Banished Pt. 14

Fuck me, I thought. My core was nothing more than a dewdrop compared to this!

To think that we'd killed this monstrosity... even with the princess' skill.

Would we have even stood a modicum of a chance if this was being used by someone slightly more experienced than Vanessa?

"Who are you?"

I recognized the voice this time, though the Vanessa-ish quality to it was no longer there.

"My name is Nathan," I answered.

I felt a moment of panic as the energy swirled through me, seemingly peering into me with unwelcome abandon.

"You are one of them... an alien, was it?"

I smirked internally at the thought of being called an alien, but she wasn't exactly wrong.

"Did Hans truly perish? Something irks me... the feeling that his presence still lingers, though not through his own willing."

"A monster spoke to me as he did. So perhaps?"

"Show me," the voice commanded, and I shrugged, as I tried to bring up the memory of the attack, then suddenly, an overwhelming feeling began to wash over me.

What the fuck is this? I thought.

It was... unpleasant, to say the least.

After some time, the feeling passed, and the voice spoke again.

"Are you going to eat me?"

"What?"

"Devour everything that I am," she explained, and I shook my head.

"No," I replied. "I'm merely trying to learn from your memories."

"What do you wish to learn?" she asked.

"What it means to make a Kobalt princess into a queen."

I felt something, like a laugh.

"How nostalgic. You remind me of him, you know..."

"Hans?"

"I hated that name... especially after he explained its origin. But he forbade me ever using the other one..."

"Did he name you?" I asked.

Another laugh.

"His name for me will never be uttered by any lifeform but him. I was named by my seed-bearer. Jacinda."

"What can you tell me about being the Queen of the Kobalt?"

"That would depend on the individual who would be queen... wait, that girl. Is it her?"

An image flashed in my mind of Miriam, just as she used her hypnotic suggestion to counteract Vanessa's mind control.

"Yes."

"Did she seek you out, that you would make her Queen?"

I shook my head.

"Even now, she is to be made queen at my insistence. Her will was to find me another, more appropriate, in her eyes, for the job."

"But you'll have no-one but her, would you?"

"No," I replied, and I felt a feeling of warmth wash over me.

"Just like Hans..."

The feeling of warmth continued to engulf me, but I felt a lurch in my stomach, as it began to shift into a coldness, slowly at first, until I could feel it chilling me to the very depths of my soul.

"Hans could mantle you- oh, I see... he's already seen it. He has planted his seed in another, to watch as you grow. Then I will do my part. Drink of my power, little Nathan. Every skill you could desire. Take it. Take it all, and you will rule over all things as he should have!"

My eyes went wide as I saw a brilliant collection of threads, all wound and wrapped into an intricate network of skills; each bump so pronounced and clearly defined that I could gaze into them, and see every part that made up each thing.

Having even a fraction of this would be a massive boon.

Not even a harbinger would stand a chance against me!

I reached my hand out to touch one of the bumps, and I felt a lightness wash over me the closer I got until-

"Naytan!"

"Huh?"

"Naytan! Stop now!"

I could feel something shaking me back and forth, and my eyes shot open just as Cameron and Casey burst into the room, and a slightly spooked looking Bianca woke up at my side.

She shot an annoyed look at Lucia, who had probably shaken her awake while she had been trying to snap me out of my meditative state.

"What's wrong?" I asked, casting a furtive glance around the room, and I noted that there was a heavily worried look in Cameron's eyes.

"There were pulses coming from the room," Cameron explained. "Then a voice in my head, telling me to stop you."

Casey screwed up her face as she moved closer and saw the core in my hand.

"Fucking hell, Nate. Did you try to absorb it?" she asked, and I shook my head.

"Just to look at the memories," I replied, and she shot me a questioning look.

"I'm not sure what that means," Casey replied, "but core consumption is not something you wanna fuck with. People become addicted after a single session."

I shook my head, still feeling somewhat dazed.

"I know. Astrid warned me not to take anything. But I didn't expect her presence to be so..."

"Overwhelming?" Casey asked.

"Commanding," I explained. "Maybe I'll need someone to watch over me before I try that again," I said, and Casey shot me an incredulous look.

"Try that again-?" Casey started, but she quickly shook her head, and moved away. "Just, don't ever try to consume a core, okay? The effects are really bad."

With that, she left the room, and Cameron came to sit beside me, smirking a little.

"She wanted to chew you out," she teased, and I nodded.

"Well, I did do something a little careless."

"You did," she concurred.

"What time is it?" Bianca asked, as she climbed out of bed and crept to the window.

"About an hour away from the final segment of the evening," Cameron replied, and I tilted my head at that.

"I was in there for that for that long?"

She studied me curiously.

"How long did it feel like?" she asked, and I shrugged.

"Maybe fifteen minutes? Twenty tops."

Cameron moved towards me, then gazed into my core, and shrugged.

"Your capacity and energy levels are around where they should be, and I don't see anything unusual. Do you feel tired?"

I shook my head.

"I felt a little woozy when I came out of it, but I feel fine now."

"Well then, you should probably come down in a bit. Raul and Alva brought back a small contingent from Palancar," Cameron said.

"Whoa, is that what's going on down there?" Bianca asked.

She shot me a 'can we go pleeeease?' look, and I chuckled a little, then nodded.

Lucia held her arms out, and I picked her up, as we headed out of the room and down to the entry hall where Raul, still in his ceremonial robes, was waiting along with the princess' companions.

Gisela moved to greet me as soon as she spotted me.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Many flocked to our envoy," she explained. "Those who wish to join our migration."

"How many?"

"Sixteen servant-applicants, twelve skilled workers, three children."

"Any in Lucia's age-group?" I asked.

"I am not certain," Gisela answered, as Cameron shot me a teasing look. "The servants will need to be assigned," Gisela continued, and I nodded.

"What's the best way to go about it?"

"Assemble the life-bringers; and the god mate. The candidates can approach those whom they wish to serve."

I turned to Cameron.

"Nolan, Jordan, Raul," I said, and she nodded, but Bianca interjected.

"I'll get them," she said, before darting off, and Cameron shot me a smile.

"Remember when she could barely even do that? Our little girl is growing up so fast!" she teased, and I rolled my eyes at her.

"Are you sure you wanna talk about Bianca like that? I mean, you know what our relationship is like."

She shrugged.

"Oh, I know. That's what makes fucking with you so much more fun."

She took my arm, and as Bianca returned with Nolan and Jordan, I noted that the two had been decked out in full armor, and Gisela ushered in the servant-candidates.

"All girls, huh?" Cameron asked, and I nodded.

"Gisela did say they would mostly be."

Two of the girls almost immediately approached Nolan, and he shot me a tired look, but as his eyes moved to Cameron at my side, his expression changed, and to my surprise, he nodded, and the girls moved happily to his side.

I eyed Jordan, who merely shook his head.

One girl offered her service to him, while another two did to Raul, and five more came to Cameron.

Gisela nodded.

"You may assign the rest as it pleases," she said, and I nodded.

"Are any of them skilled in alchemy?"

Gisela tilted her head at this.

"Alchemy? What is it?"

"Uh, harvesting plants for medicinal uses, things like that."

"Ahh," she nodded.

She spoke to the girls, and two of them raised their hands in response, and I nodded.

"Assign them to Jordan," I said. "Are there any training to be physicians, or want to be?"

She relayed the question, and one more girl raised a hand.

"We'll assign her to Evie, then," I said, and Gisela nodded.

There were now three girls left.

"Do all of them have to be assigned now?" I asked, and Gisela considered the question.

"It is to your discretion, Nathan," Gisela answered. "What would you have them do, instead?"

"They can decide who they want to serve while spending some time with us," I suggested, and as Gisela relayed the suggestion to the girls, they nodded.

"It is done," she said.

"Good, now can I get out of this thing?" Raul asked, and I chuckled a little.

"You did well, fraulin," I teased, and Raul scowled as Alva led him and his new servant contingent from the entry hall to one of the rooms off of the main hallway.

"Soo... what do I do with these girls?" Cameron asked, and I turned to study them.

"I have no clue. Gisela, are rooms prepared for them?" I asked, and she shook her head.

"Temporary rooms will be prepared for sleeping until preparations can be made," she replied, and I nodded.

One of the other servant-companions signaled to Gisela, and she nodded.

"A communal meal is prepared for the main hall," she said. "Will the Gods attend?"

I nodded, then turned to Bianca, who quickly set off to gather everyone else up.

"Would it be okay if we officially announced the upcoming coronation before the meal commences?" I asked, and Gisela nodded.

Much like our first day at Palancar, tables were brought into the main hall, and as everything was set up, I spotted Astrid entering along with some others.

"New servants were chosen?" she asked, and I nodded.

As Cameron indicated to them, she moved over, and began to inspect the girls one by one, screwing up her face as she did.

"None of these are worthy of your lineage," Astrid complained, and I glanced at the girls, wondering how such a comment would be received, but their faces revealed no reaction to it.

"How are the preparations for your reading coming along?" I asked, and she made that sucking sound through her teeth once again.

"The energies within this cluster are too chaotic; the vision will not come until balance returns to Grenze."

I nodded.

More people seemed to be filing into the entry hall, until a girl rushed to Gisela's side, and after speaking to her, a bit rapidly, Gisela turned to me.

"The former councilors of Grenze return, it seems," Gisela explained, and Cameron moved to my side, an excited look on her face.

"Let's go 'welcome' them," she said, and I chuckled.

When we got to the outer ring of the cluster, we spotted a small caravan approaching, with something like forty or so Kobalt, though most appeared to be commoners, and few, if any, carried weapons.

They came to a halt as they stood across from us at the road which entered the cluster, and the two councilors stepped forward, an uncomfortable look on their faces.

"Glory to the gods," the men greeted me, bowing slightly, and Cameron gloated a bit at the reception.

"You fled and left us to the mercy of Palancar's monsters," Cameron replied. "Is that the kind of glory you wish us?"

The men exchanged a quick glance, before kneeling.

"Our actions were just, but misguided," the first man said.

"Surely, one so high as yourselves can forgive the trespass of ones so low as us," the other added.

Cameron seemed about to say something, but I raised a hand to stop her.

"You acted in the interest of your people. I cannot fault you for that."

The men bowed again, and I indicated for them to stand.

"High Götze, many Kobalt uprooted their saplings, and forsook their roots as they fled. Will you permit them to return, if for nothing but to reclaim their possessions."

I turned to Gisela.

"Do we have claim to their groves right now?"

She nodded.

"By right, they have deferred their groves to you."

"How many trees do we reasonably need to house everyone in our group?" I asked.

"Including those grafted from Gert's branch?"

I nodded.

"Three, at most," she replied, and I nodded.

"So, if we permit them to return and reclaim their groves, would that indebt them to us?"

She nodded.

"Greatly."

Cameron eyed me.

"What's your advice, ladies?"

"I dunno about you, but fifteen trees sound like a fantastic base for our operations," Cameron said, and I bit my lip.

"We can't stay here permanently; it's comfortable and convenient for sure, but our development will be stifled."

Gisela nodded in agreement.

"The five trees we control are more than sufficient; we may gather even more followers if we permit their return, and the cluster will thrive with more workers to maintain it," she explained.

Cameron relented, and I nodded at the two, returning my attention to the men.

"We will not permit your Kobalt to return for their possessions," I called out, and the men shot each other a worried look. "We insist, instead, that they return to their homes, and their lives here in Grenze."

The Kobalt spoke amongst themselves, then nodded.

"And what of us? Will you permit the council of Grenze to convene once more?"

I turned, searching for Astrid, and at my urging, she stepped forward.

"Will you represent your branch?" I asked, and she studied me.

"I intend to serve your god-mate, Nathan. Are you certain that you do not wish another to govern the branch of Kahnwald in my stead?"

I shook my head.

"Even if you serve her, you know the people here better than anyone I can count on," I said, and she turned to Cameron, who nodded her approval.

"So be it," she answered, and I raised my hands.

"To the new council of Grenze!" I declared, and the Kobalt gathered around us let loose a cheer.

"Will our provisions be enough to entertain all who have gathered?" I asked Gisela, and she nodded.

"The stocks within Grenze are bountiful, and we have brought much food ourselves."

Cameron pursed her lips as she took a look around.

"Nate, why don't we move the festivities outside?" Cameron asked, "the entry hall can hardly fit everyone gathered up."

I turned to Gisela, as I gave the suggestion some thought.

"Would it be acceptable?" I asked, and she quickly nodded, heading off to make the arrangements needed.

Cameron, however, sauntered over to me, then wrapped her arms around me.

"Tell me I'm doing a good job," she said.

"You're doing a fantastic job," I replied, kissing her, much to the delight of those around us.

I spotted Bianca shooting me an annoyed look, and I bit my lip, before releasing Cameron from my arms, and letting her get back to her duties.

"You're also doing a fantastic job," I said, and Bianca folded her arms angrily in response.

"She's still getting to show you off to everyone," Bianca complained, and I ruffled her hair, then without warning, I lifted her up by the hips and she squealed as I threw her into the air, catching her as she came back down in a fit of giggles.

I tugged on her nose, then gave her a kiss as I brought her back down to her feet, and she smiled, as she caught the gazes on her.

"Happy now?" I asked, and she nodded, but as she darted off, I caught Francesca watching me with a playful smile.

"Is there a line, or do I have to take a number?" she asked, and I snickered at the comment.

I opened my arms up to receive her, but she shook her head, moving instead to take my hand.

"It's fine. I know I'm getting my due soon anyway," she said suggestively, before releasing my hand and wandering off.

As I looked around at the gathering, I caught sight of Raul, Jordan, and Nolan, all standing with their newly appointed companions, and with crowds gathered around them, talking excitedly to their charges.

Jeannie was with that Kobalt man, Elias, I think his name was, and Bianca and Lucia were arguing over something.

I noticed, however, that Molly was standing off to herself, a dissatisfied look on her face as she looked over to Leanna, who was happily entertaining the little monster, who was himself drawing some serious attention.

I made my way over to Molly, who sighed as soon as she saw me.

"What do you want?" she asked.

"A truce?" I asked, and she frowned.

"What kind of truce?" she asked, and I thought about it.

"I dunno. Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves... I want you to be able to as well, you know?"

She let out a sigh.

"I don't even know why I'm still mad. Clearly, she's not a problem," Molly said, gesturing to Leanna. "But I still feel so... angry."

"Maybe it's because you're stuck here in this hellhole," I offered, and she frowned.

"It's not just that," she said, shaking her head. "I took a look around today and realized that everyone else is getting used to this world. I mean, look at her! She's fucking crazy, and now even she has more of a place here than I do. I mean, what the fuck is that about?"

"You think we're crazy for getting used to it so quickly," I offered, and she nodded.

"It's not that I care for the world I left, my life was a fucking mess... but I'm not cut out to be a warrior like Francesca, or even... whatever it is Evie is turning into."

I chuckled a little, as she let out a frustrated sigh, but a small smile crept onto her face as she eyed me.

She grabbed my hand, then pulled me with her into the grove tree behind us, and to the meeting room off of the main hall, and as soon as the door was shut, she was on me.

Her lips mashed hungrily against mine, and she kissed me with an almost vengeful intent.

I tried to match her passion, but it was a losing battle, and I found myself backing up until we came to the table at the center of the room, and she swept the thing clear, before pushing me up onto it.

She impatiently tugged at my armor, and as I helped her remove it, she continued to kiss me roughly, sucking on my lips, and tugging on them from time to time with her teeth.

As soon as the armor was off, she dragged her nails down my chest, and I shuddered, as she tossed my belt-plate aside, and fished my cock out, only to swallow it whole.

"Ohhh, my," I groaned.

I was still stirring, and she pressed her face to me, swirling her tongue, and coaxing me to life while keeping me inside of her mouth.

I could feel the head of my cock snaking its way down into her throat, and as the tight space contracted around the tip, I cooed appreciatively.

She held me for as long as she could, before releasing me with an obscene pop, and gasping for breath, as drool and slobber dripped down onto my meaty length.

She stood up long enough to strip away her clothes, and as she climbed on top of me, she took no more than a second before positioning herself along my shaft, and sinking me into her pleasurable depths.

"Ahhh, that's the fucking stuff," she said, taking a second to appreciate the feeling of being filled with my meaty rod. "Permission to vent?" she asked, and I shrugged.

"I doubt I could stop you if I tried," I replied, as she leaned in to cradle my head to her bosom, and I began to devour her breasts as she began rocking back and forth on my shaft.

"Stop playing with me, Nate. Bite them; maul my fucking tits!"

I obliged, and she let out a low growl, as she climbed onto her heels, and began to ride me with that same rough intent.