Ogres and Ogresses Ch. 31

She sat up straight in her flowerbed, and looked at him with admiration. Her last memories were of his arms holding her as she writhed in orgasmic bliss. It did good to power her loyalty.

Over the years he had come to realize that a woman was the best type of henchman. If they were emotionally unstable, resentful, covetous, they could be convinced to do anything. With men there were power struggles, with women once loyalty was gained it could not be bought.

Caligula and Etaceh had taught him that.

He thought he could trust them, that he could trust Etaceh. Alas Caligula had won her loyalty, had manipulated her emotions. Etaceh's resentment of him, her beliefs that she was owed the world, her desire to be strong, all came to bare fruit at Caligula's table.

Caligula had convinced his sister to betray him. For their 'love' for 'the good of all, for 'the land' some ignoble cause that made his teeth grind. In the end it boiled down to their past. His sister could never forgive him for what happened. For Salem. For their mother. He looked over to the women on his side. He didn't need Etaceh's forgiveness.

"Henna, I want you to take Thorn to the border. She knows what to do."

"My lord, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"I heard stories...I mean, the Valley. Doesn't it detect those who enter?"

Creedon gave her a slow smile. "It does," he said. "It detects non-magical creatures who enters the valley, and the two pools within it, the Basin of the Marble Tree and the Pool of Nymare can track down magical and non-magical persons. That is why I created Thorn."

He ushered Thorn over and she rubbed her head into his chest, craving to have her flower fingered.

"That'll be your reward," he whispered to her.

She rubbed her face harder into his chest.

"You see, Thorn is neither magical nor non-magical. She is barely even alive. They can't track her, they can't detect her, and they can't see her in the pool. When they do see her, it will be much too late. She is going to go into the Valley to do my bidding for me. And first..."

He blew on the black rose and Thorn arched with a moan.

"First, she's going to visit our dearest friend, Zyra. And by then, the Rovian village will be mine."

He watched them retreat with a smile. That reminded him.

"Oh and Henna?"

She turned to him warily. "Yes, my lord."

"Is anyone pregnant in your village?"

Henna rubbed her head in thought. "I believe...two people are. A village girl whose name I cannot remember, and...oh actually she's already had her child."

"Who?"

"Firetoucher."

"What was it?"

Henna frowned. She had felt pity when she'd learned the news. "A boy, my liege."

"Interesting. You may go."

Creedon looked around his glowing cave, and smiled.

---

Zyra first took Mourabet to where the Nightlock rested. He was asleep, mumbling under his breath. However, the fever had left him, and it appeared he was healing rather nicely. She had wanted to speak with him, tell him that she was going to avenge his injuries and that she would soon venture to the Rovian lands to visit her sisters. Surely without Caligula this was an option. Besides, she figured that Etaceh owed her.

Zyra removed the cool cloth that lay on his head and freshened it, then using her magic, grew flowers around him to give him cover. She was glad when the flowers chirped and wriggled with vibrant life. There would be no lesson to destroy them.

Mourabet watched her curiously. If she found what she did impressive she showed no sign. Together they walked to the Marble Tree where they found River sitting on the ground with a dark green blush on his face being sternly reprimanded.

"...and don't you ever venture so close to the border is that clear! It isn't safe!"

"But there was this girl—"

"Not another word."

Medean looked up and the irritation drained from his face. He smiled.

"Zyra, I was just about to fetch you."

Etaceh, and Scallen also stood in front of the Marble Tree. Etaceh watching the snake with her arms crossed while he waited amused. The sun was beginning to set and the glow made the Tree sparkle. She wondered how something so pretty could contain such horrors. Nymare was just a reflection of the valley. It contained beautiful monsters.

Zyra walked up to them, her mind made up. She looked at Medean who's eager eyes searched her face. He noted her somber mood and met her halfway, taking her hands.

"Zyra, are you alright?"

Scallen perked up from the side, and his eyes boring into her.

"I'm..."

She was about to say fine, but she wasn't.

"I'll survive. It's been a draining day. I want to rest now."

Medean looked over her shoulder at the surly ogress who glared daggers at her brother and mouthed silent threats.

"I can well imagine. Come, you must be hungry."

"I'm not hungry."

"Well you must eat something...unless something has happened. Zyra...what—"

"Have you decided?" Scallen strode forward, his eyes never leaving hers, ignoring Medean's obvious disgust. "You've ssstalled enough."

Zyra looked at the unusually quiet Etaceh. She kept gazing at her with a sad beaten look. Like her entire being was burdened with regrets. She hadn't said much since the incident. Zyra almost felt bad. Still, what had happened was in the past. Zyra was done chasing ghosts. She had to move on without fear. She had to survive.

"I have," she said. She glanced at Mourabet and the ogress gave her a nod. Zyra looked back at them. "I'm going to live on my own."

Medean's eyes widened. "What? Why would you—"

"There's a small cottage near Mourabet's home that used to belong to her father and mother. It is clean and hasn't been used in years. She said I could use it if I liked."

Scallen's face was blank, but she noticed he took a step back. She wondered if he too was hurt by her decision.

"Zyra..." Etaceh walked forward, her black robe rippling around her. "Zyra I promise you will be safe." Her eyes sought forgiveness, but Zyra didn't feel ready to give it.

She ran a hand through her choppy growing hair. "It's not about safety," she said looking at her companions. "It's not about you or what you can or cannot do. It's just...I want to be alone."

The witches looked at her in disbelief. Zyra pressed on.

"When the Nightlock becomes well enough for travel I will move him with me to lessen Scallen's burden. I will of course come when summoned, but I want to be alone."

For the first time in my entire life.

Etaceh sighed. She was getting too old for this. "Your lessons will continue as follows Zyra. Your first mission was to be this very week. We will not delay. I expect to see you tomorrow."

"I'll be there. Don't worry. I'll be fine on my own."

"Oh?

Scallen looked at her without scorn or disappointment. Rather he seemed proud almost, looking at her in admiration. His lips forever turned up into a smirk, he slid past Medean and rounded her cheek with his finger, affectionately settling it under her chin.

"You'll get awfully lonely..."

Zyra gave him a small smile. "I'll visit."

Scallen's smile split his face. He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear, his breath warm and wet.

"Sssoon...I ssusspect you'll be visssiting...very ssoon. I'll ssee you then...ssZyra."

He sent a shiver down her spine. Taking a few steps back, he winked at Medean and slid into a hole that no one had noticed.

That sly snake.

Only Medean was left to plead with her, sorting in his mind all manner of word combinations that would entice her to return to his care and safety.

"Zyra...I know it's been difficult for you, but I beg you. Please, I can care for you. It is my duty to do so, and I know we have been through much together. If you just come back, come home—"

The green-eyed huntress stiffened, all humor and light-heartedness lost with that word.

Home.

"Medean." She pulled her hands from his. "Thank you for everything. Really. Just...I understand your feelings and I apologize, but please do not ever call it that."

"I...have made a grave mistake haven't I?"

Zyra could not muster the energy to console him. "I'm sorry. I'll see tomorrow."

"A few days? Zyra, come now. Let me at least inspect your living area, find it unfit and clean, bring you a few things to get you settled in—"

"Mourabet has enough things for now. If I need more I'll send for you, I promise."

"...my liege—"

"Medean, let her go." Etaceh nodded in acknowledgement to her. "The choice is made." She began to walk back toward the Marble tree.

"Then I'll escort her there."

Etaceh waved a hand. "I don't care Medean. I'm going to get my beauty sleep. If I wait a moment longer I'll be ugly."

Medean bowed to Zyra stiffly. "My liege."

Mourabet grabbed River up by the ear and gestured for Zyra to follow her. Together they headed towards her new dwelling, and perhaps her new start.

---

Firetoucher woke up from her nap. Looking around and seeing the dark she began to panic. The owner of this cabin would surely come soon. She looked to her son who could sense her worry and began to sniffle. She rocked him, cooing so that he would not make sound. It had been hard since leaving the Rovians, and she knew the Ursies would have gone, but how would they react to her disappearance? She remembered the faces of the women who had male progeny, the look of utter despair. If she returned the next celebration he would be taken as an Ursie. Hanto would raise him. He would be a Chief's son, he would be well cared for. But would he be loved? Firetoucher saw the way Hanto stared at her, looked through her like an object, a triumph that had been acquired. They had used each other for celebration, there were no emotions, but surely she had expected more for him than gloating.

Never had he once congratulated her. Never had he once held their son.

Firetoucher touched her son's soft head as his big bright eyes gazed at her and she cried. He was so beautiful. He was the best thing she had ever done, and she would die before his eyes went dead like those of his father. With that decided she chose to stay and face the owner of this lodging. Surely they would not turn away a mother and a baby. Her dearest son's cries could attract predators, and she had not yet fashioned a sling for him that would hold him close while she fought. The lodging was warm, it had furs and lanterns. She lit one and laid her baby on his stomach while she looked around the cabin for food. His head bobbed up and down as he drooled, looking curiously at the light. She found a basket tucked away in a far corner with fruit that was close to spoiling, but still good. Surely the Maker had led her here.

She settled her baby to her breast and then began to eat of the fruit, feeling hope for the first time in a long time. Today she had found it. She had stumbled onto the Valley. The green beast that looked as Kail looked had shouted at her. It was startling to see another one, but their resemblance was uncanny. She wondered if he would know where Zyra was. She was one of Zyra's huntresses before her pregnancy and she knew she cared for her own. She was a good warrior. If she could get word to her, maybe she would help her. She had heard stories so she knew better than to actually enter the valley, but all roads and possibilities led to Zyra. The Awaqui tribe was not an option. She had never wanted to live with men, but maybe just maybe, her little boy was the man she had been waiting for. She smoothed his thin soft hair and smiled.

"I name you small one." She pulled him from her breast and place him on her shoulder to burp him.

"I name you blood of my blood, star of my star, heart of my heart. I name you infinite and forever."

He let out a small burp and she laughed, tears running into her mouth.

"I name you Glory."

---

When Zyra arrived she saw that the dwelling had a dirt floor. She liked that. It had a strong straw roof that appeared to be protected with pitch. It was like a permanent tent. This was something she would consider bringing back to tell her Rovians.

There was a bed in the corner, and Mourabet reached under it and pulled out a chest. She placed blankets on top of the bed and a candle, and pushed it back in. Then she went to the center of the room and unearthed a deep hole.

"You can set stones here and keep a fire," she instructed. "It will keep you warm, and in the hot months you can open a thatch in the roof and it will keep you cool. It is away from our village, but close enough to walk to, and there is a lake with a waterfall to the north. It is a good home."

Zyra took Mourabet's hands. "I know we've never seen eye to eye but..."

"You carried me," Mourabet said. She squeezed Zyra's hands. "We are not friends. But you carried me. There is nothing else to say."

Zyra nodded and they released each other. River rolled his eyes. "If you need firewood or want to come for supper, feel free. She's full of hot air."

"Thanks for the offer River." Zyra was not going to eat with Kail's look-a-like. She watched them leave and began to arrange her sleeping space.

"Medean when you visit next will you be so kind as to fetch my things? I need a fur. It's going to be..." She paused.

He just stood there, waiting for her to acknowledge him. He looked tired. She wondered if he was tired of her.

"Have I done something Mistress?"

"No, Medean. For the last time no."

"Then tell me..." his eyes glared into hers. "Why are you pulling away?"

She knew they'd have to have this talk. She could still feel his arms around her giving her strength when she didn't have any. For that she would be forever grateful.

"I have to do this Medean. For me."

"I don't understand Mistress. Please, explain it to me."

Zyra looked up at his sad eyes and placed her hands on his shoulders.

"Medean, when I met you I was filled with rage and sorrow. I was trying so hard to be more than that, a frightened shell of my former self. You saved me over and over, and for that I am grateful. More than grateful. You are my brother."

She brought his hands to her lips and kissed them, bowing her head in deference. He tried to pull them from her immediately.

"Miss, no. Please—"

"But I used you Medean. I used you to overcome my heartache and grief. I used you to forget when the truth is, you do not forget you...adjust."

Zyra held his hands tight and willed for him to understand. His face was ripe with emotion, so different from the masks he wore. She had touched him.

"I can't forget. I can't run anymore. Kail doesn't love me. He's moved on, and so must I. I can't keep latching on to the first warm touch. I can't keep looking for others to validate me. I have to like me. I have to learn how. And...I don't want love, not right now."

She sighed, this was harder than she expected. "Nymare...she called you my suitor. She hinted that our dalliances were of a romantic intent. Is it true?"

Medean reached up and traced her face.

"You are my Master, Zyra. And I am your slave. I am devoted to you, but I like you and admire you, and I will give you anything you ask. So what is it you ask...?" He slowly pulled back, placing his hands on either side of her face.

"I want to be happy Medean. I want to love myself unconditionally. I want to find someone who will do the same."

"Shall I love you unconditionally?"

She froze. She looked into his eyes, and what she saw wasn't enough. Gently she pulled away.

"Medean...if you have to ask me that then you don't love me. And you've never been in love."

Zyra took a step back, watching a flash of hurt before the dark witch's mask slide slowly into place.

"I see. Well, forgive me for my forwardness."

"I'm sorry, but one day you will see. One day, with the right person. You'll see. You think you're a slave now? You think you have a master..."

Zyra laughed bitterly. "But you have...no idea."

She laughed at how silly she had been, staring at Kail bathe and how coy he had been pretending not to notice. She couldn't pull away if she had wanted to. Love was painful bliss, a never-ending sensory experience that both overwhelmed and calmed the raging storm. It was like death. It was inevitable. She would find it again. She was sure.

Zyra gestured to the door. "Medean, you are my friend and greatest confider, but I need you to leave."

"As you wish."

He didn't look at her. The dark witch bowed, and disappeared in a flurry of black skirts.

The door slammed shut, and Zyra felt the weight of the room.

And then, she was alone.

---

The Marble Tree had an ability to suck light from every corner and draw darkness to darker places. That night it found itself swirling in a pitch black room, where a Dark witch was trying very hard not to fall apart.

"Don't burden her...don't burden her...your feelings are a burden...don't burden her..."

He played the message over and over in his mind like a punishment to be written till the end of time. How could he be so stupid? How had he been so naïve? What person would love someone who claimed to feel nothing? He wouldn't want to love someone who would be so cruel. A person that would truly use him against his will...damn, was it always so cold here?

He was sitting on her bed in the Marble Tree, rocking back and forth, fighting the urge to teleport to where she was and tell her what...what he wanted. What he truly wanted.

For a moment, when she'd been speaking...

"Don't burden her...don't burden her."

Being a dark witch meant learning to control elements and emotions that were by nature unstable. It was a promise to master oneself. Some chose to do this with strong emotions like greed or envy. Some had chosen to forsake all emotion. Yet here he was, floating in between, forgetting his lesson, forsaking his craft.

His mentor's voice echoed from the caverns of his past, coming now to remind him who he was, or rather who he could never be again.

"Do you accept your place as keeper of the keromedio boy?"

"Yes Baba."

"Then from this day forward, you are no longer my student. You are no longer Medean."

He and four other students had been chosen and only he had passed the trials. He had been marked with black ash on his head. He had been trained alone by a strict mentor to serve the one who would one day restore balance as the prophecies foretold.

"You have no wants, no needs, and no desires. You are nothing, but a tool, the righteous right hand of the keromedio, Maker save us. This is not a vow to be taken lightly, son. There is no going back. Should you fail, should she fail, the world of the dark witches will end, for there can be no dark without light. The darkness will fall and all will be consumed. Do you accept this mission? Do you embrace the keromedio's light and vow to be their shadow?"

"Yes Baba."

"Don't burden her...don't...don't feel..."

She wasn't rejecting him. He had told her not to view him as a person. He had told her. This was the only way. His eyes were assaulted by a vision of her warm smooth skin sliding against his, her eyes that looked up and for a moment saw him, and only him.

"Zyra..."

The darkness exploded around him and he stared in shock at the light orb that appeared in front of him.

Dear Maker above, he had used light magic.

He fell to his knees.

"What have I...done...?"

"Then come child..."

All those years, all that training and he had done the unthinkable. He had destroyed himself.

"Embrace your destiny."

The light orb fizzled out and the darkness came back into him. The room lit back to its normal hue and everything was as it was before. But deep in his gut he could feel the change. His magic would never be the same again.

*****