Chapter One: The Road to Willowsrun
 

Three days out of the capital Kerrith Archotos had lost his horse to the Corthronos. The summoned creatures had dogged him all day and all night, finally attacking in the dim hour before dawn. He had managed to slay one of them and drive off the rest but they had torn the throat from his horse before fleeing. Now he was near where the mageís tower was reported to be. There were two towns in the vicinity, Rivermeld which he had passed a day ago, and Willowsrun, a quarter dayís ride ahead.

Luckily for him, the highway had been recently repaired and its worn paving stones had been laid even and smooth. At a brisk walk he should reach Willowsrun by nightfall. If all went well he would have the mage in his custody by the end of the week.

     Kerrith spiraled his sword around the Corthronosí katar, sweeping it to the side and leaving the monster open to attack. The creature barely turned his thrust with its second katar. Kerrith bashed its face with his shield throwing it off balance. He lunged forward before the creature could recover its guard and plunged his long sword deep into the creatureís chest. His aim was true as his blade slid through the creatureís brain and nerve bundle, killing it instantly. As the twitching creature fell, he kicked it in the chest to force it off his sword to stand ready for the next opponent.

     Breathing heavily, Kerrith saw that no more Corthronos stood to face him. Five more of their number lay dead or dying on the worn paving stones of the old highway. The Corthronos were ugly beyond belief. While each Corthronos looked different, they all shared certain traits. They all had fleshless heads, resembling a hideous amalgamation of lizard and beetle. They all lacked skin which allowed their raw muscle to gleam wetly in the sun. Most also seemed to have pieces of armor grafted into their exposed muscle. Some had weapons grafted onto their arms, others had weapons in place or in addition to their "normal" limbs. The one Kerrith had just slain had pieces of a breastplate melded with the flesh of his chest and a single greave covering his leg.

     Kerrith grimaced at the smell that their blood gave off. The Corthronos lying before him was still twitching as he turned to the wagon stranded in the drainage ditch, its rear axle shattered beyond repair. The horse had bolted when a Corthronos had slashed its traces.

     "Thank you, my lord!" the wagon driver cried out as he left the shelter of the woods. "Without you my entire family would have surely died!" He rushed over to Kerrith, his scarecrow like frame casting a thin shadow in late afternoon sun. "I am Ivan Arrowsmith. Merchant by trade." He bobbed his head.

     Kerrith nodded as he knelt to wipe the hissing blood of the Corthronos onto a rag. Upon contact the rag began to smolder, the foul blood discoloring it almost instantly.

     "My lord," the wagon driver said, "where did these beasts come from? I have never heard of them before."

     Kerrith looked up from the gruesome tableau of smoking paving stones and hideous corpses. "A foul, kersguard of a mage summoned these things from some gods-forsaken plane. As a Knight of the Shield I am sworn to find him and destroy him."

     "Summoned, you say? How many of these things wander the land?" the wagon rider exclaimed, nervously looking up and down the highway.

     "I do not know. These creatures are so foully powerful that I harbor doubts that even the mage that I hunt, Solyma, could control more than a score of such things."

     "A score? By the gods, we must warn the towns of the danger. By Kersvan, they could be at Willowsrun or Rivermeld."

     "I have just come from Rivermeld. I warned the mayor of the danger these creatures pose. Unless the entirety of these things attack the town, the militia and the local guard should be able to protect the town. Hopefully they are still concentrated at the mageís tower."

     "I am headed to Willowsrun. I planned to trade my goods for their wine, but now I have no wagon to transport it in."

     "Do not worry about your wagon, tomorrow a team may be dispatched to repair it. For now, gather your family. We must get moving soon. I do not wish to match blades with the Corthronos in the dark."

     The trader gulped and nodded. Kerrith watched as he hurried back to the woods, emerging seconds later with his family in tow. He was followed by two women, one of middle age, presumably his wife, and one in the full bloom of her womanhood. The traderís wife was quite attractive, bearing the full hips and bosom that had become pass in the capital. The traderís daughter of nineteen or so summers, was a beauty by any standards. She was slender with glossy black hair braided to her waist. She smiled shyly at Kerrith, her dark hair catching the setting sunís rays. Kerrith bowed politely to them both.

     "This is my wife, Elisa, and my daughter, Selene. She is on her way to the College of Magic at the capital," the trader said, beaming with pride.

     Elisa and Selene curtsied to Kerrith.

     "Thank you, my lord, for saving us from those horrible beasts," Elisa said.

     "It was wonderful how you fought them," Selene said, her face filled with awe. "They seemed so terrible, but you danced around them and slew them like a normal man swats a mosquito." She gasped. "Oh, but youíve been wounded!"

     She rushed to Kerrithís side. He had received a small cut on his upper left chest from the last Corthronosí katar. His breastplate and the mail beneath had been cleanly cut. Without them he would have likely lost use of his arm.

     "It is but a scratch, my lady. We should begin moving now," he said.

     "You must let me attend to it when we reach Willowsrun, I have a small proficiency with the arts of healing weaves," Selene said.

     "I am in your debt, my lady," he said with a small bow and smile.

     Selene blushed, hiding it by fussing with her knapsack.

     "I secured my goods. Hopefully no animals will be getting into them before I can get back," the trader said.

     "Good," said Kerrith. "Let us go now."

     The small group began their journey down the highway to Willowsrun, Selene perhaps moving closer to Kerrith than fear of the Corthronos would dictate. She furtively examined Kerrith out of the corner of her eye. He was tall and lean and moved with a steady, determined gait. Although his face was hard and his eyes cool, he was handsome, in a way. Her eyes strayed back to his strong hands with their graceful fingers. She found herself wondering what it would feel like to have them run over her body and...

     Selene realized that Kerrith had noticed her furtive examination. She quickly looked away, blushing furiously. She let herself fall behind the group to avoid his gaze.

     Her father noticed her lagging behind. "Hurry up, Selene. There still might be more of those things lurking around here."

     "Donít be silly, if there were anymore they would have helped the ones who attacked-"

     The Corthronos dropped on Selene from an overhanging branch, pinning her to the ground. She screamed as it raised a limb more blade than arm. Only her reflexive cast of a defense weave kept the blade from tearing into her throat.

     The blade arm skittered off the weave, cracking the pavement beside her head and showering her with chips of rock. Selene lashed out at the monstrous form looming above her, hitting it solidly in the face. It barely flinched from the punch. The creature reached down with its left arm, wrapping its ham sized fist around her neck. Her weave held for a second, then the fist was choking her. She struggled for breath, clawing at the monsterís hand. Her vision began to fade and narrow as she ran out of breath. Just as the blackness closed over her she saw a brilliant flash of silver above her.
 
 

     Kerrith spun at the sound of the struggle behind him, reflexively pulling his sword free of its scabbard. He saw the Corthronos straddling Selene and the rise and fall of its bladed arm. He cursed himself as he ran, knowing that he would be too late to save her.

     He was amazed to see her still alive and struggling, although barely, when he reached the monster. Kerrith stepped into a swing, his blade shining as it hacked into the back of the creatureís neck. The force of the impact nearly jarred the sword from his hand. The creature howled as it let go of Seleneís neck and rose jerkily to itís feet. Kerrith braced his foot against the Corthronosí back and heaved at his sword. It ground against the creatureís vertebrae before slowly sliding free.

     He jumped backwards, barely avoiding the creatures slash, and assumed a fighting stance. The thing crouched low while weaving its blade in figure eights. It feinted at Kerrithís face then spun and dropped to chop at his leg. Kerrith leapt over the blade while slashing downward at the monsterís neck. His sword cut deeply into the monsterís neck, nearly severing itís head. The Corthronosí head lolled sickeningly on a few tendons, still snarling and snapping at him.

     They dueled back and forth across the highway, the monster, crazed with bloodlust, slashing madly at Kerrith. He barely managed to fend off the wild cuts and stabs with his shield while looking for an opening in the creatureís guard. He found himself backed against a tree trunk with the Corthronos slashing at his neck.

     Kerrith ducked, feeling the blade whistle over his head and slam into the tree trunk. As the Corthronos struggled to free his arm, Kerrith ducked under it while reversing the grip on his sword. As the creature pulled free, he stabbed his sword back into creatureís back, impaling its brain. The creature lets a long, hooting sigh from its neck as it slumped to the ground.

     Kerrith ignored the creature to run to Seleneís side. Her parents were already crouched beside her, nervously fanning her face with a handkerchief.

     "Iím fine," she croaked, struggling to sit up. Her mother took her hand and patted it gently.

     "How does she fare?" asked Kerrith.

     "Sheís still-" her mother began.

     "Iím fine, my throat just hurts a little," she said, a vicious yellow bruise on her neck quickly turning to purple. "Just let me get a healing weave together when we get to town." She staggered to her feet with her parents help. She took a faltering step and nearly collapsed.

     "Are you all right, dear?" her father asked, holding her shoulder.

     "I, I," Selene shook her head. "Oooh, I think I hit my head." She slowly swooned and fell into her fatherís arms.

     Kerrith examined the back of her head. There was a goose egg sized bump hidden beneath her hair.

     "We canít wait for her to come around, we need to get moving," he said.

     "We could make a stretcher or a travois," said her father.

     "No time, give her to me. Iíll carry her."

     Kerrith handed his shield to Ivan and lifted Selene in his arms. "Letís go, the sooner we reach town, the better."

     Pausing only to drape Kerrithís cloak over the unconscious Selene, the small group began to move again down the road, this time staying close together and keeping a watchful eye on the trees.
 

*****
 

From the viewing chamber at the peak of the tower, a deeply hooded figure watched the battle between the summoned Corthronos and the Knight of the Shield. The mage hissed in anger as they were defeated. With a quick wave of a hand, Solyma banished the image. Sitting in the warm dim chamber, the mage pondered this development. Then, with a flash of white teeth the mage smiled, pondering new plans in which the pretty young one figured prominently.
 
 

     They reached Willowsrun just after sunset. The local inn was located on the town square. It was a cozy two story building with a small stable adjoining it and a barn behind it. Light shone from windows looking into the common room and the sound of someone playing a violin sweetly could faintly be heard.

     Ivan hurried ahead to open the door for Kerrith. Selene was still unconscious. The common room was similar to others of inns across the land. A large fireplace filled most of one wall to the left of the door. A bar and doorway to the kitchen were set directly from the door with tables and chairs set up between them. A small platform was set against the right wall where a woman in a blue cloak and dress was playing the violin. The woman was tall and attractive with her blond hair set up in a bun. The bow scraped across the strings of the violin as she stopped playing. The small group of men and a few women sitting at the tables turned to look at them as they entered.

     "This woman is hurt, is there a healer in town?" Kerrith asked.

     "Aye, Magda can heal," said the innkeeper, pointing at the violin player. He was a short, skinny redheaded man with a surprisingly deep voice.

     "Can you help us?" Elisa asked.

     "Yes, just let me fetch my things," the healer said.

     "Iíll send William for them," the innkeeper said. He yelled back into the kitchen, "William! Get out here and go fetch Magdaís things." A small blond boy rushed out the kitchen door and through the entrance, slamming it behind him. He turned back to Kerrith. "I have two rooms left, put her in the one at the end of the upstairs hallway. Hereís the key."

     Ivan thanked him profusely as he took the key and hurried upstairs. Elisa stayed near Selene as Kerrith carried her up the stairs.

     As Kerrith reached the top of the stairs Selene stirred and began to wake.

     "Kerrith?" she murmured. "What happened?"

     "You hit your head," he answered, he smiled, somewhat hesitantly.

     "Oh. Youíre carrying me."

     "Yes."

     "Thatís good. I rather like it." Selene smiled woozily at him, then closed her eyes again.

     "Selene? Are you alright?" Elisa asked, fussing around her.

     "Yes, mother. Iím just tired."

     Kerrith carried Selene into the last room. It was decently sized, with a comfortable looking bed against the wall. Ivan pulled back the covers as Kerrith set Selene on the bed. Elisa sat on the edge of the bed, tucking the covers around her daughterís neck. She smiled up at Kerrith.

     "Thank you again, my lord. We are forever in your debt," she said.

     "It was my pleasure," he said, bowing. He turned to Ivan. "I will now see the mayor and warn him of the creatures. Be sure to take a good number of stout men with you when you go to recover your wagon."

     "I will, my lord. Thank you."

     Kerrith nodded to him as he left the room, passing the healing woman on the way up the stairs. She looked at him nervously as she squeezed by him on the narrow stairway, her skirts swishing against the wall. Kerrith looked back at her, wondering who she was and why she seemed familiar as he continued down to the common room and walked to the bar.

     "Do you know where I would find the mayor?" he asked the innkeeper.

     "Aye, youíre looking at him," the mayor answered.

     "Your honor, be aware that a group of horrid beasts have been summoned by an evil mage. They wander the countryside carrying out his foul bidding and are a deadly threat. I recommend that you warn the townspeople and have any on the outskirts move into town."

     "Iíll do as you say, my lord. Do you know how many there are?"

     "Possibly a score, perhaps less, perhaps none are left. Regardless, even one of these creatures would wreak havoc on the town were it unopposed. You have a militia?"

     "Yes, my lord. We have a small militia."

     "Then have them gather their arms and set watch. I do not think that the creatures will attack a town, but there is no reason for any risk."

     The mayor nodded. "William! Run to Havasí place and tell him to call out the militia. Tell him that monsters are on the loose and to gather anyone from the outskirts and bring them in."

     "Yes, da," the boy called, already on his way out the door.

     "Heís a good lad, that one," the mayor said with a smile. "Now, my lord, where will ye be sleeping? Thereís one room still left or the common room."

     "Let the Arrowsmithís have the room, Iíll sleep in the barn."

     The mayor seemed mildly surprised. "Well, Iíll have the maid bring out a mattress and bedding for you." The mayor stretched out his hand. "My nameís Ventor Wine," he said belatedly.

     Kerrith introduced himself to the mayor and headed upstairs to check in on Selene and the Arrowsmiths. As he entered the room he saw the healing woman applying a poultice to the bump on Seleneís head along with a healing weave. Seleneís parents sat on the other side of the bed, nervously holding hands.

     "How is she?" he asked.

     Magda the healing woman looked up. "Sheíll be fine. I healed the bruise, that was no problem. The bump will take a little longer. I have to be careful with head wounds. Sheíll sleep for a while before she comes to," Magda said. Her voice was as pleasant as her violin playing but was tense and nervous. She stood hesitantly, moving to stand near him. "May I speak to you? Privately?" She shifted nervously from foot to foot.

     Kerrith examined her face, trying to remember where he had seen her before. "Yes, shall we step outside?"

     They moved out of the inn to stand by the stable. With the glow of the common room illuminating half of her face, Magda said, "Kerrith, please. Iíve done nothing to harm anyone. I just wanted a place to live out my life in peace, where I wouldnít be hounded. I didnít mean to hurt anyone, you know that as well as anyone." Kerrith could see tears shining in the light of the common room. "I served my penance, I just couldnít stay in that city, I couldnít face the hate every day. I was living across the street from the guard, he was healed and working again, but his wife, she hated me. I tried moving but she followed me wherever I went and told everyone around me what I had done." By the end she was babbling, her words spilling out in desperation to have her say before he could interrupt.

     Kerrithís eyes widened as he remembered her. She had been a thief, stealing from the most highly guarded buildings, the Royal Library, and once even the palace. On her last theft she had accidentally knocked a guard through a second story window, nearly crippling him. She had turned herself in a week later. The courts had sentenced her to fifteen years after she had returned everything she had stolen. Kerrith had been young then, only eighteen summers old, just starting his service for the kingdom as a guard. He had been with the guards who had brought her in. He remembered how young she had been, at least, she had seemed young to him. She was only three summers younger than he, but to a boy of eighteen summers that had seemed a great deal. She had served her sentence, finishing five years after he had become a knight. He remembered hearing from a guard that she had broken the terms of her release and disappeared from the capital.

     "- Iíll do anything," she finished, her head hanging. Her hair had begun to escape from the bun and small curls hung down her neck.

     Kerrith shook his head. In his reminiscing he had missed what she had said. "Could you repeat that?" he asked.

     Magda looked up at him. She had stopped crying but was still sniffing. Kerrith handed her a handkerchief and waited while she blew her nose noisily. "I said, please donít take me in, Iíll do anything for you."

     Kerrith looked at her, scared and defiant, nervously playing with the edge of her cloak. "How did you remember me? I wasnít in the guards when you were left and I never saw you while you were in prison," he said.

     She looked into the inn, watching the other patrons eat and drink. "But you were there when I turned myself in. You were the youngest guard there for one thing. And the most handsome." She smiled wistfully. "You were kind. The other guards didnít talk to me. I know why, and I donít begrudge them their hate. My parents wouldnít come to the jail, they didnít even show up at the sentencing. I havenít spoken to them since. But you talked to me and," she held up his handkerchief, "gave me your handkerchief when I was crying that first night." She sighed and turned back to Kerrith. "I understand why you have to take me back," she said softly.

     Kerrith looked up at the sky, picking out the shield of Adramas where he stood on the river of stars. "I have more to worry about than taking back a convict whom no one even remembers anymore," he said, still looking upwards. He looked back at her. "I have some discretion over my actions now," he pointed to the Rune of the Shield picked out in silver thread on the shoulder of his tunic, "and I think youíll do more good here, helping these people, than serving as an example in the capital."

     Magdaís eyes widened when she saw the marking of a Knight of the Shield, the elite protectors of the kingdom, on him. "Thank you," she said, moving closer to him, "if, you need, anything, you can come to me." She closed her eyes, moving her lips closer to his. She kissed him hesitantly, then with more passion.

     Kerrith reached up to hold her shoulders as her arms moved around his back. He could feel her trembling beneath his hands. He pulled away suddenly. "No," he gasped, shaking his head, "you donít need to do this."

     Magda hesitated, her eyes searching his, then turned away. "Again, thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I should go check on Selene. Are you and her-," she let the question trail off, unspoken.

     "No, I met her and her family on the way here," he said.

     "Oh, why are you here? I thought you were here to find me."

     He shook his head. "I am here to find a mage who summoned monsters and let them loose on the countryside. He is a danger to himself and others. Most likely he will end his days down the gullet of his summoned creatures, as most summoners do, but before then he could have unleashed hundreds of monsters."

     They walked back into the inn, Magda heading upstairs while Kerrith stayed in the common room. Watching Magdaís retreating back, he sat at a vacant table. A pretty serving maid who resembled the mayor in every way except height approached him.

     "Hello, what can I do for you?" she asked.

     "Could I have something to eat and drink?" he answered.

     "We have a rabbit stew or a crepe with a wildberry jam. Thereís also fresh bread and cheddar cheese with either."

     "The stew, please."

     "Alright, what do you want to drink? We have ale, mead, cowís milk, or the local wine."

     "Howís the wine?"

     "Very good."

     "A glass of wine then."

     The serving maid smiled and nodded as she walked back to the kitchen. Kerrith caught her looking at him around the edge of the door as he waited. When he turned his head she had disappeared into the kitchen.

     "Excuse me, mílord," said a stocky man who had gotten up from a neighboring table.

     "Yes?" Kerrith answered.

     "Are you a Knight?"

     "Of the Shield, yes." Kerrith remembered that Ivan still had his shield. "My shield is upstairs right now, but if you want-"

     "Oh no, mílord. You see, me and the rest of the lads," he waved at the men and women gathered near the fireplace, "would like to know if you would care to join us. You see," he continued, "we havenít had someone of your status in Willowsrun in a long time and we want to show our hospitality."

     "I would be honored to join the fine folk of Willowsrun," Kerrith answered, rising.
 

*****
 

Kerrith rapped softly on Seleneís room. "Yes?" she called out softly.

     "It is Kerrith," he said.

     "Oh, please, come in," she said from the bed inching the bodice of her nightgown into a more revealing position.

     He entered quietly, holding a tray covered with plates. "I was not exactly sure what you preferred so I brought some of everything," he said.

     "Thank you, I was just about to get up and get something."

     "Where are your parents and Magda?"

     "Magda told them to go to bed and rest then she went home. They were getting so worried, I donít know what theyíll do when I leave for the College." She smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair out of her face. "That all smells delicious."

     She ate quickly, wolfing down the stew, the crepe, cheese, and the bread. As she finished off the milk she hiccuped. "Excuse me," she said, blushing slightly. "Being healed makes you hungry," she explained.

     Kerrith watched as she delicately licked some stray jam off her fingers. When done, she slumped back against the headboard and sighed. "I donít think there is much that beats a good meal, especially in bed." She looked at where Kerrith sat solicitously by the side of her bed. "Iím sorry, my lord, Iíve kept you here waiting on me."

     "It was my pleasure, and please, call me Kerrith."

     "Thank you, Kerrith." She leaned over to take his hand.

     As she leaned over Kerrith realized that he could clearly see down the front of her nightgown. He quickly stood, looking anywhere but at her.

     "Here, let me take that tray for you," he said. As he lifted the tray he accidentally jostled it against the bed post. A glass half full of water tipped over, splashing over Selene. She gasped at the cold waterís touch on her neck and chest.

     Kerrith hurriedly set down the tray, taking a napkin and mopping up the water until he realized where he was mopping. He coughed in embarrassment and offered the napkin to Selene.

     "Iíll take this downstairs," he said, rushing from the room. "Sleep well."

     Selene sighed softly as Kerrith retreated. She was acutely aware of how fast the water was warming on her skin. She heart was still racing from Kerrithís touch. Turning on her side, she blew out the lamp, leaving the room lit in soft moonlight. She groaned. He probably thought she was some sort of, of, wanton, she thought. She rolled onto her stomach, pulling a pillow over her head. Although she lay still, she did not sleep.
 
 

     An hour and several glasses of wine later, Kerrith retired to the barn to sleep. A mattress with a bed frame had somehow been set up under the hayloft along with a steaming tub of water. He glanced around the barn. It was empty except for hay now. Perhaps they stored it here. He hung his sword belt on the headboard while eyeing the inviting water of the tub. Kerrith sighed gratefully as he removed his armor. He carefully laid it out next to his bed, close at hand in case of emergency. He winced as his tunic stuck to his wound while he was undressing. In his breeches, he washed, pouring the water over his head and scrubbing his face of the dirt of the road.

     Selene quietly entered the barn behind him. She paused at the door watching as he washed. She felt her heart begin to race as she watched his half naked form. Should I do this? she asked herself silently. A part of her wanted to strip naked and invite him to do whatever he wanted with her. Another part was screaming at her to leave before she made a fool of herself. Neither part won out. She stepped deeper into the barn, still clothed, stepping on a twig that had blown in at sometime. Its cracking seemed to fill the barn.

     He spun, pulling his sword from the bedside, at the sound of someone behind him. Selene froze where she stood holding a pile of cloths and salve, in her traveling dress.

     "I, I can come back some other time," she said.

     Kerrith dropped the sword point. "You shouldnít be moving about so soon."

     "Iím fine. I canít sleep now, Iíve been sleeping all day." She paused. "I said Iíd look at that cut you got. If Magda didnít take care of it." She smiled hopefully.

     "No, she did not." He grimaced as he sheathed his sword.

     "That cut looks like it hurts," she said, moving over to his side. She dipped a cloth into the warm water and began to dab at the wound. "Sit down."

     Kerrith sat down on the edge of the bed. Selene sat beside him. "I canít get at the cut like this. Lie back," she said, praying that he wouldnít hear the tremor in her voice.

     Kerrith leaned back against the headboard while Selene leaned over him. She carefully cleaned the wound before applying the salve. "I got this from Magda. She said it would speed healing with a weave. Hold still while I do this." She began to weave the spell over the wound, crisscrossing the threads between its edges, her fingers moving in an intricate catís cradle. As she whispered the words of beginning the weave began to glow softly. The soft grey light increased as the weave grew closer to completion.

     Selene leaned closer to bind the threads together. Kerrith was incredibly aware of her soft breath on his skin and the feel of her hands lightly touching his chest. A wisp of her hair had escaped her braid and curled down to brush lightly against his skin. He closed his eyes as she softly whispered the words of ending. He felt a brief surge as the wound began to close. He gritted his teeth as the wound knitted together and a surge of energy flowed through him, leaving him breathless.

     "There," Selene said, slightly out of breath, "all done." She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand, the other still lingering on his chest. She looked to where her hand rested, acutely aware of the hard muscle beneath her fingertips. She began to feel her heartbeat thud in her chest, sure that he could hear it.

     "Thank you," Kerrith said.

     Selene looked up into his eyes. "Umm," she said as all of her carefully rehearsed lines evaporated like the morning dew.

     Kerrith began to lean closer to her, his hand on hers. Selene slowly closed her eyes as his lips moved closer to hers. The first touch of his lips set her mind spinning. They slowly moved together, their lips parting. Selene moved her hands up to Kerrithís shoulders while his hands began to roam over her body. Shivers ran through her body as he cupped her breasts, stroking them through the material of her dress. She threw her leg over his, straddling him, as his hands began to unfasten the hooks of her dress.

     Selene moaned softly into his mouth as she felt her dress begin to part. She pulled back, her hands moving to the shoulders of her dress. She slowly let her dress fall down to her waist, revealing her shift. Then she shrugged slowly out of her shift, letting the soft undergarment join her dress. She looked down at the bed, blushing at revealing herself so blatantly, until Kerrith gently tilted her chin upward with his finger. He kissed her again, one hand cupping her cheek, the other stealing down her bare skin to cup a breast. Selene moaned again, moving up on her knees to shuck her dress and shift. Kerrith fumbled with the covers, yanking them back as Selene rolled on her side. She kicked off her clothes, letting them crumple to the floor. Kerrithís hands roamed over her body, filling her with a sudden wild heat. She gasped, her hands tugging at Kerrithís breeches. She yanked them impatiently, baring his underwear. As he kicked off his breeches she pulled down his underwear, revealing his manhood. Soon they were both naked.

     Selene reached down to grasp Kerrith, delighting as he moaned. She raised her head to kiss him, one hand urging him forward and into her.

     "Wait," gasped Kerrith, "being healed makes one hungry." He grinned at her as he began to kiss down her neck.

     Selene moaned, biting her lower lip, as Kerrithís mouth slowly moved to her bosom. His tongue flicked out over her hard nipples as she buried her hands in his hair. He took one nipple into his mouth, gently sucking, while his hands massaged her breasts. After a few minutes of exquisite attention, he continued downward. He kissed her belly, his tongue lapping at her belly button and causing her to jerk in pleasure. Selene looked down, her head light with anticipation as he lowered his head between her open thighs.

     He lightly kissed the velvet soft skin of her inner thighs, carefully avoiding her opening. Selene groaned as he continued to tease her. "Please, oh, please," she whispered huskily.

     Kerrith delicately slid his finger into her, slowly working it into her tightness. He moved it gently back and forth, wetting it thoroughly, then moved it to her clit. Selene trembled as he began to massage her gently, rolling his finger around her clit while steadily licking and kissing closer to her. She let out a small cry, her fingers knotting in the sheets, as he brought his mouth to her. His tongue began to lap at her clit while two fingers began to penetrate her with steady thrusts. She began to buck her hips in time with his fingers, gasping with pleasure. Soon, she felt herself on the brink. A low, inarticulate cry rose from her lips as he clamped his mouth over her clit and began to apply a steady pressure. Her hips rose from the bed as she climaxed, crying out in ecstasy. He continued to lick at her as she thrust her hips at him. A second shudder ran through her body, nearly causing her to faint. Finally, Kerrith moved his mouth back up her body, ending in a deep kiss. She realized that she could taste herself on his lips and tongue.

     She looked up at him with half closed eyes. "Take me," she moaned.

     Kerrith obliged her. He rose up on his hands over her and then slowly began to thrust into her. Her warm tightness wrapped around him, threatening to make him climax immediately. As he pushed deeper into her, Selene began to make little gasping sounds. Her dark hair spilled across the bed, freed from its braid. Kerrith felt himself buried in her to the hilt. She squeezed him in a velvet vice, making him groan in pleasure. He buried his nose in her hair, inhaling the sweet smell of flowers, before kissing her again. Unable to hold himself back any longer he started to thrust into her, at first with control, then soon with wild abandon. The shared sounds of their lovemaking echoed around the barn, causing innocent flocks of swallows to take wing, chirping in indignation.

     Seleneís arms wrapped around Kerrithís back as she urged him deeper into her. She began to wail as she climaxed for a third time. The sound of her pleasure drove Kerrith over the edge, he began to release his seed deep inside her. For a second that seemed to last an eternity they were together, conscious only of the feel of each others bodies. Then, slowly, Kerrith sank onto Selene. He kissed her softly, rolling off her. She snuggled closer to him, throwing her leg over his while resting her head on his chest. Kerrith fumbled with the covers for a moment, pulling them over Selene and himself as sweat cooled on their skin. They lay together silently, feeling sleep calling to them. The last thing Kerrith was conscious of was the silken weight of Seleneís hair on his shoulder and her soft breath on his chest.
 
 

Chapter Two: The Tower of Solyma
 

A dogís furious barking woke Kerrith just before dawn. He lay in the soft darkness of the barn with his eyes still closed. In the darkness behind his eyelids he could hear the soft breathing of Selene and the soft sighing of wind in the hay loft. The dogís barking became more urgent as other dogs joined in. Kerrith opened his eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the dim light of the barn. Seleneís arm was draped over his chest and her head rested on his shoulder. He slowly slid off the bed while lifting his scabbard from the headboard. Selene stirred for a moment then burrowed deeper into the blankets.

     Kerrith quietly pulled on his breeches and tunic. The dogís barking had increased. He could hear the village awakening. Kerrith could hear a man yelling at his dog as he reached for his chain shirt. He lifted it as quietly as he could, silently cursing the clinking of the mail. He began to creep slowly towards the barn door. As he began to slide it open he heard Selene move behind him.

     "Kerrith?" she called sleepily. "Whatís wrong?" she asked as she spotted the chain mail draped over his arm.

     "Iím not sure," he said quietly.

     A sudden shrill scream rang out from the other side of the town square. Kerrith yanked the door open as he struggled into his mail. He drew his sword as he ran towards the scream. In the barn, Selene grabbed for her clothes and began to dress.

     A thin mist still filled the town square. Kerrith saw the villagers rushing from the buildings, some clutching various weapons. Ivan and Elisa saw Kerrith as they rushed from the inn and ran toward him. Elisa was holding Kerrithís shield to her chest.

     "Kerrith, its Selene. I canít find her anywhere!" yelled Ivan.

     "Do not worry, she is in the barn," said Kerrith, taking his shield from Elisa with a nod of thanks.

     "In the barn? Why-"

     He stopped as another scream echoed across the square. Kerrith sprinted towards it along with the ragtag militia of Willowsrun. It was coming from a two-story house directly across from the inn.

     Kerrith jumped onto the patio and ran to the front door. He crashed into it with his shield, knocking the door into the entry way. He heard another scream from the second story. With several militia men following he ran up the stairs. Three doors lined the upstairs hallway. Kerrith stepped carefully off the stairs, blade at the ready. He could hear the hissing breathing of a Corthronos from the doorway to the right. Kerrith edged closer to the door, waving at the militia men to keep back. He leaned around the doorway, peering into the room.

     A Corthronos was backed into a corner of the bedroom by a salt and pepper haired man in a nightshirt armed with a boar spear. A window was shattered next to it, the curtains moving gently in the morning breeze. It swayed almost drunkenly, its twin swords rising and falling as it tried to keep upright. Kerrith moved quietly to the manís side. He could see the manís wife crouched beside the door. She started in fright when she saw Kerrith.

     "About time," the man said.

     "We go on three, you stab, I will keep it occupied," said Kerrith.

     "Fine, one, two-"

     The creature hissed, its mandibles clacking together. It raised its swords and lunged.

     "-Three!"

     The boar spear stabbed home, hitting dead center in the Corthronosí chest and slamming it back against the wall. The monster roared and tried to run up the shaft of the spear but the crossbar creaked and held.

     "Kill it!" the man yelled as his grip on the spear began to slip.

     Kerrith stabbed at the monsterís brain. It tried to parry but caught one blade on the shaft of the spear. Kerrith blocked the other with his shield while sliding his sword into the creatureís brain. It gave one last hiss and slumped against the wall, blood hissing on the hardwood floors.

     "What was wrong with it?" the man asked.

     "I do not know," answered Kerrith.

     The man turned to his wife who rushed into his arms. "Donít worry dear, its dead now." He turned his head to Kerrith. "Iím Havas Ivraim. Iím in charge of the militia here."

     Kerrith looked over the man. He had the muscular build of a man-of-arms along with scars over the visible parts of his arms and legs. His voice was a scratchy with the characteristic drawl of the northern regions of the continent.

     "Iím also a cobbler," he said, nodding at Kerrithís bare feet. He had forgotten his boots in his rush from the barn. "It took you lazy bunch of sods enough time to get here!" Havas roared at the militia men crowded in the doorway. "You let Kerrith and me do all the work! I could have been killed by that thing while you were sleeping off last night!"

     "Mr. Ivraim, I told your men to wait on the stairs, they were just following orders," said Kerrith.

     "Eh? Is that true?" he asked the militia men.

     They nodded and agreed, one of them accidentally knocking a chip out of the doorway with his axe.

     "Driswald, you damned idiot! Hold that axe like I taught you or Iíll come around and knock bits of you off with it!" Havas roared.

     "Sorry about that, I-" the one called Driswald began.

     "Sorry about that, sir!" screamed Havas.

     Driswald jerked back, nearly taking off a companions ear. "Iím sorry about that, sir!" he shouted.

     Havas made a sound of disgust. "Get out of here and form up in the square. I see weíre going to be drilling until you lot can remember what I tell you. Go on, get out!" he yelled.

     The militia descended noisily down the stairs accompanied by the noise of weapons gouging holes in the walls.

     Havas looked back to Kerrith. "Theyíre a good lot for the most part. They forget discipline though. Besides, I think they like the yelling, makes them feel like theyíre real soldiers," he said. "Iím going to be spending a fortune on repairing that." He pointed to the charred wood and plaster where the Corthronos had bled its last. "Did I hear you knocking down my door?" he asked Kerrith.

     "Yes, Iím sorry Mr. Ivraim," Kerrith apologized.

     "Ah, donít worry about it, you were doing your job. Let me get dressed and Iíll meet you in the square. Sir." He shook his head. "Been so long since Iíve done any soldiering I guess I even forgot something."

     Kerrith smiled. "I would be greatly interested in learning where you served once I have accomplished my duties."

     "Iíd be glad to, sir," Havas said.

     Kerrith started to say something else when he heard cries of warning from the square. He dashed out of the house with Havas just behind him, both with weapons at the ready.

     Most of the village was gathered in the square. They were currently scattering towards the houses around the square with the militia remaining behind. Two winged things were dropping from the mist into the square. They looked like Corthronos at first glance, but as Kerrith ran closer he saw differences. They had limbs which appeared to have been made out of clockwork. Their joints reminded him of the clockwork dolls which were so popular in the capital. As they swooped over the crowd he could see steam hissing from their joints and mouths.

     "Bowmen! Assemble!" Havas yelled. "What are those things?"

     The flying creatures had stopped, hovering twenty feet above the square. They seemed to be searching the running crowd. With a great burst of steam they dove into the fleeing mass of people, batting aside villagers like they were rag dolls.

     Selene turned at the grinding sound of the creaturesí flight from where she stood by the inn door. They were flying straight toward her. Before she had time to run they were upon her. One of them grabbed her under the arms and sprang straight up into the thinning mist.

     Kerrith saw Selene disappear into the mist. "Selene!" he yelled, sprinting after her. Behind him the bowmen had gathered. They nocked their broad shafted hunting arrows and drew a bead on the remaining creature. It was flying through the square toward a woman tending to those injured by its first charge.

     Magda looked up at the thing flying toward her. She tied off the healing weave quickly while standing and backing away. The thing was barely ten feet from her when a hail of arrows slammed into it, knocking it to the ground. She could smell the acid stench of its blood as it staggered to its feet, its arms breaking the arrows off where they had lodged in its body. Magda quickly yanked up her skirt to pull a dagger from where it was sheathed on her thigh. The thing was limping toward her, now only five feet away. She raised her dagger to throw, aiming at the things throat. With a snap of her wrist she sent her dagger plunging into the things throat as another shower of arrows landed in its back.

     The Corthronos collapsed to its knees. It clawed at her dagger, jerking it from its throat. A spill a vile reddish yellow blood splashed upon the stone of the square. The creature had managed to raise itself to one knee when a boar spear took it in the back. Havas forced the Corthronos to the ground, planting his bare foot on its back as he twisted the spear. With a last convulsive jerk the Corthronos died.

     "Gods above, these things are hard to kill," he grunted.

     Magda had turned back to her patient. The weave still glowed across his broken ribs waiting to be finished. She quickly finished the weave and chanted the words of finishing. A few seconds later the man was very sore but healed.

     As he thanked her profusely, Magda looked around the square. The rising sun was rapidly burning off the mist, lighting the roofs of the houses with a brilliant golden red. Kerrith was nowhere to be seen.

     "Are you all right, Magda?" Havas asked.

     She turned back to him. "Yes, you got that thing just in time. Where did Kerrith go?" she asked.

     Havas scanned the square. "I saw him take off after the first one." He turned. "No, wait. There he is."

     Kerrith had quickly realized that he could not outrun the flying Corthronos. Returning to the square he saw that the other one had been killed by Havas. "I need a swift horse," he said to him.

     "Iíll get mine, you go finish getting dressed," Havas said.

     Kerrith nodded and ran back to the barn. Once inside he began to pull on his boots and armor. When he was through donning the light plate he returned outside to find Havas waiting for him with a splendid white charger.

     "Heís a good horse. Do you have any idea where that thing is headed?" Havas asked.

     "Is there a mageís tower around here?" asked Kerrith.

     "Thereís an abandoned tower due east of here. Maybe three hours ride."

     "Then that is where it is going. Ready your men for another attack. I am certain that this is just the beginning of Solymaís plan."

     "Iíll do that, whoís this Solyma?"

     Kerrith mounted the horse. "A summoner whom I was dispatched to apprehend."

     "Good luck then. May Adramas shield you."

     "My thanks, Havas. May Adramas shield you." Kerrith turned the horse to the eastern road. Just as he was about to gallop off he heard Magda yelling at him.

     "Kerrith! Wait!" she yelled. She ran up to him. "Help me up."

     "What? What are you doing Magda?"

     "Youíll probably need me, especially if anyone gets hurt. And besides I still remember how to get into heavily guarded places."

     "But-"

     "We donít have time for this, help me up."

     Kerrith paused for a moment and then helped Magda into the saddle behind him. She had changed out of her skirt into a pair of menís breeches and was wearing a knapsack.

     "Well? What are you waiting for?" she asked.

     Kerrith turned and clapped his heels to the horseís flanks. With the mist almost gone they galloped east out of the village. They rode through the fields of vegetables and vineyards that surrounded Willowsrun. After several miles of fields and vines they began to ride into a light forest. Following a beaten game track they headed east into the rising sun towards the tower.
 

*****
 

Selene woke on a soft bed. For a moment she thought that the abduction had been a nightmare until she realized that she had been bound hand and foot to the bed. Her hands were tied directly above her head while her legs were tied slightly apart to the foot of the bed. She looked around the bedroom. It was richly decorated and lit by the rising sun shining through a window on her right. A heavy door was directly across the room from her. She took a deep breath. She tried to start a weave to loosen the cloth. She had never been very good at moving things with weaves and something was keeping her from starting even the simplest. Selene struggled against her bonds for a moment, succeeding only in getting her dress to ride up her legs.

     At least Iím alive, she thought. And they probably wouldnít have put me in a bedroom if they wanted to sacrifice me later, would they? She didnít know much about the habits of summoners. Kerrith had told her father that a summoner had conjured up those demons, hadnít he? Suddenly, she paled. He. Kerrith had told her father that the summoner was a he. Selene looked fearfully around the bedroom. She couldnít tell if a man or woman lived there from what she could see. She moaned as she realized why she was tied to the bed. The summoner most likely wanted to have his way with her. She sobbed helplessly as she pulled against the cloth binding her to the bed.

     Kerrith will rescue me, she thought. Heíll get here before anything happens. Heís probably outside right now, fighting through hordes of those things to rescue me. But what if he isnít? a small voice inside her said. Her further struggles only managed to make her dress ride up to her thighs.

     Selene froze as she heard footsteps outside the bedroomís door. She looked down her body at her exposed legs. Beyond them, the doorknob began to turn. She quickly closed her eyes, trying to feign sleep. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as the footsteps approached her right side and cast her in shadow. She felt someone sit on the bed by her.

     Selene waited for what seemed like an eternity, waiting for the summoner to do something. She couldnít help jerking from him when he touched her thigh. She cursed herself silently for failing in her ruse.

     "I know youíre awake," a soft womanís voice said.

     Selene opened her eyes in surprise. A woman sat next to her dressed in a peasant blouse and dress which left her shoulders bare. Her body was ravishing, slender and full in all the right places. Her face was hidden by the glare of the sun behind her which gleamed on her coppery hair. "Who-?" Selene began.

     "Iím a friend," the woman said, leaning closer. "My name is Sally." Selene could see her face now. She was incredibly beautiful, her full lips tight with concern and her deep green eyes full of worry. She turned and began to untie Seleneís feet. "The Master of this place wants you," she said.

     "Oh no, no," Selene moaned. She felt herself begin to shake uncontrollably. Tears began to run down her cheeks.

     "Shh, shh," the woman whispered. She leaned over Selene, laying a comforting hand on her shoulder. "The Master may be satisfied if other conditions can be met."

     "What do you mean?" Selene asked through her tears.

     "The Master wants the Knight that rescued you dealt with. If you can give any information on how he may be defeated-"

     "No!" Selene shouted. "I wonít help your master kill Kerrith, I, I love him. Iíd rather suffer whatever he may do to me than help him."

     The woman leaned closer. Her hair brushed against Seleneís cheek. "I know that you love him, I saw what happened last night."

     Seleneís eyes widened as she turned her head to look up at the woman. "How?" she asked.

     "The Master saw it all through a scrying portal. I watched as well." The woman lowered her head.

     "What does your master want?"

     "The Master is trapped. The Corthronos cannot be fully controlled, they can be hampered and guided but they constantly strain. If the Master fails to allow them some freedom they would break the bindings placed on them and escape, wreaking havoc across the counrtyside after first killing the one who summoned them. The Master needs the Knight to destroy them."

     "Then why does he want to kill Kerrith?"

     "The Master is afraid that the Knight will kill the one who summoned the Corthronos in hopes of breaking their ties to this world. While that may work in most cases, in this case the Corthronos are too well connected to this world. The Master wants the knowledge for protection from your knight."

     "But I donít know anything about what weaknesses a knight might have."

     "The Master hopes that you can provide other information about Kerrith. What does he fear? What are his fantasies? His hopes?"

     Selene blushed. "I donít know. Weíve only been together that once. I didnít talk to him while we were traveling because I was unconscious most of the time."

     Sally sat up suddenly and turned to the door. "The Master is coming!" she whispered. She jumped up and ran out the door, closing it behind her.

     Selene pulled herself up into a sitting position next to the headboard. She wiped her cheeks against the shoulders of her dress, trying to hear what was happening. She thought she could hear a muffled conversation.

     She started when the door opened revealing Sally. She walked to Selene and sat again on the bed.

     "I was able to convince the Master that he would enjoy watching you more than taking you right away," Sally said.

     "What do you mean, watching me?" asked Selene nervously.

     "The Master enjoys watching women, perform." Sally turned away and sat staring out the window.

     "Perform?" Selene realized that reciting poetry or singing was probably not what the Master enjoyed watching.

     "Yes." Sally turned back to her. She leaned close to Selene and whispered, "The Master enjoys watching women make love."

     Selene froze. "Two women?" she asked.

     "Yes."

     "So he wants you and-"

     "Yes," Sally said quietly.

     "I canít do that! I mean, youíre very beautiful, but I donít do," she paused, "that with women."

     "Please, you must! If you donít, the Master will rape you and punish me! Please do this."

     Sally was wringing the covers of the bed between her hands and close to tears.

     "Canít you just untie me and let me escape?" Selene asked in a plaintive voice.

     "I canít, the Master is watching us right now. Iím sorry, this was the only way I can keep you from being violated."

     Selene closed her eyes. The Master or Sally. She opened her eyes. "I guess thereís no other way," she said softly. "Can you untie my hands? I wonít try to escape."

     Sally shook her head. "The Master wants you to remain tied up. The Master enjoys that."

     "Oh. How am I supposed to undress?"

     Sally reached into her skirt pocket and pulled out a small folding knife. "Iím sorry, the Master ordered me to cut your clothes off."

     Selene nodded slowly. She slid down until she was lying flat on the bed. "Iíd guess weíd better start then," she said.

     Sally opened the knife and began to carefully cut away Seleneís clothes. First her dress, then her shift and finally her drawers fell to the floor in pieces. Selene lay naked on the soft covers, her eyes closed. She felt herself blushing despite her efforts not to.

     Sally stood by the bed and slowly began to undress. Selene watched out of the corner of her eye as Sally slid her skirt down her legs. She wore nothing underneath. Her long legs stretched as she then slowly lifted her blouse over her head. The sun shone off her alabaster skin, painting her in hues of gold and red. Selene unconsciously bit her lower lip as Sally sat back on the bed. Her heart was beginning to pound rapidly. She gulped as Sallyís hip brushed hers.

     "Just relax. Imagine Iím Kerrith if that will help," Sally whispered.

     Selene moaned as she felt Sally begin to stroke her breasts. Her soft fingers lightly played over the sensitive skin around her nipples, causing them to harden immediately. Selene gasped as Sally took one of her nipples into her mouth, licking around it and then flicking it with her tongue. Selene raised her head to watch as Sally straddled her, her back arching and her bottom rising in the air. Selene wondered if Sally was putting on a show for their hidden observer. The thought of someone watching as they performed this intimate act sent a shiver through her.

     Sally leaned forward, her hair tickling over Selene, to kiss her. Selene resisted for a moment, her eyes darting from side to side, then surrendered, allowing Sally to slide her tongue into her mouth. Selene pulled against the cloths tying her hands as Sally ran her tongue over her lips. Selene moaned as she began to kiss Sally back. Sally raised her head to look Selene in the eyes and smiled while Selene panted below her.

     Selene raised her head to kiss the tops of Sallyís breasts. Sally moved to allow Selene to lick her nipples. Selene began to moan softly as she ran her tongue over Sallyís breasts, realizing that she was enjoying the feeling of soft skin under her tongue.

     Sally gently pushed Seleneís head back to the pillow as she began to lick her way down Seleneís body. First through the valley of Seleneís breasts, then down her belly.

     "Please, please," Selene moaned.

     Sally obliged her by moving her mouth to Seleneís womanhood. Her tongue slid deep into Selene and then lapped at her clit. Selene gasped as Sally thrust two fingers deep into her. She began to cry out, her hips bucking, as Sally moved her other hand to Seleneís bottom.

     "Oh gods, yes, please, gods!" Selene yelled as she felt a finger press against her bottom and then slide into her.

     Sally grinned as Selene came noisily. She continued to lick while Selene writhed across the bed. Selene thrashed her head from side to side, her hair flying across her face and arms. She felt great waves of heat crash through her as she screamed in ecstasy, uncaring of who might be watching.

     Selene lay limply on the bedspread, her skin shining with sweat in the sunlight. Sally rose from between Seleneís legs, pushing her fingers one more time into her and then licking the liquid from them.

     "Weíre not through yet," she crooned softly as she crawled up the bed.

     Selene lay in a blissful fog, barely conscious of Sally moving beside her head. She opened her eyes just as Sally straddled her head and began to lower herself.

     "No, wait, Sally!" Selene yelled, the last part of her sentence muffled.

     Sally threw her head back in pleasure, one hand rubbing her clit while the other urged Selene onward.

     "Lick me, dear, just like I did for you," she moaned huskily.

     Selene felt Sally press against her lips, hesitantly she began to lick. She could taste Sally and feel every shiver and shudder run through Sallyís body. Above her, Sally began to rock, rubbing herself against Seleneís warm lips.

     "Mmm, yes, keep doing that, oh, lick there, yess," she hissed. "Now suck me there. Ahh!" Sally cried out as Selene found her clit. One of her hands tangled in Seleneís long dark hair while the other grasped the headboard. Her knuckles whitened as she felt herself reaching climax. Sally began to hump against Selene, gasping and groaning.

     A insistent buzzing by her left ear distracted her. She cursed and continued to rub herself against Selene, trying to block out the irritating noise. The buzzing grew louder, as if a mosquito the size of a pear was flying by her ear.

     "What?" she groaned.

     "The Knight is approaching, my lady," a cool male voice reported.

     "Not now! Iím almost there," Sally grunted. "Ahhh, yes, you slut, lick mee-" she trailed off into an inarticulate scream as she orgasmed over Selene. She pressed herself against Selene until the young woman began to struggle for breath. Sally lifted herself off Selene and turned to lean against the headboard.

     Selene shrank away from Sally, gasping for air. Sally looked down at Selene, a smile quirking her lips. She seemed to be talking to herself.

     "How far away is he? Good. Send the Corthronos. What? No, this is a vital part of my plan. You donít even have a body, donít try to lecture me on what I should and shouldnít-. Yes, fine. Fine!" She shook her head and smiled at Selene. "Iím sorry I lied to you my dear, my name isnít Sally, its Solyma."

     Selene gasped in terror. The summoner had wanted her and had got her too. She had been tricked. She began to curse violently at Solyma.

     "Oh stop that," Solyma said. "You enjoyed that as much as I did."

     Selene turned her body away from Solyma. She felt her face burning with rage and humiliation. "Get away from me!"

     "Thatís no way to talk to your host," Solyma chided. "Here, let me-" she said as she untied Seleneís hands.

     As soon as her hands were free Selene tried to punch Solyma. She found herself flattened against the bed by a weave of binding. Solyma stood up from the bed and walked around to Seleneís side.

     "Iíll let you go as soon as I leave," she said, stretching. She reached into a closet out of Seleneís view and pulled on a silk robe. She pushed her hair back from her head and leaned over Selene, a finger tracing the line of her cheek and jaw. "Yes, very pretty indeed. Your parents must be proud."

     Selene watched in amazement as Solyma spun a complicated weave over herself. When the weave was finished Selene felt as if she was looking into a mirror. A perfect replica of her own face and body had replaced Solymaís.

     "Shapeshifting weave, dear. Now, to meet Kerrith. Iím sure heíll be so glad to see us again, especially when we are ever so eager to show our gratitude."

     Selene sputtered in fury as Solyma sashayed out of the room, her hips swaying in a way that would make the most jaded courtesan blush, laughing lightly.
 
 

Chapter Three: Leader of the Corthronos
 

The rising sun turned the eastern side of the tower a golden red. The tower itself barely rose above the treetops of the surrounding forest.

     "Do you see any of those things?" whispered Magda from the cover of a bush.

     "Yes, there seem to be seven of the creatures guarding the entrance," said Kerrith from where he crouched behind a tree.

     "Seven? Kerrith, can you handle that many?"

     Kerrith thought for a moment. "No, not at the same time. Five, perhaps, at the most."

     "Should we go back to town and get help?"

     "No time. There is no telling what unspeakable things that Solyma might be planning to do Selene."

     "What do we do? I could try to sneak by them and get Selene, then we could go back to town and get help."

     "Could you get by them?"

     Magda smiled nervously. "I could when I was fifteen. I havenít really done anything of that sort since then."

     "Could you get in if I could draw off the Corthronos?"

     "As long as the doorís lock isnít magic. Although I could probably make it to a window if I had some time."

     Kerrith nodded. "Stay here and remain hidden. I will draw them off and circle back around. If it is possible I will dispatch as many of them as possible."

     "Alright." Magda nestled herself deeper in the underbrush.

     Kerrith stood and walked back into the wood where the chargerís reins were looped over a tree branch. He mounted the horse and loosened his sword in its scabbard. He checked the axe and spear holstered behind the saddle. Both were easily accessible. He patted the charger on the neck and turned it toward the path to the tower.

     The narrow dirt path wound through the forest surrounding the tower. After a few minutes on the twisting path Kerrith saw the tower. He stood in the stirrups and yelled loudly, waving his sword. The Corthronos turned as one to him. Although they staggered and weaved like the patrons of last call they still covered the ground rapidly.

     Kerrith waited until he could smell the metallic stench of the Corthronos then wheeled the horse and galloped down the path. Magda listened to the receding sound of hooves on dirt until it faded away. She counted to a hundred silently before moving out of the sheltering trees. There was no sound as she slipped across the open ground between the forest and the tower. Magda could hear birds waking and in the distance she could hear the river.

     The towerís door was no larger than a normal, everyday door that one would see in every house. It was certainly not the massive portal Magda had expected. The lock was similarly ordinary. With the Corthronos guarding, Magda thought, you wouldnít need a very good lock. She pulled her old lockpicks from her satchel and began to pick the lock. In only a minute the lock clicked open. Magda slowly eased the door open and slipped in, a dagger held in her hand.
 
 

     "What are the Corthronos doing?" Solyma asked the vacant, floating helmet.

     "They have begun chasing the knight," answered a prim male voice. A disembodied gauntlet lifted the helmetís visor. A monocle could be seen floating inside. The mounted crystal reflected the knight and monsters. "They are not chasing him very well. Perhaps if you lifted your constraints they would be more effective."

     "I donít want them effective. Have you forgotten? Those things would just as happily kill us as those bandits they found. With any luck Kerrith can kill them all."

     "If you had listened to me in the first place we would not be in this situation."

     Solyma shot the helmet a venomous look. "If I had listened to you Iíd still be court conjurer for that two-bit Count. This was our way to the big leagues. Summon some monsters, extract some tribute, and live on easy street."

     "Yes, except you have yet to extract any tribute. Unless you count that woman you had kidnapped. I did warn you about that book, you should never trust a spell book with an anonymous author."

     "Well," Solyma glowered, "oh, just shut up."

     "As you wish, my lady." The helmet bobbed and drifted out of the room, leaving Solyma alone in the viewing chamber. She turned back to the expensive scrying crystal hanging in the middle of the room. She adjusted the weave around the crystal and gazed into it. Within the transparent crystal she could see the cellar of the tower. Two Corthronos were kneeling in front of a glowing scarlet sigil hanging in the air. They were chanting slowly in their hissing language while funneling more energy into the sigil. Solyma could see it pulse with each chant. She felt the Corthronos pull at the restraints she had on them. She leaned against the wall as a fierce headache began to build. Not much more time now, she thought, Iíd better check on the horses.
 

*****
 

The spear shattered as it impacted the Corthronosí chest, showering Kerrith with shards of wood. The Corthronos fell dead to the ground, the broken shaft jutting from its chest. Kerrith wheeled his horse back toward the rest of the monsters. Half their number lay scattered around the clearing but he had already taken a nasty cut to the leg. He drew his sword as they began to advance. Kerrith rode past them, using his horseís speed to attack and flee out of range before they could try to pull him from the saddle. His blade flashed in the morning sun, a Corthronos dropping with each pass. Finally there was only one left. It seemed to be moving faster than the others, even with an axe buried in its skull. Kerrith faced it from across the clearing. The monster seemed to be shaking off whatever was limiting it, instead of a drunken stagger it was beginning to move like a hunting spider. Kerrith charged it before it could fully recover. He leaned forward in his saddle, his sword pointed like a lance towards the Corthronos. The Corthronos tried to dodge out of the way at the last moment but Kerrith caught it in the chest with his sword. The Corthronos grabbed at his arm while the sword slid into it, pulling him from the saddle.

     They rolled across the dirt of the clearing, struggling desperately. Kerrith lost his grip on his sword as they slammed into a tree. The Corthronos was on top of him in a flash, its hands darting for his throat. He managed to grab one as the other closed around his neck and began to steadily crush the life from him. Kerrith saw stars, he knew that he had only a few seconds before the Corthronos crushed his windpipe. He desperately slammed the edge of his shield into the Corthronosí head, stunning it momentarily. He used this time to wedge his feet between them and kick the Corthronos off him.

     Kerrith staggered to his feet as the Corthronos charged him again, his sword clutched in its hands. He dodged to the side as the monster impaled the tree beside him. As it wrenched his sword free he grabbed the axe handle and tugged it loose. Kerrith backed away quickly as the Corthronos freed his sword and advanced again. Kerrith waited until it charged again then ducked to the side around its weapon while swinging his axe in a whistling arc. The axe caught the Corthronos in the back of the neck, severing its head. The Corthronos staggered on for a few steps then collapsed forward against a tree, blood spurting from its neck.

     Kerrith warily limped forward to retrieve his sword. He had to hack the fingers from the Corthronosí hand to free his sword from its death grip. As he was backing away, the Corthronos convulsed, its arms flailing and slamming into the tree before it finally crumpled back to the ground.

     Calling to his horse, he ripped a strip of cloth from his tunic to bandage the wound in his leg. With a grunt he climbed onto the saddle and began to ride towards the tower.
 

*****
 

The entrance way to the tower was empty. Bare stone formed the floor and walls with two plain doors opposite the main entrance. Magda carefully closed the door behind her then snuck across the room to the doors. She listened at the left one and heard a strange hissing sound, like pot boiling over. There was no noise behind the right door. She tested the handle and found it to be unlocked.

     Behind the right door was a spiral staircase leading upwards. Magda crept around its turns, listening for any other sound. As she rounded the first turn she reached a passageway. Carpet lined the floor while wood paneling covered the walls. An archway was located at the end of the corridor and another in the right side while a closed door was on the left. She could hear someone humming from down the corridor and caught the smell of bacon frying. It appeared that the kitchen was located at the end of the hallway. Regretting missing breakfast, Magda continued upward.

     After several more turns Magda reached another hallway. This one had only two doors, one on either side of the hall. Magda crept down the hall, silent on the thick carpeting. She could hear someone moving from behind the left door. She put her ear to the door. From what she remembered it sounded like Selene. Magda carefully tested the door handle. Locked. She pulled her lockpicks out again and began to pick it.
 

*****
 

Selene spun at the sound of scratching coming from the door. She clutched the sheet she had wrapped around her tighter as the door was slowly pushed open. She sighed in relief when she saw Magda, the healing woman.

     "Oh, thank the gods youíve come. Is Kerrith with you?" Selene asked.

     "No, heís distracting the Corthronos. Why are you dressed like that?" Magda answered.

     Selene looked down at herself. "Itís the only thing decent in this room. All of Solymaís dresses are fit only for harlots," she sniffed.

     "What do you mean? I thought Solyma was-. Oh, I guess we didnít need to worry about you being ravished then."

     Selene tried to hide the blush that was creeping up her face. "Er, no, no need to worry about that."

     "I expect that she took your clothes to keep you from trying to escape." Magdaís face was serious with no hint of irony.

     "Yes! Exactly."

     Magda looked around the room. "We should get going now. The longer it is before Solyma finds out youíve escaped, the better."

     The two women hurried back into the hall with Magda leading the way. Just as they reached the staircase they heard the other door opening behind them. They rushed down the staircase and stopped behind the first turn just as Solyma stepped into the hallway.
 

*****
 

Solyma paused as she left the scrying chamber. She sighed softly in disappointment. It appeared that Kerrith would not be arriving anytime soon. A low gurgle from her stomach reminded her that she had not eaten any, food, this morning. Hector should have started breakfast by now, she thought.

     Her hand idly played with newly acquired long black hair as she moved to the staircase. Perhaps I should grow my hair this long normally, she thought. A faint sound from the staircase made her pause. After a few seconds listening she shrugged and resumed walking toward the staircase. The tugging on the restraints had stopped abruptly a few minutes ago but she was still getting twinges from the remaining Corthronos. Perhaps that was what I heard, she thought. She tightened her robe around her before walking to the stairs. As she rounded the first downward turn she saw Selene standing in the middle of the stairway with a sheet wrapped around her.

     "How did-?" Solyma began as Selene gasped and ran down the stairs with Solyma in pursuit.

     Solyma saw Selene step run out into the second story hallway. Solyma stopped just inside the hallway to weave a binding spell. As she was about to cast it she felt a dagger at her neck. It was shaking with the insecurity of someone who had never killed. Solyma hoped that the owner wouldnít accidentally start with her.

     "Donít move or say anything," a wavering womanís voice said from by her ear.

     Selene had stopped when Magda had put the dagger to Solymaís throat. She glanced nervously around the hallway, expecting Corthronos appear out of nowhere.

     "Magda, what are you doing?" Solyma said. "Itís me, Selene."

     Magda spun Solyma around and pushed her against the wall. Her eyes widened when she saw Seleneís face and body.

     "What is going on here?" Magda asked.

     "Donít listen to her, Iím Selene," Selene said. "She copied my appearance to seduce Kerrith."

     "Thatís what she did!" Solyma yelled, pointing at Selene.

     "Shut up! Both of you!" Magda yelled.

     "But Magda-," Solyma began.

     "Donít say anything." Magda looked from face to face and from body to body. Both appeared exactly the same. She began to say something but was interrupted by the appearance of a floating helmet and pair of gauntlets holding a frying pan and spatula.

     "Breakfast is served, Solyma," it said. "Oh, you didnít tell me you had more company. I only made enough for two," it said when it saw Magda.

     "Hector, shut up and get this woman off of me-" Solyma stopped. "Oh, damn."

     Magda pressed her dagger closer to Solymaís throat. "Drop the disguise. Now."

     Solyma reluctantly let the weave fall from her body. The weaveís threads shimmered and flickered as they faded from view, leaving Solymaís actual face and body. "I suppose the game is over," she said. "Oh, the town healer. Iíve heard a lot about you."

     "Weíre all going to leave here and youíre going to keep those monsters from attacking us, do you understand?" Magda said.

     "I canít control them that well," Solyma replied.

     "What do you mean?"

     "I canít make them do anything, I can only suggest or hinder their actions."

     "Not a very good summoner, are you?"

     Solyma bristled at the insult. "Iím a very good summoner, no one can control the Corthronos completely. If I hadnít been hindering them then your town would have been slaughtered."

     "Fine. Then youíre going to send them back from where they came from."

     "I," Solyma coughed, "canít do that either."

     "Do I have to ask why?"

     "I had to dissolve the gate completely when they came through to keep too many from invading. Iíll have to weave a new gate and thatíll take at least a week."

     "Doesnít killing a summoner banish their creatures?" Magda emphasized the point with her dagger, drawing a trickle of blood from Solymaís neck.

     "Not," Solyma drew back from the dagger, "in this case."

     "What she is saying is true," Hector said from the kitchen entrance.

     "How do I know youíre not both lying?"

     "Then kill me, the Corthronos will be free to kill all of you and summon their leader."

     "Their leader?"

     "Theyíre in the cellar right now trying to open another portal to let their leader through. If you think theyíre vicious, you should see their leader. Twenty feet high and arms like battering rams."

     Magda sighed and pulled the dagger away from Solymaís throat. "Weíll have to tell Kerrith all of this. How do we stop them?"

     Solyma rubbed at the tiny cut on her neck. "Kill them. Kerrith is on his way here right now. He should be here any minute."
 
 

     Kerrith nearly dropped his sword in surprise when the tower door swung open and Selene barreled into his arms wearing only a sheet.

     "Oh, Iím so glad to see you," she cried.

     Kerrith stood frozen as Selene kissed him deeply. "What are you doing out here? I thought youíd be a prisoner," he finally said.

     "Magda rescued me, we have a lot that we need to tell you."

     Selene led a slightly limping Kerrith into the tower where Solyma, Hector, and Magda were waiting.

     "This is Solyma," Magda said, pointing.

     Kerrith paused, staring at the gently bobbing Hector. Hector waved. "I see," Kerrith said, shaking his head, "Solyma van Dolceis, you are hereby placed under arrest by order of the kingdom of Krisephyr to stand trial for summoning monsters with malicious intent."

     Solyma rolled her eyes.

     Magda interrupted Kerrith, "Yes, but we have a bigger problem right now."

     "What is it?" asked Kerrith.

     "The Corthronos youíve been fighting have been severely limited by me," answered Solyma, "once they summon their leader what little control I have over them will disappear."

     Magda told Kerrith about the summoning of the Corthronos and their attempt to open a portal for their leader.

     Kerrith nodded as Magda finished. "Very well, I will go down to the cellar and finish the two trying to open the portal."

     "Three," added Solyma, "the flying one is down there as well."

     "Very well, three." Kerrith examined his sword and axe once more for any damage and found them fit for battle. "Which door leads to the cellar?"

     "The one on the left," answered Solyma, "Iíll go with you."

     Kerrith nodded. "I hope you know how to weave battle spells."

     "I do."

     "Very well. Magda, take Selene and Hector and head back to town for help."

     Magda nodded. "Weíll be back as soon as possible."

     Selene moved over to Kerrith, laying her hands on his shoulder. "Be careful," she whispered as she kissed him tenderly.

     Kerrith smiled. "I will, here, take my shield back to town with you. That way they will know that you speak for me."

     "But wonít you need it?" Selene said.

     "Iíll be fine," he said, pressing his shield into her arms. "Go now, before it becomes too dangerous."

     Selene nodded, turning as Magda put a hand on her shoulder. She reluctantly walked toward the exit while looking at Kerrith.

     Kerrith watched Selene leave with the floating helmet and gauntlets of Hector bobbing after her. At the doorway she turned and blew him a kiss. He smiled and bowed. As he rose he noticed Solyma blowing a kiss back at Selene. Selene stiffened and ran out the door leaving Solyma with a smug smile on her face.

     "Sheís quite a beauty, isnít she?" Solyma said, smiling at Kerrithís confusion.
 
 

     Kerrith and Solyma stood at the top of the cellar stairs. The stairs turned left then ran straight down to the cellar. A red glow could be seen shining off the bottom steps.

     "Are you ready?" asked Kerrith.

     "Yes," answered Solyma, finishing the a weave of fire and air around her hand. She turned her palm upward and smiled in satisfaction as a bloom of flame rose upward to scorch the ceiling. "I havenít used one of these in ages."

     "The courts may be lenient if you help to resolve the situation you have created," Kerrith said as they slowly descended.

     "Wonderful," Solyma grumbled, "so Iíll just get ten years in prison instead of sixty?"

     Kerrith nodded. "Perhaps an early parole if the Corthronos have done no more than destroy Kingdom property."

     "What property?"

     "My horse."

     "Oh. Iím sorry about that," Solyma said. "I suppose I should worry about living through this first."

     They could see the sigil, pulsing a brilliant scarlet in the dark cellar. Its twisting lines seemed to twist the space around it, dragging the eye into its looping coils. The sigil exuded power, both Kerrith and Solyma could feel the magic emanating from it.

     The prone forms of two Corthronos could be seen in front of sigil, their skinless bodies shining wetly in the crimson light. One had metallic wings folded on its back with shining metal limbs while the other had a ornate crown of rusted metal fused to its head. A single, fist sized ruby was mounted in the crown, seemingly glowing with its own light.

      Kerrith and Solyma stepped from the stairway onto the dirt floor of the cellar. Kerrith searched the darkness for the last Corthronos. He spotted it at the same time Solyma did. It was split open directly under the sigil. The foul mess of its organs could be seen spread in the dirt around it. The dirt could still be seen smoking from the hissing monsterís blood.

     "Oh no, Kerrith we need to leave right now," Solyma whispered urgently, tugging at his shoulder.

     "What do you mean?" he asked, his eyes fixed on the two remaining Corthronos.

     "If theyíve sacrificed one of their own then the process will be sped up, the portal will be opening-" The sigil flared red, cutting off her words. A rush of hot, metallic smelling wind blew through the sigil, washing over Kerrith and Solyma. "Now," Solyma finished lamely.

     The sigil blinked out of existence. In its place was a doorway to another world. The portal, though large enough for a mounted rider to pass through, was still slowly growing. Red skies filled with boiling clouds could be seen over a blasted plain of bare rock. The view was cut off suddenly as a massive shape filled the doorway. Muscles could be seen flexing as a skinless arm the size of a tree trunk reached through the gateway. The hideous visage of the Corthronos leader could be seen, its mouth was as large as a dragonís, able to devour a cow in a single bite. Mandibles like spears, bent and waved around its mouth as it pushed its head through the gateway.

     "Run!" screamed Solyma, as she followed her own advice.

     Kerrith backed towards the stairway. He cocked his arm and hurled his axe overarm at the head filling the gateway, cleanly slicing through the creatureís left mandible. The mandible dropped twitching to the floor as the Corthronos leader roared in anger. The deafening roar shook the walls of the tower and caused dust to shake from the ceiling. Kerrith turned and ran up the stairs as the enraged monster lashed out at him. Its wild sweep smashed its summoners into the floor with enough force to cause their bodies to explode. Kerrith scrambled up the stairs as the monster behind him tried to force its way through the portal. It bellowed again as it realized that the portal was still to small for anything more than an arm and head to pass through. With a mighty exertion of magic, it poured power into the weave forming the portal and began to drag the gateway behind itself.
 

*****
 

"Donít worry Selene," Magda said as they rode through the forest. "If Kerrith gave his shield to you, heís planning to return for it. You know the stories."

     "The stories?" Selene asked from where she rode behind Magda.

     "The stories about the Knights of the Shield. The Knight is one with his, or her, shield?"

     "Oh, yes. I remember some of them. The Knight shall always return for his shield, for no matter what separates them-"

     "-the Knight is fated lie with his shield in death," they finished together.

     "Thank you, Magda," Selene said. "I do feel a little better now."

     "If I were you Iíd worry about what your parents will think when you show up wearing that sheet."

     "Oh, but they-"

     Selene was unable to finish her sentence as a distant roar echoed through the forest. A pair of jays rocketed into the sky, crying out raucously, as the roar faded.

     "Perhaps we should hurry," Hector said from where he floated behind Selene.

     Without bothering to reply, Magda flicked the reins and set the horse to a gallop.
 

*****
 

Kerrith stumbled across the towerís floor. Dust and mortar poured from the ceiling as the entire shook with the Corthronosí rage. A great rumbling roar came from beneath him. Solyma waved at him to hurry from where she stood by the tower entrance. The rumbling grew louder as the floor buckled upward.

     "Hurry up!" shouted Solyma.

     Kerrith grunted in reply as dodged a sudden downpour of bricks from the ceiling. He had just reached the door when a giant arm punched through the floor of the tower. It flailed about for a moment then retreated downward, pulling part of the floor down with it. A moment later the head of the Corthronos leader pulled itself upward and over the edge of the hole, still trapped in the gateway.. Its eyes focused on Kerrith as its jaws opened wide. Solyma pulled Kerrith out the door as she saw currents of electricity beginning to crackle over the monsterís teeth and head.

     They had just left the tower when a deafening thunderclap and impact threw them to the ground. Kerrith turned and saw that the entire front of the tower had been blown out. Bits of finger sized rock showered down on the two as they struggled to their feet. The Corthronos dragged itself through the opening, gathering more electricity for another blast.

     "We get away that thing on foot," Solyma panted, "itíll fry us before we get to town."

     "Do you have any horses?" Kerrith asked.

     "Behind the tower, in the stables."

     Together, they ran around the tower as another lightning strike blew apart a tree and set fire to the underbrush. Just behind the tower was a small stable. The occupants could be heard screaming in terror at the smell and sound of the Corthronos.

     Once inside the stable Kerrith could see the inhabitants. One good riding horse and a donkey occupied the stalls lining the left wall. Solyma hurriedly opened the stall doors while Kerrith saddled the horse and swung up onto it.

     "Come on," Kerrith said, extending his hand to Solyma. She paused to say something to the donkey then took his hand. Her robe, already tattered and loose from her flight, fell completely open as she was pulled up behind Kerrith. She started at the touch of his cold armor on her bare skin. She had no time to savor the sensation as he snapped the reins and charged out of the stable.

     The Corthronos was just rounding the tower as they fled the stable. The horse turned and ran towards the woods, barely dodging another lightning strike which knocked a wagon sized hole in the tower.

     Kerrith and Solyma fled through the woods, branches whipping at their faces as they followed an old deer trail through the woods. Behind them they could hear the roaring of the Corthronos as it began to smash its way through the forest.

     "Looks like we made it," said Solyma.

     "Now we just have to figure out how to destroy that abomination," Kerrith said.

     "I, uh, didnít mean to summon that thing. You do know that donít you?"

     Kerrith grunted.

     "I think I know how to kill it," Solyma continued.

     Kerrith half turned his head. "How?"

     "If the weave supporting the portal can be destroyed then the portal will collapse. It will act like a vise and crush the Corthronos."

     "Good, how can I destroy the weave?"

     "You canít, I think Iím the only one who can. Magda seems to be able to cast some magic and I sensed some power around Selene, but neither of them has the training or power to destroy another mageís weave."

     "Very well. How do you destroy the weave?"

"Iíll need a distraction. If you can get the Corthronos to focus on you then I can get behind it to the weave and sever it."

     "How long will you need?"

     "Half a minute to a minute."

     "Very well, it seems that we have little choice in this matter."
 

*****
 

They reached the town to find a hasty barricade of wagons and furniture stacked around the square. The town militia lined the top of the makeshift wall armed with whatever weapons they had around the house. Havas could be seen watching the forest in the direction of the tower.

     "My lord Kerrith!" he yelled, "Iím pleased to see you return in one piece. Who is that behind you?"

     "This is the summoner, Solyma," Kerrith called back. A low muttering ran through the townspeople. "She is under my protection. She has promised to help us in destroying the last Corthronos. I give you my word as a Knight of the Shield that she will do us no further harm."

     "Good enough for me," shouted Havas. "Get that wagon out of the way and let them in!"

     After riding through the barricade, Kerrith dismounted and found Magda, Selene, and Hector waiting for him.

     "I have your shield," Selene said.

     Kerrith thanked her and told the gathering crowd of Solymaís plan.

     "That sounds damned dangerous," Havas said.

     "It is our only chance for now," Kerrith answered. "The Corthronos leader is too large to let loose on our world. It has to be stopped now."

     "Youíre the boss. Iíll tell the men to get ready to help you with your distraction."

     Kerrith nodded his thanks. The preparations went smoothly. Militia men gathered bows and spears to shower the Corthronos with while Solyma showed Magda and Selene how to destroy a weave should she fail.

     Too soon the town could hear the crash of trees as the Corthronos battered its way through the forest. Townspeople raced to their positions while others led the children and livestock to more sheltered areas and gathered buckets of water to put out fires.

     "Not long," said Solyma to Kerrith as they stood on the barricade. Solyma had borrowed someoneís clothes and changed from her robe to simple menís clothes. Her hair was tied back in a loose pony tail and she had a short sword dangling at her hip. "Just in case," she explained to Kerrithís questioning look.

     "Here it comes!" someone shouted from their left. Solyma jumped down the barricade, landing on the outside. "Good luck," she called to Kerrith. She quickly hid herself in a house left outside the perimeter while the townspeople prepared for attack.

     The Corthronos had managed to squeeze another arm through the portal. It dragged the portal behind it while pulled itself toward the town. Arrows began to fly as it entered their range. The arrows seemed to do little more than annoy it.

     "Kerrith," Selene said from below and behind him. He turned and looked down to where she stood inside the barricade. "I just wanted to tell you to be careful."

     "I will, do not doubt that I will surely destroy this creature."

     "I wonít. Donít get hurt, Iíll be working with Magda in the infirmary and I donít think we should repeat what happened the last time I healed you. At least not in public." She smiled hesitantly.

     "I do not think your parents would approve, but perhaps later?"

     "I look forward to it."

     Kerrith saluted her with his sword before turning and lowering the visor on his borrowed helmet. The Corthronos had entered spear throwing distance and a shower of them were tossed at it. Where they stuck the Corthronos merely brushed them off, breaking the shafts like toothpicks. Kerrith sheathed his sword and lifted a spear from beside him.

     He waved at Havas then jumped the barricade. He advanced quickly to the Corthronos, shield up and spear in hand. The Corthronos seemed surprised by his advance and stopped to watch him. Kerrith spared one sideways glance to where Solyma was hiding before attacking.

     He charged the Corthronos, trying to get inside its reach. Arms like pillars smashed at him but missed. When he reached the Corthronos he buried the spear to the hilt in its chest, hoping he could reach where its brain should be. The spear seemed to have little effect as the creature pushed itself backwards and clawed furiously at Kerrith. Kerrith dodged madly while drawing his sword. He retreated to the limit of the monsterís reach while slicing at the arms when they attacked.
 

*****
 

Selene watched Kerrith hack at the Corthronosí arms and fingers, deftly darting in to hack at the creatureís face and neck and then jumping and rolling out of reach. She had considered running for it when the spear had done nothing. For reasons unknown to her she had decided to stay. She finished the temporary weave around her sword, making it an extension of her body in regards to magic for as the long as the weave lasted. With it so enchanted she could cut the weave from a distance instead of tearing it with her own hands.

     Solyma winced as the monster caught Kerrith with a glancing blow, knocking his helmet off. He reeled for a moment, stunned, but recovered quickly and blocked the creatureís next attack on his shield. Solyma began to creep from her hiding place to behind the Corthronos.
 

*****
 

Kerrith was breathing heavily from the fight. He felt blood running down the side his head from a shallow cut inflicted when the Corthronos knocked off his helmet. He grunted as he blocked another slash and cut at the creatureís hand. Blood was streaming from the Corthronos in many places, hissing on the ground and eating away at the spears and arrows embedded in it. He jumped over a low slash and rolled sideways to dodge a smash.

     He could see Solyma behind the thing now. She was beginning to cut at something with her sword. His attention was drawn back to the Corthronos when it began to crackle with electricity. A bolt of lightning shot from the monsterís mouth towards him. He barely managed to block it with his shield. The lightning splattered over the shield, arcing to the ground in snapping whips. Kerrith could feel his hair standing on end as the Corthronos continued to pour lightning at him.
 

*****
 

Solyma was panting as she finished cutting the last of the weave. It began to shrink immediately. She glanced to where Kerrith was behind his shield, blocking wave after wave of lightning. The Corthronos stopped when it felt the portal beginning to constrict around it. The monster began to roar as it tried to back its way through the portal. Solyma watched, grimly satisfied as the closing portal began to cut into the creatureís flesh.

     "Ha!" she laughed. "No one destroys my tower and gets away with it! No one!"

     Her laughter cut off as the Corthronos turned toward her. Its eyes were bloodshot and filled with rage. The veins on its neck were swelling and bursting as blood was forced back up them. She turned and ran.
 

*****
 

Kerrith lowered his shield as the Corthronos turned from him. He could see blood spattering the ground in a boiling rain as the portal slowly sliced it in two. He cursed when he saw Solyma still standing near it. He began to run toward her as she herself turned and ran. The Corthronosí arm rose like the executionerís axe then fell towards her. It caught her on the side and hurled her through the air to smash against a house.

     The fatally injured Corthronos collapsed to the ground as the portal finally closed, cleanly slicing it in half. Its foul organs spilled onto the street while its blood poured out, killing whatever plant life it touched.

     Kerrith ran to Solymaís body. She was crumpled by the house like a rag doll. Aged wood had been cracked by the force of her body slamming into it. Somehow she was still breathing, despite the abuse her body had taken.

     "Oh, ah, gods, that hurts," she gasped, trying to roll onto her back.

     "Donít move," Kerrith said, dropping to his knees besides her. He looked behind him to see the townspeople running out to them. Magda and Selene were at the van of the crowd. "Magda and Selene will be here soon."

     "Yes, Iíll be fine," Solyma said, she stopped to cough and wheeze for breath. "Promise a dying woman one thing..."

     "What? Anything."

     "My crime, tell me," she broke off again, coughing.

     "Yes? What, tell you what?"

     "Have I paid for it? Am I cleared of all wrongdoing? Oh, gods, itís going dark, itís all going dark," she moaned.

     "By the power granted to me by the kingdom, I clear you of your wrongdoing, Solyma van Dolceis has paid for her crime in full."

     Solyma closed her eyes. A faint smile quirked her lips. "Do you swear that whatever happens you will stand by what you have just said?" her voice was fading.

     "Yes, my word as a Knight."

     "Good." Solyma opened her eyes. "Help me up."

     Kerrith stared at her as she slowly raised herself to a sitting position and waved at Magda and Selene.

     "I think I broke my leg," she said to them as they ran up. She winked at Kerrith as the cheering townspeople gathered around them. They lifted him up on their shoulders and carried him back to the square.
 

*****
 

"You should stay off that leg for a week or so, no dancing for you tonight Iím afraid," Magda said. "Amazing that you only broke your leg."

     "Itís called a defense weave. It directs force away from the subject," Solyma said morosely.

     Solyma looked up at her from where she was propped up in bed. Magda had healed her leg well, but it was still a little tender. She could hear the music and noise of the celebration outside in the town square. Ventor had been nice enough to loan her a room, no charge for the night. "I suppose youíre going out to celebrate now," she said.

     Magda hesitated by the door. "I can stay if you want," she said with a small smile. "For a while at least."

     "Thank you."

     Magda pulled a chair close to the bed and sat, smoothing the wrinkles from her best dress. She cast a longing glance out the window at the people in the square. A fire had been lit and a feast had been placed on long tables around the square. Already there was dancing and music. She had promised to play the violin. She thought she could see Kerrith and Selene dancing.

     "I really appreciate what youíve done for me," Solyma said. She reached over and laid a hand on Magdaís leg. She sighed. "I just wonder if you should have bothered."

     "What do you mean?" Magda asked.

     "Iím going to prison now, after all I summoned those monsters."

     "But it was by accident."

     "That doesnít matter. I just made a mistake, but I still have to pay for it. All they ended up doing was killing a horse and destroying my tower." Solyma lowered her head to her hands and began to cry softly.

     Magda reached out to comfort her but hesitated. She thought of how Solyma had tried to trick her in the tower. Solyma sobbed quietly, her hair falling over her face. Magda put her hand on Solymaís shoulder.

     "It wasnít much, but it was my home!" Solyma wailed.

     "Donít worry, Iím sure Kerrith will speak on your behalf," she said.

     "Yes, but Iíll still have to go to prison," Solyma sobbed.

     Magda moved over to the bed and hugged Solyma. Solyma turned and buried her face in Magdaís hair. Solyma moved her hands around Magdaís back.

     "Solyma, what are you doing?" asked Magda. She gasped as Solymaís lips brushed against her neck. Magda began to rise from the bed as Solyma tugged her head down and kissed her hard.

     "I havenít been with anyone in so long," Solyma said in a trembling voice. "I just want something to remember when Iím locked away."

     Magda paused. Solyma looked up at her with tear filled eyes.

     "I," Magda said. She moved her hand up to her hair and pulled out the combs holding her hair back. Her golden hair fell around her shoulders as she shook her head. "I havenít been with anyone in a long time, either."

     They came together in another long kiss. Solyma reached up and untied the laces of her nightgown and let it drop down her body. She fell backward onto the bed as Magda leaned above her undoing the ties of her dress. Solyma helped her pull it over her head and let it fall to the floor.

     "Have you ever, been, with a woman?" whispered Solyma.

     "Yes, have you?"

     "No, not until now."

     Magda nodded. "Iíll be gentle." She pulled back the sheets and slid next to Solyma. Solyma moaned as Magdaís hands roamed over her body.

     "Oh, yes, yes, Magda," Solyma moaned as Magda licked down her stomach and between her legs. "Ohhh, yess." She moaned softly as Magda spread her thighs.

     Magda buried her face between Solymaís thighs, licking hungrily. Old feelings, old lusts long pushed aside surged to the surface. Spurred on by a gasping, moaning Solyma, Magda slid her fingers deep into Solyma while continuing to lick hungrily.

     Magda gently nipped at Solyma while running one hand over her breasts. Solyma began to buck her hips and cry out as she climaxed against Magdaís working lips. She bit down on a handful of sheet to keep from screaming too loud. Magda continued to lick at her, bringing her to a second louder climax.

     Magda rose up and kissed her way back up Solymaís body, finishing with a gentle kiss on Solymaís lips. Solyma looked up at her in a daze, her eyes wide and unfocused. She closed her eyes, savoring the afterglow and the feel of Magdaís warm skin on hers.

     "Let me do that for you," Solyma said, rolling over onto Magda. Solyma straddled Magdaís sweaty body and bent over to kiss her. Solyma swept her hair over Magdaís face and lightly brushed the tops of Magdaís breasts causing Magda to gasp in delight .

     Solyma lightly sucked on Magdaís breasts while reaching between them to stroke Magdaís pussy. She slid her fingers deep into Magda, relishing each gasp and moan. Magda threw an arm over her to clutch at the headboard as Solyma crouched between her legs.

     Solyma looked up at Magdaís expectant face pushed her fingers deep into Magdaís pussy. Magda arched her back, tossing her head as she cried out. Solyma bent and took Magdaís clit into her mouth while licking it vigorously with her tongue.

     Magda gasped, almost crying as she came. Her hands buried themselves in Solymaís hair, pushing Solymaís head down against her. Magda wrapped her legs around Solymaís back as she shook and trembled on the small bed. One last spasm passed through her, leaving her exhausted and limp. Solyma gently disentangled herself from Magdaís legs and slid up to lie by her.

     "Thank you," Solyma whispered into Magdaís ear as they cuddled together.

     "Run away. Kerrith has other things on his mind. Donít let him take you in," Magda said.

     "Shhh, donít say anything else. Just let me enjoy this."

     They lay together, breathing heavily, while listening to the sounds of the celebration outside. Magda slowly drifted off, her breathing evening and slowing. When Magda had finally fallen asleep Solyma gently slid off the bed. She slowly dressed in her borrowed clothes and buckled on her sword. Solyma leaned over the sleeping Magda and lightly kissed her cheek. Magda murmured drowsily and rolled over.

     Solyma sighed as she tiptoed to the door and slipped out. Hector was waiting for her.

     "Did you get Alice?" Solyma asked quietly.

     "Yes, I still do not understand why you insist on calling that donkey Alice," he answered.

     "You wouldnít. Is Tom ready?"

     "Yes, heís saddled and waiting in back."

     "Good. Letís go before anyone notices. Oh, thanks for telling me about Magda, I donít know if I could have bedded her without the prison angle."

     They began to sneak down the hallway, one creeping, the other floating.

     "Is you leg bothering you?" Hector asked.

     "A little, Iím supposed to stay off it for a week."

     "Following that directive splendidly."

     Solyma shot Hector a dirty look as they left the inn. They ducked behind the woodpile at the sight of two people wandering away from the square toward the river.

     "That looked like that knight," Hector said. "Who was that young lady with him?"

"Probably Selene. What can you see?" Solyma flipped up Hectorís visor and squinted into the monocle floating inside it. She could see Selene dressed in a very nice silk dress and Kerrith in his brightly polished armor. The two came together under a willow tree and kissed.

     "Hmmm, letís wait for a little. I want to see what happens," Solyma said.

     Hector made a sound of disgust. "You just seduced that very nice healer, now you want to spy on those two in a very private moment."

     Solyma paused. "Fine," she said, letting Hectorís visor close, "letís go."

     She climbed into the saddle, patting Tomís neck affectionately. Hector floated over the packs strapped to Aliceís back and took her reins. The donkey and horse slowly moved toward the road to the capital.

     "I hear that Corannon is very nice this time of year," Solyma said as they rode into the soft darkness of the Spring night.
 

*****
 

The river provided a soft sighing background to the night. Kerrith crouched by the river bank, skipping stones on the river. They seemed to skip across a sparkling road made of moonlight. Selene looked shyly at Kerrith from where she leaned against the trunk of a willow.

     "Are you going back to the capital soon?" she finally asked.

     "Yes. I need to take the remains of the Corthronos back to the College of Magic," he answered. "I hope that you and your family will be willing to let me escort you there."

     "Oh. Of course we will. Will you stay for long at the capital?"

     "I do not know. Perhaps I will be able to if no pressing emergencies arise." Kerrith rose and walked to Selene. Her hair seemed unearthly in the moonlight, silver highlights dancing as she turned her head to him. A gentle breeze bearing the scent of flowers whispered across the river and caused a stray lock of hair to wander across Seleneís face.

     Kerrith carefully brushed the lock of hair away from her face. She tilted her face up towards him, her eyes closing and her lips parting slightly. Kerrith leaned closer and softly kissed her. Seleneís hands moved up to his hair while he wrapped his arms around her back. They remained together for a seemingly endless moment before parting.

     "I suppose we should get back before your parents notice. They might not be so eager for me to travel with you if they find out what weíve been doing," Kerrith whispered.

     "Yes, but I think that theyíd be happy to know that Iíve attracted the notice of a Knight," Selene said.

     The couple turned back to the square and stood for a moment, watching the shadows of dancers and listening to the drifting music. They stood silently, hand in hand, for a few silent minutes before returning to the brightly lit square.
 
 

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