him in the back.
As soon as he quieted, Idsel regretted his action.
Boon only watched him for some time before lumbering to the stone wall where he sat staring down the way.
¡°He misses Aza,¡± Crane said, looking up at Idsel. ¡°When is she coming back?¡±
Idsel had no answer. He was more concerned with Boon and the poor, neglected ino at their feet. Boon didn¡¯t care for his large ino as well as Crane nurtured his. Crane was quick to give his water, Boon often forgot. Crane cleaned up all messes, Boon ignored them until Crane or Idsel had to. When Idsel grew fed up with the laziness, Boon¡¯s ino¡¯s pen grew surprisingly clean. Idsel didn¡¯t want to confirm his suspicions that Crane was tidying it on Boon¡¯s behalf to keep Idsel from anger. It was a noble endeavor, but not one that would do Boon much good.
His yapping ino in hand, Crane sat down next to his brother and handed the creature over.
They agreed to share it. Idsel wanted to protest, to remind them that as they grew bigger both could not ride the one animal. Sharing it seemed to suit the brothers just fine; they were agreeable. Boon even stopped crying for his Aza at night fall, exhausted from playing with the inos and Crane during the day. As time past, an unfortunate thing occurred; they stopped caring for the other larger ino altogether. The morning Idsel awoke to find the thing dead, was the first time he¡¯d struck Crane as well.
¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whose fault it is!¡± Idsel said. ¡°You do not abandon one creature to death in favor of another.¡±
That was one of the few days the barn was quiet as well; both boys too ashamed and heartbroken to talk.
It was also the day Nala returned early, took off her Earther clothes, and threw them onto the floor.
Idsel, quite exhausted from caring for his sons, meant to inquire what the matter was, but sleep took him before he could.
When he awoke later that night to find Nala gone, he stepped out of the barn and searched the dark for her.
He found her sitting in their usual mating clearing, though she did nothing to indicate that she cared about mating at that very moment.
No sooner had Idsel sat down beside her that Nala said, ¡°I think I did something wrong.¡±
Idsel nodded. ¡°Will you tell me what that thing is?¡±
It took some time for Nala to reply. ¡°I was learning my numbers, to perhaps work at the store. Molin ran in and asked to hide. He didn¡¯t want to get his tail cut after all. He reminded me of Boon with the way he behaved; so cowardly, whimpering and crying like a sloth pup. When they came for him, I told them where he was.¡±
Head hung, Idsel muttered, ¡°I¡¯m sure that is not all of it.¡±
¡°It took five Summoners to hold him down. They tied him in the middle of the street. They...they asked for proof of my loyalty and I...I made the cut.¡±
Idsel¡¯s body stiffened. When he sat up to his full height, he took a deep breath with it. This was no joke but he longed to hear Nala say that it was.
The moon shined over them, but there was no sound, no chuckle to show this was a bad jest.
Idsel mustered up enough courage to look Nala in the eye. What he found was a heavy frown so grim Nala didn¡¯t seem able to speak.
They waited¡ªIdsel waited. Nala should say something. She should explain her actions. She should have found something to say to justify such cruelty.
Finally, Idsel stood. He walked away without looking back.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 11
Idsel wasn¡¯t as skilled with repairing the tools but Crane, and even Boon, was better. What he fumbled with, they pieced together. Their thin scales covered them from head to toe now. It wasn¡¯t thick and full yet but it would grow in time.
They had eaten early, long before Nala awoke from her separate bed of hay on the floor. Now more than ever, Idsel, longing for normal Leveler ways, tried to teach his sons what he could about their culture lest they be considered strange when they returned. Levelers slept together, as did the three of them. Though the scales of the boys were sharp, injury only occurred if they thrashed or angered. It was safe to sleep by them, and Idsel¡¯s tough skin wasn¡¯t problematic. Still, Nala slept alone, on the floor.
Damn these Earther ways. Idsel no longer commented on it, he only emphasized to his sons when they asked, saying, ¡°It¡¯s your Aza¡¯s way.¡±
Now, sitting on the stone fence, Idsel struggled with the tools while his sons made fast repairs of the others.
Boon asked, ¡°When can Aza eat with us again?¡±
Still focused on his work, Idsel muttered, ¡°What do you mean?¡±
Crane said, ¡°When is she allowed to eat with us again?¡±
Idsel looked at them finally to see their short glances at the doorway. Nala stood there looking pensive and miserable. It was an expression Idsel had grown to loathe.
He picked up the vines and got to work on twisting them into a net. ¡°Aza is welcome any time. We three are just diligent.¡±
Despite the boys¡¯ worry for Nala and Nala¡¯s obvious worry for them, no one moved to greet the other. Finally, Idsel said to them, ¡°Come, fetch your ino and we¡¯ll see to training her.¡±
Shortly after they left, Nala approached and sat down beside him. She gathered up some of the vines and helped with the net in silence.
Eventually, she said, ¡°It¡¯s been one month, Mana, do you plan to forgive me?¡±
Idsel continued in his work, resisting the urge to speak freely.
When he didn¡¯t respond, Nala stilled Idsel¡¯s arms, taking the left into her grip.
¡°Mana?¡±
Idsel shrugged her away. ¡°You ask me for forgiveness, Nala, but I do not know why. It is not my business what abuse you Summoners enact on one another. It is not my business what you decide is best for you and your kind. But I will tell you this....¡± He met Nala¡¯s gaze finally. ¡°I am not the one you¡¯ve wronged. I am not the one you should ask to forgive you. You¡¯ve taken away someone¡¯s cycles. Trapped them, doomed them to one season. And you should know better than most how it feels to live without a tail.¡±
He went back to work, gathering the vines up. The net was nearly finished but he needed something to do with his hands lest he brandish a claw.
¡°It was the God¡¯s will,¡± Nala muttered.
When Idsel let out a string of clicks in the back of his throat along with a groan, Nala¡¯s body drooped.
¡°Please do not say that,¡± Nala begged. ¡°I¡¯d thought it was right. Earthers had left their stages behind and look how far they¡¯ve come.¡±
Idsel was certain Earthers had no stages to speak of. From what he¡¯d seen, they were small, weak creatures.
¡°Is that what they intend?¡± Idsel asked. ¡°I have lived in the third stage as you for longer than is custom. That stage should last no longer than one month and we return to our armor. That is common. Our second stage is to allow for preparation of the third, but the first is proper, the first is right. In those stages our desire is for food, shelter, and movement. In the third the only thought is to mate. Eating to grow strong, to mate. Sleeping and waking up, to mate. Going out in search of shelter, to mate. That is our sole concern and I understand it. I thought you brave and strong to survive so long with this craving yet keep your senses. But I¡¯ll tell you, Summoner, your senses have fled you.¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Nala twisted the vines in her grip without looking up. ¡°You would not understand. You will pass through the cycles again and again for seasons after seasons. When my cycle comes to a stop, I must know what is to happen. I was content and safe in my scales, it¡¯s true, but it¡¯s been seasons since I¡¯ve had that safety. Perhaps Plesket¡¯s clan is not perfect, but they are a choice.¡±
¡°They are no choice. So many of them running around in that weak condition and forcing females to mate out of season. There is no yield without the season, they will not bear young but rather spend their time bedding insatiable Summoners. That is strange. That is uncommon. And they shun us, you and I. We are from a time of old. We are natural. What they do is madness and no good can come from it.¡±
Nala held her tongues for a moment too long before she said, ¡°Most females want to mate. Perhaps I did not explain it well. It can work. They just mean to use this stage to build more delicate things. Our limbs are smaller. Our movement easier. And we have no need for scales if we have structures. I haven¡¯t explained it well. That is all.¡±
Idsel turned to her and said, ¡°Know this, Summoner. My hearts start and stop for you and you alone. I would have broken the very pods of my babes before they were born if you had told me it would make you happy. I have twisted and turned, and rolled with you in the light and the day but know this, if you do not abandon this Earther madness, I will abandon you.¡±
Body tense, as she no longer took in breaths, Nala said, ¡°I will bring you there, and you will see. And you will not threaten me again, do you understand?¡±
Regret for being so harsh told Idsel he should take those words back. His pride wouldn¡¯t let him. He conceded defeat by nodding, agreeing to go and see.
Instead of doing their daily hunts, they dressed the boys in robes, at Nala¡¯s insistence. The Summoner, herself, wore her Earther garb. For Idsel the gunny-sack robe was enough. When he cut Nala a look, the Summoner didn¡¯t dare argue.
The distance was why Nala was always late arriving home; it was quite far.
As they neared the town bushes appeared less unruly, cut and neatly trimmed. The first structure was a house, a crudely made one from trees. The wood proved too soft and so the structure bent in some areas. Inside was simple and empty. More empty structures greeted them as they walked.
To Idsel¡¯s relief, the town looked deserted. Nala¡¯s grim frown said as much.
Something lay in the distance, however, directly before the largest structure with an Earther cross on it. A stench hit them before they made it part way. Flying pests swooped down then took off again, pecking at the ground.
Nala ran on ahead, but her stride slowed in time until she came to a stop before the winged animals.
When Idsel and his sons neared, Nala turned to them finally. ¡°No. They should not come.¡±
Idsel led them there anyway. The thing before him seemed less like a Summoner skeleton and more like a dried animal carcass.
Its hands and feet bound in the soil, it had been here for some time.
¡°Molin,¡± Nala said.
¡°Are you certain?¡±
Nala nodded. ¡°I am certain.¡± She pointed to their right. The rows of crosses meant graves. ¡°That same night was to be the first feast of cooked meat. The blade slipped and I cut Molin too far away. I¡¯ve killed him.¡±
Naked, his robe undone, the remains of Molin lay festering, a gamali leaf stuffed in his mouth. Molin¡¯s body was picked clean, but the others had to be buried. A quick scan of the area revealed stones teeming with still rotting animal flesh that no predators had come to feast on.
And then Idsel imagined it, panicked people dying from old meat, giving a sacrifice to whatever god they served; or punishing those who hadn¡¯t joined. Whether or not Molin was that sacrifice or the one punished, they¡¯d never know, but Idsel formed one very certain conclusion.
¡°No. You did not do this,¡± Idsel said, surveying the empty area. ¡°They forced his cycle with that leaf. They tried to force him to the first stage again. Maybe they thought to test it on him and save themselves from whatever illness they¡¯ve contracted with that rancid meat they¡¯ve eaten. But they tried to force the change and his body could not manage it. Come.¡± He pulled Nala by the arm and gathered the boys to him. ¡°Let us leave this place. Animal, Leveler, or ignorance, something happened to it. And it is for the best.¡±
Nala tried to take her clothing off but Idsel protested.
¡°You will be weak against the sun.¡±
¡°I cannot bear it,¡± Nala said. ¡°I cannot bear it.¡±
Once she threw the last of the clothing down, Idsel stared at her. A part of him wanted these strange Summoners to be Nala¡¯s peace. He wanted them to give his Summoner solace. Everything in him loathed them for doing all this damage.
Idsel took off his robe and wrapped it around Nala¡¯s shoulders.
¡°Come, Na¡¯am. There is nothing for us here.¡±
Nala looked back. ¡°Molin....¡±
¡°Molin¡¯s made his choice. I hope you have made yours.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 12
Indel watched as Nala crossed the room, agitated. The root of Nala¡¯s upset was easy enough to guess: Indel¡¯s stage had come without warning. Their time together had been tepid at best; Nala going off into the woods at night and returning.
Each time she¡¯d gone Idsel had watched the door. He knew he could have gone, too, but hadn¡¯t for months. Now he was Indel and Nala refused to acknowledge him.
When Nala passed by, Indel caught her by the arm and pulled her to sit beside him.
Outside the boys set about their mischief.
It was rare that they were ever alone inside the barn.
Instead of Nala pulling away¡ªas Indel feared¡ªthe Summoner slipped her hand into Indel¡¯s grip.
It was as Indel suspected; Nala favored this form above all others. The way her body warmed, the way Nala¡¯s breathing shortened, even the way her body darkened.
Indel rubbed his main finger along Nala¡¯s hand to find it slick; Nala was secreting.
¡°Are you no longer cross with me?¡± Nala asked.
Shaking his head, Indel kept his eyes on the shine forming as he spread the oil of Nala¡¯s skin.
¡°I was never cross. You gave me a strange look, and you know how impatient and irritable I am in this stage.¡± When he pressed their cheeks together, Nala¡¯s body dripped from the secretions. This was the most oil to come after all these seasons.
¡°Mana,¡± Nala gasped. ¡°Not here.¡±
Unlike Nala, Indel was still in full control of his body. ¡°I know. I can wait until the night. But I wish to partake of you long. Far longer than we¡¯ve had.¡± Cheeks still touching, he whispered. ¡°Long and deep.¡±
A shriek from the ino erupted through the stillness, rousing them to take notice.
Indel stood, his hearts pumping out of rhythm. ¡°What now?¡±
It was a warning cry and it only intensified.
He considered it luck and misfortune that he was in this stage. He could reach the first easier in the face of true danger, but it would take a great deal of fear to overcome his hunger for mating instead.
He held Nala back as the Summoner stood with the intention of intervening.
¡°You are unfamiliar with this stage,¡± Nala said, stepping past him. ¡°I will protect you.¡±
Indel watched her go. When he remembered himself, he hurried to overtake Nala and swung open the door.
Boon, his body littered with far less armor than his brother, sat atop Crane¡¯s belly, striking him again and again in the face.
Each strike made the scales on Crane grow.
Eventually, Crane shoved him off and reversed their positioning, allowing him to strike Boon in the chest and throat with all his might.
¡°It¡¯s mine! It¡¯s mine! You cannot have it! It¡¯s mine!¡± Crane hit him again and again.
Taking a stone shovel from the side of the barn, Indel moved swiftly toward them. He struck without hesitation, catching Crane in the shoulder.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
The boys finally separated, Indel growled between them, letting off a shriek.
Upon hearing his words in the old language, Crane obeyed, kneeling with his head hung.
Boon took a running start as he rammed his shoulder into his brothers back. Indel watched them, confused by Boon¡¯s actions. He gave the same command again. Only Crane held true, not moving a muscle even with the strikes.
With a great deal of sorrow, Indel hefted the shovel and turned on Boon instead.
¡°No!¡± Nala called out.
Indel struck. He¡¯d aimed for Boon¡¯s shoulder as well but caught the boy in the head.
All fell silent.
Some blood dripped from Crane¡¯s face and chest, no doubt his brother¡¯s claw marks.
Boon wasn¡¯t as fortunate; Indel had cracked his newly formed helmet.
Nala hurried to them, trying to take it off.
¡°Don¡¯t remove it,¡± Indel warned. ¡°I will find gamali leaves and force him to shift. He¡¯ll need to repair it on his own. If you remove it now, I fear parts of him might come with it.¡±
Nala made a hard choice of leaving Boon there as she hurried past Indel. ¡°I know where to find some! I know where to find many! I will go.¡±
¡°We have some here,¡± Indel protested, but it was too late.
Nala was gone.
Indel gathered up the few that they¡¯d planted a season ago. He ordered Crane to sit in the dirt while he positioned Boon¡¯s head in his lap.
Defiant as ever, Boon still managed to scratch at Crane.
The thought occurred to command him to stop in the old tongue again, but it seemed to have no effect.
¡°One more strike from you, and it¡¯s your hide,¡± Indel growled.
Both boys calmed and Indel crushed the leaves and tucked some under Boon¡¯s arms and knees. The last bit he put in both of Boon¡¯s fists.
¡°Close your eyes and listen to my words.¡± Indel chanted each clicking noise growing. He hoped it would work even though Boon did not obey the old tongue.
Little by little Boon¡¯s scales receded until he was nearly bare once more, like a child instead of a half grown adult.
Indel checked the wound, pleased to see it closed up.
¡°My scales,¡± Boon moaned. ¡°Where are my scales?¡±
¡°You will have to grow them again,¡± Indel said. ¡°Your disobedience of my words is why you lost them.¡±
¡°What words?¡± Boon asked. ¡°You only made a strange noise!¡±
Indel froze. ¡°What?¡± He stared at his son for some time then tried to give him a command in the old tongue. When Crane raised his right hand, obeying, while Boon only stared at him, Indel gasped. ¡°You cannot speak? You cannot speak with your second tongue?¡±
Nala raced out of the woods, her arms overfull with leaves. ¡°I have so many. I have so many.¡± She panted.
She gasped a shallow breath when she caught sight of Boon, no doubt because of his bare skin.
¡°Boon!¡±
The expression on Nala¡¯s face caused Boon to turn his head, unwilling to meet her gaze.
Indel wore a scowl. ¡°Stop with this panicked reaction. He is not ill nor dying; he¡¯s healed. If he must roam with no scales, it is his own fault.¡± He waited for Crane to stand before asking, ¡°What has caused this quarrel?¡±
Crane, head hung, muttered, ¡°It is nothing.¡±
¡°It is not nothing,¡± Boon called. ¡°He refuses to let me ride her.¡±
Indel looked between them and groaned. ¡°Blast this ino. I have told you, you both cannot ride the same animal. One of you must get another.¡±
Crane said, ¡°It is my ino.¡±
¡°It was mine first and I gave it to you,¡± Boon countered.
¡°Enough!¡± Indel bellowed.
Nala stepped between them, her hands raised. She said to Crane finally, ¡°Crane, you must find a new one.¡±
Crane¡¯s mouth fell open. ¡°But, Aza, that is my ino. I am the one to care for her. I feed her. Boon barely remembers to give her solvent!¡±
Glare stern, Nala said. ¡°You will have to find a new one.¡±
¡°But she¡¯s well trained.¡±
¡°And you will have to find a new one!¡± Nala said through gritted teeth. ¡°That is final.¡±
As she crouched down to help Boon sit up, Crane met Indel¡¯s gaze, asking for help.
Indel had none to give. ¡°I warned you, you cannot leave one for the other. You are a king and you must find a good argument all your own. Whatever you decide today, the consequences lay to you alone. That is what it is to rule. Be very certain you are prepared for the results.¡±
They stared each other down for some time before the boy turned to walk away. Crane flicked his tail once.
That rude gesture made Indel sigh but Nala ran to strike Crane in the back of his head, shouting all the while.
Even though Crane¡¯s action deemed a harsh response, Indel felt uncomfortable with Nala¡¯s zeal for making Crane upset.
In time Crane walked back, shamefaced and bowing is head as he apologized in the old tongue.
Nala wouldn¡¯t look at their son.
Boon watched on, too, a smug smile in place. ¡°That¡¯s what you get for being rude! I told you I¡¯d get it if I asked.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 13
Indel hated this body when he tried to do regular work. Climbing was by far the worst. He couldn¡¯t imagine how Nala managed without complaints.
Crane was silent. Boon, wearing a robe to guard his skin until his scales grew back, came along as well. He¡¯d at least offered to come and help his brother find a new ino.
¡°If you get an egg, yours will be smaller than mine, I guess,¡± Boon said, pulling himself up onto another rock.
Of the three of them, Crane climbed with the most ease. He hoisted himself up so quickly he overtook them.
Boon made a brave attempt at climbing the rock faster.
Indel was the most pitiful, and he called to his son. ¡°Crane. Lend me a lift!¡±
Crane reached the top and extended his hand down.
When he helped Indel up and reached down to do the same for Boon, his brother boxed his arm away.
¡°I will manage! Just you wait. When my scales come back, I¡¯ll be the faster one.¡±
It took ages for Boon to finally reach but he did.
They searched nest after nest to no avail.
Just as Indel feared, it was the season and the animals no doubt took to mating.
That knowledge reminded Indel of his bad luck. He was Indel now and going back to the roost as such was better than waiting in hopes of being able to change again. Indel was his new form, perhaps his last. This was the second season Levelers would mate without a king. They wouldn¡¯t last a third. They had to return. At least Citel¡¯s son wasn¡¯t fit to reproduce. If Crane and Boon were still unaffected by the spells, the other would-be king was as well.
They were big though, Crane towering over Indel easily. Boon looked shorter now but when his scales returned, he would take on some more height.
The time to return was soon, and Indel feared the indignity of forcing one of his sons to walk rather than ride an ino there. Somehow or another, they had to find one.
Boon peered down over the ledge of the cliff and said, ¡°I see something moving.¡±
¡°Probably a throw-away,¡± Indel said. ¡°A babe that cannot prosper so they¡¯ve left it for dead.¡±
They climbed down.
Though Crane wore a frown, Boon smile. ¡°Well, no sense in crying about it now then. Aza¡¯ll have food ready by the time we get home.¡±
Crane stared him down. Indel half expected them to break out into yet another fight. Instead, Crane stepped past them, jumping from the rock into the brush. ¡°May your weak robe see you safely home, maggot.¡±
Boon stared after him, his face scrunched up as it often did before he¡¯d cry. He didn¡¯t make a noise, however. In a great huff, he struggled out of the robe and threw it down.
¡°Boon...¡± Indel warned but it was too late, the boy had started back down into the woods.
Indel meant to advise Crane against jumping into bushes without a fully formed exoskeleton but it was a bit too late for that. He waited on Crane, reasoning that should something attack Boon, the boy would run back to them.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.
After some time and a lot of cursing on Crane¡¯s part, he came out with a young ino in his grip.
¡°There were a few,¡± he said. ¡°I got the biggest one. This one¡¯s a girl, too and she looks fair. Don¡¯t you think?¡±
Indel counted no less than five slugs on Crane¡¯s shoulders alone.
¡°Come out quickly and get into the sun. It will save you from the vermin you¡¯ve collected.¡±
¡°Vermin?¡± Crane asked. He hoisted himself up, ino in hand. ¡°What vermin?¡±
Indel took Boon¡¯s robe and started out of the woods. ¡°You will see. Come into the suns before they burrow into your shell.¡±
Crane hobbled after him, scanning the woods. ¡°Where¡¯s the king of crying?¡±
Most of Crane¡¯s play on words were humorous, he¡¯d easily get Nala laughing for hours. This joke was not funny.
¡°He is traveling home without protection, that is where he is.¡±
¡°Madness,¡± Crane gasped. ¡°That is foolish.¡±
¡°That is your doing.¡± Lyndal waited until they were in the suns¡¯ light before turning to face him. As the slugs began to dry up, he gave his son a hard look. ¡°You know that Boon is brash and irrational. His hearts are made of weaker stuff than yours. He is a Summoner king of red but no Leveler. If you push him, he will break.¡±
At the scolding, Crane gathered his ino close, muttering, ¡°I know.¡±
¡°The next dispute you two have, you fight him properly with your hands. You do not reduce yourself to petty Earther ways of attacking one¡¯s composure.¡±
Silent and pensive, Crane kept his gaze low as he cradled his new sickly-looking ino.
In time, Indel calmed. ¡°I am sorry for casting blame to you. But as a king, all blame will fall to you. I know of what I speak, because...¡± he hesitated then confessed, ¡°I...have...I have used words to hurt your Aza before. I think they resound even now. I called her a pet and some days I feel she is trying to prove me wrong¡ªprove herself wrong. It is foolish and unfair. If Boon must lose to you, let it be in combat. Better to die a bloodied warrior than live a broken mess.¡±
The ino stirred. Crane kept a firm hold as he nodded.
¡°Yes, Azal.¡±
Sighing, Indel pulled his own robe over his shoulders and stepped out into the bright day. ¡°Now let us find your brother, no doubt he¡¯s hidden himself under a rock, away from this heat, if he knows what¡¯s good for him.¡±
They found him up in a tree, cowering from a yal hatchling, barely big enough to make a proper bite. As the animal crawled from this side to the next, yapping up at Boon¡¯s trembling presence, Indel shook his head.
¡°Of all the places....¡±
Crane spoke up before he could approach. ¡°No, Azal. You have no armor. It¡¯s small, but it can hurt. Let me go first.¡± He lumbered to the thing and grabbed it by its cone-shaped ear, hoisting it off the ground. ¡°Away with you, back to your Aza!¡±
After he tossed the creature and it slid to a halt, its fluffy blue fur dirty from the tumble, he waited.
Indel waited as well. He expected the yal to attack. Instead, it scampered away, crying much like Boon no doubt would have.
Had Crane known just how dangerous a yal was, even at this size, he might have jumped up into that tree to cower behind his brother. Indel himself had resolved to kill it.
Crane was gentle in this way. It was a trait Indel worried for. A gentle king wasn¡¯t common among Levelers.
¡°I¡¯ve said I take back my words. Why won¡¯t you descend?¡± Crane called up to Boon. ¡°I take them back. Now come!¡±
Expecting Boon to admit he was wrong and needed help was a foolish notion. He¡¯d never admit it. This was the first time Indel could see a kingly trait; Boon would sooner die in that tree than face the shame of being ambushed by a hatchling.
Indel stepped beside Crane and looked up. ¡°Come. If we do not return before the suns sleep, your Aza will have our hides.¡±
They waited, Indel uncertain if this tactic would work.
Boon took a great deal of time to consider it before he turned and wrap his legs around the smooth base of the tree. For a moment, he lost his grip. His journey down was a rather painful one, but Crane caught him before he crashed into the dirt.
A bigger problem still lay before them. By the time they arrived the suns would be low but traveling now required walking through the heat and Boon didn¡¯t reach for the robe on his own.
Indel thrust the fabric out. ¡°Do not argue with me or show disrespect. You will take this.¡±
Boon stared him down.
Finally, Crane managed to utter, ¡°I take back what I said.¡±
Snatching the robe, Boon dragged it on, grumbling, ¡°I¡¯m telling Aza when we get back.¡±
After he marched past, Crane looked pensive. ¡°Please do not....¡±
Indel met his gaze and assured him, ¡°Do not fret so. I will tell your Aza first.¡±
¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who tells it,¡± Crane complained. ¡°She will not like it no matter how reasonable it sounds.¡±
¡°Come. You have a new ino, and you are vermin free. And your brother is safe. That is all that matters. Isn¡¯t it?¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 14
¡°Why do you walk so funny? You¡¯re walking funny,¡± Boon said to his brother.
¡°Quiet you.¡± Crane grumbled, ¡°I¡¯m just in a little pain. Don¡¯t you ever shut your mouth?¡±
That was unlikely.
Boon groaned and complained all the way from home. Surprisingly, Nala didn¡¯t tend to him. She and Indel traded a glance.
¡°I know, I know,¡± Nala grumbled.
¡°So long as you admit to having a hand in him being such a pain.¡±
¡°Me?¡± Nala shoved Indel. ¡°You obviously don¡¯t remember how we met. Be certain and assured, he takes after you far more than you realize.¡±
Sometime in their squabble as they pushed through the brush, Boon quieted.
Indel looked back to see why.
Crane, holding two gavberry sticks, balanced a rock back and forth as they walked.
¡°Brilliant!¡± Boon exclaimed. ¡°Let me try!¡±
But he couldn¡¯t. The rock fell again and again. Each time Crane caught it, and each time Boon tried his luck.
Watching them walk side by side filled Indel with pride. They squabbled often, but Boon looked up to Crane, Indel decided. He could see that admiration drove the youth to shadow all that Crane did. And Crane, despite his larger size and strength, caught the rock to give it to Boon in an effort to help him because deep down, Crane admired Boon as well.
Boon was clever. Cowardly at times, but clever. Though he couldn¡¯t hit the rock back and forth, he did balance it on one stick.
Crane let out a shriek. ¡°How? Show me how you did that!¡±
As they walked on, Indel decided to look ahead.
¡°And it is safe to go now?¡± Nala asked.
¡°Safe or not, it is the way. My fathers and mothers brought me to the mountain. I¡¯ll bring our sons.¡± Indel glanced at Nala to see the Summoner¡¯s unease. ¡°Yes. It is safe. It is the mating season. Usually we go after the spell, but as we are an uncommon family, we have the advantage of moving in contrast to the lands. Crane has already checked. He knows it is safe. So it must be safe.¡±
A growl came from behind them, along with a laugh.
Try as he might, Crane couldn¡¯t balance the rock, while Boon, pleased with his failings, laughed out.
¡°It¡¯s not so hard. Even you can do it!¡±
Nala shook her head. ¡°Those two....¡±
¡°Well, I give up,¡± Crane announced.
¡°No, no. You don¡¯t give up. You¡¯re not supposed to give up.¡± Boon took the sticks back and demonstrated how to do it. ¡°You¡¯re never supposed to give up on anything. How can you give up?¡±
And on and on they went. When they reached the fog, Indel was pleased.
¡°Perfect. This will be nice. We shall demonstrate the dance before soaking in the water.¡±
¡°The dance?¡± Nala asked. ¡°What dance is that?¡±
Indel lowered the sack of grubs from his shoulders as they reached the thick of the fog.
¡°The dance for mating.¡±
¡°Mating?¡± Nala¡¯s tongues clicked. ¡°But...what? How? I do not know it.¡±
¡°All Leveler Kings know it. We must teach it to both of them.¡±
They took time to eat, as most if not all things for Crane had to start with a meal. As the suns set, Indel dropped the robe from his shoulders and demonstrated the basic movements of the dance. He didn¡¯t need much detail, as a Leveler new to mating often made mistakes. This basic dance was mostly symbolic with simple steps.
¡°You thrust out your hands but keep your main finger low. It is a sign of aggression to show your claw, even in a third stage.¡±
Crane and Boon, who sat on the ground watching, held out their hands to mimic him.
¡°Good. You need only one more step before you put your¡ª¡±
¡°Wait,¡± Nala yapped, interrupting him. ¡°Is it necessary to talk about...about that part?¡±
Indel looked over his shoulder at her. He thought to say that he hadn¡¯t gone into any detail at all, but Nala had her strange ways.
¡°No. I suppose not. That part, their female will guide when the time comes. We will try it one more time together.¡± He held out his hand to Nala. ¡°Do you want to try this time?¡±Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
Shaking her head fervently, Nala refused. That wasn¡¯t surprising.
Both youths could follow the basic dance steps forward, the main finger placement, and even how to give an offering of food properly by the time they gave up for the night.
¡°Good. As Levelers excel in the dark, we shall stay awake tonight. Come into the water.¡±
Indel eased into the hot liquid, heated by the mountain itself.
Boon hesitated, as was his way. Crane ran and jumped in. He instantly climbed out again.
¡°That is hot!¡±
¡°You must go slow. Come. Enter, like this.¡±
Boon grew accustomed to it first, with Crane finally following. To Indel¡¯s surprise and displeasure, Nala still reminded at a distance, refusing to enter.
¡°What is it?¡±
¡°I do not wish to be naked around them, that is all.¡±
Granted, it was uncommon to do this in the third stage, but they had little choice. He barely cared but Nala¡¯s constant worry with regards to her body brought a considerable amount of limitations. Indel decided not to argue.
Still, it was custom for all to bathe in the water before returning. He resolved to stay longer and bring Nala in alone.
Crane and Boon swam, diving and jumping from below the surface again and again. Although they seemed keen on staying longer, which was usual, Indel ushered them out and urged them to gather fruit to eat.
When they walked off, bickering as they always did, Indel swam toward Nala¡¯s sitting frame. In truth, Indel¡¯s body felt heavy from the excess heat¡ªthis was a place for stage-one Levelers¡ªhe endured it.
Nala entered the water after surveying the area. She let out a shout but calmed in time.
¡°This is amazing.¡±
Indel almost let it slip that Nala nearly missed this very important occasion for no good reason, but instead, he swam close to his Summoner and pressed their foreheads together.
¡°Thank you, Na¡¯am.¡±
¡°Thank me? For being so difficult?¡±
¡°For not refusing entirely. Come, enjoy the heat with me.¡± Indel pulled away when Nala tried to pull him closer. As it was the Summoner¡¯s way to seek affection whenever they were alone, Indel thought to allow it, but instead, he concluded that not everything had to come back to the physical. They could just be happy enjoying the water by moonlight instead. And they did. Their two squabbling sons arguing in the distance.
¡°But you walk funny. It is so strange.¡±
¡°Stop saying that! Say it one more time and I won¡¯t forgive it,¡± Crane called.
¡°Forgive it? Like I fear your threats, funny walker.¡±
A moment later Boon came charging out of the bush, his enraged Leveler brother at his back. That time, Nala grabbed for her robe as she pulled herself from the water.
Boon raced by but Nala stood in Crane¡¯s path after securing her robe.
Whatever she said to Crane, it wasn¡¯t at all gentle. With each gesturing of the hand and chatter from Nala, Crane hung his head. Eventually, Crane took a spot by the water to keep warm, and there he lay.
In this regard he was like Nala, quiet when distressed.
Nala ventured into the woods to gather more food for them. Boon didn¡¯t offer to go. Instead, he glanced at Crane¡¯s outline now and again.
Indel dragged himself out of the water well after Nala¡¯s departure. At one time Indel was quick to judge a situation, quick to act, but those days were long gone. They faded the day he¡¯d cracked Boon¡¯s armor by mistake. Now he took his time to understand what was happening.
Dragging on his robe, and sitting down beside Boon who dangled his feet in the water, Indel found his resolve.
¡°You will apologize to your brother.¡±
Boon kept his eyes on the water, refusing to answer.
Indel said again, ¡°You will apologize to him. You¡¯ve wronged him.¡±
¡°He gets to be the bigger one¡ªthe stronger one. He gets everything first. He doesn¡¯t get my apology.¡±
Letting out a sigh, Indel glanced at Crane again, then at Boon once more.
¡°His gentle nature gives you no woe? No guilt?¡±
That time Boon cut him a glance. ¡°I¡¯m not strong like him, Azal, but you know I¡¯m smart. You acknowledge this.¡±
Indel didn¡¯t appreciate the tone. ¡°Levelers have no use for smarts. We want might.¡±
¡°Smarts is might. That¡¯s how Earthers nearly conquered this world. Aza told me. She even gave me a book. I can¡¯t read all of it, but I¡¯m going to. I¡¯m going to use my smarts. If you¡¯d let me be king, you¡¯d see.¡±
It had been ages since Nala took out that strange Summoner bible, bound together by branches and stuff.
Boon nodded to Crane again, his voice bitter as he said, ¡°Look at your would-be king; he just gives up.¡±
Such nonsense annoyed Indel. ¡°He has brawn and might¡ª¡±
¡°So what? All I have to do is cut him at the soft spots where the armor doesn¡¯t meet. That¡¯ll teach him a lesson.¡±
The chill of his words robbed Indel¡¯s power of speech. Never had he imagined that Boon had considered such a thing. Boon was physically weaker but this was inexcusable.
Rather than lose his temper, which was common for Indel, he tried to reason.
¡°A Leveler¡¯s way is not to fight his brother. We go out into battle together, we end in battle together, we recover together. There is no ¡®one for me, and one for him.¡¯ We are we. It¡¯s all for us. What is good for your brother is good for you. Do you understand?¡±
The blank expression the boy wore told Indel that he hadn¡¯t.
Indel considered it and said, ¡°Earther way is different from our way. An Earther will betray another for his own safety. For us, we know that our own safety is in each other. We are a collective. Everything divided between us may not always be equal, but it is for a better good. Now you¡¯ve hurt your brother¡¯s feelings, but what is the greater good in that?¡±
¡°I feel better.¡±
Indel flinch, unable to respond.
¡°It shows him that just because he¡¯s big, it doesn¡¯t mean he¡¯s unstoppable,¡± Boon went on. ¡°Your time is a time of might, Azal, my rein would be about smarts.¡± Indel¡¯s expression didn¡¯t satisfy his son because the boy went on, ¡°You would be proud. I promise.¡±
¡°The only thing that would make me proud is to return to our old ways. It is what¡¯s best for our people. It is what we need.¡±
¡°But you didn¡¯t go back to the old ways.¡± Boon returned Indel¡¯s gaze. ¡°We¡¯re living out here instead of in the roost. And you have two kings and haven¡¯t selected the one. And Aza doesn¡¯t even obey you all the time. And Aza followed Earther ways, she didn¡¯t follow you.¡±
¡°And they caused her pain,¡± Indel corrected. ¡°You get the satisfaction in hurting Crane. That is an Earther trait, and it has no place with us.¡±
¡°It makes it level. It gives me an upper hand I¡¯d be dumb not to take.¡±
Finding interest in the pool of water, Indel gave him no response.
At length, Boon sounded gentler when he said, ¡°Well, I can do that, too, you know¡ªgo back to tradition. You know, put everything back the way it was before Earthers. If that¡¯s what you want. If you make me king, I could try¡ªI could do it. No one should ever hurt like Aza. She even hides before coming into a pool of water. No one should ever be that afraid¡ªto live that afraid. And I could fix it. I could fix the Levelers and Summoners. I could fix everything.¡±
Indel cast a gaze at Crane then at Boon but he couldn¡¯t find a reply.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 15
Crane couldn¡¯t seem to stay still lately. Even Indel had to take notice of it when he¡¯d shift about during their first meal. No doubt he was eager to see to his ino. Two days now with little change in her quiet state but Crane was loyal and steadfast.
Indel had a lot planned for today. After Boon, who¡¯d decided he was no longer on speaking terms with his brother, marched out early to ride his ino, Indel thought to go, too.
¡°I will make weapons today,¡± Indel said, finishing the last of the worms. He longed for meat but didn¡¯t dare hunt in this stage.
He needed to train them now that they were big enough to take a hit.
¡°Boon needs more time to heal,¡± Nala said, sitting down. ¡°Does he not?¡±
The training wasn¡¯t for Boon. Rather than admit to that, Indel tried to think of a new solution. Boon would need more care but he¡¯d do well to learn to fight with his hands; words were not his forte either.
¡°Crane can start first.¡±
Outside when they gathered to start the lesson, it was tense talking to two people who refused to talk to one another. Boon strutted his ino out for them to see before he picked up the sticks Indel gathered for them. Indel had shaped them into claws for now until their own grew in again. Boon¡¯s fancy introduction was foolish but it did put a dent in Crane¡¯s otherwise cold expression. Crane¡¯s ino hadn¡¯t done much but stare at him since he¡¯d gotten her two days ago.
Even when they trained Crane couldn¡¯t stay still.
Nala sat atop the stone fence watching them.
¡°You don¡¯t want to be too low,¡± Indel said, but if you can catch your opponent under the belly, rip in a jagged motion this way until you strike one heart. Once he hunches....¡± He pivoted up, even though this body wasn¡¯t suited for a fight. ¡°And cut the throat. You want to do it shallow for a light match or to teach him a lesson. Or deeper for a fatal wound. Should you lodge that hook into his throat, he cannot repair it even on a shift. He will perish.¡±
Crane¡¯s discomfort took up everyone¡¯s attention.
Indel asked, ¡°What is it?¡±
¡°It is nothing,¡± Crane said. ¡°May I go in early? I want to check my Betty.¡±
His abrupt departure left Indel beside himself. ¡°What has happened to this boy?¡±
Boon watched him go. ¡°Just a little touched in the head.¡± He raised his arms and lumbered from side to side, mocking Crane¡¯s large frame.
Between the fighting and the repairs to the farm, Indel was more than ready for the night to come. When he awoke to find Nala gone, he smiled.
It took some doing for him to climb from under Crane and wiggle free of Boon as he headed for the door. Growing Levelers were hard to rouse from sleep and although Indel didn¡¯t mind the challenge of trying to leave that bed of hay should the need arise, Nala wasn¡¯t as adventurous; she still slept apart. Indel didn¡¯t care about the cuts from his sons¡¯ scales. They did hurt but it was manageable. Still, only Indel and his sons followed old ways by sleeping close.
He wasn¡¯t sure how Summoners managed if they slept apart from each other. Should one larva wriggle away or something remove an offspring from the nest, there would be no way to tell if families slept at a distance. Perhaps this was only Nala¡¯s habit and not that of all Summoners.
As Nala had long since taken to sleeping on her own bed, her coming and going was quiet. Since the false Earther¡¯s retreat from the area, Nala kept her urges to mate to herself, going off in the night instead. It was a strange thing, but Indel no longer questioned Nala¡¯s strange things.
Indel was quiet when he closed the door behind him and hurried out into the brush.
Nala came into view just as she shrugged off her robe. She froze. ¡°Mana?¡±
¡°Yes? You seem worried. Have you encountered another Summoner?¡±
Letting out a sigh, Nala continued to undress. ¡°No. It¡¯s not a stranger that I worry will see me.¡±
¡°Do you hide even from me? You¡¯ve come a long way in,¡± Indel observed.
Her back still to Indel, Nala chuckled. ¡°You¡¯d slept. I worried you wouldn¡¯t come, Mana, but you are always welcomed.¡±
Indel sauntered toward her. ¡°Did you want me to leave?¡±
Smiling wide, Nala shook her head. ¡°Never.¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Indel dropped his own robe and pressed their bodies together. ¡°May I ask something of you?¡±
Nala waited. ¡°I am fearful.¡±
¡°It¡¯s nothing bad.¡± Bringing Nala¡¯s hand between them, he whispered, ¡°Would you coax yours and let me see? You haven¡¯t in so long.¡±
The request was met with little to no enthusiasm. ¡°I won¡¯t do that anymore,¡± Nala said.
¡°But you did it so well,¡± Indel replied. ¡°It was rather beautiful.¡±
In the ensuing silence, it seemed as though Nala wanted to say something. She certainly seemed bent on refusing. To Indel¡¯s surprise, she sat down and stroked her breasts.
¡°Just this one last time,¡± Nala whispered.
That night was beauty and clouded all the things they¡¯d had in the wild before the madness of obligations came. Indel¡¯s body pulsed even after they were finished and they walked back to the barn hand-in-hand.
When Indel awoke the next morning early, he decided to check on the new ino as he had since its arrival. He wanted to spare Crane should the thing die.
He was quiet when he closed the door behind him and hurried around to the shaded part of the house.
Boon¡¯s ino looked weaker than usual, its water dish dry. Indel thought to refill it but changed his mind. Boon had to do it on his own.
Crane¡¯s ino stared up at him as he approached. She was still alive, and he calmed.
¡°Good. You¡¯ll keep still.¡±
A door slammed and heavy footfall sounded.
¡°Azal! Azal¡± Boon cried out. ¡°She¡¯s killing Crane. She¡¯s killing Crane!¡±
Indel gave his son a curious look as he walked toward his otherwise rushing figure.
¡°What are you saying?¡±
¡°Aza!¡±
At that, Indel broke into a run. He swung open the door in time to catch the shovel before Nala struck the boy yet again.
Crouched up on the floor, Crane guarding his head and face. The crack to his exoskeleton was extensive, far worse than that of Boon¡¯s.
Indel looked between them, shock robbing his ability to speak. He didn¡¯t need to take the shovel; Nala threw it down.
¡°You do not do such a filthy thing!¡±
The world had come to a stop, but Indel turned to look at Nala yet again. ¡°What has happened?¡±
¡°I awoke,¡± Nala said, gasping. ¡°I awoke...awoke to find him...to see him....¡±
Her heavy breaths deepened; she¡¯d be no help.
Indel turned to Boon, his only remaining source of help.
The boy shook his head. ¡°I do not know, Azal. She just started to hit him and I awoke. I do not know.¡±
Indel waited for one of these fools to tell him what was wrong. He crouched down to Crane.
¡°What has caused this?¡±
¡°It hurts,¡± Crane whispered. He reaching down to his groin but pulled his hand away, fearing Nala¡¯s wrath. ¡°It hurts.¡±
Indel looked up to Nala, and then to Boon.
¡°I will see to Crane. Both of you go outside.¡±
Nala marched out in a huff, but Boon lingered.
¡°Will he be all right?¡±
Indel let out a groan as he stood and closed the door. He rubbed his arms. All thoughts fell to that of Crane¡¯s wounds but he was unsure what he could do. At this age, mating spells shouldn¡¯t come at all. But Crane was always fast moving. Should he really be fit for mating, using the leaf to heal him would send him through a cycle. If he were still immature like Boon he could go back to a younger stage with less scales or none.
Crane cried out and Indel crouched down to meet him.
¡°I am unsure what to tell you¡ª¡±
¡°It hurts,¡± Crane gasped. ¡°It hurts. It hurts!¡±
Indel watched him for some time. He understood the dangers of going against the seasons and the agony that might follow. But this sounded different.
He reached down, cracking the scales guarding Crane¡¯s groin. What he saw made him yell, ¡°Nala!¡±
Madness broke out after that; Crane crying and Indel racing from the barn. He took the tools and the hooks he¡¯d made for their training and rushed back.
¡°Boon! Get water! As much as you can carry!¡±
Nala stopped at the doorway, confusion written on her face.
¡°What is it? Did you talk to him?¡±
Indel stepped past her and tried to pick Crane up. ¡°Blast this weak body. Help me!¡±
Nala stepped in. She gasped. ¡°What is that?¡±
¡°It¡¯s a slug,¡± Indel said through gritted teeth. ¡°And it¡¯s borrowed into his skin. Help me. We must get him into the suns.¡±
They lumbered outside, Crane giving little help. When Boon returned, he helped Nala hold Crane¡¯s shoulders.
Indel rubbed the hook against a rock and let out a soft breath.
¡°Bring his legs up.¡±
Nala didn¡¯t seem capable of helping, she just stared at them wide-eyed as she held onto Crane¡¯s shoulders.
Boon picked up Crane¡¯s legs, turning his face away when he caught sight of the engorgement under Crane¡¯s sac.
Indel held the hook, glanced at Crane¡¯s fearful eyes, and cut.
That wail rivaled even Boons.
The cut was good at least because the slug, fat with blood, slid out. Indel had to catch it and he did so with the same hook.
He picked it up and brought it further out where he was sure the suns would catch it.
¡°I need more gamali leaves,¡± Indel said without looking back. They¡¯d used most of it on Boon but he scanned the area for another possible source.
¡°What is happening to him?¡± Boon asked.
Indel turned back in time to see Crane, his body shaking.
¡°Let him go,¡± Indel shouted, breaking into a run. ¡°Let him go!¡±
Boon did as he was told. Nala was slower in moving but Boon shoved her back in time.
Countless scales jutted from Crane¡¯s body, covering even his eyes.
Indel nearly fell as he came to a stop and crouched down. He put his hand against his son¡¯s chest then his belly.
¡°His hearts beat.¡± Indel had to use most of his strength to push Crane¡¯s legs up. Even his groin was covered. The bleeding had stopped, though, and although he didn¡¯t see the condition of Crane¡¯s member, he guessed he¡¯d struck shallow enough. Without knowing just how deeply that slug had burrowed, he wasn¡¯t sure what they could expect.
Indel rolled Crane over and did what all Leveler parents did when their child matured, he tucked his tail into the scales at the back and wished him well.
¡°He¡¯ll sleep. But he will awaken soon.¡± Indel closed his eyes. ¡°He¡¯ll awaken soon. I am sure of it. Let¡¯s hope this wound heals well.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 16
A week later, Crane finally stirred. His small family was quick to gather as he sat up.
When Crane¡¯s helmet fell, Nala was the first to move, though she was slow, to pick it up.
Looking weary but pleased, Crane held out his arms for his ino and grinned wide.
¡°She¡¯s lovely.¡±
¡°Yes. I fed her and kept her safe for you,¡± Indel said. ¡°She¡¯s good and strong. She has trouble running. That is the reason she was thrown away, but she can run and she tries to often.¡±
She was three times the size that Crane knew.
Nala stood to the side, holding the helmet in both hands. Crane looked up at his own hair when he realized it was bare.
¡°My¡ª¡±
¡°I have it,¡± Nala choked out. ¡°I...I can keep it over here till you need it.¡±
¡°No need for that,¡± Boon said. ¡°Another one¡¯s growing.¡±
Indel chuckled. ¡°You are strong.¡± He broke the newly forming scales and said, ¡°Once you go out into the sun and let your scales dry, they¡¯ll stop forming. How do you feel?¡±
Crane held his belly. ¡°Hungry.¡±
¡°Good. Boon can¡ª¡±
¡°I can.¡± Nala interrupted. ¡°I...I will. I¡¯ll get some things. I¡¯ll get some.¡±
Indel followed Nala out of the barn, leaving the two brothers to talk. Boon started breaking Crane¡¯s scales only for them to grow back.
¡°You two will clean that,¡± Indel reminded them, closing the door.
He found Nala by the stone wall, digging around aimlessly. This was where she hid the most bitter-sweet roots for fear Boon might get to them.
¡°Na¡¯am?¡±
Nala startled. ¡°Oh, Mana.... I will hurry. Don¡¯t worry. The best ones are right here.¡±
¡°Sit with me for a moment, Na¡¯am.¡± Indel hoped the affectionate greeting would put them both at ease, but Nala still looked fearful. ¡°It won¡¯t be long.¡±
Two fat roots in hand, Nala stood and rested herself on the wall. She glanced at the barn now and then.
Despite the promise of being speedy, Indel found himself unable to speak.
Nala¡¯s voice sounded weary when she said, ¡°I made a mistake.¡±
Indel tried to put her mind at ease. ¡°I think your injury to him caused the fast rejuvenation. He was terrified. We discovered the slug in time. So in a way, you did help him. If those scales had come in with that thing still attached to him...I don¡¯t know if he would have survived.¡±
¡°Do not say that,¡± Nala pleaded. ¡°I was dreadful.¡±
¡°But I understand why. I bear responsibility as well.¡±
Shaking her head, Nala muttered, ¡°No.¡±Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
¡°Yes. He was looking under himself because of that slug and you...mistook it for something else. So you struck him, as if you were striking yourself.¡±
Nala gave no reply and although Indel longed for a denial, he knew one was far off.
¡°So I ask you, do you hate him?¡±
A sharp shriek came from Nala¡¯s throat as she clenched the roots in her fists.
¡°Do not say that.¡±
Indel muttered, ¡°You give him less. You give Boon so much more than Crane. You give me more, yet you take half as much for yourself. You put Boon above all else. You refuse to recognize that Crane is a force of nature. He will be a strong king¡ª¡±
¡°He¡¯ll never be king!¡± Nala turned to him. ¡°King of what? King of who? Who will follow a king with no tail?¡±
Indel had no answer at first, but one came with no forethought. ¡°Crane is a Leveler king. The strongest I¡¯ve ever heard of. Stronger than even me.¡±
¡°He has no tail.¡±
¡°It is shorter than most, yes.¡±
¡°He has no tail,¡± Nala growled.
Indel growled back, ¡°He doesn¡¯t need a tail.¡± They both glanced to the barn then quieted. Indel was calmer as he said, ¡°You have no faith in him.¡±
¡°I want to protect him,¡± Nala said. ¡°I want to protect him from taking on something beyond him. He¡¯s overconfident and always goes beyond his limit, beyond his reach. I cover him up from others so no one will laugh at him. You want him to be king and try to mate and produce short-tailed offspring or worse yet, females see his tail and laugh or whisper and he¡¯s forever known for ridicule. I want to protect him from that. So no, maybe I do not give him as much as Boon but it¡¯s only because I don¡¯t want him to forget how others will see him. He is not the same. He does not look the same and if he has Boon¡¯s arrogance along with that important flaw, then he¡¯ll live his life in pain, praying for respect and acceptance that will never come.¡±
Eyes fixed on the soil, Indel listened with practiced patience. He believed all that Nala said. He believed every word, but that didn¡¯t help fight back the dread bubbling up inside him.
¡°You don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like,¡± Nala said. ¡°You don¡¯t know what it¡¯s like hiding something about yourself that you can never change, can never hope to change. At nights while you slept beside me in your roost, I dreamt of jumping as high as others, swimming as fast. Of bearing young. I dreamt of being whole. And nothing will give me that again. If someone had reminded me from the start of what I was, I would not have dared dream it.¡±
The roots in hand, she picked at the leaves.
¡°The way you took me. The way you loved me, I went to your roost as proud as ever. I felt so bold and special. But I heard the whispers. And I heard the old tongue used to mock me. But it was too late to cover up, then. It was too late, and if you¡¯d shunned me even a little, as you should have, I would have been spared that. And I am a mere female Summoner. What will that mean for a male Leveler?¡±
Indel said nothing. He sat there, feeling only brave enough to catch the hem of Nala¡¯s robe without the Summoner noticing. He¡¯d taken note of the taunts too, but they were never when Nala was in earshot. And he¡¯d shut those Levelers up.
¡°And you say now you want him to be king? What if he can¡¯t produce as much? A tail means the cycles continue. What if his cycles are less? What if he simply hasn¡¯t many and exhausts the few he¡¯s got?¡±
¡°He can go through the cycles,¡± Indel said. ¡°He¡¯s proven that today. His rejuvenation is fast and ravenous. He can survive. Of that I have no doubt because that is what just happened. He pushed through so quickly that no one could even see it. He is strong, and he is steady. He has power and he¡¯s unafraid. He is a king, a true king.¡±
If Nala had a faster reply, it might have been less fretting.
The clicks that sounded in the back of her throat spoke of rage and betrayal.
¡°If you have any affection for me.... If you have even a small fraction of affection for me, you will not do this. You will not be so cruel to him. You will select Boon as king and be done with it.¡±
¡°Fear runs you,¡± Indel said. ¡°It does not run me. I will make my decision when I am ready. In the meantime, you owe Crane an apology. A proper one. And you need to explain what happened.¡±
¡°Explain?¡± Nala met his gaze. ¡°Explain how? And when he asks me how I came to the idea that he was romping with himself, should I explain that my own actions are why I know of this possibility?¡±
Indel nodded. ¡°I understand but at least explain to him that he¡¯d done nothing wrong.¡±
Nala returned his glare for some time until she slid from the fence and said, ¡°He¡¯s hungry. I must hurry to prepare the food.¡±
With a sigh, Indel followed after her. He wasn¡¯t all that surprised when Nala entered the barn without saying a word to either of the boys. She made the food, and gave Crane so big a helping that he laughed.
¡°This is great. I don¡¯t deserve it, Aza, but thank you.¡±
Nala nodded as she sat. When Boon tried to take some from Crane¡¯s plate, Nala slapped Boon¡¯s hand and said, ¡°You have your own. Be satisfied with it. Leave Crane with something nice for once.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 17
Boons scales came in at the height of the mating season. That was a comfort because he would finally stop breaking odd patterns into Crane¡¯s scales as he slept only for him to walk around with his back, or other parts bare, before they¡¯d form again.
Crane was a wonderment; from his height to his speed. He had a gentle temperament, as well. When they stood side by side for training while Nala worked in the field, Indel couldn¡¯t have been prouder.
They finished sparring early that day.
His once sickly ino big enough to ride, Crane took care in trotting around with her. Now and then he could pick up speed.
Boon was nowhere in sight. It was never a good sign if one of them were missing for long.
Indel went around the back to look for him. He found Boon by the animals, standing in front of his inos pen.
The beast didn¡¯t rise from its bed.
¡°Boon? What is it, Daga?¡±
Eyes wide, Boon answered, ¡°I do not know. She won¡¯t awaken.¡±
The animal wasn¡¯t asleep and Indel made that grim discovery just from looking at her.
¡°She¡¯s dead...¡± Indel observed. ¡°Probably died this morning.¡± He glanced at the dry water gourd and the bare food container as well. ¡°But that¡¯s not surprising.¡±
¡°You...¡± Boon said, turning to him. ¡°I thought you were feeding it.¡±
¡°Me? Why would you think such a foolish thing?¡± Indel asked.
¡°You fed Crane¡¯s. You fed it all the time!¡±
Indel sighed. ¡°Your ino, your responsibility. I will not argue.¡±
¡°But it isn¡¯t fair. You saw that it needed more food and water and didn¡¯t tell me!¡±
Without saying another word, Indel turned and walked away. Boon was not one it paid to argue with. For him, only his right was valid.
Crane continued to play with his ino. Nala walked behind the barn to find Boon as well.
When she gathered up bitter fruits, Indel assumed they were to consul a crying Boon.
Crane¡¯s ino¡¯s broad body bobbed as it circled around yet again. It stopped in time as a rock sailed by.
Boon picked another one up and threw it. The ino bucked, sending Crane to fall on his back.
There was no peace until Crane put his ino away.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Nala saw to burying the dead animal far in the woods, using Crane¡¯s ino to drag it.
At their second supper, Boon sat up and announced. ¡°I¡¯m taking Crane¡¯s ino. Tomorrow I shall take it.¡±
Crane nearly choked on a mouthful of his food. He looked between them.
Nala seemed ready to protest but Indel shook his head.
They ate on in silence until Crane muttered, ¡°I¡¯m not giving my Betty to you.¡±
Boon gasped, genuinely surprised. ¡°But why not? You can find another one. Look how easy this one was!¡±
¡°How easy?¡± Crane sat up. ¡°You won¡¯t care for any of them, Boon. You¡¯ll just use them and forget to appreciate them. If you want, I¡¯ll go with you and we can try and catch another one but you¡¯re not getting mine.¡±
Expecting support, Boon looked between Nala and Indel. When no help came, Boon set his face in a scowl.
¡°I¡¯m getting it.¡±
¡°Only if you fight me for it,¡± Crane said. ¡°And only then.¡±
¡°I¡¯d only fight to the death! I wouldn¡¯t waste time on the likes of you, you short-tailed maggot.¡±
Nala was the next to choke on her food.
At the silence that fell over them, Boon shrunk away. Crane had nothing to say.
¡°I have no tail,¡± Nala said, sitting up. ¡°So what does that make me? A maggot as well?¡±
Boon lowered his gaze. ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking to you, Aza. I mean...I mean him.¡±
¡°No. You meant me. You must mean both of us since I have nothing there at all.¡± Nala waited before saying, ¡°You can sleep with no supper. Stand up.¡±
Choking back a cry, Boon lumbered to his feet and flopped down on the bed of hay.
Crane went to check on his ino after that. Indel went with him.
Eyes fixed on the sleeping area of his previous ino, Crane said, ¡°You could have helped her. You could have given her water.¡±
¡°No. That is not my way,¡± Indel said. ¡°That is a strange thing to do.¡±
Reaching up, Crane flexed against the shed¡¯s structure.
¡°I wish to talk to you,¡± Indel said.
Crane nodded, not meeting his gaze. ¡°About?¡±
¡°About my decision.¡±
Crane smiled big and proud as he turned to him. ¡°I won¡¯t let you down.¡±
¡°I will give my support to Boon.¡±
A light dimmed in Crane¡¯s black eyes. He stopped breathing.
Indel tried to be gentle as he said, ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy to make that choice.¡±
¡°Because of my tail? You throw away my birthright because of my tail?¡±
Indel said. ¡°You came into this world fighting. I should have plucked you out of the others and put you to live out your day as a normal Leveler. But I didn¡¯t.¡±
Hands crossed over his chest, Crane asked, ¡°And why is that?¡±
¡°Because of that tail. It reminded me of your Aza whom I adored. And when I saw that the others perished yet you lived, I felt even better. You were a force, and you were strong. But you didn¡¯t fight with Boon. You passed Boon¡¯s larva again and again for days, for weeks. He was the weakest one, I bet. But you protected him. You didn¡¯t feed off him. Even that I thought was your strength. But the reason for my decision isn¡¯t because of Boon. It¡¯s because of that tail. And I can see now it¡¯s taken a part of your ego. That wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±
Crane¡¯s face pierced up, an expression that Boon often wore. ¡°But he¡¯s so awful sometimes.¡±
¡°Yes. He can be. But he¡¯s been bred to believe he can be. You...the damage is done. You two go hand in hand. I think you protect him, but he cannot protect you. Should you become king, if you ever fall, Boon cannot help you. But if he should fall, which he will, you can keep him safe. It¡¯s also the reason why I know you will not be angry about decision because you are a king and you do what is right. By the next season we must breed and repopulate. That is the function of a king. With the slug¡¯s damage to you, we do not know if you can. Beyond that, I do not think Sessel will approve of you.¡±
Each word made Crane¡¯s once defiant posture droop.
¡°I am very certain, somehow, Sessel has no tail as well. And if that¡¯s the case, she will react to you the same way she reacted to your Aza. She will reject you. So I ask you to keep Boon safe. Do not oppose him in public and respect his commands.¡±
Crane stood there with his head hung. His only motion was to rub his ino¡¯s head when she nudged his leg.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 18
Boon¡¯s new ino didn¡¯t take so long to train. Crane had climbed high to find a male one, nearly twice the size of his own. The creature was docile but impressive. His face looked ferocious but he had a sweet nature to him. Even Crane¡¯s ino liked him, though the big dummy didn¡¯t seem to take much notice of her.
¡°Crippled leg, and a tailless rider, huh?¡± Crane said as he mounted her.
Their scales fully grown, Indel stared up at his kings, his hearts swelling with pride but worry. The season was at an end, and he still could not change to the first stage. He¡¯d trained them as he was now and although he had confidence in Crane, Boon was another story.
Essentially, Boon was useless in a fight. He¡¯d have to concede all his battles to Crane for the challenge. If he were that smart, they may all make it out of the roost alive. But if he chose the challenge on his own....
Nala was the last to prepare herself. Indel frowned when he saw the gunny-sack robe and not the fancy one he¡¯d put out.
He didn¡¯t argue it this time. His own was nice, and although Boon sported a streak of blue scales from his forehead to his nose, he still looked bold and strong. So long as he didn¡¯t stand beside Crane¡¯s towering stature, his boldness alone would radiate.
Letting out a held breath, Nala said, ¡°I do not know if I will go with you.¡±
This bit of unwelcomed news prompted Indel to turn to her.
¡°I do not want to live there,¡± Nala continued. ¡°I want to be here. Crane will win. He¡¯ll win any fighter and they¡¯ll need your guidance, so you¡¯ll have to stay with them. But I cannot...I cannot live there again.¡±
Indel had learned a lot over the seasons. He¡¯d learned what it was to be invincible, aggressive, and beyond any rulings. His babes came against the fates, his affection for Nala came against his own desires. But he¡¯d also learned that forcing Nala to be where she didn¡¯t want was more harmful than not.
This one time, perhaps for the first time, he begged, ¡°I cannot be without you. I have confidence in them. I believe they will best anyone in time. But in the small chance that we lose, I wish to die by your side. They will let you leave, I¡¯m sure of it. You don¡¯t share our blood.¡±
Nala shook her head. ¡°They will win and you can come back and see me from time to time.¡±
They stared one another down until Indel said, ¡°Then I will stay as well.¡±
A frown in place, Nala said, ¡°No.¡±
¡°Yes. I will stay. They are grown. I will stay with you.¡±
The wind collected most of Nala¡¯s hair up but she remained rigid.
Eventually, her expression softened and she asked, ¡°So you will return with me if I follow you now?¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Relief washed over Indel and he smiled. ¡°Foolish Summoner. You will not be rid of me. I will be with you until I¡¯m feeble and stupid and all I can recall is your face and your name. Sessel has some years still. I can travel back and forth.¡±
Nala smiled as well, though she seemed less sure. She glanced past Indel to their sons and nodded.
¡°Then let us go.¡± When her eyes settled on Indel, her face was aglow. ¡°And then it¡¯s you and I.¡±
¡°You and I,¡± Indel promised.
Boon patted his ino and called to Nala, ¡°Aza, we two can ride. You are very light.¡±
Indel shook his head. ¡°No. They are for show. You must ride them, looking bold and proud. We have no army at our backs, but we will go there proper.¡±
¡°As will I,¡± Nala said, rushing inside.
Indel meant to call to her but Nala shed her robe, her back to them as she put the other one on.
After she tied it, she brushed her hair back and said, ¡°Let us go.¡±
And they walked.
They traveled the length of the river, showing where Crane killed his first crane-mere and then the second. They showed where Nala and the sloth nearly died. For the first time since they¡¯d taken the babes to that mountain, their sons were leaving it.
Crane took the journey the hardest, surprising Indel by talking about all the things he¡¯d miss. ¡°I suppose we won¡¯t farm at dawn in a roost.¡±
Boon took it all in stride. His head held high as his ino strutted. ¡°Kings shouldn¡¯t farm anyway.¡±
They arrived at the roost just before dark.
Citel had one son for Indel¡¯s two. Crane was bigger; Crane¡¯s scales were redder; and out of the three of them, only Crane could speak the old tongue.
Sessel called for a feast, but Citel and her would-be king refused to attend.
All the better. The odds were in their favor and Indel laughed at the way both youths gawked at the females who passed by. On more than one occasion Nala had to seek Crane out while Indel tried to rein Boon in.
¡°But she smiled in my direction,¡± Boon insisted.
Indel found his awed tone endearing. ¡°She probably fancies your blue scales. Come. We should meet with Sessel.¡±
Nala wasn¡¯t better off, forced to drag Crane by the collar of his armor. She couldn¡¯t touch anywhere else without risking injury.
¡°I only wanted to speak with her.¡± Crane lumbered behind his Aza, body hunched lest Nala couldn¡¯t reach him.
¡°You can talk to them?¡± Boon hurried to reach him. ¡°Show me how.¡±
Watching Crane try and teach Boon a common greeting now after so many cycles of him refusing to try and learn was rather nice to say the least. No sooner had Nala reach Indel and they praised the other for their success in locating the two, the youths wandered off.
In the end, when the boys escaped yet again, Indel simply shook his head as he sat down in the garden.
Nala agreed, ¡°Let them go.¡±
Indel nodded, ¡°In their first stage, they can only woo. I hope they¡¯ll remember their manners.¡±
When Nala folded her arms and looked thoughtful, Indel asked, ¡°What is it?¡±
Nala shook her head, avoiding his gaze. At Indel¡¯s gentle nudging. She smiled.
Looking out at the now plush garden, Indel sighed.
¡°Has it really been so long?¡± He caught sight of their usual shadowy area and smiled. ¡°How did we even fit there?¡±
¡°We fit,¡± Nala said. ¡°I think we were combined usually.¡±
And there they sat; a former king and his current favored. When Indel shifted his body toward Nala, Nala met him in kind.
¡°What are you for, my king?¡±
Indel glanced to the shadows again, and then out at the garden. ¡°I suppose if we stay, we could spend time here together.¡± He gestured back at the shadows. ¡°Or there together.¡±
Nala laughed, staring out at the moonlight. ¡°The garden is nice at least.¡±
A screech broke out and Indel sighed.
¡°Already?¡± He looked around to find the source. Heavy footfall came from all directions and he said, ¡°Whatever the mess they¡¯ve made....¡±
¡°Aza....¡±
Nala turned, a contented smile on her face.
Crane took two more steps before he fell to his knees. ¡°Aza....¡±
When he collapsed forward, Indel heard only one crack as his son¡¯s neck broke.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 19
Boon¡¯s expression was blank as he looked from the body to the head.
Indel did as well. He had to. He couldn¡¯t look at Boon¡¯s placid face. He couldn¡¯t look at Nala.
Crane¡¯s throat had been cut, so deeply that the impact ripped it off the rest of the way. His head fell into Nala¡¯s lap and the Summoner still held it, looking at the blank eyes that seemed to look back at her.
It took three Levelers to move the body. No one tried to take the head. When Sessel arrived, she, too, was silent.
Indel¡¯s feet felt unsteady. He longed to wail. Time and time again he¡¯d nearly lost Crane and now that he finally had, he wished his own hearts would explode and he could come to an end as well.
Nala, like Boon, said nothing.
They waited there for as long as silence would allow. No one moved a muscle, not even when several females came and rubbed leaves and brush against the blood to make it fade. Some purple still remained but it was hard to make all of it out in the moonlight.
¡°We must discuss this,¡± Sessel said. ¡°I fear we should do it tonight before the morning comes. If you leave now....¡± She stared down at the bare area before them. ¡°If you leave now, I will take your place in the challenge. As my blood does not match yours, Daga, you will not be sought.¡±
Indel couldn¡¯t meet Sessel¡¯s gaze. He wanted to say he¡¯d fight instead, but the idea of Nala going home alone wasn¡¯t one he relished. If he lost, Boon would die as well. And then there was Boon....
¡°Where were you when this all took place?¡± Sessel asked.
¡°Here,¡± Indel said. ¡°Here in the garden with Na¡¯am.¡±
Sessel cleared her throat. ¡°I was asking your son.¡±
Boon picked his head up; his motion so slow he appeared to be pulled by a string.
¡°What?¡±
Though Sessel didn¡¯t seem as confident, she was bold enough to voice her thoughts. Boon was no match for anyone, really, maybe not even for Sessel.
¡°I asked where you were. Your brother lies dead at your feet and you say not a word.¡±
Boon only stared at her, not out of malice, or anger. He just looked at her.
The world vibrated for Indel and he feared his legs would collapse under him.
Boon.
In the back of his mind that thought had been there but he didn¡¯t dare entertain it. He pushed it away again but it came back stronger.
¡°With no challenger...¡± Sessel said. ¡°You should return to your home and spend out your life there.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll challenge them.¡± Boon said, his eyes glazed. ¡°I will challenge them all.¡±
Sessel let out a laugh. ¡°And doom your Azal? Don¡¯t be foolish.¡±
¡°I¡¯ll challenge them,¡± Boon said. ¡°I am not leaving until I do.¡±
When Sessel¡¯s eyes settled on Indel, she wanted to shake her head and refuse. Nala still hadn¡¯t moved; Boon still showed no discernable expression. Indel wanted to refuse and return with what was left of his family. He wanted to leave.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.
But if he went back, he was surely calling his son a killer.
¡°I will challenge them,¡± Boon said again. ¡°I will not back down. Aza and Azal do not leave. They will remain here until midday when we fight.¡±
He walked away. Who knows where he was headed.
Sessel glanced past Indel and said, ¡°He¡¯s heading to the birthing chambers.¡± She stepped around the blood stain and took Indel¡¯s hand in hers. ¡°Daga. Leave. Take your Summoner and leave. Your remaining boy has nothing in him. No soul and no sorrow. Both of you should leave.¡±
¡°No.¡± Indel shook his head. ¡°No. Boon comes from me. He¡¯s a part of me. I cannot abandon him.¡±
¡°Madness! Open your eyes!¡±
Nala flinched, an action that made her body bend in on itself.
Finally, Indel nodded. He climbed over the flowers and sat down by Nala¡¯s side.
¡°Na¡¯am, we must go. Come. We must go.¡±
But Nala gave him no reply.
Indel touched her shoulder, intending to help her up. The gut-wrenching scream Nala gave off made him take his hand back.
Pulling the head close, Nala bent around it, refusing to move.
Indel looked back at Sessel, desperate to find an answer on what he should do.
Sessel shook her head. ¡°I do not know, Daga, but when the suns come, your time will be at an end. Your feeble babe cannot help you.¡±
Making a hard decision, Indel climbed back over and begged, ¡°Please stay with Na¡¯am. Do not leave her side. Stay with her. I must see to Boon. Please.¡±
At Sessel¡¯s unsure nod, Indel rushed down the hall.
It was Indel¡¯s roost; he helped make it. Nothing had changed since he¡¯d left. He took the stairs two by two and spilled out into the catacomb.
An arm caught him by the throat.
When Boon saw him, he let Indel go. A white hook of sorts in his fist, Boon lowered his hand.
¡°Azal....¡±
¡°What is that? What is that you have there?¡± Lydnel demanded.
Boons claws were inadequate compared to other Levelers; they resembled Nala¡¯s more so. Whatever he held, it must have compensated for that.
¡°Sloth claw,¡± Boon said. ¡°Crane and I found it at the shed. He helped me sharpen it before we came to dinner.¡±
That foolish theory showed just how ignorant Boon was. It wasn¡¯t a sloth¡¯s claw. It was Indel¡¯s very claw Nala had fashioned to slaughter her gifts seasons ago. A claw sharp enough to perhaps cut a Leveler¡¯s throat. It held no blood but Indel didn¡¯t care.
Indel pushed back his doubt and worry. A claw that big could have more than done the job of cutting Crane that deeply.
Boon eyed him. ¡°So you think it, too? You think I killed him to become king¡ªto take the title.¡±
¡°The title was yours,¡± Indel said, noting the surprise in his son¡¯s eyes. ¡°It was yours in the end. I¡¯d already told him and he agreed.¡±
That same familiar crying expression formed. ¡°Me? You were going to back me? When did you decide on this? And Crane agreed?¡±
Indel¡¯s body felt numb. ¡°Tell me you have not done something foolish.¡± He stepped forward. ¡°Please tell me.¡±
¡°I had no love for Crane, for any of you, but for you to think me a killer....¡± Boon shook his head. ¡°That is beyond your usual disgusting nature.¡±
Confused, Indel shook his head. ¡°Disgusting nature? What do you mean?¡±
Boon turned his face toward the pool, his eyes fixed there. ¡°You never approved of me. You never rooted for me. You never tried to teach me half of what you did for Crane. I was your afterthought. You gave Crane first choice in all things. You taught him first in everything. And you chose him as your king, long before I was ever an option. And I know it is because you feel I am not worthy. I am no Leveler. I was nothing in your eyes. I wasn¡¯t strong enough. I wasn¡¯t noble. But I¡¯ll tell you, Daga...I am smart.¡±
Indel studied his body language; he could no longer see Boon¡¯s face to do otherwise.
¡°What have you done?¡± Indel asked. ¡°What have you done? You¡¯ve destroyed us.¡±
¡°You accuse me yet again. Do it a third time and we are enemies.¡±
Swinging the back of his hand, Indel caught Boon in the head. He grabbed him by the throat, scales and all and shoved him to the ground.
¡°What have you done! You were born in this very room! You were born here where your brother fought and killed a small army to let you live.¡± When Boon tried to stand, Indel shoved him back down again. ¡°You! You caused this? What do you think you¡¯ve done, you coward! What have you done? In this very room you came to life. This is where you should die!¡±
¡°Daga...?¡±
Sessel¡¯s unsure tone came with a hint of betrayal.
¡°Daga...what are you doing? Let him up. He is the only one left. Let him up, Daga.¡±
Indel stared at her with no intention of complying.
¡°Let him up!¡± Sessel hissed.
Moving slowly, Indel stood to his full height.
Boon slipped on his attempt to rise, sending the ino claw in his fist into the pool. When it sunk, he watched it. ¡°No.¡± He gasped. ¡°No. I need it.¡±
One day Indel might forgive Sessel for leaving Nala in her time of need. Today wasn¡¯t that day. He chose to put that worry over Boon as he made his way out ¡°You came to life with Crane; it¡¯s only fitting that you go with him as well. I will wait to see you do just that in the morning.¡± His face set in a frown, Indel walked past them.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 20
Indel refused to look behind him at Boon who stood watching. Nala was a mess. Her body trembled. Each attempt Indel made at taking the head, Nala made a sound like a wounded child.
There was no words exchanged as Sessel gathered everyone onto the field, promising to keep Nala¡¯s condition private.
Nala held Crane¡¯s head close to her own face, cheek to cheek.
Such show of affection made Indel hearts burst for her.
¡°Na¡¯am...¡± He tried again, gentler as he lowered himself to his knees and looked up at her. ¡°Na¡¯am. Let us go. We must leave.¡±
¡°She doesn¡¯t have to leave,¡± Boon insisted. ¡°I will win. I will keep you all safe.¡±
Indel kept his back to him, refusing to acknowledge him even as the drums sounded.
¡°She can stay here until I¡¯m finished. Then we¡¯ll have a funeral. We can do it properly. She will like that,¡± Boon said, his voice petering down to nothing.
Still kneeling before Nala, Indel didn¡¯t look back at Boon but knew when he finally walked away.
The ruckus that followed meant he¡¯d gone to the inos. Perhaps he went to take Crane¡¯s for his own finally.
Indel risked standing. He was slow when he sat at Nala¡¯s side, taking care not to touch Crane lest Nala think he was trying to take it away. Sitting with his left arm around Nala¡¯s shoulder, Indel stared at the bare soil at their feet
¡°Na¡¯am. Come back to me, please. Please do not leave me all alone. Boon will soon be dead. And Crane....¡±
Nala let out a low whine, hunching over as she tucked herself under Indel¡¯s left arm.
¡°Yosh, Na¡¯am. Do not cry. Do not cry. Hush,¡± Indel soothed. Indel knew he should say something but other than a mountain of regret, he had nothing to offer.
As the suns rose high and Nala rested into him, Indel tried to remember how to breathe. Beyond crooning and petting Nala¡¯s back, he could do nothing else.
He tried to help Nala up but his Summoner wouldn¡¯t stand.
Try as he might, Indel couldn¡¯t make sense of any of any of it. Of the way his life progressed, of the rises and falls, of anything.
A crowd of Levelers bowed one by one as they walked past him, and down the slope. They took the steps, the same steps he¡¯d had carved out to accommodate Nala.
Indel walked to them but didn¡¯t go down. Instead, he sat. From here he could see Boon¡¯s opponent, nearly doubling him in size. He needed to watch. He would have to tell Nala about the defeat soon enough. And he¡¯d have to be gentle about it. If Nala could move, could run, he would even leave with her now and try to take her back home. Boon¡¯s ino was big enough to carry the both of them.
And Boon...he hobbled forward, riding Crane¡¯s ino, a robe on his shoulders. That was when Indel spied Boon¡¯s dead ino at Boon¡¯s back; its body bloodied.
Boon.
Boon dismounted Crane¡¯s ino to silence.
With the so-called sloth¡¯s claw gone and Boon¡¯s meager scales, Indel expected it to be a speedy kill.
His chest felt heavy, but he tried to resolve how he¡¯d remember his sons in his final moments. And there was Nala. He needed to think of Nala. Someone had to care for her. Perhaps Sessel would find it in herself to let her stay; to give her the final days befitting of the king¡¯s favored.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Boon remained still, maybe ready for death, even as the large Leveler barreled toward him, each scale jutting out into spikes.
At the first swing, Boon dropped low.
Indel shook his head. ¡°Never go low.¡±
The robe fell away just as Boon brought something up and caught his opponent between the legs. He let out a shrill cry as he dragged the claw-like object forward, ripping the Leveler from groin to belly.
The Leveler screamed out against the stillness of the crowd, shrieking as he toppled over.
Boon put his foot on the Leveler¡¯s head, reached down with the claw and brought it up through the throat.
He crouched down for the rest of the cut, hacking away until he took the head clean off and held it up.
Indel rose to his feet, confusion and panic clouding his mind.
Citel¡¯s lone blue body sagged to the ground.
Two Levelers brought her to Boon. Whatever she said, he barely glanced in her direction before he swung the claw at her stage-two throat.
With the same blank expression he wore when he came and saw Crane¡¯s body, Boon made his way out of the courtyard and up the steps.
Indel was unafraid, he only waited.
¡°I¡¯ve won, Daga. What do you say to that?¡± Boon asked.
Hanging his head, Indel turned his face away.
Boon rushed past, but Indel was unsure of what was happening.
From the halls, Females and males alike cried out in surprise. One wail stood out above the rest and it grew with time.
¡°Nala!¡± Indel gasped. When he turned and saw the Leveler at Nala¡¯s back, sloth claw raised, he froze. It wasn¡¯t a sloth¡¯s claw, it was that of an ino. Boon had taken it from his own.
Indel watched, disbelieving as Boon, the claw lodged in Sessel¡¯s shoulder, dragged the aging Leveler out and threw her down before the flowerbed.
¡°You...¡± Boon seethed. ¡°You! Tell them,¡± he demanded. ¡°Tell them it wasn¡¯t me. Tell them what you did!¡±
Sessel looked between Indel and Boon, fear in her eyes when she said, ¡°Forgive me, Daga. You throw your life away for the unworthy.¡±
Boon¡¯s swing came so quick and sharp that Indel flinched. Nala let out a wail.
Indel¡¯s breathing grew ragged. Sessel¡¯s body simply collapsed.
¡°He was my brother!¡± Boon cried, dropping to the ground and striking again and again. ¡°My brother. The only one to ever truly admire me! My brother!¡± Relenting finally, Boon calmed. He still knelt by Sessel¡¯s mangled body but he spoke to Indel as he said, ¡°He was my dear brother and you thought I¡¯d killed him, Azal.¡± Lumbering to his feet, he used the claw to point at Indel as he said, ¡°You thought I¡¯d killed him. I grieved with you and you put my thoughts and feelings to your back and looked away. You do not get to shame me. I came here ready to bow to him as king.¡± His scales grew as he shrieked. ¡°Leave!¡±
Body trembling, Indel stared at him. It took several attempts of trying to speak before he could even move.
He took one step toward Nala and Boon blocked him.
¡°No. Not with Aza. She does not need you. You leave alone. You stay upon that mount and you die alone.¡±
Indel bit back a cry of his own. ¡°No.¡± It took some time for him to regain control of his own body. When he spoke, his voice was unsteady, but he could speak. ¡°She won¡¯t be happy here. She¡¯ll never be happy here. Please. I am what drives her. She is what drives me. I cannot do without her and she doesn¡¯t wish to remain here in this roost. Bring her to where she¡¯s happiest even if you must kill me.¡±
Boon spoke not a word. The expression on his face said it all; Indel had hurt him with the accusation about Crane. He¡¯d hurt him beyond forgiveness and he would have to leave alone.
Finally, Indel took the shaky motions needed to step forward. He kept his posture hunched and humble until he reached Nala and whispered, ¡°Na¡¯am. Na¡¯am. I must go.¡±
Nala¡¯s gentle rocking was a constant as she stared out at nothing.
¡°I must go, Na¡¯am. I must go.¡± He reached out to hold Nala¡¯s knee but his Summoner flinched and pulled away. ¡°Na¡¯am....¡±
¡°Home,¡± Nala whispered, hunching over. ¡°Bring me home, Mana.... Bring us home again.¡±
Boon¡¯s woeful expression spoke volumes of his own heartache. Falling to one knee, he bowed his head. ¡°This is your home now, Aza. This is your home. I will care for you here.¡±
When he took Nala¡¯s arms and pulled her to stand, although Nala¡¯s body shivered as if she¡¯d fall at any time, she held steady.
¡°This is your home, Aza....¡±
Nala tore her eyes away from whatever she was staring at, and looked Boon in the eye.
They stayed transfixed in that gaze until Boon let out a shaky breath.
Indel was fearful, but Boon¡¯s body relaxed. Finally, he could see it¡ªBoon could see the truth; Nala couldn¡¯t stay.
Gaze low, Boon muttered, ¡°I will help you put Aza on Crane¡¯s ino. I had to kill my own for the claw. And you take Aza back with you. Do you understand?¡±
Relief filling his body, Indel wrapped his arm around Nala¡¯s shoulder and helped give her support as they made the long journey down the steps and into the courtyard.
In the end, Nala had to be wrapped up in robes. She curled in on herself. Boon did have the smarts necessary to secure it well. To Indel it looked more like a corpse than his Summoner but he was thankful all the same.
Boon handed the reins over and walked around to Nala and stroked her back.
¡°Calm, Aza...I will remedy it all. You will see.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 21
Indel traveled without pause, determined to reach the barn before Nala, who¡¯d cried steadily but now slept, awoke. He wanted his Summoner to see something familiar.
When he lowered Nala to the ground to find her restful, still holding on to Crane, Indel made a hard choice and took the head up. He held it out for a moment, staring into that haunted expression.
Crane¡¯s resting place would come before the suns. Indel dug deep to make certain nothing would disturb it. By the time he was finished, the suns arose and shined down on them.
Crouching down to dig that hole had been easy enough, but he had a harder time convincing his legs to allow him to rise again. Indel stared at that mound of fresh dirt. A part of him hated the sight of it, a bigger part was grateful he¡¯d come away from the roost with something at all.
The rest of Crane might provide some comfort to Boon now with everyone gone.
No. Indel was thankful for something of his son this close to him, even if it was just this. As he used both hands and pressed the soil down better, he trembled.
Other than the day he¡¯d feared he¡¯d lost Nala, nothing could quite compare to this emptiness. Indel looked back at Nala¡¯s outline against the ino. He had to see about Nala. He couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Crane, so he¡¯d see about Nala.
He used the ino to carry Nala down to the river where he washed her, not entirely certain if she was awake or asleep, anymore.
Nala rested on the bed of hay but didn¡¯t otherwise move. Two days came and went without water, but a third couldn¡¯t come. Indel risked letting the hay rot by pouring water along Nala¡¯s body to keep her skin from drying out. It helped.
He brought Nala bitter-sweet roots, much like Nala had brought Crane when he was healing.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
¡°Come, Na¡¯am, Crane would have liked to see you happy and well again. Please eat, or I am lost.¡±
Eyes failing to focus, Nala stared past him.
Indel resolved to mash up as much as he could and perhaps force it down Nala¡¯s throat. He showed his back to the Summoner as he worked to beat the root down with a stone, hoping his intentions wouldn¡¯t be discovered.
¡°I¡¯d dropped his chrysalis,¡± Nala confessed. ¡°I dropped it. Did you ever suspect me of that?¡±
Clutching the stone, Indel gasped. He waited for Nala to speak again, anything to make those words fade.
¡°Dropped...dropped it?¡± Indel forced his own mouth closed. He hadn¡¯t suspected it, not even for a moment.
¡°He was such a terror when he was born. He seemed to have no reasoning and only a madness about him. He was a terror and I feared him and I feared he¡¯d attack the gentler one and, of course, he was physically imperfect and not worthy of your love. So I dropped him and he rolled into the water where he sank.¡±
Indel¡¯s body threatened to lose power.
¡°How do you apologize for that?¡± Nala asked, meeting his gaze, finally. ¡°How can I apologize for that now? And I hold a piece of him and try to imagine why I thought I could ever tell him where to end. I never told him my blows against him weren¡¯t his fault. I cowered from your request. And he died never knowing he wasn¡¯t to blame for any of it. And I don¡¯t want to die without telling you how I¡¯ve wronged you as well.¡±
A part of Indel was thankful to hear Nala speak. Another part wished she hadn¡¯t at all. When he looked down at the roots now, he forced himself not to throw them aside.
Indel watched her, equally tormented and regretful. He put the gourd of roots down, crawled forward, and brought their foreheads to touch.
¡°I forgive you and I know Crane forgave you, too. I should have never taken you from this mount, and I hope you can forgive me for that as well. But we are where we are, and Crane¡¯s survived so much just to end here where he began. Sessel is to blame¡ª¡±
¡°Sessel and I are one. She was your father¡¯s bodyguard. And she was cut, just like all the bodyguards to ensure loyalty because when you know there is no next cycle, no beyond, you do all to protect your own throat. You protect your king and that is what she did. So if Sessel is Crane¡¯s killer, then you will have to divide your hate between her and me. Between her ire and my neglect, we both killed him.¡±
Pressing their foreheads still, Indel crawled over her and held her close.
¡°Hush, Summoner, your sons were strong. Your sons were handsome and true, as are you. I could hold no hate to you as Crane couldn¡¯t, either. He had no hate in him. His final words were for Aza. That you cannot deny. So stay here with me. Come back to your senses and come back to me. Come back to where we began, at this very moment, on this very bed.¡±
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 22
Nearly two seasons passed before Nala took to going out of the barn alone again. Most days she stayed close to Indel¡¯s side.
Indel preferred it that way since he¡¯d found Nala collapsed in the heat a time or two. The Summoner called it forgetfulness.
No one should ever be forgetful enough to stand in the suns staring at a small grave.
So when Indel woke up one morning to find Nala gone, he was so panicked he barely dressed by the time he rushed out.
Crane¡¯s Betty was the first thing he saw as the animal sat in the dirt next to Nala¡¯s slender frame. No one could say Nala wasn¡¯t well guarded¡ªCrane¡¯s gentle ino had proven her loyalty a time or two.
As Indel feared, Nala sat before Crane¡¯s grave.
They didn¡¯t usually acknowledge it. Indel had to be the one to clear it of shrubs and weeds from time to time as Nala never had the courage to get close.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
She sat there now, however, but Indel wasn¡¯t sure why.
Fixing his covering, Indel approached, happy and satisfied to know that Nala was alert at least.
¡°Mana, do you think he would have liked this?¡± Nala asked without looking back.
Indel reached close enough to see the gourds of food neatly arranged. That mistake had become more frequent. Two helpings; one for Crane, and one for Boon. Both were never coming back.
Sitting beside her, Indel smiled. ¡°I think he would have enjoyed it immensely.¡±
Nala leaned into him, eventually turning to press her face against Indel¡¯s neck.
¡°I miss them.¡±
Hugging his Summoner with his left hand, Indel pressed their bodies close. In the distance, the suns began their climb.
¡°We can¡¯t go back, Summoner. I know that now. I¡¯d thought perhaps we could, we all could. But I know...we¡¯ll never go back.¡±
They sat together until the light of the suns forced them to find shelter. In midday they tended to the animals under the roof of the shed.
With the two of them, without the help of their sons, it wasn¡¯t easy planting and harvesting, but Indel preferred it to being dormant.
Nala¡¯s extended years in her third stage meant her body wound down faster now, instead. She needed a lot of rest. While Indel, finally accustomed to his stage-three body, took care of most chores.
That suited Indel just fine.
Now and again the sound of distant war drums reached them, but Indel said nothing to acknowledge it. They meant war, and whoever Boon was battling this time, Indel hoped it didn¡¯t spread all the way to this mount.
He had Nala. Nala had him. It was enough.
Book: 3 | CHAPTER 23
Indel watched the Leveler army disappear from view. They marched nearly every month, returning each time with more and more Summoners, but only children.
Five seasons had come and gone since Boon¡¯s rein began, and the Leveler¡¯s numbers failed to grow. Indel supposed the mating spells were coming to them regularly. Even he¡¯d felt them now and then, though they rarely bothered Nala anymore.
Life was sometimes lonely but with just the two of them, it was all right.
He¡¯d watch for the army each time, hoping to catch sight of Boon passing by on his way to the caves. Today was the first time he¡¯d spotted Boon. It had to be Boon. A medium sized Leveler with blue on his brow.
From this distance it was hard to make out, but he looked healthy and strong. Indel felt at ease. He listened for the signal and slid down into the brush.
¡°Come! Hurry!¡± he called in a whisper. The Summoners, males and females alike, running two by two out of the forest, rushed past him. ¡°There is room enough for ten. We cannot take more!¡± Indel raised his hand when the limited number of Summoners raced past. ¡°You must move on to the next safe haven. You cannot tarry here.¡±
¡°Please! Please, if they find us,¡± someone whispered. ¡°Leveler-da, won¡¯t you take even me? Just the one extra?¡±
Indel rested his weary eyes on a familiar face.
¡°Plesket?¡±
The Summoner¡¯s color darkened. ¡°I suppose you have no reason to help me....¡±
At least fifteen more Summoners remained but how could he take one?
Letting out a sigh, Indel waved them to him against his better judgment.
A sea of red bodies broke through the brush, snatching each and every Summoner up.
One Leveler moved slower as he stepped past the catch. He nodded and they took everyone away.
Indel swallowed hard, his only thoughts resting on Nala who was back at the barn.
¡°How are you, Azal?¡± a voice said from behind the all-red faceplate.
The Leveler took it off with a snap and smiled.
¡°Boon.¡± Indel gasped. He stared past him to the marching Levelers, confusion making his eyes wide.
¡°That is a decoy. Come, rest with me for a spell.¡±
As Boon walked by him, Indel stared at the Leveler¡¯s back, considering this his chance to make things right. He could try to convince Boon to stop the attacks, to leave the Summoners in peace.... At the very least, make an attempt to kill Boon, his own son.
They reached the farm in no time and Boon sat upon their stone fence. He appeared at ease.
Indel was slow to sit beside him, well aware that there were no less than ten refugees holed up in his barn.
He decided to try his luck.
¡°Will you come in?¡±
Boon shook his head, ¡°No. That is all right.¡± He took off the helmet, revealing his own which was nearly blue entirely. Turning it around in his hand, he said, ¡°I always took Crane¡¯s things. I suppose this helmet was the last.¡±
Though he made no motion to approach the barn, he stared at it.
¡°How are you, Azal? You look healthy.¡± He met Indel¡¯s gaze finally.
Indel nodded. ¡°I am well.¡±
¡°And Aza?¡±
That was a harder question to answer. In time, he settled for the truth.
¡°We are old now. Sometimes she wakes up and sets out food for all four of us. Sometimes she cannot remember my name, but most days she¡¯s fit and strong.¡± He chuckled and gestured back to the brush. ¡°Drags me out into the woods where we lay now and then.¡±
Boon¡¯s chuckle was hardy. ¡°A lay? Still? At your age?¡±
Indel chuckled as well. ¡°Of course. Last night, even.¡±
The rumble of Boon¡¯s laughter died away in time.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
As they sat there, Indel asked, ¡°And you, Daga? What of you? I do not think you are well.¡±
Boon stared at the field as he nodded.
¡°This is true. I cannot produce, not that I¡¯ve tried. I just fight the shifts. In all this time, I just knew anger. We are in constant battle.¡±
¡°Battles you wage against Summoners, battles against Levelers who protect those Summoners,¡± Indel said. ¡°Battles I cannot understand. You level structures. I cannot believe the stories I¡¯ve heard.¡±
¡°And what have you heard, Azal?¡± Boon asked him. ¡°That we slaughter Summoners with no tails?¡±
Indel¡¯s body stiffened. That thought had occurred to him but he¡¯d held out hope that there was another motivation behind Boon¡¯s need for constant war.
¡°That is not what I am doing. I¡¯m doing something else.¡±
¡°Then what are you doing?¡± Indel asked.
Boon waited before saying. ¡°I have a problem, Azal...our numbers dwindle. The others mate. They mate furiously but our numbers cannot rise.¡±
Indel held his peace, unwilling to give Boon more information to continue his terror.
¡°And I¡¯ve...I¡¯ve met someone. Someone I wish to end these struggles for.¡±
Calming, Indel asked. ¡°You¡¯ve chosen a mate?¡±
¡°Chosen?¡± Boon sat up. ¡°She has chosen me! And I cannot rid myself of her. She¡¯s pigheaded and impulsive. Always jumping in headfirst without looking back. And she cannot resist a fight.¡± His tone softened as he said. ¡°But she¡¯s gentle in her own way. With me at least. And she angers me by always causing trouble and by giving in and allowing me my selfishness.¡±
Indel smiled. ¡°She sounds uneducated. But she has qualities like someone you held dear. That is the attraction, perhaps.¡±
Boon took his time in nodding. ¡°I have noticed. She is very much like Crane. And if you see her, you would think me mad. She is a Summoner.¡±
Indel sat up. ¡°A Summoner? A cantankerous Summoner?¡±
¡°To match the whining Leveler. Yes. But she is also without yield. Summoner clutches reside in Leveler roosts. As was the old ways. I took her to my roost and I know she¡¯s seen the mating spells each season but never bears.¡±
With that, Indel understood Boon¡¯s hesitation. ¡°And you are fixated.¡±
¡°I am. The spells do not reach me. Only when I look at her I consider even the idea. So I thought to make her my preferred but how can I? How can I take a barren Summoner female to my nest as our numbers drop and she will not help our brood? And why mate if nothing comes of it?¡±
Cracking a smile, Indel shook his head. ¡°You speak not of mating, but rather...a lay.¡± Their eyes met as he explained. ¡°It¡¯s when you join physically but not for a yield. It¡¯s not to bear young, it¡¯s for yourselves.¡±
¡°I follow the old laws as well as I can. My Viceroy is one of the last Levelers who speaks my tongue¡ªthe Earther¡¯s tongue. My favored Summoner is the very last Summoner in my roost to speak it as well. It¡¯s why I encountered her. And it¡¯s also why I must make a decision. So tell me, Azal, what should I do? What does tradition say?¡±
In this, Indel felt unafraid to speak freely. ¡°Tradition? You take her as a preferred and you mate with someone strong. Do it as quickly as you can. Make yourself a new king. Follow the old ways and make enough batches, never choose from the first. Once you are done, you bring your woman back into your nest and put the mated one out. That is tradition.¡±
¡°And if we cannot bear...?¡±
¡°You cannot bear even now because you refuse to try,¡± Indel told him. ¡°Is that not so?¡±
Boon sat up, nodding. ¡°That is true. She will not like it.¡±
¡°Good. That means she¡¯ll forgive it.¡± When they fell silent, Indel asked. ¡°Boon, what are you doing?¡±
¡°I should ask you the same,¡± Boon said, turning his gaze to the barn. ¡°You house runners and we always have to wait until you let them try to move on before we snatch them back up.¡±
At Indel¡¯s surprise, Boon chuckled.
¡°Azal. Your area is the only part not touched by us. Of course they run to you. But eventually they must run away. All that I do, I do for Aza,¡± he said, gesturing to the barn. ¡°After you left, I tried to think what could fix it all, what caused it all, and you were right; it was Earther ways. They came, ripped everything apart and left us a bleeding mess. Summoners shifting to the third stage, cutting their tails to appear more like Earthers. They were the first ones I sought out. Then I had Levelers dismantle all Earther structure. They had no place to live so they huddled together. Then I went after all who spoke the Earther tongue.¡±
¡°What?¡± Indel gasped. ¡°But even Levelers speak the Earther tongue.¡±
¡°Not anymore,¡± Boon said, smiling. ¡°Other than me and a few others, I¡¯ve wiped them clean and when I am done, and I no longer need them, I¡¯ll dispose of them, too.¡±
¡°But your woman....¡± Indel paused, leaning away. ¡°Oh Boon.¡±
¡°This is the only way. We will never go back to all that we were, but we¡¯ll be close, as close as anyone can come. Eventually, I will be the last and Aurette, my Summoner queen-to-be and I will meet our ends.¡± He nodded toward the barn. ¡°I think you should get Aza. We will take the refugees and I do not want her badly hurt.¡±
Indel opened and closed his mouth but instead of arguing, he decided to take this one favor. Better to die with Nala at his side then never know.
He hurried to the barn, Boon at his back.
¡°Please hurry, Azal. The ones in the forest mean to take your barn as well.¡±
Indel reached the door just as one stage-one Leveler rammed the structure. The roof vibrated.
Hushed screams came from within.
¡°Na¡¯am!¡± Indel called. ¡°Na¡¯am. Open the door!¡±
Summoner after Summoner spilled out, scrambling for cover. Each one shrieked when a Leveler jumped on their backs then jumped away, dragging them along.
Indel looked over his shoulder to see Boon put on Crane¡¯s helmet as he rose from the wall.
One hand grabbed Indel¡¯s and he turned to see Nala¡¯s all but white eyes.
¡°Mana?¡±
¡°I am here. I am here, Na¡¯am. Come. Come with me. Come.¡± Bringing Nala behind him, Indel waited for Boon¡¯s approach. ¡°Kill me second. Do not leave her to flounder alone.¡±
¡°Best to move,¡± Boon said as he walked past.
Indel stumbled back but found his footing and led Nala away just as Boon kicked at the door, sending it flying.
A flood of Levelers poured into the clearing, all blue from the Summoners faded, leaving the two of them there.
¡°Mana? What is happening? What is happening?¡±
¡°Nothing,¡± Indel answered. ¡°Nothing, my Summoner. That noise is only a flood,¡± he lied.
¡°I do not feel the rain,¡± Nala said.
¡°I know.¡± Turning to face her, Indel held her close. ¡°Come with me, Summoner. Come with me.¡±
¡°Come with you where?¡±
¡°Shift. We must shift. We must change.¡±
¡°I cannot.¡± Nala struggled to pull away.
¡°You can. You can. Come with me.¡± Indel¡¯s body warmed and his skin filled yet again. ¡°We should end as we began. This will make you whole.¡±
Epilogue
Indel awoke with a kick. ¡°I think this one¡¯s dead. Stand up. Stand up.¡±
¡°I don¡¯t think he understands. Does this one have the madness, too? That strange babbling they say they do?¡±
¡°Yeah, maybe. Tell the viceroy we have another strange one. Let him relay it to our never-present-king.¡±
Disoriented but alive, Indel sat up, searching his vision for clarity.
¡°You there! What is it you¡¯ve got?¡±
¡°Ah the favored,¡± one Leveler grumbled to the next but they straightened up when a Summoner female approached.
¡°What is it you have?¡± she asked again.
¡°Just this strange old Leveler. His scars are many. His left arm scales won¡¯t even grow in. I¡¯m telling you, this sickness is a scary thing. Seems a shame to just kill him, though. He¡¯s seen more than enough battles. We were going to ask Viceroy.¡±
¡°The Viceroy has taken ill during the night. He¡¯s passed. I will relay for the king and he says to throw this one in the garden.¡±
¡°Na¡¯am!?¡± Indel called, searching the crowd for any signs of Nala¡¯s body. ¡°Na¡¯am.¡±
One Leveler chuckled. ¡°Look at him. A big male like him calling for Na¡¯am.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
As the Summoner female gazed at him, Indel gazed back. She wore an unsure smile. Her voice a hush, she whispered, ¡°I am Aurette.... Boon¡¯s told me so much about you. It¡¯s an honor. Do not be afraid.¡±
The stage-one Levelers traded a glance before the bigger one asked, ¡°Do you speak the gibberish? Ma¡¯a? Are you ill?¡±
¡°Throw him with the other one,¡± she said, ignoring his question.
The Levelers traded a glance yet again. ¡°Are you sure?¡±
¡°Yes. Throw him there and leave him there.¡±
¡°But that one¡¯s crazy. She¡¯s beyond crazy.¡±
¡°Do it! You do not disobey your future queen.¡± At their look of surprise, she nodded. ¡°The king¡¯s temporary mate is fit to lay. After two more batches, I will take my proper place. Disrespect me at your own ruin,¡± she warned.
Indel managed to get to his feet just as he was taken under both arms.
The world passed by in a flash but he recognized his own roost, though none of the faces were familiar. When he was tossed down, he slid to a stop in a mound of dirt. The impact barely reverberated. Body heavy, Indel look down at himself to find his armor, he was Idsel again.
After pushing himself up, he tried to figure out where he¡¯d landed. It was the garden. Save for a stage-one Summoner, there was no one else.
He dragged himself up and growled. ¡°Na¡¯am!¡±
He must have been a fright because the Summoner flinched. ¡°Mana?¡±
Eyes wide, Idsel broke his faceplate. He sucked in a deep breath as he rushed the faded blue scales.
¡°Na¡¯am! Na¡¯am?¡±
The Summoner¡¯s shaky hands reached up for her own faceplate and Idsel smiled wide.
¡°Nala, you cursed Summoner. Look at you.¡± He flopped down beside Nala, taking her into a hug with is bare left arm, Nala¡¯s blue scales and all.
¡°I have my tail,¡± Nala whispered. ¡°Would rather my sight, though.¡±
They both chuckled until Indel brought their foreheads to meet. In this stage, speaking the Earther tongue was a challenge, but no matter, Idsel decided to pretend he no longer knew how.
END
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Further Reading: The Aftermath
Did you love The LEVELER King? Then you should read The Aftermath by Lyna Forge!
All humans are dead and magical creatures run amok. This arrangement suits everybody just fine. Everyone except the only ones who need the humans to live¡ªvampires.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Now it''s the werewolf''s reign, and they''ve got a few scores to settle.
Meet Sophia Dresden, the current vampire leader left holding the bag. She''s on a mission to keep this ragtag race of the undead from extinction. But with her childhood pet werewolf now her boss and all remaining vampires sequestered in trailer parks, that''s easier said than done. Her trusty harpy, and only confidant, is determined to help her. But time''s running out and if they don''t find a new feeding ground fast, the consequences are dire.
Also By Lyna Forge
Also by Lyna Forge
The Hunchback''s Reluctant Bride
The Fairy King and his Cursed Queen
The Hunchback''s Reluctant BrideThe story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
We Can Go Back
We Can Go Back
Standalone
Sentinel 555: AIR
Sated
The Aftermath