As the name would imply, the Warlands were an utter mess. Petty kings and pretender gods squabbled over the carcass of a dead empire. Decades of strife had taken their toll. No one plowed the fields. The roads, once a source of great pride, were now little more than dirt paths. The only people who traversed them regularly were soldiers or brigands. It was a realm of death, decay and misery. It was also a land of opportunity, for the right type of person, at least.
We called ourselves the Unfettered. Generations of young nobles from foreign lands who put aside rank and title to gain glory and fame. It had been a tradition since the empire collapsed. Although I detested the violence, I did my duty. I fought on Clouded Mountain, twice. I witnessed the death of the battle saint Aladraia; her thunderous power cut short by a loose arrow. I stood upon the walls of Hapan during an assault by Kingkiller Keen. I brought honor to my own name. I had earned my many scars. I knew I would be able to hold my head high whenever I rejoined my family.
Thoughts of home were rolling around in my mind the day I met you. My company needed rest so we stopped in the nearest town. This town just happened to be Ontoh, former capital of the empire and the greatest city in the world once upon a time. Those days were long gone. Decades of pain and war had robbed the city of its grandeur. Structures that had inspired awe now sat in abject ruin. A sickly palor hung where once majesty reigned. It was a truly miserable sight. If I could have, I would have kept moving. But my people needed rest and bad walls were better than none in a land and time like this.
Ontoh could barely be considered a town anymore. It was more akin to a collection of villages than anything else. Rows of dead streets separated enclaves of life from each other. The largest one of all sat around the Dreamer’s Temple. So that is where we went. We found a derelict but mostly intact mansion and made it our camp. The camp folowers set about trying to make it as comfortable as possible. Our healers got to work on the wounded while the able-bodied soldiers began their well-earned respite.
I had a slight limp from our last skirmish but the wound could not keep me from exploring the ancient capital of the world. I stepped out onto a wide boulevard, imagining how grand it must have been during the height of the old empire. My thoughts were cut short though. Within moments of stepping into the mid-day light, I was beset by howls and shrieks.
They were known to all as the Voracious. I had heard of them but never had the pleasure until this very moment. I had heard they were demons driven mad by lust. Those recollections proved shockingly accurate. A group of 15-20 women, with nothing but rags to cover their scarred bodies, approached me at a quickening pace. They hollered and hooted as they rushed towards me. Something horrible peered out of their widened eyes.
Although I have heard many a man make light of the Voracious, I doubt many had actually met them. My greeting was not nearly as lurid as had been promised by so many bastards. It was terrifying. I could swear that some of them were missing swaths of flesh. The noise, the smells, the quickly advancing mob; it all turned me pale as wintersheep hide. I spun on my heel and ran back to the mansion grounds. Their claw-like hands nipped at my back.
My guards leapt into action. A volley of arrows found their targets well. The ones nearest to me dropped to the ground. This caused others in the group to rethink their course of action. After a few gutteral hisses, the Voracious scattered down the boulevard.
I thanked my guards for their attention. They nodded and waved from their various perches. All except for one. She shouted back, “The chief’s a ladykiller, don’cha know?” This got a goid chuckle out of many along the perimeter. I took a half hearted bow before continuing on my way. The center of action seemed to be the Dreamer’s Temple.
If anything was happening around here, it was probably there.
I personally had no faith in the Dream. Many people found solace in believing themselves to be but shadows upon the mind of God. They found strength in the idea that our reality was not actually real. God had a plan and we simply needed to play our part in the Dream. I found it all a bit silly, to be honest, but many of my soldiers were ardent believers. They wanted to visit the Temple, pay their respects and pray for the chance to enter Paradise. I would have much preferred to find a cozy corner in an old tavern but I try accomodate when I can. So, I buried my incredulity and joined them during their visit.
The Temple may have been the only building in Ontoh that hinted at its former glory. It was a massive, cavernous space. Specks of gold in the high ceiling glistened in the light of a thousand candles. Statues of saints and prophets lined the sanctum, untouched by the withering hand of ruin. It was peaceful, calm and quiet. I had not experienced anything like it since coming to the Warlands. Yet, I was still unmoved by the power of God. I simply enjoyed the silence.
My troops scattered like excited children when we arrived inside. Some wanted to partake in the Sacred Sleep. Others wanted to hear stories and songs from the Cantors. Once they had scattered, I noticed one of my lieutenants standing alone. She called herself Onager. She was a brilliant and devious engineer. I knew she felt the same way I did about the Dream so her presence surprised me.
I walked over to her and inquired, “Come to marvel at the wonders of the divine?”
She smirked and almost spat out, “No.” Then she turned her gaze towards the ceiling, twinkling like a starry sky. “It is pretty though. I actually came to meet with a seeress.”
I balked, “a seeress? I never would’ve expected that-”
Onager cut me off with the wave of her hand. “I dont believe. It’s just fun to hear their nonsense sometimes. Gives me a good laugh. One time, one if them told my sister she’d become known far and wide for her bravery.” She chuckled to herself a bit before continuing, “Too bad she died while running from a fawn years before that bitch even opened her whore mouth.”
Unsure of what to do with this information, I rocked awkwardly on my feet.
My lieutenant flashed a smile and tapped my aon the arm. “Come on, chief, it’ll be fun.”
I followed Onager to the very end of the Temple. The candlelight faded as we walked deeper. Eventually, we found a gaggle of women in heavy purple robes sitting together. They did not acknowledge us, so we stood some distance away from their gathering. They were in one of their supposed trances. I looked ascance at my lieutenant but she merely shrugged.
That is when you opened your eyes. You gazed upon me like a misplaced key, suddenly found. Even in that dark space, I could see the beauty of your face. Slowly, you rose to your feet and fixed your eyes upon me. In a low but clear voice you said, “good morrow Lord Graylarc.”
Onager suddenly turned to me and whispered, “see what I mean? Such nonsense.” Her demeanor changed swiftly when she saw my eyes trembling though.
I had not heard my family’s name in years. I was Unfettered. Even my most loyal companions did not know I was a Graylarc. But, more importantly my mother yet lived. I responded, “I am no lord of anything.”
You simply stared back at me. I had been to other Temples and met other seeresses. They all had soft gazes, the serene look of the Dream, but you were different. There was confidence in your eyes, a brightness unfamiliar to your station. You knew what the Dream had shown you and you cared little for my objection. After staring for some time, you closed your eyes and returned to your meditations.
I was befuddled. Mother was not young anymore but she was strong. Unless something had dramatically changed, I had assumed she would live for years to come. However, something about the resoluteness in your voice and gaze stirred doubts in my mind. I was not ready for the mantle you suddenly placed upon me.
I had to leave. I silently nodded to Onager and left the Temple as quickly as I could. All the while, flashes of thought lit up my mind. How could you know my family name? If you knew that, was your other sentiment true? Was I now a lord? Should I head home? Was father alright?
After some time, I was able to shake these worries. Some of my more raucous soldiers found me and whisked me away to a nearby tavern. We drank and laughed until night set in. By morning, I had nearly forgotten about your words but your face still lingered in my mind.
We stayed in Ontoh for a week. The troops needed rest and I needed to find our next benefactor. My contacts within the Rumor Mill said Ansamerac and his bands had been raiding in the east recently. Perfect! We could make some coin driving them off and I would be close enough to home to send a messenger. I still did not believe you but better to check, I supposed. I told my company that we would head out in the morning and made sure to get to my quarters early. Although not as glorious as the beds of Castle Graylarc, the one I found myself in was the best I had been in for months. One of the camp followers was even able to find some mostly clean linens in the bowels of that mansion. She had graciously gifted them to me on our first night in that city. I would sincerely miss this bed when we left.
Sleep was about to take me when I suddenly felt your presence. I sat up and found you at the foot of the bed. You wore the same expression from a week ago, serene yet resolute. I had no idea how you found me or got past my entire company but here you were, still draped in those heavy robes. We stared at each other in silence for what seemed an eternity.
Then, you slowly lifted your hand and extended a finger towards me. “The Dream cries out for you, Lord Graylarc.”
I opened my mouth to protest but no words left my lips. Though I tried, they remained unmoved in the back of my throat. I tried to force them out but only felt myself getting nauseous. What sorcery was this?
You continued, “You will face many challenges and hardships in your life. You will be brought low. You will be cast out and maligned for your good deeds. You will suffer and in your suffering the Dream will be restored.”
This was never something someone wanted to hear, especially in an unfamiliar dark place at some strange hour of the night. Since I still could not speak, I suppose my frustration with this prophecy was evident on my face. You smiled warmly and moved your hands to the clasp of your robe.
You spoke softly, “The Dream knows it asks much of you. So it offers you a boon.” With that, you let your heavy clothing fall to the dusty floor. You were gorgeous; supple curves and soft skin drew my hungry gaze. I had not been with anyone in some time. The sudden realization of what this divine boon entailed made my heart skip a beat. Even in my wildest dreams would I ever imagine being with someone of your caliber.
You crawled onto the foot of the bed and moved towards me deliberately. Your curves swayed deliciously with every inch forward. You moved with a stalking panther. Your naked breasts hung low and grazed against my quivering skin. Your warmth slowly mingled with mine until you were straddling me. You took my rough hands in your own and placed them upon your chest. The invitation led me to squeeze and grope at your heavy bosom. My fingertips danced around your hard nipples. You smiled down at me as you leaned in and kissed my hungry lips. You tasted so very sweet.
You began to grind against me. The damp heat between your legs cascaded over my hips. Our tongues danced together as you swayed faster and faster. My cock grew harder with every motion of your beautiful body. You could feel its desire for you. You pressed against me even harder, relishing your affect on me.
Suddenly, you lifted yourself up and let my cock stand at full attention. You smiled sweetly as you guided me into you. Your soft tightness invited me in. You lowered yourself slowly, letting us both feel every bit of pleasure until your body had swallowed me whole. Then you lifted yourself again only to come back down faster. You picked up speed, eventually riding me like I had never been ridden before. Your beautiful face turned skyward. Your moans and gasps were like sweet music.
Pleasure cascaded over my entire body. You knew exactly how to move your perfect form. You delighted in teasing me, nearly lifting off only to swivel your hips. You giggled every time you came back down. Your playful demeanor brought an honest smile to my weary face. You were warm and inviting. My fingertips danced across the small of your back. Our skins mingled as teases turned to promises.
We found our rhythm in the darkness. I thrusted every time you came down, pushing myself as deep as I could. You nearly shrieked with pleasure and the sound brought joy to my heart.
So much so that I felt myself twitch. An orgasm was quickly approaching. You must have realized this because you suddenly lifted yourself off of me completely. Your graceful hand slipped down and teased the tip of my throbbing cock. Then I came. Probably harder than I ever had before. A load exploded from me and shot over your stomach. You giggled playfully while you ran your fingertips through the mess. You let my seed dribble off your fingertips, dripping onto your perfect breasts, as you brought it to your lips. You moaned softly as you tasted me on your tongue.
Then you let your hand fall to your side. You remained there with my seed dripping from different parts of your incredible body. You wanted me to see. As I would later discover, you were burning this moment into my mind. The Dream gave you that power. I would not just remember this moment, I would be allowed to return to it whenever I wished. I could feel these waves of pleasure again. I could see your beautiful body in all of its glory. But, most importantly, I could experience that relief all over again.
You had drained me completely. I felt a peace that I have rarely known since. I tried to thank you but words still proved illusive. You seemed to know my intention though. You smiled wide and nodded as you placed your hands on my shoulders. You guided me back to where you had found me. Another sweet kiss found my lips.
Then, I was in darkness. A sudden crash of metal pierced my ears. I jumped to my feet, years of fighting experience ready for the threat, only to hear the clattering of teeth and shaking of boots. My eyes adjusted to the dim light of morning only to find one of the camp followers. She had dropped a tray in order to cover her eyes. I was completely naked.
“M-my apologies, my lord” she stuttered meekly. “I did not know you would be”, she stopped to carefully choose the appropriate word and then continued, “so informal.”
I smiled awkwardly and pulled the disheveled linens over to cover my body. I stared at the floor as I said, “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
The follower blushed as she whispered, “I’m not.”
Now it was my turn to blush. But then I realized she had said something important. “Wait, did you just call me ‘lord’?”
She bowed slightly. “I did, my lord.”
I responded, “Remind me to speak with Onager about the importance of discretion.”
The camp follower bent down to retrieve a piece of paper from the floor. She had meant to bring it to me with my breakfast. After getting it, she slowly inched closer to me. Her thin arm trembled as she stretched the paper outward. As soon as I took it, she sprinted out of the room. She nearly collided with the doorframe as she made her escape.
I sat on the edge of the bed, carefully unfolding the letter. It was from father. Mother had passed away, peacefully in her sleep. It had happened the night before we arrived in Ontoh. I needed to go home and take my place as mother’s chosen heir. I am Lord Graylarc now You had spoken truly. How could that be possible?
I quickly got dressed and rushed to the Temple. I found the High Anchoress and inquired after you. Unfortunately, my lack of identifying information about you made this quite difficult. After trying to explain, the Anchoress insisted that none of her seeresses matched my description. She reported that her seeresses were many things but “beautiful” was not one of them. She politely asked me to leave, unconcerned with the miracle before her.
I never saw you again. Part of me wondered if you had been the Dream itself or at least some fragment of it. All I do know is that your boon was sincerely appreciated. That night served me well for many years to come. Through every trial and tribulation, I still had that sliver of unbridled joy.
I will always be grateful to you, wherever you are.
Source: reddit.com/r/eroticliterature/comments/u5e2c0/the_seeress