Heritage Ch. 15

Authors notes: First of all this is self edited. I have done my best to find all the errors and mistakes. I know I have missed some please forgive me for them. I am hoping to now be able to submitt a new chapter every three to four weeks.

I would like to thenk each and everyone of you who take your time to read my latest chapter. I do aske that you please take a moment and vote and comment. Please let me know how I am doing.

ok enough from me here is the story

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"Damn it Arteria, he needed to rest for another day," Melinda angrily rebuked.

"He is needed now," Arteria Retorted while glaring at Melinda.

"Melinda, I am fine, now someone better start explaining to me what the fuck is going on before I get pissed," Mordrick replied in an icy tone.

"There is the Mordrick I remember," Margaret teased with a giggle. Once she saw that she had Mordrick attention she inquired, "How are you feeling?"

Mordrick heard a familiar sounding voice seeing the prince and princess standing there he quickly rose and knelt before them. "Your highness, I am glad to see you," he said cheerfully. He then realized that it was Margaret and not Ares' wife Theresa. He asked in shock, "What brings you here?"

"I am here because you invited me. My sister is here because we need your aid my friend," Ares responded lugubriously.

"As you both well know my Sword is yours," Mordrick vowed as he knelt humbly, his hand automatically going to a nonexistent weapon. He slowly rose before continuing, "Name your task and I will do all with in my power to fulfill it."

Melinda seeing Mordrick's unsteadiness was concerned he was going to over stress his self. "Mordrick I want you to sit down. Your ordeal has weakened you and you need time to regain your strength," Melinda beseeched him. Her voice full of concern.

Before Mordrick could respond, Trinita came running in and leapt into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. "You had us so worried! I was so scared that I was going lose my daddy for a second time." Trinita blurted out with tears rolling down her cheek.

"Dear, didn't I promise you that I would always take care of you? I would never leave you," Mordrick promised as he gently wiped the tears from her cheek. He wait until he saw a small smile form on her lips before he gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek and moved her so he could sit down with her on his lap. As soon as he was seated, Trinita settled into his lap and laid her head against his chest.

"Could someone please bring me up to date starting with after I was stabbed?" Mordrick requested.

"After Fredrick stabbed you, you used your claws and killed him before you passed out. The knight that was with him was going to finish killing you. Thanks to our little girl's prowess with a bow, he never got the chance to do it. When I saw you fall I went a little nuts, charged Rysdine and wounded him.

Melinda stopped the rest of Weslin forces from attacking by opening a large crevice that was filled with lava. Melinda had healed Rysdine wounds and was trying to stabilize you, when Weslin himself showed up. He offered a truce, which we accepted to buy time. I went out to conduct the negotiations with him and he attempted to suck out my insides through my eyes. Trinita stopped him with a well-placed arrow. After that, Prince Blackstone will have to continue for a bit I was sort of out of it," Arteria said.

Trinita beamed at Arteria declaration of her skill with a bow. Her little chest puffed out with pride and a rare large smile formed on her face that seemed to light up the cave. Mordrick gave her a kiss on top of head and told her how proud he was of her. She thought about the next part of the story and started to giggle.

"It would seem that your little girl is quite the fierce warrior. She was well prepared to defend Arteria from both Retquil and myself using Arteria's sword. She refused to give ground until Lady Grey told her it was alright and we were allies." Prince Blackstone paused in his telling of the story to get a drink before continuing, "Arteria was fine she just had a slight headache from the effects of the energy draining spell. Iselin, my lead healer, gave her an elixir to stabilize her energy. My men managed to capture or kill all of Weslin forces in short order and are now camped out around us.

When Greagor and Elisa Grey arrived it caused..."

"Umm that is impossible! I watch the two of them fall to their wounds. They are both dead," Mordrick proclaimed with certainty.

"They are here none the less, Gaia must have a purpose for them they have yet to disclose, for the two of them bear her mark. Once things had settled down we determined that you were poisoned using the sap of tree of life. The only person who I knew of that had the knowledge how to cure the poison was Lady Jezebel. She did agree to come but demanded a horrible price to cure you," Prince Blackstone told the tale, until he saw Mordrick getting upset. He paused to give Mordrick a chance to calm.

Mordrick couldn't believe that Jezebel would have the gull to ask for anything after all he had done for her. His anger spiked his eyes reverted to their natural form." What exactly did she want for payment?" He angrily demanded.

Everyone hesitated to answer with exception of one. "She wanted Arteria to leave us and never see us again." Trinita softly responded with tears forming in her eyes."

"She wanted what?" Mordrick roared in anger. He quickly rose carefully setting Trinita on her feet then continued." Jezebel you fucking two bit whore. You are fucking dead!"

Mordrick started to hunt Jezebel down when Arteria stepped in to his path not only blocking his way, but also placing herself between him and everyone else. Her eyes were narrowed and practically glowed in anger.

"Mordrick Spellsword you will sit your ass back down and calm the fuck down or so help me I will make you sorry for a long time to come." Arteria retorted in an icy cold tone that promised nothing but pain and suffering if he failed to heed her warning. She started pushing him back to the seat as she continued," You will sit there and do nothing but listen until you hear the entire story. Do I make myself very clear?"

Mordrick froze in shock at Arteria's reaction. At first his anger flared if this was anyone else but her, they would be looking for a healer to have their jaw reset but Arteria was immune to his anger. Finally realizing there was nothing else to do he started to calm down. As soon as he took his seat, Trinita resettled herself in his lap.

"Mord, dear if I were you I close my mouth before something flies in there." Arteria quipped lightly causing a round of nervous laughs. Arteria realized she had her work cut out for her controlling his volatile temper and Emotional outburst. She softly chuckled to herself at least life would never be dull.

"I apologize for interrupting with my outburst, please continue," Mordrick requested after took a few deep breathes to finish calming himself.

"The show is over go about your business," Prince Black stone said to the crowd that had gathered during Mordrick's outburst. Upon hearing the prince's command the crowd quickly dispersed though a few of them did seem to loiter about hoping to see another show.

"I sensed what Jezebel had planned and I decided to calmly teach her a lesson in humility." Melinda started with the next part of the story. She was quickly interrupted by laughter from everyone but her and Mordrick.

"You attacked her so fast that all anyone saw was a blur just before they heard her crash into the wall. You seemed to take great pleasure in using holy fire to scar her body. I will concede it was the unique use of it." Prince Blackstone teased with a hint of admiration in his voice. He paused for a moment to take another drink then continued. " You placed a scar from between her breasts to her bellybutton. Next, you ran a scar straight down the center of her face neatly bisecting it. Lastly, you placed one on her right cheek I believe. My question is how did you manage to suppress her natural regeneration, even with you using holy fire they should have healed in moments?

I will admit I was more than surprised when you all of sudden stopped what you were doing and healed her and was going to let her go with your apologies. That was one hell of a risky maneuver."

Melinda recalled her shocking action with sorrow. She despised herself for actually enjoying torturing Jezebel it was a side of herself that she vehemently prayed she would never see again. Pulling herself from her memories, she did her best to hide the feeling as she carried on.

"Like I was about to say when I was interrupted. After Jezebel saw the error of her ways, she not only provided the antidote but also helped with your treatment. Once we knew that you would recover Jezebel and I shared a few rounds of ale and had a pleasant conversation. When Jezebel Tried to leave her no good bastard of a husband prevented and forced her to become my slave. He claimed it was for punishment but in reality, he wanted time with his new concubine without jezebel interference." Melinda expounded in a flat tone.

"That doesn't surprise me. He most likely has some new conquest in his stable. He will bore of her quickly and then want Jezebel back." Mordrick said in a bored tone as he nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders.

Margaret let out sharp breath. "It may seem simple to you Lord Spellsword, but it is my daughter that he wants to make his next conquest," Margaret hissed angrily.

Mordrick expression quickly changed it went from relaxed to shock then anger. He lifted Trinita off his lap placing her on her feet and he began to pace. He closed his eyes and took a couple deep breaths to calm himself.

"How soon will your forces be ready for the assault? I will need Arteria, Melinda, Retquil and one other. You said Rysdine knows the truth by all accounts he is a good man to have in a battle. I will take him if he is willing. Melinda do you think that your parents will watch Trinita for a day or so?" Mordrick said, as he started gathering his supplies.

"Umm Mordrick, what are you planning to do?" Princess Margaret inquired.

"I will take a small strike team into Lord Malacoda's castle and rescue the duchess while your forces are assaulting the front. Once she is safe then I will attempt to capture the lord to face your justice, your highness," Mordrick quickly replied.

"Why can't I go with you?" Trinita asked.

"Sweetie, I would love nothing better than to have you at my side if you were trained. Just because you won't be on the strike team doesn't mean you won't be helping. I just need a little time to work out the details of the plan and then you shall have your assignment," Mordrick stated as he hugged her.

"Ok da...err Mordrick," Trinita replied with huge smile on her face.

"On second thought I have your first assignment already. Please go find Retquil and conduct him to me," Mordrick Gently ordered with a smile. As soon as he was done, Trinita was off like a shot to carry out her assignment. He couldn't help but to smile at her antics.

"Mordrick there may be a way for us to rescue Kimberly and cause Malacoda to lose face without any bloodshed," Prince Blackstone suggested.

Mordrick carefully considered the prince's suggestion weighing it against not only what he knew of Malacoda but also demon politics. As far as he knew Malacoda rule was stable. He also knew that several other lords and a couple of his generals were just biding their time waiting for him to weaken so they could strike and take his realm from him The Abysmal plane of fire was prime real estate, several very rare and valuable metals could only be found there.

If they could make it appear that Malacoda had weakened even a little bit then he would be attacked and most likely overthrown. Mordrick kept running ideas through his mind on how to assault Malacoda's fortress without endangering the Duchess life and everything he came up with held a large element of risk for the girl. He wished Ferhew were still alive he was so much better at planning then him.

"What do you have in mind your highness?" Mordrick asked.

"Lord Spellsword, umm Mordrick I must ask you for a favor; one that I will never be able to repay. Lord Malacoda owes you a blood debt and if you were to demand the return of Kimberly unharmed and unspoiled, he would be honor bound to honor your request. If you also made him release any claims he has over Jezebel he would lose face in front of his subordinates. If you will do this for me I would be willing to pay any price you requested."

Mordrick rose approached the princess he knelt bowing his head. "Your highness I swear I will do whatever it takes to retrieve your daughter and return her to you. You will owe me nothing. Mordrick solemnly promised as he took his dagger from his belt and cut his hand before continuing," This I swear on my own blood."

Mordrick then rose and started to pace as he thought. Princess Margaret was shocked. "Mordrick while I am honored there was no need to do a blood oath. In addition, I promise you that if you ever need any assistance all you have to do is but ask and I shall use all my power and every resource I have at my disposal to assist you and yours." The princess promised.

Mordrick turned toward the princess and gave her a small nod and a slight bow before he continued to pace. He suddenly stopped and a smile spread across his face. Everyone looked at him expectantly.

"The question on everyone's mind is will Lord Malacoda honor his debt. I think I may have a few ideas to assure he does but first I need some information. Your highnesses how many troops do each of you have at your disposal? What about your father will he assist us? And if so do you have any idea of his numbers?" Mordrick asked

"I have about five- thousand here and another fifty- thousand forming at my palace. Might I ask what you have in mind?" Prince Blackstone replied.

"Winston and I have about sixty thousand troops ready to go and maybe half that again in reserve. Father I am not sure of his number, but I would estimate two to three times my numbers. If necessary, we can also start rallying our allies," Margaret answered after some consideration.

" I am making sure that Malacoda will dare not refuse my demand for payment and when he does honor it he will look as if he is doing so out of fear. Melinda, would you please fetch Jezebel to me," Mordrick responded.

"Mordrick need I remind you Jezebel is under my protection," Melinda said nervously.

Mordrick was confused by her statement and it took him a few moments to figure out what she meant. Once he realized he laughed. "I just need to pick her brains. I swear to you I will cause her no harm," Mordrick replied earnestly.

Melinda nodded and started to head out to find Jezebel when a very excited Trinita passed her practically dragging a very bemused Retquil behind her. "Here he is dad umm err Mordrick," Trinita happily announced.

Mordrick felt a strange sense of pride and happiness when she called him dad. He wondered how such a small word could have such a big effect on him.

"Sweetie you can call me dad if you want to, I like it and thank you for getting sir butter fingers for me," Mordrick Cheerfully responded.

"I will show you butter finger, when I drops me hammer on your foot," Retquil murmured.

"Just remember what happened the last time you did that. King Hinkler was non-too happy when you dropped that thing on BaronKirner's wife's foot, at his coronation," Mordrick teased as he roared in laughter.

"Aye lad, but this was an accident and in our defense, we were just a wee bit drunk. Besides her toe healed mostly fine," Retquil retorted while laughing. He pulled Mordrick into a tight hug then continued," By the gods, it is good to see you."

"It is good to see you also, my friend. Are you ready for another fight?" Mordrick asked returning his hug.

"Aye lad; Always, gots me hammer right here," Retquil replied.

"It is good to have you at my side. Did you hear about Ferhew?" Mordrick asked.

"Aye the lass told me. I am sorry to hear. I know the two of you was tight. She also told me you gots the bastard that killed him. I was glad to hear that, though I feel he died too easy of a death. I also heard congratulation is in order for you and the lass. All I can say on that is about damn time you woke up," Retquil replied.

Mordrick started to feel fatigued and set down rather heavily on one of the sleeping mats. Arteria noticed how pale he looked and quickly came to his side. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"I am fine, just getting a bit tired," Mordrick replied with a yawn. He closed his eyes for a couple moments and he opened them to see Melinda leading a very distraught looking jezebel towards him. Mordrick couldn't help but laugh at the way she was acting. She looked as if she was a prisoner being lead to the gallows. "Jezebel will you please relax, all I want is some information from you. I won't harm you," Mordrick said, as he rolled his eyes.

Jezebel forced herself to relax and pasted a smile on her face." How are you feeling Mordrick, better I hope?" Jezebel nervously uttered.

Mordrick rose slowly and a bit unsteadily. Arteria was quickly at his side to help support him." I am doing better thanks to you from what I have been told. Now I need to ask a favor from you. Will you please assist me in rescuing the duchess from your husband?"

"I have already sworn to assist in the young duchess rescue. Tell me what you require of me and if it is within my powers, I shall do it." Jezebel vowed.

"How strong is your husband's hold on his throne? How many troops could he assemble in a couple days? "Mordrick inquired.

"His hold is still strong but there have been a few rumblings. There must be something to it he has sent a large portion of his personal guard to the mines to reinforce the guard there and he has replaced three of his generals in the last two months. As far as troops, I doubt he could field more than twenty to thirty thousand men. Possible less if I am with you his one general is loyal to me and would gladly stand with me," Jezebel replied frankly. She then continued just above a whisper," Mordrick I know you are infuriated with me after what I tried to do, but I swear to you I would never allow a child to be harmed."

"I know you wouldn't Jezebel," Mordrick whispered as he reassuringly squeezed her arm. He then asked, "Would be able to draw me a map of the inside of Malacoda's fortress and mark the most likely place he would have the duchess locked up at."

"I can certainly draw you a map but would it not be better if I lead your forces personally. I give you my word of honor that I won't betray you or your people," Jezebel promised.

"Jezebel how did he trap you into this unholy alliance?" Mordrick asked.

"I was so thankful after Malacoda had you rescue me I let my guard down and he tricked me. He requested that I sign a contract of marriage with my true name. At first, I was hesitant but he sweet-talked me and I relinquished. He used a spell to disguise a contract of servitude as the contract of marriage. It effectively made me his slave, well, now I guess I am Melinda's slave," Jezebel explained sadly, as tears started to slide down her cheeks.

"Jezebel you aren't my slave! The only reason I haven't destroyed the contract was to protect you. If you wish, I will burn the fucking thing right now. Then we both can shove the ashes from it up Malacoda's ass." Melinda angrily exclaimed.

"Melinda may I examine the document before you destroy it?" Mordrick requested.

Melinda handed him the document and Mordrick carefully read it over. Malacoda had written part of the document in ancient elven, knowing that very few people knew the long dead language. He warned," Melinda, you cannot release Jezebel if you do then she must go back to him under the original contract of servitude. The bastard is so slick he wrote that part in ancient elven."