Heritage Ch. 15

"I should have known he never let me go free," Jezebel said, with her shoulders slumped in defeat.

"Jezebel, not only are you going to go free, but we will also rescue the duchess and take revenge on him all in one fell swoop." Mordrick said with an evil grin on his face. He slowly scanned the room looking at all of the expectant faces waiting to hear his plan. Mordrick gathered his thoughts, deciding how best to explain his plan. He quickly decided that only he and Arteria would have the whole plan because of Malacoda's ability to read surface thoughts. He had taught Arteria how to shield her mind against such intrusion so he knew for sure his plan would be safe with her.

"What do you have planned?" Melinda asked.

Mordrick called everyone together so he could explain the overall plan. Once everyone was seated, he started. "Prince Blackstone do you think you can convince your father to provide us with fifteen thousand of his troops? I need them dressed in field armor under his banner. I will need similar numbers from both you and the princess. I would ask that Prince Winston be placed in charge of our honor guard. Next, I need each of you to make full show of preparing to invade the Plane of Fire. Please ask his majesty to take command of those preparations. Let us all pray that we do not require those preparations." He paused to get confirmation before continuing.

"You have both mine and Margaret's support and I will get father on board," Prince Blackstone promised.

"Princess Margaret I need you to make contact with Lord Malacoda and arrange a parlay with him in two days, on the Fields of Aberrath on the Abysmal Plane of Fire. Make him believe that you are trying to avoid an all-out war that would be in no one's interest. Be sure to set as part of the terms for the negotiation that Duchess Kimberly has to be present and unspoiled. Please do not mention that I am involved in any form I am hoping to throw him off kilter by being there unannounced," Mordrick paused again.

"I will make contact with him and set it up as soon as we are done here. I will also bring Winston back once I am done with making the arrangements with Malacoda," Princess Margaret responded.

"Jezebel I know you offered to go with a strike team but I am going to need you at the negotiations. Therefore, would you please draw me that map and mark the locations you believe that he would have the duchess. Please number them from most likely to least likely. Arteria I will need you to lead the strike force. I ask Retquil, Greagor, Elisia, and someone who can teleport to join you." He paused his explanation so that everyone a chance to ask questions.

"I will have your map ready by morning I will also be willing to go over it with your strike team to prevent any confusion with the map," Jezebel offered.

Mordrick nodded his thanks and continued." Me plan is simple if he brings the duchess then I will demand him to repay his debt to me by releasing both the duchess and Jezebel. If the duchess is not, with him then the strike team will go into action and we will tie him up Negotiating with him until we know she is safe then I will demand him to release Jezebel.

Either way he will have no choice but to honor my demands and when he does with your forces being there as an implied threat will cause him to loss all face and make him look like a coward," he finished explaining his plan. He looked around and noticed Trinita looked sad at not being included. Mordrick cleared his throat and said," I almost forgot one very important assignment. Trinita I need you to act as Duchess Kimberly's personal protector. I want you to stay by her side as soon as we get her back and keep her from harm. Can you do that for me?"

Trinita eyes lit up as she beamed with pride at being given such an important assignment. She leapt into Mordrick's arm and hugged him. "Thank you, daddy for trusting me with such an important assignment. I promise to keep her safe," Trinita vowed.

Mordrick could not help but smile seeing Trinita so happy. He quickly scanned the room and saw the look of fire in Arteria's eyes. "Retquil, would you mind taking care of Trinita? I need settle a few things," Mordrick asked in dwarven as he surreptitiously gestured toward Arteria.

"Come on lass lets go see if we can't scare us up some sweet bread with molasses as a treat." Retquil offered, as he gave Mordrick a subtle nod.

As soon as Trinita was out of earshot Arteria exploded," Have you lost your fucking mind?" Arteria angrily demanded.

Mordrick watched Trinita skip from the room. He took a moment to compose himself before responding. "No! I have not lost my mind. I gave her an assignment that will only show that I trust her but build her confidence. While making sure she was as safe as possible," Mordrick coldly replied.

"How in the fuck is she safe there? How could you place my daughter in the middle of a potential battlefield .Fuck! We will be damned lucky if it doesn't turn into one," Arteria's tirade continued.

"Arteria if you would let me finish explaining the plan you would have seen that she will be safe. I would never place OUR daughter in needless danger. First, she will be at Princess Margaret's side surrounded by no less than six royal guards and a wizard who will be able to teleport. Next, she will be surrounded by forty-five thousand troops. Finally, when she is up at the tables were the talks are being held I will be less than ten feet from her," Mordrick said flatly then he looked her in the eyes and continued," It hurts me that you would think that I would place our daughter in any real danger. Damn it, I thought you knew me better than that. Now if you are quite finished with the histrionics, I have to go over individual parts with the others. I will go over your assignments later."

"I am sorry for doubting you, love." Arteria whispered with her head hung low.

Mordrick finished the group planning session. He decided to let the prince in on the entire plan. He hoped that once the king heard the whole plan it would make it easier for the prince to convince his father to trust Mordrick given his history with the king.

He then told Melinda about his plan to trade Jezebel to Malacoda for the princess. He then would demand Jezebel as payment for the debt that Malacoda owed to him. Melinda asked him how he knew that Malacoda would accept such a trade and if he was going to warn Jezebel about the ploy. Mordrick explained that he knew how Malacoda thought and since he was losing his new prize, he would want Jezebel back. Mordrick told her he would not be warning her, he wanted her to be surprised. Melinda argued with Mordrick but he wouldn't relinquish on this point. She finally did sign Jezebel over to Mordrick effectively making Jezebel his slave.

Mordrick then went and found Trinita and had her come so they could talk in private. Once the two of them were in a private spot he removed a highly ornate sheathed dagger from his belt and presented it to Trinita." Sweetie; this dagger was given to me by my mother when I received commission in the Order of the Rose. Your grandmother is the leader of the order and she was very proud of me that day, was to spread as I am of you today. I have given you very important assignment, one that may mean that you have to travel to a different realm without your mother, Aunt Melinda, or myself. I trusting that you only fight if you have no other choice and that you use your mind first to try to escape. Your job is to make sure Duchess Kimberly stay safe. Can you do this for me?" Mordrick said.

"Thank you for the dagger daddy and I will do my very best to keep her safe," Trinita enthusiastically responded.

After Trinita placed the dagger on her belt, Mordrick decided to give Trinita another edge. He imbued several scrolls for her. He already knew that she would have no problem using the scrolls since she could channel magic so easily. He had her assist him in making the scrolls. Together they made a couple energy bolt spell scrolls, three shield spell scrolls, and a couple invisibility scrolls. He also gave her a Teleport spell scrolls they had gotten from Elwin. Mordrick went over how each one of the spells worked, he spent extra time going over the Teleport spell and reminded her to hug duchess tightly, and to make sure she had been too our destination before. He also explained that the Teleport spell only taken to a location within the realm they were on. He also reminded her that she was to use magic responsibly and only as a last resort.

Mordrick help Trinita pack her scrolls into a backpack. They also placed a change in clothes, a few days' rations, two filled water skins, a blanket, some gold coins, and an elixir of healing. They then placed her bow and a quiver with a score of arrows beside her backpack. After he was done with Trinita, you want to find Arteria as he was leaving the cave he noticed a dagger laying one of rock something about it caught his eye. He knew he had seen it before could not recall where. "Who does this dagger belong to?" Mordrick asked.

"I would imagine a dagger belongs to you now milord, it is to dagger you were stabbed with," an elder elven healer responded.

"Thank you kind sir; I don't suppose you know where the sheaf is?" Mordrick replied with a slight bow.

"I'm sorry milord I do not. Perhaps your wife knows where it's located," The old elf replied.

"Thank you for your help. Arteria and I are not married yet, we are betrothed," Mordrick explained with a sigh.

Mordrick placed to dagger and his belt and went to find Arteria. He wrapped his arms around her and started to nibble and on her neck when she found her. "I have a tent for us and Trinita is spending the evening with Aunt Melinda." Arteria whispered seductively.

A large smile spread across Mordrick's face. "Where's that tent?" Mordrick asked as he started to lift Arteria up to carry her.

"Patients love first we need to eat and Lord Greagor needs to speak with you and private." Arteria whispered she then pointed towards a tent and continued, "Our tent is over there and after supper once you're done talking with Lord Greagor, we will make good use of the tent."

"What if I throw you over my shoulder and carry you to the tent now?" Mordrick teased.

Arteria grabbed the sides Mordrick's face pulled him down into a searing kiss. "My love, I think that if you tried that it be too embarrassed to perform properly tonight, then I would be pissed," Arteria responded in a teasing manner.

"Why would you say that?" Mordrick inquired lightly.

"Because my love I would drop you and your ass so quickly your head would spin if you ever tried a cave man shit one me." Arteria replied with a laugh.

"Then I guess I'm going to take your advice and get cleaned up. I imagine my extra clothes are in our tent?" Mordrick asked, and then after as an afterthought he inquired, "Do you know where to sheath for this dagger is?"

"Is that the dagger you were stabbed with?" Arteria asked.

"Yes, it sure is," Mordrick, responded.

"No, I haven't seen it. But I will ask around for you," Arteria said.

Mordrick gave her a quick kiss then headed towards the tent to retrieve some clothes. After he finished getting cleaned up the rejoined Arteria for some food. He began to be concerned about Trinita; he hadn't seen her for hours. He started looking around everywhere.

"What's a matter love?" Arteria asked after noticing Mordrick looking around.

"I am just getting real concerned about Trinita; I have not seen her for hours. I think I should go looking for her," Mordrick replied nervously.

"Love she is fine. Melinda, Retquil, and she are over at the larger camp. They are having some sort of party and she is Retquil date," Arteria said with a smile.

Mordrick chuckled then quickly changed his expression to an angry one. "How dare you allow our daughter go out with a suitor that I have not approved. I will have to have a talk with this young man and find out his intentions." Mordrick scolded while trying to hold a straight face.

"Our poor, poor child she will never be able to find a husband with you around," Arteria teased.

"If you think I'm bad which you see her grandfather questioned some poor suitor while in dragon form. Just imagine him asking what the suitors intentions are as a forty - foot long dragon." Mordrick said laughing heartily.

Arteria roared in laughter and playfully slapped Mordrick's chest. "You are so bad!" Arteria exclaimed.

"That Hurt! Now you're going to have to kiss it and make it better," Mordrick cried out as he rubbed where she slapped.

Arteria just rolled her eyes and giggle at his antics. Mordrick quickly grabbed her and pulled her into a slow sensual kiss that scramble her brain. "I will finish that kiss once I am done was Greagor my love," Mordrick whispered then gave her a searing kiss before continuing. "I hope you're not planning one sleeping to much tonight. I shall join you in the tent shortly my love."

Mordrick left leaving Arteria when flustered with her head spinning and burning up with desire. She could feel her panties were saturated. She quickly rose and headed for their tent all the while planning how she would take her revenge and tonight.

Mordrick found Lord and Lady Grey enjoying the evening setting outside of their tent on a log. "Lord Grey I understand you wish to speak to me?" Mordrick asked.

Greagor looked up and smile. He offered Mordrick a seat, which he gratefully accepted. "Yes I did need to see you and concerned out friend, Weslin," Greagor stated.

"What now?" Mordrick asked in frustration.

"Mordrick I know you want Weslin's blood but you have to be exceptionally careful how you kill him especially since it will most likely be in the Citadel of the Dammed. We cannot lay all any of his blood to be spilt in the citadel. His blood could release a horror many times worse than you could imagine," Greagor warned.

"What the hell are you talking about? What could be worse than Weslin?" Mordrick demanded.

"Mordrick, what do you recall of the last god war?" Greagor inquired.

Mordrick was now getting annoyed when to go to Arteria and Greagor was going to start a discussion about ancient history. "OK, I will play your game for now. Just under twenty-five millennium ago a rather unremarkable god named Callapsam combined with Redisha the mother of all so called evil dragons; just a little information for you she is my great aunt; in an attempt to overthrow of the gods. The reselling battles destroyed over sixty percent all life including Gaia's predecessor. And before you say anything I already know about the irreversible damage to magic," Mordrick replied with displeasure evident in his voice. He suddenly recalled a bit more information and continued, "You wouldn't be referring to the seal that locks a prison for Callapsam? In case you did not know, the seal is located behind the altar in the sanctuary of the cathedral. I guess you did not know that my father was there. So would you mind explaining what this has to do with Weslin? Only the blood of god can open the seal."

"Mordrick do you know why Weslin wants Melinda?" Greagor asked.

Mordrick nods his head but says nothing.He wonders where Greagor is going with this.He cannot fathom what his interest in ancient history has to do with Weslin and Melinda.

"Weslin is Melinda's uncle and has Gaia's blood in his veins." Greagor stated.

"Holly fuck! Does she know this? Mordrick exclaimed in shock.

"Yes she does Gaia told her," Greagor responded solemnly.

Mordrick gets up and starts to pace. "Why didn't she tell me? Doesn't should trust me? Was she afraid I would abandon her?" Mordrick asked the pain that he felt laced his voice.

"Mordrick I do not know why she did not tell you possibly because others who were traveling with you. Maybe she needed time to come to grips with it I do know is she trusts you implicitly," Greagor assured Mordrick.

Mordrick we're still trying to process with greater had told him and trying to decide how best to stop Weslin. Every plan he came up with seemed to have a high risk factor. He wished he could talk to Ferhew. "Lord Grey, do you know why Gaia didn't bring Ferhew back? I really could use his help with this one," Mordrick inquired.

"Mordrick the reason that Gaia did not bring him back was she could not," Greagor replied with a frown.

"I don't understand she is a goddess of course she can," Mordrick pleaded not understanding what Greagor was trying to tell him.

Graders shoulders slumped as he braced himself. He knew Mordrick was going to take this news hard. "Mordrick the reason that Gaia did not bring Ferhew back to life was there was no soul to work with. I am truly sorry to have to be the one that told you this," Greagor responded sadly.

The pain raced through Mordrick; he felt as if a piece of his soul had been ripped from his body. He fell to his knees. He had never his life felt such loss not even when Valerie died. He wanted scream at the injustice of it all. He was so overwhelmed by his pain he did not even realize that Elisia was holding him trying to offer comfort. Finally shocked set in and he just stared into space as tears streamed down his face.

When Greagor saw Mordrick's reaction, he raced to Mordrick and Arteria's tent. "Arteria, Mordrick needs you," Greagor called out when he got close to the tent.

Arteria quickly threw a robe on to cover her naked form and raced from the tent. "What happened to Mordrick?" She asked her voice full of concern.

Greagor grabbed Arteria's hand and began to hurry her along." I'm sorry you to have to find out about this in this way. I had to tell Mordrick the Ferhew's soul was destroyed," Greagor told her regretfully.

Arteria stumbled; it felt as if she had just been punched in the gut. She felt hot tears roll down her face. She fought to hold her grief in check so she could make sure Mordrick was going to be all right. She knew better than most what Ferhew had meant to Mordrick he was the brother he never had and in many ways, they were closer than brothers were.

Melinda was relaxing watching Trinita and Jezebel Dancing and making merry when she felt the first wave of pain and fear from Arteria. She quickly rose and asked Retquil to keep an eye on Trinita. As she was the leaving the area she noticed that Rysdine was glaring at her still upset over their earlier argument about Jezebel. He had objected to her protecting a demon and felt that he should be allowed to destroy her. When Melinda reminded him that Jezebel was under her protection and attack against Jezebel was the same as attacking her. The argument ended when he threatened to go to the leaders of the church to have her excommunicated and she reminded him that as high priestess she was a leader of the church. Melinda pushed the argument from her mind and headed towards the area she sensed Arteria.

Arteria raced to where Greagor was camped. She saw Elisia trying to comfort a devastated Mordrick and quickly Kneeled by his side. She gave Elisia a small nod of thanks as she pulled Mordrick to her. "I am sorry my love," Arteria whispered.

"Did they tell you about Ferhew?" Mordrick quietly asked as he wrapped his arms around her and buried his head into her shoulder.

"Yes my love, let's go back to our tent, and grieve together." Arteria whispered. She rose and helped him to his feet. She gave him a soft kiss before she said," We can finish whatever you all were discussing later. Thank you, Elisia for trying to comfort him."

A few minutes after Arteria and Mordrick left Melinda burst in to the area by the tent. She could feel that while she was still extremely sad the fear had all but left Arteria. "Dad do you know why Arteria was so distressed?" Melinda asked in a concerned tone.