The Druid of Annwyn

After Glenna left, a breeze picked up and blew cool air off of the Ocean of Ahti. Janaspi and Poma opened the windows so that the moist air would cool the room. Summerset spent the rest of the day laying on the bed counting the hours as one by one his ladies came over to lay down with him and snuggled up before taking cat naps. At agonizing length the sun began its slow descent toward the horizon and Summerset rose up to watch it. Janaspi, ever alert to his slightest movement, crawled off the bed and padded over to the balcony and slid one arm around his waist. With the vacancy of his warmth the others roused and they were quickly joined by Poma and the rest. Together, they all watched the sun descend into the waves of the ocean in a flaming red fireball that lit up the sky in a myriad of colors.

"Only a few more hours now," Summerset mumbled to no one in particular.

"Yes my lord," Janaspi answered though she knew he required no answer.

"Have you had any visions since the last one," He asked as he turned to admire her profile.

She turned, and with bright blue eyes, she smiled up at him. They almost glowed, as if they were soaking up all of the remaining light in the sky around them as she whispered, "No my lord."

Searching her eyes for knowledge. Following every curve and edge of her face, he admired the arc of her brow, her long thick lashes to the fullness of her cheekbones. The lovely sweep from her cheekbones to her jaw. The squared off edges of her jaw below her long, pointed, white ears with furry white tufts on the tops and back, but were soft pink skin inside. He loved the way her ears twitched when she was annoyed, or when she was excited. The way that she laid her ears back and he could trace the lines from the points of her ears to jaw and then to her chin in the straight lines of a V; and he loved the way her nose was wide across the bridge, but small and turned up at the tip, and he especially loved her wide, plump, pink mouth.

Leaning in he kissed her because he couldn't refuse himself the pleasure of the caress of her mouth on his lips. When he withdrew she sighed, and he grinned as he requested, "Please, tell it to me again..."

"Of course my love," She sighed into his mouth before stepping back and reigning in her growing desire, "The vision begins with the full moon high in the night sky filled with twinkling stars. Beneath its glory the Guardian of a dying land sits upon a high outcropping with a tall tree at his back. Upon the outcropping and surrounding him and the tree is fertile ground, sharp jagged rocks are just below, and curving around the out cropping and the jagged rocks is a babbling brook. The Guardian is the Lion of Luama. He has dark brown fur and a platinum mane. Without despair for the death around him, he confidently lifts his head to roar at the beaming light of the moon. The fertile earth rumbles, causing spiders to crawl out from beneath the rocks. The tree shakes and ten birds take flight. The babbling brook sings, and three sirens join its song. A great wind blows in from the west and clashes with the breath of the east. A great tempest ensues and carries a spider, an eagle, a siren, and the Guardian's mighty roar up to the moon. The Moon for her part begins to weep and sheds three Tears that fall upon the forest. The Guardian charges forth and quickly acquires the first two of the Tears, but the third is hidden away by the forest."

"Tell me again, my lovely Janaspi, what is the meaning of the vision?" He asked for the hundredth time since she told him of it years ago.

"My Lord, the full moon is the Goddess Seline, and the Guardian is you. The dying land is House Vale. With confidence my Lord roars out to the gods in his efforts to heal his family, and the goddess Seline hears you, but not just her. The earth is Gaia and in her trembling those that worship the Spider will venture forth from the rocks. The tree is Lauma and she shudders, and in doing so the daughters of the Eagle will be displaced from their homes. The water is Amphitrite and she will sing, and along with her daughters. This is the meaning of the spiders, the eagles, and the sirens. All three are tests, but are not for you. Rather they are reserved for the Champion that is to come. The west wind is Zephyra, and in her excitement she will cause only calamity until she is tamed, but she, as they all do, supports the Guardian and makes certain his plea is heard. Seline does hear, and is moved to shed three Tears. Each a Daughter of the Moon; the Shaman, the Priestess, and the Messenger. With the retrieval of the first Tear a healing of the land will begin. Upon gathering of the second Tear fate is sealed and a Champion for Seline will be born, the likes of which has never been seen before. The third Tear will remain hidden from the Guardian for she is meant for the Champion. Of the two Tears that you gather my lord, the first is me, the second is Glenna Moonlilly, and the third is hidden..."

"I understand Glenna since she is a priestess of Seline being one of the Tears," Summerset said as he mulled over the riddle, "But I don't understand why you are? I have never seen you act as a shaman."

"My Lord, my mother is the shaman of our tribe and I was raised from birth to be one as well. I have simply never had any reason to use it since I became your mate. Also, you well know that the Primes do not worship the gods exclusively," She chided mildly. She loved him dearly, but sometimes even him, with as open minded as he was, he still had to have the obvious pointed out, "Kainda and Wyeth for example, their tribes worship Gaia. Fahlene and Nephele's tribes worship Zephyra. Poma and Urielle's tribes worship Lauma, and I along with all my tribe worship Seline."

"So do all of the Animal tribes worship one of these four goddesses," Summerset asked, feeling naïve that he hadn't seen the correlation before.

"Yes, I believe we do, and others," Janaspi answered with a nod.

"So, how do you know you are one of Seline's Tears?" He asked as he slowly ran his fingers through the fur on her lower back.

She answered with a shrug and then leaned into him and mumbled it into his chest, "I just know. It's hard to explain. It's like knowing that you are female, or male. Or like knowing who you are. Though I was surprised when I also knew Glenna was a Tear as soon as I met her, and yet, she doesn't seem to know what she is yet..."

"Hmm," He grunted as he stood there with his women and watched the final rays of the day's light sink below the horizon. Giving Janaspi a squeeze in one arm and Urielle in the other. He accepted their attention as they leaned in and gave him persistent kisses, however, before it turned into more he stepped back and turned away and beckoned despite dejected sighs, "It's time to get ready to head to Tungl Maerborg, and we must all dress for the occasion!"

——(!)——

The full moon was rising over the Allurian Inn when everyone watched in idle curiosity as an honor guard of twenty of Anthiehl Vale's Animal mates marched through the lobby adjoining the dining hall and parading out into the night. Each feline woman was dressed in her best jewelry, and only wore thick leather belts plated with mithril and gold for clothing and armor. The girdles were thin around the sides and back, but curved upward following the sweep of each woman's ribs and down to follow the sinuous nature of their hips and lower abdomens in order to protect them from injury. Anklets and bracelets jingled with every step and there was a united thud as all twenty thumped the butt-ends of their shock lances on the floor.

After his first twenty honor guard marched past, Anthiehl Vale followed with his only legal wife, Maroelynd Lupinglade, on his arm. Following them, Summerset walked with Janaspi on his arm which sent a current of whispers circulating through the dining hall as his other six mates; Wyeth, Kainda, Fahlene, Caracal, Nephele, and Urielle followed right behind as his own private guard. Each was wearing belts, ankles, and bracelets for armor, but carried scabbarded long knives in the small of their backs for weapons. After Summerset and his harem, Anthiehl's last twenty Animal wives followed as the rear guard.

In Villralfar tradition, House Vale marched to Tungl Maerborg. Shuttles lined the boulevard while pedestrians and bridal guests to the ceremony lined the sidewalks and grass starting at the gated entrance of the Moonlilly estate and extending for blocks in both directions. Per Nottalfar tradition, no guest was permitted entry onto the property where a marriage ceremony was to take place until the Matriarch or Patriarch of the groom's House paid the bride price. Therefore, Yul'Anahaen Moonlilly stood at the gates of her estate and waited, and all those in attendance would become eyewitnesses to the new alliance. It was in effect the true marriage ceremony while everything that would follow was reduced to pomp and circumstance.

In slow orderly fashion the honor guard of House Vale approached the gates of Tungl Maerborg in two lines of ten. Once they approached to within ten feet of Yul'Anahaen the lines split apart, marching to the left and right as they lined up facing House Moonlilly. As whispers ran through the assembled crowd, Anthiehl and Maroelynd stood before Yul'Anahaen as Summerset came to a stop behind them and the rear guard split apart and lined up on each side behind the front guard. On Yul'Anahaen's right was Cryst'veyhl and on her left was her second daughter Aloradiehl Moonlilly. To each side lining the cobble road leading to the house were one-hundred House Moonlilly guards, and standing behind them was the house staff. Behind the three Matriarchs of House Moonlilly, filling the road for a fair distance were Yul'Anahaen's eleven youngest children first, and then Crest'veyhl's remaining twelve children out of thirty-four.

"Esteemed Matron Yul'Anahaen of House Moonlilly," Anthiehl Vale called out in a loud voice so that everyone could hear clearly, "Your beauty, and that of your House, bring glory and praise for your goddess, Seline. May she bless you forever!"

"Lord Anthiehl of House Vale, Elder Guardian of the Druid Council, High Lord of the Aligned Lordships of Annwyn, and Lord of Valeheim of the Valelands," Yul'Anahaen shouted so as to be heard over the growing murmuring at the prestigious titles he held. Turning to Maroelynd she continued, "Lady Maroelynd Lupinglade, Wife of Anthiehl Vale, Elder Moondancer of the Druid Council, Lady of Valeheim of the Valelands, Daughter of Sar'Owan Lupinglade; greetings and salutations, welcome to my home… Tungl Maerborg… Welcome to Moon Maiden Castle…"

"My Lady Yul'Anahaen," Anthiehl called out as Maroelynd pulled out a ceremonial contract and handed it to him. Stepping forward, Yul'Anahaen advanced on him as he took a knee before her, as if he were the one proposing. Holding out the rolled and sealed parchment in the palms of both hands, he looked up into her fathomless black orbs and continued, "Priestess of the Moon Goddess Seline, Daughter of Grand Priestess Cryst'veyhl Moonlilly, I come here today before these witnesses with the Bride Gift! Today I make a covenant with you so that our Houses may align under the marriage of Glen'nathel Moonlilly and Summerset Vale. May their children find strength and security in the union that we forge here today..."

Yul'Anahaen looked up and scanned the crowd as if she could not see Summerset standing right there behind his father and mother, and asked, "Where is the suitor that has set his heart upon my daughter? Have him step forward and claim his prize if he is worthy!"

With her declaration Yul'Anahaen and Cryst'veyhl's children, the one-hundred House guards and all the household staff shifted their formation so that they were standing shoulder to shoulder from gate post to gate post and several rows deep. Yul'Anahaen smirked as she took the contract, this particular tradition was very advantageous for House Moonlilly for a suitor could pay and bind him and his house to hers, and yet, if he was unworthy could still be unable to marry her daughter while being held to his contractual obligations.

Anthiehl's brows furrowed, all through their negotiation Lady Moonlilly had failed to disclose this part of the tradition. Still, he stood up and with a half bow took a half step back and turned as he gestured toward his son, "My Lady Moonlilly, may I present my son, Summerset Vale, heir apparent, Lord of the Valelands, Guardian of the Druid Council, the Lion of Lauma!"

Summerset's attention focused on his father in surprise, never before had he been called the 'Lion of Lauma' until that moment, and all of a sudden Janaspi's voice reciting her vision seemed to echo in his head. Janaspi releasing his arm pulled him back to reality, and firming his jaw, he stepped forward to face his soon to be mother-in-law. He had grown used to seeing the priestesses, but it still struck him as surreal to stand before the three heads of House Moonlilly; Yul'Anahaen, her mother Cryst'veyhl, and her second daughter Aloradiehl when they were all wearing little more than silk underbust corsets that exposed their exquisite breasts. Farthingales were attached to their corsets by hoops and hooks held gowns made of silk like material that was nearly completely transparent. It was clearly visible that they wore garter belts beneath with sheer leggings and bare feet with intricate ankle chains that connected to rings on their toes and begemmed with sapphires and diamonds. It was also clearly evident that they hadn't worn underwear and their femininity was very… very… well displayed!

He was confident up to that point, and then he found himself hesitating.

Once he lifted his eyes up to meet Yul'Anahaen's, the corners of her mouth curled as she smirked condescendingly. It was what he needed to regain his focus. Kneeling beside his father he called out, "Moon Mother, I stand here ready for any trial you may set before me to determine my worthiness of your daughter!"

Yul'Anahaen's smirk broadened to a full smile as she took a deep breath that expanded her breasts and she watched as his eyes were momentarily diverted from her eyes before she took a step back with a half turn and held her hand out gesturing to force at the gate and spoke loudly so that all could hear, "My son of earth and wood, I present to you…"

"STOP!"

"WAIT!"

Cryst'veyhl hissed and Aloradiehl stepped forward with a dagger in her hand as Hurdikihl Tunglelvist and Ordwalf Gaihl stepped out of the crowd while forty of their armed and armored guards pushed their way through the crowds and assembled behind them.

Yul'Anahaen sneered as she hissed a mumbled curse under her breath before mumbling so only Anthiehl, Maroelynd, and Summerset could hear, "This is not my doing. Be on your guard…"

Summerset stood just to her side, dressed in a heavy leather coat over a linen shirt tucked into britches shoved down into sturdy brown leather knee high boots. They were cut and tailored in the Villralfar fashion of green hues with floral and leafy designs. Over his coat he wore a magnificent wooden breastplate made for him by a lonely elm'drya named Quebrancho. For weapons he wore gauntlets that covered his arms from his shoulders to fingertips. They were an ancient family heirloom called the 'Claws of the King'. Seeing Yul'Anahaen's nakedness and that she had neither armor nor weapon, he reached out without thinking and grabbed her as he moved to stand as her shield.

"My dear Mother Moon!" Hurdikihl yelled, his voice ringing out with the honeyed flavor of 'Persuasion' so that all in attendance could hear and the weak minded immediately conceded, "I am sorry for our tardiness, for our invitations must've gotten lost whilst in transit. We humbly beg your forgiveness…"

Murmurs began to buzz as the audience agreed that he should be heard out.

Glowing white halos appeared over Yul'Anahaen and Cryst'veyhl's heads, encircling their floating black flame-like hair as a chime rang out like a gong dispelling the effects of the enchantment. A crown of thorns grew on Maroelynd's head, pricking her to the same effect, and Anthiehl and Summerset easily shook off the magic with a shrug. Everyone else was gazing at Hurdikihl and Ordwalf in adoration.

"Release!" Cryst'veyhl shouted as a wave of white magic burst from her like a wave in all directions and dispelled the enchantment.

Yul'Anahaen was the picture of serenity when she tapped Summerset's hand to get his attention. Once he turned to look back over his shoulder she whispered, "Are you here to wed my daughter, or me?"

Summerset's brows furrowed in confusion until she pointedly looked down at his hand on her breast.

"With the bride price your father paid," She purred playfully, "I am willing if you are?"

By the word his eyes opened wider and wider and by the end his mouth was too dry to speak, so with a gulp he simply removed his hand. She smirked and made a dejected expression as she purred, "What a shame… So close to attaining heaven, and yet you settle for paradise…"

She gave him a wink and then she stepped around him to address the wedding crashers in a purr that was through gritted teeth, "What have you come here for? If it is for the libations then you have to but wait only a few moments more!"

"On the contrary, my esteemed Mother Moon," Ordwalf interrupted as he smiled sinisterly at her before cutting his eyes to Summerset, "We are here as the competing parties to declare our right of 'Bjodja at saett bregda upp kappi'!"

Hurdikihl sauntered forward arrogantly while waving dismissively at Anthiehl and Summerset as he sneered, "These... country bumkins… just goes to show that anyone can put a title in front of their name these days. The Lord Bumpkin and his… progeny obviously have some form of leverage over you, my dear Matron Moonlilly. I can't hazard a guess otherwise as to why you would even entertain an offer of alliance with… uneducated peasants!"

Cryst'veyhl laughed scornfully causing her breasts to bounce and wobble delightfully as she taunted, "Why would we, House Moonlilly, align with House Vale over Houses Tunglelvist or Gaihl? Well after such a display of a lack of decorum and arrogance, I guess I would have to hazard a guess and say, because they outbid your offers by five times your best offers added together! Country bumpkin lords or not, they have amassed more wealth than both of your Houses together!"

Yul'Anahaen's mouth twisted into a sneer of her own as she whispered, "There is no reneging on your offers now that you know your standing compared to ours, young Summerset. If I have to marry you along with my daughter I will do it to keep this contract in place. Nevertheless, their demand for 'Bjodja at saett bregda upp kappi' can not be ignored…"

"I am unfamiliar with the term," Summerset replied quietly.

"It is an old law," Yul'Anahaen answered with a shake of her head, "They must have had someone research it for them in preparation for this. It is an offer of reconciliation with their Houses by challenging you to a duel. As the champion of your House if they strike you down the pathway of renegotiation of Glenna's bride price is opened up again."

"Hmm," Summerset hummed as his expression changed from passive to an aggressive smirk before he purred, "I see. If that is the case then I will take you up on your offer, and in addition I want Cryst'veyhl to marry my father. Since you have misrepresented our worth to you as a partner, I want a complete union of our Houses. Your matriarchy and our patriarchy. My heir through Glenna will inherit House Vale, and my heir from you shall inherit House Moonlilly."

"You strike a hard bargain young Lord Summerset," Yul'Anahaen chuckled before looking over her shoulder and asked, "But what of my daughter Aloradiehl?"

"Marry her off just as you have Glenna," Summerset answered with a shake of his head, "Do we have an accord?"

Yul'Anahaen rubbed her chin as if she were considering the offer, then she looked up and smirked and purred, "If you will promise that your male heirs will marry each of my and Cryst'veyhl's daughters then there will no longer be any heirs to the Seat of House Moonlilly. The next heir would thereby be yours and mine…"

"Agreed," Summerset confirmed with a nod, "My sons will marry the daughters of Moonlilly."

"Then we have an accord… husband," She purred seductively, and added with a chuckle, "I guess you do want to taste heaven tonight…"

"Are you done murmuring over there," Hurdikihl sneered in bitter irritation at being ignored, "Despite the matter of this yokel's no doubt ill gotten gain, it saddens me to see such plebeian rapacity that you would stoop so low as to entertain such a backwater alliance over our venerable offers! However, I shall save you from this… trash… by removing them from sitting at the table of their betters!"

Stepping away from Summerset, Yu'Anahaen joined Cryst'veyhl and Aloradiehl. They whispered among themselves, and then Cryst'veyhl's mouth went slack from surprise and she looked up at Summerset and then cut her eyes to Anthiehl and Maroelynd. Aloradiehl's was a completely different response, her brows furrowed and she stomped her foot as she hissed something angrily. Yul'Anahaen responded and then Aloradiehl grudgingly nodded her head. Once their meeting was concluded the entire assembled crowd watched in rapt curiosity as Yul'Anahaen turned to Hurdikihl and Ordwalf, "Your challenge of 'Bjodja at saett bregda upp kappi' is heard and accepted by House Vale. House Moonlilly and all those present here will act as eyewitnesses. Pick your champions!"

With the Bride Price paid, Yul'Anahaen addressed her guard and servants, "Moonlight Guard, retreat to the moonpool and guard Glen'nathel so that none of the champions may take her as their wife without first defeating their opponents. I will be escorting the champion to his prize myself. Everyone else to your stations, we have a ceremony and a celebration to host!"

As the guards and servants departed, Yul'Anahaen walked over and slipped her arm through Summerset's and led the way past the gates of Tungl Maerborg. Cryst'veyhl similarly approached Anthiehl and bowed to Maroelynd and asked, "It seems that if your son wins the challenge there will not be one marriage tonight but three…"

"So it seems," Maroelynd replied, her tone even, her expression neutral.

"It seems that we will be sister-wives," Cryst'veyhl offered hesitantly.

"I share my husband with forty other wives," Maroelynd offered with a small smirk, "Another sister to share my husband with makes no difference at this point, but if you wish to be accepted you will have to love us as much as you love Anthiehl."

The corners of Cryst'veyhl's mouth curled upward as she nodded her acceptance, "I believe we will get along famously!"

"I'm sure we will," Maroelynd agreed with a smile as she gestured for Cryst'veyhl to take Anthiehl's other arm.

Everyone in attendance at the gates began filing in and onto the property. Servants quickly took their stations and began directing the crowd to a small amphitheater on the east side of the property that also served as the training grounds and barracks for the Guard.

Summerset walked across the grounds at a nonchalant pace that helped cast an illusion of calm and dignified confidence with Janaspi on his right arm and Yul'Anahaen on his left. He walked within a six-sided box of women surrounding him with Wyeth and Kainda ahead of him, Fahlene and Caracal guarded the flanks, and Nephele and Urielle brought up the rear.

"It is said that my ancestral matriarch built this house only a thousand years after the 'Exodus'," Yul'Anadaen said as she directed their attention to certain trees and gardens and gave a brief history on which of her foremothers had planted and cultivated them. Once they reached the Amphitheater she continued, "My foremother Matron Ur'Duroann commission for this to be built three-thousand years ago. But, if I am to be honest with myself and you, the sad reality is that Olympia is not the shining beacon of prosperity it once was. The class divisions are too substantial. Taxes are out of control. The Noble's intermarrying only within their class distinctions has led to near toxic levels of genetic sterility. Sadly, our once great country is collapsing in on itself. We are in desperate need of an infusion of new blood, new ways of thinking, and new governance."

"You'll get no argument from me on that," Summerset mumbled so only she and his ladies could hear.

Yul'Anahaen nodded her head as she scanned the crowds around them as they walked, "The reason House Tunglelvist and House Gaihl are so adamant to align with my House is because for generations we have not catered to the spiritual or physical needs of the Nobles. My foremothers, aunts, sisters, nieces, and daughters are blessed with being born of Noble and Priestly classes while our breeding is that of the inferiors."

"So you're one of the few Houses that hasn't bred yourselves sterile," Summerset surmised.

"Precisely," Yul'Anahaen answered with a nod and a smile for one of the nobles that made eye contact with her, "Everything you see around you in this city is a façade. The nobles, their marriages, their children, everything! The men go to the church to try to conceive an heir with the priestesses while their wives go on country rides to find lovers that might be capable of impregnating them. This is rife with adultery and fornication, and sadly, it has been us, the Priestesses of Selene and the Priestesses of Marduk that have led the people down this path. All in the name of greed and our lust for gold."

"I thought that the Priesthood was capable of healing sterility and blessed with fertility, especially the priestesses of the moon," Summerset replied as he looked into her black orbs.

She nodded her head and then shook it as well as she explained, "We are blessed with fertility, and yes we can and do give those blessings. We have been healing the sick and sterile, but there is a limit. There is only so much even magic and do…"

"So you've hit the crisis point," He mumbled.

"Yes," She agreed.

"So then, what do you suggest I do," He asked.

"Win," She answered firmly.

He nodded. That he could do.

He looked straight ahead and ignored the majesty of the elegant castle spires or the immaculately parked grounds, and he focused on the amphitheater as they walked into the center arena. On the other side stood Hurdikihl Tunglelvist and Ordwalf Gaihl. Hurdikihl brandished curved Alfari sabers in each hand. Ordwalf on the other hand stood there with a Aflari styled basket hilted broadsword still in its scabbard, belted to his hip.

Summerset weighed them and just from their manner guessed that Ordwalf was the more dangerous of the two though Hurdikihl was obviously the more aggressive.

"I must leave you now," Yul'Anahaen whispered as she took his hand and placed something in his palm, "But before I leave, I give you a testimony to my fidelity should you win... You must win!"

She turned away and left to ascend stairs to the training platform. Looking down at his hand he found a large gold and silver ring carve with leaves and moons with a large white moonstone set in it, and a large gold and silver necklace with a large moonstone medallion. Slipping the ring on the middle finger of his left hand, he also pulled the necklace over his head and tucked the medallion down beneath his coat and shirt.

Looking up at all the gathered people in the stands, he saw there was beauty to be found in every corner. The men were handsome to down right beautiful, and the women were even more so. The men wore a wide assortment of clothing from pants and coats to distinguished robes, to as little as decorous capes and loincloths. The women were no less extravagant wearing gauze, lace, or cobwebby gowns that ranged from bright opaque jewel tones to absolutely transparent. However, it was the priestesses that caused the real stir among the gathered.

High Priestess Annani'us made a grandiose entrance with an honor guard of three hundred priestesses, all of which were dressed in nothing but jewelry on their ankles, wrists, fingers, and around their delicate necks. Next followed twenty mithril Dolls that also looked like naked mechanical women armed with shock lances and shields before at last, an extravagant silver and gold plated shuttle pulled up before the entrance of Tungl Maerborg and Annani'us stepped out.

Upon her head she wore a great moon papal tiara made of moonsilk and silver. Like all of the nottalfar, her moonlight white skin glowed as brightly as the moon this night, and it made it easy to admire her nakedness. Indeed it made it easy to admire all of the nottalfar women present. Unlike her priestesses however, she wore an extravagantly engraved, enchanted underbust wire that followed the curves of her large well rounded breasts before curving around her back below her shoulder blades. From the bottom of the underwire were small hoops, and from the hoops hung a single, impossibly sheer, white panel of silk lace that wrapped around her back and fell to the ground to trailed behind her for five feet. Like her priestesses she also wore anklets, bracelets, rings, and necklaces that tinkled and jingled to call attention to her sensuality and thereby the majesty of her goddess. Her last piece of clothing was a silver wire that curved on her hips, around, and across the top of her buttocks. Like the enchanted underwire bra it hugged the curves of her hips and ended on each hip flare where two dainty hoops held the silver hooks of a loincloth of the same material as the cape that fell down the back.

Stationing nineteen of her Dolls just outside the amphitheater, she kept one as her personal guard and climbed up to join Yul'Anahaen, Cryst'veyhl, Anthiehl, and Maroelynd.

"Your Holiness," Yul'Anahaen greeted as she stood up and curtsied before kissing the ring of the High Priestess. Standing up straight she continued, "These are my guests Anthiehl Vale and his wife Maroelynd Lupinglade. You have come at an inauspicious time Hurdikihl Tunglelvist and Ordwalf Gaihl…"

"I know daughter," Annani'us interrupted with a raised hand to stave off any more explanation, "Even though I do not agree with your… alignment with these… people, this is your House and Glen'nathel is your daughter. That said, I will address the champions…"

"Yes, your Eminence," Yul'Anahaen acquiesced with a curtsy as she shot Anthiehl and Maroelynd an apologetic look.

Walking over to the balcony, cheers, whistling, and clapping filled the amphitheater as Annani'us raised her hands and waved a greeting to her parishioners. As the laudation and veneration continued, she soaked it up and seemed to preen under such reverence until she finally started patting the air signaling for everyone to quiet down. As soon as silence settled over the amphitheater she looked down upon Summerset, Ordwalf, and Hurdikihl and declared, "Today Houses Gaihl and Tunglelvist have search out a law that was enacted some five-thousand years ago by Queen Offel'liehl Ljoswing by the request of House Fragrlogi who, like House Gaihl and Tunglelvist, didn't like being outbid for the Bride Price or turned down as suitors. In that instance the young lord of House Fragrlogi defeated his opponent, a young lord of a minor House that had scraped together everything he owned just so that he could marry the woman that he loved, and in return, she loved him. However, the Lord of Fragrlogi miscalculated for when the young maiden learned of her betrothed's demise she went into her room and ran a dagger through her own heart. 'Bjodja at saett bregda upp kappi' was used four other times in all of our long history, and each time afterward the challenging lord was slain either by the betrothed or by his wife on their wedding night. This is the tragic history of 'Bjodja at saett bregda upp kappi'. Knowing this, would House Gaihl or Tunglelvist wish to renounce their demand for reconciliation with House Moonlilly by challenging House Vale to this... duel?"

"No your Eminence," Hurdikihl called out as he flourished his swords for emphasis, "We will slay this up-start tree-hugger and then we shall renegotiate with House Moonlilly under more civilized conditions."

"I am in agreement with Hurdikihl, with this mud-wallow out of the way surely House Moonlilly can reach an amicable settlement with House Tunglelvist and House Gaihl," Ordwalf added.

"Then am I to assume that this is an ambush rather than a duel," Annani'us asked scornfully, "The two of you against Summerset Vale? Is he really such a threat to you that it takes both of you to challenge him? With all of your snubs and insults you unknowingly heap glory and praise on him with your cowardice…"

"We are no cowards," Hurdikihl shrieked, his glowing white face blushing red and his eyes opened in rage, "Of course he may have a companion to help him die…"

"Holy Mother," Ordwalf called out as he placed a hand on Hurdikihl before he said something unforgivable. Looking over at Janaspi, Wyeth, Kainda, Fahlene, Caracal, Nephele, and Urielle he continued, "Maybe Lord Vale can have one of his vaunted cat girls aid him since he trusts them to guard his life?"

"Well, Lord Vale," Annani'us asked as she turned to look at him, "Do you wish for aid from one of your guards?"

"These… imbeciles disparage and underestimate what they don't know or understand," Summerset shouted out for everyone in attendance to hear, "Just because we don't attend your colleges you think us uneducated and weak. My… cat girls… protect me because they love me. I doubt the same could be said for any of you! However, you are all grossly mistaken if you think I need my... cat girls… to protect me. But, I do not want nor do I need flattery or accolades from these two good-for-nothings, so I will accept Janaspi Lynx as my partner!"

"So for all your insults and chest-thumping," You do in fact admit that you need help in facing us," Hurdikihl chortled though Ordwalf's brow furrowed suspiciously.

"No, you vomitus mass of ignorance," Summerset retorted as Janaspi sauntered over to him, rolling her hips in exaggerated seduction as her short turned up tail bobbed behind her thickly muscled buttocks. Turning to her he whispered quiet instructions to which she gave a curt nod before he looked back at Annani'us, "Janaspi will be my second in name only. She will not be involved in the combat, since her life would be forfeit when I kill Ordwalf and Hurdikihl. I am ready when your Holiness is..."

Annani'us looked down her nose at Summerset, then cut her eyes to Janaspi, and pursed her mouth before she declared, "Then with that settled, know this, I am the acting authority. I witness this duel, and as such, whomever is the victor the other House Guards will refrain from retaliation or I will have my own Guards dispatch you myself, and then afterward the offending Houses will be fined and sanctioned. Is that understood?"

Ordwalf and Hurdikihl's captains saluted and Annani'us nodded, "Then I declare the duel begun!"

——(!)——

Summerset gave Janaspi her signal and she turned and walked to the wall and leaned against it. Hurdikihl started stalking towards him as Ordwalf moved out to Summerset's right and began chanting. Seemingly keeping distance between himself and Summerset though he was moving toward Janaspi purposely.

With a sigh of disappointment he whistled and Janaspi smiled at Ordwalf as she wagged her fingers, and then disappeared. Simultaneously, Summerset unleashed the full power of his Druidic aura and assumed a fighting crouch as he unleashed a magic enhanced 'Roar of Intimidation'.

There were collective gasps, groans, and shrieks as everyone standing in the amphitheater was slammed to their knees by the enormous weight of Summerset's aura. When his roar sent shock waves across the stadium those that were already cast to the ground, fainted. Maroelynd, used to such power, stood up and gently put her arms beneath Yul'Anahaen while Anthiehl helped Cryst'veyhl back into her seat. Afterward he stood up just as Janaspi released her 'Prowl' skill and reappeared in the booth. Together they helped High Priestess Annani'us back to her feet.

Hurdikihl nearly dropped his swords as he staggered to his knees. He was breathing hard when he glared at Summerset before rising to his feet. Ordwalf withstood the pressure of Summerset's aura slightly better, but he lost his concentration on the spell he had been casting and it fizzled while still consuming a generous portion of his life-force.

As Summerset stalked toward his opponents green magic began to collect and rise up off of his arms, shoulders, and back like a thick vapor. It surrounded his body creating astral armor in the form of a lion headed man. Each of his hands now looked like massive green paws with long razor sharp claws, and a mystical green tail wagged behind him.

Hurdikihl roared in defiant rage and charged. Ordwalf's eyes grew as large as saucers and threw his hands out in front of him and began chanting a new spell. As Summerset and Hurdikihl closed on each other, Ordwalf released his spell as chains shot from his hands and into the ground.

Summerset had been expecting a 'Fireball' or 'Lightning Bolt' and quickly sidestepped so that Hurdikihl was between him and Ordwalf. Instead, Hurdikihl dashed in with sword swing in a double arc from right to left, one sword high and the other low. Summerset ran straight in and at the last minute slid beneath the slashing blades. Whipping out a hand he grabbed Hurdikihl's ankle and pulled his foot out from beneath him.

Summerset flipped to climb back to his feet and attack as Hurdikihl went tumbling across the arena. Just at that moment chains from Ordwalf shot out of the ground and wrapped around his legs, forearms, and waist. They tightened down like octopus tentacles and pulled him back down to the ground.

Hurdikihl cursed and spat as he stood up and brushed himself off, and then he turned and laughed at Summerset who was restrained, "You really thought you could beat us? What was it that Ordwalf called you? Oh yes, a mud-wallow! Yes well, you certainly fill that roll well now don't you?"

Once Hurdikihl was finished brushing himself off he picked up his swords and stalked over. Ordwalf, seeing that the duel was almost at its end, chuckled while holding fast the chains sprouting from his hands firmly in his grasp.

Summerset breathed steadily and gathered his strength, the hardest part for him was being patient so as to make an example. Hurdikihl swaggered and flourished his swords as those left of the crowds that were still conscious cheered. When he was within ten feet Hurdikihl flourished his swords and raised his hands high above his head.

Summerset surged to his feet as the chains restraining him pulled against him. Ordwalf gasped as he was yanked off his feet and slammed to the ground by his own chains. Four eighteen inch blades popped from the 'Claws of the King', and as Hurdikihl's eyes opened wide in surprise and fear, he brought his arms down as Summerset brought his claws up and cut Hurdikihl's arms off at the shoulders!

He didn't even have time to scream before Summerset swept his stance around, high and low chopping his head from his shoulders and disemboweling him at the same time…

Hurdikihl's arms hit the ground first while still holding the swords, and then his head. Blood sprayed across Summerset and the arena, and then Hurdikihl's body fell to the floor in two pieces and dumped out his innards.

Ordwalf cursed as the 'Chains of Subjugation' shattered as he climbed to his feet. He looked over and saw Hurdikihl on the ground in five different locations, and blood everywhere. To the side he saw Summerset covered in blood. He wasn't sure if he drew breath to cast an 'Incineration' spell, or scream. In the end it didn't matter. In the blink of his eyes Summerset crossed two-hundred feet and combined 'Rush of the Cheetah', 'Tiger Claws', 'Mangling Attack', 'Swiping Slash', and 'Lion's Devastation'. Ordwalf had time to blink before searing pain seemed to burn up his mind as his chest and abdomen exploded!

Sounds of puking in mass was the only sound in the amphitheater when Summerset turned around to face the High Priestess.

Annani'us stood up straight with Anthiehl's help and wiped puke from her mouth. He handed her a flask to wash her mouth out, and she took two extra swigs to help her try and forget what she had just seen. Once she was done she handed it back with a thankful smile.

Standing up straight, she gazed down on Summerset who reigned in his magical aura. As he did he released 'Astral Beast' and all the blood that covered the magic armor fell to the ground.

"Not even so much as a spot of blood on him. It was like watching a lion play with two rabbits before finally devouring them," Annani'us mumbled as she shook her head. Looking out at the crowd, distressed or having fainted, she raised her voice as she held her hands out to Summerset, "The champion of 'Bjodja at saett bregda upp kappi' is House Vale. Summerset Vale and Glen'nathel Moonlilly will be wed under Seline's Moon with her blessing!"

Yul'Anahaen was the first to descend from the training platform. With a broad smile she intertwined her arm in Summerset's and led him out of the amphitheater. She took him on a long walk around the grounds while the guests were guided from the amphitheater to Gnaema's Garden.

By the time she brought him to the garden the guests were lined up and standing in respectful silence. At the end of the long path he saw Glenna standing naked in the moonpool. His father and mother on the right, Cryst'veyhl and Aloradiehl and all of the Moonlilly House on the left, and standing to the side just in front of the moonpool was High Priestess Annani'us. As Summerset and Yul'Anahaen approached, Annani'us greeted them, "I was informed that there have been a few changes…"

Summerset's eyes met Glenna's and she gave him a broad smile as Yul'Anahaen answered, "Yes there has!"

Two maids approached and with proficient fingers they disrobed their matron within seconds and left her standing naked beside Summerset. Looking up at her daughter she purred, "I bet this wasn't how you envisioned your marriage night proceeding…"

"Aloradiehl explained everything," Glenna answered as she offered her mother a hand as she stepped down into the moonpool.

Turning so that they both faced Summerset. Annani'us gestured for the groom to approach but to not step into the pool. He held out a hand to Glenna and Yul'Anahaen which they took. Stepping up beside them she proclaimed loudly, "As High Priestess of Seline the Moon Goddess, I hereby recognize and consecrate the marriage of Summerset Vale to Yul'Anahaen and Glen'nathel Moonlilly. May you as a Son of Gaia always keep the two Daughters of the Moon firmly orbiting around you. May you bask in their radiant love, and may the fruits of their wombs be many!"

As she spoke she took a red silk cord and tied Summerset's right hand to Glenna's left, and his left hand to Yul'Anahaen's right, and then she concluded, "Tonight, you are bound to each other by cords of matrimony. For the rest of this night let nothing separate you one from the other so that Seline may bless you. Now go Summerset and claim your wives. Go Yul'Anahaen, Glen'nathel, and claim your husband!"

Cheers and applause erupted all around them as Summerset helped his wives out of the moonpool and let them guide him to the bedchamber that had been prepared for him and Glenna. Once they disappeared up the pathway leading to Tungl Maerborg, Anthiehl stood up and escorted Cryst'veyhl to the moonpool…