A Prophecy of Tainted Silver Ch. 03

Chapter 3 - Manor of the Broken Hero

Mels found himself shivering on his deer as evening approached. He traveled with Christi and, more reluctantly, Ezzi and Vai, who rode on Corbas' back. It had been a few nights since he had fucked the kobold pair, and since then had, resisted all attempts to seduce him back into their bed. At least, that is what he interpreted their teasing of him being a squire to be.

Despite the tension, he and Christi managed to convince the throuple to help and provide them information. They volunteered they were in search of a demonic artifact, but revealed no more information beyond that. The kobolds, like all canaries of the Road, were a bit miffed at the withholding of potentially valuable information - valuable in the way of gold, of course. Nevertheless, they agreed to help, and soon the party found themselves traveling through a ruined town after Christi teleported them via a sigil.

Looking around, Mels carefully took in the sight of the ghost town, though he wasn't sure what he was seeking. The way the wooden buildings had one side nearly destroyed, slanting on their foundations, and covered in vines and moss, Mels suspected the village was old, but wasn't simply abandoned. To his relief, he found no remnants of any resident that might have lived here, but he was still unconvinced that the village hadn't suffered from some mysterious, outside force.

"Getting nervous, silver swallow?" Vai said, getting his attention, using a nickname that unsubtly referenced their last sexual encounter. She and Ezzi were wearing matching open robes, embroidered with the native language of Kobolds over a skimpy top and loincloth. Both had a dagger strapped to their bellies. He turned to see her smiling up at him from Corbas' back, who was similarly dressed, leaving his chest bare, and he had no weapon, but Mels did recognize a centaur's grimoire hanging by his side.

"Not nervous, just suspicious," he clarified, meeting her gaze. "What did you call this place?"

"Oh, we didn't name it!" Ezzi announced cheerfully. "Corbas did! It's a really good name too. Tell him, Corbas!" She punctuated her sentence with a few pats on his flank.

Mels looked up to the aforementioned holstaur with a less than intense look. In the few days he had known Corbas and his relationship with the kobolds, Mels had grown accustomed to the holstaurs soft and shy nature, and in doing so, not so much pitied him, but subconsciously grew more protective of him. He knew little of centaur culture, but he assumed that such a disposition was unique to holstaurs.

Corbas, after a moment of consideration, turned to Mels. "We're approaching the Manor of the Broken Hero," he said. Mels, for the first time since meeting him, detected a hint of confidence in his voice.

"See?" Ezzi blurted out, "it's a perfect name! Really sets the mood."

Mels ignored her commentary as Christi chimed in. "Why did you call it that?"

Corbas fiddled with his fingers, thinking about his words carefully. Mels noticed that Ezzi was gently stroking his side.

"It's... rather embarrassing," he said timidly.

"But more importantly," Vai began, "is that the estate has a massive library of forbidden knowledge that I'm sure you holy-types would just love to peruse."

Mels nodded slowly before turning back to Christi. He gave her a look that bore his suspicions of the kobold, and gestured her to move a few feet away from them to talk in relative privacy.

"Are you sure about this, Christi?" he half-whispered. "The House has to know about this place, right? Why else would we be able to take a sigil here?"

Christi pursed her lips in a sign of deep thought for a few moments before answering. "Admittedly, yes, the House knows of this place, but it's complicated. The sigil is there to keep an eye on it, but it's been forbidden to actually explore."

"Why?"

"Well, I've been TOLD it's because King Lanmond deemed the site 'abandoned' due to some tragedy that happened here long ago, but I've speculated with Aylala that it might have something to do with one of the Argentsori."

Mels considered the theory. It was unlikely that betrayal could even be considered among the small council. Though being with the House for only a year, he would not dare question their undying loyalty. But his mind got stuck on the empty chair during Christi's promotion, and the last of the Argentsori he had yet to meet. From what he'd heard, even the more experienced members of the House had only vague experiences with the missing Argentsori.

"Point being," Christi continued, "Whatever old demonic information is in there, very few at the House have seen it. It's a potential goldmine."

Mels nodded his head, but wasn't fully convinced. "I'm just worried the kobolds are leading us somewhere dangerous."

That made Christi chuckle. "You worried about me, daddy?"

Mels smiled at the jab, but he took stock of the fact this was the second time in a few minutes he'd been accused of being weak-kneed. Vai certainly thinks I have something to prove, he thought, But you, Christi... He looked back into her purple eyes, bright and shining, filled both with confidence and admiration. But there was something else that he was sensing from her that, while small, still moved him.

Are YOU worried about me?

"Alright lovebirds!" Vai announced, "If you're done whispering to one another, we're here!" Mels turned to see the kobolds and Corbas had moved ahead of them, and they both signaled the deer to catch up. All of them came to a stop at the threshold of a destroyed gate, looking up at a destroyed mansion, with the sun beginning to set. Silhouetted against the orange glow, it stood ominous and imposing above them, and not even the creaking of old wood could be heard. The house had clearly suffered damage, evidenced by a few destroyed pillars and many shattered windows. Mels was certain that the more they ventured onto the estate, the more destruction they'd see. Yet despite all of that, the facade of the manor was still standing, disturbed by only a few vines.

Even within the destroyed town, the manor held an ominous presence.

"And you can escort us through this place safely?" Christi asked, her silver eyes returning.

"Of course!" Corbas said energetically, surprising everyone. Though he deflated once he realized all eyes were on him.

"There will be traps, but nothing too dangerous," Vai said, though she couldn't help but give Christi and Mels a toothy grin. "Wouldn't want the silver swallow to fall out of his nest before he can fly."

Mels wanted to give a rebuttal, but instead stayed silent and chuckled to himself, deciding that his actions would be louder than words. He, along with Christi and the kobolds, dismounted and approached the ruined estate. Christi led the party, summoning her staff into her hand and pointing it towards the entrance. She held a hand to the others to stop them, as she seemed to channel a spell. Mels felt both holy and demonic magic radiating from Christi, as intense as during their journey through the Veins over a year ago. Christi lowered her staff, and gestured for everyone to move forward. Somewhere in that miasma of magical energy, Mels felt her worry, weighing on his mind.

Christi crossed the threshold first, pushing past the creaking door. Mels took the handle of his sword as they entered the darkened foyer. Mels looked at Christi, a determined look on his face, as he felt a wave of Corruptive magic wash over him.

She gave him an intense look. Be ready, Mels.

Once the whole party was inside, the door slammed behind them, and in an instant, the foyer was filled with light. Above them a chandelier was magically lit, as well, opulent and immaculate, though the rest of the foyer was half-destroyed. They were greeted by dual wooden staircases, only one was intact. Ripped drapes, ruined paintings, and rusted armor decorated the room. Mels noticed a few discarded wine bottles as well.

It was empty and quiet, but Mels couldn't help but notice a subtle energy in the air. He looked down at the kobolds, who only smiled at him. All of a sudden, he heard whispering in his ears. His vision was filled with purple smoke, which settled in front of him. Mels braced, both hands on the sword on his back, and waited, not anticipating a woman to step out of the smoke.

She was tall and lithe, and wore a flowing, translucent black dress, which contrasted with her pale skin. Her equally black, partly braided hair fell to the small of her back, and her many bracelets and necklaces glistened in the firelight. She smiled at him with painted lips.

"Welcome to my humble estate," she said smoothly. "If you're here, then that means you've heard the legends of the once great house that ruled here, now in ruin." She began to pace around Mels like a stalking lioness, though he resisted unsheathing his sword. "Demons, dark magic, and scandals of all kinds. I'm sure a big, strong hero like you just couldn't resist." She came in closer, letting her hands roam over his stomach, down to his crotch. Mels flinched, but strangely, he didn't feel anything.

"I have something to tell you," she whispered into his ear, "everything you heard about this place is true. And the secrets this place holds, will not come quietly." She then stepped back, her body turning into smoke once more. "And neither will you." With that final promise, she chuckled darkly as she completely turned into smoke, which dissipated before him. Mels stood there, silently, letting her words brand him like an iron, as he realized that he was starting to feel both scared, and slightly aroused.

"Ah, so just met her?" Vai said, snapping Mels to attention. "Lovely isn't she? You can let go of your sword by the way, silver swallow."

Reluctantly, Mels let go, looking at the rest of his companions. The kobolds smirked at him, their arms crossed - which was a bit difficult for the busty Ezzi. Corbas was looking down at his hooves, though that seemed normal for him. Christi's expression was a mix of worry and confusion.

"Who was she?" Mels asked.

"That, dear Mels, was Lady Avilyna," Vai answered.

"I thought this place was abandoned."

"Mels, who are you talking about?" Christi asked.

He looked at her, struggling to find the words for a moment. "Did you not see the woman in the smoke?" Christi shook her head.

"Funny thing about that actually," Vai said, "Apparently only men see her when they enter."

Mels scoffed, but then looked to see Corbas' reaction. He was looking at Mels apologetically. Somehow, his soft features did manage to comfort Mels slightly, but he was still on edge.

That was when he felt Christi's hand in his. He looked backed into her silver eyes, her holy magic creating a warm feeling in his belly, his confidence returning.

He looked back down to Vai. "So you will be escorting us to the library?"

Ezzi nodded. "Our favorite holstaur has been through here a few times, in fact, it's how we met," she said, patting Corbas' side, who in response, turned beet red.

"I-I h-have to warn you," he stuttered, cringing as Ezzi hopped onto his back. "There are traps, but I can h-help you move around them."

"Traps?" Christi asked as they moved forward, Corbas leading them.

"Don't stress about them, he's being dramatic," Vai said as they approached the foyer's exit between the stairs. "They're just meant to get invaders off, they're not that dangerous."

Corbas approached the double doors, and Mels felt a spike of worry, emanating from Christi.

Corruption!

Mels unsheathed his sword. "Corbas, wait!"

As soon as the holstaur touched the door knob, a flood of dark purple liquid bursted through the doors. In a split second, Christi cast a spell to force the whole party from the rushing liquid. Looking up, Mels saw the dark flood quickly filling the room.

"Corbas, what is that?!" Vai demanded.

"I-I don't know!" Corbas answered.

Mels immediately braced, channeling Holy energy through his body, readying his weapon as the purple slime rushed into the room. He poured his magic into his sword, and slashed the air, creating a golden beam, cutting into the liquid. However, the flood only parted for a moment.

"Mels!" Christi cried out. She stepped up beside them and raised her staff, its silver orb glowing. "Everyone get in close!"

The party obeyed and crowded around her. The flood reached them, but instead of overtaking them, it encircled the group, leaving them untouched. Mels looked deep into the ever-shifting dark flood, entranced by its colors.

He heard voices. Playful whispers and lustful moans. It was overwhelming, so much so that he only just realized he was being moved by Christi, her hand on his wrist.

He looked up to her. "Christi, do you hear them?" he asked, "the voices?"

She didn't answer as they moved to the undestroyed staircase. At this point the dark flood reached the entrance and began filling the foyer.

"Christi!?" Ezzi cried from Corbas' back.

"Hurry!" the silver mage commanded as the party began to climb the staircase. As they did, the flood rose. They had nearly reached the landing when Christi tripped on rubble, interrupting her concentration. Mels and Corbas rushed to help her up as the kobolds arrived on the landing. They helped her climb the final steps, the rushing flood on their heels. The kobolds helped them as they made it to the landing.

"Look!" Vai said, pointing behind them, "The flood stopped."

Mels looked back to confirm. As they all gained their footing, he closely observed the still surface of dark water, which stopped a couple steps before the landing. He still heard the voices from before, intense enough that he felt nauseous. He looked to Christi to see she was fiddling with her staff. Their eyes met, and she smiled kindly at him.

"Christi?" he asked.

"Let's move on, and be more careful," she said matter-of-factly. They were about to move on, but Corbas yelped as he fell.

"HELP!" He cried, and the party looked back to see a back hoof engulfed in the dark liquid, stretching out like a grasping arm. Mels reached out to take his hands, but it was too late, as Corbas was dragged into the water, completely submerged.

"CORBAS!" Ezzi screamed, rushing to enter the water, but Christi stopped her, her staff already raised to the water.

"Stay away from the water!" Christi commanded, stepping back, and the rest followed.

"Can you get him out?!" Vai asked angrily.

Mels was about to ask the same, but was interrupted when Christi grabbed onto his wrist. As she did, the familiar warmth of holy magic stirred in his belly. Whatever spell she was casting, she was using his own well of magic to enhance it.

Concentrate, Christi's voice said in his mind, and Mels closed his eyes to do so. The voices, sourced by the dark flood, became louder, as if men and women were grunting and orgasming right into his ears. They ate away as will, as he felt his arousal rise within him, but in spite of them, he remained determined. Concentrating harder, in the sea of voices, he heard the Corbas' faint cries. He focused on his voice, making it louder in his mind, and he felt as Christi's spell became a bright light in the darkness, swelling brighter and brighter until it enveloped everything. When Mels opened his eyes, a splash in the dark water followed.

"Corbas!" Ezzi yelled, trying to reach past Christi. Mels looked over to the splash, which was right underneath the chandelier. Hewas met with a perplexing sight. Corbas had breached the surface, floating on his back, his flailing limbs splashing about,though it seemed he was neither drowning nor trying to swim to them. Instead, he remained in place, as the dark waters formed about him, particularly around and in between his rear legs. The water was constantly moving and pulsing around his body, but eventually it took the vague form of a shapely woman, its "hands" planted on Corbas' belly. Without shame, it bounced up and down on the holstaur's crotch, causing his rear to bob up and down in the magic liquid.

Corbas' only response was to moan and whimper.

"Is the water... fucking Corbas?" Ezzi asked, as they all watched the act.

"It would seem so," Christi answered, her staff now planted on the ground.

"Huh," Vai said, a small hint of amusement in her voice. "Is it harmful?"

"Our spell prevented him from being corrupted," Christi said, "at worst, it seems this trap is merely meant to humiliate the victim."

"Well," Vai said nonchalantly, "then I suppose there's no harm in letting him enjoy himself for a little bit."

Mels scoffed at her statement, but looking out to Corbas, he couldn't deny her reasoning. He felt no distress from Corbas as he continued to be pleasured by the sentient dark flood. The water's female form had become more defined, as evident by the full, bouncing breasts which have sprouted on its chest. Squinting, Mels could even see that the slime woman had the subtle bumps of lips and a nose on its facsimile of a face. It was contorted into a mask of pleasure as the hourglass figure repeatedly bounced on Corbas without abandon.

The poor holstaur made no protest, only whines which were progressively increasing in pitch. His head was laid back, limply floating in the dark water. Looking into Corbas' half-lidded eyes, Mels sensed no signs of distress. In fact, he felt a subtle channel of magic radiating from the holstaur and infecting the slime girl.

"Entranced Mels?" Christi said, interrupting his thoughts. He looked to see her, Ezzi, and Vai smirking at him - though Ezzi was shuffling in place, still keeping an eye on Corbas.

Mels shook his head. "I think it's time we get him out," he said plainly, holding out his hand for Christi to take.

"Of course," Christi responded, taking his hand and pointing her staff at the holstaur. Casting a simple spell, Corbas was pulled from the slime girl and across the surface, causing him to whimper in pleasure. His equine cock was still erect as it exited the figure, glistening with his own spent cum. As he left, the figure waved at the group and sank into the dark liquid. As Corbas was dragged to the landing, his cock slowly grew flaccid and flopped against his belly.

Eventually, he came in reach of Mels and Christi, and was pulled out by them. He wobbled to his hooves, looking down at the ground in his usual shy manner.

"Was she good?" Ezzi suddenly asked, drawing everyone's attention. They turned to Corbas, to await a response, which took the form of a meek head nod.

"Well I would hope she was," Vai said, beginning to move towards the entrance of a hall in the middle of the landing. "Considering that you were moaning like a tavern whore, being used like a toy!"

"Alright, that's enough," Mels said, "We don't need to hold this over him. We were all caught off guard. It could have been any one of us."

"Including you, silver swallow?" Vai asked smugly, looking back.

Mels rolled his eyes, then felt a hand fall on his shoulder. He turned to see it belonged to Corbas, who was looking at him sympathetically. Despite the embarrassing encounter, the lithe holstaur seemed to stand tall, evoking an unexpected sense of pride in Mels.

"Seriously, are you alright?" He asked him as they moved forward into the hall.

Corbas once again nodded, saying nothing, though Mels saw he was occasionally glancing down at his side. He looked to see a gilded book, still in pristine condition despite having been submerged in dark slime.

His grimoire, Mels assumed, recognizing it as the source of a centaur's magic. Considering what he learned of centaurs from Ezzik, who knew what else they were capable of.

"Corbas, come up here with me," Christi asked of the holstaur. "We still need your guidance, but I need you to confirm something: was that the first time you have seen that trap?"