Stormking, Part 2

Our epic so far: Just to bring you up to date, my name is Wulf, better known as "Stop, Thief!" In a low moment, when I really should have known better, I was hired by a snotty elf nobleman to pick up an important shipment in the city of Ta'vallen. Unfortunately for me, the aforementioned elf noble ended up having a slight disagreement with a sharp piece of steel and ended up dead on my doorstep, warning me to watch out for "the hunters." After dodging a couple of suits of animated armor sent against me by some sexy, if malevolent, elf woman, I found my way to the house of my friend, Livia and, after watching her get reamed by a mindless muscle-head and his oversexed girlfriend, I persuaded her to help me dispose of the body. Slipping discreetly out of Stoneburg, I met the Kaitian tiger-woman Shu Li, who helped us repel a pirate attack, then banged my brains out on an isolated jungle island. Upon arrival in Ta'vallen, I found that the "shipment" was actually a cold-hearted elf-bitch by the name of Theanna, and I was to take her to some isolated elf-fort off on the backside of nowhere. I accepted the job with reluctance, booking passage on the Princess Xura, a Xeshite liner bound back to Stoneburg. The job got easier when I rescued Li from the local authorities, who wanted her in connection with a missing item. As the missing item in question was a slaver's head, they were not in any mood to fool around, and I took her along with us on the Xura. Unfortunately, dear little Theanna fell under the spell of a Xeshite nobleman and decided to ignore all my well-meaning advice. I was left dancing in the ballroom with my lovely Li, trying to keep an eye on Theanna, and wondering how this little mess I'd landed in would ever turn out. At this point, as they say in the cheap White Empire thrillers known as copper dreadfuls, our story opens.

Her smiles and warm behavior were reserved for the dashing Lord Xulla, the sanctimonious prick, whom we often encountered during our pointless circuits of the deck. The hypocritical bastard was usually in the company of a white-clad Orlanist monk -- in all likelihood, I told myself, the arrogant bastard's catamite disguised as his spiritual advisor. He was always the soul of politeness and chivalry at these meetings, bowing low, and addressing Theanna as "My Lady," occasionally going so far as to chastely kiss her hand. They sometimes discussed the weather, and other times the subtleties of the Orlanist faith. I knew what was going on in the Xeshite pervert's mind, however, and despite the fact that it involved Theanna being on her knees, it didn't involve religion.

Shu Li was always with us, though she could rarely be seen, slinking through shadows or moving silently nearby. Since leaving Murvane, she'd treated me with enormous respect, though I couldn't figure out why. I sensed a deepening of the lust she seemed to feel for me, and I returned it wholeheartedly, though we weren't immediately able to slake the burning thirst we felt for each other, owing to my duty to Theanna.

By the third day out of port, we'd settled into a routine. I had pretty much relaxed regarding Theanna's safety. If she wanted to stare at me as if I were a particularly revolting insect, and moon over some Xeshite deviant, I was content to let her, and think of the money awaiting me at the end of the journey.

I braced my feet against the roll of the deck and gazed with mixed feelings at Theanna, who strolled beside Lord Xulla, fifty paces distant, followed closely behind by his white-clad boytoy. Li leaned casually against the railing, tail twitching, much as she had the day I'd first her. She returned my gaze, yawned and stretched delicately, regarding me with a mixture of amusement and affection.

"Nice to see you're working so hard," I commented. "Makes me glad I brought you along."

"What work is there, my Wulf?" she asked, running a hand through her thick mane of hair. "Your little elf-woman ignores you or treats you like a slave, and spends all her time making love-talk with the Xeshite. All you need do is sit aside and watch."

I turned and leaned against the railing beside her. The sea was a turbulent grey and there were clouds on the horizon. "Actually, dear, I'm getting damned weary of just sitting and watching. My job was to get her to that damned fortress safely, not safeguard her virtue. I'm inclined to go play cards and let Xulla shag her brains out."

Li frowned. "Lord Xulla wants to couple with the elf-woman?  I thought his faith forbade such things."

"Yeah, right," I replied. "The day any Xeshite converts to Kyborism, let alone Orlanism, is the day I castrate myself and become an Idrianic Cenobite."

"I didn't understand a word you just said, Wulf, but I think you don't believe Xulla to be entirely trustworthy."

"You think right, my love," I said. "Unfortunately, there's not much either of us can do about it. Maybe you understand me better than you think."

She grinned and purred. "In any event, I'd not have you castrate yourself and become a holy man. At least not before I've finished with you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Is that an invitation, lady?"

"More of a demand, beloved. You know better than to turn down a Kaitian's demand."

She was right. Refusing a Kaitian usually gets you beaten up and covered with scratches. Then again, making love to a Kaitian usually leaves you in the same condition, albeit happier.

"I've wanted you since we came aboard," she continued. "Since your timely intervention back in Ta'Vallen..."

"I see. So saving a woman's life assures her desire for you. I'll have to remember that."

"Not just saving my life, Wulf. I'd have handled those fools with or without your help."

I nodded as sagely as I could manage. Gods, but I love self- confident women.

"What the hell was going on, anyway?" I asked. It had been on my mind since our departure, but so far I'd been too pissed at Theanna to deal with it directly. "You said you killed a slaver?"

Li didn't reply immediately, but only gazed out as if she hadn't heard me, across the waves, toward the oncoming stormfront. I didn't fool myself -- the woman could hear a gnat land on a cushion from three leagues away. I bit back any further commentary and let her think about it.

"My sister," she said at last. "She was taken by slavers four years ago. I've been searching for her ever since."

"The slaver in Ta'Vallen?"

"He was one of the raiders who took her. Before he died, he told me that they'd sold her to a Necrotian slaver named Dulak."

"Can't say I've ever heard of him, but there are a lot of Necrotian slavers. What's your next stop?"

She laughed. More like a stuttering growl, but fortunately I knew what it meant. "Stoneburg, evidently. It's the crossroads of the Inner and Outer Seas, after all -- I'm sure to find someone who's heard of Dulak the Slaver."

I sighed. "I was hoping you'd come with me to Nagatha."

She looked genuinely unhappy at that. "Wolf..." She paused and looked out over the grey waves again. They had just begun to dimple with the first traces of rain. "I find myself..." She paused again. "I'm not sure of the proper word. Confused, I suppose. I feel strangely close to you. I'd never thought to feel like this toward... toward someone who wasn't... wasn't..."

"A big orange cat?" I asked.

"I'd not have put it that way, Wolf, but yes. I feel something for you, and I'd as soon stay with you. But my duty is to my sister."

I stepped back from the railing as the rain grew heavier. I rubbed my chin thoughtfully.

"Well, in that case, I'll give you the same offer that I make every other woman who's made love to me, then disappeared. Next time you're in Stoneburg, look me up. I can't guarantee I'll be available, but we can at least go out for dinner."

She stepped back, grinning. "Enough of this, Wolf. I prefer leaving parting words for when I'm actually parting from someone. I've made some demands of you, my wolf. Care to submit to them?"

I looked down at Theanna and Xulla. He walked chastely beside her, a gentle hand on her arm. Xeshite bastard, I thought to myself. Don't think I don't know what you're up to.

"My dear," I said, apologetically, "pleasure delayed is pleasure increased, so perhaps I should at least make an effort at keeping ear-girl's virtue intact, and we go at it tonight after she's asleep?"

"Hm. Won't the Wolf's howls wake her up?"

"If I do, I'll probably just ask her if she wants to join in. What do you say?"

Li's only reply was to lean close and run her rough tongue along my cheek. Then, with a brief, sensuous growl, she slunk into the shadows and was gone.

Damn, I thought, I'd never be able to make love to this woman more than once a month or so -- it would take that long for my skin to grow back.

Theanna, Xulla, and their white shadow strolled the deck for a few more minutes, until the rain grew heavier and wind began to lash at us, then the Xeshite bowed gracefully, kissed Theanna's hand, and bade farewell. I watched patiently as she walked back toward me, occasionally glimpsing back toward where Xulla had been.

"I'll be dining with Lord Xulla this evening," she said in her usual cold tone. "Your services will not be required. I'm sure you'll find something to occupy yourself."

I ignored the jab. "My lady," I said, forcing myself to remain calm, "I don't think that is such a good idea."

"Oh, really?" she asked. "How is it your place to decide what is or isn't a good idea?"

A gust of wind sent a slap of rain across my face, but I didn't look away. "My job is to keep you safe until we reach Nagatha, lady. Though your sponsors didn't trust me enough to tell me the whole story, I know that someone wants you dead. Someone powerful enough to summon dreadguard and make some extremely old elves very scared. It seems to me that leaving you alone with a Xeshite nobleman whom we met only three days ago isn't exactly the best way to insure your safety."

"Brother Maynard will be there," Theanna said. "And I will be back by a reasonable hour. Lord Xulla is an honorable man, and his intentions are honorable, as well."

I tried to keep myself from rolling my eyes, and failed miserably. "I think, lady, that I know Xeshites somewhat better than you. I don't think his intentions are as honorable as you think."

Theanna's gaze grew even harsher. "If they are not, Freelance, then I think that I should be the one to deal with them, not you. You are an employee, Freelance, and you will do what your employer tells you. I have told you that I will return after dinner. You'll do nothing to change my plans, or --"

A flash of lightning suddenly illuminated the side of the ship, followed an instant later by a harsh crack of thunder.

Theanna cried out in alarm, and threw herself into my arms.

Astonished, startled, and completely baffled, I was nonetheless able to keep my arms around her and direct her out of the weather. As I did, she stared back fearfully at the tossing waves, trembling.

"What...?" I managed to get out as I steered her toward a salon. "What's wrong?"

Theanna whispered a word so quietly that I couldn't hear her.

"What did you say?" I demanded.

"The Stormking," she said, holding me more tightly. "The Stormking is coming."

*    *    *    *

Theanna returned to her usual demeanor within minutes, and refused to elaborate on exactly who or what "The Stormking" was. At length, we returned to our rooms, where she prepared for dinner.

I was still upset at her treatment of me, but I'd grown used to it. Besides, her absence might give Li and me some much-needed privacy. Assuming, of course, the little cat-girl ever showed up again -- I'd not seen her since she'd left me on the deck.

At length, after leaving me twiddling my thumbs in my room, Theanna swept in as imperious as the White Empress at Godsday services. She was dressed in a long gown crafted of an irridescent blue material that shifted and shimmered as she moved. She wore a small diamond tiara and long blue gloves, as well, and her face seemed to sparkle like diamonds. Damnable elven magic, I thought. At least it did away with the need for an army of attendants.

"You look beautiful," I said, grudgingly, knowing that she'd ignore me, or treat me to another cold-hearted comment.

To my surprise, she smiled. "Thank you," she said.

Hm. The iceberg begins to melt, perhaps? Nah, not a chance, I told myself. You're Wulf, remember? Everyone hates you.

Nonetheless, I smiled back. "Can I at least escort you to Xulla's cabin?" I asked. It would give me the opportunity to see where the pasty-faced sicko was staying, in case I ever needed to break the door down.

"Of course," she said. "Follow me."

I followed, my usual respectful distance behind her, as she led me down several twisting, magically-lit corridors, past motionless guards of a half-dozen species, wide viewing galleries -- the storm still raged outside, but scarcely bothered us, and the sun was just slipping beneath the waves -- and lavishly-dressed Xeshites who regarded us with ill-concealed disdain.

I did my best to memorize the way until we arrived at Xulla's stern berth, and I knocked quietly at the door.

The gilded white portal opened slowly, revealing the slightly pudgy form of Brother Maynard. He scanned me up and down and then beamed beatifically.

"You are the Lady's escort?" he asked. "I'm Brother Maynard, humble acolyte in service to Kybor and Saint Orlan."

I nodded. "Wulf," I said. "Humble hired goon in service to Lady Theanna."

"Will you be joining us for dinner?" he asked.

I glanced over at Theanna. "No," I said, and she visibly relaxed. "Please convey my best wishes to Lord Xulla and ask that he escort the lady back to her suite after dinner, however."

"I shall do that, good sir," grinned Maynard. He turned to Theanna. "Welcome, Lady! We've taken the liberty of ordering dinner. It should arrive within the hour. Come in, please."

Theanna entered, smiling, mouthing platitudes. Just before the door closed, she turned and flashed a smile at me. I'd swear her eyes were less icy now.

"Thank you," she said. "I'll see you in a few hours."

As I made my way back to my cabin, I marveled at the change, little as it was, in Theanna's attitude. From treating me like unwanted facial hair to at least a minor semblance of politeness in only three days? Gods, I should have been grateful.

But I wasn't. What had caused the change? Did she now realize that I truly had her best interests at heart? Unlikely. The lightning? She had seemed terrified for a few moments. Suppose her enemies had found her and the noble Lord Xulla wasn't around to take them on? I was her only possible defender, and perhaps it had occurred to her that insulting me wasn't a sure way to win my loyalty. Yes, that was probably it. She had been afraid of...

The Stormking. The name echoed in my mind. Who the hell was the Stormking?

I've dealt with villains of about every stripe and level of malevolence. I'm firmly convinced, in fact, that some demented god had decreed that the minute I'm free of one, another steps in to take his place. In all my varied adventures, I'd neither met nor heard of anyone or anything called the Stormking.

Of course, these were elvish affairs. Theanna was an elvish noble of high rank, that much was clear. Other powerfule elvish nobles wanted her alive, and were scared shitless of those who wanted her dead. Those who wanted her dead were called Hunters, and could summon up the shades of dead elves, slap them inside suits of armor, and tell them to turn me into dumplings. Now, according to Theanna's little slip of the tongue, these folks were associated with the mysterious Stormking.

The elves want everyone to think they live in paradise, free from conflict, want, ugliness or violence. More elvish propaganda -- the pointy-eared hypocrites are just as bad as we are. Just as violent, just as vengeful, just as ugly. Moreso perhaps, since they have all eternity to carry grudges around.

I realized with a sinking feeling that I'd landed smack in the middle of an elvish internecine spat. Theanna was important to someone. Far more important than the life of a human hired sword. If I happened to snuff it in the coming conflict, no elf would shed a tear. What, after all, was one short-lived unattractive human, more or less? My contribution to the defense of elven lands, and my friendship with the Silver Lady was probably not worth a mug of goblin piss in a Swamp Lord's tavern.

It was with these delightful thoughts in mind that I returned to my cabin, trying to think of Li and how to find her.

I needn't have bothered. The scent of burning tapers and musky perfume greeted me as I entered. I pulled the door shut and gazed upon the scene. The interior was dim, lit by dozens of candles, and immediately wrapped me in a warm, comfortable embrace.

"My wolf has returned," purred a pleasantly familiar voice. "The elf female has gone to let the pale Xeshite pay court, and I can have my way with my wolf at last."

Li sat at the table, clad in a white silk halter and breech. A jeweled necklace flashed at her neck, and a single silver-set ruby dangled on her forehead. As I moved toward her, she poured wine from a tall, fluted container into twin glasses.

"How did you know?" I asked.

Warm yellow eyes reflected fire. "I move unseen, darling wolf. I heard the elf female speaking to you."

"You spy on me?" I asked, leaning down to kiss her. She turned her head up to meet my lips, and I felt the bristly touch of her whiskers. "Don't you trust me?"

"You still fail to see the world through our eyes, wolf," Li said as I sat down. The table was piled high with numerous delicacies, from spiced leaf-rolls to plump bristle-birds roasted to a rich golden-brown. "I follow you for your safety, not due to my lack of faith in you."

I looked at her in surprise. "You're concerned for my safety?"

"It is our way. You are responsible for your mate's health and well-being, after all."

"Am I your mate, Li?" I asked. "It seems like a pretty unorthodox arrangement."

 "For the moment, most certainly. After what you have told me of your life, unorthodox arrangements should not concern you."

I took a sip. Xeshite ruby wine. Expensive. I looked back at her, still curious. "How did you pay for all of this, darling? You didn't dip into my reserves, did you?"

She let out another one of her howling laughs. "Not yet, Wolf. The slaver in Ta'vallen was quite well off. His largesse has clothed me, provided me with fine jewels, and is feeding us tonight."

I raised my glass. "Here's to his memory, then. And to his final act of generosity."

She smiled back. "Shall we eat?"

I can't say that I remember much about the meal. It was good, of course, considering the fact that it had absorbed most of Li's ill-gotten gains, but I'm afraid that anticipation of dessert pretty much ruined my concentration. Li ate delicately -- I kept reminding myself that for all her wild appearance she was from a highly civilized culture. She did seem to take great interest in the fish, however.

I was just sipping at a final glass of ruby when Li dabbed her face fastidiously with a napkin, then rose and walked toward the bed, tail twitching, hips swaying. She reached up behind her, and her halter fell to the floor, revealing the smooth pelt of her long back.

I put my wine down.

"Are you hinting at something?" I asked.

She turned and sat down on the edge of the bed. In the shadowy candlelight, she was a study of light and dark, from black stripes to white-furred belly and chest. Her breasts rose and fell with excited breathing, and her nipples swelled slightly. I felt a familiar insistent stiffness between my legs as I looked her up and down.

"I hint at nothing, Wolf," she said, the faintest trace of a purr underlying her words. "I've been patient long enough. I want you now."

I stood up, loosening my shirt and discarding it. "What do you want, love?"

"Mmmm." I saw a delicate shiver run through Li's body. She placed her hands on her thighs and pushed them farther apart. The white fabric of her breech cloth still hung between them. "You want me to tell you, don't you?" She began to raise the cloth, slowly and deliberately, revealing her tawny calves. "You want me to describe in detail exactly what I want?"

"That," I said, "would be very useful to me."

She continued to slip the cloth higher, now showing off the edge of her white thigh-fur.

"I want you to watch me," she said. "Just stand there. Do nothing. Just watch me."

I swallowed. She was playing for keeps again. If I wanted to keep my skin intact, it would probably be best to do as she said.

Gods, but I love strong women...

She continued, her words now more distorted by the rich rumble of her purr.

"Mmmm, watch me, man." Now, at last, her curtain of white silk slid past her thighs, revealing the moist, pink flesh between them. She unhooked her belt and cast the cloth aside.

"You like this?" she asked, stroking one hand up her thigh and lightly touching her the outer lips of her vagina. "You like your Li naked and ready for you?"

  I frowned. "Is this a trick question?"

A growl issued from her throat. "Answer, man, or it won't go well for you." Her fingers stroked at her cunt-lips and slowly parted them. She was soaking, and her inner lips gleaming with moisture. "You like your Li naked and open for your pleasure?"

"Yes I do," I told her. "Truly I do."

"Good." With her other hand, she began to tickle the swelling bud of her clitoris "Mmmm. Then watch, and think of how sweet I must taste."

"I'm doing that already."

"Well..." Li bit off her words as a shiver went through her. "Well, don't stop thinking." Her clit grew in response to her attention, swelling to the prominent nub that I had so enjoyed sucking at on the island. "Mmmm... But I must... pleasure myself... first... so I will be ready... mmmm... For you."

Okay, I thought, feeling my cock swell to seemingly epic size and stiffness. If that's how you want it...

"I'm thinking of you," she whispered, hotly, stroking her bud, breaking off periodically to enter herself with one or two fingers. "I'm thinking of how your mouth will feel against me, how you like to bite me and suck at me, how wet you make me..."

She'd not said that I had to keep my breeches on, so I stepped quickly out of them, revealing my now-painful erection.

"I see that I've made you hard, O Wolf," she whispered, a growl growing in her throat, basso counterpart to the softness of her voice. "Now... oh, yes... Now I'm thinking of what you will feel like inside me, moving in and out, in and out... oh, you make me..." Her words vanished into a feral squeal -- more of those mating cat- sounds. A wracking shudder passed through her, making her belly muscles ripple and her breasts heave, nipples hard and tight-looking.

"In... and... out..." Her fingers moved faster and faster, gleaming with succulent cunt-juices. "Again... Again... Ahhhh.... Yrrrrrllllllllll..." Again, her voice rose to almost deafening pitch. This being a Xeshite ship, I suspected that the neighbors would think it gauche to notice or complain. For all they knew, I had her tied to the bed and was standing over her with a whip. Simply fucking the woman you love is considered a serious perversion by the Xeshites.

At length, the convulsions ceased, and a semblance of calm returned. Li collapsed backward onto the bed and lay there, knees over the edge, tail still twitching spasmodically.

"See what you do to me, Wolf?" she asked, her voice dreamy and sated. "You don't even have to touch me."

I chuckled, stepping closer to her. "Where's the fun in that, beloved?" I asked, kneeling down. My cock was still tight as a boiled sausage, but I ignored it for the moment, concentrating instead on stroking the soft-furred flesh of her thighs with the tips of my fingers.

"Mrrrlll... Torture me, darling," Li sighed. "I lie here helpless after showing you my passion. Do with my body what you will -- I haven't the strength to stop you."

"Mm," I said, stroking her mons, feeling its swollen, moist flesh. "Perhaps you'd like me to do a few of those things you were talking about."

Li raised her head and looked down at me between the white-furred mounds of her breasts. Her voice was breathless.

"You would take advantage of a helpless woman?"

I smiled. "Sure. You're one of the least helpless women I've ever met. I'd take advantage of you any time."

Her head fell back. "Take me, then. Use your mouth, darling Wolf."

I slid my tongue gently between her moist outer lips. She purred and moaned softly at that. She began to emit a continuous howl when I separated the pink flesh and began to kiss and lick at the hot, wetness of her inner cunt, and it rose an octave when I reached her clit.

We remained like this for long minutes, my face buried between Li's thighs, rubbing her lips, sucking and gently biting her clit, then breaking off to tongue-fuck the depths of her wet cunt. When she grabbed the back of my head and pushed me against her mons, I knew I'd struck gold. Despite her incessant pressure, I managed to get my lips around her erect clitoris and suck, sliding it in and out of my mouth, paying it loving attention with tongue and teeth.

"Wolf," she gasped, between feline yowls and snarls. "My Wolf. My precious Wolf... Oh, yes... There... Rrrrr... Rrowllllll... Suck me, precious... Please suck me... Rrrrr... Oh... Wolf, darling Wolf, lover Wolf, Wolf Wolf Wolf Wolf..." She went on like this, with rising intensity, for nearly a minute, body tensing, arms tight against her side, thighs clenched, back arched, before finally breaking loose with an extended screech and then once more collapsing in a sated, panting heap.

"Oh, yes," she gasped. "So much better when you do touch me, Wolf. So much better... You call up such passions, my love..."

"Join the club," I said, clambering up onto the bed and kneeling atop her. My erection was still there, still painfully prominent, and I wasn't about to waste it. I ran a tongue around one nipple and felt her tense again. "You call up my passion, as well, love."

"Do I love you?" she asked, pupils shrinking to thin black slits, then as suddenly widening to nearly perfect circles. "I never thought I could love one not of my kind." She paused, breathing deeply, purring as I continued to lick and bite at her nipple, all the while sliding a hand up her thigh to touch her still-sopping cunt lips.

"Yes, I believe I do, dearest Wolf. I've done the unthinkable. The impossible. I've fallen in love with a hairless ape. Such a fool I am."

I looked up at her, seriously. "Everyone in love is a fool, Li. I love you, too. My problem is that I can't quite manage to love only one woman at a time."

She raised her eyebrows in a surprisingly human expression, even as I slid a finger inside her and began to move in and out slowly. Damn. She was burning inside.

"Is there another?" she asked. "Another female? Must we do battle for your heart, Wolf? You must know by now that I defend my honor to the death."

"No need," I said. "Most of the women I love are thousands of leagues away. The closest one thinks I'm a dear friend, but won't sleep with me on a bet. You'd probably like her, though."

She considered this. "Perhaps. One needs the company of one's own kind on occasion." She smiled. "And if you give me your lovely, hard organ now, I might relent and allow you to have other lovers, so long as they are not too possessive."

Now, that's the kind of talk I like from a woman. Dutifully, I pushed her thighs apart, and stroked my bulging cockhead against her cunt lips.

"There we are, precious," she whispered. "That's what I've wanted inside me since leaving our island."

"Really?" I asked. "I wasn't sure."

"Well, since you fought for me in Ta'vallen, at least. Put it in me, Wolf. Now. Show me how much you love me."

So I demonstrated the depths of my devotion. And I truly felt devoted to her at that moment. I'm sure Livia would have approved, since it probably meant I wouldn't be pursuing her quite so ardently.

And I am devoted, dammit. I fall in love easily, and often. Both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, since love seems to heighten passion so much, and makes the act of sex into something far more sublime, more spiritual, more significant. Curse, since my heart was now fully subdivided among a dozen or so women. Some claimed larger parts of it -- Livia and Ushandra, namely -- but I cared for them all. But now Li had all my heart and soul -- Livia and Ushandra's portions, Xylara and Alrynna's dark little corner, Sarra the druidess', Rhiann of the Lastlands', the lion-women's, the elven guardians', and even that tiny twisted portion that felt affection for the wicked Lady Thae'Lynn, Captain Hudara, Kyth the Mercenary, Chjarii of the Swamp Lords, and all the other evil women I've been to bed with. Right now, Li was all these women, and, in her own way, far more.

I felt her cunt part for me as I slipped inside her, and her body tensed, rising to meet my thrusts as I moved out, then in again.

"That... Yowrrrr... That's what I love... Rrrryyylllll... Oh... Prrrrr... Wulf... Take me. Fill me up... Yessssssssss..."

Most of the women I've known and loved make me feel like a rank amateur. I've always been the passive one, sitting there and letting life throw beartraps and goblin spike-pits in my path. Li was different. We moved together, equal. For each of my thrusts, there was a shiver and an answering contraction. When I kissed her, our tongues mingled, and I didn't even mind the spines. Oh, this was a woman, no matter what kind of pelt she wore, and damn me to the twenty seven Idrianic Hells, I loved her...

Love is the greatest aphrodesiac, along with a long tongue and large breasts, of course. The staggering realization that I'd lost my heart yet again rushed me into the throes of impending orgasm. Fortunately for me, Li had plateaued several minutes previously, and just about anything would have sent her over the edge.

"Wolf.... OH! YOWWRRRRRLLLLLL! WOLF, I'M... I'M..." Her accented Imperial vanished into drawn-out savage Kaitian syllables as she babbled to me in a combination of horny cat-howls and her own language. Then she tensed once more, leaving me suspended on the brink, my prick buried to the hilt inside her.

"WOLLLLLLLFFFF! YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!" I was afraid she'd hurt herself as contraction after contraction raced through her.

Then something interesting happened -- I'd heard of it, but had never really experienced it. I felt a small, sharp stab of orgasm, but even as the final waves shot through me, a second, even more powerful wave of pleasure raced outward from my cock, and I came again, massively this time, gushing my seed into Li's wet, pulsing recesses. I think I passed out for a second then, for a moment later I found myself lying on my back, Li's pleasant, warm- furred form on top of me.

"Only once, lover?" she asked. "I'd say you arrived at least twice."

" Came'," I said. "Arrive sounds so bloody formal. Yes, dear. I came twice. I didn't think that was possible."

"I can make anything possible for those I love, Wolf. See how it is done?"

"Yes," I said, feeling weariness and a warm sense of accomplishment roll over me. "I certainly do."

"And, yes, Wolf, you may love as you see fit. Just remember me."

"I will do that, love."

"And, of course, I can love as I choose as well, can't I?"

"Sure," I replied, in love but also desperately sleepy. "Maybe you'll let me help once in a while."

"You can count on it, beloved." She purred warmly, snuggling against my chest. "Count on it."  Theanna

"And so," concluded Brother Maynard, placing his water glass delicately on the table linen, "the blood of Saint Orlan washes us to this day. His noble sacrifice guides us and inspires us, and stands as an eternal expample of the power of faith and the strength of our Lord Kybor."

"Well spoken, Brother," said Xulla. He gazed at Theanna across a small city of crystal decanters, gleaming ceramic plates and elaborate tableware. "So, noble elven lady, has the Brother's dissertation revealed much of our ancient and honorable faith?"

"It has," Theanna replied. Despite her romantic anticipation of the evening, it had thus far proved a dull bore. So far, all they had done was urge her to convert to Kyborism, and its bizarre sub- sect, the cult of Saint Orlan. "I'd never imagined that your faith could be so..." She paused, searching for a polite phrase. "... elaborate."

Xulla smiled. He was as handsome as ever, dark and mysterious, clad in his house colors of black and silver, his beard neatly trimmed and delicately pointed. His eyes were dark, rich blue, and the passion which lurked in them was a striking contrast to the dour religious views he espoused.

Maynard was a short, slightly pudgy little man, his hair shaved into a tonsure. Given that he ate only vegetables and drank only water, Theanna wondered how he managed to maintain his portly frame, but she supposed that it was another of the much- vaunted "miracles" of Saint Orlan.

Listening to the two of them drone on about the wonders of their faith, Theanna found herself wishing to return to her suite and simply sleep.

"Perhaps," Xulla said, reaching for an ornate green decanter, "you would care to join us in a toast to the honor of our great, departed saint?"

"Of course," Theanna replied, trying to keep the weariness out of her voice. Perhaps after this toast, they would let her leave.

Xulla poured the sparkling green liquid into Theanna's, glass, then his own, and finally, into Brother Maynard's.

"You are drinking wine, Brother?" Theanna asked. "I'm surprised."

"Oh, child," chuckled the priest, "even I can sometimes indulge myself, particularly when honoring my patron saint."

"As our guest," Xulla said, "you must do us the honor of drinking first."

Theanna smiled politely and tasted the wine. It was excellent, and after the first few droplets trickled down her throat, she took a second, larger swallow, followed by a third.

"It is a fine vintage," she said. "Where is it from."

"Oh," said Xulla, flashing a small smile, "it is a local Xeshite variety. Very rare."

"Aren't you drinking?" Theanna asked, then suddenly realized that she could barely hear her own voice.

"Oh, no," said Brother Maynard. He too was smiling, and as she tried to focus on him, the entire room seemed to tilt and pitch, even more than the ship's normal motion.

"What have you..." she began, but faltered. Her tongue felt thick, and moved sluggishly.

"That was quick, Brother," Xulla said. "I've never seen it work so fast before."

"New formula," Maynard remarked. "Intended for use on elves and similar races."

Theanna tried to stand, but her legs would not cooperate, collapsing beneath her. She hit the floor, but barely felt it.

"Interesting," she heard Xulla say as darkness swallowed her up. "We'll have to discuss the process later."

"Oh, indeed." Maynard laughed. "But perhaps we should enjoy pleasure before business..."  Wulf

We lay together for some time after that, breathing in unison, neither speaking nor thinking too much. Wild sex has a way of killing unnecessary conversation.

"Mmmm," Li sighed at last, shifting, and settling her head against my chest. "It's been a long time since anyone has made me feel this way."

"Pleasure to be of service," I said. "And, oh yes -- the feeling is mutual."

"What of your human woman back in Stoneburg, my Wolf?" she asked, playfully running a single claw down my chest. "Does she have your heart, or do I?"

"My  woman' in Stoneburg," I said, adding the quotes verbally, "is not mine, nor does she wish to be, nor should I continue wasting time wanting her to be, dearest Li. And besides, she's not here. If she was, she'd probably go seduce you, and leave me to rot in my cabin, then describe it to me in detail later just to torment me."

"Hmmmm." The sound was a curious purring growl. "I've not been with a human before you, my Wolf, let alone a human male. I wonder what a human female would be like?"

"This particular one is a lot like me, but with a mean streak an Imperial league wide. Are you saying you'd take her up on it? Gods, you're just as bad as she is."

"Oh, Wolf. Jealous Wolf. I'd not begrudge you the pleasure of other females, or males if that is your inclination. Extend me the same level of generosity, and all will be well."

"Of course," I said. "I'm not about to put any restrictions on any woman I know. They'd all just ignore them anyway."

She licked my nose, and took off one of the few remaining undisturbed pieces of skin on my body. "Wolf, I may journey far from here, and I may not see you for years. Or perhaps -- ancestors forbid -- I may never see you again. But I won't forget you, my lover. Never."

"Nor I you," I said. "My problem is that I have way too many women I've said that to."

"You will have to tell me about them sometime."

I was about to laugh and deliver another retort when a vague sensation tickled me at the back of my mind. A touch of unease, of danger. And the image of...

Theanna...

In an instant I was out of bed and stumbling into my breeches.

"What is wrong?" Li demanded. My mood brought her to instant alertness, and she bounded out beside me, crouching as if to spring.

"Theanna," I said, yanking on a shirt and grabbing my rapier. "I think she's in trouble. Those point-eared bastards must have linked us somehow before we left."

I made for the door. Before I could admonish Li to stay put or, at least, put some clothes on, she was in the corridor beside me, moving in a predatory crouch, completely naked save for her curved sword.

"Li," I said, scanning the corridor for guards or wizards and seeing none, "don't you think you should --"

"Come with you?" she interrupted. "Oh, of course. I'd not let you go to your death alone."

"Who says," I replied, sprinting down the corridor as she bounded effortlessly beside me, a blur of black and orange, "that I'm going to my death?"

"I overstate for dramatic effect," she said. "We Kaitians love the poetic."

"I'll remember that next time you're howling at me to fuck your brains out," I hissed. "Now, where was that fucking cabin?"
 

"Ah, she awakes!" Maynard declared. His puffy body was repulsively hairless, and Theanna tried not to look at the growing erection between his legs. "She'll be conscious for our performance!"

"Oh, do shut up, Maynard," Xulla said, irritably. He was leaner and more muscular than his companion, but Theanna felt an aura of cruelty about him that made her even more disgusted. "You laid on the priest routine a bit thick, don't you think?"

Maynard laughed at that. "You get more flies with honey, dear Xulla, than vinegar. I was no less pretentious than the average Orlanist fanatic. You must admit it took her in." He jerked his chin at Theanna.

"Hm. Yes." Xulla's voice was coldly firm and modulated, like a merchant discussing the value of a new shipment of Litharnan carpets. "She'll make an even dozen, won't she?"

"Yes, as soon as we dispose of that idiot bodyguard and get her back to your estate."

Xulla turned and, for the first time, addressed Theanna. "You see, my dear, I am a collector. Some collect art, some collect swords, some collect wild animals -- I collect women. Females. Of all species. It is my dream to possess a harem of at least one of the most beautiful of each of the intelligent species in all the world. You're my latest. An elf-woman. A fine specimen, too, I must say."

Theanna tried to speak, but the words died in her throat as full consciousness returned, and she saw what they'd done to her.

 She was tied, spread-eagled, to Xulla's bed, her wrists and ankles bound with leather thongs. And she was naked, completely stripped and exposed to their lustful stares. She gasped in horror, as the final realization of what they intended came crashing down upon her.

"Don't worry, my dear," Maynard chuckled. "Just the two of us, then it will all be over and you'll be on your way to one of the most beautiful and extensive estates in all of Xesh." He turned to Xulla. "After you, my lord?"

Xulla nodded, smiling a whip-thin smile. He, too, had begun to grow an erection, and Theanna felt her fear and loathing of the man increase geometrically with each step he took toward her.

"There, there, dear," he said. "Never had a human, have we? Oh, the odd point-eared groom or fumbling, crack-voiced adolescent nobleman, but no humans? Of course not. Well, I can say with some authority that once you've had these two humans, you'll never have anyone else. Except, perhaps, my honored guests." He climbed onto the bed and crouched over her, grim and menacing as a carrion-bird. "Now, as they say, lie back, relax, and think of elf-land."

Theanna finally found some semblance of a voice and cried out as he moved still closer.

"Ah, such music they make, my lord," Maynard declared, grinning madly. "I'd compose a concert of the cries of virgins, had I the time."

"Or the talent," Xulla growled. "Now shut up and watch the master at work."

Theanna cried out again, and closed her eyes, body tense, awaiting the inevitable moment of violation.

It never came. Unexpectedly, Xulla made a strange choking sound, and when Theanna opened her eyes, she saw the Xeshite, still crouched above her, eyes wide, mouth moving wildly, though no sounds emerged. Then, he collapsed, falling atop her, crushing her down into the bedclothes, revealing a short, black-hilted dagger projecting from his naked back.

"Oh!" squeaked Maynard, stumbling backward, eyes frantically scanning the room. Besides himself, Theanna, and the late, unlamented Lord Xulla, the chamber seemed utterly empty. Then a flash of black sliced through the air, and a line of crimson appeared at the fraudulent priest's throat.

"Oh, Gods..." he said, but the words bubbled and burbled as a torrent of red blood poured from his slashed neck. "Saint Orlan save me..."

Then he, too, tumbled down into a heap.

Terrified beyond words, Theanna looked frantically about her, searching for the killer, her mind racing with a thousand questions. Who had saved her? Where was he? Did he mean the same fate for her?

Theanna's questions were largely answered when the air at the foot of the bed shimmered suddenly, revealing a tall figure, its features obscured by a dark cloak. It held another black dagger, and this one dripped with Brother Maynard's blood.

"What..." Theanna said, desperately trying to think calmly. "Who are you? What do you want?"

"Princess," echoed a deep, sonorous voice from the darkness of the hood. "I apologize for what I must do. I would not spill the blood of our own kind, but my duty is to another."

It was as if a great fist had grabbed Theanna's heart and squeezed.

"You..." she said, voice tremulous and weak. "The Hunters..."

"Yes," said the figure, advancing on her even as she struggled against her bonds and the heavy corpse of Lord Xulla. "I am of the Hunters, and I serve the Stormking."

Then the room seemed to explode into a fury of angry motion. The door exploded inward and the human, Wulf burst through. He was clad only in breeches and a shirt, but he thrust his rapier with impassioned skill, skewering the assassin's shoulder, making him stumble and cry out.

An instant later, a shrill snarl filled the room and the tiger- woman, Li, bounded in, moving like the great predatory cat she resembled, swinging her own weapon at the stranger. It took a moment for Theanna to realize the Kaitian was naked, so natural and unencumbered she seemed.

The assassin stumbled again, this time nursing a second sword slash. Then the air shimmered, and it vanished again, save for a random swirl of black sparks that darted across the room and through the open door.

"See to Theanna!" Wulf shouted, running for the door. "I'll follow our friend!" Then he was gone.

With a disgusted grunt, Li shoved the door shut and pulled Xulla's corpse from Theanna.

"Your hosts have much to learn of hospitality," she said, slicing through Theanna's bonds with her claws. "In my land it is a severe breach of etiquette to tie one's guests to the bed and try to have your way with them. Unless, of course, you have their permission."

"Guards!" I bellowed, hearing my voice echo hollowly. "Wizards! Gods damn you! Where the fuck are you at?" With the exception of a pair of sleepy-eyed Throgs with spears who stared after us with only minimal comprehension, this section seemed completely free of the guards and sorcerers who had made me feel so secure back in Ta'vallen. Gods only know -- they were probably all at a union meeting or something.

My quarry fled down a stairwell, blundering into an elderly Xeshite woman with an elaborate coif and a large purple amphibian on a leash, knocking her down with a surprised cry. I leaped after him, and dropped down to the next deck just in time to see a metal hatch in the corridor lever itself open, then slam shut.

I cursed. He'd almost lost me. I swallowed hard, stuck my rapier through my belt and followed, lifting the heavy hatch cover and staring down a ladder into darkness.

The fucking hold. I'd never find him now.

Then again, I thought, the spell might have run its course, or he'd let his guard down, thinking I'd given up the chase. I gritted my teeth and started down.

The interior of the hold was damp, smelling of salt water, lit dimly by small mageglobes, piled high with cargo, secured by ropes and chains, with only narrow corridors between them. There were only a few places the bastard could have gone, I told myself, and in this lighting, I would be almost as invisible as he was.

After several minutes of blundering in near-darkness, and fearful of the assassin's knife in the dark, I wasn't quite so confident, and was about ready to pack it in. Where the fuck, I asked myself, were the bloody guards?

I'd had it. For the rest of the trip we'd stay in our room, doors locked, with Li and me trading guard shifts. I turned to go...

And caught a flash of motion out of the corner of my eye. A dark figure darted into the space between crates...

I leaped, rapier on guard...

And in a moment was upon a small, squirming figure that chittered and squeaked in a most undignified fashion.

"Get off! Get off me, you son of a...! Shit! This isn't funny! Back off, you no good human bastard, or I'll really let you have it! I'm serious!"

I released the small figure and stared. In the dim mage-light, I saw that what I'd grabbed bore absolutely no resemblance to the assassin. I was perhaps four feet tall and resembled nothing so much as a two-legged rat in a dirty tunic. He stared at me with bright black eyes, and his whiskered muzzle twitched and quivered fearfully.

"Uhhhh..." I said, lowering my sword. "You aren't who I was expecting."

"Yeah?" the rat-man replied. "And who would that be? The frigging White Emperor himself? All I'm trying to do is get some sleep, and you two keep thudding around here like a couple of Vannian war elephants --"

"Us two?" I demanded so sharply that the ratling fell silent. "You saw someone else?"

Rat-boy chittered briefly and nervously washed his paws. "Heard him, actually. And smelled him. Damn, he smelled good. Like a... You know... Those yellow-haired ones with the funny ears."

"An elf?"

"Yeah. A daisy-boy. He came by here right before you did. I think he's still down here somewhere." He looked upward and sniffed the air with a series of sharp, spasmodic motions, nose and whiskers twitching all the while. "Yeah, he's here all right."

"Where?" I hissed.

"Hm." More sniffs. The ratling stood and leaped down into the corridor formed by the stacked crates. "Come on. I'll show you." He darted off into the gloom.

"Wait!" I whispered urgently, but the ratling was off in his own world, even as I readied my weapon and hastened after him. "Slow down! Don't let him know..."

The ratling stopped short a few dozen paces further. He pointed eagerly.

"Here he is!" he squeakled excitedly. "Here he --"

With that, the crates beside him tumbled down with a crash, burying the ratling with a surprised squeak. A cloud of black dust- motes exploded forth from the wreckage and shot toward me.

Only an instant... I swept my rapier forward and slashed through the cloud, desperately hoping to hit something.

He was probably slow due to his wounds. Otherwise I'd probably never have scored a hit, but this time I was lucky. My edge contacted something solid, and the slender form of a cloaked elf coalesced out of the cloud of black dust motes. He was a lean specimen, bloody and wan-looking, and his expression as he stared down at the rapier which had cut deeply into his chest was one of frank incomprehension.

"You..." he whispered, stumbling forward, slashing feebly with his dagger. "You can't... The Stormking will... The Stormking..." Then, at last, he collapsed, dark blood congealing on the wooden floor.

"Hm," chittered the ratling, looking down at the body without emotion. "You guys weren't on very good terms, were you?"

"What the hell are you doing down here?" I asked, pulling my rapier free and wiping it off on the assassin's cloak. "And what's your name, anyway?"

"My name is probably unpronounceable to the likes of you," the ratling retorted, going through the corpse's pockets. "Squitter's probably as close as you can get. And as for what I'm doing here..." He reached into a leather pouch at the assassin's belt and pulled out a handful of coins with a happy squeak. "Well, my friend, I'm a stowaway." He looked up. "Now that we've established exactly who I am, who the hell are you and why are you down here turning elves into cold leftovers?"

"Wulf," I said. "Freelance. I'm here guarding a woman this bastard tried to kill. Pity he's dead. I'd have liked to ask him some questions. And I'd like to take a look at anything you take off the body, by the way."

"Hey! Finders keepers, pal." Squitter thought it over for a moment, then relented. "Well, you did kill him... You can look at this stuff as long as you give it back, okay?"

"Right," I said. "You planning on staying down here?"

"Hell, no, monkey-man. The guards'll be swarming all over the place once they've finished cleaning up on deck three."

I frowned. "What happened on deck three?"

"Big fire, I think. They called most of the guards and wizards to take care of it. Heard someone say that they didn't want to mention it to the passengers, though."

"Great," I muttered, kicking the corpse. "This bastard probably started it. That's why there were no guards to catch him." I cast Squitter a sympathetic glance. "Come on, rodent. You can stay with us. It's the least I can do."

Squitter darted along happily as I strode back toward the cargo hatch. "You sure I won't draw too much attention?"

"I'm already travelling with an elf and a Kaitian," I said, sighing. "A rat won't be much of an addition."

*    *    *    *

When we got back to Xulla's cabin, Theanna was curled up in Li's arms, sobbing quietly. Both were still naked, an aesthetic contrast of pale ivory skin and tawny orange and black pelt. Xulla and the priest were artfully arranged in one corner in positions suggesting they'd been fighting, and I noted that daggers had been thoughtfully placed in their hands. Hopefully, the authorities would conclude that they'd killed each other in a lover's quarrel. Served the fuckers right, I thought.

Theanna looked up, eyes wide, when I entered.

"Did you find him?" she asked. "Is he...?"

"History," I said, "thanks to my little friend here."

"Hiya, sweetheart," Squitter said, bowing low, then exploded, "Holy Shit!" when he saw Li. "Sorry, ma'am. I've got a bad reaction to cats. No offense."

"None taken," said Li. "You helped my Wolf?"

"Led him right to his quarry. He fought magnificently, ma'am."

"I'd expect no less from my Wolf."

Squitter looked at her, tilting his head, then looked at me. His whiskers grew still, then suddenly started to quiver again.

"Oh," he said. "I see. Been playing with the pussy, have we?"

"That," I said, putting a hand on my sword hilt, "will be enough of that. Now, let's get the hell out of here before the guards show up."

Theanna's clothes had been shredded. Artfully wrapping her in bedsheets, we headed down the corridor with Li, still in the altogether, taking up the rear. I reflected that a naked Katian was probably no more noteworthy than a clothed one and, besides, she seemed to like it. Looking back at her, a picture of muscular feline perfection united with lush femininity I came to the conclusion that I was truly fond of the woman.

Once safely back in our rooms, the door locked and barred, Li found a robe for Theanna, and I poured her a glass of crystal wine -- it was the strongest stuff in the room, so it would have to do.

"Now," I said, gently, handing Theanna the glass as Squitter poked delightedly around the room, "I think it's time for some answers. I'm glad that you're still alive, though given the shit you've piled on me over the last few days I can't imagine why. Someone is after you, Theanna. All I know about them is that they're called the Hunters, and they employ assassins and wizards, and are powerful enough to sic dreadguards on me when they're in a bad mood. Who the hell are they, who the hell pays them, and why the hell are you so gods-damned important? Given what we've done for you so far, I think the least you owe us is an explanation."

"Oh, I never ask for explanations," commented Squitter, curling up on a pile of my discarded clothing. "I ride the tide and go wherever it takes me."

"Shut up and go to sleep," I snapped, then turned back to the elf woman. "I need to know, Theanna. It may keep us all alive."

Theanna slowly sipped from her glass. Though the cabin was warm, she still trembled.

"After the war," she said, softly, "a number of our people began to condemn the leadership of the Silver Lady. One of them was a sorcerer who called himself the Stormking. He openly demanded an end to the Lady's rule, and a new social order, independent of the old rules. He said that elves needed to explore their secret feelings and beliefs, and the fears we've kept hidden for thousands of years. Some nobles declared themselves for the Stormking, but they were driven from the Isles. They fled and set themselves up in the Wilds, gathering strength, sending their agents back to the Isles to stir up trouble. Now, they have enough support to begin a full-scale civil war."

"Gods," I muttered. The ear-boys were at it again.

 Li crouched down at Theanna's feet, and looked up at her. There was a spark of very catlike curiosity in her eyes and, perhaps, something deeper that I couldn't understand. "I take it," she said, "that the Hunters are the Stormking's agents?"

Theanna nodded slowly. "His elite agents. Sorcerers, assassins, trackers. Not all of them are elves."

"And what do they want with you?" I asked.

Theanna closed her eyes. "I'm..." she began, and faltered. "I'm a daughter of the Silver Lady."

My mind whirled. The Silver Lady. Semi-divine ruler of all the elves and now, apparently, embattled monarch of a divided people.

"Gods damn it all," I said. "Didn't your bloody loyalist friends bother to tell you who I was? Or did they know at all?"

"No," Theanna said. "It was Aelfryn's idea to contact you. He told us that you were to be trusted."

"I'm flattered," I said. "All I got from him was contempt. I didn't realize he knew who I was."

"What do you mean?" Theanna asked.

"I'm the one who summoned Valaron to fight the orcs four years ago," I said. "At the personal behest of your mother."

Theanna stared in disbelief.

"Kind of makes you want to treat me with more respect, doesn't it?" I said. "Maybe some of us humans aren't beneath your contempt after all."

Theanna shuddered again. "I'm sorry, free... Wulf. I'm sorry. You saved me from the assassin. You've served me loyally. I thank you."

"Are you the Lady's only daughter?" Li asked.

"No," Theanna replied. "There are four of us. We've all been sent to safe places outside the Isles. I'm the youngest."

"Wonderful," I said. "If you or your elfy friends in Ta'vallen had told me the truth from the beginning, or if you'd behaved more like a princess and less like an arrogant snot, we wouldn't be..." I stopped, thinking. "Well, maybe we'd be exactly where we are right now, but at least I wouldn't have been so confused."

"There's no way to change any of that," Theanna said. "Nyta didn't know who you were. She felt it best not to spread our internal problems among the humans. No telling who might want to take advantage of our unrest and invade, or seek to fragment us further."

"Yeah, yeah," I said, waving a hand. "It's been a rough day." I looked over at Squitter, who slept soundly on the pile of clothing. "Maybe we should follow our ratty friend's lead and get some sleep."

"We'll need to guard in shifts," Li said, stalking toward the door, tail lashing. "I'm still entirely awake. I can take the first watch."

I nodded, wearily. We'd shagged wildly and she'd helped me slice the assassin up a treat, but she was still raring to go. Another energetic woman and me feeling like a damp dishrag.

"You'll sleep with me, princess," I said. "I'll not have you in a separate room."

Theanna seemed almost grateful and crawled chastely in beside me as Li dimmed the lights. I was asleep the moment my head hit the pillow.

I dreamed of tigers chasing their tails.

Theanna's attitude had undergone a remarkable turnaround. From treating me like dirt, she started treating me like a particularly gifted pet. A very smart horse, for example. I accepted it as probably the best she could do, and tried not to be too annoyed.

We heard nothing of the murders, for I suspected the captain didn't want to unduly alarm the passengers. Apparently our ruse of pinning the deaths of Xulla and Maynard on themselves had worked, and as for the dead elf in the hold -- well, I suspected that the Xeshites figured someone had done the world a favor. I tossed my rapier and bloody clothes overboard all the same, and hoped that the wizards wouldn't get around to using truthspeaker spells on anyone.

We were a day out of port, and I was just beginning to breathe easier when disaster struck.

We'd been spending a quiet afternoon in our cabin. I had managed to liberate a couple of lurid Litharnan thrillers from the ship's library, so I read while Li and Squitter slept, and Theanna busied herself practicing the harp. Just the same, the atmosphere was one of barely restrained tension, as if the closer we got to safety, the more likely was the Stormking's wrath.

It was when Theanna looked up sharply with a startled gasp, stood and touched the blue gem on the wall nearby. Instantly, the outer wall of the room turned transparent, revealing a vast stretch of ocean, over which the sun sank lazily.

Or, I corrected myself, would have been sinking lazily had we been able to see it. Instead, the horizon was black with clouds, and several leagues distant I saw an ocean angry with tossing whitecaps and rolling waves. As I watched, bright blue flashes sparked inside the clouds, followed a few seconds later by the bass rumble of thunder.

I gaped in sudden fear. This was no natural disturbance...

"The Stormking?" I asked.

Theanna nodded, eyes wide. "He's found us."

"Fuck," I muttered.

The deck was awash by the time we got topside. We'd all bundled in cloaks, though we'd had to improvise with Squitter, and ended up belting a blanket around him. Even in the depths of a heavy woolen hood, she looked as miserable as a wet cat. Which, of course, she was...

The strength of the angry sea could be gauged by the pitch and roll of the mighty Princess Xura's deck. Any water-calming enchantments had been completely swept away by the fury of the storm, and, though a circle of Xeshite spellcasters stood on the flying bridge overhead, frantically chanting and gesticulating, it was obvious we were in serious trouble. One moment, we climbed up a sheer cliff of dark water, the next moment we were over the top, plunging sickeningly downward. It was punishment which this wallowing luxury liner had never been designed to take, and as I held Theanna and braced against a bulkhead, I saw a wave sweep a tangle of baggage over the side. A knot of white-clad Xeshite travelers staggered along a companionway, fighting to keep from being washed overboard along with their possessions.

A deep, booming crunch vibrated through our feet.

"What the hell was that?" Squitter demanded, his high voice cutting through the howl of hte wind.

 "That," I yelled back, "was the ship starting to break up! The lifeboat deck is ahead! If we can get to one, we might be able to ride this fucker out! Come one!"

As if to confirm my suspicions, a massive ruin of rigging slammed into the deck ahead of us, then slid messily over the side. Above the wind, a magically-enhanced voice bellowed.

"Attention! This is the captain! All passengers prepare to abandon ship! Move toward the lifeboats immediately..." Then the voice faded, and the wind once more thundered in its place.

"That's it," I said, pulling Theanna along by the hand. "Official confirmation! Come on!"

With Li following and the constantly complaining Squitter taking up the rear, we clambered up a short flight of stairs. Ahead of us lay a whitewashed, canvas covered lifeboat. Elsewhere, I saw passengers of every description thronging, clutching baggage, clinging to each other, their faces terrified. So far, no one else had moved toward our lifeboat, and by the time we pulled the cover free and began to cast off, we were alone, dropping sickeningly from the stricken Xura toward the tossing, mountainous sea.

We struck water with a jarring crash. I fell to the bottom of the boat and struck my head. Fighting off stars and dizziness, I unshipped oars and yelled at Li and Squitter to do the same. Within moments, we were frantically rowing away from the ship, which sat low in the water, its once-gleaming white hull scarred and tattered. More boats, some almost empty, others overflowing with passengers, were being lowered from the ship even as it pitched and rolled, more debris washing away with each new wave.

Then, with a splintering crash, the Princess lurched, her back broken, and began to slide, slowly at first, then with increasing speed, beneath the heaving sea.

"Pull!" I roared. "Everyone!" Theanna grabbed Li's oar and began to stroke along with the rest of us. A massive wave rushed over us, drenching us in icy water. Grimly, I kept pulling, desperate to escape the suction of the sinking ship.

Behind us, the Princess continued her vanishing act, pulling several Xeshite lifeboats along after her. I closed my ears to the screams, which rose up even over the cacophony of the wind and the rain.

Then, she was gone, and we were clear. We weren't safe yet, not by half -- the sea still rose up in monolithic waves, lifting us up and smashing us down like the toys of an especially angry and childish god. Still, we'd managed to win free of the liner's death throes, and I'd weathered seas like this before. With luck...

Damn. I'd said the forbidden word.

Theanna looked up into the sky and screamed. When I followed her terrified gaze, I found myself wanting to scream, as well.

Stinging mist rose up from the sea, swirling around us like a fog, and less than a half-league distant, they coalesced into a towering, spinning funnel of black water, rising up toward the boiling, cloud-filled sky. A waterspout...

No, I thought, focusing on the center of the great disturbance even as it rushed toward us, shrieking and thundering like a Kyborist preacher condemning adultery, I saw a vague shape within the great tower. It was a figure, suspended in mid air, the water spout swirling and raging around it...

Magic... Dammit, someone was directing this thing...

"The Stormking!" Theanna screamed. "He's come for us!"

Then the noise blotted out everything else, and we were swept up in the whirlwind, leaping up into the sky.

The little boat was flung first one way, then the other. A moment later, it disintegrated into scrap wood, and I was falling through space.

High above me I saw Theanna and Li, clinging desperately to each other, dragged upward, toward the waiting figure. Of Squitter, there was no sign.

Then I was spinning through open air, spat out by the cyclone, sent to plunge back toward the black, very solid-looking waters. Oh great, thinks I -- I'm going down, and it's not even any fun...

Ouch.
 

When she at last opened her eyes, Theanna saw that she was in a circular, domed chamber, its walls pale pink, its ceiling dark blue, decorated with stars and comets which gleamed faintly in the dim light. She lay on a soft bed, covered by a rich blue coverlet. The bed itself was round, placed in the precise center of the room. The shadowy forms of furniture lay throughout the room, but Theanna couldn't identify them.

As sleep fled and awareness grew, questions swirled through her mind. Where was she? Who or what had saved here? What had happened to Wulf and the others? Though she expected the answers to be forthcoming, Theanna was not entirely sure she'd like them.

As if in answer to her unspoken questions, a crack of yellow light appeared along one wall, then widened into a doorway. As Theanna watched, eyes wide, two armored figures emerged and stood at attention beside the door.

Theanna could not suppress a gasp of fear. Dreadguard. The creatures which had attacked Wulf back in Stoneburg...

The fearful realization that she was in the hands of the Hunters shot through Theanna's heart like an arrow.

Then the lights in her room grew brighter, and a third figure emerged through the door. Theanna saw that it was an elf, but felt only slightly less fearful.

She was of middle age -- perhaps a millennium or two. Her golden hair hung down below her waist, and her face was serene but harsh, with an edge of indefinable cruelty. Her chin was sharply pointed, her eyes large and radiantly violet. She wore a long, silver- white gown and a short fur cloak, bound by a blue leather belt that rode low on her hips.

"Princess," she said, softly, walking toward the bed. "Welcome. I am Lady Lothaera, of House Sunfollower."

Theanna was suddenly bolt upright. A moment later, she realized that she was naked, and hurriedly covered herself with the bedclothes.

"Renegade," she spat. "I know your people. Lackeys of the Stormking!"

Lothaera nodded, calmly. "As you say, Highness." She seemed undisturbed by Theanna's anger. "I am captain of the Hunters, in fact. One of the Stormking's most valued subordinates."

"Where am I? What happened to my friends?"

The other woman wrinkled her nose. "A human, a rat and a cat? I'd scarcely call them friends. Companions of convenience at best, but not fit friends for a woman of your station."

"Perhaps. But I would still like to know what happened to them?"

"The human and the ratling were lost. They are probably dead. The cat-woman is in our custody. You can see her later."

Theanna felt a sting of unexpected grief over Wulf and Squitter. Weeks ago, she'd not have cared for the life of a human, let alone a ratling, but now...

Now something had changed, but Theanna did not know what.

"You intend to kill me?" she asked.

"Not necessarily," Lothaera replied, sitting on the bed beside Theanna. "Originally, our intention was to destroy all of the Lady's children, robbing her of successors, and robbing the loyalists of any further cause for fighting. I've since persuaded His Majesty that you keeping you alive might be in our best interest."

Theanna frowned. "Why? What could I possibly do for a band of renegades and traitors?"

Lothaera surprised Theanna by chuckling quietly. "You've learned your lines well, Princess. We know you better than that, however. You've always chafed at your mother's oversight, haven't you? Always wanted to know the pleasures her society has denied you?"

Theanna started to reply, but stopped herself.

"We know a great deal about you, Princess. You're the youngest, and least considered of the Silver Lady's children. When she passes to the other side, your sister Idana will succed to the throne. You've always been last for affection, for concern, for any enjoyment of life. That is why you've carefully cultivated an air of arrogance and cynicism. Why you are the wild one, cavorting with young cavaliers, roaming the countryside, dressing immodestly, trying to show the world that you do not care about your subordinate status, that you will live your life as you please, regardless of your mother's wishes."

"It's not like that," Theanna protested. "I love my mother..."

Lothaera smiled indulgently. "Of course you do. Who would not. Even we, who are in open rebellion against the Silver Lady, love her in our own way."

"Is that why you're trying to destroy her?"

"That was the plan originally, yes. But I've persuaded the Stormking that there is another way. He is good, Princess. He has our people's best interest at heart, and has no desire to take the throne himself. When we are victorious, Princess, you could take the throne, and rule the elves in accordance with his teachings. With you as our chosen successor, more of the loyalist houses will come over to our side, and our triumph will be assured."

Theanna felt a shock of horror. "You want me to help you destroy my own mother, and my own family?"

"No, no. Not at all. Listen, Theanna," Lothaera said, using her first name, an almost unthinkable level of familiarity. "The Stormking has agreed that your mother and siblings will be left alive. They will be kept under guard on their estates, of course, but will be otherwise free to live their lives as they choose. We have no desire to shed their blood, Theanna."

"Then why do you fight them?"

Lothaera made an impatiend gesture. "Our people are lost in ancient, meaningless ways that are completely out of step with the world around us. The orcs proved that. They almost destroyed us, but your mother and her nobles learned nothing from it. We have changed not at all. Who will be the next invaders - the humans? The Dark Ones? The Demons? The All knows, Theanna. The Ruby Chalice is still missing. What if some enemy finds it, and turns it against us? Will we be prepared? Or will we be the same divided, emotionless creatures whom the orcs almost crushed."

"How is your way any different, Lady?" Theanna demanded, trying to maintain her loyalties, but feeling strangely swayed by the other elf woman's words. "How can you guarantee your way is superior?"

"We must take our place in the world, Theanna!" Lothaera said, forcefully. "We once ruled vast empires, and all feared us. I remember, Theanna. You're younger and have no recollection. We strode the world like giants in those days, riding dragons and growing to such power that none dared challenge us. Then the world was torn apart, and we fled, retiring to our tiny islands to perish. We must become part of the world, not hide from it. We've repressed our passions for centuries, now. We need to return to the old ways, to the old emotions and passions, Theanna! Today, under your mother, we are as the dead. Emotionless, dispassionate, divided, constantly bickering and incapable of united action. The Stormking wants to change all that, Theanna. To return us to greatness!"

Theanna swallowed. Lotharea's words had ignited a tiny spark deep inside her. Try as she might, she could not extinguish it, and as the other woman spoke, her eyes shining brightly, her lips (painted, Theanna noted, a rich purple) gleaming, voice impassioned, the spark grew to a flame. Even as the rational part of her mind insisted that Lothaera could never kindle such a fire by words alone, Theanna felt some of the other woman's fervor infect her.

"I'm asking you to help us, Theanna. You have my word, and that of my lord, the Stormking, that your family will not be harmed. We must break free of the ancient shackles that have bound our people for so long. Please help us, Theanna. Say you'll consider what I've said."

Theanna felt a shudder run through her body. Parts of her mind still protested, insisting that she was being foolish, that something else was acting upon her, but they were lost in a rush of emotion, a sudden resolution and -- strangely -- a wave of desire that Theanna could not immediately identify.

"I'll help you, Lothaera," she said, surprised at the heady depth of emotion in her words, at the way her breath came in short gasps, and at the rapid throb of her heart. "I want to..." She faltered, looking deep into the other woman's violet eyes.

A faint smile crossed Lothaera's delicate features, and she turned briefly, addressing the two dreadguard.

"Leave us," she said. The two creatures shambled out, and the door closed behind them.

Lothaera turned back to face Theanna. Her lips were still moist, and opened slightly, revealing a hint of pearly teeth. The fascinating violet eyes were wide, their pupils enormous pits of deeper darkness into which Theanna felt herself falling, and did not care to stop herself.

"You were saying, Princess? You wanted something?"

"I..." Theanna felt the thudding of her heart grow stronger, and a deeper heat building in her belly and thighs. "I don't know... I've never felt this way before. Not about... Not about a..."

"About a woman?" Lothaera finished for her. She reached for the coverlet which Theanna still held about her shoulders, and pulled it down. Theanna did nothing to stop her, and let it fall, revealing her shoulders, and the twin curves of her breasts.

"I saw how you reacted," Lothaera continued. "I seem to have that effect on women, Theanna." She moved closer. "Even women of high rank." She stroked a finger along Theanna's face. Theanna drew back sharply, then relaxed, letting the sensation of the single soft touch filter through her like a sigh. "Even," Lothaera contined, tracing the contours of Theanna's lips with her finger, "princesses."

Lothaera abruptly took Theanna's chin between thumb and forefinger, pulling her mouth open. Torn between surprise, apprehension, and excitement, Theanna did not resist.

"Kiss me," Lothaera ordered, but instead of waiting, she moved to meet Theanna's open lips with her own.

The small flame in Theanna's belly grew to a raging inferno, sweeping aside all doubt and hesitation. As she felt the probing insistence of the other woman's tongue in her mouth, she moaned softly and met it with her own.

She felt held aloft by a whrilwind like the one that had destroyed the Princess Xura. But this was a whirlwind of emotion, of need, of wanting, and though she knew eventually it would abandon her, and send her plummeting once more earthward, she did not care.

"I want..." she mumured against Lothaera's exploring lips and tongue, breaking off to return more kisses. "I want you..."

"Of course," whispered Lothaera, pulling the bedclothes aside, revealing Theanna's smooth, pale flesh. "Of course you want me."

Lothaera's eyes roamed hungrily up and down Theanna's body, from her rounded white shoulders, to the rising mounts of her breasts, nipples softly pink with large aureola, the sharp edge of her rib cage, moving with each quick breath, her rounded belly and muscular thighs and, with a slighltly widening, carnivore's smile, the white down triangle above her pubis.

"You've done this before?" she asked.

"Yes." Theanna's eyes widened, and her breasts rose and fell faster. "With men. With Sir Kaelwyn and Lord Fedoris. But never... Never with..."

"Never with another woman? Oh, I've suspected that." Lothaera smiled and touched Theanna's cheek. "It's no different. Well, somewhat. But the pleasure is the same. More, perhaps, for the being new and different. And for the different sensations." Once more, Lothaera touched Theanna's lips with her own. "Men can be so harsh and rigid. It can be terribly uncomfortable. We are soft and rounded. It's like a different world."

She paused, looking down again.

"You have lovely breasts," she breathed. "So large for one of our people. I've always been partial to them, you know."

"My sisters made fun of me for them," Theanna replied, feeling traces of old sorrows, and the pain of her youth. "They said I had breasts like a human. Too large for a proper elf. Some said that I had some human blood in me. I hated when they said that."

Lothaera caressed Theanna's breasts softly, running a finger around the outside of one aureole, watching it start to contract and grow hard.

"Oh, I would say they were just right," she said. "Just perfect. You'll never have to listen to such insults again." She took a hardening nipple between her fingers and squeezed gently. "Oh, these are so lovely."

"Touch them, please," Theanna moaned. "I want you to."

 Lothaera did not speak, but began slowly to kiss her way down Theanna's neck, gentle lips touching rapidly-warming skin.

"Kiss me," Theanna begged. "Kiss me all over."

Slowly, with agonizing deliberation, Lothara's questing lips reached he softness of her breasts, and the sensations seemed to double and redouble. The throbbing between her legs was unmistakable now, coupled with growing heat and moisture.

"Mmm," Lothaera said, with the enthusiasm of a connoiseur tasting a fine wine. "Your skin is so soft."

"Yes..." Theanna said, hearing the longing in her own voice. "Yes. Touch it. Kiss it."

Lothaera pinched a pink nipple, and it stiffened almost instantly. Then she encircled it with her lips and sucked, flicking her tongue across it as she did so.

If the feelings before had been intense, they now grew nearly unbearable. Involuntarily, Theanna felt her legs move apart, and slid a hand down her belly to touch the downy hair and the wet flesh beneath it.

"Oh, so you like my touches, do you?" Lothaera asked rhetorically, smiling as she saw Theanna's fingers busy themselves. "You touch yourself for me?"

"I do," Theanna said, her voice now rushed and eager. "I do. Only for you."

"Perhaps I should undress now?" Lothaera drew back. "Would you like to watch me."

"Oh, yes. Please. I want you to undress. I want you naked with me."

Lothaera stood, her silken gown whispering faintly. "Touch yourself for me while you watch me."

Theanna nodded, unable to speak, as with one hand she pulled apart her wet lips, and with the other she stroked at her swelling clitoris.

Lothaera loosened the laces at her neck and wrists, then pulled her gown down around her shoulders.

"Are you touching yourself now?" she asked.

Theanna moistened her lips and nodded again. Yes, her fingers were deep within the moist recesses of her cunt, her clit throbbing uncontrollably. She would come in a moment, she knew. She couldn't stop it now if she wanted to.

Lothaera pulled her gown down further, revealing her breasts. They were small, more the appropriate size for her kind, but her nipples were large, and swelled to prominence as Lothaera pulled at them, growing into short nubs perhaps the length of the joint of Theanna's middle finger. She felt herself overwhelmed by the desire to put them in her mouth and suck at them.

Lothaera pulled the gown lower, and let it slip to the floor. She was slender and fragile, as if every bone in her body were carefully etched across her skin. Theanna could see the outline of hipbones and ribs, and the flesh of her belly was stretched tight, her navel a shadowed recess, her pubic hair light and almost invisible. Theanna felt a surge of emotion, and wondered why she felt so deeply moved by the sight of the other woman.

 "Oh, Lothaera," she sighed, fingers moving faster and faster. "Oh, I love looking... I love looking at you..."

Then it was upon her, a shuddering wash of sensation, firing every nerve in her body, receding, then washing up again, battering her with pleasure.

"Ohhhhh," she gasped. "I'm... I'm coming, Lothaera."

"So I see." The tall woman walked toward her, feigning an expression of disappointment. "I wanted to make you come. You've robbed me of the pleasure." She kneeled beside the bed, where Theanna lay, panting, feeling her heart beat gradually slow down once more. "You must let me give you another."

"Mmmm." It was the only sound Theanna could make, lost in sensation and in a cycle of emotions she did not entirely understand. At last, she managed to form a few words. "Yes. Give it to me."

"I'm not completely frustrated," Lothaera said, matter of factly, clambering onto the bed and gently pushing Theanna's thighs apart. "I'm sure you've made yourself come before. I'd like to be the first other woman. Would you like that?"

"Oh, yes. I want you to be the first. I..." Theanna faltered again, breaking off the words of devotion that almost sprang to her lips. A tiny spark of awareness remained, telling her to be careful what she said, even now, floating on her isolated raft of the senses. "I want you."

Lothaera began to stroke Theanna's wet hair and lips, cooing softly as one would for a chaerished pet.

"Oh, you are so lovely. You are such a lovely little creature." Gently, she slid a thumb between Theanna's fleshy outer lips and squeezed. "Such beautiful, sweet-looking lips you have."

Theanna groaned, feeling Lothaera spread her thighs and outer lips apart.

"So pretty and pink and wet," Lothaera murmured, and Theanna felt the grazing touch of her tongue. "Dripping with your sweet honey."

Theanna stroked the back of Lothaera's head, as the woman's thin, intent face fanished into the wet furrow of desire between her thighs, and her lips embraced Theanna completely.

The sensations began to return, creeping back from the skillful touch of Lothaera's lips and tongue, through her once more swelling clit, into her thighs, her belly, heart and lungs. Then Lothaera slid her middle finger deep into Theanna's cunt, parting the wet flesh, sending more sensation shooting through her.

"Oh, it just pours from you now," mumbled Lothaera, between sucks and licks and gentle nibbles. "Your sweet honey just gushes forth. I want to bathe in it, darling Theanna."

Again, the first rumblings of orgasm swept through her. When Lothaera inserted a second, then a third finger into her, the unstoppable wall of climax was upon her once more, and a few moments later, Theanna's entire body clenched in rhythmic release, her voice strangled and filled with a million unspoken desires.

"Oh... Oh... Lo... Lo... Thae... Raaaaaaaaaahhhh!" When the great contraction finally struck, Theanna feared that someone outside might hear. But no, her single remaining spark of calm thought told her. There was no one to hear save the shambling horrors called dreadguard.

The fears subsided again, and Theanna laid content in Lothaera's arms, breathing deeply, any thoughts beyond the moment lost in a haze of satiaty.

"Dearest Princess Theanna," Lothaera said. "I'm so very glad you're here with me. I'm so very glad I persuaded the Stormking to spare you." She locked violet eyes on Theanna, and again the younger elf-woman felt resistance and doubt crumble. "You'll join us, won't you? I want to be with you, dearest. I want to help you, to be your consort. I never imagined it would be like this, darling, but now I know. Please say you'll join us."

Theanna nodded, and heard her words as if someone else said them.

"Yes. I'll help you."

"Good." Lothaera rolled atop Theanna, her flesh cool against Theanna's fevered body. The older woman touched her breast, stroking a nipple to hardness. "Now, it's your turn. Make love to me, dearest princess. Give me what I desire."

Eagerly, like a colt reaching for its mother's teat, Theanna allowed Lothaera to slip a nipple between her lips. It swelled further, almost like a small penis, and Theanna began to slide it in and out of her mouth as she had that night with Sir Kaelwyn.

"Oh, you learn so well," Lothaera sighed. "Suck at me, my beloved. Suckle at my nipples.Then touch me. Touch every part of me. Lick at me. Drink of me, swallow me, let my wetness cover your body. Oh, Theanna... I want you to lick my cunt, suck at my pearl like you suck at my nipple. I want you to put your fingers inside my cunt, let my juices flow all over you. Oh, Theanna... Yesssssss..."

Lost in sensation, Lothaera's impassioned words echoing in her mind, Theanna knew she would do all those things and more. She wanted the other woman more than she'd ever wanted anyone or anything, and the desire -- no, the need -- to do everything Lothaera asked was overwhelming. She would be hers, completely and totally. She would rule the Isles, and take Lothaera as her consort. Together, lovers for all eternity...

And still, deep inside her, in a locked chamber where nothing could ever go without Theanna's consent, a tiny fragment still clung to rational thought.

Why? It asked. Why?

Theanna had no answers and now, as she rolled atop her lover and began to kiss and lick her way down the sharp rib-edge and convex, soft-fleshed belly, toward her center of pleasure and desire, she did not want any.
 

The Stormking brooded on his throne in a vault-roofed chamber many paces distant. The floor was warmer here, closer to the master and his strange magic. A faint nimbus of flickering light danced about him, occasionally sparking off the jagged contours of his gleaming violet armor. When Lothaera entered, he looked up. His face was invisible behind his visor, but his eyes were intent, gleaming like diamonds in absolute darkness.

"So has the whelp consented?" he demanded, his voice harsh, crackling harshly.

"She has, Lord," Lothaera said, bowing respectfully. "She'll do everything I desire now."

"Good. She'll be a fit puppet for me once her gods-damned mother is out of the way." The Stormking inclined his head slightly, then looked away, as if lost in thought. "And what of the tiger- woman? Have you considered what to do with her? She'll make fine sport for my grooms."

Lothaera shook her head. "She's a skilled warrior. She could be of great use."

"Can you turn her in the same way you turned the little elf-bitch?"

"No. My abilities do not extend so far. Elves, I can control. Humans, as well. Kaitians, no. She'll need a different form of persuasion."

"I've found the lash works wonders on recalcitrant slaves," the Stormking growled.

"And makes the slaves bitter and resentful. I'll not have the cat-woman at my back with a sword under such circumstances."

"Then how do you plan to persuade her? Your talents are apparently of no use."

"There is another in our employ, my Lord. His talents are quite similar to mine, and by all accounts, they are effective on Kaitians."

"You speak of the Wolfen Tamer?"

"I do. I will see to it that the Kaitian woman makes his acquaintance. One night with him and she will be ours forever."

A sound that might have been a chuckle echoed inside the Stormking's helm, and a rainbow of sparks danced off his fluted breastplate.

"You are devious, dear Lothaera. Just take care that your deviousness is put to my service and not against it."

"Always, Lord. I serve you above all others, and am yours to command."

"It is good," replied the Stormking. "I am glad that my servants know their place. Take care that the elf-girl knows it as well. Leave me now, woman. I've much to think on."

"By your leave," Lothaera replied, bowing low. She turned and hastened from the room.

The tiger-woman was a magnificent sight, even bound as she was. To Lothaera's eyes, she was in some ways more magnificent, a caged beast humbled and controlled by a greater power, yet still defiant, still wild as the cats from which she was descended.

She was naked, but then again it seemed a far more natural state to her than any artificial garb could provide. She crouched, eyes angry, glaring up at Lothaera as she entered the room. She was not in a position to do more -- a heavy leather collar encircled her neck, bound to the wall by a short chain, her wrists were similarly bound behind her, making her breasts thrust out aggressively, and leather shackles held each ankle, secured to the floor by two more chains. She was even denied the use of her needle-sharp teeth, a round ball thrust into her mouth, secured with thongs.

Lothaera felt a brush of excitement at the Kaitian's disposition, but suppressed it. Such was not her duty. Dealing with the tiger-woman was work for another, more skilled in such things than she.

"Good evening, my lady," she said politely, ignoring Shu Li's sudden lunge to the limits of her chains. "I'm sorry I haven't had the chance to make your acquaintance before now. My name is Lothaera, and I've been asked to oversee your training."

If possible, Shu Li's glare grew even deeper and more hateful.

"Oh, you needn't carry on so," Lothaera told her. "You will enjoy yourself thoroughly. I've obtained the services of a highly trained professional." She turned and clapped her hands twice. A moment later, a tall figure appeared in the doorway.

"This," Lothaera said, "is Tanu."

The newcomer was a broad-chested creature, grey-pelted, moving forward with a slightly loping gait. Its head was that of a wolf, with feathers, bone beads and other gewgaws braided into its fur, and various gold and silver rings were set in its ears. It was clad only in a long buckskin loincloth, but bore several small beaded pouches at its belt, and carried a short staff, decorated with tribal icons, and dripping with more beads and feathers.

"Tanu is, as you can see, a Wolfen," Lothaera continued. "I understand that his people and yours are blood enemies. In fact, when your two peoples meet, you fight like..." She paused and reconsidered her words. "Well, you fight a great deal."

Tanu bowed, holding the short staff in front of him. "Lady," he said, his words cultured and barely accented. "The quarrels of our people are not ours. I wish to honor you with my work."

"Tanu is called a  Tamer'," Lothaera continued. "He has been trained since youth in the many ways of inducing submission and obedience in captives."

Shu's chains rattled, and a deep growling echoed from her throat.

"Oh, don't be silly," Lothaera said. "He won't hurt you. We're more civilized than that."

"I honor my captives," Tanu said, stepping toward Li and kneeling obsequeously. "I honor you, as you shall later come to honor me."

Lothaera turned. "I'll leave you now. I suspect that the next time I see you, beautiful cat-woman, you will be much more positively inclined toward me."
 

Well, she thought, anger smoldering inside her, now we are about to find out the truth of things.

Tanu stood abruptly and approached. He walked fully upright now, more like a real civilized creature. Li felt a faint stirring -- he was a beautiful creature, muscular, graceful, a tasteful portrait of grey, white and black. His eyes were gentle, golden- brown, staring at her with neither anger nor malice, and his --

No, she told herself. He is Wolfen. Enemy. If he seems comely, it is a trick. The wicked conjurings of a witch-doctor, waving his painted sticks and blowing his powders about...

"I will release you, Lady," Tanu said. "You may kill me if you wish, but I do not think you will."

Astonishment fought with a renewed sense of longing as Tanu loosened the bonds at her neck and pulled the gag loose.

"Is that better, Lady?" he asked. He made a motion with one hand and shook his staff with the other.

"Y-es," she said, hesitantly, breathing freely for the first time in hours. A moment ago, she'd have sunk fangs into the bastard Wolfen's throat. Now, however...

As Tanu had implied, she was not entirely sure that she wanted to.

"Ah," said Tanu. "You feel less anger and hatred toward me now. This I see. You will not mind when I do this, then."

Tanu stepped behind her, hands gripping her shoulders, then sliding around her breasts, holding them firmly, and she felt the moist wamth of his large tongue on her neck.

"You like this?" he asked.

Though her omnipresent common sense shouted at her not to, Li felt herself replying breathlessly, in a voice which another part of her hoped would please the Wolfen, "Yes. I like it very much."

The Wolfen made a satisfied sound.

"I'll unchain your arms and legs now, if you will do as I ask. Will you?"

"Yes," Li replied. Her common sense had retreated, but still lurked, watching warily. "I'll do as you ask. Anything."

Li felt her heart hammering uncomfortably as the Wolfen loosened her chains, but left the leather restraints in place. Her collar remained, along with the chain to the wall, suggesting that Tanu's trust of his captive was not complete.

Oh, what of her desire for this creature, she wondered? What was it? Part of her knew it was fraudulent, a magical joke played on her by one of her people's most hated enemies. Part of her, on the other hand, did not care, and wanted only to be touched, fondled, kissed and loved by the beautiful Wolfen...

Wolfen, she repeated. Wolf...

The image of Wulf flashed through her mind. There was one she could love. One she could respect. He coult have her, not this Wolfen creature. The elf-cow had said he was dead.

With sudden clarity, Li realized that she did not believe the elf-cow. And she knew that while her Wolf remained inside her, the Tamer had no power over her.

Perhaps the submissive part of her nature, so inflamed by the Tamer's enchantments, could accept him if she thought of another Wolf. Her Wolf. Somewhere, perhaps far away, but alive. He could have her this way. She could think of...

"Wolf," she breathed, feeling Tanu's fingers tighten around her nipples and squeeze, first gently, then harder, and felt a purring trill escape from her throat. Enemy he may be, with the intent to break her with his enchantments, make her a willing slave, but there was no reason at this time that she could not enjoy herself...

Finally, she turned her head, and met the Wolfen's short muzzle with her own, her rough tongue met Tanu's long, flexible one, and for nearly a full minute, they exchanged the deep, warm embrace.

Tanu moved in front of her now. He was taller than Li, and looked down at her. His golden eyes were gentle, but now held a hint of command.

"Knees," he said. "Now."

Oh, my Wolf, if you could see me now, Li thought, slipping to her knees, caressing Tanu's muscular chest as she did so. Something inside her told her that she could resist, turn on the Wolfen, wound or kill him, but that she needed this moment, needed the Wolfen to believe her docile, and that she needed to survive, for the elf-woman, for herself, and for Wolf.

And besides, she thought as Tanu loosened his belt and pulled his loin-cloth away, he was not unattractive.

For a Wolfen, at least.

And a Wolfen indeed, she thought, gazing at Tanu's erect pink member glistening before her, with all requisite parts. She suspected... No, she knew -- Tanu's influence was strong... She knew what he wanted.

"You want me to put this in my mouth?" she asked, giving in to Tanu's insistent desires.

"Yes," Tanu said. "Put it in your mouth."

Very well, she thought, wrapping her hands round the hot shaft, feeling its throbbing, slick surface, then gently tonguing it, careful not to let her tongue's bristles damage him.

She rode on the wave of Tanu's desire, and the insistent commands he transmitted to her. How little you know, Wolfen, she thought. With a little resistance, a little steel, I could take this in my mouth, bite down...

No, she thought. I must cooperate. Let him believe what he will...

And besides, Li told herself, fitting her lips to the hard organ, feeling Tanu stiffen as she gradually eased him into her mouth, he is quite lovely.

For a Wolfen, at least.

Tanu made a random pleasurable noise, and touched her head, driving her on. Again, the force of his desire washed over her -- without the thought of Wulf, and the strength of her own needs, she might well have been carried away by the Tamer's inborn skills.

But no. Despite Tanu's questing, insistent commands, the center of Li's being remained her own. Her desires were her own, and right now she desired...

She let Tanu's hardness slip deeper into her mouth, her tongue slide along its underside. He was hotter now, and if possible still harder.

 "You like to do this," Tanu said. It was a command, not a question. "You like to do this for your master."

Li pulled her tongue away and released Tanu's shaft.

"I like this," she replied, and part of her told the absolute truth. "I like to do this for my master."

"Then continue. Continue for your master."

Li obeyed, taking the stiff rod once more, swallowing it more quickly this time, sliding it out, then taking it in again.

Tanu let forth a deep rumble of satisfaction.

"You have learned your place well," he said. "Lie down now, and obey."

"Yes, master."

Li let the hard cock go, with more than a little reluctance. Lovely boy, she thought. Perhaps with some training...

Then she was on her back, chain jingling, involuntarily sliding her hands around her breasts and touching her own nipples as Tanu crouched atop her.

"Legs. Apart. Now." His voice was calm, commanding.

Li obeyed, feeling his hands slide up her thighs, and touch the growing warmth of her public mound.

"Mmm..." she breathed. "Yrrrrlll... Touch it, master. Please."

"Did I give you leave to speak?" Tanu asked, reasonably, looking up at her, his eyes slightly less gentle.

"No," Li said. "You did not. Forgive me, master."

"Keep silent until I say you may speak," Tanu said, then buried his short grey-furred muzzle between her thighs.

Li did her best to comply, though her every instinct demanded she cry out the moment Tanu's long, hot tongue touched her outer lips. The desire redoubled as he spread them apart with his fingers and lingered at the softer, sopping pink of her inner recesses. When he touched her clitoris, she could hold back no longer.

"Rwwlllll.... Yesss, yes," she cried. "Oh, yes... Rrrrrrllllll.... I want..."

Tanu did not chastise her. It was as if he'd been toying with her, trying to force her as close to the edge as possible before allowing her to speak. Now, face busy between her thighs, tongue long and sloppy, lapping harder and harder, he let her writhe and cry out, digging her fingers into the soft flesh of her breasts, tweaking and pinching her own nipples, back arching, muscles tight, straining toward...

Toward...

"More, please... I'm... Yrrrllllll... Rrrrrr... Almost..."

Her clitoris was enveloped, buried, drowned in hot, undulant flesh. The heat of Tanu's tongue and his hurried breath spread through Li's body, pounding like an insistent drum beat...

"Almost.... Yrowwww... I'm..."

It hit in a blinding rush, white hot pleasure rushing though her veins.

"Don't... Rrrrr... Please, don't stop... I want... Rrrrlll... More..."

Uncharacteristically, the master complied, keeping his muzzle tightly against Li's mons, strong hands holding her thighs, licking, sucking, nipping gently, sending her again...

Again...

"Yessssss, Tanu.... Master... Darling Wolf... Wollllfff..."

Another titanic explosion of sensation seized her, battered her, pulsed and throbbed through her...

Then Tanu was on top of her, fitting the dark pink head of his fully-erect cock between her sopping cunt lips. Even as another contraction seized her, and her words vanished into pure animal howls, the long organ thrust boldly into her, absorbed into her utmost deeps...

And the fading waves of orgasm crashed down on her again. She issued an endless, wordless exultation now, mouth open, head back, breasts heaving, hands clenched into fists. Each of Tanu's strokes seemed to trigger more powerful, teeth-jarring bursts of pleasure...

And still he kept up, thrusting, thrusting, holding himself above Li on his arms, his lupine face now contorted with concentration, eyes shut, teeth bared, a deep, longing growl building up in his chest.

You're not my master, Li thought between explosions, but you are a lovely creature... Oh.

"Oh, master... Oh, Wolf..."

And again Wolf was in her mind -- a hairless, barbaric human, but so kind, so loving, so skilled... Yes, he was there... He could be her master. He could do this to her, and she would say all the things Tanu wanted, and mean it... She would be his...

At least for a while, she thought, as yet another orgasm shook her violently. For a night. Then she would be Li again, but just once, to be held and taken by her beloved like this...

Not, Li reminded herself as Tanu's endless stroking and thrusting finally took its toll on him, and he stiffened, head thrown back, howling as orgasm at last reached him, that Tanu was uncomely.

In fact... Yes... Come in me, darling Tanu, she silently urged her would-be master. Come all over inside me... In fact, if her other Wolf did not mind, perhaps...

"Ahhhhh.... Grrrrwwww..." Tanu thundered. "I come..."

Then she felt the warm explosion deep inside her, and felt Tanu tense, again, again, again, and finally collapse against her, his cock slipping out of her cunt, moist and sticky with their conjoined fluids.

"You serve well, Kaitian," he said, rising and gathering his acoutrements. "I will tell the lady that you are Tamed."

Li unsteadily returned to a kneeling position. She was a mess, but the Wolfen had provided a pleasant diversion.

 "I am tamed, master," she said, softly. "I obey you in all things."

"Then obey the elf-lady as you would me, tamed one." Tanu replaced his loincloth and bags. "I hope..."

"You hope what, master?'

"I..." He faltered. "I hope you will serve me again some day."

Then he was gone, leaving Li to wonder at what he had said.

A sense of depression now swept over Li. She'd done little. True, her soul was free of the Tamer's domination, but she had few hopes beyond that. Even the image which had sustained her, of the human Wulf, she was unsure of. Was he really alive, she wondered? Or had he and the ratling plunged lifeless into the sea? She prayed to the Infinite Pillars of Heaven that he had survived, and that she would see him again.

Miserably, she knew that her prayers would have no immediate answer.
 

Theanna's heart leaped at the sight of her. She had agreed to serve the Stormking, this she knew. But she also knew that she had done it only for Lothaera, in the hope that they could always be together. It did not seem quite right to Theanna, but she had yet to question her decision too closely.

Then Theanna gasped in surprise and horror. At the end of the leash, naked, eyes downturned, her pace slow and docile, was Shu Li. Her arms were bound behind her, her ankles were encircled by leather restraints, and her mouth was gagged shut with a large ball and thong apparatus. The Li Theanna had known would never have stood for such treatment, but the the cat woman's expression was anything but defiant. Her eyes were fixed on the ground, her face slack, and she walked at a slow, shuffling gait.

"Dearest Princess," Lothaera said, bowing. "I bring you a present. Your companion has been renedered suitably loyal, and now has been told she serves you. Only."

Theanna's mind whirled as Lothaera gave the leash a gentle tug and Li, the once-wild creature, fell without resistance to her knees.

"Th-thank you," Theanna said, knowing that any objection to Li's treatment would only disappoint Lothaera. And she must not disappoint Lothaera.

"You may treat this one as you wish. She is yours." Lothaera turned to go. "I advise you to prepare, however. The Stormking has asked for your presence at luncheon. Your new pet may accompany us, if you like. I think she'll make a fine servant, don't you? I'll be back in three hours, dearest."

"Goodbye," Theanna said, softly, looking between Li and Lothaera until the door once more closed and she was alone with the Kaitian.

"Oh, Li," Theanna gasped, hastening to her side and loosening her bonds. "What have they done to you?"

"Nothing I cannot tolerate, elf," Li replied with a trace of her old spark as the ball gag came off. "What have they done to you?"

Theanna swallowed, unbuckling Li's collar and pulling it free. "I... I've agreed to help the Stormking."

Free of the restraints, Li stood, stretching, making her breasts and belly do things that Theanna found surprisingly pleasant.

"Your old enemy?" the Kaitian asked, stalking toward the bed and hopping onto it. "The one who killed Wolf and the ratling? The one who tried to turn me into his slave? The one who is in rebellion against your mother, the queen? What possessed you to do such a thing? Or is logic too much to ask of an elf?"

"I don't..." Theanna faltered. "I don't know. It was Lothaera. I feel... I feel something for her."

Li curled on the bed. "By the Roof Beams of Paradise, I'd never thought I'd feel a bed again. Lothaera, that elf-bitch who turned me over to her damned Wolfen Tamer?"

"Yes," Theanna replied. "She's really quite kind, but... Oh, Li. I don't know. She was kind to me. She..."

Li's eyes widened. "She made love to you, didn't she? I saw in your eyes. I smelled it. Oh, with your kind it is so easy to see. She has your heart, does she not?"

Theanna fell into a chair, a look of utter despair on her face. "She does, Li. I can deny her nothing. Not even my loyalty."

"Like her cursed Tamer," Li growled. "He was a beautiful male, no doubt. But his job was to break me. Make me the tame, docile pet you saw when Lothaera brought me here."

"Why did he fail? What did you do?"

Li touched her forehead, the Kaitian equivalent of a shrug. "I was stronger than he thought I was. He expected a weak, defeated Kaitian, but instead he got a strong one. And I thought of Wolf."

"Wulf?" Theanna demanded. "What do you mean?"

"I love him," Li admitted. "It's an odd kind of love, of a Kaitian for a human, and it's not the sort that makes me want him by my side forever, or to be his eternal consort. That's not the way of my kind in any event. But love it is -- affection, respect, comradeship, call it what you well. The Wolfen couldn't control that. Someone else had taken all the emotions he tried to command. Wolf. Wolf and my sister. They both hold places in my heart that the Tamer couldn't hope to understand."

"Lothaera's done the same thing to me, hasn't she?" Theanna asked. "Are they all like this? Able to control thoughts and emotions and manipulate them to their benefit?"

"It seems the Stormking has recruited just such allies," Li agreed.

"I know what she's done to me, Li. But I can't resist. I can't deny Lothaera anything. I've no one like Wulf to think of. She has me now. Body and soul."

"Not forever, elf Princess," Li said. "I'm free, and so are you, for a time anyway. I'm your ally and your friend, even if no one else in this hell-fortress is." She held out her arms. "Come, let me hold you."

Theanna climbed onto the bed and felt Li's strong arms around her shoulders.

"We're to see the Stormking soon," she said, softly. "No one can hide from his gaze, and no secrets can be hidden. What will we do then?"

"I do not know," Li replied. "We'd best find some way of occupying ourselves until then."

Theanna looked up, about to ask "how?" when she felt the Kaitian woman's hot breath, and realized that her face was only a hairsbredth away.

"I've someone else to love, and that helped fight the Tamer," Li said. "Perhaps I can give you someone as well."

Theanna gasped, then sighed, melting onto Li's arms as the Kaitian's lips met hers.
 
 

"Wake up, you great filthy ape!" chirped an insistent voice through a haze of wind and sea-fog. "You're malingering, I know it. I saw your mouth move! You're alive, you blasted primate. Now wake up!"

Admittedly, the face of an enormous rodent, his eyes gleaming black, his sharp little incisors protruding from his twitching, bewhiskered mouth, is not what I usually like to see upon awakening, but in this case I didn't mind terribly.

"Okay, rat," I growled, irritably, pulling myself to a sitting position. "You caught me. I've been pretending to be dead ever since the cyclone hit."

"Yeah, right," Squitter chittered. "Leaving me to do all the dirty work."

I looked around. We rested on a chunk of flotsam that, by its color, probably came from the Princess Xura's outer hull. Beyond us, the blue-green sea stretched endlessly, crowded with junk from the dead ship, morning mist rising into the dark blue dome of the sky. The east paled with dawn, and besides us and a few wheeling sea birds, we were completely alone.

"Anyone else make it?" I asked.

"I don't think so," Squitter replied. He was dressed in rags, but I wasn't one to criticize, since I was, too. "If there are any others, I haven't seen them. We're the only ones left."

"Phaedra's tits," I muttered. "How long have I been out?"

"Day and a night. It's been bloody lonely, let me tell you."

"So now I'm here to provide conversation," I said. "In the meantime, any ideas as to how to get to dry land?"

"I don't know, Wulf. You're the sailor, not me."

"Yeah. You're just a stowaway bilge rat." I groaned. My head hurt. "Well, given where we went down, if we head north and paddle long enough, we should eventually hit Litharna or the White Empire. Gods only know how long that'll take, or if we'll starve or die of thirst first."

"You fill me with optimism, ape-man. I'm almost sorry I woke you up."

"Not as sorry as me," I said. "Okay, find a timber and start paddling. And if you see anything like supplies --"

"Uh, Wulf," Squitter said, cautiously. "That may not be necessary."

"Oh, really?" I said, contemptuously, fishing a plank out of the water, finding it too short, then throwing it back. "Some good reason you can't paddle, rodent?"

"Well, yeah."

"And what is that?"

"I suggest you take a look."

I turned. When I looked toward where Squitter was pointing, my eyes widened.

Out of the mist loomed the dark hull of a ship. It was a big, broad tub of a vessel, and its masts rose high. Squinting, I saw a banner fluttering from the yard-arm. It was black, with crossed sabers and...

Yes. A skull.

"Oh, crap," I said.